Older Acura TLs

handelyourself · June 2002

Approximately what is the ratio of city miles to freeway miles do you drive? I'm guessing it's close to 50:50.

bitnoj1 · June 2002

When are the 2004 base TL due? The 03 arrived in Mar 02. Should I expect the 04's in March or
Sept of next year. I hear there are changes in the works. If so does anyone know what changes? Maybe more headroom and a little more luxury to compete with the Lexus es300? I hope the price doesn't jump much.

scott31 · June 2002

Yep I'd say about 50/50.

I'm heading on a long trip this weekend. We'll see how high I can go.

maw1982 · June 2002

Hi,

I'm looking at a '99 TL with nav and had some questions about the nav system. I read that the system runs on a hard drive instead of a dvd and that raised some concerns:

1. How much does the the hd hold (all of US or only parts ,in what details,etc.)
2. What are the costs of upgrading and mainting the HD system vs. the newer DVD systems?

The vehicle I am looking at was bought and has been in Las Vegas its whole life and only has 8k miles on it and is being offerred for $22k. Is this a ood deal or am I going to be beter of leasing a new TL (would be used primarily for business use)

Thanks

keepontroopin · July 2002

My wife broke the side view mirror off the car when she hit a mailbox. Does anyone have any suggestions on where we can get a replacement mirror for cheaper than the $250 the dealer quoted me? I have a 2000 3.2TL laguna green.

handelyourself · July 2002

I have no idea when this model is due out. But from what I've heard, the TL will have a new look. I don't know what options or additions are available.

hunter001 · July 2002

The 99 TL had the following differences with the 2000 TL:

a) It does not have side airbags while the 2000+ TL has them.

b) It has a 4-speed Automatic transmission while the 2000+ TL has a 5-speed Automatic. But the 2000+ TLs will automatically shift from 1st to 2nd gear in the sportshift, while the 1999 TL will allow you to manually do so.

c) There are many intake and other differences that improve the low-end and the mid-range power in the 2000+ TLs, due to which they are stronger in the power department, even though the peak power/torque has remained the same with the 99 TLs. Consequently, the 2000+ TLs are faster than the 99 TL.

d) The EPA mileage for the 1999 TL is 19/27 while the 2000+ TLs have increased to 19/29, mainly due to the 5-speed transmission.

e) The Navigation system is CD-based with around 8 CDs to cover the entire US, while the 2000+ TLs have a DVD based system, with 1 DVD containing more data that all the 8-CDs combined.

I think the 22K price that is being demanded, is a little too optimistic. I could be wrong, however.

Later...AH

spudgal · July 2002

too good to be true! 8,000 miles on a 99? In Vegas?? Is the owner in Sun City by any chance?

I have 30K on my '00; my daily commute is about 15 miles round trip.

I'd get all the rubber bits checked out (tires, hoses etc). The heat just eats them up. Carfax or similar would be good - and if you can get the vin, you could always call Falconi's Acura on Sahara. They're the only Acura dealer in town and should know the car, even if they didn't sell it. If you're out of town, they're number is 702-367-6400.

Oh, and thanks for the Onstar tip, Scott31. I don't need anymore telemarketers calling me

maw1982 · July 2002

thanks for all of your advice. however, the car sold (it was on ebay). After a little more loking around I have crossed the TL off my list. I am more interested in a camry XLE 4cyl.I can get the features I want (auto climate, nav, auto dim. mirror, rear sunshade) without the freatures I don't want (leather, sunroof, V6 that runs on premium).

spudgal: just fyi, the car was bought new by the owner. he got a company soon after but kept the TL. he sold when he realized how little he used it.

prospector02 · July 2002

I noted the postings on rotor and pad replacements for 2000 TLs. I am in the market for one, and have test-driven several. I noticed the steering wheel vibration during braking on nearly all of them. For some cars, the vibration occurred when braking even at lower speeds, like 40 mph. Is this a persistent problem?
I have also seen numerous complaints about mileage. Does mileage improve with "break-in", i.e., when the car has had a number of miles put on? If so, what is that breakin number of miles?
I also noted numerous complaints about peeling paint on the 3.2CL. Is this a problem with the TL also?

