andrewcjduong

Currently in the process of selling my 2004 Acura TSX and picking up a 2009-2011 Acura TL SH-AWD w/Tech. I've already test drove a 2012 (since it was the only one at the dealership) and I love it so I'm expecting no less. Now I've been an active Acura owner. At the current age of 20, I've already owned 3 Acura's (2001 Acura CL, 1998 Integra, 2004 TSX) and they've all been fairly well besides the 2001 with the failing transmission.

So that's whats got me nervous. How are the transmissions? Hopefully better than before. Also, what repairs might I expect with a 60,000-80,000km vehicle (I live in Canada) Should I be watching out for timing belt and water pump and stuff? Any input would be great as I plan to finalize a purchase in the upcoming month and I do plan to keep this car much longer than my previous collection of vehicles. I'm aiming 5 years... but that's wishful thinking.

Don1

I've had a 2001, 2006 and 2010 TL all bought new and traded at around 100K. I have not had any transmission issues on any of them. I keep up with the maintenance and they have all been virtually trouble free. I wouldn't hesitate to drive them well beyond the 100K mark but Acura always comes out with a new and more inviting generation. Check your manual but I believe the timing belt is due for change at 160,000 so you would have some time before that is needed.

ressling

Dear Lord - only 20 and you've already owned 3 cars?

+1 to Don's post about the timing belt.

And while I absolutely love the TSX (probably over the TL when taking everything into consideration), the TL is a much more "grown up" version of an Acura in my opinion.

andrewcjduong

Ahaha. I'm starting to feel like an old man with all these cars. First one, the tranny went twice. First time we replaced, second we gave up. The teg just had an engine that was gunna go and I didn't want to put money into it. TSX was amazing and reliable but then I slammed it on TEIN SS coils and blew the rear coils, and I rolled the fenders and ran super stretched tires. That ended up being an uncomfortable ride and with the fenders rusting. I just figured it was time to move on (2004 with 195,000km)

I love the look of the TL and after seeing a white one with the oem lip kit, I fell in love. All the cars I've owned in the past have had a sportier feel with a not so luxurious interior. I wanted AWD for the horrible winters up in Canada. Now I heard something about having the rear differential fluid changed every second oil change. Is that actually necessary? Seems excessive. I mean I have a mechanic that can do it but that seems like just too much.

thePearl

^ can someone confirm about the read differential fluid change every second oil change?

Dude, you will love the car. If $ is there, aim for a 2012 model.

C8N

I've read that the first differential comes up early around 15k and it is every 30k afterwards.

MoAbbas

Rear diff was one of the easiest drain and fills i have ever done. Just get the DPSF and do it urself when the notification comes up on the MID. Its been a year and a half since i got my cpo 09 TL, and its amazing. I thought id get used to, or bored with the car, but it still gets me excited to drive. Its a great choice and a premature congrats on the car!!

andrewcjduong

I prefer the look and grille of the 09-11 for some reason. Driving the 2013 however, the transmission was so smooth. Just don't have the funds to be getting that new of a car.

Do all you guys just go by the MID? I figured you'd just go with the basic 6-8k oil changes and whatnot.

Reorge

One major difference to note starting with the 2012 model is the 6 speed auto transmission vs 5 speed for older models. Mine shifts perfectly for my taste; smooth as silk for normal driving and aggressive when I push it.

WolfieRules

Depending on various factors, especially temps driven in, after about 5 years check timing belt regardless of miles, sometimes they get frayed and need replacement earlier...better safe than sorry.


Enjoy, they are really nice cars, safe, quiet, fast enough.


As other poster mentioned if can, get a 6 speed A/T

andrewcjduong

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm pretty set on the 09-11 TL's mainly because the pricetag will be under 25k and I do prefer the body styling of it better.

aIRpeACE

iTrader: (2)

you owned 3 Acura and do not know the time belt should be changed at 105k miles. smh

3MEN2_4g

Expect a powerful fun ride but mpg isn't that good .

andrewcjduong

Every Acura I have ever purchased has been over 105k miles and the TSX had a timing chain. LOL

MPG gunna suck, especially with $1.50 a litre/$5.70 a gallon premium gas in Canada. Shouldn't be too much worse than the CL I had.