03TLKEV

I am thinking of buying an 03 TL type-s with 68k miles for around $8k. What are some things I should look out for when buying to make sure I get a decent car. I read something about blue bolts on the trans, if it doesnt have blue bolts are there any ways to determining the condition of the trans? How about any other common problems? Thanks in advance.

01tl4tl

welcome to the forum
this question is asked every week- please scroll thru the main thread list, and read the last 5 pages of tranny failure thread on this section to educate yourself on that drama

8 grand is WAAAAAAAAY too much unless it just had a $1000+ 105k/7 years old service done,
has trans `warranty replaced` in last year or 2,
and comes with a warranty on trans (good luck with all that!)

Meaning- go buy a nice used honda-!!
much as we all love our TL- there are way too many stories on the used ones where you have to spend 3500 for a trans, then brakes need something- thats another 500,,,then....suddenly its a 14grand car!!
For that money Im getting me a Caddy with the trick motor!!

03TLKEV

I plan on looking through those threads but I thought I would ask also. What is included in the 105k service? I know the vehicle is at the 7 year mark but not even close to the 105k miles mark with only 68k. I also work at a dealer (not acura or honda) and can have techs work on my car for cheap and just pay on parts or even do some things myself.

03tl-s04mdx

If it's an original trans I wouldn't even consider it.

*edited to add: If you really want a TL then a better bet would be one with 100k-125k miles, recently replaced transmission (last 2-3 years) and 105k/7yr service verified done. If everything else checks out then that's the car I would buy at this point - stay away from anything with 70k-95k miles and no evidence of recently replaced trans.

03tl-s04mdx

105k service -

http://john-perry.com/acurazine/docu...aintenance.pdf

(found on main 2gen TL DIY thread - https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-1999-2003-98/new-official-2nd-gen-tl-diy-thread-706083/)

01tl4tl

timing belt- water pump,,thats a lot of labor for a shop but a tech buddy can whip it out

the rubber belt gets weak with age,, not so much miles,,
if it breaks it takes out the engine with it,,ask buddy about `interferance engines`

a car with low miles still needs all the `time based services`, replace all fluids and the 105 by now

03TLKEV

I am thinking of checking the condition of the timing belt before I were to buy it if I do. Is that rather easy for someone like a tech who knows what they are doing? Also if a tech were to do the 105k (mainly timing belt). How many hours do you think it would take?

01tl4tl

4+ hours or more,,you always do the water pump with the t-belt on this car as its the next part behind the belt,,and its failure is as bad as breaking a belt!!

hard to tell condition unless covers are removed,,even then its the inside of the belt that wears so you cant tell unless its flipped inside out on the workbench~

01tl4tl

a tech with experience can whip this job out in less than 1 hour!!

03TLKEV

Ya if I got it I would probably have a buddy do the timing belt right away. I have a buddy with an CL type-s and does all his own work so he may be able to help also. Say I buy it and the trans ends up going. If I do the repairs myself or with a buddy how much do parts usually run? I think I am going to call a local acura dealer and see if any trans work has been done under warranty or if it is still under the extention.

03TLKEV

can you just get a rebuild kit if the trans goes or do you have to replace?
2003 ACURA TL S 3.2L 3210cc V6 FI [J32A2] SOHC : Transmission-Automatic : Rebuild Kit Price $276 ATP Part # HM5
Master Repair Kit: Contains Friction and Steel Clutch Plates, Gaskets, Seals, O'Rings, and Sealing Rings.
Trans. code B7WA

Edward'TLS

If the car is still on the original tranny, then the rebuild process includes replacing with a factory revised tranny block which has enlarged and additional oil passage ways, as well as a factory reprogrammed PCM.

The rebuild process is not as simple as just swapping out the failed internals.

03TLKEV

So I am guessing you have to go to an acura dealer for the repair then? O can you get the parts, do the labor yourself and pay for them to do the PCM update. I'm just seeing if it would be worth it if I bought it on the orig trans. Is it like a 100% chance the trans will go or it is just a common thing like 50/50.

01tl4tl

80%+ chance for now and eventually 100%.. especially since you joined azine and are concerned

IF you have rebuilt several auto trans before- you might get the TL done at home with only major headaches

acura doesnt do any internal trans work- they remove and replace with unit from warehouse

only certain vins get the update programming/new module,,there is a list
dealer or acura care 1 800 382 2238 x5 can look up car history for you by VIN

01tl4tl

there are trans shops everywhere that will rebuild it for somewhere between $1800 and 2500 average

03TLKEV

I have a previous co-worker that is a Acura service writer and found it has had no trans work. I looked into getting an extended warranty on it from my dealer and I can get one for about $1400 for an extra 4 years 48k miles that would cover the trans and many other things. If I bought the car I would get that warranty. seems like a better deal than a 4k trans. Any changed opinions on buying the car if I were to have that extended warranty

03tl-s04mdx

Would the warranty cover an Acura replacement transmission or just a rebuild? Rebuild would be in the same faulty case and would likely fail again, sometimes within 30k-40k miles but maybe not depending on the quality of the rebuild, driving habits and maintenance.

I dunno, if it were me I would still stay away from buying a used 2gen TL but the warranty certainly makes the deal palatable. I'd see if they would lower the price a bit to compensate for the cost of warranty and also required maintenance items. See if they'll do the whole deal for $8500 out the door ....

03TLKEV

Ya I am definatly going to use buying the warranty as leverage because I's sure they make money off it anyways. If they only cover rebuild or remanufacture then w/e as long as they cover it the next time it breaks under warranty. I would probably only keep it those 4 years anyways. I am coming from an 05 STi and wanting to downsize with a car and buy a motorcycle. We will see what they can do for me. Thanks for all the imput thus far.

03tl-s04mdx

If you can make the deal work and you're only keeping it for the life of the warranty then I say go for it. You'll love the car and you can drive it as hard as you want, break the tranny, get it fixed and then sell it. The new/rebuilt tranny will be better when you want to sell it anyway.

Good luck!

03TLKEV

I drove the car today. One question... I was in the "auto stick" mode and when I was in first gear it went into 2nd automatically. Is that normal?

03tl-s04mdx

^ unfortunately, yes.