Used Car Spotlight: Acura TL - 2004-2008 Models

As the first TL to feature a design intended solely for the United States market, the third generation model sure did look a lot like an Italian Alfa Romeo 159 sedan. But as sales figures for this model TL showed, that was no bad thing. For the years that it was on sale in the United States this was the best selling luxury sedan on the marketplace right behind the iconic and venerable BMW 3-series.

Unfortunately for Acura the recently redesigned TL has an appearance that, to be polite, is at best "quirky" and at worst "diabolically hideous." As Acura is the luxury division of Honda Motor Company, reliability is rarely in question for these vehicles. But as the 2004-2008 TL was to many people's eyes the best looking Honda sedan ever built, does it make sense to buy a used one? Does it ever.

What to Look For-The third generation TL was available in a few subtly different (and some not so subtle) forms. Because of this prices for nearly new versions of this "near luxury" car (Acura's term, not mine) can vary greatly. For the first few years that this third generation TL was on sale the only decisions a customer had to make were "automatic or manual" and "navigation or no navigation."

Regardless of which transmission customers chose (a slick-shifting six speed manual or five speed automatic) all TL models came with a 3.5 liter V6 engine making 253 horsepower and 232 pound feet of torque. As the manual transmission models were geared towards "sporty drivers" they also came with updated Brembo brakes and an electronic limited slip differential. Whichever model you choose, the TL has no problem spinning the front tires and torque steer (while noticeable) is far less prevalent than in most front drive cars.

The installation of Acura's class leading navigation system is perhaps the biggest influence on the cost of a used TL. Most buyers simply demand it. Why? Because with the navigation upgrade you also get voice activation for all controls (you know, if the radio knob by your hand is too far away), Bluetooth phone capability and the installation of an 8 speaker 225-watt DVD audio sound system (the first of its kind in a car) specifically designed by a Grammy winning music producer for optimal quality. Rated by many in the business as one of the best audio systems available in any car at any price, audiophiles might just want a TL for how good the sound is from the stereo.

Starting with the 2007 model year Acura reintroduced the sporty Type-S version of the TL. Picking this "sporty" version of the TL upped power to 286 horsepower and 256 pound feet of torque from the same 3.5 liter V6. With the introduction of the Type-S, Acura dropped the manual transmission option for regular TL models and made it available only with the S. A five speed automatic was also available with this sport option that also included ten-spoke alloy wheels, four wheel Brembo brakes, red interior lighting (as opposed to the usual blue), alloy pedal covers, sport seats and a slightly restyled grille. The Type-S doesn't make the TL any less livable on a day to day basis but does add just a touch of visual menace.

Pricing-As the TL comes in so many different flavors prices really can fluctuate based on options and most especially, mileage. These TLs have solidly built interiors (some say better built than the one in the current TL) and are well known in the industry for being able to tackle epic mileages. And as many parts you never see are shared with the plebian Accord, repair and maintenance costs are very reasonable.

Here are some third generation TL models found for sale recently. Do take into account prices vary if you buy from a dealer (and if you get one that is "certified pre-owned" which usually means it is especially clean and has a longer warranty) or if you buy from a private party. Private parties are usually more willing to bargain yet dealers offer the security of having had one of their factory trained mechanics check the car. These are examples only and do not guarantee the price that you will pay. With the car market the way it is now it always pays to haggle.

2007 Acura TL Type-S-(33K Miles)-Automatic, Navigation-($27,988)-(dealership)

2005 Acura TL-(59K Miles)-Automatic-($20,998)-(dealership)

2006 Acura TL-(20K Miles)-Automatic, Navigation, Certified Pre-owned-($23,998)-(dealership)

2007 Acura TL Type S-(16K Miles)-6 speed manual, Navigation-($25,099)-(private seller)

2005 Acura TL-(81K Miles)-Automatic-($15,999)-(private seller)

Problem Areas and Recalls-Problems are few and far between as is usual for most Honda products. A few of the first 2004 models to be manufactured did have some automatic transmission shifting issues (usually typified by harsh upshifts under hard acceleration) so if you are planning to buy that model year make sure the shift action is clean and crisp without any slippage. Honda makes transmissions that should shift as cleanly on mile 1 as on mile 100,000 so if you detect the slightest hesitation when upshifting just walk away. Manual transmission models should easily slide into gear and the clutch should bite cleanly mid-take up. Again, any anomalies in this regard should be a warning sign. There are enough TLs on the used market that you shouldn't have to buy a less than stellar example.

