This brings to mind a personal anecdote that illustrates my previous post. Several years ago we bought my then 16-year old son his first car--a 1987 Honda Accord LXi. We had an acquaintance who had been a Honda mechanic for years who worked for several dealerships over time--he also worked on the side--either out of his house or at the dealership (on his own time). So we had him check the car over and he found some cracked cv joint boots (these always seem to need replacing every few years). While replacing the boots, he showed me a "trick" that helped them last longer--he wrapped some plastic tape around the shafts where the boots clamped on to.
But I bet if you brought in a car with leaking/cracked boots to your average dealer for repair, the official "by the books" fix would either not include this or the (junior) mechanic assigned to the repair would not be familiar with this "trick" that the more experienced mechanics discovered by themselves.
I drive a 2000 TL with about 26000 miles on the odometer. A few weeks ago I was diving in a heavy downpour and felt a drop on my head. Upon further investigation I noticed the ledge under the sunroof was all wet. I took it to the dealer and was told the drain was clogged. It rained last night and the leak is still there. Anyone with a similar problem? A few months ago they corrected a rattle in the sunroof by putting some kind of tape somewhere. I wonder if the leak has something to do with that repair.
Can someone give me some info. on what is the best drive out pricing they have received on the 2002 TL wo/navigation recently? I would like to know what the price someone received wo/taxes and any extras included.
I just ordered a new 2002 3.2TL yesterday - Anthracite color - for $28,750 - including $250 for wheel locks, trunk tray and mud flaps. Hope this helps!
Where do you live? The prices vary depending on where in the U.S. you are located. Here in DC there is a free credit union service called UBS(United Buying Service), which is selling base TL's for $27,963, and TL's w/nav for $29,783. Also check the smart shopper section of this website.
Well the saga with my leaking transmission will finally come to a conclusion. Today, and after 6 days the dealership has ordered a new transmission for my 2000 TL. The only problem now is that there is no of transmissions in Canada. Best guess is it will be another 8 to 10 days before my car will be ready. The dealership finally got the word from Acura Technical Support that they will have to change the transmission something I myself thought 6 days ago when this all began. The only thing good I can say about the experience is that the dealership has given me a loaner car and I will have almost no wear and tear on my car for almost 3 weeks.
I own a 2000 TL with 26k miles and over the past several months I have started to noticed a low toned "growl" from under the hood when lightly pressing on the gas in traffic. It kinda sounds like metal rings jiggling around. Has anyone else experienced this? Is there any known transmission problems with this car? Should I rush to the dealer?
My next question deals with tires. I need suggestions for a new set. I really like the Michelin brand, but am open to other manufactures, I still have the stock rims and want a slightly more agressive, low road noise tire. Please help!
Since TGIF888 has both cars, perhaps you could give me some insight on my dilema. I am torn about selecting one of these two cars to buy over the next week. Love the I30 seats and interior, but also love the handling of the Acura TL (Nones type). Two questions:
(1) Do you think the handling of the I30 is "boat-like"? That is like a big old buick, or am I imagining that the difference in handling between these two cars is greater than it really is.
(2) I find the passenger seat on the Acura 3.2TL uncomfortable for my wife and I, because there is insufficient thigh support. This is because the seat cushion is not angled back enough for us. The electric passenger seat adjuster only goes four ways, which does not allow you to adjust the angle of the seat cushion (you can adjust the angle of the back and go forward and backwards). This is not a problem with the driver's seat because it has an 8-way adjuster, which allows the driver to adjust the seat cushion angle, as well as other adjustments. Is there any way to raise the front of the passenger seat, say 1/2 to 1 inch, to correct this? Any other suggestions?
(1) I won't say is "boat like". It is more like a solid feel. I30 indeed had a more solid build than the TL-S. IMHO.
(2)Hmm, didn't sit in the passenger seat long enough to make a comment. But my wife did feel the I30's seat is better. The driver seat is my TL-S doesn't have enough lumbar support. I found the I30 more supportive.
In conclusion, the I30 is more like a "cruiser", it is very comfortable and quiet.
