Last time I watched this video, I dreamed of owning a TL Type S. Now I own one, and it's even more awesome than I thought it would be, the hype is real 👍
@Adil Awesome! Welcome to the Type S crew, and my TL-S is also a salvaged title from previous owner rear impact, but it looks and rides great, mechanically/electronically reliable, enjoy your new ride, 3rd gens are pure 🔥 Peace! 👍
I can relate. I've been looking for a manual TL especially after driving a KB1 RL. That J series VTEC hits a lot harder than you think. Now, I get to pick up where one of my homies left off with his but it's going to be a lot of work.
Fuck.. I get such a heavy feeling when I see someone with a missing limb. Can't imagine how hard life must be for them. Kudos to this guy for having such a great attitude and still trying his best to be a car enthusiast.
folks adapt quite well and they tend to appreciate a lot of things the rest of us take for granted and have a generally cheerier outlook on life. The best thing you can do is not pity them, thats the worst
It's not as hard as you think man, really it's not. And most people in his position don't really appreciate the sympathy, they just appreciate being treated equally.
You can't imagine how hard life must be for someone with a missing limb? People adapt, there are much worse things out there. That said, I don't know why people would bother with an Acura TL.
In H.S. this was like one of my dream cars. It may not be a super car or anythin' like that, but for a teen this was like my goto "nice car I can possibly afford one day". I'm still going to get one. I love that body-style of the '04-'07 TL. It was way ahead of its time.
Deffinitly. My TL has every option (factory lip kit, spoiler, everything you could get) I still get compliments on how nice it is. One of the best Honda put out for sure.
Mindful Music Wrote: "..I love that body-style of the '04-'07 TL.."...... Don't forget to include the 2008 also!!..the 2009 is where the line was crossed in which the ugly started to show.
I've been waiting for this one too!!! I have the exact same color combo with auto tranny. I had a Nighthawk Black Pearl 6-speed but traded it for an 07 RDX with the turbo 4 and SH-AWD. Loved that little SUV but I'm not much of a truck or suv guy so i got back into the TL Type-S and just for clarification @TheSmokingTire that car produces 286hp and 255tq at the crank stock. If this guy had gotten a proper Hondata Tune and P2R throttle body spacer he would probably have been pushing 280-290hp at the wheels.
spawn2k1 funny you bring up coming BACK to the TLS. Im in a white diamond pearl 07 and I cant see my self being in anything else from Acura right now. Have Koni yellows and Aspec springs sitting in a box in my basement right now screaming to be used.
Nice! I'm not sure if I'm keeping this one or going to look for another 6-speed. Either way I plan on a little suspension work, exhaust, throttle body spacer and probably a Hondata Tune.
I have a 2006 TL 5AT w 160k easy freeway miles. The car continues to be rock solid and fun to drive. My mods: AEM V2 intake, 3.7L throttle body from the ZDX, 3.7L magnesium intake that maintains the VVI configuration, a 1” manifold spacer (adds torque output), ATLP J pipe, high-flow mid CAT, Greddy stage 3 exhaust system w 1/4” dia. increase over factory, mandrel bent SS piping, resonator & mid-muffler deletes, and Greddy flow-through silencer cans. Also equipped w Denso iridium plugs, Koni suspension, Comptech rear sway bar, upgraded brake pads, cross-drilled & ventilated rotors, and upgraded engine mounts (mid-stiffness range between stock & track). Of the mods, the engine mounts and the sway bar were the best performance adder values. Strengths of the car: Launches very quick...engine mounts eliminate most of the engine lash associated with transverse mounted FWD motors...it’s equivalent to adding lots of extra hp during initial acceleration. Also, the sway bar improves an already superbly cornering car...probably the TL’s greatest strength (stock is .94 lateral g’s). That may seem high per Acura’s claim, but few sedans can hang w the TL when pushing hard through corners. Overall, my car is quick, but not a standout; probably ~ 0-60 on high 5s to 6 sec where it would be quicker we’re it not for the 5 speed tranny. However, the car launches on par with something in the mid 5 second range. Weaknesses: The 5 speed transmission only because it drops out of the power band in 4th gear until reaching ~ 105 mph when VTEC engages...it pulls harder again to top end. Also, the turning radius in parking lots is horrible. Were I to add anything else, it would be Bisimoto, hot street cams with KMS Honda Performance Engineering’s stiffer valve sorings, guides & retainers. Such would add about 20-25 hp per Bisimoto claims. Noteworthy is that the 6spd mt TL is a different breed of cat apart from the AT models. Aside from substantial gains with the extra gear, the Hondata module allows for tuning to optimize the mods. My mods bolted onto on a 6spd mt + cams would easily enable 5 sec. 0-60 times or better. This is a daily driver for me, a 65 yr old, CA to TX transplant.
