Just Bought My First 04 Acura TL and Have a Few General ?'s

[TheGrayt1]

Hello,

I just bought my first Acura and fell in love on the first test drive. The car has right at 100k on it and it has always been a Texas car and well serviced. I could not find anything wrong with it except a few minor rock chips which is normal. My questions are as follows

1. How is the overall longevity and reliability of these cars?
2 At what mileage should I change the timing belt and water pump? The dealer said 105k but can I make it to like 110k?
3 I know that the previous model TL's had major auto trans problems. The dealer told me they fixed all of that in the 04+ is that correct? Mine was a very late build in 03 I think December 2003. The trans shifts great, but should I be concerned?
4. What type of oil and filter do you all reccommend?
5 Any other problem spots on these cars or services I should be aware of?
What grade gas should I put in it? The previous owned ran mid grade, is that ok?

I will post some pics here shortly when I get her all cleaned up. Love the car thus far though!

[TheGrayt1]

Anyone?

Just had my first true highway drive into work and what a pleasure it was. Very quiet, wonderful power and smooth shifting.

[C25A1guy]

I've seen the factory TB get pushed beyond the 150k mark. The belt itself looked ok, but it was fairly stretched and I wouldn't recommend it. I would start planning on it now that you've hit 100k. Look to do the water belt and the spark plugs too.

[TheGrayt1]

Just added some pics.

Any help on the other questions would be great!

[C25A1guy]

She looks good! Oh, the wish to move out of the PRK and to the land of the free (Texas).

Didn't get to address some of your other questions earlier since I was at the office.

Reliability is probably about as good as any other Honda. Keep up on the maintenance and she'll be good. These engines aren't too picky with oil filters, but as far as best bang for the buck, I'd probably go with Denso from Rock Auto. To my knowledge, the OEM filter is still made by Honeywell/Fram, and well... it's a Fram.

On the '04, I think it was hit or miss on the trans, so I can't say.

As you can tell, I've already made my oil filter recommendations. As far as oil, it's really personal preference and what matches your driving style and engine load. I think stock may call for a 5w20 or 5w30. I've always ran higher end/racing synthetic oils, and never a problem.

As far as other items, the cabin filter typically gets ignored. Normal replacements are cheap. In my Ridgeline, I use a washable/reusable cabin filter from Blitz (I'm a dealer, so if this peaks your interest, shoot me a PM). I can say it's been pretty good as doing its job as well as keeping the cigarette smoke smell at bay.

Common issues with Hondas at this mileage: upstream O2 sensors start going bad (get a aftermarket replacement from Denso or NTK), shocks wear out, possible moderate wear on suspension bushings, engine mounts start wearing... that's about it that comes to mind, window or door lock actuators die (really common, and they actually can happen any time, the parts from the dealer parts desk is cheap enough as is to not warrant going aftermarket). About it for the big common stuff.

Again, with these cars, if you take care of it, it'll be able to hit 300+k miles without much fuss. I took my 87 Legend up to 425K before I got rid of it (factory engine was still strong, I got tired of changing transmissions and coolant hoses all the damn time).

[TheGrayt1]

Originally Posted by C25A1guy

She looks good! Oh, the wish to move out of the PRK and to the land of the free (Texas).

Didn't get to address some of your other questions earlier since I was at the office.

Reliability is probably about as good as any other Honda. Keep up on the maintenance and she'll be good. These engines aren't too picky with oil filters, but as far as best bang for the buck, I'd probably go with Denso from Rock Auto. To my knowledge, the OEM filter is still made by Honeywell/Fram, and well... it's a Fram.

On the '04, I think it was hit or miss on the trans, so I can't say.

As you can tell, I've already made my oil filter recommendations. As far as oil, it's really personal preference and what matches your driving style and engine load. I think stock may call for a 5w20 or 5w30. I've always ran higher end/racing synthetic oils, and never a problem.

As far as other items, the cabin filter typically gets ignored. Normal replacements are cheap. In my Ridgeline, I use a washable/reusable cabin filter from Blitz (I'm a dealer, so if this peaks your interest, shoot me a PM). I can say it's been pretty good as doing its job as well as keeping the cigarette smoke smell at bay.

Common issues with Hondas at this mileage: upstream O2 sensors start going bad (get a aftermarket replacement from Denso or NTK), shocks wear out, possible moderate wear on suspension bushings, engine mounts start wearing... that's about it that comes to mind, window or door lock actuators die (really common, and they actually can happen any time, the parts from the dealer parts desk is cheap enough as is to not warrant going aftermarket). About it for the big common stuff.

Again, with these cars, if you take care of it, it'll be able to hit 300+k miles without much fuss. I took my 87 Legend up to 425K before I got rid of it (factory engine was still strong, I got tired of changing transmissions and coolant hoses all the damn time).

Thank you so much for the reply, I am really interested to see f anyone could shed more light on any transmission issues in the 04 models. Like I said my car was built in very late December 2003 so does this make it a mid year model 04 model? My car shifts and drives great. I am just wondering if I should have any cause for concern as I am really not in a position to replace a tranny. Also how often should the trans fluid be changed?

[C25A1guy]

Originally Posted by TheGrayt1

Thank you so much for the reply, I am really interested to see f anyone could shed more light on any transmission issues in the 04 models. Like I said my car was built in very late December 2003 so does this make it a mid year model 04 model? My car shifts and drives great. I am just wondering if I should have any cause for concern as I am really not in a position to replace a tranny. Also how often should the trans fluid be changed?

As far as fluid changes go, most service writers say every 30. I personally will say every 15-30k depending on condition on fluid.

[TheGrayt1]

Originally Posted by C25A1guy

As far as fluid changes go, most service writers say every 30. I personally will say every 15-30k depending on condition on fluid.

I am not sure the last time the fluid was changed but it still has a pinkish tint to it and it is not black and level is good. Should I just go ahead and change it? If so how much does it cost?

Any more insight on any possible auto trans problems in these year models would be great.

[C25A1guy]

Call Tim at oemacuraparts.com. He'll get you set up on some good Honda ATF DW-1 He may also have further insight on these 03 mfg date TL's.

[TheGrayt1]

Originally Posted by C25A1guy

Call Tim at oemacuraparts.com. He'll get you set up on some good Honda ATF DW-1 He may also have further insight on these 03 mfg date TL's.

Greatness! I will try and look up their number after work today and give him a buzz.

Any other insight would be greatly appreciated. I know that on msnautos under the reliability reports they said there was an occasional issue with the motor mounts wearing out. Is that a big problem in the 04+ TL's?

[josephah2000]

We've had our 04 TL since 08. I've always used RP oil and recently changed tranny fluid with RP. It now has 125k and I'm now going to change the timing belt. We really haven't had any issues with the car. It's a great car and a great mix between a performance/family car!