I have a 99 now, and it's time to get a new car. I have been looking at a few 2013 TLs. Any known issues to look out for? Do 4th generations have same transmission reliability issues 2nd generations had? (My 99 had 2 tranny rebuilds)

 

Except for the airbag recall and there is a stop sale on the TL so I don't think you can buy from dealers. The FWD is pretty solid.

The AWD has some oil consumption issue, torque converter, propeller shaft. Transmission has been a non issue, at least on this forum.

 

Most TL's have a few small quirks:

1. Gurgling sound at startup from bad external ATF filter.
2. Rattles
3. Wind noise
4. Bad shocks with higher miles (shock failures around 100K)
5. Torque Converter failing (about 1K fix)
6. Some members have reported the edges of the headlight cracking near fender on 2009 & 10 models so far.

Issues limited to SH-AWD:
1. Engine oil consumption (some cars are having brand new engines put in)
2. Propeller Shaft Whine/whistle ($1800 fix out of warranty)

In all honesty, looking for 2013 you shouldn't have to worry about most of these issues. If you do worry about them, invest in an extended warranty!

 

^^ DAMMM, I'll be really pissed if I have to change my shocks at 100K...LOL

Sorry, couldn't resist. I know you were telling the OP what to look out for when looking at higher mileage cars, but regardless it made me laugh.

 

I can attest for the oil consumption, my '09 TL AWD had no oil issues but now my '10 burns 2.5-3 quarts every 5k miles. Dealer is starting the process of getting a rebuilt engine put in. I would highly recommend an extended powertrain warranty if the TL you're looking at isn't under warranty. Don't let some of these (less than likely to occur) issues scare you away, the 4G TL is my favorite Acura I've owned

 

If i could do it over again, I would look for something else. Acura/Honda quality has been less than stellar for these late models compare to back in the days. Now my wife's 2004 accord has been super solid. With 150k miles, not a drop of oil consumption, transmission is seamlessly smooth. To me these two are the most important thing in a vehicle. Highly complex and expensive to repair. Sensors and components will fail here and there in every car, but the majority of forum topic thread on here is about these engine and transmission.
Why spend a few grand for extended warranty when you can get a better car. Making a claim for warranty is like arguing with a woman. You just hope you get lucky and overcome the situation.

 

My extended warranty was $1,300 and covers everything but electronics. It's 2 yrs/40k miles. This extended warranty is also covering the rebuilt engine being put in my TL. I noticed build quality go down a little bit starting with the TLX and 3G MDX, but most Acuras before that were really solid, especially my 4G TL and 2G MDX. Since new, my '09 TL had zero problems with it in the 144k miles I ran on it and made the regretful decision of trading it in. Quality of the 4G TL was very high IMO.

 

I didn't need to replace the shocks on my 3G TL until 180K miles, and my MDX already needs new shocks ($4K for sport dampers) at 120K miles. Many folks have reported blown struts on here with less than 50K miles. Acura really needs to find a reliable supplier for these parts.

It seems like quality moves from one area of the car to the next. On my 2G MDX the air mix motors are making noise, radio doesn't shut off all the time when turning off the car, portions of leather and vinyl are ripped and the terrible leather on the steering wheel. For a 50K+ dollar SUV these issues shouldn't happen but I'm glad that I haven't had to dump money towards a new transmission. 3G TL has a crappy transmission compared to the 4G TL but didn't have a bunch of random little issues. You win some, you lose some.

 

So both your '09 and '10 had the 3.7 liter engine? How many miles on your '09? How many miles did it take before you had oil consumption issues on your '10?

 

Yes I bought my '09 AWD new and it had no problems whatsoever in the 144k miles I ran on it. I then made the stupid decision of trading it in (for my TLX) and about a month into the new car, I had already missed my 4G like crazy. My old car had sold already so it was too late to buy it back. Luckily the dealership had a '10 AWD with 100k miles on it, bought that and kept my TLX, best of both worlds lol. My 2010 has burned oil ever since I got it back in September, but hopefully this rebuilt engine will put an end to it.

 

Interesting. So you are proof that the oil consumption issue can be hit or miss.

 

Just make sure you get the one without accidents reports and low low mil on it and you will be fine.

 

check the VIN to make sure you don't have the Takata airbag recall problem. If it does have this, you probably shouldn't drive the car until the airbag inflaters has been replaced. We have a 2013 TL that Acura website tells me needs a new and I'm not driving the car; been told I have to wait until summer. May demand a loaner from the Acura dealer we bought it from last month (can't believe they sold it to us).

 

Skip the 4G TL and bup something else, like a G37 or CTS. Both cost less and offer the same fun/reliability.

 

I don't know that I'd consider the CTS, but I kind of have the same opinion. I'd not buy another 4G TL if I was to do it over. They have too many major issues imo, poor gas mileage, huge car with poor trunk space, seats that don't fold down, etc. You can get much better performance without the reliability issues in several other similarly priced cars.

 

I drove a few cars today, a 2014 Lexus IS250 F type. Suspension really nice, interior awesome, power/acceleration was lame.
Also Drove a Q50 3.7, 328HP. Great engine, lots of torque, but interior is cheep IMO.
So frustrating..lol

 

think the GS models are what has some power and not i have not test drive the Q50s yet. I always wanted a sc400 those soarers were great back in the day.

