Older Acura TLs

drharris54 · June 2002

I have had my 3.2 TL only a few weeks and have 2400 miles logged already. I noticed the same problem with the A/C blowing warm air unless it was set at 70 degrees or below. However, when it blew warm air at a setting of 72 degrees, I noticed the outsite temperature was always in the 60's or below. So, when you experience the warm air anomaly, check the outside temperature, your inside temperature sensor may not be functioning correctly and it believes it is cooler inside than it actually is.

spudgal · June 2002

My '00 is in the shop today having both rear door handles replaced (inside) - they had started to seperate due to the heat inside the car in the summer (dark green + Vegas in Summer = 140 degrees inside!) The parts were on back order, so I'm obviously not alone. The dealer had absolutely no problem about changing the parts, and they called me as soon as they had them in stock.

This is definately something to look out for if you're in the hotter parts of the US. Make sure they take care of it before your warranty runs out. I had them check all four.

pat · June 2002

The Town Hall is about to take on a new look in an effort to make content more easily searchable and accessible.

Have you seen the Letter from the Town Hall Manager on the Town Hall Welcome page? If not, you might want to follow that link to have a look.

And hang on to your seats. Change is never easy - for any of us - but resolving the Search problems we've had will be worth the pain.

Pat
Sedans Host

scott31 · June 2002

I'll start using the AC system set at 69 degrees and see if that works.

Completely bizzare in that if the car actually cools down to 69 inside, that would be too cold for me to be comfortable.

I'll put a thermometer in the car and see what it actually cools to.

They said they replaced my enter but I showed them that it pops right back up again. I have to wait for the factory rep to show up so they can determine what to do next.....

bcjacob1 · June 2002

Responding to the prior comments about the TL vs. the A4, I owned both a '00 TL w/ nav and a 99.5 A4 1.8 quattro tiptronic.

These cars are too different to compare. The A4 w/ quattro handles much better than the TL The A4 tiptronic shifts much quicker than TL and the A4 even lets you shift out of 1st gear all by yourself.

The TL, however, is roomier and more comfortable. The TL nav system is much better than the A4 (introduced in '01).

I had 0 problems w/ the A4 and several w/ the TL. Specifically, I had the AC system replaced on the TL 2x and am now having transmission slipping at 60k miles.

I need to turn my a/c down to 66 to get cold air out in Virginia.

somum · June 2002

The dealer in Houston (Sterling McCall) is quoting me $33,480 drive out( incl. 6.25% tax and Title fee) on a base of 30,900. I haven't negotiated the price yet but what should be the reasonable drive-out price for 3.2 TL w/nav?

jpyle1 · June 2002

somum

call Matt Kerridge at John Eagle Acura in Houston-i am sure he will beat Sterling McCall

handelyourself · June 2002

Is this the place located just above the radio/CD player and what used to hold CDs, but now a coin/change holder?

windy6 · June 2002

to somum, I live in houston too and started looking at 3.2 TL's a couple of weeks ago. At Gillman theres an older gentleman named Joe Belk that I talked too last week and he knocked the instock cars down to 28,000 without my asking. I usually buy used but the people in the chron and online want new car prices for 01's and 02's.
FWIW I was in san antone yesterday on business and heard an add for the dealer there (Gunn)advertising discounts on 3.2's. Since they're about a block from a customers I drove by and they had signs hanging from mirrors for 27,900 for TL and 29,900 for type S. I assume the normal add on for nav but that wasn't anything I care about. I don't think I'd go to san antone to save a hundred or so bucks but a year from now i'll be living in the hill country anyway and it's ok to play one against the other.
Good luck

x021627 · June 2002

let me know what happens when the factory rep looks at the latch. I previously owned a '00 TL and never had this problem. It hasn't been too hot the past few days so it hasn't popped up, but it's supposed to be 86 tomorrow. I'll let you know. I'm taking it in for an oil change on Tuesday and will have them look at the latch.

argolferbd · June 2002

Prior to my New TL, my Cadillac had a compass in the rear vision mirror. Does anyone know if there is a similaar feature available for a 2002 TL?

collegestudent · June 2002

Hey everyone,

this is my first post on edmunds. I was wondering what were the main differences in the 2000, 2001 model years compared to the 2002/2003 model years?

i think the front looks somehow different, but didn't know if that was just my imagination or did my suspicion actually have some bearing?

