How many miles is considered "high" for an Acura TL
Asked by Erica Jan 23, 2017 at 12:05 AM about the 2003 Acura TL
Question type: Shopping & Pricing
I'm looking at a 2003 Acura TL that has 160,000 miles on it. It's had one
owner, no accidents and regular maintenance. I need a car that will last a long
time, through my college years, without breaking the bank to keep it running
good. Is this the right car for me?
41 Answers
Karmon answered 2 years ago
it depends,this car has traveled 11,5K/year, about average there is more to a car than the motor and the transmission have it checked out by a trusted knowledgeable mechanic. go through the maint records, then there is the price....
VTSummit answered 2 years ago
160K can be used up or just fine- it all depends on if it was maintained. Does it need all new bearings, timing belt, hoses, brakes or did they do everything it needed along the way? Personally, I don't trust cars at that high of miles unless I know the car very well- like if I owned it long before then. Walking sucks.
G A answered 2 years ago
Unfortunately you have picked one of the higher cost to maintain Asian vehicles, both Asian and European makes and models have higher maintance costs than American vehicles, with the European imports the highest, if you set on an Asian vehicle stick with a Toyota or Honda, both of those have a slightly lower cost of ownership.
Bob answered 2 years ago
160,000 miles is high overall miles. If it hasn't been replaced or rebuilt the transmission would be a big concern for me. The Acura TL is a great car, but I would avoid any that have over 75,000 miles on them.
Erica answered 2 years ago
Thanks for all the advise everyone. I'm going to steer clear of this car!
Josh answered about a year ago
I have an acura tl with 160k....never had any major problems...mostly just tires, wipers, and oil changes, and it still runs like the day I bought it. I'm a true believer in the Acura name.
Tigersfa8 answered about a year ago
Acura does not have a higher maintenance cost than Honda or Toyota vehicles. Acura is the luxury brand of Honda, and most engine parts and fluids are the same as in a Honda. Shops and the dealer may charge a premium because people do not realize this, or simply do not know. My personal opinion, 160,000 miles is on a higher end. Seeing as most people do not know how to properly 'break in' a car, would be a risk. If the vehicle is mainly freeway vs local driving, chances are the engine is in better condition. Chris fix on youtube provides good information on how to buy a used car. If you are willing to do the research on what the maintenance intervals are for a vehicle, I would find out if the particular vehicle you are looking at went through those maintenance. Like anything, you can't be sure of anything unless you do the thorough research.
Collin answered about a year ago
My 2002 Acura TL just hit 270k and still is running very well
GuruWB63F answered about a year ago
my 2006 TL just past 290,000miles , the biggest issue for repair was the bluetooth drain on the system, now disconnect, trying to get just a few more miles out of her.
Nastassija answered about a year ago
I'm currently driving a 2002 3.2 TL Type S Acura and she's at 287,518 miles. We just fixed the problem with a cylinder misfire in the engine but that's been the first major problem the car has had. There were two previous owners and runs really well. I would highly recommend this car as Acuras last longer mileage wise, compared to other makes.
Kaeflow answered about a year ago
To respond to tennisshoes comment, Acura is the luxury brand of Honda as is Lexus of Toyota. The cost to maintain an Acura is less than a Dodge. The parts are interchangeable because of their counterparts. If you want a luxury vehicle stick with these two. Check out this website as well. https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/the-most-and-least- expensive-cars-to-maintain-by-maddy-martin
ResonableCar84 answered about a year ago
I’m interested in purchasing a 2011 Acura TL with 90,000 miles.... Based on the previous responses it seems like it’s a god investment based on the fact that it’s a foreign car.... how can I do a full extensive research? Thanks,
Karmon answered about a year ago
check for recalls and TSBs, google and see what kind of problems others are having,90K for 2011 is average miles
Chiyoko266 answered about a year ago
I have a 2011 TL and she turned over 200k. Regular oil change and maintenance checks have kept her running like day 1. I love this car and want to keep her around for another 100k!
Kay answered about a year ago
i have owned a 2004 TL since 2006. iv'e accumulated 215,000 miles on it. only major things done is the timing belt and water pump every 100,000. still running strong. suspension has become stiff . that's my only complaint.