This dude Oscar has a better attitude than nearly everybody in my town I swear. (Mostly high end upper class business people) and he has WAY less. This made my day. Also his car is fucking rad. That rear end looks really clean with the quad tips. Reminds me of a good ol fat GT500 booty. xD
Sigma Projects Not much difference where I live - circa 2001 Integra type R is between $10-$20K depending on actual age, mileage and condition - S2000 between 15-25k NZD again depending - so a decent overlap and no more than 5K at the very top end. Even if you were to pay say 2-3K NZD more for the S2000, its much more car for your money than the Integra - don't get me wrong Integras are great, they are just really overrated when you can get much better cars for similar $$$, at least here in NZ.
Acura is a luxury brand primarily. The only real "sports car" Honda has made was the s2000. For something that is practical and comfortable I'd still take a tl type s. I love the s2k. But I'm 6'7 350lbs so for me I wouldn't fit. I wouldn't be able to afford an NSX so for me the tl-s is the perfect balance. Sure Honda has some quick cars but at the end of the day you get more pussy with something that looks nice and is quality. That car being only the s2000. To each his own I guess. All depends on what you like.
I'm not particularly an import fanboy, but yes they're stupid reliable. I've heard of people completely neglecting all maintenance, and the car running like a champ regardless.
says the self involved, clueless, douche that should build his brain, and respect for another human. Have a nice day and keep taking test so your brain appears larger than your balls fucktard
This generation of the TL has stood the test of time very well. And some audio mods really bring out some great noise. A very impressive effort from Acura!
You just reviewed my car (with a couple minor differences), on my favorite road! Amazing! Mine's an '08, non-S, automatic, with 117,000 miles, bone-stock. I can confirm everything said in this video. My dad bought this car new, so I've seen it as it has aged... it was a fantastic car off the lot, and it's a fantastic car now. Whenever anyone asks what car I recommend under $20,000, I always say this and the Infiniti G37. As total packages, they are unparalleled. Thanks to this video, I need to do some research into two items: new transmission fluid, and paddle shifters on a non-Type-S car. I drive mine exclusively in manumatic mode, and I've tossed around the idea of fiddling with the wiring to make the shift directions correct (pull to upshift, push to downshift), but having paddles would be just sublime. And of course if it shifted a bit faster that would be nice too haha. Great review, many happy healthy miles Oscar!
I was about to say something negative about it being an automatic, but given the circumstances no hate at all. Very proud of this guy for modding the car to his liking, and it sounds/performs great. Love it.
Personally I'd say that, attitudes to transmission aside, 'Can you drive a stick?' is a perfectly reasonable question to ask a guy with one hand whether you're in Europe or America. :P
Matt, this was easily one of the best videos you've ever done. Way to treat the driver like just another enthusiast. And his car looks like it was a blast to drive in the canyons!
Watching this one take in FIU's library, probably one of my favorite acuras ever made. Slow gearbox but its actually surprisingly cool to see that the AT blips the throttle.
I think Matt may have been rev-matching on his own during the downshifts. It's not the most sophisticated transmission in the world and the shifts are so slow it's pretty easy to do it. (And it's only a 5 speed which is odd.) My Mom's TL-S doesn't blip the throttle.
Oscar is easily of the best, if not the best guest that's been on One Takes. Such a positive and great personality. Bad ass as hell he can drive stick with one arm too.
The 3G TL Type-S is still my favorite body style of the TL. I do like the improvements made to the 2012+ TL, but I still like the 2007-08 more on the outside anyway.
