Older Acura TLs

hunter001

Technically, I paid sticker for my 2002, but... I also got 19,000 for my trade which had a KBB value of $15,600.

If KBB value is $15,600, I doubt you would even get that much in a dealer trade. Most probably you would have gotten $14,600 or so, assuming that the dealer gave you a "good deal". No dealer, ever, would pay anywhere close to the KBB value. You might however be able to get that in a private sale. The above would not be applicable, if your car was a rare one or if it had a rare color that was in high demand, both of which conditions are the exception rather than the rule.

When a trade-in is involved, and when someone says they got the vehicle for $xxx, I am always sceptical. Knowing how these dealers operate, my scepticism is generally not a misconception.

If that is so, then how much did your TL truly cost ? $31,000 ??

Later...AH

95legendowner1

In response to your question about a TL vs a Honda, go to Editor's Review, Entry Level Luxury Sport Sedans Comparison Tests. The 2002 Acura TL-S was named #1 car. Reading that review should answer your question.

machiavelli

Like I said above, however you want to play the numbers is fine. The bottom line to me was, I gave the dealer a check for $11,000 and my old car and drove home with the new TL. Maybe I got $0 for my old car and only paid $11,000 for the TL? Maybe I got $25,000 for my old car and paid $36,000 for the TL? The bottom line is the same to me.

The KBB for the old car was $15,600, the Edmunds TMV for the TL was $27,700, or $12,100 difference. I paid $11,000 difference, so I'm happy.

amazon

I just bought a '03TL Base Non-Navi this weekend. I love the car! The only thing is the head room. I'm 6'-2" and like to sit up pretty straight. Is there a way of lowering the seat mechanically? I already adjusted the seat down, but I would like to get a little bit closer to the floor.

l943973

My sister just purchased a 2002 BMW 530 w/auto, premium package and cold weather package.

Since it has 225 hp, I felt I was obligated to compare the drive against my dad's 2000 TL (225hp).

This is my first experience with a 5 Series so naturally I was pretty excited. Pulled it out slowly onto the street. Loved the thick steering wheel with just the right tightness. Over bumps, all you hear are just "thuds". Highway stability is excellent against crosswinds. I didn't want to drive it hard because it still hasn't been broken in yet.

Switched over to my dad's TL. Engine is quieter at idle. Steering wheel is just as thick with a nice tightness to it. The car is smooth and very fun to drive. On the highway, I had to correct the steering more against crosswinds. Went over the same bumps and no creaks/rattles. Just the same "thud" sound. (He has 12k miles on it).

Acceleration felt the same in both cars. The BMW being more vocal. BMW Steptronic is just as poor as the Acura. There is a delay before switching. My sister's old car was a 99TL and the tiptronic response was instant. What happended? More safeguards put in place?

On the streets just driving, its hard to say the BMW is funner to drive than the TL. Both feel extremely solid and balanced.

The BMW does have a nicer interior and the materials are better. (Better be for 15k more).

In the end, I was thinking how well Acura has done with the TL. The ride compare very close to the 530. I can't believe magazines (CR) that put the TL so down on their list.

Is the 530 worth the 45k she paid for? In my opinion, yup. Is the TL worth the 30k my dad paid? Definitely.

Just wanted to put my 2 cents in that all of you have an awesome car. I would have prefered more luxury in the TL (softer driver side armrest and maybe less black plastic)). My dad has the red/tan interior. The black interior probably looks better because the plastic matches the leather.

I can't post on the 5-Series board because I would probably get lynched. Its a fine car and worth every penny.

If I had to get another car, the TL would definitely be on my list.

jwacura

Hi All,

I'm the owner of a freshly minted '02 TL Type S. Silver/Ebony non-Nav.
I was wondering if anyone knows at what RPM the VTEC system engages? I know it engages a rocker arm for the intake valves that's riding on a more aggressive cam profile. Also, what RPM does the intake system change its configuration?

Go Jordan-Honda and BAR-Honda F1 teams!!!!!

