In the market for a manual tranny TL. Found a one owner certified 2013 MT with 30k miles. Leased, serviced, and turned in all at the same Acura dealership. Got the service history and it looks like all the maintenance was done on time. However, at 15k the owner complained about a smell at idle (the rest of the description was cut off) but the response from the SA was a warning to the owner that he/she is going to need the clutch replaced if they continue with current driving style. I assume then the complaint about the smell was the classic burned clutch smell. Well, sure enough, at 17k the owner complained the clutch was slipping and the clutch, pressure plate, etc was replaced. It looked like the dealership covered most of it as a "good will" gesture.

Seeing this makes me think that either there was a problem with the clutch from the beginning or the owner had no idea how to use a clutch! If it's the latter and he/she only got 17k the first time then it's likely with 30k on the car now that the second clutch is mostly used up. And I assume that if the clutch goes soon this is something that will not be covered under warranty.

So...I think I am walking away... What do you all think?

 

Previous owner should've bought an automatic.

-greg

 

What's the cost to replace? Keep searching if you're already worried. Did you smell anything? Test drive it a couple more times

 

I have a 2010 TL SH-AWD 6MT but I have 93K miles. It is perfect inside out and only serviced at Acura. I've been the only driver so no clutch problems as I have been driving only stick cars for over 20 years. Still two years left on factory extended warranty that I got when I purchased the car new. I also have the 2016 Nav update.

 

The cost listed on the service record was $1800 parts (clutch disk, pressure plate, flywheel, and bearing) plus $925 labor. The smell that the owner was complaining about happened 2 years ago and was likely the clutch. I doubt anything smells now. However, I haven't seen the car as it is 200 miles away and I am gathering as much info as I can before I commit to a trip. My concern is that even if I drive it I won't be able to tell how warn the new clutch is unless it is really bad. It could be just fine but given the history it makes me wonder.

 

The car looks amazing for 93k miles. I have also been driving sticks for more than 30 years. I have a BMW 328i with 145k miles and the original clutch.

My ideal TL is a 2012-2014 with less than 40k miles. I may just keep looking!

 

Honesly, I love manuals. I drove 67 Chevelle SS, 79 RX7, 85RX7GSLSE, 93 Toyota Supra, and 93 Prelude Si VTEC. These days I am more than happy with modern autos. Because the mileage is better and react faster, and with the 4G advanced have the ventilated seated (pure awesomeness). If you cannot find a good manual tech, take a look at the 4G advanced. Wouldnt trade my 4G SHAWD Advanced for anything at the moment.

 

OP- get what you want and don't compromise. I am looking only at 12-13 SH-AWD Advance with Umber interior. If I settle on a great deal but not what I want I will still be left unsettled. I like how people are hijacking threads lately trying to sell their cars. lol

 

oops, still waiting for airbag recall......