Older Acura TLs

rick135 · April 2002

MY 2000 TL is very quiet compared to other cars I've owned. There is some wind noise from the side mirrors but its tolerable. Noise from other vehicles is almost non existent. I get great mileage freeway driving and ok in city. I think the 5 speed is what makes the difference and this trans is so smooth. I only take the car to the Acura dealer for warranty work. We have an in dependant mechanic that works on only Acura/Honda vehicles and their prices are lower and their work keeps the warranty in place. Haven't tried a Honda dealer for any work but did so when I have a Accord and the service department was always great. Seems that the Acura dealers charge more for the services. Not sure why. The seats are comfortable but no one laugh at this next statement, the best seats for long distance driving are the seats in the 95 Explorer (Eddie Bauer). They have a support that you can pull out that fully supports your legs up to under your knees and when your are on the road for a long time this really helps. Wish more seats came with this. Hope I answered all your questions.

terry502 · April 2002

Just took delivery on 2003 TL-p and found after
driving on trips the seats are not that comfortable compared to my other cars. I also
own a Lexus ES300 and an Camry XLE and dont find
that problem with them...anyone else finding the
seats not that comfortable on long trips??

aggie76 · April 2002

Just to add, I also found seats in TL-P stiffer and the cushion is higher than in many other cars. I thought seats in TL-S were better even if a little more lumbar was present so you might check them out. I have been waffling on final decision for some time now on the TL and seating is one particular area of continued debate for me, comfort and space.

inky4 · April 2002

I certainly drove the loaner hard.
Now I regret driving my TL like a granny most of the time. Spirited acceleration may be needed once in a while! That makes sense.
INKY

hunter001 · April 2002

The 5-speed Automatic in the TL is an "Adaptive smart Automatic". What this means is that the transmission would learn your driving style and adapt the shiftpoints accordingly, over a few hundred miles.

If it is an aggressively driven car, then the shiftpoints have been adapted to shift aggressively while if it is driven like a Grandma, then the shiftpoints would be adapted to an easier shifting mode (tailored for fuel efficiency).

The good thing is that the transmission can be re-trained to an aggressive mode at any time and will take only about a week of driving in an aggressive mode.

Later...AH

katherin · April 2002

I am in the market to replace my 1999 TL for a 2003 TL-p and am somewhat disappointed in the exterior colors available with the parchment interior. It looks like I have a choice or either Red, White or Blue.

Thank you for any feedback,

fredvh · April 2002

I am confused as to what you mean by the "p". There is the TL and the TL type-S.
According to the 2002 brochure these exterior colors are available in parchment with the regular TL: white, naples gold, red, blue, and black. For the type-S these exterior colors are available in parchment: green, and black. Please someone tell me if the 2003s come in different color combinations. Katherine: Please tell me about your experience with the '99 TL. I am considering the TL along with a couple others for my next car purchase. Please also see my following post. Thanks for your help. I would like to know about mpg, any troubles with your '99, dealer and service experience as well as cost of same.

hunter001 · April 2002

I think in Canada, they call the regular TL as TL-Premium, which is why some people call the regular TL as TL-p, to differentiate it from the TL-s.

Later...AH

ruski · April 2002

TL Premium.

That's the official name of non-Type-S

katherin · April 2002

You are right about the color Black and Naples Gold coming with the Parchment interior in the TL 2002 and also in the 2003. I guess I just can not make up my mind about having another dark color or going lighter this time around.

My 99 TL is a great car! I get around 24 mpg with the City/Highway daily use and more with trip travel. I have had no major problems with the car. I did have a problem with the local Acura Service Department so I called the "800" hot line and they sent me to another Acura Dealer about 40 miles away. When I got there they acted like they were expecting me. They had a loner car for me to use until they had my car ready in about three hours. This all happened without an appointment. After that I would call ahead for service and they always treated me very well.

That is why I am investing in a new 2003 TL. I was very impressed with the TL-S and still might go with that, but I am concerned with the extra cost overall, and some of the problems I have read about here.

2002typestl · April 2002

I was curious what people have been paying for their 2002 TL-S. I priced around everywhere and got the best deal at New Brunswick Acura. His price for the TL-S non nav. was $410 per month incl. tax for 42 months. $2,200 out of pocket. I read someone was paying $415 just for the TL.

2002typestl · April 2002

A very good investment for the TL-S is the Passport 8500 radar detector. Works excellent for speeders. Oh boy do I love speeding. Hey why get an S if you dont expect to step on the gas.

ruski · April 2002

granted, that was mid-november...

non-navi, $1,500 down, $395 per month + tax, 48 months, 15K miles per month.

weberamg · April 2002

I'm paying $395/mo for a TL-S/Non-Nav. This is for a 36 month & 15K miles/year lease. This was in February.

