pk_

Hey everyone,

Pardon the cliche "want to buy" thread but google isn't really helping and haven't found much. Looking to purchase a 4G TL 3.5 FWD, I've had an AWD and don't fancy for it in this case and we also have a truck. Was curious of how it's holding up for you. Coming from the German world - looking forward to this switch up.

I've always been curious and seen it on other forums but how many KM's are you at? How's it holding up ? What were your big repairs and/or challenges/dislikes.

Would love to see where you guys are at and I am sure all other owners would be enjoy comparing and seeing this too.

Let's see your input!

carbonTSEX

There is many threads with this info already. Try searching this forum under the problems section.

csmeance

With the FWD 3.5L TL there really aren't very many issues popping up. The 2012+ TL got an updated torque converter. This was because the 09-11 had more replacements/failures due to shuddering/noise than acura wanted. Many of these had no CEL's.

Other than that getting a FWD with crap tires is also a huge complaint. Other than that it's a very rock solid car. I'd recommend you get the Advance package with the cooled seats and blind spot monitoring.

CTNYC

I purchased my 2010 TL 3.5 Tech with 85k miles in 04/2015. Currently, I have 113k miles on it now, (10k was done in the last 2 months!).

Overall, it's been a pretty reliable ride. I did have to do a timing belt service (TB + tensioner + Water Pump + Coolant flush) which was around $780 at a Honda dealership and spark plugs ($150 at my Acura dealer). Also did a brake fluid flush ($160) and swap out my FR speaker ($150).

Here is some upcoming things that I'm gonna need to take care of
- Engine/Tranny mount (Seems like 2 from the noises it's making, but I haven't had a chance to put it on a lift yet) - likely ~$800
- Rear deck speakers are blown - I have the parts, probably will let the dealer do the labor
- Axle half shaft or something in that general area might need to be replaced in the winter (makes a clunking noise when below freezing) - likely ~$1500
- Struts might be swapped in the next year - ~$750 for all four


Overall I'm happy with my purchase. I do dislike the 5sp in the 09-11 TL's - Seems a bit short on gears when I'm driving a tad (or a lot) faster than I should be. I noticed the rear floor mats seem to "fold" on their own from use (I put new ones in ~1 to 1.5 months ago). Gas mileage is pretty crappy for me - ~24 to 26 MPG on the highway and ~12 to 14 MPG on my commute (I have since started taking public transit a lot more to save on gas and parking expenses) I think the car more or less has everything I want except for blind spot monitoring.

Note: I am very meticulous about my maintenance and repairs on my car. most repairs that I have noted aren't 100% necessary, but I am planning on repairing those issues more as preventative maintenance more than anything else (I'm one of those people who look for things to fix when everything is working )

pk_

Thanks for your input!

Kind of on the same boat.. Was thinking to purchase a higher mileage similar to you at the 80-90k point. I am meticulous about about my maintenance too so that's a great heads up. I have a hefty commute - curious if anyone has had it and how its holding up at the 150/160k mile point?

I average 110 miles to and from work all highway. As for the gas - I've been commuting my 5.4l truck, averaging 14/15 mpg it works out too in best case lol... I pay a second mortgage just on the gas to get anywhere in the 20's would be heavenly ... Lol

Curious to as what the highest 4G mileage so far..

vbgregg

I've gotten about 33 MPG on long trips in my 2014 FWD Tech.

sockpuppet

Was that driving off a cliff? Best I've done is closer to 23 mpg, though that was the 3.7 SH-AWD.

wreak

2012 FWD
27k miles

- Fish eyes in factory paint - dealer repaired under warranty
- Tapping sound in sunroof - dealer repaired under warranty
- Dead battery - Charged myself at home and haven't had the issue since, the car wasn't being driven during the winter much so that contributed to this

The car has never left me stranded or required any sort of major repair as of yet.

CTNYC

In all honesty, looking back, I'd say to look more at TL's that have 105k to 125k miles already... You'll save a couple thousand bucks on the purchase price plus save good money by not having to do the T/B service (assuming the T/B has already been done by the dealer/previous owner - check the carfax for a record) T/B service was *only* $780 for me at a Honda dealership, but Acura and Honda dealerships often quote anywhere from $900 to $2200.

Looking in my area, ~110k mile TL Tech's with T/B service done are in the $14k range at Acura dealerships... I personally only consider cars that have been Honda/Acura dealer serviced (shows up on Carfax, No real reason except something in me trusts dealer serviced cars a whole lot more). Also, go over the car with a fine tooth and comb. As happy as I am with my car, I later found out it was in a relatively serious accident and my right rear wheel wears unevenly - Remember, use carfax to supplement your own inspection.