99solara · July 2002

As I learned from others on this forum. Reference TSB 01-017 concerning Pulsating Brake Pedal. Acura is convering this for vehicles under warranty. Post Warranty may be eligible for Goodwill from the District Parts and Service Manager.

prospector02 · July 2002

Pulsating brake pedal is news to me. I have not experienced it yet, but thanks for the warning. I will review TSB 01-017 as suggested. Thanks, 99Solara.
What I was referring to was vibration in steering wheel, not brake pedal.
Any thoughts on the mileage problem, or paint peeling?

maw1982 · July 2002

Hi,

I'm looking at a '02 TL-S and had a question. Has anyone tried using a lower grade octane fuel in the engine. I just wanted to know what effects it had (besides performance which doesn't matter to me) on the engine? Using this to compare this vehicle to other vehicle I am looking at that run on regular. Thanks

jdone1 · July 2002

Using lower octane fuel in the type-s is a really bad idea although the owner's manual says it may be done in emergencies. If performance is not important why not get the tl-p. It will run just fine on regular although with "reduced performance". You will not notice in normal driving. My experience has been that the car gets about two mpg less on regular than it does on 93 octane. This negates any cost saving. I should note that I have averaged almost 24 mpg over the past two years in the 225-hp tl-p. I consider this outstanding for a car this large (and for the way I drive).

maw1982 · July 2002

Thanks. Your advice is well taken. However, according to edmunds even the Base TL runs on 93 octane. As for my reasoning for the Type S, I wanted a TL with the DVD nav system (I drove a lot for my job as a legal broker) and I found an '02 S Nav with 5k miles for $21k (the best deal I've found).

jdone1 · July 2002

This car has either been stolen or has a salvage title. Run.

tblazer503 · July 2002

not true jdone, Could be a good deal, but I personally would check carfax and verify title, etc. My buddy just bought a '01 Navigator fully loaded w/ 13k for 31k.. clean title... It was a repo and the dealer wanted his money.. =O)

inky4 · July 2002

Any fool could put that in the paper and sell easy quick for $25,000 but only if clean with clean title.
INKY
I will buy it for $21,000 just tell me where if you do not want it.

maw1982 · July 2002

OK everyone here's the scoop on this car. It was leased and then had a minor accident at 900 miles. The insurance company totaled it because the owner had very good insurance coveraged (if th coverage is high enough the company will total the car for time consuming repairs so the owner doesn't have to put up with having the car fixed). I t was repaired and retitled (with a brand). At 5k miles it was traded in on an S-class MB.

Now my question is (I have to make a decision about thie car within the next day) is whether to buy this car or lease an '03 TL ot TL-s (I don't know what the terms of a leae on one would be. Any advice would be helpful. I would use the car both as my business and personal car so part of the car's cost would be tax-deductable. Th only thing is that I can buy the '02 car outright with cash and not have to wory about a leasing company or financing (I'm twenty, self-employed, and make six figures so that's three strikes against me).

jlan · July 2002

Run from the wrecked car - I wouldn't believe that the damage was minor if the insurer totalled it. I have ties to the insurance industry and can tell you that the statement about insurers being concerned about owners putting up with getting cars repaired is BS - they don't care about anything but the cost. Also, I would be suspicious of someone taking the depreciation hit after 5k miles - would indicate something wrong with the car.

I would buy a '03 TLS for about $29-30K, pay your $20k down and borrow the rest (short term if you make 6 figures), or lease or finance in the typical fashion.

Totalled, retitled, insurance company BS - run, don't walk.

handelyourself · July 2002

If the insurance company wrote it off as totalled, chances are it was in a bad wreck NOT a minor one. I know someone who got into an accident with a truck. The truck was making a wide turn and didn't know there was another car next to him and the Honda Accord got towed underneath the truck. The backend was crushed and the roof was crunched in. The bottom of the car was hitting the asphalt when the truck stopped.

