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Does anyone have any experience owning one? I know the 1999-2003 models have big time tranny problems but some say the 04 onwards are a lot better? Any one with any info?

I am thinking of buying a used 04-05 TL.

We have a 2000, haven't had any transmission problems or really any problems at all, and our mechanic (who specializes in Japanese cars) is always telling us that if we ever think of selling it, he wants first dibs. Actually, we bought it used, and when we brought it to him to check it over for us before we committed to the sale, he (jokingly) threatened to outbid us on it and told us we'd be foolish not to buy it!

It does eat gas, though, like the previous person said.

Thanks for the info. thus far guys. Gald to know that even in 99-03 model people have had no trouble with tranny. I really love the old and the new style TLs. Thanks for letting me know of the gas situation but they have improved that in 04 models

Fuel pumps can fail on the newer ones - there is a recall for this. An executive at my office who has an '05 had a malfunctioning wiper motor. As for the '99 to '03s, trannys do go. Acura has an extended warranty for this that covers up to 7 years or 160K.

I also like the newer ones as well as the previous generation. In fact, I had been considering buying an '02 or '03 Type S. There is a beautiful midnight blue '02 or '03 model with gold lettering near my area that I love admiring on my way to work every morning.

Get the o4 or 05; the beauty of the interior is light-years ahead of any other car below $50K brand new.

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What is the difference between ignorance and apathy? I don't know and I don't care.

Yea, Alpha Male, I totally agree with you on TL. Acutally, I wanted to buy the 02 TL Type S but when I heard about the trannies I decided to wait and buy the 04-05 used. I really like the midnight blue with tan interior on 02 TL. For 04 I like the white with tan interior. But I might buy a black on black as I probably will get a good deal thru a friend.

Thanks for the info guys!

Thinking about it, I vaguely recall that the friend we bought ours from had dealt with a significant transmission problem the year before he sold it to us. Yeah, it's coming back to me now - that was why our mechanic was so excited about the car, because the transmission problem had already been fixed by the previous owner.

I really, really love our TL. Such a great car to drive!

I'd go for an '05 if you're aiming for the 3rd generation TL. A generation built in the first year of production tend to have small teething problems and other minor flaws that's likely resolved in its second year of production.

Changing gears (pun intended), do you guys use Honda/Acura dealers for service? Since I fix cars on the side, I find that I rarely ever get good service from the Honda and Acura dealers, even just to buy parts. All the dealers seem to come off as arrogant and rude, and thus I wonder what the experience of others were.

Just thinking out loud, other used cars I'm considering for next year besides the TL are the 2001-2003 Lexus IS300 5-sp, 1998-2001 Lexus GS400, or maybe just being ordinary and picking up an early 2000s Accord or Camry.

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What is the difference between ignorance and apathy? I don't know and I don't care.

We go to a mechanic in Mississauga who specializes in Japanese cars - he's my inlaws neighbour. Acura parts are expensive enough without paying inflated service fees, too!

Im picking up a used 03 tl today. If you want to get a good price talk to Aileen at Acura Sherway 416 620-1987 and tell her Jason Henderson reffered you. This is the 3rd car Ive bought from her and she cuts me really good deals because of it. here is a good source for info on the TLs:
http://tl.acurazine.com/

let me know how it works out. I was going to buy one from Gorruds and got away better price, trade in value, and car from her in the end, as I always have in the past.

Congrats and thanks for the tip. What colour did you end up with?

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What is the difference between ignorance and apathy? I don't know and I don't care.

Thats good stuff! I really like the 02-03 model as well. Keep us posted on how you like the car. Yea, I frequent the acurazine site quite often and thats how I found out about the tranny problems.

Alpha Male, you wouldnt believe it, I had an opportunity to buy 99 GS400 in mint condition earlier this year but chickened out due to gas prices .

I have a 2000 and it's great bought it used and no problems at all with it. I get 450-550 km per tank.

Derek

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Derek & Gaby

House2Home Renovations
derek@h2hrenos.com
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silver with charcoal leather. its wicked.

I know its not the same but I have an 04 TSX and it is bulletproof. I would think the TL would be the same.

The transmission problems are specific to the 6 cyl.