Oh hey Matt, just to let you know the 2007-08 TL Type-S was rated at 286 HP after the post 2006 revised power figures came out. It would have been in the 298-300 HP range if it were made prior to 2006. The 2004-2005 TL 3.2 was rated at 270 HP. The 2006-2008 TL 3.2 was rated at 258 HP under the revised power figures with no changes versus the 270 HP 3.2
not quite. it made 270 in base form until the SAE ratings changed, and it was rated at 258. same J32 motor, so really made 258 crank in all the years in base form. The type s with the J35 was rated at 286
DrugThe DougDealer the Aspec package just added lip spoilers in front and rear, different side skirts, trunk lip spoiler, sportier suspension, and different wheels and steering wheel. Power wise the A spec was no different
This is the video that made me buy my '08 TL-S, which has been the best car I've owned thus far. This video came out, and as soon as Matt said he would recommend it, I began searching AutoTrader. It was a Friday night, and I found a MINT condition '08 about 100km away from me - posted by a VW dealer earlier that day. I called them up in the morning, and drove down. Test drove the car, and bought it the next day. Best purchase I've ever made. } Thank you Matt and Oscar. This review really helped me decide.
you know what. more respect for this channel. you know why? they didn't over play the 'one handed driver'. he is awesome even handicapped. bravo much respect and keep them coming
Yall still can't tell the difference between hp at the crank vs hp at the wheel. CL-S made 260hp at the crank, probably around 200whp. TL-S makes 286hp at the crank and about 245whp. A lot of owners made good gains from just bolt ons - about 50whp extra with the dyno to prove it. The dude in the video is probably making around 270whp only due to being auto. If he was 6MT, he'd be close to breaking 300whp.
I'm a couple years late to the conversation but the SAE measurement for power changed around this gen TL and the claimed 270hp of the 3.2 was revised to 258. So the 286hp you get with the type s 3.5l was probably more like 270 crank, and 230whp with the auto. I'm sure having the stick got you back 20ish horses
in my opinion, what really makes this one takes really good are the owners! Someone who is able to have a nice conversation with Farah... When i see those one takes that the owners don't really speak, it looks really awkard... More owners like this one!
Great video! I'm in a 2015 Audi S3 for almost two years now but still fondly remember my last car; an '05 Acura TL with the 6-speed manual. It was running strong and almost looked like new at close to 120,000 miles. Sold private party for $9,700 to first guy who looked at it. Not fast compared to the S3, but the TL did sound about 1,000% better! :)
Really awesome video, Matt. As a TL owner and enthusiast myself, this was very interesting to watch, and it made me quite jealous of Oscar's TL, ha! Speaking of Oscar, what a chill dude!
I knew this guy took care of his TL once I saw the leather (assuming it wasn't reupholstered). By now, the cracks and rips would be shining through. I've kept my 2006 Acura RSX-S for 10 years with the original leather and still looks pretty much new. Beautiful car but would of been perfect with the rear BBK and a 6-speed manual, for me anyway, but beautiful nonetheless. Have to agree a 100% with Matt here. Acura has lost its way. Original they were sport oriented luxury cars with simplicity in design but still SPORTY. There engines were getting better and better. Then by the time 3rd TL came to the market Acura engines weren't the powerhouses anymore, they line up gained a lot of weight, hideous designs (got damn beak), and Acura became more like Buick. Sadly, with the Genesis brand from Hyundai, they've surpassed Acura. Hyundai offers RWD, turbocharged engines, and aren't scarred to introduce new technologies. Hell, if Honda just would of made a 600 horsepower 3.5 Liter twin turbo V6 NSX and ditched the hybrid system(to save weight) it would of been a worthy successor. Add to the fact that Hyundai dependability is on the rise it will eventually become the Honda of the 90's. It's hard to admit this coming from a die hard Honda fanboy.
I disagree. Honda still kept its way. The new s2000 is hinted at coming 2018ish. The new Civic type R is just insane for a FWD car. The new NSX is a mini 918, nothing wrong with that in my eyes... You have to adapt to compete, paddle shifters, AWD, torque vectoring, etc were all needed. Honda is trying to compete with the big boys now. They also have a NSX type R coming out soon which might be a barebones NSX so will see.
It seems like Honda is taking all the R&D money from Acura and keeping it for Honda. The new Accords are just as nice as the Acura version of it for way less money.
TheCobruhAlienat0r Acura is Honda. Only North and South America have Acura. Acura is the "Luxury" brand for America. Everywhere else in the world it's known as Honda. Example the Acura RSX is actually the Honda Integra in Japan and everywhere else other the North and South America.