I hope they do better next race =-(

Kirstie_H

A major midwestern newspaper is interested in speaking with folks who have anecdotes and opinions on rear wheel drive vs. front wheel drive in winter driving conditions.
We're also looking for people who recently switched one way or the other and what they like/dislike about what they're driving now.
If you are interested in participating, please provide your city/state of residence and your daytime phone number to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than March 20, 2002.
Thanks as always,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

ndboomer

In the research I have done, the TL sounds like a perfect car to fit my needs for a reliable, fun to drive sedan, works well in snow (with fwd, traction control, etc.) that won't break the bank. I haven't had the opportunity to test drive yet because the nearest dealer is 110 miles away. Two questions:

1) I have read positive reports about front seat comfort, but does the TL work well (head room and leg room) for taller drivers (I am 6'3") ?
2) Service: I like the reliability reports, but what about routing maintenance? Can the TL be serviced by Honda dealers vs. a 2 hour drive to the Acura dealer? What have been the most frequent service issues for the TL?

Thanks in advance for any help with those two issues.

machiavelli

I'm about 6'3", 250lbs and I fit in it just fine, even the back seat isn't too bad.

As far as service/maintenance, I haven't had mine long enough to really say.

hunter001

As far as the routine maintenance is concerned, you can get the TL serviced at any Honda dealer. Just that for warranty issues, you will have to take it to the Acura dealer. Hopefully, there would not be too many of those - warranty issues !!

Later...AH

ndboomer

Hunter & Mach, thanks for the response. A few more questions:

I am assuming that the TL does well in snow. Can anyone comment on actual experience? Does the VSA make much of a difference in winter driving?Thanks.

machiavelli

We haven't had more than a dusting of snow since I picked mine up, but I assume it will do fine with FWD, ABS, traction control, etc..

hunter001

The TL has traction control but does not have the VSA. The TL-s has VSA along with traction control. The regular TL traction control works pretty well in the snows. No hiccups yet. If you fit snow tires on the car, it would be well nigh invincible.

The VSA equipped TL-s should do even better, even though I have no first-hand knowledge about it.

Later...AH

gabman

I had a 3.2 Type S on order which I cancelled. I am 5'11 and had no problem in the drivers seat, however my wife is 6' and had trouble in the passenger seat, she was ok but it is tight and if you hit a bump, who knows. Also I found a total lack of headroom in the back seat. I landed up going to see the Infinity G35 (also 260 HP) and I was blown away by it. Headroom is huge as is leg room in front and back seat, warranty is much better than Acura and the car drives like a dream plus it is a completly brand new car. Word is that Acura will be redoing 3.2 next year.
Look these are only my opinions and everyones are different. Do yourself a favour and go see the G35, it will be in showrooms in USA by next Monday. Let me know how you make out, I hang in the G35 room. Byeeee.

aggie76

Seating room is main issue I had with 3.2TL and am making final final decision on staying with another GS300 or Saab 9-5 Aero. Both just feel significantly bigger and engines are wonderful in either. Yes, they are pricier but both are discounted right now, about $3k on Lexus and $3k+ on Saab and that's worth the comfort areas. Plus, wife just took in '01MDX for service and got a Mazda to drive after we were told only Acura's would be used. Plus initial service seemed to include some "extra" items that I called and got removed before they completed the service. Seems they tried to take some advantage of her since I was out of town on business. Both Lexus and Saab dealers here give same line loaners. Minor items but they add up to me.

fredvh

Could the owners of the 99-02 TL (not Type S) give me an idea of the mpg they are getting? I heard that the RPM at 70 mph is approximately 1900, is that correct? I am considering purchasing the TL but still looking at the new ES300, Infiniti, and Toyota Camry. I sure could use some help in my future decision. Thanks.

maxzoey

Last year I owned a 2000 TL and averaged 27.02 mpg, combined city / highway. My driving is approximately 70% city miles in stop and go traffic, and 30 % highway miles. I traded my 2000 TL after the transmission went at approximately 24000 miles for my 2002 TL. So far after 10,000 miles I am averaging only 25.67 mpg. I have also noticed that my 2002 revs higher than my 2000 did. My 2000 TL used to rev at 1900 at 70mph, yet my 2002 TL revs at 2200 at 70 mph.Don't know why the difference, and I assume the gas mileage will get better because of the cold weather here, and extended idling times. I love the 2002 TL, and as long as I don't have transmission problems, or anything else that is major go wrong with the car, I have already decided I would get another TL in 2004. I don't think you can beat the "bang for your buck" with the TL.

