11th Aug 2009, 16:20
Just bought a 2003 Acura TL S, second owner, always serviced by the same dealer. We checked the records before we bought it. Not covered by the tranny recall, our VIN didn't qualify, but had a new tranny in 2006. Two weeks after purchase, before we even made the first payment, the tranny blows and we have to pay $3800 for a new tranny and to replace an engine mount. So this is the third tranny in this car in 110,000 miles. I don't see how that's acceptable and how I'm not supposed to be mad about that. I'm not blasting Acura, those are the facts and I can't help thinking I should be dumping this vehicle before it starts causing me more problems.
27th Aug 2009, 14:25
I have owned my 2003 Acura TL Type S for nearly 2 years now. I thoroughly enjoy this car. I read a review once about this car that referred to the car as an arrow. Just point and shoot. They sure are right about that! This car has great acceleration and is a fun drive.
Acura has replaced the transmission, at 105,000 miles. There were no out of pocket expenses for me. I was given a new TL as a loaner and was very impressed with the service I received. The timing belt, water pump and drive belts were all changed during this time, as that service came due. I was given a discount due to the inconvenience of the transmission problems. WOW.
I find this particular model TL to be one of the sharpest body styles. I chose the dark grey/gunmetal color which, of course, has black interior. The car is gorgeous and still gets looks.
Every car will have problems, on this you can bet! It is much like they say about people. It's not the fact you make a mistake that is the issue. The issue is how/if you address and correct the mistake. Acura has certainly addressed the issues with this car and made a lifelong customer out of me.
28th Aug 2009, 09:44
I bought a 2003 Acura TL Type S with 95k on it. I love the car, it runs good. I had Acura change the timing belt, water pump, all the belts, and spark plugs at 103k.
The tranny was changed before I got it due to the recall on it, it really isn't giving me a problem, but only when I accelerate fast it sometimes hits second hard, but on regular driving it's smooth.
I will say the paint on the car isn't too great easily scratched... other than that, great car, great looks, speed, drive... definitely recommended.
12th Sep 2009, 20:50
I recently traded in my '03 TL Type-S on a Lincoln. At 104,000 miles my TL was stuttering between shifts from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. I know the tranny was on it's way out again. I couldn't take the constant anticipation of another tranny failure after mine was first replaced at 74,000 miles (at my expense). I will never buy another Acura/Honda. There are too many better vehicles available today.
14th Sep 2009, 12:58
I have 2003 Acura TL Type S with 52K miles, never had trouble with it, suddenly it started to give up yesterday. I was going on 40 mph when the transmission seemed to slip, I was 2 miles from my home, kept on driving and the transmission started to slip real bad. Check engine, VSA and one other light came on, I somehow reached home and called Acura dealership today, dropped the car and got a new loaner. I still have warranty on it and it expires in 2010 March. I am sure they will replace the transmission but worried as my warranty expires soon. I don't drive crazy, I use it for work which is 2 miles away and some small trips for the weekend.
Anyone has suggestions on any extended warranty? or any other options after this is fixed? I cannot afford to have a car which will break real bad all of a sudden. Also, it feels very scary when the transmission slips.
20th Sep 2009, 03:25
I have a black over black 2003 TL Type S with with only 64,000 miles. It is a great car. Just put 225/50R17 Dunlop SP Sport Signature tires on, and they look and handle great.
Paid the extra dollars to have transmission serviced by dealer at 60,000. Shift sometimes is little firm, but my mechanic says that is fine. I read on one site that transmissions rebuild by Honda/Acura after March 2005 have corrected the original problem, which was some bad material in third gear clutches. Anyone had problems with tranny rebuild after 3-05 by Honda/Acura?
29th Sep 2009, 15:13
I bought a 2003 TL-S Type in 2006. I put a lot of miles on my car and I absolutely love this car!
The only worry I had when I first got it is there's a spot when if I'm cruising (not accelerating at around 45 mph, the rpm goes down and can have a moment of a skip. But I don't know if it still does it or I forgot about it).
I love this damn car and now I have to sell it and find an older model to pull some money out to survive this market. I've only owned Acuras for several years now, and will never buy anything but an Acura. I'm sure there are lemons, but you can't worry about it, they come in every car.
12th Jul 2009, 10:25
I have to agree with the Acura employee and don't understand the venom for this car.
Mine: 2003 TL-S, 149,000 miles - original owner
Tranny: Replaced at 83,000 miles, after taken in for warranty.
Engine mounts - no issue that I know of.
Other than the tranny, I put oil at regular intervals. Nothing else - this car has been fabulous.
I'm looking to get a BMW due to the new RL/TL grill which I hate, but not due to the car.
When the tranny was serviced originally - They gave me a new RL as a loaner, fixed the dash light (out of warranty), net cost to me - $0...
When it was replaced - it failed (and it wasn't "scary" - I was doing 70)... I calmly drove the car to the side of the road, called AAA, got it towed to the dealer. If you can't handle blown tires or other road hazards, perhaps you shouldn't get a driver's license. The failure was far better than blown tire, timing belt, or other.
The tranny was replaced, even out of warranty, and I was given a loaner - new TL (not as roomy interestingly). Other issues were also addressed - it took 3 weeks to get the car back, but I had the loaner the entire time and my bill was a whopper - $0.00 - even I can afford that.
Take the time to talk to the dealer and/or the manufacturer. They will almost ALWAYS make it right. My wife had a Mountaineer that the engine seized on - OUT OF Warranty. After talking to dealer and FORD, and having records of oil changes, FORD paid for the engine - we paid for labor - pretty fair deal getting a new engine on an out of warranty car. Don't whine if you don't even make an effort to ask what they will do for you.