HTH-
John W.

ruski · April 2002

how much down?

weberamg · April 2002

I knew I forgot something! My total drive off was $3,500. That includes down, security deposit, 1st payment, etc.

John W.

fredvh · April 2002

I am also contemplating a new purchase and the TL(non-S) and the ES300 are at the top of my list. The extra $5-6K is also a concern to me for the ES300. I still am not wild about the front-end of the ES300.
My three concerns about the TL: (1) I have heard about a number of transmission problems with them. I am wondering if they are just the normal car problems or something unique to the TL. (2) I have heard that the sheet metal is "thinner" on Honda products and therefore they dent easier than other vehicles. I cannot find anywhere to verify this or get any statistics on metal thickness. (3) Some owners have complained about peeling paint on the bumpers and have stated that the paint on the American-made Honda products is not as good as when they were made in Japan. I want a quality-made vehicle and one that is tops in long-term reliability. This explains my concerns. If you or any owner of the TL or other Honda products can help me in these concerns please feel to do so.
I would also like an update on the highway mpg from 2000-2003 non-S owners. Thanks.

x021627 · April 2002

i recently had a 2000 tl with 36K miles on it. Not a single problem with the transmission. Ran flawless every single time. I simply loved this car and now I'm in a 2003 TL (returned leased car early).

fredvh · April 2002

Thanks for your post. What kind of highway mileage did you get with the 2000?; is the 2003 the same mpg? Did you notice any differences between the two in any other way? Thanks again.

x021627 · April 2002

I was getting about 23 mpg, but initially I was just driving 5-6 miles each way to work. I'm getting at least 25 mpg in the '03 and probably a bit better. during the week 90% of my driving is highway at 75 mph (I live in NJ and take the turnpike) for 75 miles round trip. I find the '03 a bit quieter and more solid in build. I like the right side mirror that tilts down when you go into reverse. 6 cd dash is cool as well. Obviously I liked the car alot to get another one and I'm pleased with my choice.

philipnow · April 2002

I'm very happy with my 2001 TL3.2 except I'd like an inch or two more headroom and a telescoping wheel. I find the TL to be quiet with regard to road and wind noise, and it has lots of get up and go. I do have the sunroof squeak which was not fixed by the applied tape.

What was done to fix the squeak in your car, Rick?

carolineb777 · April 2002

I just leased a 2003 TL-S with the navigation system for $459 a month for 36 months with truly "O" down. (It would have been $439 a month without the NAV system). The only thing I had to pay for was about $150 for tax & tags. That is it and I was able to drive off the lot. I should add that I had leased a 99 TL prior to this that the dealer took back 2 months early and paid off the remaining 2 lease payments. I truly think I got a phenomenal deal. The dealer was willing to work with us, because we were a "loyalty lease" and we are buying an Acura MDX as well.

C

C

golfgod2 · April 2002

Have a silver/black 2002 TLS (non-nav) that is now 10 months old. $2800 total drive off, 36 months, 15k/ year, $403 tax incl. Live in So Cal.

rick135 · April 2002

PHILIPNOW-The dealer added the tap. What I did notice after this fix is that when the sunroof is open the wind comes into the car more and blows my hair all over. Do not like that but don't understand why the tape would have caused that.

fredvh · April 2002

Can anyone tell me if the Michelin MXV4 tires are the ONLY ones available with the non-S TL? I have heard that these tires are noisy.

simba2002 · April 2002

I went for a test drive today in a local acura dealer.
It's only April, 2002 now. But I can only find 2003 acrua from their parking lot.

from TMV price of edmunds... 2002 TL is about $1600 cheaper

scott31 · April 2002

The 2002 TL's are long gone.

If you want a new one you'll have to get a 2003.

Just got mine yesterday.

2003 TL Type S w/Nav

ruski · April 2002

dealers did a good job selling 2002 models. Plus there is good demand for them.

daysailer · April 2002

I don't know if MXV4 is the only tire available, but I've had various generations of them on four different cars and I've not found them to be noisy. In fact, quiet comfortable cruising is their forte while providing reasonably good grip in both wet and dry. Where they are NOT good is transient response or "turn in".

cybolt · May 2002

It appears there are some good deals out there (such as carolineb777's lease) but hard to tell for sure. Please tell me invoice price for 2003 TL-S (with and w/o Navi)and if you leased, what was your negotiated price, prior to trade-ins, downs etc?
Specifically for carolineb777: could you reply to questions above and tell me from whom you bought your car?
Need info ASAP for weekend deal.
Thanks, y'all.
PS--San Jose and SoCal replies most helpful but not mandatory.
Again, thanks.

katherin · May 2002

Just picked up my new 2003 TL-p w/Nav yesterday in Sacramento. Totally awesome car to drive! The new OnStar program that comes with Nav sold me on paying extra for the Navigation System. I got a great hassle free price from DK in fleet sales.