spartanman2

I've studied other posts on other message boards and have seen numerous complaints about the TL'S transmissions giving out (See Acura-TL.com). Just bought my '02 and am getting a bit spooked over what I'm reading.....

daysailer

see post #1165 in this thread for a report of my fuel consumption ('02 TL "Premium")

fredvh

Thanks "daysailer". I forgot that you did provide that earlier. I am reading so many sedan posts and forgot that you had done so.
I am still looking for RPM at 70 mph for the 2002 or 2003 TL(non TS). I have heard that they run from 1900 to 2200. That is a big variety. Can I have some more reports from you owners on the rpm at exactly 70 mph for the 2002 or 2003 TL?

amazon

I have a '03TL and I run 2000RPM at 70MPH.

amazon

Also, are you running at 70MPH on the Cruise Control on a flat stretch of road? If not, your torque converter might not lock up. Hence the slightly higher RPM.

fredvh

I do not have a TL but just considering buying one. I asked the question a few weeks ago about RPM and got answers back that varied from 1900 to 2200. To me that seems like a big variation. How has your experience been with 2003 so far? Any quality issues? How do you like the steering response? Any wind noises?

amazon

No quality issues. It's a little early to say, however. I only have 400 miles on it. The car is very quiet, just a muted pleasing growl from the engine during acceleration. The steering response is good. Finally, this car is FAST. Since it's quiet and fast ---> risk for tickets! I'm using the cruise control and Escort 8500 to keep me out of trouble.

machiavelli

Yes, I've only had mine about 2 weeks now, so I can't really comment on any long-term issues, but I'm loving it so far! A great all-around car, and a great value!

machiavelli

Like amazon says, it's easy to find yourself doing 65 in a 35 zone, it's so smooth, quiet, and quick

svalent

I currently have a '00 TL and was wanting to upgrade to a Type-S. Should I get the '03 Type-S or wait for the '04's? Does anyone know what the '04's will have that the currently '03 does not?

Thanks
Scott

fredvh

I have not heard anything on the new TL. Rear-wheel drive is coming back (G35) but I really doubt the TL will have it but it might. Supposedly rear-wheel drive makes for a "sportier" car. It is my impression that the 2004 TL will be a completely new design.
Is your 2000 TL a 5-speed auto? If it is, what kind of mpg are you getting? Did you buy it new? Any quality issues? Transmission troubles? Are you completely satisfied with the car? Is it better than the Accord? Has wind noise been a problem at all?

TO ALL TL OWNERS: "Consumer Reports" magazine just tested the 2002 TL Type S and were generally pleased placing it behind the ES300, MB C320, and Audi A4, but ahead of the Infiniti I35. They make this comment: "The suspension soaks up sharp bumps effectively, but the car feels unsettled on smooth pavement and jittery at highway speeds". Do you think your TL is unsettled or jittery?

svalent

Yes I have the 5 speed auto. I get 22 mpg in the city and 31 on the hwy. I bought the car new and have not had any problems at all - 34k miles. I am satistfied and its MUCH better than the Accord. The wind noise SUCKS!

machiavelli

The new Accord will be out in about 6 months (fall 2002) as a 2003 model, so that should give us some insight to the 2004 TL

Just speculating, I would expect it to be slightly bigger, roomier inside, more power, maybe a 3.5 L engine replacing the 3.2

jdigeorgio

I have said since day one that my 2002 TL has a jittery (or I say jiggly) ride. It must be pretty typical of Honda products since I have heard the same comment on Accords. I think that those not used to these cars may find it unsettling. Take it for a loooong test drive before you buy and be sure you go over some rough roads. I have had many people drive my car and say - it's perfect. They see nothing wrong with the ride. To me, a smoother ride would be better. I was driving a 94 Tbird before the TL however so that's what I am comparing it to.

jdigeorgio

Tire pressure makes a world of difference on the TL. They are always overinflated from the factory (40 psi or more). Over or underinflated tires will significantly affect the ride of these cars so invest in a good tire gauge and check often.

pdfs

I have a 02 base TL w/ Nav. I only get about 20~24 MPG w/ most HWY driving. I heard that CA gas produce lower MPG. Is this true?