That Car Guy Really? The 2.4 is still producing 189 and 201 horsepower depending on which variant you're looking at. My RSX-S from 10 years ago had the almighty K20 that produced more horsepower (the last of the great NA engines). Honda engines were legendary. By now, you would of thought the 2.4 Liter should of been producing at least 260 horsepower with the newer variable valve technology, higher compression ratios, and so forth. The Acura's, in general, have blown up in weight. Honda/Acura only recently introduced direct injection technology into their engines while the entire industry had already adopted the technology. There V6 engines are still only SOHC. Honda won't even introduce a V8 or a twin turbo V6 for their Acura division to compete against BMW or Mercedes. Cadalilic and Hyundai have surpassed Acura overall. Lets not even discuss a RWD platform for Acura. The only technology that is world leading is their new 8-speed double clutch that is only utilized for their anemic I-4 and can't be added to their V6 because it handle the power. Nothing currently is known for the S2000. The NSX isn't a world class car like the previous model. It doesn't hang with the big boys. The hydrid system has added so much weight. The Ferrari 458, Audi R8, and a slew of other cars beat it in performance. It's way too heavy. All the reviews are basically the same: it's not ground breaking. If the horsepower of the engine was kept to 600 horsepower plus a curb weight of under 3400lbs, the NSX would of been a super car killer. Yes, the Civic Type-R does seem promising but it's so long over due in the states. If Honda was attempting to compete with the big boys they should introduce a 4 cylinder producing at least 300 horsepower and a twin turbo V6 producing at least 400 horsepower. They shouldn't be going to ZF to make the horrible 9-speed automatic that is plaguing Acura. Other auto manufacturers are introducing amazing technologies that Honda in the past would of been making. A good example of this is Nissan's new variable compression engine that's truly revolutionary. Nothing Honda/Acura have is ground breaking. Hyundai has more intestinal fortitude than Honda now. Honda quality, however, I would say is still superior. This isn't just me saying this but the entire auto industry.
what time do you usually put videos up? lately is has been around 8am here in eastern Canada, just in time to catch before class! keep up the good work
Pretty cool these come with padel shift's it's a shame that a lot of lower budget sportier cars don't come with them i myself am paralyzed and it always bothers me when people give others flake for driving auto's when they are just so much safer and practical for those with disabilities.
***** No but judging people based on transmission preference alone (especially when people judge you for using a transmission you can't even use) has always came off childish even if the person isn't handicapped people in the car scene can be far too judge mental there almost like judges in child pageant's at this point it get's old and it's more of a spine issue.
Been driving my '08 5AT TL-S for over 2 years now, and yes, it does make an excellent daily driver. Been extremely reliable as well, as the only thing I've had to replace to keep the car running is a bad battery. There's a reason Consumer Reports put this car on their best of the best used cars list. The newer TL's and Accords can be faster, sure, but they don't touch this car in looks.
If Honda made something Awd or Rwd hot hatch I think it would be sweet. The only Rwds they have atm are the NA2/NA1 and the S2K While they have perfected FF drivetrains with their DC2s and Civic Rs, it'd be nice to have an Awd/Rwd contender too.
Glad that was improved over the years. Was always bummed to see my friend's CLs and TLs needing a new Transmission every 50k miles =( but those would have been 2003ish
The stock 18" A-spec rims for these are best, the type s look great, but only come in 17". And just a little too small imo. Have a-specs on my carbon bronze pearl 6mt 07 type s A-spec and they match the paint great as well.
I had an 08 TL-S Moroccan Red for 1.5 year amazing car I'm a die hard manual guy that owns a FG2 Si right now and frankly this was the best 4 Door Acura non Type R by far as a DD. Frankly the AT on this car for its time was pretty decent it had good downshift blimps. Now Honda give us a TLX-S with that 8 Speed DCT and 6 Speed MT you'll get legions of TSX and TL fans coming back to you.
I've always wanted to drive the TL Type S. I love how this generation TL looks, especially the Type S. I'm a huge Civic Si fan, this is the one car from Acura that had that sporty feel to me from those years. Don't see too many on the road. Dude in my area really wanted to race one of these. He drives a 6th Gen Nisaan Maxima, it's quick. Really want to see the two cars go head to head.
I love this model and the following generation 2009-14 AWD. I hope honda brings the TL back cuz the TLX looks like a downgrade from the original TL its a shame at least in my opinion that the EXL V6 accord and the touring accord looks more aggressive than the newer acuras out there
The Stk. Stainless Steel Exhaust ,W/ Quad Tips Stacked,Not Only Looks Damn Sexy From the Rear,But This Race Quad Set Up & W/ The Better Handling W/ The Lower Stance & Wider Rims,Makes This Car Perform,Sound & Look Like A Real 4 Dr.Sprts.,Car !!
I work for an Acura dealership and an 07 Type S came on trade with 60k mi, fully equipped 1 owner clean carfax all maintenance and I had the oppty to buy one for 8900 bucks and I didn't catch it in time I am so disappointed