Theres a 2009 for sale with 305k miles! Carfax shows its actually at 300k+ miles and not a clerical error, but maintenance on carfax doesn't look too detailed, so can't really say what repairs were required. Also a couple on cars.com with 200k+ miles
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...2031/overview/

Blaze9

I have 77k miles on my 2012 FWD.

At around 30k miles I had a transmission (I think) issue where the RPMs fluxuated when idle after driving for a few minutes, causing the car to reach very low RPMs (around 400-500) and sometimes even stalling out. They updated my trans firmware and that was taken care of.

At around 35k miles my battery indicator went off, took it to acura and they replaced my battery with another OEM battery and updated the battery control firmware, something was causing it to drain while the car was off. Haven't had any issues since, and that was around mid/late 2012.

Aside from those two, everything else was totally normal maintaince. Brakes/Pads, oil, trans oil, etc.

I'm averaging around 30mpg highway, 24 combined. On the FWD. 100% not the best car, or even close to the best, in terms of MPG. I am modded with a Takeda Intake so I'm not sure how badly that affects the MPGs without a tune (Which is my next upgrade! soon).

Anicra

2013 AWD 30k

Nada yet

Booya4139

2009 FWD tech, 110k Miles

Transmission died at 99.5k miles (100k CPO warranty FTW!)
Front door speaker blew out at 65k miles, replaced under warranty
Front right wheel bearing went out at 75k. cost a few hundred to replace


Other than that, just regular maintenance items... its been a great car, but i got very lucky, would have had a tough choice if i had to pay for a new trans.

WNY PAT

I'm just coming up on 35,000K and other than the air bag recall for the airbag, nothing yet. My 2013 MDX has 41,800 miles on it and nothing other than normal stuff: oil changes, brakes/rotors.

Heban83

2013 fwd TL 60k miles

- Driver side arm rest caved in covered under warranty
- Software update for the shifting point under warranty
- Dead battary under warranty
- loose muffler under waranty
- As off yesterday new torque converter under warranty

GYac

2012 TL FWD Advance
79k
Problems: TQ replaced under warranty at 44k
That's it aside from a battery at 65k. I change the oil every 7,500 with royal purple. Just did the brake fluid and tranny fluid. New brakes all around and swapped out the stock tires for conti DSW-S's (awesome tire).
I drive about 26k a year on average and have owned this car since 2014. I have a 90 mile commute round trip and drive 70/30 hwy/city and average 25.5-26.5 mpg depending on my driving habbits. I've only taken hero on one long road trip from DC-Chicago and averaged over 31mpg the entire way there and back. So far its been a great car! I will drive this thing until the wheels fall off.

acupower

145k km or 90k miles...no issues so far but I do all of the following.

1. new timing belt and water pump at 105k km
2. new front and rear brakes every 35k km or depending on wear
3. new ATF every 25k km
4. new brake fluid every 2 years
5. new rear dif and front transfer case fluid every 20k km
6. new engine oil and filter every 7k km

LNJ

Is there a reason you got the timing belt replaced so early? Isn't it only due at 160k km?

acupower

If I remember correctly in Canada toyota recommends the belt to be replaced every 105k km. I bough the car at 100k and that was the first thing I did.

wmahmud

2009 Acura TL FWD Tech
155,000 KM (Canadian)
Original Owner

Passenger mirror rust spot
Heat shield rattling
Check airbag light on
A/C issues
Random navigation system reboot (which incudes the entire centre stack display and power for audio/heating/Bluetooth etc.)
When that happens I get that yellow key symbol with exclamation mark.. not sure what it all means

Overall till about 140,000 it was rock solid.. now having these issues.. otherwise it runs like new..

BigDTL

2009 TL-SHAWD
206,605 KM(Canadian)
Second owner

Replaced both outside mirrors
Timing belt service done at 206,000 (Had it done by the dealer i bought it from at 106,000km)
plugs, rear diff, transmission, transfer case, brake fluid, coolant all replaced at 206,000km
Currently got a leaking front driver side strut that will be replaced shortly.
Front doors speakers replaced when purchased and sings of the rear deck shot( All interior speakers will be replaced replaced shortly, once i find something suitable for each one)

Apart from that, never had any other issues with her and looking to put another 2-3k km on her over the next few years..

LNJ

Pretty sure it's 160k.