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2005 Acura TL
- 212,000
- things are starting to need replacement and break down
- still love her and can't let her go
Repaired/Replaced
- Transmission (ouch) = green transmissions near Covina, CA are freaking the best - amazing.
- timing belt service 1x at 120,000
- power steering pump (190,000)
- valve cover gasket (210,000)
- pedal position sensor (APP) (180,000)
- real main seal has a leak (not completed)
- clunking over uneven pavement (not completed)
- HID driver's side dimmer (not completed)
I strongly recommend folks spend the extra $100 and have the rear main seal done when the tranny is replaced (or during a clutch job for us 6MT folks).
I strongly recommend folks spend the extra $100 and have the rear main seal done when the tranny is replaced (or during a clutch job for us 6MT folks).
first post here. 2004 acura tl non-navi automatic. 240k miles, original engine and trans. i did a timing belt/water pump when i bought it (previous owner had no record of having it done) and since ive owned it ive had to replace the alternator, starter, valve cover gaskets, and front motor mount. otherwise just everyday maintenance (oil changes, tires, brake pads).
My Acura TL is still going strong and I am coming up on 14 years of joyful ownership. Now at 186K
I learned about replacing tranny filter and the tube screens under the two solenoids from this group. Just had my mechanic take care of that last week and very happy that I did. The tranny filter looked ugly (I'm shocked that Acura does not have a service interval for it, It's easy to replace). Two of the the "tube screens" under the solenoids had partial or complete blockage.
Separately I bought two tone seat covers (again thanks to this group) so the interior looks spiffy. Highly recommended.
Originally Posted by Sonu
Folks,
Updated with $$ spent to date against each item. I got my 2005 TL new and have been *very* happy with it overall. Currently at 161K
PROBLEMS FIXED ALONG THE WAY
1) $2000. Tranny rebuilt at 116K Apr 2014. This despite the fact that I religiously change tranny oil every 30K and it comes out clean without any clues that tranny was going south. I do see minimal fuzz on the magnetic drain plug but no chunks or nothing noteworthy. I had the pressure switches changed @ ~100K but that did not keep the tranny from going south. I've concluded that there is simply a design flaw and the tranny oil changes & pressure switch changes were a waste of $$. Every 60K for tranny oil change was probably fine.
2) $350. Bluetooth module died. Acura wanted $800. I lived without it for a while. Then bought the part online for ~$250 & had my body shop put it in for ~$50.
3) $???. Power steering pump died. Replaced at ~116K mi.
4) $700 Aftermarket install of a back-up camera worked out flawlessly. Great upgrade. Image is crystal clear on NAV screen.
5) $500. DVD Navi drive repaired at local electronics shop.
6) $2000. Steering rack replaced (was losing power steering fluid) + engine mounts replaced
QUIBBLES
1) Dash cracked. It looks bad. I might get a dash cover to hide it.
2) Steering wheel leather is worn. It looks bad. Not worth the $$ to replace
3) Small coolant fluid leak. I keep topping it off every 6 months. Diagnosed and fixed for $0 (small hose had a leak).
4) Seats looks their age. I wish there was an inexpensive replacement seat cover. OEM prices are not worth it. Looked at aftermarket seats for TL. Still too expensive.
5) A couple of lights in the NAV module dont work (example passenger side temp control) but this I can live with.
CONCERN
1) Tranny sometimes does not engage immediately when switching from reverse to drive (particularly on an incline). I'm not going to worry about it for now but am keeping an eye on it. Comments on this issue appreciated.
WHAT I'M IMPRESSED BY
1) Drives like NEW !!! I did put in new brake rotors & tires. Most reliable car I've had yet. Plan is to keep it for another 4 yrs / thru 250 K mi.
2) Touch screen Navi is really nice. I think Acura hit the sweet spot with this model and its gone downhill of late. We test drove 2016 and 2017 MDX (for wifey) and while I love the new car interior I like my 2005 Navi MUCH better. We just bought a 2017 Audi Q7 with a customizable 13.2" in-dash OLED display. That's the only thing I've come across that beats the TL's display.
3) Engine is still QUIET. I switched to changing engine oil every 15K miles (using Mobil 1 extended synthetic oil which is rated for 15K miles). I've used MI110 filters since the very first oil change.
BOTTOM LINE
Very happy with this car. What I've spent is fairly typical for a car this age and I have no regrets. Anyone who tells you that they've run their car to 150K+ and not had any expenses is not credible in my opinion.