Minnyme6 answered about a year ago
I own a 2004 Acura TL 207,212 miles. I replaced transmission@ 187,200....Performs great! Still gets out on a dime...I love my car. A but after 14 years, I just want a new MDX. Trade in won't bring me much, I will sell private if I can. Good Luck yo uou
GuruBZQV8 answered about a year ago
12/9/18 - I'm interested in buying your 2004 Acura TL w/207K miles and rebuilt trans. Please call Robert at 805.443.1232 or email rweiss103@gmail.com
GuruBVR17 answered 11 months ago
I like Acura. I bought 2003 TL-S in June 2015 with 170K miles logged, which is running excellent except for requiring regular maintenance. It has already logged 207K miles with no major problem. My Acura mechanics, however, suggested me to change timing belt, transmission oil and spark plugs to be on safe side and make sure that it remains dependable as ever, which I did. I like Acura. I am prepared to test its endurance for another 50K miles, which is just half of extra mile what the mechanics has assured me of it to go without any trouble.
robin answered 10 months ago
I have a 2004 TL with a 170,000 and still going strong. Replacing the head lights was a bigger expense and labor intense than expected. Now I am looking for a set of good tires to put on it. Any suggestions? Love my car and hope to keep it for another 100K.
Artem answered 9 months ago
Hey, Robin. How is your car doing? I'm looking to buy TL and I just found 2005 tl auto transmission with 170k miles on it and transmission was replaced "a month ago" as seller said. He wants $2000 for it. Should I even bother seeing it? I am concerned about its reliability in general and transmission with suspension particularly... I had 2005 Accord coupe V6 6speed and after 160-165k miles I started having serious problems with engine mounts, suspension (Especially with shocks) and CV axles.
GuruC1VPT answered 9 months ago
I have 2011 RDX 173k it runs pretty well. Hope it will last me another 100k. No major issues. Just Oil changes, filter changes, tires etc..minor stuff.
Doug answered 9 months ago
I am looking at a 2010 Acura TL. It has 221,000 miles on it. The timing belt was just changed and all the other things that go with the tune up? It runs great and is a 1 owner. Any advice?
GuruL8KK3 answered 7 months ago
My Acura 3.2 TL is 1999 and just went over 318,000 miles. Replaced transmission and radiator at 265,000 and 275,000 miles. Second timing belt at 280,000. It has lately developed a leak that I intend to track down. My mechanic assured me that with proper care the car should make it to 400,000 miles. Doubt I’ll keep it that long! But I’ve enjoyed driving it.
EASYASPIE answered 7 months ago
Hey Doug, I have a 2010 TL with 236,000 that still runs like it did when driven off the lot. It's primarily highway miles. The key is going to be how well it's been maintained. Best of luck.
GuruLJ9QB answered 7 months ago
I purchased a TL from a dealer that was 5 years old. It had 70,000 km. It is now 2019 with 260,000 and I still love my 2005 TL. Of all the cars that I have purchased in my life (most used and off lease) the TL has been the best! Zero maintenance issues aside from regular maintenance. No other issues. Will definitely buy another one when I put my baby to rest.
GuruLJQ83 answered 7 months ago
I have a 2009 Acura TL and it runs perfect! I purchased used at 45K miles. I have had it for almost 4 years and mileage is now at 140K. The only thing I have had to do is to purchase a new battery. I consistently get oil changes on routine schedule. A fine car!
cool_blue answered 4 months ago
I'm looking at my first TL tonight. 2006. PREMIUM fuel? really? ouch. necessary? has anyone cheated on this one? consequences.?
Cheek_Clapper answered 3 months ago
Kinda late to the party but my accura TL 05 is at 220k and the only problems I've had with it are brakes, tires and oil changes.
Isaacacura777 answered 3 months ago
Best Answer I have a 05 acura tl and i have 195,000 miles and i only use 87(gas doesn't matter) google it and synthetic oil and doing the brake fluid flush next week, it still runs strong still.
R answered 3 months ago
Old post, I know. I’ve got a 2007 Acura TL with 300K miles on it and it runs absolutely great and smooth. I expect at least another 100K out of it. It’s been well maintained, that is the golden key.
CarQs1 answered 3 months ago
I am looking to purchase a 2015 TLX with 39,000 miles. Not sure how well the prior owned cared for it (there are scratch marks on the exterior, not sure if not taking care of the outside correlates with not taking care of the inside). What should I look for to make sure it's in good shape? US World News ranked its reliability as a 2/5 (the lowest score they give). Also, I know of 3 recalls on the 2015 TLX - would I be better off with a different year? It's certified pre-owned from Acura, but still nervous. I want something reliable that will last many years to come. Thank you!
