Do I want this '07 Acura TL Type S?

"Chairman Kaga" (mike-mckinnon) 09/09/2015 at 15:58 • Filed to: None

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Full disclosure - I’m more interested in a comfortable near-luxury sedan than a sports car. Blah blah blah autotragic transmission, front wheel drive... blaaaah. I spend more than two hours a day, five days a week, sitting in crap ass urban traffic. Every little bit it’ll open up and I get to go mildly hoony.

I drove an IS300 wagon. I liked it. Felt too yoot demographic for me though. I have herniated discs and two daughters. This car was for 25 year old me. I’m 40. Plus the melty dash problem sucks.

I want to sell my CRV and get something of the same approximate value, but better. Something more “me.” The TL-S seems to fit the bill. It’s comfortable. It’s quick. It’s a Honda. And if I can wheel and deal a bit, I should be able to more or less break even, then end up with a car that I won’t driving for another 5 years or so.

What say ye, opponauts? I know the ‘07-’08 TL had left behind the transmission woes of the earlier year models. I know the 3.5 liter V6 is a solid motor with no major issues. I know build quality was still top notch. And I know it’s a pretty good drive. Maybe not 5-Series good, but while that guy is having his valves lapped, I’ll be driving.

97k miles probably means he’s on the cusp of a timing belt/water pump, and my wife will be burned at the stake before she lets me do that job on my DD again. So factor in at least $600 for that job. Plus sales tax, which is interesting in texas because they assume the value of the car and NOT the actual sales price when assessing. Sort of BS.

Anyway.

Here it is. The seller is practically my neighbor.

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Party-vi > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 16:02

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Yes you do, except for the tragic fact that Honda, for all it’s wants, wishes, and desires, had no idea how to build an automatic transmission until very recently. I do not know if the Type-S had this issue fixed, but I would be wary.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 16:05

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I believe it was around that year Acura/Honda finally figured out a lot of the trans problems (see anything earlier and 2nd gen’s).

DO IT

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 16:05

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I love that generation of TL Type-S. Sounds like it’s a great fit for you too. I’d definitely get it, or find one like it.

Chairman Kaga > Party-vi 09/09/2015 at 16:06

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According to our local Oppo scholar, the ‘07 had a revised design that resolved whatever issues plagued the previous 5-speed autobox.

Although I do agree - I’ve never driven an automatic Honda that wasn’t a 2013 or newer that had any finesse in its shifts. Although my experience is mostly limited to my CRV, which is tragic in almost all respects, and my old 89 Prelude. Which was the single worst car I’ve ever owned, if I’m honest. My mom’s Accord CVT is butter though, and my colleague’s brand new RDX is damned smooth.

Chairman Kaga > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/09/2015 at 16:07

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And I still have my GTV6 for Jalop-cred.

Slant6 > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 16:09

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Why not a German car?

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 16:11

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Perfect!

Chairman Kaga > Slant6 09/09/2015 at 16:14

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I’d only consider a BMW. Mercs just aren’t for me and Audis of an affordable vintage are just mechanical nightmares. I was looking long and hard at a 328i or 330i wagon, but after lots of discussions with owners and my Alfa mechanic, I’m just not convinced that the stereotype about them being expensive to repair is wrong. I’m also finding it hard to locate what I want. It’s still on the table though, especially if I can’t deal with this guy on the TL-S.

Slant6 > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 16:19

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They are pretty expensive to fix (ask me how I know). In a way it’s worth it and then some. The Acura is just enough in terms of comfort and fun. The bmw is probably just as comfortable but more fun. Are you okay with just enough?

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 16:22

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You do want this. That generation TL is a good looking car, and S just gives that little something extra. I always liked ‘em and think you need it.

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 16:33

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I was considering one back in 2007. They handle well but I thought the ride was a bit too harsh for what I wanted. I bought a used A6 instead.

They do make great use of technology and you’ll never have to worry about that V6. Have a friend whose wife had similar year TL and it was perfect for her.

Chairman Kaga > Slant6 09/09/2015 at 16:34

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Yeah, I reckon so. I mean, I have an Alfa GTV6 in the garage for tinkering and hooning. I could be happy with good enough for my DD. I do know the Acura’s interior is nicer than a similar vintage BMW. That counts a lot for me.

Slant6 > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 16:36

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As long as you like it the Acura is a good choice.

Chairman Kaga > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger 09/09/2015 at 16:42

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Yeah, the suspension in the Type S worries me a bit. I’m also driving a base TL tomorrow, although it’s an ‘08, but with more miles. Trying to find time to test an ‘08 328i wagon this weekend.

TylerJ > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 16:53

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Check the dash for cracks. One of my college buddies had one and the top of the dash was pretty gnarly.

