If you're like 78 percent of Americans who work, you probably have some sort of commute to contend with. Typically, commutes are fraught with rush-hour traffic, last-minute fuel-ups, and trying to get your coffee order without making yourself late for work. They can also be exceedingly boring and stressful, two emotions that make the commute all the more depressing. However, having a fun car to do with it can make a world of difference.In the early 2000s, Acura, Honda's luxury-oriented subsidiary, launched the TL Type-S. The TL as a whole had already been around for a while, and the Type-S variant ended up being one of the first Acuras to sport the namesake. It stuck around for a couple of generations, and was classified as a midsize sports sedan. With all the practicality of a sedan, plus a healthy injection of performance, meant the TL Type-S was quite the commuter missile in its day. First Generation (2002–2003) AcuraRather than just slapping some nice wheels and a new badge onto the existing 3.2 TL, Acura made sure to inject a healthy dose of actual performance into its DNA.The first Type-S came about just as the second-gen 3.2 TL went through its mid-cycle facelift. Differentiating between the Type-S and the standard 3.2 TL wasn't exactly easy, but it's not impossible, either. Compared to the standard model, the Type-S flavor sported 17-inch, five-spoke machined alloy wheels and a pair of fog lights on its front fascia. Inside, it received unique, perforated leather seats and a gauge cluster boasting metallic beauty ring surrounds.Acura As for its mechanical upgrades, the bulk of the 3.2 TL Type-S' penchant for performance is owed to its engine. It's largely the same 3.2-liter V6 found in the standard model, Honda's J32A, but it was given a more aggressive cam, a two-stage variable intake system, a higher compression ratio of 10.5:1, and a high-flow exhaust setup. In total, the mods increased the J32A's output by 35 horsepower over standard. In addition, the addition of its performance-oriented components meant it received a different model code, J32A2.Acura As for the rest of its mechanical make-up, it employed the use of a tuned five-speed automatic transmission that was designed to shift faster and harder than standard. Its suspension was also tuned, receiving stiffer springs and shock absorbers. A huge rear stabilizer bar was also added to help keep body roll to a minimum. Brakes remained unchanged compared to the standard 3.2 TL. The normally-optional Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) traction control system came standard on the Type-S, too.It's important to note that a slew of transmission failures early in their service lives required Honda to extend the warranties on the ticking time-bomb gearboxes, and offer replacements to 3.2 TL Type-S owners at no charge. Current Pricing Seeing as the newest first-gen 3.2 TL Type-S is well over 20 years old at this point, it shouldn't come as a surprise to learn that they are not exactly expensive, should you want to pick one up for yourself. As it sits currently, market guides suggest that between $2,500 and $3,000 is enough to net an average example.As it happens though, real examples are trading for far more. Actual market results show that a decent first-gen 3.2 TL Type-S instead commands around $5,000 with average miles for its age, or up to double that figure for an example with fewer miles. Surviving examples in good order will be thin on the ground, which is likely why they still command decent money, as enthusiasts will be looking to snap-up smart examples of this sporty commuter. A 2003 model with 163,854 miles for sale at $4,999 in New York A 2002 model with 95,048 miles for sale at $9,695 in California A 2002 model with 170,417 miles for sale at $4,899 in New Jersey Second Generation (2007–2008) AcuraWith the launch of the Acura TL's third generation in 2004, the Type-S variant was suspiciously absent from the trim lineup. The all-new TL looked nothing like its predecessor, but was still largely based on the USDM Honda Accord. In addition, the "3.2" nomenclature was dropped, and the original "TL" name was resurrected. The lack of a Type-S grade was explained by Acura as being due to the TL's attempt to combine the essence of both the high-performance model and the standard TL, creating an all-around, exciting sedan.Acura However, that didn't last long. In 2007, the TL's Type-S grade came roaring back to life with a bunch of new tech, kit, and power over the previous Type-S. Inside, the