ABialo

Hi guys I'm new here.
I am looking into purchasing a Acura TL 2012, 3.5L, its high mileage (150k)
Being that this is a owners forum I was hoping that I can get some input if its a good purchase.
Some cars could run well with very minimal service for 300,000 miles while others past 70k you probably should stay away from.
Any input would be very much appreciated.

csmeance

the 3.5L engines are very good and the FWD TL's don't have very many issues! You might need a new transmission filter if you hear a gurgling noise. Also if the shifting is rough a fluid change should solve that easily as the trans wears fluid faster than anticipated!

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

I have a 2012 FWD with 172K and it's running fine. I've owned it since 58K. I'm planning on keeping it for a long time so I'm pretty overkill with maintenance. Oil every 8K or so, transmission fluid every 10-15K.

I haven't had anything "critical" go bad but there have been a few items here and there. I've had to replace the passenger side cv axle, passenger side outer tie rod, alternator and motor mounts. I've replaced several items pre-emptively such as the shock assemblies, transmission mounts, sway bar end links and bushings, ball joints and control arms.

Overall I'm very happy with the reliability so far. The transmission is running as well as the day I bought it, although I still think it's going to eventually be the weak link. Simply because Honda engines are typically stronger than their transmissions.

I recommend shifting through all the gears, both up and down, during a test drive. Make sure everything shifts well. The shifts on this car are a bit harder than a lot of other cars. It's pretty normal. So don't be too surprised by that.

kickarsmann

Same - I have a used 2009 TL FWD and owned it since 7k miles and now at 110k. No "critical" issues. Oil change around 8-10k, transmission fluid change every 25-30k. Did the timing belt + water pump at 100k. The motor sounds good during idle and is quiet like when I first got it. I haven't had to replace wheel bearings either.

Issues I did encounter was the HDD failed on me so I went out and replaced the radio, found it on ebay for 90 bucks. Fairly easy to replace.
TPMS - Sensors battery were dead.
Battery replaced once, it was 5 years old.
Tires - I do notice more road noise, if you like the quietness of OEM. You might want to spend the extra $ for Michellins

I'm going to drive this car until it breaks. This is my first car out of college and love it.

Blaze9

2012 FWD here (I'm a much bigger fan of the refresh 2012-14 models than the 09-11) and so far only regular maintaince, nothing crazy.

Stuff I replaced excluding oil:

SRI - 30k
front/rear brakes - 40k/80k miles + one more at 105k
wheels - 40k/90k (Go for good wheels I hated my 40-90k ones!!!)
Battery - 40kish, I have a heavy electronic draw, got a yellowtop optima + battery tender
alternator - 40kish as well
Front/rear shocks - ~80k miles
front wheel bearings - ~80k (trying to fix wheel shudder issue which was actually the shocks not the wheel bearings)
Torque Converter update + 3x3 trans fill by dealer - 80k
Sparks - 80k
J-pipe - 100k
timing belt water pump pully kit - 105k (next on my list)

So far everything is going well, I do have a fan going out for my climate control but seems to be an easy and quick and cheap fix (40 dollars aftermarket blower)

Carguy8888

A forth gen Tl will be my next car so I am starting to read about it now, ty all great informative post.