The TL-S have a very sport feel, but the wind noise is excessive compare to I30. And the craftmanship is the TL-S is not as good as the I30.
< I won't say is "boat like". It is more like a solid feel. I30 indeed had a more solid build than the TL-S. IMHO.> By boat like, I meant I did not feel as secure when changing lanes, manuevering on winding roads in the I30. The Acura felt like it trurned instantly where you aimed it. What do you mean by "solid feel?"
I did not hear any wind noise at 75 MPH in the TL non-S? I wonder if there is some difference from the Type S?
I agree 100% on the sporty feel of the TL. I guess I will have to choose between comfort and better internal cabin on the one hand, and better handling and frikier performance on the other. I just wanted to be sure the I30 at least had good handling, even if it is not quite as good as that of the TL. I wish I could rent an I30 for a day or two to give it a longer test.
Re your post 907 My 2000 TL is having the transmission replaced at 40000 kms (24000 miles). My problem was a leaking transmission, but just prior to me noticing the leak I know I could hear something different under the hood. Sounded like a metallic rubbing sound. Acura Canada tells me they know of only one other transmission failure like mine, but I really do lack a lot of confidence in what they are telling me. I think I would have them look at your transmisssion , even if they say they can't find any malfunction, at least you will have it on record that you have a transmission related complaint. As for tires I would be interested in seeing what comments come back, as I too will be replacing my tires, but not until next year .
Warning - don't keep your battery cables in the trunk if your battry dies - you can't get into the trunk in a 2000 TL w/ a deal battery. I found out the hard way.
I don't own a TL...yet. I'm just checking out the TL boards while I shop for one. But, I currently have a CL, which is close, and an Impala. I recently replaced the less-than-stellar Goodyear GA's that came with the Impala with Yokohama AVS dB's. I highly recommend them.
They are incredibly quiet, the quietest I've driven on, and are z-rated to boot! But, they don't have an incredibly long tread life, maybe 36K miles. If longevity and lower price are an issue (I got them for $96 each), the Yokohama Avid Touring is reputed to be an excellent touring tire with an 80K mile tread life and $48 price.
I bought my TL for $30,200, grand total, walk-out price...included tags, tax, documentary fees, title, wheel locks, cargo net, all-weather floormats. Bought it in Bridgewater,N.J. I've had the car since June 22, and I think if I had to do it over again, I would have bought the Passat GLX...perhaps wait for the 2002. Don't like the seat comfort, and my head is too close to the ceiling (if I wear a coat, I will touch, and I'm 5'11'' and mostly legs), also too much wind noise from moonroof, cheap Bose radio, very annoying door locks (they puncture your upper arm every time you put your arm out the window, pay a toll or swipe a card)...also the cup holder is a bad design, and the side view mirrors cause much wind noise, and the front seat can use more lumbar support, and the there's much fan noise from the engine and hissing from the A/C..........there are some strong points, but not enough for me to love my expensive TL....I'll probably keep it for two years and move on.
I don't know about you, but I am 6'1" tall and I have got an Inch and a half of headroom to spare in the 2000 TL....I too have longer legs than torso...
I'm also 6'1". I fit comfortably in my 2001, but I have zero extra room above my noggin. I can't use the head rests to actually rest my head, but I've only driven one car where I can do that. Since that is not what they're for, I don't complain. Really, the headroom is my only significant complaint. Otherwise I love the seats. Wind noise off the side mirrors is a minor issue, but not one to write home about.
I have to say that I can't imagine puncturing anything on the door controls. Maybe it's because of my extra length (keep the smart remarks to yourself, I'm talking about arms here). Most of the door controls fall under my hand, not anywhere near my forearms.
A manual sliding rear sunshade is a little-known dealer installed accessory available on Honda Accords. The Honda web site and the little accessory brochure at the dealer do not even picture the shade, so many people do not know what it is and don't order it. I looked at the Acura web site and did not see it available as an accessory for the TL. I think it is odd that it would not be available for the TL. I wonder if the Accord version would fit the TL. I think the TL had a larger rear window than an Accord sedan, but I'm not sure about that.