Just clocked over 200k on my commute this morning! 06 Navi, auto transmission - on my original transmission here still going strong. 100k of those miles were genuinely highway miles, so I think that's helped prolong the life of the trans....among my regular fluid, switches, and filter changes. Probably jinxed it now that I'm praising the thing for lasting this long lol.....oh well. Here's to 200k more.
My Acura TL is still going strong and I am coming up on 14 years of joyful ownership. Now at 186K
I learned about replacing tranny filter and the tube screens under the two solenoids from this group. Just had my mechanic take care of that last week and very happy that I did. The tranny filter looked ugly (I'm shocked that Acura does not have a service interval for it, It's easy to replace). Two of the the "tube screens" under the solenoids had partial or complete blockage.
Separately I bought two tone seat covers (again thanks to this group) so the interior looks spiffy. Highly recommended.
These are real leather (not leatherette). An added bonus (just for my body) is that since these slip on existing covers, they provide just a bit extra cushion for my back. The one quibble I had about my TL was that the seat was uncomfortable on really long drives. With this seat cover upgrade that problem is gone.
These are real leather (not leatherette). An added bonus (just for my body) is that since these slip on existing covers, they provide just a bit extra cushion for my back. The one quibble I had about my TL was that the seat was uncomfortable on really long drives. With this seat cover upgrade that problem is gone.
Enjoy!
Sanjiv
Many thanks, Sonu (Sanjiv)! Nice to hear that the seat-covers have added a bit of comfort to your long-distance drives.
Could I trouble you with a couple of additional questions?
First, how did you find the installation? Was it a difficult DIY job, or pretty straight-forward?
Second, have the new leather seatcovers had any effect on how well your heated seats work?
Thanks in advance for any further insight you might be able to offer.
I just hired a local upholstery shop to do the install for me. They did a really great job.
Heated seats work just fine.
I am too old to do DIY projects anymore on the Acura. I save my DIY energy to keep my old motorcycle running (BMW 1997 K1100LT with 76K mi on the clock)
305K as of yestaday and still doing 0-60 in under 6 seconds!
Here's the "I've Done List" over the last few years to keep it going:
Timing Belt/Water pump
Clutch and Flywheel
Clutch Master Cylinder
Clutch Slave Cylinder
Clutch Lines & Hoses
Brake and clutch pedal covers
Motor mounts
Valves adjusted
Rear stabilizer bar end links, bushings, and brackets
Lower Control Arm Bushings including compliance
Rear lower control arms - adjustable ones
Ball joints - upper & lower
CV Drive shafts
Spark plugs
Battery cables ALL Hoses
Horns
Headlights and ignitor
Navigation DVD unit rebuilt
CD Player rebuilt
Bluetooth/HFL module
PCV Valve
Brake light switch
Rear brakes & calipers
Bulbs in Steering wheel and around Nav screen
Shift knob
Glovebox trunk switch
Front seat leather
Accelerator Sensor
Hood struts
Driver's door seal
Exhaust System Flex Pipe
Center console Lid
Trunk seal
Power steering pump
Steering Rack (& Pinion)
Front stabilizer bushings
Front Stabilizer Links
Subframe mounts
Front right and Left rear door actuators
Front Struts (shocks & springs)
Front Brakes & calipers
Driver's door pin switch
Driver's door seal
Radiator
Added backup camera
Added DRL module
A/C Compressor-7 yrs ago
Most of the above work done by Paul, our star master mechanic here in Nawth Jerzy
And soon (On Deck):
Rear seat leather
Rear struts
Power amplifier
.
.
I feel so young compared to all of these cars lol. I am just shy of 160K on my '08 Auto. Original motor and trans. Buddy was just in town and asked what i've been doing to keep her shifting so smooth. Explained the 'filters' as well as the scheduled fluid flush and solenoids a couple years ago. Looking forward to getting well past 200K!
My commute has changed drastically since March. I just rolled over 338k earlier this week - so at best 5k miles in the last three months. I was planning on hitting 350k by the end of this year and I doubt that will happen now. Not that I'm complaining.
My commute has changed drastically since March. I just rolled over 338k earlier this week - so at best 5k miles in the last three months. I was planning on hitting 350k by the end of this year and I doubt that will happen now. Not that I'm complaining.
lol at "original motor". I certainly hope so, don't see many issues prompting motor replacement here. That is unless you don't keep up with the timing belt replacements, then....
I feel so young compared to all of these cars lol. I am just shy of 160K on my '08 Auto. Original motor and trans. Buddy was just in town and asked what i've been doing to keep her shifting so smooth. Explained the 'filters' as well as the scheduled fluid flush and solenoids a couple years ago. Looking forward to getting well past 200K!
Currently at 293583 miles. Just did oil and filter, trans fluid, rotate tires. Should hit 300,000 miles by December. She just keeps on running. Still love driving this car.
2008 Base with nav knocking on 275k miles. I'm saving it from the previous owner. So far, I've replaced the nav rom so its fully functional. Seats are torn so I'll be covering them with covers from Endless soon. Transmission needs a little work. Going to replace all of the mounts. New timing belt, water pump, oil pump, and tensioner accessories will be replaced soon. Engine is running strong and had great compression on all cylinders. Just replaced the broken fog light housings. Once the significant mechanical things are taken care of, a full suspension rebuild will take place. All new bushings. Tein coilovers. Then it's on to the body work with all OE Type-S Aspec kit, full pearl white wrap, wheels and tires.
2008 Base with nav knocking on 275k miles. I'm saving it from the previous owner. So far, I've replaced the nav rom so its fully functional. Seats are torn so I'll be covering them with covers from Endless soon. Transmission needs a little work. Going to replace all of the mounts. New timing belt, water pump, oil pump, and tensioner accessories will be replaced soon. Engine is running strong and had great compression on all cylinders. Just replaced the broken fog light housings. Once the significant mechanical things are taken care of, a full suspension rebuild will take place. All new bushings. Tein coilovers. Then it's on to the body work with all OE Type-S Aspec kit, full pearl white wrap, wheels and tires.
Thanks man. It was dirty as hell when I got it. Previous owner did not clean it much. I spent six hours at work the other night with a clay bar and four coats of wax. All of the door jambs and gas cap area got cleaned with Purple Power. Wheels were scrubbed. All things considered, aside from a few paint chips on the front the paint is in great shape. Here is a side shot I just edited.
Thanks man. It was dirty as hell when I got it. Previous owner did not clean it much. I spent six hours at work the other night with a clay bar and four coats of wax. All of the door jambs and gas cap area got cleaned with Purple Power. Wheels were scrubbed. All things considered, aside from a few paint chips on the front the paint is in great shape. Here is a side shot I just edited.
Yeah, that car is special! How much did you get it for?
^ how did the purple power work for all door jambs? Curious as my trunk door jam area is black.
Your 2008 looks great for the mileage for sure!
The Purple Power works wonders. Here is a pic of the inside to show how clean it ended up. I didnt get a before shot but it was dirty enough to break out the heavy duty degreaser.
i was being a little curious about my 2004 acura TL, i bought the car regardless of 144k miles she had. car is absolute beauty and extra clean.
I know 3g TL has a strong engine while accords go 200k easily, they should go a little more.
my question to all prestige 3g owners is, how many miles you have on your TL, what year and how good she runs now?
If there is no bad luck failure in car, on what kind of maintenance should i keep my eye on, in order to get her to 200k+ ?
i drive about 10-12k a year lol .. so ill get 210k in about 2017
My Acura TL is still going strong and I am coming up on 14 years of joyful ownership. Now at 186K
I learned about replacing tranny filter and the tube screens under the two solenoids from this group. Just had my mechanic take care of that last week and very happy that I did. The tranny filter looked ugly (I'm shocked that Acura does not have a service interval for it, It's easy to replace). Two of the the "tube screens" under the solenoids had partial or complete blockage.
Separately I bought two tone seat covers (again thanks to this group) so the interior looks spiffy. Highly recommended.
Those look nice, is that Tan or Ivory, i need a set for my 08 base with tan interiors
I always wondered who bought those 200K+ mile TL's on Craigslist...and now I know!! Congrats! Mind sharing how little you spent?
I didn't buy it off Craigslist. I bought it at a auction for 800 and I drove it home 2hrs.lets see replaced a/c compressor, radiator,radiator fan,t/b belt,engine mounts,interior swapping now.My current rideshare vehicle no problems besides being great!
Current status:
no dash crack
cup holder cover is still intact
driver seat bottom cushion has a tear
broken NAV dvd drive
few dead interior light bulbs
02-20-2019, 04:23 AM
