Like the title says I'm looking at a 2005 TL six speed with 80k miles. It has the technology package, has a clean carfax and only one owner. I'm most likely going to pick it up but I want to get a little feedback from current owners.

I know the automatics were plagued with transmission problems on some years but how are the manuals?

Are there any other random problems or things I should look out for before I buy?

How's the "actual" gas mileage?

How's the aftermarket support when it comes to suspension parts? I see alot of them slammed so just curious.

Appreciate your help.

 

The 2nd gen have auto issue's, The 3rd gen manual's have a 3rd gear issue's. I guess get the vin and see if acura can pull up any kind of service history.

G/L...

 

I, too, was skeptical of the transmissions in the 3rd gen TL's because of the 2nd gen trans that were made of glass. Apparently, after 04, the trans issues were delt with properly and not as many problems. I bought an 06 auto with 145k and no trans problems at all and I have a heavy foot whether I drive an auto or manual. IMO, the manual trans can take a lot more beating or driving than a auto can. I don't think you should be too worried about the trans.

As for mileage, I average 19-22 hwy/city driving. And for straight highway, I averaged 29-31 when I drove from WI to FL.

And as far as suspension goes, I know you can buy full coilovers from Tein, Function/Form, D2, K-Sports, and you can never go wrong with Koni/Ground control. I can't say much about camber kits, etc though.

 

Appreciate the feedback guys. I been looking around online and haven't found many negative things about the 3rd gen. I'll keep everyone posted though for future reference.

 

I've had mine for a bit over a year and so far these are my impressions:

I don't care for the clutch delay valve. I've not removed it because I wanted to keep the car stock. The transition from on / off throttle could have been mapped more smoothly from the factory. Its a bit more jerky than it should be in the manuals for a near luxury car like this. Not surprisingly, auto slush-boxes don't have this issue. Handling is decent for what it is, but its very push happy in stock form and does not like to rotate through a corner. Running a 235 front tire and playing with tire pressures will help this, but gives inconsistent results in rain / other reduced traction conditions.

Around the DC beltway over the summer my mixed mileage was always 22-23mpg with an average cruising speed of 80-85. Recently with colder weather hitting they must have reduced the ethanol content of the gas as my mileage is now 24-25mpg mixed with zero change to my driving habits. Also, on a long road trip where you're cruising at the same speed for 95% of the time, mileage normally went up to 28-29mpg cruising at 75-80.

The car has been trouble free in terms of reliability. The only things I've had to fix have been caused by mistakes by others working on the car in stupid ways. Impact use on aluminum brake calipers and security lug nut keys come to mind.

As far as things to look for when buying. Aside from the normal things you look for with every used car. You should know the fake leather in the back seats (door cards and the backs of the front seats) tears easily if you want to put things in the back that come from say... a hardware store. If the car is between 80-120k miles, find out if the timing belt has been done. Its an interference motor, so it sucks when those let go. I don't know much beyond that for what to look for, but I'm not really and expert on these cars.

I know nothing of the aftermarket on these things as I only got it to keep it as a stock daily driver.

 

I've had an 05 TL Sport (6MT) for like 4 years now. I love the car. The clutch is quite different at first but you get used to it. I had to adjust my pedal slack a little to get the grab point where I like it, but I do that to all my cars (so they drive the same/similar).

The only thing to look out for is a notchy 3rd gear. This is common in all Honda 6-speeds. It can be overcome by swapping in some GM Syncrhomesh "Friction Modified" trans fluid though. But the stuff is getting harder and harder to find (local Chevy dealer want's over $19/qt now). Once you put this stuff in though, you'll probably not have any more stiff shifting ever again.

As for the leather, it stays looking great if you treat it regularly. I like to use leather cleaner and conditioner that I got form my father-in-laws furniture store. But that stuff makes it very slippery.

The dashes are prone to cracking in this car. That is my major point of concern. I live in a Hot Dry climate and it doesn't seem to be a big problem. Most issues are found in Hot Moist climates (ie Florida). It even happens to some that have always used sun-shades and always applied Aerospace 303 (best protectant around). I still use 303 on all my interior and exterior plastic to protect from UV. Plus it's not so greasy and leaves a more natural look to plastic & vinyl if you buff it off.

Another bad point, OEM wheels are subject to curbing. My wife cant keep from scraping them. Lame.

 

Well I have some bad news. The gentleman who was securing the financing for me had to have an emergency surgery. Needless to say when he got back so he could finish the deal the car was gone. It was there about a week. I new it wouldn't last longer then that simply because the car was in great shape and only had one owner plus it was cheap.

Anyway I'm on the hunt for another one. I would have bought a car months ago but my criteria is very strict because I want something that is six speed with navigation and in the 14-15k range.

 

Shooting you a PM.

 

Too bad you can't gather up extra cash 6mt type s are a little higher and harder to find but IMO the only way to go.

Either way like said. Removing the slave cylinder check valve and switching over to GM synromesh is an immediate difference in feel especially if you like to get on it.... ever!!!

There is plenty of support for suspension and some aftermarket goodies. exhaust, intake, cams now, RDX intake spacer, sway bars, strut bars. LED light upgrades, headlight modifications the list goes on.

Good luck if you decide to get one.