The 2008 Acura TL is the most well-rounded used luxury car for its model year, and, you could argue, the best overall. Sporty, fuel-efficient, comfortable, and fun to drive, with fair market prices starting at under $7,000.
Is the 2008 Acura TL a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – Probably the very best car in its class for this model year.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – It’s definitely a luxury car, boasting a first-class cabin with adequate space for passengers and cargo alike.
- Reliability 9/10 – An Acura is just a fancy Honda, so you’re getting one of the longest-lasting powertrains on the market.
- Safety 9/10 – The Acura TL boasts one of the lowest fatal accident rates in the entire industry.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Again, it’s just a Honda with a pretty name, so the Acura is basically a camel on four wheels, averaging 17/26 miles to the gallon in the base model.
- Value 8/10 – This is simply the best deal you’re going to find on a luxury car made in 2008.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Acura TL?
Consumer Reports found the Acura TL to blend comfort and sportiness well, with agile handling, impressive acceleration, excellent fuel economy, and a first-class cabin. The watchdog group offered a rare glowing review for the car with no real complaints to speak of.
Kelley Blue Book called the 2008 Acura TL fast, convenient, comfortable, fun, and the most well-rounded entry in its class, and the best value for that matter. The only knock they had against the car: Some drivers may not like the front wheel drive configuration, giving the TL’s muscle car leanings.
Edmunds found the Acura TL to be roomy and well crafted with impressive handling and an excellent choice of V6 engines. They gave special praise to the high-end sound system. They agreed with Kelley Blue Book on the subject of rear wheel drive, suggesting the handling might be more solid at the starting line with RWD.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Acura TL Have?
The 2008 Acura TL has generated just 117 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 34 of these are for airbags, with drivers reporting cracks in the dashboard where the passenger side airbags are installed.
A handful of drivers have reported battery drain. They leave the car parked overnight and, in the morning, the battery is dead without explanation.
There have been a few complaints of suspension failure, with the ball joint separating from the lower control arm, collapsing the front suspension entirely. A recall was issued in 2011, but complaints still roll in every few years.
The 2008 Acura TL has only been recalled 4 times in total, which is average for a vehicle this old.
How Long Will the 2008 Acura TL Last?
An Acura is just a fancy Honda, and Hondas are among the longest lasting vehicles on the market, so it’s not surprising that an Acura TL is typically reported to last around 250,000 miles before the expensive repairs start to pile up.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $442. This is low for a luxury car, but typical of an Acura. The most expensive common repair, by far, is a replacement control module for the anti-lock brake system, starting at around $1,271.
The Acura tl base has had a few issues here and there but nothing too expensive or hard to fix, mainly just normal car things like a new battery and replacing the alternator. Other than that it runs great and has been very reliable for me.
My 2008 Acura tl with navigation has proven extremely reliable and to date I have had no major problems.
I haven't had any issues with it. Except the usual just change the battery every now and then. Always starts right up.
It hasn't given me any problems. It's a beautiful car. I honestly believe that it will last me 500,000 miles as long as I keep up the maintenance on it.
The car doesn't have any problems unless misused. The Acura is very reliable. The car doesn't have any problems unless misused. The Acura is very reliable. The car doesn't have any problems unless misused. The Acura is very reliable.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment features in the 2008 Acura TL are dated, given the car’s age, but very good for 2008. Standard features include a CD/MP3 player with 8 speakers and a 6-disc CD changer. The quality of the sound system is more impressive than the feature list. Bring a favorite CD on the test-drive and see what you think.
Safety technology is generous for the model year. Anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control, and occupant sensing airbags all come standard.
Is the 2008 Acura TL a Good Value?
The 2008 Acura TL is a pretty good value for a late-00s luxury car. Fair market prices for a 3.2 sedan range from around $6,176 to $7,1617. This is roughly the same price range for a mid-tier Honda Accord from this model year, so you’re not even paying extra for the luxury version of a Honda midsize.
What really makes the Acura TL a bargain is that your repair bills and refueling costs are so low. There are BMWs and even Benzes out there that can be had for well under ten grand, but when you add in the expensive specialty maintenance, they’re costing you more money than they’re worth. That’s not the case with an Acura.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Acura TL?