The owner was sure the insurance company was going to write it off as total loss. But since it was only a couple month old the insurance company decided to pay and get it fixed. The owner was surprised. The owner also told me the car was never the same since.

If the previous owner had very good coverage, the insurance company could easily had the owner of the car rent a car until the car was fixed.

I'm a pessimist but what you've said about the car tells me that there are too many red flags for this to be such a good deal.

maw1982 · July 2002

thanks for all your advice. I'm not going to buy the car now but am going to watch the auction to see if anyone actually bids on it (its an ebay auction).

I can keep driving my '00 accord se for now. However, I need an upscale car for my job(I am in network marketing and need a car that makes people say "I want to drive a car just like his").

If anyone can think of a car (new or used)that is similar in price features, and status (upscale yet youthful) of a TL-S then please tell me. I've researched this to death so I know what's out there but other's people's input and opinions count (their invaluable in my occupation).

rickandcheryl · July 2002

I am thinking about installing a Donnelly ETC mirror on my new 03 TL-p. It is an electrochromatic mirror with both a compass and outside air temp built in. Miss the compass and the stock outside air temp gauge is very inaccurate. Has anyone done this? If so, how hard was it to install and if you had it installed, who does that type of work and what did it cost? Appreciate any and all help. Thanks, Rick

bklynguy · July 2002

I recently test-drove a TL & was impressed by the handling but, the road noise was very pronounced on rough roads. Will Honda improve this with the 03 Accord / 04 TL ?

inky4 · July 2002

I think TL-P is much quiter than Accord.
The TL-S is more noisy then TL-P due to load MIchelin Pilots and stiffer suspension but in R&T comparo last month the TL-S was as quiet or quieter then BMW, volvo etc etc.
Yes, a lexus ES 300 is quieter but also boring to death.
INKY

alby0419 · July 2002

Hello,
I have a 2002 TL that I purchase about 6 months ago. I have notice when driving that the radio has some distortion problems with the right channel. There are 4 beeps and after that everything is fine. Has anyone else experience any problems like this with their TL? I'm thinking the radio isn't grounded correctly or something else may be happening.

joelhe · July 2002

My 2000 TL has started making a disturbing noise that appears to be coming from the head liner when the car goes over bumps. The noise appears to be coming from above and behind my head. Interestingly, it goes away when the sunroof is open. Anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions on tracking it down and fixing it.

Thanks - Joel

handelyourself · July 2002

I believe the noise you are hearing is from the sunroof. Several others owners have mentioned this. I believe the dealer as a fix for this.

bklynguy · July 2002

The 03 Accord V6 will have 240 HP !!!!!
Honda better release a new TL soon.

andrewdna · July 2002

You make 6 figures at 20 and want to buy a Acura TL? Go for a MB. Heck I'm 23, living in Vegas too and only make 40,000 at CCHD...still saving for my TL-S. Might get a RSX, no tyranny problems to look forward to. Anyone with a 2000+ TL with over 40,000 miles without a new tyranny?

Crevels · July 2002

I've got a 2000 TL with 54,000 miles and haven't had a single problems (knock on wood) with my transmission, but my wifes 2002 RSX Type-S had to have both the 2nd and 3rd gear synchros changed at 6,000 miles, so don't assume that an RSX will give you better transmission results as a TL. However, there is still no substitute for rowing your own gears. Gotta love that 3rd pedal.

karluvver1 · July 2002

I tried using 89 octane instead of 91 octane during cooler weather but found it did not work. After a drive I could smell the exhaust and hear crackling sounds indicating the exhaust system was overheated.

The only other problems we have had are the A.C.not cooling and the S.R.S. light staying on. There was a bad O-ring on the suction hose. Then the dealer put too much freon in the system and I had to let some out.

Lee

joelhe · July 2002

My 2000 3.2 TL had the infamous and very annoying sunroof rattle. I had read in this forum that Acura has a bulletin out on this and will fix it by applying some sort of tape to the sunroof housing that is visible when the sunroof is closed. This morning, I applied a thin layer of "Snap" belt dressing to the rubber gasket around the sunroof. Rattle stopped immediately. What a difference, the car is quiet and feels solid again. Don't know how long it will last but since it took me less than a minute to apply the dressing it will be no big deal to do it again.

