Why I Still Love My Plain Old 200,000-Mile Commuter Car : 2005 TL
09-03-2015, 11:52 AM
#1
AZ Community Team
Thread Starter
Why I Still Love My Plain Old 200,000-Mile Commuter Car : 2005 TL
Why I Still Love My Plain Old 200,000-Mile Commuter Car
2005 TL, I think most of us will agree with the writer of the article.
2005 TL, I think most of us will agree with the writer of the article.
Last edited by Legend2TL; 09-03-2015 at 11:54 AM.
The following 7 users liked this post by Legend2TL:
csmeance (09-03-2015),
EvilVirus (09-04-2015),
ggesq (09-03-2015),
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LaCostaRacer (09-03-2015),
and 2 others liked this post.
09-03-2015, 12:51 PM
#3
Well said! Awesome article! :-)
09-03-2015, 01:01 PM
#4
Registered Bunny
Meh, alright article. He really sounds like he should just buy a Bimmer and be done with it. If all you can find about your car is that it's unassuming, I believe the love has faded.
The TL, while not a sports car, is still fun to play with in 2nd and 3rd gear. The 250hp V6 under the hood is not boring by any means even though it's not the most powerful V6 on the market (even at that time it wasn't). It is not fast, but I think you can safely say it is quick. It's never an issue to pass someone on the highway.
All in all, the 3rd gen TL came out in 2004. It's obviously going to show in 2015.
The TL, while not a sports car, is still fun to play with in 2nd and 3rd gear. The 250hp V6 under the hood is not boring by any means even though it's not the most powerful V6 on the market (even at that time it wasn't). It is not fast, but I think you can safely say it is quick. It's never an issue to pass someone on the highway.
All in all, the 3rd gen TL came out in 2004. It's obviously going to show in 2015.
09-03-2015, 01:13 PM
#5
Racer
Meh, alright article. He really sounds like he should just buy a Bimmer and be done with it. If all you can find about your car is that it's unassuming, I believe the love has faded.
The TL, while not a sports car, is still fun to play with in 2nd and 3rd gear. The 250hp V6 under the hood is not boring by any means even though it's not the most powerful V6 on the market (even at that time it wasn't). It is not fast, but I think you can safely say it is quick. It's never an issue to pass someone on the highway.
All in all, the 3rd gen TL came out in 2004. It's obviously going to show in 2015.
The TL, while not a sports car, is still fun to play with in 2nd and 3rd gear. The 250hp V6 under the hood is not boring by any means even though it's not the most powerful V6 on the market (even at that time it wasn't). It is not fast, but I think you can safely say it is quick. It's never an issue to pass someone on the highway.
All in all, the 3rd gen TL came out in 2004. It's obviously going to show in 2015.
09-03-2015, 05:12 PM
#6
I guess it's depends on the person. I have a sporty weekend toy so I don't really find the TL's driving dynamics 'sporty'. I do like that it sits lower, has a firmer suspension and it carries itself well for a FWD car of its size and weight. To me the TL is handsome and comfortable and my go to car when I want a peaceful drive or commute. I do agree that it's still fairly quick, even by today's standards.
Last edited by b15; 09-03-2015 at 05:14 PM.
09-03-2015, 08:12 PM
#7
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Well done, Andrew!
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09-03-2015, 08:45 PM
#8
Drifting
I completely agree with the article. My TL has been a great car and I think it performs pretty well for what it is. I usually have no problems navigating sticky situations in traffic.
In my 9 years of ownership, the only real problems I have had with the car (or its build quality) are focused on the wiring on the driver's side of the trunk and a broken cupholder cover. I have had to take apart the trunk liner and repair wires two times the last year. Pretty easy and only recently occurred.
I guess I could have sold the car after 8 years and skipped this issues, but I love this car still. I think of the TL as akin to a good pair of denim jeans: comfortable and reasonably decent to go to most social occasions in style and doesn't break the bank.
In my 9 years of ownership, the only real problems I have had with the car (or its build quality) are focused on the wiring on the driver's side of the trunk and a broken cupholder cover. I have had to take apart the trunk liner and repair wires two times the last year. Pretty easy and only recently occurred.
I guess I could have sold the car after 8 years and skipped this issues, but I love this car still. I think of the TL as akin to a good pair of denim jeans: comfortable and reasonably decent to go to most social occasions in style and doesn't break the bank.