Thanks for any replies. later.

scott31 · June 2002

I just came from a '99 STS so I know what you mean by the compas in the mirror.

No, the TL does not have that. The regular TL's have a standard electrochromatic mirror.

The Nav system TL's have OnStar build into the mirror as well. And have a "compass" on the Nav Screen.

You can get an aftermarket mirror that is electrochromatic and has a compass for $199

ftm1 · June 2002

I have had my 2000TL NAVI for over 2 & a half years now.
I would just like to say to some of you that there is a site for 99-03 ACURA TL & Types S owners WWW.ACURA-TL.COM. I have been a member of that site for the past 2yrs. Alot of guys mod there cars that are on there but some like me keep them pretty much stock. I just have the factory bodykit,spoiler,CD changer, moon roof visor & optional chrome wheels,The only thing not factory on my car is the rear floor mats.I also just added XM radio to the factory radio this weekend. But if you can't get your answers here someone there will help you. The problem some of you have with the center armrest console flying open is quite common. I have had this happen & it has started again.Many of other TL owners on ACURA-TL.COM have had this same problem. I had mine fixed last year & it happen once this spring again. Its do to a bad design I have had the little screws underneath the armrest fall out.But its a known problem to many of us.Its not the heat as my car sits in the sun all day. When I first had the problem it was winter time but I noticed the screws underneath had fallen out & were missing. ACURA fixed it for me but I notice that 2 screws again are in the top section of the armrest just laying there.To answer the question that colledge student ask The 99 model is not the same ast the 2000 & 2001. The 99 has 4 speed sport shift tranny. The 2000 & 2001 are the same cars they have 5 speed tranny that had a new intake & has slighty better performance. The 2002 model got about 500 improvements to the car. They change mirrors to make the car more quiet at highway speeds. They also added more sound deading stuff. The 2002 also added ofcourse the Type S sports model with its 260HP vs 225HP in the regular TL. Its to many improvements to list.The HID headlights change a it on the 2002 model. The 99-01 models lights look brighter than the 2002. I here that the 2002 put more light on the road. I can say for a fact that my HID on my 2000 works wonders in the dark.The guys with the AC problems I can't answer. If you go to ACURA-TL.COM the guys on the TL or Type S sure can answer it. I am not here to promote that site I am just a member of it just like this one. When you sign up its free but paying memebers have more options. It was a free site for almost 2yrs but as more people got TL models the demand was greater on the site.

tom3333 · June 2002

I am interested in the TL 3.2, but noticed the manufacture states in their specs premium fuel. With todays gas prices, I'm not sure if its worth looking at the TL. Is anyone using regular fuel for their TL, and if so, how does it handle it?

Thanks for getting back to me.

Tom

hughh1 · June 2002

attn: tom3333 Don't let the cost of premium fuel deter you from buying this great automobile. Do the math. You'll be surprised at the little difference in cost of premium vs regular fuel. I drive approximately 15,000 mi. per year and average 25 mpg in my TL. which equals about 600 gallons a year. At 20 cents per gallon difference thats $120 a year, $10 a month, or $2.30 a week. If I can drive a $30,000 automobile I can afford an extra $10 a month for fuel. Besides,some premium brands have an additional fuel system cleaner in them which helps keep you fuel injectors clean. I've never tried regular fuel in mine but if it dosn't ping than why not. A midrange grade fuel may work, I don't know. Anyone else?

Hugh

tom3333 · June 2002

attn: hughh1.. Thanks for your feed back. The math makes sense. I'm driving a $30,000 car now. A 1997 Avalon XLS, and it uses regular fuel. I'm just not crazy about the change in design they had made that's one reason I'm looking at the TL. I'm also looking at the Lexus 300ES which uses regular fuel too. I guess I'm surprised that they have an engine that requires a higher grade of fuel. I do like the design of the TL, and you get more for your money with the TL. Everything is standard, but the nav. system. Do they deal with TL's?

Tom

bbarnard · June 2002

My 2002 acura TL radio makes a fluttering noise from time to time. We had one speaker changed out but that didnt do it. After much review, the dealership called acura who stated that the noise is caused by cell phones interfering with the radio. Has anyone had this problem and any comments on the explanation?

kleung62 · June 2002

I bought a TL back on 6/1. If you want to, you can run the thing on regular unleaded. The saleslady I dealt with was a car nut (father and uncle raced cars at some earlier point in their lives), and she knew the TL beyond what is stated in the brochure. Which is a lot more than I can say for almost every other Acura salesman I've encountered.