I also had the transmission seal leaking, the seal was replaced, but I will continue to keep a watch for leaks. I owned a Infiniti before the 99 Acura 3.2 TL that I now have and Infiniti's Customer Service was heads above Acura's.That will be a big selling point on my next purchase, which will not be an Acura, due to their sorry Customer Service. Does anyone else have squeaking driver seats & center arm rest squeaks when resting your arm? How about wipers that do not clean the windshield & windshield distortion when looking from the driver's seat thru the passenger side windshield?
About the door locks...I mean the pin cylinders that are on the tops of the doors, the ones that pop up when the doors are open and drop down when locked. If you put your arm out the window to pay a toll (yes, we pay tolls big time in NJ), your upper arm drops right on the pin....very bad location...dump engineering....that lock does not belong there..what for ? So, I have gripes about the TL, but no car is perfect. I like my TL, but I don't love it. My wife insists I would have been happier with the Passat GLX.....hmmmmmm, I wonder what would happen if I drove into the VW dealer and said '''can we make a deal ? my TL for a GLX ?' I wonder.....
I am considering buying a TL, but am concerned about possible problems with the effectiveness of the defroster. This is based on complaints from a friend with a '99 CL, another with a "99 TL, and from my experience with my '88 Acura Integra. Anyone out there with complaints about defroster (front windshield) performance in cold weather?
It has been almost 3 weeks since I left my car at the dealership to have a transmission leak fixed. After the first week the dealer decided to change the transmission. Two expected delivery dates for the transmission have passed, and now the dealer does not have an eta on the transmission. I called Acura Canada to open up a file, but the service manager at the dealership has not received a call from Acura Canada. The service manager says he has called and left a message for the district field manager to call him, but again he has received no call it being the Friday before a long weekend.
Being frustrated about not having my car, I called my salesman to give me a drive away price on a new TL Type S, and I asked him to make it a sweet deal, one that I could not walk away from. That was Friday morning, and I never heard back from the dealership.Boy will they be surprised next week when an appraiser from a Lincoln dealership comes to do an appraisal on my car. I have decided to trade it and go back to a domestic The Lincoln LS. I really feel I have fallen thru the cracks here.
I believe that the TL is a fine automobile, but heaven help you if something major goes wrong like a transmission. I know why the dealership won't offer me a sweet deal on a new Type S , because they are selling all the cars they can get at full price, but not to get back to me with a price is unforgivable. The service on a major item like a tranny is really weak, when the dealer can't even get correct information from Acura Canada about the arrival of parts. I guess this is the level of service you can expect from a dealer where he is the only choice you have in the city.
The 325 is nicer and more prestigious, but it costs more for what you get. The TL is a good value and the 325 is better if want to pay the extra cash to have the best. The optional HK stereo system in the BMW is much better than the Bose system in the TL. If you want navigation, the TL has a much better system and you have to special order the BMW from the factory and wait 10 weeks if you want the navigation system in a 325i.
I am intersted in purchasing the TL, non-S. Went to dealer today and all they had were black TL-S, so I was unable to see or drive the car I really want. I am pretty set on Silver, and while I am fine with the black leather interior, in the S models I saw, the ones with black interior had the ebony wood grain, which (sorry to offend some people), I cannot stand! I am hoping that the ebony wood grain is only in the S model? I forgot to ask the sales guy I saw today, and he was new to Acura and somewht flustered anyway. Does anyone know if I can get black interior with standard wood grain without special order? If I can only get ebony wood grain, I would totally reconsider the color of the car, I despise the ebony wood grain that much :-) Thanks all!
I'm pretty sure I have seen Type S models with the regular wood grain. The "regular" wood grain doesn't look great either because it is so fake-looking, but it should not be difficult to order the trim pieces and have them replaced if you can't find one on a lot. Too bad no one makes real wood trim that fits in the standard factory positions.
One item to note with the front defroster is that the air flow must be on the fresh setting (and the AC must be on). If it is on recirculating mode the windows will fog up. You may already know this, but many people I know with non-auto climate controls do not.