Also, what should be the tire pressure for high MPG? Factory recommends 32 PSI.

bcjacob1

In response to your query, I have a '00 LT w/ nav. It has the std TCS which SUX in the snow. It's a low speet traction system that works under 18 mph. It definitely needs an allspeed traction system. I have not researched, but I think the VSA in the TL-S may be an allspeed system. BMW and many others (even Mazda's Millenia) have an allspeed traction system. Whenever it snowed here, I drove our A4 quattro...nothing grips like that in snow (in a sedan)

fredvh

Anyone know how much of the new-car purchase can one put on the credit card?

sranger941

Generally not very much as the dealers pay the credit card company 2-3% fee and this cuts into the profit. I have tried this for my last few purchases. Most was 4k with Toyota and about 2k with Acura, but it really depends upon the individual dealer.

godeacs

I had no problem putting my down payment (after trade) of $3,100 on my VISA. Finance guy didn't even bat an eye - so don't know what there limit was....

machiavelli

My question is - WHY? Maybe I'm missing something here, but why would you finance your car on a 12.99% up to 21.99% credit card when a new car loan is something like 6.5%, 7.0%???

stew8

I would have put the whole thing on my card for the miles(and paid it off right away), but they only allowed me to put $2500.

machiavelli

Ok, stew8 has a logical reason. I didn't think of that before.

bostonsailor

I have a brand new 3.2TL w/out Nav. The car is great. However, when in semi-manual mode, the car seems to very quickly shift from first to second. I understand that it is supposed to automatically shift from first to second, but it just seems like it doesn't stay in first hardly at all. Is this everyone else's experience? Is it normal?

machiavelli

Mine does that too. It's the only thing I don't like about the sequential shift mode. It will shift from 1st to 2nd very early, but it will hold 2nd to the redline.

hunter001

I wanted to pay by credit card too, when I purchased my '00 TL but the dealership refused. So I had to pay by personal check.

Same happened when I purchased my Subaru WRX. I had to pay by personal check for that too.

Either way, I was paying cash but with the credit card, I would have gotten quite a few points.

Later...AH

fredvh

By the way, is a personal check good enough or does it need to be certified?

bostonsailor

I recall that during a test drive of the TL about 2.5 years ago, the car would stay in first until you actually shifted. Perhaps they changed it to protect the transmission. Its a bit annoying, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

The only other thing that I find bothersome about the car is a rattle that is coming from what
appears to be the rear right hand corner. In cars it is always difficult to place the exact cause of a noise (at least to the untrained ear). For all I know, it could be coming from the moonroof. I'll take it to the dealer soon for this. Anyone else have this issue?

amazon

Bostonsailor... I only have about 500 miles on the car, so I can't really say, but this car ('03 base non-navi) is a vault.

What kind of break in do you all recommend? In the owners manual, it only says something like don't accelerate or break hard in the beginning. I have a 31 mile drive to work on a 2 lane highway. 55 mph the whole way, and one traffic light. At that speed, I'll only have around 1400 rpm on the engine. Is this a good way to break the car in?

qali

bostonsailer... response to your post # 1245.

I have a similar noise in my 02 TL. I noticed that it is apparent only when the inside sliding cover of my moonroof cover is open. Once I close it shut, the noise goes away. I do plan on showing it to the dealer next week at my first oil-change.

BTW, I have also observed that if you have a pair of sunglasses in the sunglass compartment, it also produces a rattle. Interestingly, the rattle appears as if it is coming out of the right corner near the passenger headliner!. Remove the glasses from there, and the rattle goes away. So I am not bothered about it anymore.
Good luck.

machiavelli

Break-in: basically,I have just been trying to avoid really hard acceleration or really hard braking. (as tempting as it is to do!)
I have about 600 miles on mine now. Loving it so far. I haven't had the sunroof rattle as described above.

golfgod2

I've got a '02 type s, which is 9 months old. been getting a sort of creaking/cracking sound from the back seat area. is this what you're referring to? seems to be a new development. my j30 did the same thing.

shellz

I just replaced my 99 TL with a 2003 TL-S. It's a great car. Basically it's just a faster, quieter, and more solid version (and better looking) version of the original 99 TL. But in response to all the posts about a rattle in the back rear of the car, I've noticed that too. In fact I had a similar rattle in the 99 TL. I think that I isolated it to be coming from the rear subwoofer, but I haven't had a chance to fiddle with the new car yet.