The operative word here is "required", and that word isn't mentioned in the owner's manual. The Acura website and the fine print in the brochure both state that the TL can be run on regular unleaded, with a small performance penalty. The saleslady also stated that running regular will not shorten the life of your engine or your fuel-system components. I can't verify it personally, but I'll take her word for it. A few months ago,

I was really interested in a Chrysler 300M first, because it ran fine on regular unleaded. The TL re-entered the picture when I found out regular was recommended, but not required. The 300M fell out of the picture due to suspect engineering (among other other things, check out what you have to do change out a headlight bulb) and insufficient ground clearance (apparently Chryslers are notorious for that) in the front end, as far as my driveway was concerned.

I'm going to be nice guy and hold off on experimenting with regular unleaded until I get past the first oil change at 7500 miles. If you want math, the TL should be cheaper on premium versus a 300M (an example of a typical V6 in terms of gas mileage). The TL gets 29 mpg, while the 300M gets 26 mpg. That means the two cars will reach a common point at 754 miles. Assuming a 20-cent different difference between regular and premium, a TL's fuel bill will be 20 cents than a 300M's. It's not much a savings, but it'll add up to something over time.

In the end, regular-versus-premium shouldn't be much of an issue in deciding to get a TL. Just go with a car you like.

keithwand · June 2002

I have a 02 TLS that I have only used regular 87 octane since new in Jan.
This is not a lease and I plan to own for 3-4 years. It does not ping and with 260hp I don't care if it has less oomph.
I added a K&N air filter as I have done for all cars I have owned and get better MPG yet.
Prev. I used 87 octane and K&N on my 95 Vette and no problems there either.
My TL is pearl white with parchment and so far I like the car and have had no problems.

phatratpak · June 2002

Hey guys, going tomorrow to hammer out a price on '03 TL TYPE-S. However, Edmunds.com doesn't have the invoice price, anyone know what it is and where I can find the the proper invoice price. Thanks a whole bunch.

kleung62 · June 2002

According to CarsDirect.com, the invoice should be $29,052.This is the number the dealer will probably show you, and the destination charge is included. The invoice on my regular (non-S) TL was $26,900, I offered $27,900, and the dealer initially gave it to me for $27,500, because it was an unpopular color (red) that had been sitting on the lot for near two months when I came along. There were about $200 worth of extra equipment (splash guards and wheel locks), so it came out to about $27,700. The MSRP was $29,480, and I was out the door for about $30,300. And the dealer didn't even try to sell me rustproofing, window etching, racing stripes, or extended warranties.

I still wonder if $26,900 was their real invoice, for I feel I gave them a lot more than $1000 profit. Since the car was traded for from another dealership, I know they didn't get the holdback. As for the advertising fee and the floorplanning allowance, I don't know.

dcmike · June 2002

Hi everyone. I just test drove a Maxima GLE (2002) for the first time. Loved everything about the car (interior space, 255hp engine) except for the ride quality (rather harsh in my opinion). Dealer gave me a great price ($25,600 loaded), but I don't know if I should move on it. Previously owned a 1995 Integra LS sedan (sold with 160K on the odo for $5500 cash), never had any problems. Here are my questions:

1. Does the TL have enough room for family of four - need space for 2 adults and 2 booster seats (will be used as second car as we have a 2001 Highlander)

2. Would you choose the TL over the Maxima?

3. Any suggestions for dealers in Washington, DC area?

Will be looking to purchase by the end of the month. Thanks!

kiltyscot · June 2002

I am in process of making decision between 2003 Acura and Toyota Avalon. I love smooth ride of Avalon but also really like sportiness of Acura. Consumer Report gives Acura high marks but mentions a "Jitter" at highway speeds. Salesman admits jitrter but says at 80+ MPH and just a "feeling" rather than a real thing. Do you have any experience with this. Would really appreciate a fast answer since I need the car very soon. Thanks

kiltyscot · June 2002

Just got back from driving neighbor's 2001 two door with 20M miles. Said she loves car and doesn't notice "Jitter". I noticed a lot of squeeks (not rattles). Have you had experience with problems of body integrity? I drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd now with 60M miles and it rides like a young pony but it doesn't squeek at all!

eddiemac · June 2002

go to the Acura TL Shopping forum, posts #1403 & 1404, these may be helpful. Also, check with Tischer in Laurel. Ask for T.J. Terra. I purchased a 2002 TL-s w/nav from them last August, however the deal discussed in the the above posts are better than what I received. Good luck.

scott31 · June 2002

I have a 2003 3.2TL Type S.

