Unaizm

im new to this site so excuse me if I’ve posted this somewhere wrong or something lol. So I am looking at an 06 TL with 110k miles , one owner all maintainence done at the local Acura dealership. He is asking 6k But I’m sure he’ll go down at least 500-700$I’ve been looking at multiple threads for over a week and have seen the problems with the transmission in the 04,05,06 models. Although the problem is more prevalent in the 04,05 models I couldn’t really find if the 06 was still having the same issues. I saw a couple of threads over some 06 tranny’s that had to be replaced as a result of gear slipping but not as many as the 04 05.I also heard some talk about changing the transmission fluid every 30k miles and change he the 3rd and 4th gear pressure switches. I was wanting some advice as to if I should pull the trigger on this deal or if it will just be a headache and loss of money in the long run. Also I’m going to get it inspected by my local pep boys or Acura dealer before purchase so any tips on what to tell them to look for? Thanks in advance

b15

Look for the usual stuff, make sure it shifts nicely, trans fluid looks good, etc. Plenty of info out there Does the owner have maintenance records? It's really hit or miss at this point. Yes the 07/08 are more reliable but they too have some issues on the forum. If the car was maintened, chances are you'll be fine.

I have an 06 and it was switched over to DW1 at 63k by the dealer (flush). I bought it with 76k and immediately replaced the switches and did a drain/fill every 5k miles to get new fluid through it. I also recently changed my transmission filter and checked all the clutch pressure solenoid filter for debris. Given the posts here I was expecting to find debris clogged screens and a dirty filter but actually saw the opposite. Everything was pretty clean at 89k and the filter in pretty good shape for being 11years old.

At the end of the day go with your guy. If something doesn't feel right, just walk away. There's plenty of good clean TLs out there.

Unaizm

by maintainence records you mean receipts of the service? Because it is a dealer selling the vehicle now not the original owner . Also how much did the pressure switches cost you and did you get them done at a Acura dealer? I have read threads saying that the switches are pretty much the only thing needed changed along with obviously transmission fluids. Do you reccomend I go to pep boys and have them inspect the vehicle BeforeI buy? Or another place?

Jackass

If the car was dealer serviced, they should be able to show you the detailed maintenance history.

b15

You should be able to see some history on carfax. Even if nothing shows, the owner could have done a lot of DIY or shops just didn't report it. At the end of the day this is where you'll have to go by gut feeling. If the car appears clean/well maintained and drives well it could be a good buy.

I've never been a fan of those inspections offered by shops, but that's mainly because I'm a gearhead and I research what to look for prior to seeing the vehicle. If you're not very mechanically inclined, getting a second opinion never hurts.

As for pressure switches, they're roughly $40 each and a very easy DIY project. The 06 also has an external filter that I recommend you change as well. Checking/cleaning the solenoid and screens is probably excessive if the car is driving well, but again being the gear head I am, it was an extra 30mins of my time + I was already in there for the filter change.

Unaizm

Yeah so ok carfax there are about 28 service records but all they show me on details is the routine maintainence was done on the car. Do you know if a transmission fluid change is included in that? Also I have found a 2007 TL with 156k on the clock for around 6k. Although the miles are high he has done the timing belt change and spark plugs and new tires. It’s not one owner But no accidents or anything. Im asking for the carfax right now so I’ll keeep you guys updated . I’ll test drive both cars today and I guess I’ll have to go with my gut like you said but I feel like the 2007 will have a bit more peace of mind for me since I won’t be paradnoid of a transmission failure. Thoughts?

truonghthe

I don't know why people make a big deal about 1 owner used car, especially a $8000 car or less. I bought my RL with 3 previous owners two of them love the new car so they own the car about 2 years each, third owner really take great care of the car every maint is done by the dealer and they have record of service is up to date. its happened to be the same dealer I regular service 3 of my Acuras and they do a really good job at repair/ service. If the car service is up to date I wouldn't worry about the mileage much.

thoiboi

Same reason people pay attention to mileage as if a higher mileage car automatically means it was treated worse than a low mileage car. The owner could have beat the shit out of it in 60K miles neglecting all maintenance versus another owner with 120K mileage that babied the car from day 1


Hoomans...

truonghthe

between 60k miles in NYC vs 140k miles that travel from state to state, I will take the 140k miles car.

Unaizm

So I ended up getting the car guys! Thanks for all your advice . I ended up getting a good price 5450$ and best thing was that the transmission was rebuilt. So now I won’t have that looming over my head for a long time. Do you guys still recommend changing the pressure switches even on a rebuilt tranny? It drives like a dream and has amazing power. Looking forward to driving and experiencing this car!

b15

Congrats! I would change the switches for peace of mind

peter6

Post some pictures!

Unaizm

Pics

truonghthe

welcome another Texan...