The refresh mode makes sense. As a matter of fact, some systems automatically switch to refresh or outside air mode when using the defroster.
Your comment about the AC is perplexing. I always use the highest heat setting for the quickest defrosting action. It warms the glass, making fogging impossible. Why would I want to make the glass colder?
You can put the temperature on the highest heat setting; in the winter when it's cold you want hot air. But the AC must be on to clear the windows as the AC compressor prevents humidity and condensation on the windows. Try it, you'll see it works much better.
Any car with an auto climate control, when put on defrost, will engage the AC no matter how warm you set the temp.
Acura Canada has finally come clean with me and have admitted that early deliveries of the 2000 Acura may have Transmission problems. After talking to the Area Manager he told me today there were 15 other transmission orders ahead of mine and still they did not know when replacement transmissions were going to be delivered. I have been waiting 3 weeks , and Acura Canada will be receiving a shipment of only 6 replacement transmissions this week, but because I was vocal, and started to demand some answers, they have moved me up the list. My transmission is supposed to be installed next week. So 2000 TL owners beware of oil leaks from the tranny, and don't let the dealership snow you because there is definitely a design problem.
Seems to me that it is a design defect to require activation of the AC just to defrost the windshield, something easily done in 99% of other cars by just turning on the defroster!
Not really a defect. It's a matter of speed - about 2 seconds using a/c versus perhaps 2 minutes or more for the defroster. The a/c dehumidifies the cabin air more-or-less instantly (if the fan is blowing), whereas the defroster spends its time trying to heat of a portion of glass. Also, the a/c clears the side and rear windows more-or-less straight away too, which the defroster can't until everyone in the cabin breaks out in a sweat. So, the design defect is really with the 99% of cars that have to wait for the defroster to heat up the glass, relying on drivers to peak through the bottom of their windshields in the meantime!
I seem to remember someone mentioning that the nav system can be used to get or calibrate a more accuarate (than speedometer) speed reading, but I can't figure how that could be done. Does anyone know?
Our dealer said that a Canadian nav DVD would not work on a U.S. TL (eg for trips over the border) because there'd be problems with their metric measurements.
Now, I'm wondering, every DVD has in its 4+Gb a copy of the DVD software, which can be burned back into the unit's EPROMS. Wouldn't it just be a matter of force re-loading the software that comes with a Canadian DVD so as to make the nav system become metric. The U.S. software would have to be force-reloaded upon return to the U.S. too. Vice versa for Canadians visiting the States too of course.
Maybe they could rent these DVDs at Blockbusters stores just next to the border!
For what it's worth, the DVD NAV system in the 2002 Lexus ES 300 works in both the US and Canada. Maybe head to your local Lexus dealer to find out how it operates.
Er, yea. I was going back to my pre-a/c days (eg '86 Civic) when defrost (no a/c) was all I had, and it was slow. Yep, defrost nowadays turns on a/c, eg in TL, but not for instance on our '94 Camry (which has a/c) - it has to be turned on separately and additionally. So, I tend to just use a/c button in Winter to defrost as it's quicker than the defrost button (on its own).
I took delivery of my 3.2TL (Non-S) last week. The black rubber gasket around the windshield was separated from the metal surface of the car in the right corner near the roof. It stuck out at about a 45 degree angle, instead of resting flush against the metal. Also, along the top of the windshield, there is about a 8-10 inch section of the gasket that is not quite flush against the roof of the car. These defects can cause water and ice to accumulate under the gasket and eventually cause rust or corrosion of the other sealing materials.
The dealer sent it to a body shop which glued the corner piece down, but did not fix the other section. None of the rest of the gasket is glued. When I pointed out the 8-inch section that was not fixed, the Acura service manager said he would order a new gasket and have it installed. (Why didn't he do that in the first place?)
Was gluing the corner of the gasket down the proper fix, or just a short cut? (I looked at other TLs on the dealer's lot and the gaskets are not glued and they all look perfect. They are held flush against the metal by the elasticity of the rubber. Will the glue cause corrosion in the future?
Is replacing the gasket the proper solution, or is there some other possible defect? Do I risk them damaging something else by trying to get this to look too perfect?
The brochure for the '02 TL says that Premium Unleaded 91 octane gas is recommended, but that gas less than 91 octane may be used "with reduced performance." Has anyone noticed any problems using 87 or 89 octane?
Acura has an FAQ page at their website that answers the octane question.
They say you should only use 87 or 89 octane gasoline in the event of an emergency. For regular everyday usage, they HIGHLY recommend 91+ octane. It was on the verge of a requirement, not a suggestion.
Acura 3.2 tl owners let me know if i should go for 2001 Infiniti I-30 or 2002 acura 3.2 TL. out of the door price is higher for fully loaded I-30L (heat seat, trac, 6cd, sp. guards) by $1,000. Need a family car to move around wiht 2 small kids, preferably with minimal maintenance costs and comparatively lesser insurance costs. please suggest based on your experiences. thanks
Comments
But I bet if you brought in a car with leaking/cracked boots to your average dealer for repair, the official "by the books" fix would either not include this or the (junior) mechanic assigned to the repair would not be familiar with this "trick" that the more experienced mechanics discovered by themselves.
My next question deals with tires. I need suggestions for a new set. I really like the Michelin brand, but am open to other manufactures, I still have the stock rims and want a slightly more agressive, low road noise tire. Please help!
Thanks
Scott
Since TGIF888 has both cars, perhaps you could give me some insight on my dilema. I am torn about selecting one of these two cars to buy over the next week. Love the I30 seats and interior, but also love the handling of the Acura TL (Nones type). Two questions:
(1) Do you think the handling of the I30 is "boat-like"? That is like a big old buick, or am I imagining that the difference in handling between these two cars is greater than it really is.
(2) I find the passenger seat on the Acura 3.2TL uncomfortable for my wife and I, because there is insufficient thigh support. This is because the seat cushion is not angled back enough for us. The electric passenger seat adjuster only goes four ways, which does not allow you to adjust the angle of the seat cushion (you can adjust the angle of the back and go forward and backwards). This is not a problem with the driver's seat because it has an 8-way adjuster, which allows the driver to adjust the seat cushion angle, as well as other adjustments. Is there any way to raise the front of the passenger seat, say 1/2 to 1 inch, to correct this? Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Sid
(2)Hmm, didn't sit in the passenger seat long enough to make a comment. But my wife did feel the I30's seat is better. The driver seat is my TL-S doesn't have enough lumbar support. I found the I30 more supportive.
In conclusion, the I30 is more like a "cruiser", it is very comfortable and quiet.
The TL-S have a very sport feel, but the wind noise is excessive compare to I30. And the craftmanship is the TL-S is not as good as the I30.
< I won't say is "boat like". It is more like a solid feel. I30 indeed had a more solid build than the
TL-S. IMHO.>
By boat like, I meant I did not feel as secure when changing lanes, manuevering on winding roads in the I30. The Acura felt like it trurned instantly where you aimed it. What do you mean by "solid feel?"
I did not hear any wind noise at 75 MPH in the TL non-S? I wonder if there is some difference from the Type S?
I agree 100% on the sporty feel of the TL. I guess I will have to choose between comfort and better internal cabin on the one hand, and better handling and frikier performance on the other. I just wanted to be sure the I30 at least had good handling, even if it is not quite as good as that of the TL. I wish I could rent an I30 for a day or two to give it a longer test.
Thanks for your helpful comments
Sid
For the past week, I had driven the TL-S. Today I drove the I30, and the solid feel is there once I got the hold of the I30 steering wheel.
The TL-S had excessive wind noise at around 70-80 mph.
If the battery dies, open up the pass through and reach in and pull on the trunk release cord handle.
They are incredibly quiet, the quietest I've driven on, and are z-rated to boot! But, they don't have an incredibly long tread life, maybe 36K miles. If longevity and lower price are an issue (I got them for $96 each), the Yokohama Avid Touring is reputed to be an excellent touring tire with an 80K mile tread life and $48 price.
