2002 Acura TL Type S review from North America
"Great great car with a troublesome transmission"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I have an Acura Type S 2002, and still love this car despite the transmission issue.
The transmission is starting to slip at circa 144,000 miles. The transmission was replaced by an Acura dealership in 2004 at the 38,000 mile mark. I have always maintained this car meticulously (only the second owner).
I recently called the dealership in July 08 to find out the cost to replace the automatic transmission with a re-manufactured unit. The cost would be circa $3,500 with a 36,000 mile / three year warranty included (I would recommend getting the warranty if you decide to keep this car on the road).
Other than the numerous transmissions issues that has followed this year make and model (2002 - 2003 Acura TL Type S), it is a wonderful automobile for the money. The color is blue and I always get the "is that the original color" question from other drivers.
My motivation by posting this comment on-line is to inform other Acura TL owners of what the replacement COST will be for the transmission. What will I do with a 144K car with a slipping transmission (slipping in second and third gear)? Probably replace the trans (plan to keep this car and buy another used 2005 Acura TL in the next year). Hope this helps...
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![]() ![]() | The transmission was the only reason I sold mine! |
![]() ![]() | Excellent car. Buy only if you don't want to pay $37,000 for an ES300 or 330i, etc, etc |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.2 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 60000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 144000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Accord |
| Date of Entry | 20th July, 2008 |

