New member looking to buy '04-'08 TL. What year should I get? Please help! TY
02-27-2014, 12:56 PM
#1
New member looking to buy '04-'08 TL. What year should I get? Please help! TY
Like the title says, can you guys please tell me what year is the most reliable? pros and cons? I'm looking to buy one with under 80K miles and it has to be an auto(tired of stick). I went thru a few pages here but didn't find any info. I am looking for a white one, A-spec kit preferred but if not I can just purchase one in a group buy for under $800. I found this website to be a good one since I see that people are active and very helpful. Thanks a lot fellas and look forward to all the great advice. Ps, I live in NorCal.
02-27-2014, 01:03 PM
#2
Registered Bike Offender
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08 brah. If you think about it, they had 4 model years since the original design (04) to make updates and improvements to the vehicle design. Inherently, since they are newer, you'll find them with less miles on them than the others. If you can't find an 08, an 07 is almost identical.
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no brainer. duh.
02-27-2014, 01:12 PM
#5
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
Get a Type-S if you can swing it. Only available in 07 & 08.
Welcome to AcuraZine.
Welcome to AcuraZine.
02-27-2014, 01:14 PM
#7
because you keep asking about 04-06, it sounds like the newer of the cars (07-08) are out of your budget.
literally, if I were in the market, it would be the last iterations.
you get some of the top amenities that werent offerend in 04-06
but, alas, if you cant afford the newer ones, the 04-06 is the same car as the 07-08s
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02-27-2014, 01:16 PM
#8
My first ricer
iTrader: (4)
Navigation system is a little different, 07-08 have DRLs where the 04-06 fogs are and the fogs are in the bumper. Since you're going auto I'd recommend 06+, the 04's still had issues like the 2G and some early 05's too. The 07-08 is an upgraded trans but basically all the kinks were worked out for 06, plenty of cars on here with 100K+ on the original trans. Whichever you can get a better deal on based on mileage/condition etc I'd get. I wanted a Type S but it wasn't worth the extra money to me.
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02-27-2014, 01:38 PM
#10
I would agree with what everyone said so far. Go with 07-08.
I bought a 07 last year and couldn't be happier.
Well, I could have been happier if I knew the things I get in a Type-S. Just don't remind me. :p
I bought a 07 last year and couldn't be happier.
Well, I could have been happier if I knew the things I get in a Type-S. Just don't remind me. :p
02-27-2014, 01:47 PM
#11
Senior Moderator
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02-27-2014, 02:15 PM
#13
Thanks for all the good info. I may start the hunt for a 07-08 since a few of you are saying that the previous models have had Tranny issues. I don't want to get the older model and regret not getting an 07-08.
02-27-2014, 03:01 PM
#16
Safety Car
iTrader: (4)
All 3G TL's are great cars, but since your looking for a technically speaking older used car might as well get the latest and greatest of the bunch...07/08. Like others have said the auto tranny issues were worked out, and it has the most up to date features and looks. Not that they are worlds different, but things like an updated interior (much improved gauge cluster among other things), newer side mirrors, headlights, front and rear bumpers, taillights, wheels. Heck, now that I think of it even the keys are different. Backup camera on nav equipped vehicles, aux input etc. Pretty decent list of updates to the 07 and 08 model years. As far as I know there are little to no changes between 07 and 08. I have owned both of those years and they are great vehicles. Not sure if it was a coincidence or not, but two of the 08 Type S's I owned both had weird surging issues during warmer temperatures. I did a LOT of diagnostics on the issue and nothing fixed the problem. Neither of my 07's did this they run perfectly smooth with what seems like all power even in the hottest of temps. So because of this I have actually grown slightly biased towards the 07's myself :-)
No common issues to note just check all the usual things you would check on any used vehicle.
No common issues to note just check all the usual things you would check on any used vehicle.
Last edited by JTS97Z28; 02-27-2014 at 03:04 PM.