As is the case even when Honda releases an entirely new car on a new platform, the first year was the most troublesome. On 2004 models with the Brembo brakes some customers complained of too much brake noise and updated rotors and pads were made available. If you are looking into a manual 2004 model make sure it has the updated brakes.

If your 2004-2005 model has a malfunctioning memory system for the power seats be sure that the control module under the seat was replaced. Also on the 2004-05 models there was a service bulletin regarding engine harshness in fifth gear for the automatic versions when the engine speed was around 1,500 RPM. If your car has that problem then you need to have an updated rear engine mount installed.

But perhaps the most bizarre problem evidenced by an Acura service bulletin is an issue only for people who live in freezing climates. Apparently if your windshield washer fluid bottle freezes and the driver tries to use the sprayer repeatedly this could cause one of the fuses to blow rendering power seats, power mirrors, the automatically dimming mirror and windshield wipers to stop functioning. If this happens you just need to replace the fuse with an updated unit.

As for recalls there was one that required replacement of a power steering hose that could bind and cause a groaning noise when you cranked the steering wheel. It could, conceptually, also cause a power steering fluid leak if left unfixed. If the owner is unsure if the work has been done just call an Acura dealer with your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number-you can find it on your registration or proof of insurance card) and they will be able to let you know. Always remember that any recall repair should be free regardless of the age or mileage of the vehicle.

Costs of Ownership-With a miles per gallon rating of 20 city/29 highway the TL is easy on gas when compared to rival luxury sedans especially considering the performance that is being offered. Expect to average 22-25 miles per gallon based on your driving style.

Maintenance is easy to keep track of as the vehicle will notify via the trip computer you when an oil change is needed. Depending on your mileage your car will either get an "A maintenance" which should cost in the $35-$65 range or a more extensive "B Maintenance" for somewhere near $95-$115. These prices are examples from dealerships and do not reflect prices found at independent repair shops.

While it is not mandatory to rotate your tires at every 7500 mile service interval, it will help even out tire wear and will allow the mechanic to check your brake pads for wear. Under normal driving conditions brakes should last anywhere from 25K-40K miles. Most other service work like changing the brake fluid, transmission fluid and replacing spark plugs are not needed for at least 100,000 miles according to the manufacturer but some dealers will recommend it sooner.

Whether or not you take that advice is up to you but keep in mind that any preventative maintenance never hurts. While maintenance costs are reasonable for the Acura TL, other manufacturers such as Mercedes have longer oil change intervals while BMW won't charge you a dime for any maintenance for 4 years or 40,000 miles from the date the car was first sold.

Rivals-Besides the styling, the other big selling point for the third generation TL was a low purchase price for the class when it was new. As the TL doesn't depreciate very quickly used versions can be less of a "steal." But do take into account that the Acura will continue to depreciate slowly and has a far better reliability history than many other luxury cars. This generation of the Acura TL can easily withstand buyer scrutiny so don't be afraid to cross shop at least three of its rivals.

If you are thinking about a third generation TL also be sure to check out the BMW 3-series (a great drivers car but can get expensive), last generation Audi A4 (beautiful interior, less reliable than TL), Lexus IS (boring but worthy) and the Infiniti G35 (fast but with an interior that doesn't really cut it at this level).

Should You Buy One?-As possibly the sexiest Honda sedan ever built the third generation Acura TL will continue to have appeal on the used car market. Add in minimal depreciation, proven reliability and an interior with all the hi-tech toys and you have a "near-luxury" package that is irresistible.