AHH just purcharsed a 02 TL with 120k =O

[stuvinzy]

hey guys. i'm new to cars and this is the first car i ever owned. i really got taken by the seller's words that cars are built to last us 200k miles the least. i just got this 02 tl with 120k. condition is damn fine. just the brakes is horrible. the shifting was fine though i never got a chance to test above 50miles an hour so basically i probably was on 3 or 4 th speed. i have heard tl are notorious for bad tranmission. what should i be worried about right now with 120k. what should i start replacing. i don't even think the timing belt or water pump been done... help me to keep this car in a good condition. should i buy a new intake or anything to improve the car? anyone wanna shoot at the poor noob?

[spyder5786]

If the timing belt and water pump haven't been done yet, you need to do that ASAP.

The main thing to worry about is, like you said, the transmission. They tend to drop like flies. If you notice the transmission slipping at all...time to bring it in.

[sam o nela]

I believe you also might be able to check with a local Acura dealership to see if the car has already had a transmission replacement by giving them the VIN...

[Acura2g]

Just goto Acura.com and create a owner account.

It will tell you the recalls performed and the dates. Alot easier than calling the dealer and buging them.

[stuvinzy]

hey thanks guys. how much does timing belt and water pump usually would cost me?? and if there is a recall on the transmission but i'm above 100k miles , am i still able to get a recall tranny?

[Alptraum]

Originally Posted by stuvinzy

hey thanks guys. how much does timing belt and water pump usually would cost me?? and if there is a recall on the transmission but i'm above 100k miles , am i still able to get a recall tranny?

Its been awhile since I've had that sort of work done on any of my cars but expect to be in the $1,000 range. Maybe abit less. If the previous owner was not doing the scheduled maintenance you should definitely either have a skilled independent mechanic you trust or an Acura dealer look at it. Odds are good you will be needing various hoses and possibly fluids as well.

As far as the transmission goes you are probably out of luck. Though a dealer may goodwill you some or all of the cost. That far over the warranty with other scheduled maintenance not being preformed (timing belt and such) they will probably be pretty unlikely to do it at no cost. Though you may be able to get them to charge you just labor. Full price at an Acura dealer of labor and parts and you are probably looking at $4,500 or so. If labor only more like $1,200. Though for the reasons mentioned I think you can expect to pay more then $1,200.

Good luck.

Edit = Also, the transmission was never actually recalled. They just extended the warranty.