09-03-2015, 10:28 PM
#9
Drifting
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I guess I could agree with the article if my car was stock, but since it isn't, I feel like my car doesn't go by completely unnoticed. I do think it's a pretty fantastic jack of all trades type of car tho, one of the best one-car garages you could have in this price range.
09-03-2015, 10:38 PM
#10
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I agree somewhat with the article, but not all of it-- it's less bland than the author thinks it is (I hope 
).
I did get approval and questions from a few people when the TL was new, and my son's contemporaries were telling him for several years how lucky he was based on the TL(although he wants a SN-95 Mustang now).
The TL was fast compared to its sedan contemporaries, and still decently quick today.
The TL still runs well and looks great inside and out-- except for the cracked dash and some interior control and center stack lighting that I'll fix at some point.
). I did get approval and questions from a few people when the TL was new, and my son's contemporaries were telling him for several years how lucky he was based on the TL(although he wants a SN-95 Mustang now).
The TL was fast compared to its sedan contemporaries, and still decently quick today.
The TL still runs well and looks great inside and out-- except for the cracked dash and some interior control and center stack lighting that I'll fix at some point.
09-03-2015, 10:46 PM
#11
06 Anthracite TL
Agree with everyone above and the article. It's not a supercar nor is it the fastest, best handling, or best at any particular task, but collectively, it does them all very well.
As for mine:
-looks (close to) new when washed/ polished
-runs as new
-is paid in full (and that's huge to me) and has been since 2010.
-will likely last to 200K miles and beyond
I often look at what I'd buy as a replacement for my TL (if it was a necessity), but every time I go outside to drive it, I realize I'd have serious sellers remorse if I got rid of it. Nothing beats great running, great looking, and paid in full.
As for mine:
-looks (close to) new when washed/ polished
-runs as new
-is paid in full (and that's huge to me) and has been since 2010.
-will likely last to 200K miles and beyond
I often look at what I'd buy as a replacement for my TL (if it was a necessity), but every time I go outside to drive it, I realize I'd have serious sellers remorse if I got rid of it. Nothing beats great running, great looking, and paid in full.
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09-03-2015, 11:07 PM
#12
bravo to the writer. so tired of 3g owners thinking that their car is gods gift to the automotive world.
09-03-2015, 11:07 PM
#13
Safety Car
Agree with just a few parts of the article.
The dude obviously is not truly inspired by the beauty that is the TL as he simply relegates it to a commuter car status. Too poor to afford a Bimmer but then maybe also too proud to own a Biege Corolla-Civic.
I think if he looked into Acurazine he can see just the awesome possibilities that is the TL, mostly great cosmetics but also can bump a bit in power as well.
The dude obviously is not truly inspired by the beauty that is the TL as he simply relegates it to a commuter car status. Too poor to afford a Bimmer but then maybe also too proud to own a Biege Corolla-Civic.
I think if he looked into Acurazine he can see just the awesome possibilities that is the TL, mostly great cosmetics but also can bump a bit in power as well.
09-04-2015, 02:53 AM
#14
Although he's being complimentary, he sounds like he's describing owning a Corolla. I don't think he's giving the TL enough props. I've had quite a few admiring looks from people while driving the TL. I had some guys speed up to me in a parking lot trying to convince me to sell to them. I understand he may be underwhelmed because of his job testing some of the most exotic cars in the world but most people don't live in that world and would gladly drive a TL.
09-04-2015, 09:33 AM
#15
Drifting
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For the record, he is a member here, just not active. See this page
https://acurazine.com/forums/photogr.../#post14170463
https://acurazine.com/forums/photogr.../#post14170463
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EvilVirus (09-04-2015)
09-04-2015, 10:14 AM
#16
Registered Bunny
Although he's being complimentary, he sounds like he's describing owning a Corolla. I don't think he's giving the TL enough props. I've had quite a few admiring looks from people while driving the TL. I had some guys speed up to me in a parking lot trying to convince me to sell to them. I understand he may be underwhelmed because of his job testing some of the most exotic cars in the world but most people don't live in that world and would gladly drive a TL.
09-04-2015, 02:23 PM
#17
Suzuka Master
back in 04 the TL interior cause the BMW 3 series looks like from the stone age....