Chairman Kaga > TylerJ 09/09/2015 at 16:55

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Yeah, that seems to be pretty common, but I think mostly in the early run. Seems bu ‘06 or so it was mostly ironed out. Still cropped up from time to time though, especially in climates such as ours, ie fucken’ hot.

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 17:02

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I should have added, at the time my drive was 27 miles one way. 24 of that was highway. So I wanted comfort and all weather ability.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 17:05

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Based on what you are looking for, have you considered the Lexus GS?

It’s less Yoot-Market that the IS, decently competent on the road and from my experiences wonderful for long slogs on the highway.

They’re available in AWD and RWD depending on your all-weather desires.

Just a thought.

TylerJ > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 17:06

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Yeah, I’m next door in Louisiana. Heat & humidity kills.

Steve in Manhattan > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 17:13

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Driven it?

Shift24 > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 17:22

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I would hold out for a manual. I have looked at the autos and they are nice but for me with FWD, its that feeling that the car could be better with a manual (and Honda makes damn good ones)

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 09/09/2015 at 17:24

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I really enjoyed the hell out of a GS450h at one point. It was not a sports sedan by European standards, but as a cruise missile it was pretty great.

5.5s 0-60; 14.1 and 103mph in the quarter and it returned 27 mpg daily driving it. It was a little off for the sport side of handling, but it was comfortable as anything and decent for the twisties.

Chairman Kaga > Shift24 09/09/2015 at 17:30

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I would, but my wife doesn’t drive stick (and I’ve been trying to teach her since we started dating, which has been long enough that I’m pretty sure she’s just not gonna get it) and has said her only requirement for any car I get as a DD is that it’s an autobox or DSG.

And if I’m honest, most of my driving is in gawdaful bumper to bumper traffic. Until I got this CRV I’d only ever driven manuals, and it was really starting to annoy me. And my clutches, too.

I still have my GTV6 for authentic automotive jollies...

Chairman Kaga > Steve in Manhattan 09/09/2015 at 17:31

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In about 45 minutes, actually. Then a base TL tomorrow, just to compare.

Chairman Kaga > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 09/09/2015 at 17:32

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I’ve been looking at them, actually. The newer IS250 and 350 as well. Just having trouble finding any that are comfortably within my budget and that don’t have 200,000+ miles.

Steve in Manhattan > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 17:33

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Let us know how it goes.

Klaus Schmoll > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 17:44

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It’s a newer version of my car, and judging by how you describe what you are going to use it for, this might be just what the doctor ordered.

The Euro-Accords aren’t THAT much to write home about, yet behind all the comfy-ness, they can deal with the occasional fast turn surprisingly well. Mine has strut tower braces from the factory. I assume that the newer gen has them too. The extra body stiffness really does help to put the FWD power to any actual use.

I’m just not too sure on the A/Ts. They might pretty much kill the little fun you can get out of these things.

Chairman Kaga > Klaus Schmoll 09/09/2015 at 17:55

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Unfortunately I don’t have an option regarding the autobox. My wife laid down the law that whatever I dtrive, she has to be able to manage it in a pinch. She never learned to drive a manual and every time I’ve tried to teach her has ended in tears and life flashing before my eyes. But that’s why I keep my Alfa around...

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 18:00

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Do it. My dad has a 2012 TL (blah blah ugly blah blah, it’s not that bad). Not the same, but similar in purpose and function.

It's an absolutely perfect DD. Fine in traffic, extremely smooth on the highway, and surprisingly quick for its size. I bet you could do some hooning if you really wanted to.

Sn210 > Chairman Kaga 09/09/2015 at 20:43

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I’ve got an ‘08 with the 6MT, anything you’d like to know specifically? I’ve had it for about a year and a half. I’ve enjoyed it for the most part, but it’s certainly not the most amazing car I’ll ever own. So far I’ve had to replace a pulley, tensioner, and belt for $600, oil pan for $300, and the rear brakes for around $200 (did them myself).

I think I’d enjoy it more with a proper set of tires on it. The dealer put two low rolling resistance tires on it when I bought it, and I went the cheap route and just bought two more. They’re pretty lame.

For the pros, it’s got some stealth factor and it looks awesome, I get compliments pretty often. The stereo is great, and I the auto-tilt side mirrors and the key fob rolls down the window come handy all the time.

TL;DR yes get it, it’s Kinetic Blue

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Chairman Kaga 09/10/2015 at 02:11

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It’s the second best Honda product ever of any kind. Do it.

Chairman Kaga > Sn210 09/10/2015 at 10:04

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Unfortunately, this TL-S was far more beat than I was led to believe. It’s a pass.

Sn210 > Chairman Kaga 09/10/2015 at 10:22

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Damn, good luck with your search

Shift24 > Chairman Kaga 09/10/2015 at 19:33

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In that case then yes you want it. Because if she aint happy, no ones happy.