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Basically, I'll be starting grad school this fall and since I'm approaching my mid-twenties, I think it's finally time to get rid of my old clunker.
The good news is that I've gotten the green light to use student loans toward the acquisition of a new car. There's really no cap on the amount, but as you know, the more you take out, the more you pay back.
Now what I can't decide is whether it would be better to lease the car to keep the monthly payments low (since this is loan money) or whether I should just go ahead and pay the extra $250/mo and buy the darn thing.
The leasing scenario's main advantage is that I'm taking out less money. On the other hand, since federal loans right now are charging super-low interest (they're also capped at 6.XX% by law), would it be smarter to buy?
Thanks in advance!!
But again, perhaps I don't understand. (and I'm not trying to be "pushy")
This is the second time, the Headlights from my 2001 3.2 TL got stolen from the parking lot at Hilton Hotel,MetroPark,NJ. It cost 3400$ to replace the first time, fortunately I had to pay only my 250$ deductable. Not sure this time.
The first time 11 cars got hit in the same area. 3.2TL that is the only model being hit, so obviously there is a PROBLEM.
I spoke to the Acura Technical services, but they have no clue(or don't care)!!!
Any idea how to avoid this, apart from selling my car? Also, can the Insurance company refuse to pay, in case it happens again?
Worried
Paresh
Of course, your insurance company will have to pay for it and it will only cost you your deductible. But too many occurances of the same type, might result in your insurance rates going up.
Later...AH
My friend, afraid his carb would be stolen, engraved his Social Security number on it. When the dealer got the carburator and installed it, my friend checked it and saw that it was his original carb. He called the police, the dealer was arrested. The dealer was paying the theives to steal the carbs then selling them at the new price.
fowler3
As for it being a problem... I agree. Theft is always a problem. But I don't think you can blame Acura or your dealer. Installing a more sensitive alarm is my best recommendation.
Also, the "cloudy" look is supposed to be more effective as far as lighting is concerned, when compared to the "clear" look, even though the "clear" look, looks better. So basically, if someone were to fit the 02 headlights onto a 01 car, they would be impressed with the "looks" but be disappointed with the performance.
Later...AH
Also, I had a 00 TL and got 31-32 mpg on the highway and 26 in my commute. My 02 non type s gets about 2 or 3 less than this. I notice this kind of thing. All cars are not made equal> wonder if anything can be adjusted but most likely not worth the effort.
INKY
Thanks
Does anyone know the recommended mileage for the first oil change on a new TL? Does Acura use a "break in oil"? A friend of mine just got a new Accord and he said that the dealer said that the car had this "break in oil" and it should be left in for 7500 miles. That seems a little long for me.
Thanks
2003 pricing is exactly $100 more than 2002:
$29460 TL
$31,810 TL Type-S
The navigaiton system will now add $2,150 to either model, with the inclusion of On-Star being the reason.
The only other change is the addition of Anthracite to the Type-S color selection and two new colors that will not appear until the summer.
Hope this helps...
Jamie S.
Jaime S., how good will Acura be at standing-by the transmission if I have a major problem just over the warranty period?
I'd change my oil around 3700 miles as the manual says for severe conditions. You might be able to extend that a little if you drive mostly on the highway, but you should check the oil level often anyway.
How is the quality of the one at the dealer?
Also, what is the best method for keeping the exterior clean and for maintaining the fine quality of the exterior painted surface? A mild liquid soap and liquid polish? I have been reading various postings about paint problems and want to keep our first new car in 14 years in great looking condition.
keeping a car for 14 years???? I've never done that. My last car was over 8 years and it still looked great when I trade it in.
bc I feel for you. I had the same problem on my 2000 TL . It was very frustrating dealing with Acura Canada. They never admitted there was a problem. They missed 3 promised delivey dates for a rebuilt transmissions. after 9 weeks I finally phoned the owner of the dealership asking for his help in getting my car fixed. I told him I wanted to trade the car for a Lincoln Ls seeing the salesman quoted me $12000 difference to trade my 2000 TL for a 2002 TL. To make a long story short the owner of the dealership gave me top book for my car, and sold me any vechicle on his lot for his cost. The difference ended up being $6500 .
The problem with the transmissions is that 2000 was the first year of the 5 speed transmission. In Canada I found out I was number 16 on the list waiting,but the big problem was that at the time there were 163 people in the United States waiting for transmissions. It seems as soon as a transmission was rebuilt in the US it would be shipped to US dealers. Like I say Acura Canada did not know when a transmission would come available. Turns out the transmission arrived 2 weeks after I picked up my new car in September.
Good luck in getting your car fixed.
The 2003 model is $100 more, $29,460, but the dealers are willing to negotiate much more on the 2002. I saw absolutely no reason to get the 2003 over the 2002, especially with the great deal I got on the 2002.
Paying 26000 is great deal. Where at?
If you keep for over 5 years 2002 or 2003 does not matter. Now if you buy a 2002 and trade or sell in 2 or 3 years you will get about $1500 less all things being equal. book values will not give ample credit for low miles on your 2002 vs same miles on a 2003.
INKY
You can go to the acura-tl.com board and see what other people are paying.
Of course, if you did manage to get 26 on a new TL, more power to you.
thanks.
Other changes include exterior colors. Anthracite is now available for both premium and type S models. In August 2002, Firepepper Red will be replaced by Redondo Red Pearl (looks darker) and Naples Gold Metallic will be replaced with Desert Mist Metallic.
Inky: Aegean Blue is still offered only in Type S with Eboney (black) interior.
Of course, the CL Type S will have a 6 speed and Torsen-like limited slip differential.
Hope that helps.
Happy driving!