02-27-2014, 03:04 PM
#17
Registered Bike Offender
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2008
The 2008 TL features an improved new immobilizer system, and a separate Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning lamp. The navigation system has been updated to work in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii, and the AcuraLink satellite capability has been expanded to incorporate 76 markets (up from 38 markets for the 2007 model).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acura_TL
The 2008 TL features an improved new immobilizer system, and a separate Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning lamp. The navigation system has been updated to work in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii, and the AcuraLink satellite capability has been expanded to incorporate 76 markets (up from 38 markets for the 2007 model).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acura_TL
02-27-2014, 03:28 PM
#18
The 2007 and 2008 have the RL's transmission. This was their tranny fix from the previous years. The transmission from 04-06 has design flaws that gave it allot of problems, mainly in the 3rd stage I think. Poor design strange comming from a Japanese company. Might have been designed and built in the states for the TL and accord because both cars had problems with the tranny.
04-14-2014, 05:19 PM
#20
Update
*Update* Still cant find a white 07-08 Tl with under 80k miles. You guys recommended those years but I may end up buying a 05 with 57k miles. Its not my color of choice but at this point I just really want a TL.
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04-14-2014, 06:34 PM
#23
Racer
Don't let them talk you out of getting an 04-06. In a few years once the 07/08 models get high enough in mileage you'll see the same rate of transmission failures. This isn't a car with transmission problems. With any type of car you're taking a chance though. For peace of mind, Consumer a reports rates the 04-06 model years excellent in reliability. This includes transmission.
What does it mean to get an 08 unless you can't afford it? Haha that might be good car advice but that's probably the worst financial advice you can give. If that were the case I would have gotten a brand new Porsche and called it a day. Instead I opted to go the sensible route and pay cash for an 04 TL.
Just because you can afford something doesn't mean you should buy it. Especially when instead of "afford" you mean you are able to take out a loan for it. To me, you can't afford something if you don't have enough money in the bank for it.
Anyway whenever you're looking at multiple model years for the same body style you're weighing the fact that the newer model years might be slightly more updated but they're definitely more expensive while the older model years you're getting practically the same car but for cheaper. It's all person opinion but take all these Yahoos' opinions with a grain of salt! Just make sure you get the car checked out by a mechanic before you purchase. Good luck!
What does it mean to get an 08 unless you can't afford it? Haha that might be good car advice but that's probably the worst financial advice you can give. If that were the case I would have gotten a brand new Porsche and called it a day. Instead I opted to go the sensible route and pay cash for an 04 TL.
Just because you can afford something doesn't mean you should buy it. Especially when instead of "afford" you mean you are able to take out a loan for it. To me, you can't afford something if you don't have enough money in the bank for it.
Anyway whenever you're looking at multiple model years for the same body style you're weighing the fact that the newer model years might be slightly more updated but they're definitely more expensive while the older model years you're getting practically the same car but for cheaper. It's all person opinion but take all these Yahoos' opinions with a grain of salt! Just make sure you get the car checked out by a mechanic before you purchase. Good luck!
Last edited by Alexns05; 04-14-2014 at 06:37 PM.
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ABP_UA6 (04-14-2014)
04-14-2014, 07:58 PM
#24
Don't settle because you just "really want a TL". You can get an 08 that looks like it was used as a daycare with scratched paint, ripped seats, dirty backseat and a strange noise coming from under the hood with 88k miles or you can find an 05-06 with plush interior and glossy paint with a solid maintenance history that was garage kept with 100k miles on it for $5000 cheaper because of the year. Do your research bro. I bought an 05 with low miles and a great interest rate so that I can trade it next year for an 07-08, if I find one I want. Might go Type-S. But I'm a number cruncher like that. Plan ahead and have a game plan. Play your cards right and you can upgrade with no money out of your pocket and a shorter loan term (if you need a loan)...on a newer TL. The Type-S is a quick car. Just keep saving and researching. Your TL just might not have come available yet.
04-14-2014, 10:50 PM
#25
Team Owner
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04-18-2014, 04:34 PM
#26
I am currently in talks with a guy selling his 2005 white Tl, Has gps, 1 owner and only 55k miles. He wants 14k but I think I can talk him down to 13.5 what do you guys think? I would love to buy a 07-08 white tl with low miles but they are extremely hard to find.
04-18-2014, 04:55 PM
#27
Racer
That seems a little high for an 05. The mileage is pretty low so I'm assuming that's why. Just wondering, why are you so worried about mileage? You'll still have to do the timing belt replacement and everything because of the car's age. So you're not really saving money that way. You might be able to put off spark plugs and other maintenance but you'll have to do it either way. Again not really saving money unless you plan on selling the car in a year or two.