Guru1CNVL answered 3 months ago
my 05' TL (bought it new) needed a new trans at ~120K, new power steering pump and AC compressor at 160K, new struts at 180K and finally blew the head gasket at 200K 15 year later. Loved and cared for it, only used Amsoil. Nothing you can do to maintain faulty parts though. The fit and finish of my TL built in Ohio was sub-par from day 1. Going to see if i have a better luck with a Lexus.
Cheek_Clapper answered 3 months ago
@Guru1CNVL bro it sounds like you j got a poorly built accura. Mine is 230k + miles and I've never had any of those issues. Idk that much about buying from dealerships. But did they cover for the replacements seeing as they were faulty parts?
Guru1CNVL answered 3 months ago
Trans got 50% good will coverage by the the original dealer, since it was outside the warranty. The rest was too far up on the odometer to even consider. I fully expect mechanical parts to wear out on any car. My engine worked great and looked sparkling new on the inside due to Amsoil signature synthetic, but there was nothing i could have done to save the head gasket.
Guru1JQSG answered 2 months ago
I own a 2006 Acura TL with 107K miles. I’ve always taken it for maintenance as scheduled/ recommended to the dealer I bought it from and as a result, I will probably be able to drive it for another 100K. Fantastic car, best one I have ever owned. (I should probably see if I can get the driver’s seat replaced though— it works fine but it’s the one thing on the car that looks like it is 13 years old.)
Sreedevi answered 2 months ago
I am about to put down $2300 on a 2005 MDX with 260k miles on it. I test drove it last night and it was a smooth ride as an Accura can be! Started at a turn of the key and all checked out except for rear passenger window. Looks like the regulator needs to be replaced. It was a trade in and was apparently driven mostly between VA and FL. Don't have maintenance records. The theory is that at such high mileage all that needs to be replaced would have been replaced- especially given the way the car drove. Keeping my fingers crossed to be able to drive at least another 40k for the next 3 years.
Isaacacura777 answered 2 months ago
@sreedevi the car should have been 2300 total that is 2 much 2 much 2 put down for that mileage.
GuruN275M answered about a month ago
I'll drive it till it dies or something expensive goes wrong. I do regular maintenance on my 2007 TL in Connecticut weather. So far I only had one unexpected issue when my driver side axle broke. Which was very odd. Fingers crossed i can last another 100,000 without death of a transmission or something else. I do have some quirky issues where the mirrors go down by them selves when I start the car and click over and over until i hit the mirror button. And that stupid Gas Cap light. No deal breakers to me.
Your Answer:
Related Questions
-
How many miles is considered "high" for an Acura TL 41 Answers
I'm looking at a 2003 Acura TL that has 160,000 miles on it. It's had one owner, no accidents and regular maintenance. I need a car that will last a long time, through my college years, without brea...
2003 Acura TL
-
Shopping & Pricing
-
New set of tires for Acura 2004 TL automatic 3 Answers
I am looking for a New set of tires for Acura 2004 TL automatic. I think I have narrowed it down to: Cooper CS5 Ultra touring @$114. per tire or the Continental Extreme Contact DWS06 @$141.00. I ...
2004 Acura TL FWD with Performance Tires
-
Shopping & Pricing
-
07 Acura TL Type S 1 Answer
I found Acura TL Type-S FWD 2007, has 208,000 miles on it. Should I buy it or no? Just need some advices as it’s going to be my first car. I want long lasting car. I know I can buy other cars too b...
2007 Acura TL Type-S FWD
-
Shopping & Pricing
-
Acura 05 TL 160k miles or Infiniti G35Coupe 150k miles ???? NEED HELP 4 Answers
Hi everyone? I am looking to buy a car as i newly moved to Pensacola! I'm looking to spend 6 grand on it. Here, I have two options as shown in the question Acura TL 2005 with 160000 miles on it and ...
2005 Acura TL
-
Shopping & Pricing
-
Would it be a good decision to go for Acura 2005 TL with 160000 mi ? 2 Answers
As asked in my earlier question, I have decided to go for a Acura instead of Infiniti. I wanna know would it be a good decision to buy the Acura 2005 TL with 160000 miles for $6000 ? (Recently maint...
2005 Acura TL
-
Shopping & Pricing

Looking for a Used TL in your area?
CarGurus has 2,639 nationwide TL listings starting at $1,550.
Shortcuts
- Acura TL Questions
- All Questions
- Ask a Question
- Acura TL Reviews
- Acura TL For Sale
Search Acura TL Questions
Acura TL Experts
-
#1miraclemikeReputation1,370
-
#2darkoMReputation1,150
-
#3cherryscarReputation890
Find great deals from top-rated dealersTM
SearchRelated Models For Sale
Used Cars for Sale
Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.