2003 ACURA 3.2 TL vs. TL

[newby]

I was looking at getting at TL for my wife. I test drove a new one (2004) which was an awesome car.

Then just today I saw a 2003 3.2 TL for sale at a different dealership. Still a beautiful car, but it looked a bit different. Not as upscale as the new TL. I know they re-did the car in 04, but does anyone have any comments on the 3.2 TL? What is the Type S version?

I'll test drive the 03 as soon as the weather clears up. The roads here in MN are covered in salt, snow and slush.

Thanks

 

[The Kid]

If we want I can help you out with the pros/cons of each... PM ME and ill give you my office #

 

[4AU4LIFE]

biased opinion here. Gotta go with the new one. :biggrin:

 

[White92]

Well, to answer your question, the Type S on the 03 had 260hp compared to 225 for the base. It also had different wheels, probably stiffer springs, etc.. No difference in looks besides the wheels. It's pretty nice and alright in the quickness, department, but like others said, if you can swing it, go with the 04. It's a huge difference. Just my 2 cents.

 

[NsSeX]

I would be wary about buying a 2nd gen TL or TL's. Theres a reason why Honda offered free extended warranty for the trannies :wink:

 

[NRG]

might as well go for the latest version....love it.

 

[NSXDreamer2]

My wife owns a 03 TL, so far we don't have any tranny issue yet, well, we had the tranny fluid flush courtesy of our local dealership at merely 18000 miles. Before the car did have some weird shifting pattern ocassionally, like 5 to 6 times in that 18000 miles. Do I like the car? I constantly punishing her car's touring Michelin tires when she's not onboard The car is really toward comfort yet give a hint of sporting behavior through the 260hp engine.

I drove the 04 TL when it came out, I didn't like anybit of the Manual version despite it's Manual and with brembo brakes. Yet I enjoyed the gadgets and a slightly smaller cockpit. 1 thing I have to mentioned, though the 04 looks upscale, I do think the 02-03 TL type S look more like a luxury sedan and in fact it feels roomier inside, especially the backseat. The new one just more sporting, I still hear people complaining the 04 frontend too bulky(think Pontiac), while they just excused my wife's TL-S another nice Acura sedan.

all in all, I don't know what kind of price they are looking for, but you are more likely going to save 10-15k comparing a 03 TL-S to a brand new 05. Depends on what your wife looking for, if she's a gadget person, she might not have a second look on the older one. If your wife is not a particular demanding person when it comes to car, the older TL-S is still a lot of car for her and she would be happy about it.

Lets see, say you saved 10k, you may buy her a 2k jewelry and still have 8k laying around for your nsx... hmmm

 

[dynatac]

I would be wary about buying a 2nd gen TL or TL's. Theres a reason why Honda offered free extended warranty for the trannies :wink:

This is true.
Stay away from automatics.

 

[okie]

This is true.
Stay away from automatics.

im not sure they made a manual for the 03 TL :frown:

 

[White92]

im not sure they made a manual for the 03 TL :frown:

They didn't. They were 4 speed autos when they came out in 99 to 2000 or 2001, then they changed to 5 speed autos along with side airbags, etc....

 

[Andrie Hartanto]

I would be wary about buying a 2nd gen TL or TL's. Theres a reason why Honda offered free extended warranty for the trannies :wink:

According to one guy I know who work for Honda, if the tranny manufacturer/brand starts with H it is the weak link of the car

 

[Acura NsX Pilot]

I like the pre 04 styling better but not the tranny issues as I am on tranny two with less then 40k miles on the clock.

 

[newby]

thanks guys for all the feedback. It surprises me that the tranny is poor in this car. Has Honda has any tranny issues in other models?

So as far as you know, the 04/05 TL hasn't had tranny issues? What did honda extend the warranty to?

Hopefully NSXPILOT is still under warranty.... :wink:

 

[dave22]

Has Honda has any tranny issues in other models?

Most of the V6 automatics made around that time have had problems. TLs, CLs, Accords, etc. I have no idea if they all have the same transmission,though.

 

[White92]

Most of the V6 automatics made around that time have had problems. TLs, CLs, Accords, etc. I have no idea if they all have the same transmission,though.

Don't forget about the MDX. Even after the fix, these are still having problems.