It LOVES 80mph....no jitters.

aggie76 · June 2002

Next door neighbor had a terrible night with his TL yesterday. He's got an older TL and accidently left his keys in ignition on. Came out yesterday afternoon and discovered car totally dead. Car was in garage and no lights, elec power period. His roadside assistance was expired.

Couldn't get into trunk to reach his jumper cables as trunk release is electrically done. Couldn't get car out of park for some reason (is there an electrical interlock?) so we could push it out of garage to reach battery with jumpers. He finally took my advice and cleaned out other side of garage so we could bring second car in far enough to reach with my jumper cables.

Just seems strange that there is no way to release trunk except electrially and that we couldn't get car out of park without electrical power.

Sure has me thinking that TL's aren't all they are up to be when you have an emergency like this.

daysailer · June 2002

at least there is on later models (accessed through the trunk pass-through, IIRC.)

I believe that there is a "defeat" for the electric brake interlock for the transmission as well. Did your neighbor check the manual?

handelyourself · June 2002

Does anyone know why Acura wants the first oil change is at 7500 miles? I've always been accustomed to changing my oil every 3000 on all my previous vehicles.

aggie76 · June 2002

I asked him and he stated he had and there wasn't any way around it but I personally didn't look. It was obviously stressing him out and I didn't want to push too much - just tried to help.

inky · June 2002

Have 8300 miles on my 02 TL premium. Stopped to buy differential fluid for my MDX and drove the Type S. I like the seat design and taut ride. However, my wife was thumbs down on seat hardness.
I did notice that I did not sweat in the perf leather vs the TL premium. The engine has a delightful growl but did not feel much faster. like the gages, the wheels and black leather. However, $5,500 plus my 02 TL I could not justify.
I am trying a G35 later.
INKY

handelyourself · June 2002

Sorry as far as I know Acura does not offer a compass with the rearview mirrors. However they do have a GPS Navagation INSIDE the car that should do nicely. It screen is in color, but it should still be able to give you a bearing.

If you insist on having a compass on your mirror, might I suggest getting one from PEP Boys.

jlan · June 2002

Ever get rid of the NCS?

Jitters: No jitters in driving the TL-S at 80mph or anything else. Thing tracks like a train.

handelyourself · June 2002

It is still strong, but fortunantly it is dying off (parking it once a week under the sun for 3 hours with the windows open a crack helps). Hopefully when I can and treat the leather and vinyl surfaces with Lexol, the smell will die down some more.

hky · June 2002

Has anyone tried the onstar on 03 TL? How's the quality of the service? I'm wondering will the 03 mdx add this feature.

scott31 · June 2002

I am quite happy with it.

I am NOT happy with the rates they charge for the personal calling minutes (Virtual Advisor).

My complementary minutes are about to run out, not sure what I'll do when they do.

But the Safety & Security Package at $16.99 a month (you get a free year with the car) is a wonderful thing. Plan on having that package the entire 3.5 years I have the car.

acurahad · June 2002

Does anyone know the location of the cabin air filter on a 99TL? I want to change the filter, without going to the dealer.

handelyourself · June 2002

My roommate had this feature. He thinks it is a bit much to pay for the feature (he had a company car and the company picked up the tab for it). He only used the feature once to open the car door when he locked his keys in the car and he had an interview to go to. He said it was a lifesave for him.

ftm1 · June 2002

The 2 filters are located behind the glove box in the car. If you go to www.acura-tl.com forum the guys will tell you how to do it as many of them have done this. I had mine changed at the dealership because I don't do much work myself on my car. I did do the upgrade of the 99-00 cupholder to a 2001 cupholder. That was a very easy & inexspensive thing to do & well worth it.