Obviously all else being equal you'd want the car with lower mileage but these TLs are pretty solid. There have been people who needed major maintenance such as transmission replacements and such at very low mileage. It's kind of the luck of the draw. You'd be fine with a TL around or above 100,000mi. and you would be saving probably close to $4000 from what you quoted above.
It's all up to you, but in my opinion, for quality cars mileage is becoming less and less relevant . Unfortunately Blue Book values put way too much emphasis on mileage so that's why see you see people selling the same 2005 w/NAV for around 10k if it has over 100,000 miles.
For $14,000 you're coming close to '09 TL prices. Although some disagree on the styling, these are better cars.
Obviously all else being equal you'd want the car with lower mileage but these TLs are pretty solid. There have been people who needed major maintenance such as transmission replacements and such at very low mileage. It's kind of the luck of the draw. You'd be fine with a TL around or above 100,000mi. and you would be saving probably close to $4000 from what you quoted above.
It's all up to you, but in my opinion, for quality cars mileage is becoming less and less relevant . Unfortunately Blue Book values put way too much emphasis on mileage so that's why see you see people selling the same 2005 w/NAV for around 10k if it has over 100,000 miles.
For $14,000 you're coming close to '09 TL prices. Although some disagree on the styling, these are better cars.
04-18-2014, 05:11 PM
#28
08 TL type-S
Like all said 04-08 are all 3rd gen and the best looking TL's.Get the nicest thing you can afford. You want to be at peace when you own your new car, not stressing about payments...
If you can find a 07/08 6 speed manual transmission type S, I recommend this, if you can afford it! Anyway, you have to balance what you can afford and what you want. And, I would tell you I looked for about 1 year to find my 08 TL type S six speed. I thought I would never find a manual transmission TL period. I was blessed to find my TL-S in my own city! So, I would try to be patient while you look if you can.
If you can find a 07/08 6 speed manual transmission type S, I recommend this, if you can afford it! Anyway, you have to balance what you can afford and what you want. And, I would tell you I looked for about 1 year to find my 08 TL type S six speed. I thought I would never find a manual transmission TL period. I was blessed to find my TL-S in my own city! So, I would try to be patient while you look if you can.
04-18-2014, 06:53 PM
#29
Intermediate
Definitely don't settle, get what you REALLY want.... I owned a 08 base white for 2 years, sold it and bought a 08 BMW 335i. Now, I regret it.... Just found a 08 KBP Type S 6mt with 63K miles, bought it and now I'm selling the BMW. I've always been a big Honda/Acura guy. Great cars!!
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StealthTL-S (04-19-2014)
04-21-2014, 03:24 PM
#30
That seems a little high for an 05. The mileage is pretty low so I'm assuming that's why. Just wondering, why are you so worried about mileage? You'll still have to do the timing belt replacement and everything because of the car's age. So you're not really saving money that way. You might be able to put off spark plugs and other maintenance but you'll have to do it either way. Again not really saving money unless you plan on selling the car in a year or two.
Obviously all else being equal you'd want the car with lower mileage but these TLs are pretty solid. There have been people who needed major maintenance such as transmission replacements and such at very low mileage. It's kind of the luck of the draw. You'd be fine with a TL around or above 100,000mi. and you would be saving probably close to $4000 from what you quoted above.
It's all up to you, but in my opinion, for quality cars mileage is becoming less and less relevant . Unfortunately Blue Book values put way too much emphasis on mileage so that's why see you see people selling the same 2005 w/NAV for around 10k if it has over 100,000 miles.
For $14,000 you're coming close to '09 TL prices. Although some disagree on the styling, these are better cars.
Obviously all else being equal you'd want the car with lower mileage but these TLs are pretty solid. There have been people who needed major maintenance such as transmission replacements and such at very low mileage. It's kind of the luck of the draw. You'd be fine with a TL around or above 100,000mi. and you would be saving probably close to $4000 from what you quoted above.
It's all up to you, but in my opinion, for quality cars mileage is becoming less and less relevant . Unfortunately Blue Book values put way too much emphasis on mileage so that's why see you see people selling the same 2005 w/NAV for around 10k if it has over 100,000 miles.
