~Lefty~

iTrader: (1)

Been browsing for a few days as a guest looking through some threads. I'm hoping to pick up a TL soon here (04-08 Gen) as a DD.

Don't flame, but my current toy is an '01 Cobra Convertible. I drive a Civic as a daily driver so the Cobra only comes out when it's nice. I'm hoping to pick up a TL to replace the Civic soon. Anything I should look out for? I know these cars won't have a problem running strong as long as they're taken care of, but I'd figure I'd post up, introduce myself, and see if you guys can give me some tips on what too look for and help point me in some right directions. I'm a big car guy. Just not these types of cars. I'm actually a Moderator over on a Mustang forum and I know a shit load about Mustangs, but new to this scene.

Sorry for the novel lol...Here's some crappy pics of the Cobra. I don't have my 50D at the moment and these are all I have on my work computer.

LoveMyTL-S

Welcome to AZ

Are you going for the 6MT or 5AT? I'd get 06 or newer as a few more features have been added.

TonemanTLS

Seeing you like speed (cobra) get the type S
and welcome to AZ

~Lefty~

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the welcome!

Honestly it doesn't matter. I'm content with the 6spd if I can find one for a decent price, but I'd be fine w/ the Auto as it is a DD and I kinda like the AT in my Civic.

What are the avg. prices for one going for? I don't want to spend 16k+. I was thinking of just picking up a regular old like 04/05 w/ some high miles for like 11-13k...

I just want some more comfort than my Civic to be honest with you.

I'm fine w/ higher mileage as long as it's been taken care of.

Majofo

Welcome to the board Lefty!

Several members here have +140k with no major issues. Some guys have had to replace their trans & many have had several woes like cracked dash, torn compliance bushings in the lower control arm, various rattles, leather seat wear, etc.. (I'm one of those who have a check mark in every category) but in all, the 3G TL has held up well and should treat you well. Just make sure you maintain her well, they require more maintenance than a civic but not much more. I would shop for an 05 over an 04.. you might even be able to score an 06 with reasonable miles for $12-13k but you have to be patient. GL with the car shopping!

Bad ass Cobra btw..

Goosew

iTrader: (1)

Best advice, take your time to find what you need. I've been a pain in the ass of these folks for a few months now (3), and I still haven't been able to find a car that I want within my price range. (just about yours)..... Hopefully, you'll have more luck than me.!

Majofo

It took me at least 4 months before I found mine.. in hindsight I should have kept looking.. lol.

~Lefty~

iTrader: (1)

Thanks!

Guess I better start searching now lol...

Thanks for the input!

JimmyB

By all means take your time, and get a good deal. I agree with the above post than an '06 or newer is the way to go. And when you do get ready to buy wait until the end of the month. I bought my '06 at the end of Oct. and got a great deal.

~Lefty~

iTrader: (1)

Why specifically 06+? I mean I know there are some "upgrades", but what specifically was done to enhance to 06 above the 04/05?

JimmyB

The '06 has a few more colors to choose from, and some smaller things like the Tire Pressure Monitoring system I believe. My main reason for wanting an '06 was to get a lower mileage car, but that may not be a big deal for you.

Goosew

iTrader: (1)

In case you're interested. Maybe you'll be able to talk these guys down a bit. Just came across it while browsing.

Good luck.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

~Lefty~

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I'm not really worried about lower mileage. If it has higher mileage and the price is a good buy I'll grab it if there's no major issues. However I won't complain if I do find a lower mileage one for a steal.

Thanks! I'll check it out a little later this evening. I'm on my way out to class until 10 tonight.

JL1986

nice SVT!
I just picked up my 06 TL for 12k with 142k miles. I was scared of the miles at first but the car runs and looks like new, these cars are perfect DD. Good luck with your search, im sure youll find something nice.

Majofo

Check members cars for sale in the BM as well.. one member near me has 2 3G TL's for sale.. I know he sold one but he might have the other.. both were still in your price range. The BM (blackmarket) is in the Off-Topic section..

Babnik

Don't listen to the people saying get 06+, the differences between the 3Gs are minor and not important.

Difference between 05 and 06 is that 06 has TPMS. Difference between 05 and 04 is that the 05 has an extra layer of stitching on the front seats, and the non-navi 05 has hands-free link whereas in 04 only the navi version had it.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

My non-navi 04 has HFL.

Just wanted to clear that up. And welcome! Why would you get flamed for that hot ass Cobra?

Good luck finding a TL! Like others have said, don't worry about the milage too heavily. There is a guy on here that has 187,000 miles on his 05 and it's still running great! I currently have 74,000 on mine and it's running like a champ. One suggestion, don't get the car if you aren't 100% happy with it. I got a 04 non-navi when in reality I wanted one with navi. Keep looking for a while until you KNOW that it's the one for you

dave_ramkumar

iTrader: (5)

welcome mad...good luck on finding a nice acura i think u should get a type-s ull love it

~Lefty~

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys; few more questions. How is the Navi on these cars? I've been in a few cars where the Navi is just terrible and I love using my Garmin.

Also, what's the cost of typical yearly maintance/what are the big things that go first?

And what's the normal oil change of these motors? 3-4k miles would be my guess (that's what I change the Cobra at).

Again, if you guys have anymore things I should know please feel free to let me know!

~Lefty

JimmyB

I have gotten all of my Acura's serviced at a local independant dealer who work on Honda's/Acura's only. For TL's they say if you chane the oil every 4-5K you will be fine.

Babnik

Big news to me. The lack of HFL on 04 non-navis be a canada-only thing then.

Majofo

I'm not a big Navi guy (own a non-navi) but it's pretty nice compared to other Navi's I've used and very user friendly for the loaners I've driven.

Maintenance wise.. real easy. Oil changes are a no brainer, real easy access to the oil filter. The TL has a computer that uses an algorithm to calculate your oil life so it'll let you know when it's time. I currently do an extended OCI on RP 5w20 @ 6k-7k miles & I use a RP filter. The MID still showed 15% @ ~6.5k miles on my last change. Everythings really a no brainer on these cars.. Removing the rotors can be a PITA because they are screwed in with these tiny retention screws, you usually need to drill them out.

BF change is recommended to be done every year after the first 3 years from 2G members, although the Honda recommendation is every 3 years. The 6sp MT has a 3rd gear grind which is fixed by using GM Synchromesh FM MTF. A couple of additions recommended for the AT is adding a ATF cooler since there isn't an OE cooler. The first ATF change should be done before ~50k miles but regular changes ~15k miles is recommended, the 04-06 has a changeable ATF filter as well but the 07-08 TL's ATF filter is located inside the t/c bell so the trans has to dropped in order to replace the filter. The ATF can't be flushed out either, it has to be done in cycles of at least 3 drains 3 fills, but it's easy to do as well. The timing belt service & plugs is at 105k.. keep that in mind when shopping.. can't really think of anything else. I'll post more if I remember anything... also check out the 3G garage for common faq's..

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

I guess so! I figured all of the TL's had it. I don't know why they wouldn't have that feature just because it's a Canadian car

~Lefty~

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for all the info so far everybody.