 

Yea, the GS models are out of my price range. Im looking to spend no more than 25000.
Now Im considering a Ford Focus ST, 6 speed, turbo 250hp. Fun cars.

 

Do you think it would be a similar price figure for an SH-AWD? I mean, this is one reason a person would avoid a Mercedes Benz, but I didn't think Acura, when it came to 1k per shock/strut. Oh well!

 

Why not a slightly used 2015 WRX? Better resale value later on.

 

A Ford Focus? Huh?

Nah.

 

How did the Q50 compare to a TL? I am also considering a late model TL though I only want a 6MT. I am cross shopping G37S's as well. Most people would say the G37 is faster than the TL but if you look at car and driver's review of the TL sh-awd 6MT it has exactly the same 0 to 60 and quarter mile as the G37S with a 6 speed.

 

Sorry you don't like your TL, I guess there are good and bad with every brand.

Next month I will have my TL 5 years, bought it new in 2011 and it has been extremely reliable and solid. These cars are known to run a long time if well maintained.

The biggest issue we have had in those 5 years is the airbag recall that is affecting over millions of vehicles from various manufacturers. Everything else has been routine maintenance except for the steering wheel being replaced under warranty for premature wear.

My oldest son purchased the 4G off my lease in 2014 and this past Nov wanted a new car. Too bad Acura didn't make a 5G TL (not TLX) or he would have bought one, bought a Q50S and couldn't be happier. I bought the 4G back from him and gave it to my middle son and traded his 11 Accord.

 

The Q50 felt faster, 328hp I believe. What I did not like was the interior felt cheep, not as solid and quality as acura or lexus. The guages were cartoonish looking to me. Im picky I guess.

 

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but this has me confused, are you talking about a base Q50 (non premium) model? I love my 4G, but IMO the interior in my sons new Q50S is a step above the 4G and is by no means cheap looking or cheap feeling.

Quality wise it is just as good if not slightly better than the 4G. When we compared it to the TLX, again it looked just as good quality wise and refinement wise.

Just my two cents, good luck with your decision.

 

It was the base Q50. I havent been inside a S model. I guess quality is a relative thing, which also includes visual aesthetics that is very subjective.

 

Very true..

I was only asking because when we were looking at the Q50S, TLX and IS350 F Sport I never felt that one interior was that much better quality wise over the other. And IMO the Q50S didn't look cheap or of poor quality, and since I consider myself very picky (to a fault) I didn't get it.

Thinking back, maybe the IS350 had a slightly better feel but not by much. I can't explain it, but IMO there is something about a Lexus interior that always projects a higher level of refinement to ME. I am sure others will feel different, especially on an Acura forum.

But I have felt this way with my previous Lexus vehicles and I feel this way with my wife's current RX F Sport.

Again, good luck making a decision..

 

I've owned both the 3G and 4G TL and would take a 3G TL over a 4G any day. The 4G has a poorly designed transmission - it locks up the torque converter in all gears right after the shift - this causes it to bounce when getting on/off the gas and downshift every time any power is needed. The 6AT found in the 2012+ models is really bad and the 5 speed in the earlier 4G models is just as bad or worse. I think you will find if you get a 4G you will be disappointed in the build quality compared to your old car. Getting a nice 3G will be a step up from what you had and the 5 speed AT found in those cars is well designed.

 

Say what?

The 4G has pretty awesome build quality IMO and the 6AT I haven't had any issues/complaints about. Stay on top of maintenance and do some preventative stuff on your own and you're fine.

I plan on doing the ATF filter myself here coming up soon.

Oil changes every 5k miles
Transmission/Transfer/Diff every 25k miles
Engine/Cabin air filter every 30k miles

Probably do the ATF filter every 25k miles too, it's a $20 part.

The car isn't without complaint though, but I didn't own it since new and believe part of my issues are with the previous owner. My center console doesn't fit perfectly snug (I'm going to take it apart and see if it's just misaligned) and my rear rubber door trim is drooping (definitely due to previous owner). The navigation system isn't amazing, but I've yet to be impressed with a built-in one that is and 3 hour updates are ridiculous.

There's a handful with oil issues, I'm ~.5qt per 5k miles which is very reasonable IMO.

 

Talk about cheap interior.

 

Cheap interior, yes. But still has great resale value.

 

Please don't take it out of context. The OP was considering the Ford Focus. I just thought the 2015 WRX was a better buy right in his budget. You cannot ask for too much for $25K.

A 2015 WRX Limited is damn nice. Not luxury nice but much nicer than previous Subarus.

 

No, it's just the sport MDX's that came with the magnetic shocks. Acura ditched them after the 2G MDX bc of how costly they are.

 

Agreed. Subaru has come along way with materials, fit & finish and quiet cabins.

 

No comparison 3G vs. 4G.
The interior is far superior on the 4G.
I shopped the 3G before I bought my 4G.
4G is not perfect by any stretch, but a terrific car.
Goes like a rocket on the highway.
Not a single issue with my car, 2010 base 3.5L, 110,000 km.