Very happy with the way everything worked out.

fredvh · May 2002

Edmunds has a new feature called "True Cost To Own". It is listed when one researches out the various vehicles on the new car heading. It is one of the 13 subjects when you click on a particular vehicle. It is very useful when comparing one vehicle to another. "True Cost To Own" takes the purchase price and adds things like depreciation, insurance, license fees, etc. and gives you a figure for 5-yr ownership. They even tailor it to your particular zip code. I tried it on a few vehicles and it is very useful.

pat · May 2002

IMO, this is a WAY cool feature!!

Not every vehicle under the sun is listed ... yet ... but check it out: True Cost To Own (TCO).

Pat
Sedans Host

acuratluser · May 2002

Folks,
I bought a 2003 3.2 TL 3 weeks back and have noticed a rattle in the Driver side door, which occurs regularly at low speeds @ 20-30 mph with significant intensity and once in a while at higher speeds on deceleration.
The dealer tried to fix it on two occasions and so far, has failed in solving the problem on a permanent basis. The rattle reappears magically when we get home!!

Has anyone faced such a problem.

scott31 · May 2002

When I was looking at certified used TL's (both 2000's) both had a rattle in the drivers door in the same area (near the door lock).

I hope mine doesn't start rattling.

As for costs, I got my TL Type S with Nav for $31,733.00

Lease is for $390.00 for 42 months and the only thing I put down was taxes and the @#$@## fees.

handelyourself · May 2002

I just bought a Acura 3.2 TL (no nav). Do you folks think it is necessary to get a Lo-Jac?

99solara · May 2002

Can someone tell me what changed from the 2002 to the 2003 TL Premium No Nav?

fredvh · May 2002

NOTHING, but the 2003 is $100 higher.

simba2002 · May 2002

I am going to buy a 3.2 TL soon. it's really a headache to decide
if i will take navigation system. Guys... Please let me know your
opnion and experience with that toy!

Thanks in advance

advantage
map under my nose. save me a hunderd time of printing from mapquest.com
a fun toy for 5-8 years(plan to sell the car then)
satisfaction when some of my friends praise such a luxury option
won't regret every time i got lost in my new accura TL
$2000 just one month of saving

Disadvantage
$2000 got to save! i am in a economy downturn situation
i need to pay property tax for the car value that exceeds $20k in my state
I am a man with sense of direction... seldom got lost
be laughed at by some of my friends that i need such a tool to get direction

golfgod2 · May 2002

I've had my tl-s for almost a year and regreat not getting the nav. i'm leasing and they wouldn't residualize it - thus my lease payment was going to be $30-$40 more/month. However, i still kind of wish i got it 'cause i'm using mapquest all the time. if you think you're going to use it a lot - get it - especially since you'll be keeping the car for a long time. i've seen it in action and it is very impressive. the 2k probably won't make or break you. go for it!

simba2002 · May 2002

thanks golfgod for your qk reply.

onstar basic service is $200 per year
acura navigation is compatible with that one
1st year free

so i also need to pay for the service after the first year?

scott31 · May 2002

When I got my next car, the main thing it was going to have was a Nav system. It is worth every penny, and for 2003 Acura thru in OnStar at no extra charge (a handy tool).

I know it's $2k extra, but if you plan on keeping the car as long as you are, it's pennies a day.

accura1 · May 2002

I have own a 2001 3.2TL, My headlight have been stolen twice within the 3 months and it's very expensive to replace. Does anyone know a good way to protect the light? Would an installing an alarm solve the problem.
Does anyone have the same problem?

ruski · May 2002

find a way to connect 110V to the area surrounding your lights.

daysailer · May 2002

Last year when I bought my 2002 there was some discussion on the TL boards about headlight theft. There seemed to be a particularly high incidence in northern NJ (where are you?). Unfortunately, no one had a good solution other than common sense parking recommendations.

katherin · May 2002

If I had bought this car last year I would have gone without the Navigation System, but when Acura added the OnStar it was the only way to go. I drive a lot by myself and it is a great insurance and safety feature for me. I am soooooo glad I paid the extra money for it. It is easy to use and very handy.

Go for it!!!

spfotey · May 2002

What is the difference between the two models -- anything??

my wife has a 99tl -- has it changed much since then?

thx.

firstdraw · May 2002

Leased an '03 TL S-Type this past Feb. after having leased a '99 TL (loved it). Love the '03 even more - seats, stability, 17" wheels... and the speed!! Only problem is a persistent transmission hesitation/jerking when driving at 35-40 mph. Have had it to the dealer once who couldn't reproduce the problem I am having. Anyone else out experiencing this? Thanks.

ruski · May 2002

tranny hickup?

I have it while cruising steadily at 50mph. A few other people have it too.

ruski · May 2002

or your tranny wants to be replaced, like mine did.

Older Acura TLs

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