The 2008 Acura TL is available in two models, being the 3.2, and the Type S. They mostly differ based on what’s under the hood, but there are a few key differences between trims.
With the base 3.2 you’re getting:
- Hands free wireless telephone interface
- CD/MP3 player with 8 speakers and 6-disc CD changer
- 8-way power adjust driver seat
- Leather seating
- Heated seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls
- Anti-lock brakes and stability and traction control
You may be able to find a 3.2 equipped with a navigation system if you shop around.
The performance-oriented Type S adds a 3.5 V6 engine, plus:
- Navigation system
- Parking assist
- LCD monitor
What Engines Come In the 2008 Acura TL?
- The 3.2 sedan is named for its 3.2L V6 engine delivering 258 horsepower and 233 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive, and it averages 18/26 miles to the gallon, city/highway. The 3.2 can hit zero to sixty in 7 seconds.
- A Type S model packs a 3.5L V6 engine delivering 286 horsepower and 256 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic in front wheel drive, it averages 17/26 miles to the gallon, and it can hit zero to sixty in 6.4 seconds.
What Colors Does the 2008 Acura TL Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Acura TL?
There are more comfortable luxury cars out there than the Acura TL, but we’re talking about full-size sedans that struggle to do 20 miles to the gallon on the highway. If you want a car that’s sporty and fuel efficient and affordable, the TL is as comfortable as it gets.
The back seats stretch a generous 54 inches across, you’ve got ample head and leg room, the suspension rides nice and smooth, and the interior is first class all the way. There are bigger, plusher cars than this, but the TL leaves you with nothing to complain about.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Acura TL Have?
The 2008 Acura TL packs 14 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk, which is about what you’d expect of a midsize. That’s five or so medium suitcases, or enough for a weekend road trip.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2008 was the final model year for the Acura TL’s 3rd Generation, launched in 2004.
2006: Steering was improved for 2006, and the torque management system got an overhaul.
2007: The Acura TL got a visual refresh, inside and out, for 2007, plus the addition of an optional navigation system.
2008: A few safety upgrades, like tire pressure monitors and immobilizer systems, were the biggest changes for 2008.
2009: The Acura TL relaunched for the 4th Generation with SportShift transmission and optional all wheel drive.
2010: A 6-speed manual tradition was offered for 2010.
How Does the 2008 Acura TL Compare to the Competition?
The only real competition for the 2008 Acura TL would arguably be the 2008 Lexus ES, and the 2008 Volvo S60.
With Volvo, you’re getting one of the safest cars in the world, but also one of the most boring. It’s not nearly as sporty as a TL, but it typically lists for a thousand dollars cheaper, and it’s just as reliable. The Lexus is more powerful than a 3.2 TL, but less powerful than a Type S, and typically lists for a thousand dollars more.
Both the Volvo S60 and the Lexus ES have their advantages over the Acura TL, but the TL offers a perfect balance between power, price, and luxury.
Luxury cars generally don’t age well. As they start requiring more here-and-there repairs, the maintenance bills start to balloon. They come packed with features that were impressive ten, fifteen years ago, but come standard on subcompacts today. There aren’t many old luxury cars worth buying, but the TL is one of them.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Acura TL?
Yes the Acura tl base has been a good vehicle, I have not had to do too much work to it. I have had it a couple years now and just had to replace the alternator.
The 2008 Acura tl is an excellent vehicle in my opinion; reliable, responsive, comfortable, roomy and comes with many amenities.
Oh yes. I love my car so much. I get compliments all the time. Very sporty looking car. Having a spoiler on it makes it look even better. Rides so nice as well.
Is an amazing vehicle. My favorite car out of everyone I have owned. Very sporty, navigation, stereo system installed.
I think it is a good everyday vehicle but also bodes well for long travel. It has good mileage and gas usage and is the perfect sized car
Yes very good and gas sufficient rides great very reliable and affordable. This the best car I ever bought parts are cheap and it cost little to nothing for gas and servicing.
