I recently wrecked my CRV (not my fault). I found a 02 Acura TL Type-S 93k for $4000. What should i be aware of when going to see this car on Monday? Its a local seller so no warranty! I know this year has Transmission issues anyone care to elaborate? Comes with Factory Nav black on black yada yada.

 

That is not a bad price depending on the location and the condition of the car. If you can, get it checked out by a shop before buying it. Like you said though, the transmissions on this generation are known for failing.

 

Truly a steal I say at this price. I mean, something like this even from a private seller ought to be $7K. A dealer probably be close to $9K. So at $4K what do you have to lose if it all turns out in A+ condition?

 

Beware of transmission problems. TL's (along with almost every Honda V6) are prone to A/T failures. Be sure to check fluid level, condition, and smell. Also ask to drive it. Check for any whine noises on accel. If it isnt supercharged, it shouldnt sound like it is. Also common are the swaybar endlinks and bushings, along with lower balljoints. Cheap money to fix, but something to listen for. (knocking over bumps at low speeds) Also, like any car, make sure the CEL and D5 light do a bulb-check on start-up!

 

whats D5 and Bulb check links and bushings are fine with me Just dont want a lemon with TRANSMISSION

 

Ok so if everything check out A+ and i buy it what should i change immediatley on the transmission? i am going to do the basic regular tune up but what for the transmission since that should be my top proirity! theres sensors that go bad should i just go ahead and change all sensors and replace coolant. Kinda sucks that these TL-S have crappy trannys. Had a freaking CR-V with no problems what so ever

 

It's a very nice car.

 

MAKE SURE IT HAS A NEW TRANNY!!!! IF TRANNY HASN"T BEEN DONE ALREADY TAKE MY WORD FOR IT AND STAY AWAY!!!!!

 

Did you get the car OP? I am considering a TL or 3 Series BMW .... after reading the Tranny Problems these cars have should I stick with a CPO? Was only going to stick with a CPO BMW but was considering a privately owned TL. Looking for a 2010/2011.

 

There really isn't anything you can do with them. They're just a poorly designed transmission. I've seen at least one with close to 300,000kms on it that hasn't had any transmission fluid changes and it works fine. I've seen lots of others that got regular fluid changes and didn't last at all.

IIRC, from '06 on they more or less had the transmission issues sorted out. If you happen to be looking at 6 speed manuals you shouldn't have any issues to worry about.

 

Also curious to hear if that was a legitimate deal 4k for that is a steal.

 

Stay away, the transmission will fail even if it was replaced.