Just wanted to pass this on. Try it at your own risk as I can't tell whether there are any long-term side effects of doing this.

To see if your car has this problem, just push up vigorously on the closed sunroof and you can hear the gasket rubbing against the housing.

Belt dressing is available at all auto parts stores

Joel

joelhe · July 2002

Looking for instructions for replacing them. Are there two filters? Do you need to remove glove compartment to replace filters? How?

Thanks - Joel

karluvver1 · July 2002

The service manual has four illustrations, which can't be shown here, but I'll try to tell you anyway.
1) Remove glove box
2) Cut the plastic cross brace, and remove it and the two mounting screws (on R) from the glove box opening. Retain parts for later
3) Remove the filter lid from the evaporator, then pull out the lower a/c filter assembly and the upper a/c filter assembly.
40 Remove the a/c filter from the filter housing. Replace the a/c filter according to the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual.
5) Install the a/c filter in the reverse order of removal. Make sure that there is no air leaking out of the evaporator.
6)Install the cross brace(a) into the glove box opening by aligning the tabs with the slots.
7) Secure the cross brace with the two mounting screws removed in step 2.
Reinstall the glove box.
Good luck.
Lee

ong2003tl · July 2002

I only had 24,000 miles on it w/navi. It is in an excellent condition and I live up here in the Seattle area. The question is: How much should the insurance pay me? I know they will try to low ball me and when they come up with the number, does that include tax?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

joelhe · July 2002

Check with dealers in your area to find out what they would SELL you a comparable car for. The insurance company will try to get you to take a lower price but you should stand firm and not accept any offer that you don't think is fair and reasonable. I totalled a 4 month old '87 Accord once and the insurance company offered me $10,500. I found a comparable car on sale at a local dealer for $12,800 and that is what we settled for. Over 20% more than their original offer.

Forget blue book values. Your settlement should allow you to replace your car with a comparable car, minus any deductibles, and it is fair to include sales tax since that was a part of your original cost and will increase your replacement cost. Insurance companies generally will negotiate with someone who brings some facts to the table.

ickes_mobile · July 2002

Honda will reportedly import the JDM/Euro Accord here as the Acura TSX. The TSX would replace the now deceased Integra sedan in the line-up. The JDM/Euro car is expected to debut at the September Paris Auto Show in September and be on sale in NA in 2003 as a 2004 model.
For more info and some early spy pics from various sources see:

ickes_mobile "Acura TSX" Jul 30, 2002 12:31pm

rvivinetto · July 2002

I have 42,000 miles on my Acura 99 TL. I need new tires. I am trying to decide whether to replace with the Michelins or go to Toyo. Two tire dealers have told me that Toyos are better tires and it will cost $100 less than the Michelins. I always thought the Michelins were not good in rain but then thought maybe it was the Traction control. Does anyone have any suggestions?

prettywilly · July 2002

What do you guys think the next TL will be like, I'm guessing the Type-S engine will be avalible on the base modle, considering the new Accord has a 240 horsepowre engine.

machiavelli · July 2002

Yep, you have to assume it will have more than 240hp. Probably 260 in the 'base' model, and the Type-S with even more. Also, maybe the engine will be 3.5L, like in the Ody/Pilot/MDX? It really makes you wonder why anyone would buy an RL?

handelyourself · August 2002

When will they release this? The 2003 model has been out for a long time. Will they release the 2004 model before it is even 2003?

machiavelli · August 2002

No, you cannot officially release a new model year car until after January 1. You aren't allowed to be more than 1 year ahead of the calendar year. For example, the first 2004 models cannot be released until after January 1, 2003. The first 2005 models cannot be released until January 2004, etc.... The '03 TL was released sometime after January '02. I would expect the new '04 sometime in Spring of 2003.

