2005 Acura TL consumer reviews

Bought this car brand new in 2005. Followed regularly recommended maintenance, and I have had zero issues. Style, drive handling, comfort, safety, and most importantly, reliability. Simply, an excellent vehicle.

This was my first car that I bought used in 2022 at 120K miles I have since added another 10K within a year. Be mindful that while this car is "higer-performing" it also comes with higher maintenance costs. Don't be fooled by "its a Honda, it lasts forever needing nothing", but also don't be alarmed as it can be your bargaining chip when buying. Upon purchase of the vehicle I checked for several things that are known to go out for this model given the mileage/age. They are the following: Disconnecting bluetooth receiver ----Known to go bad and drain the battery overnight. Lower Arm Control Bushings ----If torn/rotting, car sways excessively when turning, accelerating or braking hard. Timing belt + tensioner ----Failure to do so at specified time/mileage interval risks destroying the engine. Water pump ----Done during timing belt work, replace if leaking as its cheaper in the long run. Oil pump seal ----Very common on higher mileage TLs, dirt cheap part but high labour cost to fix. Rear sway bar links ----Rear end skids out during quick tight turns. All 3 engine mounts ----The V6 puts more strain/wear on them leading to vibration felt in steering wheel during idle while stopped. Lower ball joints. *Super critical* ----Failure causes the wheel to pop out and risks totalling the vehicle when moving at speed. In 2023+ if you're going for a 3G TL expect to do almost all of this if the previous owner has not done them recently. The auto transmissions should also have a 3x3 drain/fill if not previously done along with new 3 & 4 pressure switches and the filter.(Acurazine has many posts on why this is needed). Simply put failure to do so risks burning out and totalling the transmission. The autos are sufficiently reliable *if* fully maintained. The labour cost alone for all the work above can be more than half the vehicles value. Doing the work yourself cuts down the cost by like 70% + you gain the confidence, knowledge and experience of working on your own car. On top of all of this it *needs* 91 Premium gas (Costco is your friend). Not only will your mpg be lower but if the previous owners did not follow this guideline, you are inheriting premature engine failure. The knock sensor cannot prevent pre-ignition. Pre-ignition will wear out the crankshaft bearings on top of carboning the oil control rings leading to oil consumption. This dramatically decreases the life of the engine. Cosmetically at this age/mileage you'll be lucky to get seats that are not torn, mirrors that are not burnt and a dash that isn't cracked. (I was that lucky person). These are well known worn-out items for high-mileage TLs. The legroom to this year (2023), is still one of the greatest in its class while the bolstered leather seats are snug, comfy and smooth to slide into (If properly conditioned). Acura puts on a heavier paint coat on its vehicles compared to Honda. If the paint is peeling/faded its a sign the vehicle spent its entire life outdoors (expect external rubber parts to be worn out too). With just some polish and wax mine looked like it just left the factory. All being said, the 3G TL offers a very smooth power curve and the double wishbone (while stiff over rough roads) is most noticeable on tight curves and quick lane changes. When you punch it, V-Tec combined with the Intake resonators make the engine audibly come alive, it always puts a smile to my face. The UA6 TL is effortless on the highway, where it truly belongs. It's an excellent highway commuter/cruiser, routinely yielding over 32mpg. However if you tend to be stuck in stop & go/ city traffic expect under 20mpg. I intend on keeping her another 100K miles. Beware the initial purchase once-and-done maintenance costs and the high-octane gas. Push through that and you'll be rewarded with a great reliable vehicle that truly doesn't need anything more.

Awesome car. Right now this is one of the best values you will find on the used market. Recommend the manual and change the transmission fluid to GM synchromesh asap

Acuras have always have been one of my top cars I Oregon to own. Reliable and dependable. Base models are even well equipped so even at that baee model, they have a lot. Luxury and speed in one car. Run much smoother than a honda as I owned several of both. They are known for running exceedingly long. Acura customer service is great as well. Expensive but the excellence of the car is worth the cost. Also, a well known car so every repair shop has the tools to work on them. I've been lucky where everyone of my cars has not needed any major repairs outside of maintenance and what's expected. Even this, I haven't seen much until after 200,000 miles. There is very little I don't like about Acura, even the older ones.

Great car for the age. Mine has well over 150,000 miles and still runs great. Reliable, cute interior, easy to clean and maintain. Highly recommend this car and other Acura sedans to anyone.

My Acura is great so far. Interior is convenient, looks and feels good and it has lots of fun additions. the car runs well after 100,000 miles! Great handling and it still gets up. Simply put its fun to drive and I’m very happy with my purchase.

old car but with a nice detail looks just as good as any new vehicle out there. Interior and features still more premium than some modern cars. Only problem, as with any old car, many common problems that were never addressed by acura such as the transmission, the dashboard, the leather seats. Owners must stay on top of maintenance, and the car could last forever.

I bought mine at 195k miles. It had lowered suspension and had been mistreated. Common problems with this car.. Cracked dashboard . Bluetooth Hands free drains the battery . Wiper motor went out. No low end torque but runs very well on the highway. I daily drive and have 228k miles now. Looks like it will hit 300k.

I have had two Acura TLs. No complaints whatsoever. Still driving the 2005 and only has need routine maintenance. I get a lot of compliments on it and will find it hard to replace!

This car is in excellent condition. It is reliable and meet all my needs. Very comfortable and drives very well. Only selling it because I no longer need this car. I love this car.