09-04-2015, 03:22 PM
#18
Great article! Thanks for sharing. I certainly don’t review cars, and am no expert, but the 2 years that I spent at a Porsche, Audi dealership did put me behind the wheel of some “german sports sedans” which was fun, but I climb into my now 9 year old TL every day and yes, I could not agree more. “It just works”
On the other hand-his may not “like to break the speed limit”, but my 6MT seems to “like” doing everything I like doing; being 25, I still think everything is one big race
I'd say "Plain old Commuter" doesn't describe this car.
On the other hand-his may not “like to break the speed limit”, but my 6MT seems to “like” doing everything I like doing; being 25, I still think everything is one big race
I'd say "Plain old Commuter" doesn't describe this car.
09-04-2015, 03:39 PM
#19
Team Owner
Wow. Just wow. Comes into the 3G section and complains that the respective owners like talking about their car. Don't you have a sweet ILX/TLX to go drive into a tar pit, or something?
09-04-2015, 05:52 PM
#20
I share the same opinion with my previous post. I think it's easy to feel not very impressed by a car design and technology dating 2004 when you're a professional car critic. If I am not mistaken, the Acura TL 3G was the best selling car for Acura from 2004 to 2008, surpassing the MDX (inching very close in later years) and the TSX.
Granted, this only applies to the M6. Auto is a turd.
09-04-2015, 07:35 PM
#21
Registered Bunny
I concur with this and Acuramon. The car is 10 years old, and while sure, it's an Accord - it looks better than an Accord and the interior is still light years ahead of anything GM or Ford offer today. It's still a very quick car in today's market, much less 10 years ago when new. When the author says it's slow and keeps him out of trouble, it makes me wonder how jaded he is driving brand new sports cars all the time.
Granted, this only applies to the M6. Auto is a turd.
Granted, this only applies to the M6. Auto is a turd.
09-05-2015, 08:35 AM
#22
Racer
I know it goes against what we hear all the time here but is the 04-06 auto tranny so bad? I mean sure we hear about a few premature failures here and there but it seems to me that lots of 04-06 are starting to get to pretty high mileage on the original transmission no? At what point is an automatic tranny "supposed" to fail? 100k? 200k? 300k?
09-05-2015, 05:04 PM
#24
AZ Community Team
Thread Starter
same hereYeah I thought it was well written too, and like the author I also have a 2005 TL 6MT and sport bike so I can identify with him.
Agree with everyone above and the article. It's not a supercar nor is it the fastest, best handling, or best at any particular task, but collectively, it does them all very well.
As for mine:
-looks (close to) new when washed/ polished
-runs as new
-is paid in full (and that's huge to me) and has been since 2010.
-will likely last to 200K miles and beyond
I often look at what I'd buy as a replacement for my TL (if it was a necessity), but every time I go outside to drive it, I realize I'd have serious sellers remorse if I got rid of it. Nothing beats great running, great looking, and paid in full.
As for mine:
-looks (close to) new when washed/ polished
-runs as new
-is paid in full (and that's huge to me) and has been since 2010.
-will likely last to 200K miles and beyond
I often look at what I'd buy as a replacement for my TL (if it was a necessity), but every time I go outside to drive it, I realize I'd have serious sellers remorse if I got rid of it. Nothing beats great running, great looking, and paid in full.
, agree, it's a fun car that just works very wellGreat article! Thanks for sharing. I certainly don’t review cars, and am no expert, but the 2 years that I spent at a Porsche, Audi dealership did put me behind the wheel of some “german sports sedans” which was fun, but I climb into my now 9 year old TL every day and yes, I could not agree more. “It just works”
On the other hand-his may not “like to break the speed limit”, but my 6MT seems to “like” doing everything I like doing; being 25, I still think everything is one big race I'd say "Plain old Commuter" doesn't describe this car.
On the other hand-his may not “like to break the speed limit”, but my 6MT seems to “like” doing everything I like doing; being 25, I still think everything is one big race
I'd say "Plain old Commuter" doesn't describe this car. also agree it just works, and is still fun to drive up 8/10
09-07-2015, 10:53 AM
#25
Safety Car
I know it goes against what we hear all the time here but is the 04-06 auto tranny so bad? I mean sure we hear about a few premature failures here and there but it seems to me that lots of 04-06 are starting to get to pretty high mileage on the original transmission no? At what point is an automatic tranny "supposed" to fail? 100k? 200k? 300k?