maw1982 · August 2002

I am loking at a '99 TL nav with 97k miles and being oferred for 13.5k. Is this a good deal What should I suspect/watch out for? I looked at the '03s but they were too expensive and the dealers would not negotiate below sticker. I'm not losing much by going with a '99 and the price sounds a lot better. How long should I expect this car to last (I will probably keep it for 3-4 years and then get (hopefully) a new car. Thanks.

eddiemac · August 2002

Where do you live? Here in DC and other areas, you can get a 2003 TLS/nav for around $31600. Check www.acura-tl.com and read what others have paid. As far as a 99, one reason I would not buy one with a nav is because the nav in a 99 is cd-rom based. This means that you need about 6 cds to cover the entire country. Starting with the 2000 models, the nav is a dvd rom, where one disc covers the entire country. Also the 2000's have a 5 speed automatic transmission instead of the four speed found on the 99.

maw1982 · August 2002

I do live in the DC area. I went to Karen Radley Acura to look at the TL-S nav. They quoted me full stiker plus a lot swap fee (They didn't have one in Anthriciate (sp?) but would get one for me). The numbers I got was 33900. With $5k down and financed over 72 months they were going to charge 529 a month. This was after I told the salesman my monthly payment limit was $500. They acted like I was going to buy with them and not shop around. WRONG! I put a request for an internet quote at Radley Acura (closest dealer with my color) and need to follow-up on Monday. Now I know why Acura salespeople love their jobs. People buy their products without shopping around, pay sticker and they pocket the profit.

I really like the TL but would like it a little cheaper. My other choice is a Millenia S but its just not as good (although its $10k cheaper). Tha navigation system is what really like (I'm a real estate agent and it would be a godsend). I also like th resale value on the TL vs. MM (I only kep a car for 3-4 years). I can't lease because I have never financed a car before.

I digress. I'll see what I can have worked out.

scott31 · August 2002

I paid $31,773 for my TLS with Navi at Radley Acura (not Karen Radley, even though it's the same company, they would NOT match Radley's price)

Ask for Al Gavri, tell him Scott sent you.

BTW- My TLS came with trunk tray, wheel locks, mud guards, and wood shift knob. Color was the Anthracite Metalic you are looking for.

Regardless, do NOT pay a lot swap fee anywhere.

If you can, try to lease the car. You can write off the lease amount on your taxes (IRS Form 2106).

You'll love the Navi system. I've only had it 3 months and I can't live without it.

Try to get the TLS even though it's more $$$, the TLS has a much better traction control system than the TLP.

maw1982 · August 2002

That's a rlief. I actually did not get a clear itemized offer at Karen Radley. The salesman even refused to xerox the written offer so that I could have a copy. He just write 72X529 on the back of his card. We got along great (he's 22 and I'm 20 similar personalities) but was a real ___ when it came down to the actual buying process. He expected me to just blindly accept the offer without second guessing or negotiating.

I do not want to wait for the '04 TLs. If they are going to look anything like the '03 Accord then no thank you.

eddiemac · August 2002

Do you belong to a credit union? If so, you can probably get a good thru UBS(United Buying Service). They are a free service that works with dealers on a pre-negotiated price for cars. Radley Acura(not Karen Radley) is the UBS contact. Call them at 303-657-1920 for a free purchase certificate. You can check them out at www.ubs4cars.com. Like Scott31 said, do not pay a swap fee. I purcahsed a 2002 TLS/nav(Dark Emerald Pearl) new from Tischer Acura in Laurel last August for $32100. Included in the price were free wheel locks and two free oil changes. They did not have that color in stock, and they did a swap with Frankel Acura in Cockeysville for it. There was NO swap fee. Also, because one the Frankel salesman had locked one set of keys in his desk, and was off the day of the swap, I received an extra key for free. Tischer also did a swap with a dealer in PA for another customer. You should have no problem getting a deal better than mine. Chevy Chase Acura in Bethesda had listed in today's paper that they have 90 TL,s in stock. Good luck on your search.

inky4 · August 2002

I would definately sway the Low Rolling resistance and low traction Michelin Energy tires for toyo ultra 800's for less money.
Michelin nice but not traction or handling ability.
INKY

Older Acura TLs

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy