hey y'all, i just joined the forum to get some basic info on TL's and to get some help deciding between 2 options. i have test driven an 08 before and loved it, the interior was very nice, great handling, great acceleration, and a nice smooth ride. that one is not around anymore and there's 2 i have my eye on that I'm going to be looking at soon and wanted some input from a forum on buying a TL with somewhat high mileage like the ones below.

i am also aware of the major recall with the takata airbags, and i saw on some website that it only affects them 2009+ and wanted to also see if that's correct.

any who, the links to the ads are below:

Cars for Sale: Used 2008 Acura TL in , Winston Salem NC: 27127 Details - Sedan - Autotrader

Cars for Sale: Used 2008 Acura TL in Type-S, Fuquay Varina NC: 27526 Details - Sedan - Autotrader

thank y'all very much ahead of time!

 

I'd honestly lean more towards the TL-S since I'm more of a sporty driver. Here's some #'s to help you out:

Type S


3.2L

 

+1 for the Type-S. Both have clean CARFAX reports

 

Type S, if you can afford and/or negotiate down the difference.

 

yeah the type s is what i was leaning more towards, and there isn't a large difference in miles. I'm new to the TL world but i felt the price was a bit steep for it. could be wrong, but I'm going to try my best to talk them down. how reliable are these? I've heard nothing but good things about the TL and with it having the VTEC, i know it must be a very reliable engine capable of a hell of a lot more life in it.

 

I'd also go with the S if you can swing it. You won't be sorry.

 

The TL is a super reliable car, the only thing that does scare most prospective buyers is the transmission. Some cars have trans' that last 200K, many last into the 100K range and the few that last less than 100K. Change the trans fluid out frequently and you won't have an issue. I recommend every other oil change to do a trans fluid change since 1/3 of the fluid can only be changed at a time.

You'll have to do a "major" maintenance every 105K miles which is the waterpump & timing belt service, around $700 for a complete job average.

Call your insurance company and get quotes on both cars, depending on your company the rate should be the same or could be lower for the 3.2TL vs the Type-S.

 

If it was a MT Type-S then it would be a no-brainer with that mileage and Carfax. The fact that it is an Auto makes the gap a little narrower IMO. I personally prefer the look of the CBP on stock wheels over the Black on Honeycombs (just my opinion lol). Also, I tend to like the taupe leather more as well. In terms of the Type-S, the red instrument cluster, badging inside, suspension, and a few extra ponies never hurt. I guess if I was you, it would be pretty close... but I would probably lean toward the base.

If it was a Carbon or White TL-S then it wouldn't even be close for me though, all else being the same.

 

S

 

The Type S if you're willing to spend the extra $3k for the extra goodies it comes with. Otherwise the Base.

 

yeah i already checked with insurance and it isn't much of an increase, but am i stuck with taking the dealership's word for it that the transmission has been properly maintained?

 

S for sure. You wont regret it and you'll regret it if you dont lol

 

have you had any issues with your transmission or anything else? I've read some issues they have around the high mileage range and i don't want to buy this car and turn around and deal with transmission issues

 

Not a single issue with the car or transmission at all. I also dont wait for things to get bad. As soon as something acts up its fixed immeadiatly

I got like 218,000kms on my car and even when it was bone stock a cpl years ago there were no issues.

 

how many miles does yours have? the type s has 76k and I'm unsure of the care about maintenance the previous owner(s) took on it and am afraid to take the dealer's word for it because they can be dishonest at times. but typically with the type s, one would hope the previous owner took great care of it

 

yea thats low miles on the type s man. 76K is nothing , its not even broke in yet lol

 

Thanks man I appreciate the help!

 

Type S or bust!

 

Type-s

 

Tl-s!!!

 

base

 

i can't tell if the emoji is yawning, haha but are you suggesting the base over the type-s, and if so why?

 

If you haven't already, you need to drive both and will see/feel the difference.

 

mostly for selfish reasons...

Probably because I have a base for sale, with what I consider desirable mods, for a reasonable price.

 

transmission on either car has the same mileage. Once you buy it (either car), I'd highly recommending doing a 3x3 fluid change and adding some lubegard platinum to the fluid for extra protection. I'd also recommend adding an ATF filter too. Most importantly, change the pressure switches for 3rd and 4th gear!

 

I encourage you not to take their word. Find a local shop to do a thorough PPI before purchase, after you do a walk around and get some seat time in it yourself first.

 

About a year ago I was head over heals determined to get a 2008 TL-S. I test drove several and was headed to do yet another test drive when the Acura salesman simply asked me why I was interested in the 2008. Then he pointed me at a 2012 TL Tech. I immediately fell in love with how it drove, all the features and the sound system was absolutely amazing. When I did he numbers I was able to buy a 2007-2008 TL-S for about the same as I was able to negotiate on my " new to me " 2012 TL Tech. It's now been a little over a year since I've had it and I still enjoy driving it everyday. I have put on 22k miles on it so I guess you can say I commute A lot. So if you would like more detail let me know and I can tell you all the fun things I've done with my car and learn from this forum. In either case whether you buy the older body style 2004 to 2000 8TL or 2009 to 2012 they're great cars. I simply opted for the 2012 because it was exactly the same car as of 2014 and I was able to get it for substantially less money all the same options. Anyway best of luck to you.I simply opted for the 2012 because it was exactly the same car as of 2014 and I was able to get it for substantially less money all the same options. Anyway best of luck to you.

 

i like the newer body styles, but i love the timeless look of the 08 body style. my biggest fear getting a TL newer that 08 is the big takata airbag recall that applies to all TL's 2009-2014. also the 08 body style has a more customizable look to it i feel like.

on a different note, how would y'all review the gas mileage on the 2008 TL type s?

 

it's pretty accurate to how they say...18/26

 

I guess it depends on how you drive and where you drive. I regularly get mid 20's in mixed driving and can get 29-31 on the highway. I also have a 6 speed so that figures into the equation.

 

Would you say there would be more/less problems with the transmission on the base vs the type s? I've heard a lot about he type s having a stronger, more robust transmission.

 

If they were both MT, this wouldn't even be a question, since the 07-08 6MT Type-S > All other TL models. Since these are automatics, it does make the decision a little tougher. Since I'm more of a sporty driver, I'd go with the Type-S anyway.

 

I don't think there is a difference in the manual transmissions...but I might be wrong.