Is 2008 Acura TL expensive to maintain?
The short answer: not outrageously expensive for a mid-size luxury sedan of its age, but it isn’t a budget buy either. Routine upkeep tends to be reasonable, while aging components and specialty parts can push costs higher at times.
As the 2008 TL turns more than a decade old, ownership costs hinge on mileage, service history, and where you live. This article outlines typical maintenance expenses, common high-cost repairs to watch for, and practical tips to keep ownership affordable while preserving performance and reliability.
Cost expectations for routine maintenance
Below is a snapshot of recurring maintenance items and their typical ranges. Prices vary by region and shop, but these figures give a sense of annual and interval costs for a 2008 TL with average mileage.
- Oil and filter changes: every 5,000–7,500 miles; about $50–$100 at an independent shop; $70–$120 with synthetic oil; dealer prices can be higher.
- Tire replacement: set of four tires every 25,000–50,000 miles depending on wear; roughly $400–$900 for mid-range brands, up to $1,400+ for premium tires.
- Brake service: pads and rotors per axle typically $250–$500; pads alone $100–$150 per axle; rotor resurfacing or replacement as needed.
- Coolant flush and related cooling-system service: about $100–$150.
- Automatic transmission fluid change: about $150–$250.
- Spark plugs: $100–$250 for a complete set plus labor.
- Battery replacement: $100–$200.
- Serpentine belt and related drive-belt service: $100–$200.
- Air conditioning service or recharge: $150–$300.
- Wheel alignment: $75–$150.
Taken together, routine maintenance for a 2008 TL typically runs in the several hundreds of dollars per year, with larger costs every few years tied to tires, brakes, or major services. Keeping a regular schedule and using familiar shops can help keep these costs predictable.
High-cost repairs to anticipate as the car ages
Older luxury cars can surprise you with bigger-ticket repair needs. The items below are common pressure points for a 2008 Acura TL as mileage climbs, though actual frequency varies by ownership history and driving style.
- Timing belt kit with water pump and related seals: commonly performed around 90,000–110,000 miles; typical total cost $600–$1,000 at an independent shop, higher at a dealer.
- Suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings): replacement can run $400–$1,000 per corner depending on parts and labor.
- Transmission issues (fluid service and potential internal wear): $1,500–$3,500 for major repairs or replacement in worst cases.
- Power steering components (pump, rack, lines): $400–$1,200 depending on part and labor.
- AC compressor or heater-core issues: $500–$1,500 for more extensive repairs.
Big repairs become more plausible as mileage adds up. A proactive maintenance approach—addressing small problems before they become big ones—helps control total ownership costs compared with a car that hasn’t been kept up.
Guidance for buyers and current owners
Reliability and long-term ownership
The 2008 TL is widely regarded as a solid, reasonably reliable choice for a used mid-size luxury car, with strong drivetrain reliability and a generally comfortable ride. As with any aging vehicle, expect some wear items to require attention around and beyond the 100,000-mile mark, including suspension bushings, cooling-system components, and possibly timing-related items if they haven’t been refreshed.
Cost comparison with peers
Compared with non-luxury sedans, maintenance costs are higher, but the TL typically remains cheaper to service than many European luxury brands from the same era. Parts are generally readily available, and there’s a broad network of independent shops with experience working on the TL’s V6 powertrain, which helps keep labor costs reasonable.
Practical tips to keep ownership affordable
Following smart maintenance and shopping strategies can reduce total cost of ownership for a 2008 TL:
- Keep up with preventive maintenance on schedule and use a reputable local shop or a trusted dealer for major work.
- Obtain and maintain complete service records; a well-documented history can improve resale value and help catch issues early.
- Get multiple quotes for major work (e.g., timing-belt-related services, tires, brakes) to ensure competitive pricing.
- Consider independent mechanics with Acura/Honda specialization for potentially lower labor rates without sacrificing quality.
- Factor in a modest contingency fund for unexpected repairs, especially if the vehicle has 100,000 miles or more.
With careful maintenance and realistic budgeting, owning a 2008 Acura TL can remain a practical balance of performance and cost for a used-luxury sedan.
Summary
For a 2008 Acura TL, routine maintenance is manageable, but aging components and occasional major repairs can raise costs. Regular service, smart part replacements, and shopping around for labor can help keep ownership affordable. The TL offers solid reliability for its age and tends to be less costly to service than European luxury rivals, though not as inexpensive as mainstream non-luxury sedans. Prospective buyers and current owners should expect a mix of predictable upkeep and the potential for larger expenses as mileage accumulates.
How much is maintenance on a 2008 Acura TL?
The annual maintenance cost of a 2008 Acura TL is $442. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
Is a 2008 Acura TL a reliable car?
The 2008 Acura TL is generally considered a reliable car with good performance, though it can have common issues with the automatic transmission and engine/suspension mounts, especially at higher mileage. Other potential problems include dashboard cracks, a faulty Bluetooth system that drains the battery, and wear on the ball joints. Overall, it has a very high reliability rating, and with proper maintenance, it can last for a long time.
This video discusses the reliability and potential issues of the 2008 Acura TL, including mechanical and electronic problems: 57sBorn to Drive ™YouTube · Apr 11, 2016
Common issues to be aware of
- Automatic Transmission: Some owners report issues like a feeling of "hunting for gears" or, more seriously, premature failure in high-mileage vehicles. To help prevent this, regular transmission fluid changes are crucial.
- Engine and Transmission Mounts: These can wear out over time, leading to vibrations. Fortunately, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace.
- Dashboard Cracking: The dashboard can be prone to cracking from sun exposure.
- Bluetooth System: The hands-free Bluetooth system can malfunction and drain the car's battery, sometimes even while the car is off.
- Ball Joints: The upper and lower ball joints are known to wear out, which can lead to clunking noises when turning and could potentially cause a wheel to fall out of position.
- EGR Valve: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve can become clogged with carbon, causing a rough idle.
What to do to maintain reliability
- Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, particularly for the automatic transmission fluid, which should be changed every 30,00030 comma 00030,000 miles.
- Ensure any potential issues, like worn ball joints, are addressed promptly to avoid more significant problems.
- If the Bluetooth system is draining the battery, you can either have it replaced or simply unplug it.
- Check the air intake system for leaks to prevent issues like rough idling.
How many miles will a 2008 Acura TL last?
A 2008 Acura TL can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance, though some owners report reaching 400,000 miles or more under ideal conditions. The vehicle's long lifespan is largely due to its Honda-based engine, but reaching high mileage requires consistent and proper service, notes this Reddit thread.
- Expected lifespan: While 250,000 to 300,000 miles is a realistic benchmark with good care, owners have reported significantly higher mileage, some exceeding 400,000 miles.
- Reliability: The 2008 Acura TL has a strong reliability rating from sources like CarParts.com and Edmunds, which contributes to its longevity.
- Key to longevity: Consistent and proper maintenance is crucial to reaching these high mileage numbers. This includes regular engine servicing and other necessary repairs throughout the vehicle's life, according to Yahoo! Autos.
Is Acura TL expensive to maintain?
To help you understand Acura's maintenance costs, we have listed a few of the most popular Acuras and their annual repair cost according to RepairPal: Acura TLX – $440. Acura ILX – $435. Acura TL – $467.