Later...AH
I have to say that I can't imagine puncturing anything on the door controls. Maybe it's because of my extra length (keep the smart remarks to yourself, I'm talking about arms here). Most of the door controls fall under my hand, not anywhere near my forearms.
I looked at the Acura web site and did not see it available as an accessory for the TL.
I think it is odd that it would not be available for the TL. I wonder if the Accord version would fit the TL. I think the TL had a larger rear window than an Accord sedan, but I'm not sure about that.
I owned a Infiniti before the 99 Acura 3.2 TL that I now have and Infiniti's Customer Service was heads above Acura's.That will be a big selling point on my next purchase, which will not be an Acura, due to their sorry Customer Service.
Does anyone else have squeaking driver seats & center arm rest squeaks when resting your arm? How about wipers that do not clean the windshield & windshield distortion when looking from the driver's seat thru the passenger side windshield?
I am thinking to install the sunroof wind defector, can it really reduce the wind noise and turbulence.
Being frustrated about not having my car, I called my salesman to give me a drive away price on a new TL Type S, and I asked him to make it a sweet deal, one that I could not walk away from. That was Friday morning, and I never heard back from the dealership.Boy will they be surprised next week when an appraiser from a Lincoln dealership comes to do an appraisal on my car. I have decided to trade it and go back to a domestic The Lincoln LS. I really feel I have fallen thru the cracks here.
I believe that the TL is a fine automobile, but heaven help you if something major goes wrong like a transmission. I know why the dealership won't offer me a sweet deal on a new Type S , because they are selling all the cars they can get at full price, but not to get back to me with a price is unforgivable. The service on a major item like a tranny is really weak, when the dealer can't even get correct information from Acura Canada about the arrival of parts. I guess this is the level of service you can expect from a dealer where he is the only choice you have in the city.
The TL is a good value and the 325 is better if want to pay the extra cash to have the best.
The optional HK stereo system in the BMW is much better than the Bose system in the TL.
If you want navigation, the TL has a much better system and you have to special order the BMW from the factory and wait 10 weeks if you want the navigation system in a 325i.
Too bad no one makes real wood trim that fits in the standard factory positions.
The base TL has the "natural" comor woodgrain.
Your comment about the AC is perplexing. I always use the highest heat setting for the quickest defrosting action. It warms the glass, making fogging impossible. Why would I want to make the glass colder?
Any car with an auto climate control, when put on defrost, will engage the AC no matter how warm you set the temp.
Now, I'm wondering, every DVD has in its 4+Gb a copy of the DVD software, which can be burned back into the unit's EPROMS. Wouldn't it just be a matter of force re-loading the software that comes with a Canadian DVD so as to make the nav system become metric. The U.S. software would have to be force-reloaded upon return to the U.S. too. Vice versa for Canadians visiting the States too of course.
Maybe they could rent these DVDs at Blockbusters stores just next to the border!
Anyone had any experience in this regard?
It's only been this way for about the last 30 years on most American build automobiles....
Also, FTFM. It's explained there.
The dealer sent it to a body shop which glued the corner piece down, but did not fix the other section. None of the rest of the gasket is glued. When I pointed out the 8-inch section that was not fixed, the Acura service manager said he would order a new gasket and have it installed. (Why didn't he do that in the first place?)
Was gluing the corner of the gasket down the proper fix, or just a short cut? (I looked at other TLs on the dealer's lot and the gaskets are not glued and they all look perfect. They are held flush against the metal by the elasticity of the rubber. Will the glue cause corrosion in the future?
Is replacing the gasket the proper solution, or is there some other possible defect? Do I risk them damaging something else by trying to get this to look too perfect?
Thanks,
Sid
that gas less than 91 octane may be used "with reduced performance." Has anyone noticed any problems using 87 or 89 octane?
They say you should only use 87 or 89 octane gasoline in the event of an emergency. For regular everyday usage, they HIGHLY recommend 91+ octane. It was on the verge of a requirement, not a suggestion.
thanks