model boasted a pair of front bucket seats that contained a lot more bolstering than standard, along with "Type-S" being embroidered into the front-seat headrests. At night, the cabin is bathed in a soft touch of red ambient lighting, and its instruments also boast red accent lighting. Carbon fiber trim is present, as well, replacing the usual wood found in the standard third-gen TL. It even employs Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), reducing in-cabin exhaust drone.Acura Outside, things are sportier than the previous 3.2 TL Type-S, too. A set of unique, 10-spoke wheels featuring a smoked, gray look come as standard, along with dark chrome trim and a quad-tipped exhaust system. Both the front and rear bumpers differ from standard, as well, with the latter receiving a mild diffuser.Acura Mechanically, the new TL Type-S was much different from the usual TL, too. While the standard model utilized a 3.2-liter, J32A3 V6, the Type-S was granted the use of a 3.5-liter, J35A8 V6. It's a high-compression engine, sporting a ratio of 11.0:1. It also takes advantage of Honda's i-VTEC variable valve timing system. The engine was so well-sorted that it ended up earning a spot on Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2005, when it acted as the Acura RL's powerplant. Unlike its predecessor, the second-gen TL Type-S actually offered a six-speed manual transmission alongside a five-speed auto with paddle shifters. Its suspension was also tuned and stiffened, featuring firmer springs and shocks, along with beefed-up rear sway bars. Current Pricing This time, the average used pricing calculators managed to get things a bit closer to accurate, unlike with the first-gen TL Type-S we discussed a moment ago. According to them, a 2007 model-year TL Type-S fetches approximately $6,500, and our own pricing trends resource places the 2008 model right at $7,597.That's for an automatic Type-S. Manual examples may well command more from enthusiasts, although sharp examples are few and far between, now that the model ages. Here are a few examples that are for sale right now: A 2007 model with 163,650 miles for sale at $7,795 in Illinois A 2007 model with 168,541 miles for sale at $8,500 in Ohio A 2007 model with 131,782 miles for sale at $9,995 in Washington It looks like you'll have to pony up a bit more for a well-conditioned TL Type-S from this generation, so be sure to set aside somewhere between $8,000 and $12,000, perhaps even closer to $15,000 for something with a sweet specification and low miles. Acura TL Type-S Reliability AcuraLuckily for TL Type-S owners, Acura is a Honda product. This means that, for the most part, it's a reliable car. While the first-gen 3.2 TL Type-S did suffer from some transmission issues, the bulk of the TL Type-S throughout both of its generations is regarded as, generally, extremely reliable. According to RepairPal, the TL as a whole carries an estimated annual repair cost of around $467 per year, ranking it much more reliable than the average luxury mid-size sedan, which carries a reported average annual repair cost of about $739 per year. Its frequency of both unexpected repairs and severe repairs is also lower than average.When it comes to common issues, the TL Type-S doesn't have all that many. Again referencing RepairPal, the TL as a whole has been known to crack engine mounts, with 84 reports of this issue occurring. Repair bills are reported to sit at around $900, although you could easily shave a few hundred dollars off of the bill by doing the work yourself. The TL has also attracted 27 reports of an erratic engine idle speed. The Acura TL Type-S Offers The Best Of Both Worlds 2007-2008 Acura TL Type-S Front 3/4Blending performance and everyday practicality has always seemed to be one of Honda's and, by association, Acura's strong suits. After all, you needn't look very far to find examples of this. Just consider the Honda Civic Si and the Acura Integra Type-S, both of which combine the practicality and ease-of-use of an everyday sedan with just enough power and tech to make things interesting. The Acura TL Type-S also follows the same rule, even today.Based on its low cost of ownership and relatively trouble-free ownership experience, it's safe to say that buying an TL Type-S is a good bet as an overlooked sleeper sedan, especially if you're in need of something fast, comfortable, and affordable, so long as you're comfortable with tackling the inevitable common issues of daily driving an older vehicle.
+26 others