For $14,000 you're coming close to '09 TL prices. Although some disagree on the styling, these are better cars.
04-21-2014, 03:30 PM
#31
9 mpg.
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Definitely don't settle, get what you REALLY want.... I owned a 08 base white for 2 years, sold it and bought a 08 BMW 335i. Now, I regret it.... Just found a 08 KBP Type S 6mt with 63K miles, bought it and now I'm selling the BMW. I've always been a big Honda/Acura guy. Great cars!!
Any particular reason why you went down this route?
Last edited by D's Up; 04-21-2014 at 03:37 PM.
04-21-2014, 03:38 PM
#32
Senior Moderator
04-21-2014, 03:51 PM
#33
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From what I've heard and read, it seemed like they got their act together after 2010. Makes sense though, I just wonder if he'll miss the slight power advantage (if he's stock. Huge power advantage if he was modded) the 335i has over the Type-S.
04-21-2014, 04:13 PM
#34
KCCO
I'm assuming the same reason I bought my TL-S and not an '07 335xi. At this point you can't get CPO's anymore and the high pressure fuel pumps keep going bad on them. Some owners reported having to replace them 4-6 times during the first couple of years of ownership. That's fine when it's under warranty, but I wasn't going to chance one going wrong out of warranty. $$$
Oh, and OP my vote is for an '08 TL-S!
04-21-2014, 04:37 PM
#35
Ex-OEM King
I'm assuming the same reason I bought my TL-S and not an '07 335xi. At this point you can't get CPO's anymore and the high pressure fuel pumps keep going bad on them. Some owners reported having to replace them 4-6 times during the first couple of years of ownership. That's fine when it's under warranty, but I wasn't going to chance one going wrong out of warranty. $$$
Oh, and OP my vote is for an '08 TL-S!
Oh, and OP my vote is for an '08 TL-S!
The reason I wouldn't get an out of warranty 335i is the rest of the stuff that will go wrong with it and cost an arm and a leg to fix.
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D's Up (04-22-2014)
04-21-2014, 06:16 PM
#36
2006 6spd
iTrader: (2)
the unicorn as referred to by some; that is probably the rarest & most likely have one of the best/easiest re-sale would be...
08 WDP (White Diamond Pearl) 6spd M/T Type-S With black interior...otherwise try to get a Type-S 6spd M/T their pretty rare... the M/T in 07-08 only come on Type-s...
08 WDP (White Diamond Pearl) 6spd M/T Type-S With black interior...otherwise try to get a Type-S 6spd M/T their pretty rare... the M/T in 07-08 only come on Type-s...
04-21-2014, 06:44 PM
#37
Racer
So even if the car has 55k miles I would still have to do the timing belt and all the other crap? doesn't make sense. I thought I would only have to do it when t reached 100k. Reason I want a low mileage car is because of the tare and ware on the body, seats, engine etc. The seller lives 600 miles away so who knows if he will still have it.
Either way you don't really know what type of wear and tear was done to the car unless it was a one-owner vehicle and you know the seller. Otherwise it could have been beat to hell for 55k but still look pristine from the outside.
04-21-2014, 07:58 PM
#38
Banned
Lets not forget a BIG plus for 07'-08'. It plays mp3/wma CD's. Load 200+ mp3 tracks on one disc. Id have every slot with a different genre of music. It also note only has DTS like '04-'06 but the '07-'08 has Dolby II onboard give 2-channel stereo a synthetic 5.1 separation.
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TL Luver (04-21-2014)
04-21-2014, 11:35 PM
#39
Racer
Lets not forget a BIG plus for 07'-08'. It plays mp3/wma CD's. Load 200+ mp3 tracks on one disc. Id have every slot with a different genre of music. It also note only has DTS like '04-'06 but the '07-'08 has Dolby II onboard give 2-channel stereo a synthetic 5.1 separation.
04-22-2014, 11:29 AM
#40
Doesn't it have an AUX hookup too? I'd honestly say the only thing my '04 doesn't have that I wish it had is an aux hookup for my iphone to play music. The sound quality of the cassette adapter isn't the greatest and CDs are becoming very dated. Other than that since I have Navigation there's absolutely nothing else I'd need in my car. Especially not the damn backup cam haha. Actually, I wouldn't turn down a heated steering wheel.