What do I need to look for/watch out for on each? What are the differences in the model years?
Also, did they (one or both) get softer over the years? We test drove an 07 TL and a 2010 TSX. The TL, which I expected to be cushier than the TSX, rode hard. Real hard. The TSX was frankly, great--it rode nice, not couch-like but it absorbed the bumps nicely. It was much smoother than my little brothers 04. (Handling is very much secondary in our application.)
My buddy has a first gen TL with tla 6spd manual. That was one of the best clutches I've ever felt.
My wife has a 2010 TSX. It has been a great car. The only thing I would say is a weak point is the AC system. At 20K miles the compressor clutch locked in the engaged position (covered under warranty) and just recently a stone punctured her condenser. Apparently there is little to no protection of the condenser and a quick google search will reveal numerous cases of such.
Otherwise, the thing has been bulletproof.
We have a 2004 TSX so I can't help you on the second gen. But in 11+ years of ownership, 3 things have broken on the car:
1) The driver's side HID headlight went out in the first couple months and was immediately fixed under warranty.
2) The passenger side door lock actuator failed about 5 years ago and I replaced it. Driver's side is showing signs of slowing now.
3) A solder joint in the seat heater circuit gave up from fatigue and I had to resolder it.
Literally that is all that has broken on the car, and it gets driven 6 days a week. I love the car and it is an ideal commuter and even road tripper.
I bought a 2002 TL-S new and sold it to my brother in Ma and he still has it. In over a 100k miles the only prob is the driver's side heated seat does not work. I also bought a used 2000 TL which I sold to my nephew in Ma and he still drives it. No problems at all. I have a 2014 TSX Sportwagon with about 25k miles. No problems at all plus it is fun to drive and my wife loves the car. I have no idea what trouble areas to look for.
I have an 05 TL that my father bought new. It is a 6-speed and has >190k on it. It still drives perfect with original clutch and all. I believe the it has had a couple of airbag lights come on and a blower motor regulator. timing belt is a 105k item. happy to answer anything if you have questions. I have only had it for less than a year.
Sometimes the early TLs will have catastrophic dash failure. A lot of the 100k+ ones seem to have airbag lights on too.
For those of you that have either of them, would you describe the ride quality as harsh? Honestly, I think the TL was worse than my Miata on Flyin Miata coilovers and Koni's (admittedly, the Koni's were on the softest setting).
I have an 07 TL and I wouldn't describe the ride as harsh (especially not when compared to other sporty cars with lowering springs). I will say that I just put on a set of G37 wheels/tires with a slightly taller sidewall and I did notice it softened things up a bit, perhaps it was the tires on the one you drove?
As for issues, not too many. There is an o-ring problem with the PS pump (whines) but it is a .50 cent and 5 minute fix. 105k can get expensive as it is tb/wp, spark plugs, etc. so be prepared if it is approaching that interval.
my 05 TL is not harsh at all(firm but not harsh). did it have stock suspension?
cdowd wrote: my 05 TL is not harsh at all(firm but not harsh). did it have stock suspension?
I honestly do not know. We didn't plan on driving it until we happened to drive through a Toyota dealer, and found it sitting in the back.
2007 TL Type-S here, I don't think the ride is harsh. At 115k I replaced the front struts with complete assembly OEM ones. The right strut mount was making noise.
Last summer we took it on a 2 week vacation out west, got 26-29mpg driving 80+. Gotta love Wyoming and Montana. It's a great highway car.
In reply to mtn:
I would try driving another one.
The TL is big. I saw one at an autocross where there also was a Pontiac Grand Prix and it seemed every bit as large, although the numbers prove that it's a bit shorter in total length and wheelbase:
2008 Acura TL: 108" wheelbase 189" total length 72.2" width
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix: 110.5" wheelbase 198" total length 71.6" width
The TL is about the size of an American Accord sedan. The TSX is based on the European Accord, which is somewhere between the Civic and the US Accord.
2004-06 TL-S 6spd all had LSD and Brembos. Was there another question?
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