In enthusiast circles there will be loud voices decrying their failed 5AT, and with good reason. If you are happy and chirping along you won't be yelling at the top of the world: hey look at my 04-06 5AT that hasn't broken down yet its so great!
I have a 06 5AT on original trans at 170K, and a local friend just helped me change the 3/4 gear switch around 162k miles. Regular 3x1s keeping it shifting very smooth.
While I am very sympathetic to those who have had their 5ATs blown up, we need to see what was that AT's history. Was it properly maintained? Was it abused frequently? Was it a true manufacturer's defect?
The 3/4th gear switch does seem like a weak point. What's interesting to note then is that the VAST majority of TL owners are not on Acurazine and probably just chirps along on their OEM parts day in and day out. And they may get required service when they visit the Acura dealer for maintenance and not be aware of their doing to change out those parts.
But all in all, it would be interesting to see actual numbers of 5AT failures compared to 6MT compared to 5ATs in the accords compared to 5ATs in similar sedans/designs/other auto brands. And do a study to actually see if there is statistical significantly difference in true failure rates.
09-07-2015, 01:28 PM
#26
I completely agree with the article. My TL has been a great car and I think it performs pretty well for what it is. I usually have no problems navigating sticky situations in traffic.
In my 9 years of ownership, the only real problems I have had with the car (or its build quality) are focused on the wiring on the driver's side of the trunk and a broken cupholder cover. I have had to take apart the trunk liner and repair wires two times the last year. Pretty easy and only recently occurred.
I guess I could have sold the car after 8 years and skipped this issues, but I love this car still. I think of the TL as akin to a good pair of denim jeans: comfortable and reasonably decent to go to most social occasions in style and doesn't break the bank.
In my 9 years of ownership, the only real problems I have had with the car (or its build quality) are focused on the wiring on the driver's side of the trunk and a broken cupholder cover. I have had to take apart the trunk liner and repair wires two times the last year. Pretty easy and only recently occurred.
I guess I could have sold the car after 8 years and skipped this issues, but I love this car still. I think of the TL as akin to a good pair of denim jeans: comfortable and reasonably decent to go to most social occasions in style and doesn't break the bank.
09-07-2015, 04:00 PM
#27
Registered Bunny
I know it goes against what we hear all the time here but is the 04-06 auto tranny so bad? I mean sure we hear about a few premature failures here and there but it seems to me that lots of 04-06 are starting to get to pretty high mileage on the original transmission no? At what point is an automatic tranny "supposed" to fail? 100k? 200k? 300k?
It doesn't help that Z1 was terrible too.
09-08-2015, 02:17 AM
#28
"Acura might have tried to sell the TL as a sport sedan when it was new, in fact I’m guessing they must have considering this “aero lip kit” was a factory option, but let’s be real- the car is not quick"
LOL
Funny article, true it's a heavy car and it's no speeding bullet, but at about 240HP it's no slouch.
He says nobody notices his car, I actually get compliments on it, because I take care of it and hell, and I've had people come up and inquire or comment about the car. It's a car that I don't feel is in the center of the Venn diagram, but on the borders of the center. It's no flashy 911, but it does still stand out a smidge from mundane.
LOL
Funny article, true it's a heavy car and it's no speeding bullet, but at about 240HP it's no slouch.
He says nobody notices his car, I actually get compliments on it, because I take care of it and hell, and I've had people come up and inquire or comment about the car. It's a car that I don't feel is in the center of the Venn diagram, but on the borders of the center. It's no flashy 911, but it does still stand out a smidge from mundane.
09-08-2015, 08:59 PM
#30
Jeff
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He says nobody notices his car, I actually get compliments on it, because I take care of it and hell, and I've had people come up and inquire or comment about the car. It's a car that I don't feel is in the center of the Venn diagram, but on the borders of the center. It's no flashy 911, but it does still stand out a smidge from mundane.
09-12-2015, 03:01 PM
#31
I know it goes against what we hear all the time here but is the 04-06 auto tranny so bad? I mean sure we hear about a few premature failures here and there but it seems to me that lots of 04-06 are starting to get to pretty high mileage on the original transmission no? At what point is an automatic tranny "supposed" to fail? 100k? 200k? 300k?
09-12-2015, 07:02 PM
#32
Burning Brakes
I loved my 2005 Acura TL, before I sold it this past December. It had 165k miles and sold it to the next great owner.
I did find out that 15k miles later, the transmission was toast. When I had it, it did not show any signs with hard shifts, lags, rpm spikes or nothing. It shifted well, especially after constantly changing tranny fluid - Redline D4. And pressure switches every 30k miles.
I did so as a preventative measure, the person I sold to has since repaired the transmission and is on his merry way.
It was my college DD car for past 3 years, and not sure why the guy who wrote the article seemed disappointed in the 3G TL. I actually want to get another TL, but will need to save a bit more to buy a TL-S next.
For the 67k miles I drove and put on the TL, it was very reliable, with minor services. Brakes, oil changes, ATF, brake fluids and axle replacements.
I did find out that 15k miles later, the transmission was toast. When I had it, it did not show any signs with hard shifts, lags, rpm spikes or nothing. It shifted well, especially after constantly changing tranny fluid - Redline D4. And pressure switches every 30k miles.
I did so as a preventative measure, the person I sold to has since repaired the transmission and is on his merry way.
It was my college DD car for past 3 years, and not sure why the guy who wrote the article seemed disappointed in the 3G TL. I actually want to get another TL, but will need to save a bit more to buy a TL-S next.
For the 67k miles I drove and put on the TL, it was very reliable, with minor services. Brakes, oil changes, ATF, brake fluids and axle replacements.
09-12-2015, 09:42 PM
#33
I agree with most others comments.. Pretty good article and I would have to say the TL isn't bland and is rather quick. Of course it is no hellcat challenger or whatnot but for what it is it can certainly move. And is reliable. I think the 3G TL still looks totally current and certain colors- ESP in type S form turn heads all the time
09-13-2015, 12:43 AM
#34
09-16-2015, 11:20 AM
#35
I agree that the TL isn't a jaw dropping car, but it has perks that have given it a good following. Relatively cheap to maintain, classic design that has aged terrifically, Honda reliability, 'quick' ( not fast, but a little zippy when it needs to be ) , the best interior in its class by far for that year. I agree with the writer of the article that it is pretty inconspicuous. Often I'll speed up to catch another 3G on the highway, or wave at one passing by, and it's a 40-50yr old woman with her near-luxury grocery getter wondering why some lunatic is so happy to see her.
09-16-2015, 03:07 PM
#36
Article sums it up pretty well. Unassuming, affordable and presentable. Because of my job, the general population expects me to drive some sort of luxury barge--something I've always hated about my profession. Even at 10 years old and a little beat up, my TL is presentable enough not to raise any eyebrows.
I put it up for sale a few months ago and got a huge response, even had a buyer lined up, but I called the whole thing off. Decided to "leave well enough alone."
I put it up for sale a few months ago and got a huge response, even had a buyer lined up, but I called the whole thing off. Decided to "leave well enough alone."
09-17-2015, 10:04 AM
#37
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Great article
09-22-2015, 11:26 PM
#38
Pro
For car people it may be dated and bland, but I have people ride with me all the time that aren't necessarily "car people" and they are shocked that it is an 07. Granted I have done some subtle upgrades and keep it looking as new as possible. It isnt fast, but it is quick! I love it!
09-23-2015, 10:56 AM
#39
I think it's a well written article
but it seems I like my 3g TL much more than the writer
The last car I owned that I was pretty into was a 2002 mustang gt, while it also doesn't have supercar power, when it was stock, probably wasn't must faster than my TL
but it seems I like my 3g TL much more than the writer
The last car I owned that I was pretty into was a 2002 mustang gt, while it also doesn't have supercar power, when it was stock, probably wasn't must faster than my TL
11-14-2015, 11:41 PM
#40
ZDX LOVER
Although he's being complimentary, he sounds like he's describing owning a Corolla. I don't think he's giving the TL enough props. I've had quite a few admiring looks from people while driving the TL. I had some guys speed up to me in a parking lot trying to convince me to sell to them. I understand he may be underwhelmed because of his job testing some of the most exotic cars in the world but most people don't live in that world and would gladly drive a TL.