How long do 2006 Acura TL last?

With proper maintenance, a 2006 Acura TL can reliably surpass 200,000 miles; many examples reach 200,000–250,000 miles, and some exceed 250,000 miles.

Understanding the question of longevity

The 2006 TL sits in Acura’s reliable mid‑2000s lineup, built on Honda’s reputation for long-lasting engines. Longevity is measured in miles and years, but it depends on maintenance history, climate, and driving habits. Prospective owners should review service records, confirm that major items such as the timing belt were addressed on schedule, and inspect the underbody for rust.

What tends to wear out as the TL ages

Owners report that the most impactful factors on long‑term reliability are regular service, timing‑belt maintenance, transmission health, and the condition of the suspension and electrical systems. Below are the core areas to monitor and maintain to maximize life.

• Engine and cooling system: Regular oil changes, coolant flushes, and timely timing‑belt replacement reduce the risk of overheating or severe engine damage.


• Transmission: The 5‑speed automatic can last a long time with periodic transmission fluid changes and addressing any shifting concerns early.


• Brakes, steering, and suspension: Worn components can impact safety and ride quality but are usually replaceable with proper upkeep.


• Electrical and sensors: Aging battery, alternator, oxygen sensors, and other modules can require attention but are typically predictable replacements with mileage.


• Rust and corrosion: In climates with road salt or high humidity, protective measures help extend underbody life.

Keeping up with these maintenance items is essential to maximize the TL’s operational lifespan.

Maintenance milestones to maximize life

Key milestones to watch for in a 2006 TL

To maximize longevity, it’s helpful to follow a planned maintenance schedule that targets the most critical wear points for a 2006 TL.

• Oil and filter: every 5,000–7,500 miles (or per owner’s manual) with high-quality oil to protect the V6’s bearings and longevity.


• Timing belt replacement: typically around 90,000–105,000 miles, along with the water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt, and related seals, to prevent catastrophic engine damage.


• Coolant and cooling system: coolant replacement and radiator/hoses inspection to prevent overheating and corrosion.


• Transmission service: automatic transmission fluid and filter changes at recommended intervals to preserve shifting performance and prevent slipping or harsh shifts.


• Brakes and tires: regular inspection and timely replacement to keep braking performance and handling stable.


• Battery and electricals: battery health checks and replacement as needed, plus periodic alternator checks to avoid unexpected failures.

With disciplined maintenance, a 2006 Acura TL can stay on the road for many miles beyond the 200k milestone.

Summary

The 2006 Acura TL is built on a durable Honda foundation and can last for many years with careful care. The key to maximizing its lifespan is a proactive maintenance habit—timely timing-belt service, regular oil changes, cooling system care, and transmission upkeep—along with mindful driving and climate considerations. Real‑world results vary, but well‑maintained examples commonly reach the 200,000‑mile mark or more, with some surpassing 250,000 miles.

How much is a 2006 Acura TL worth today?

The value of a 2006 Acura TL varies significantly, but generally ranges from approximately $1,000 to $8,000, depending on condition, mileage, and where you sell it. Private sale values can be higher, around $7,000, while trade-in values are lower, often under $4,000. The exact value depends on specific factors like mileage, features, and overall condition.
 
Factors that influence value

• Condition: A well-maintained vehicle with no significant issues will be worth more. 
• Mileage: Lower mileage cars command higher prices. 
• Location: Values can differ based on your geographic location. 
• Sale type: The price you get will be different depending on whether you are selling to a private party, trading it in, or selling through a dealer. 

Value examples

• Resale value (private party): Around $7,000 
• Resale value (KBB): Approximately $3,890 
• Trade-in value: Around $1,578 to $4,206 
• Listing prices (dealer): Prices can range from $3,699 to $8,995, depending on the specific vehicle's features and condition. 

To get the most accurate estimate, you should use online appraisal tools from sites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, TrueCar, or CarMax, which will provide a value based on your specific car's details.

Is Acura reliable after 100K miles?

Yes, Acuras are generally very reliable after 100k miles, especially with consistent maintenance, as they are built with quality engineering from their Honda roots. Key to this reliability is following the recommended maintenance schedule, which includes performing major services like transmission fluid changes and, for models with a timing belt, replacing it around the 100k mark. 
Key factors for long-term reliability

• Follow the maintenance schedule: Regular oil changes, fluid replacements, and other services are crucial for longevity. 
• Pay attention to major service intervals: At around 100,000 miles, certain components, like the timing belt in older models, need to be replaced. 
• Transmission fluid is critical: Changing the transmission fluid at recommended intervals is one of the most important aspects of keeping the car running smoothly long-term. 
• Consider the engine: While many Acura engines are very reliable, some J-series engines have a history of oil consumption issues, especially older ones. 
• Potential for issues: As with any car, some issues can arise after 100k miles, such as air conditioning system problems or oil consumption, so it's wise to factor in potential repair costs. 

What drivers say

• Many owners report driving their Acuras for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues if proper maintenance was performed.
• Owners of older models like the TL and MDX often report that the engines remained in good condition even after the transmission began to show wear. 

How long does an Acura TL motor last?

Again, here's what the experts had to say: MotorAsk.com – “Acuras can last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.

What year to avoid Acura TL?

You should avoid Acura TL years 1999–2006, particularly 2003, due to significant transmission issues. Other years to be cautious of include 2007–2008 for a more robust transmission, but still some potential problems with the Bluetooth system and mounts, and 2009–2014 for torque converter issues. The 2010 model year also experienced excessive oil consumption. 
Years with significant transmission problems 

• 1999–2006: These models, especially the 2003 and early 3rd generation (2004–2006), are known for major automatic transmission failures, slipping, and hard shifting. 
• 2004–2006: While better than earlier models, these are still prone to transmission failure and should be approached with caution. 

Years with other notable issues

• 2007–2008: These years have a more reliable transmission, but owners have reported issues with the hands-free Bluetooth draining the battery and failing. 
• 2009–2014: Some models have reported torque converter problems, which can be expensive to fix. 
• 2006: This year had several recalls and issues, including a faulty display screen, power steering leaks, and frozen rear brake calipers. 
• 2010: This model year is known for excessive oil consumption, with engines showing no leaks. 

Years to consider for better reliability 

• 2007–2008: Generally considered the most reliable, especially compared to the years immediately before them. 
• 2013–2014: Some owners report these years as very reliable. 

Other factors to consider

• Manual Transmission: If buying an automatic, aim for the 2007–2008 models. A manual transmission from any year is often a more reliable option.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Proper maintenance is crucial for any used car, especially for models with known issues. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle and review its maintenance history before purchasing.