99solara · June 2002

With only 26K miles my wife's 2000 TL needs front pads and rotors. Seems awful early in life to replace these parts. Has anyone else had this experience? I am wondering if I want to get Acura replacement parts since they did not last the first time. Thanks for the help!

drpob · June 2002

Our 2000 TL just got them replaced under warranty @17K.
Check with your Service Department- I've got an impression that they have TSB on it and know about this problem.
Good luck!

spudgal · June 2002

What a revolting development! This must be something new for '03. That will be a negative factor against the TL when I have to replace my '00 next spring. If I can't get one without, I'd have it disabled at the dealer.

My friend has Onstar in her Suburban and was completely freaked out when someone called her on it - would you believe it was a telemarketer??? I couldn't believe it either, but here's this woman trying to sell her life insurance or something while she's driving! (Neither of us ever use our phones when we drive) I don't know whether Onstar sell the numbers or if it was a complete fluke.

Thanks for the post on the brakes, guys. I'm on my original set at 30K, without problems, but I'll have Acura look at it when it's next service comes up.

bigmacac · June 2002

Greetings everyone - I have a '99 3.2 TL, and like it quite a bit. I used to have a '98 Pontiac Grand Prix GT, and thought that the Pontiac handled better on curves (particularly, curved on/off ramps up to 35 mph). If I recall correctly, the Pontiac has P225/60R16 tires, and the TL has P205/55R16 tires. Does anyone have any suggestions/experience with changing to wider wheels (as in, replacing the very fine-looking 7-spoke aluminum alloys) and tires, or going with a different set of tires?

While I don't expect to get to the grippiness of a BMW 3-Series (which I found to go to 40 mph in those on-ramps without a problem, versus 30 for most other cars), I'm wondering if any of y'all have been able to make improvements, and at what cost. I only scrolled through messages 1-100, so let me know if there's been any resolution to this one. Thanks.

ftm1 · June 2002

With regaurds to the brakes on a 2000TL on the ACURA TL forum many have got rotors & pads replaced under warranty. I myself have have got this done with my 2000TL. This was done at about 15,000 miles after they checked it at 12,000. The problem I had was high speed braking from like 60MPH. The sterring wheel would shimmy slightly during braking. I took it to the dealer for the 2nd time with this problem at the 15K service & they replaced the front pads & gave me new rotors.
I think ACURA does have some sort of TSB for this problem but its not a recall situation. The question about the tires the OEM Michelin tires are not that great. The OEM Michelin tires do I think last a long time give good gas mileage & good criusing ride. I agree & other people do also like you find them not grippy enough. If I can remember a few years ago after getting my 2000TL one of the car mags MOTOR TREND or CAR & DRIVER did a test on the 99 or 2000TL. They said it along with the LEXUS ES300 would do better in handeling with a simple change of tires. This is why they rated the TL behind the 300M at that time. I kept that issue but can't find it at this moment.If I can remember somepeople on the TL forum got Bridestone tires to go on the stock wheels & that made a great improvement. I am not sure what model it was but it was cheaper then the stock Michelin tire. If you change the wheels ofcoures you can get better tires. I think it was kinda slim pickins for the stock wheel at the time. They might have a better choice now as new tire models are out. I will most likely wait until next spirng to get new tires.

99solara · June 2002

Thanks to all about the brake experiences. I will contact David McDavid Acura and see what they have to say. Thanks again for the help!!

wigglyman · June 2002

I have just turned the first 1000 miles on my TL and cannot believe how poor the mileage is. Driving is about 70/30 city/highway and I am averaging 14 miles to the gallon. I have an appointment this Friday to have it checked by the dealer. Anybody out there with similar results?

handelyourself · June 2002

I drive about 95/5 city/highway and I getting almost 20 miles a gallon. I now have about 2500 miles. I don't know if this matters, but I use premium gas.

My normal driving routine is pure surface roads to and from work (30 miles a day) for almost a little over a month now. If your drive is stop and go traffic your mileage will be lower.

scott31 · June 2002

The only way someone can call you is if you buy personal calling minutes.

If you use up the 30 free ones they give you, and then don't buy any more, no one can call you in the car.

You still get the benefits of OnStar tho (lock out service, air bag notification, etc).

scott31 · June 2002

I've been getting 24-28 MPG on my TL Type S with premium gas.

I have almost 3000 miles on it.

Older Acura TLs

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