Used 2003 Acura TL Consumer Reviews
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My daily driver for 14 years and counting
Ted, 09/12/2016
2003 Acura TL 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I first purchased my TL-S back in 2002 (2003 model year). The transmission failed in 2003, and again in 2009. Both were replaced under extended warranty. The transmission that was installed in 2009 has been working fine since, with a redesign to prevent future problems. The Acura service department was excellent in remedying the transmission problem, both times. It has been 7 years and 80k miles on my current transmission. My car currently has 190k miles. My TL-S still has strong acceleration and surprisingly compliant yet firm ride quality and capable handling after all these years. The interior materials are holding up well, and the dashboard still retained its original color. The leather seats have aged much better than my 2008 Lexus ES. If not for the transmission issues early on, I would've given this car a perfect rating. My TL-S has held up much better than my friends' BMW 323 and Mercedes C class, which they purchased around 2002, and both of which fell apart a few years ago. Asides from the transmission and a couple of broken window motors, I've only done routine maintenance on my car. Kudos to Acura for building a mostly bulletproof car.
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- Performance
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- Value
Great Car despite the tranny recall
sjonly, 06/20/2013
2003 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I bought the car in a dealer's auction with 149 k. I learn about the transmissionrecall and was scare when the car would occasionally shake during gear shifting. Took it the dealer and they stated I needed another transmission asap. Went to my local mechanic and he state transmission is good just had a broken motor mount and fluid need to be flush. Car drove good ever since, I love the speed. I pass newer car with ease. I hit 90 on the road easily going to Atlanta. I would definitely buy one again. My car is till operating but I gave it to my girlfriend since she dented the doors and bumper in an accident.
Love the Type-S!
corbin12, 08/19/2011
2003 Acura TL 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
We bought our TL Type-S 6 months ago with 76,000 miles on it and we absolutely love it! It's fast and sporty, yet big enough for the whole family. The exterior is beautiful...(dual exhaust adds a ton!) and the interior is flawless. The only problem we had was that something went majorly wrong with the air conditioning system. Many of the parts were worn out and the air was completely warm. The whole system needed to be replaced to the tune of $860. Keep in mind that this car has been in Wisconsin its whole life so it's not like the A/C gets used very often. Other than the crappy A/C we have no problems and no regrets. The Type-S does require premium gas but the extra power given is worth it!
Dump the Car if You Can
Nadine, 08/06/2010
2003 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought my TL at around 87K miles and it has been nothing but a headache. Last year the transmission had to be replaced. I'm very gentle with the car. The the engine was gummed up so that was another large expense. The rear view mirror had to be replaced because some chemical in the mirror started leaking out. Now the PCM Unit has failed and it will cost $1200 to repair. I'm quite angry with Hendricks Acura in Charlotte right now because they didn't mention that I could get an exchange or a reconditioned PCM which will cost less. They also want to charge me for a 2nd diagnostic before they replace the PCM. This is the absolute worst car I ever owned!
Great experience with this car.
Bama Jiggs, 08/21/2010
2003 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is my wife's car. We purchased it in July 2003 new. I has given us service far superior to any car we have ever owned. (married 56 years). We returned it to the dealer for a recall on the transmission in 2005. Had the transmission serviced in 2009. The car now has 85,000 miles and still performs like new. On trips we average about 32 MPG. Seldom drive more than 65 MPH. Only problem is premium fuel.
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