Older Acura TLs

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  • maw1982maw1982 Member Posts: 62
    I went to Radley Acura and spoke to Al. I've decided to lease (mainly for the tax benefits). e said that with $4k at signing and a 15k mile/yr. 3 yr. lease I could get a monthly payment of under $400. What a relief.He's running my credit aplication. The large down payment is to make up for my somewhat weak credit (its good but not very high and extensive beacon score of 619). I liked Al. He actually listened to my needs and acted appropriately. Thanks Scott.
  • richard52richard52 Member Posts: 41
    I've been reading various posts both here and at Acura.com about problems with the transmissions on the TL. I have a 2000 TL with 40,000 miles and have had no problems. Should I be expecting some and if so what are the warning signs?
  • steak10ssteak10s Member Posts: 1
    I also have a 2000 3.2 TL. Mine has 45,000 miles and is currently in the shop have a new transmission put in (fortunately still under warranty).

    My problem started about 35,000 miles when the car would shake going slightly uphill at about 20 - 25 MPH. I took it in to the shop and they serviced the transmission. I later found out the transmission fluid was completely gone - burned up. At 45,000 miles the shake returned, so I brought the car back in expecting a similar service. I was very surprised when the service tech called and said they would need the car for an extra week to replace the transmission.

    After the first transmission service, the Acura tech told me the 2000 3.2 TL's had a potential transmission issue, but that it was vastly improved from the 1999 model year.
  • richard52richard52 Member Posts: 41
    Thanks for the info. I'll be watching and listening. I checked the Consumer Reports April car issue for problems with the 2000TL. They indicate that there were few reported problems with the transmissions. I would assume that if this were a wide spread problem it would show in their research. They give the TL the highest rating for reliability, transmission included. I guess I can only hope for the best!
  • keithwandkeithwand Member Posts: 23
    Because of low profile 50 series tires I have not taken the car to a car wash because I don't want to risk scratching the wheels. I either hand wash or run it through touchless.
    Has anyone replaced the tires with a higher profile tire which would protect the wheels?
    If so please recommend height/ width that will work along with pros and cons.
    Thanks
  • kennyg5kennyg5 Member Posts: 360
    I am surprised to hear that running low profile tires through car washes might scratch them. I have owned small, medium and large size cars with different sizes of tires and have never had a bad experience when running them through car washes.
  • asynchro2000asynchro2000 Member Posts: 1
    Putting my 1987 Acura Legend and 2000 TL through the car wash resulted in a circular series of half-moon scratches around the wheel hubs of the Legend and notches near the perimeter of the wheels on the TL--but only on the driver's side, where the wheels have to ride in the tracks through the car wash. This happened because the wheels on both cars stick further out than the tire sidewalls. It didn't matter that the car wash had rotating plastic rollers along the sides of the tracks. Why do they have to make those tracks so tall? *%^$# SUVs! :-)

    I wonder if the car wash tracks can do other damage, because sometimes the steering wheel will suddenly make a half-turn as the wheels/tires hit the track at a bad angle. Isn't this just the same as hitting the wheels against a curb? Can't be good for wheel alignment. What do you guys think?

    Anyhow, I've learned my lesson and will only use the self-service car wash, the kind where the car is stationary and *you* run around spraying soap & water with a high-pressure hose.
  • rvivinettorvivinetto Member Posts: 13
  • rvivinettorvivinetto Member Posts: 13
    I am bring my 99 TL into the dealer today for the ignition recall. I have 43,000 miles in my car. Should I tell them to check the transmission?
  • maxzoeymaxzoey Member Posts: 32
    I drive a 2002 TL and now have 32,000 Kms on it. This week the check engine light has come on twice. Took the car to the dealer and both times they reset the light to turn it off saying it was nothing to worry about. I read in the manual that if the gas tank cap is not on tight enough the check engine light may come on. Today they changed the gas tank cap, after they reset the light. Has anyone else had this problem ?
  • tombuddetombudde Member Posts: 1
    I just purchased a 2003 TL for $28,069, including transportation, (but not sales tax). I'm real happy with the vehicle, but............. there is a long pause before the transmission actually shifts into drive, after I shift from reverse. Anyone else notice this? Is it something I should be concerned about? Thanks.
  • r0n1r0n1 Member Posts: 3
    I'm in the market for BMW330i or infiniti G35 or acura tl type S. I have driven all three and liked more the BMW which is way more expensive. I found the G35 to be not torquey at low RPM but the acura engine seems better.
    Does anyone have any experience with the acura and G35?
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    I own a '99 CRV-EX, (no problems) a 2001 Acura TL 3.2 and a 2001 Honda Accord EX VL. Do yourself a favor and do not buy either car. From leaking sun roofs, door moldings falling off, squeaks and broken traction control modules, you are better off getting a Toyota or GM product. Honda corporate continues to blame the dealers for their declining quality at the factory and do not care about their customers. For tombudde, check the TCS as the trans on my Accord was doing the same thing; eventually have having it for a whole 7 months it went and I had to crawl into the dealership to have it replaced. Only took them two days, yea.
  • handelyourselfhandelyourself Member Posts: 26
    I've noticed a slight pause (slightly less than a second) to actually feel the "shift". Your description is a bit subjective. Try timing it one of these days, but do it when you are not in a rush (a second be a long time when you are in a rush).
  • rsavage3rsavage3 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know where I can find any information on the 2004 TL's? I have been hearing and reading about significant design changes for next year and before I jump in on an '03, I would like to get any advance preview I could.
  • richard52richard52 Member Posts: 41
    I just returned from a trip to Montreal Quebec and noticed quite a few Honda Civics with a few modifications wearing an Acura badge. Is this Acura's idea of a "3 series fighter" and will it appear in the US? Any info?
  • cianfichicianfichi Member Posts: 3
    Anyone have any information on the 2004 TL. I hear it will have RWD, re-styled and have more power. Anyone have specs.?
  • maxzoeymaxzoey Member Posts: 32
    Turns out my check engine light is not on because of a loose gas tank cap. I have been in three times, and the light is still on. Seems that the service department is just guessing as to what the problem is. They tell me they have ordered all parts that would effect the light to replace them.Has anyone else had a problem ? I drive a 2002 TL with 34000 kms on the clock.
  • eds1300eds1300 Member Posts: 71
    maxzoey, try to disconnect the + side of the battery terminal for few seconds and connect it back. Hopefully, this should resolve the problem.
    My sisters 99 Accord has the similar problem.
    Good luck.
  • phil769phil769 Member Posts: 1
    I have the same problem (1 sec. delay in shifting from rev. to drive) with my wife's 2003 TL. I have to hold the brake down for a second longer (than I've previously experienced with other cars) before the drive gear engages.

    Have either of you talked to the dealer about this?

    I bought the car about 2 months ago...currently has 5,000 miles on it. Been really happy with it so far...there was a problem with the arm rest popping up (latch wouldn't hold during warmer weather), but the dealer fixed it.
  • richard52richard52 Member Posts: 41
    I drive a 2000 TL and am about to replace the tires. I've heard that Toyos have better traction than the stock Bridgestones. Any comments?
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    I'm the poster child for being anal about my car. The only squeak/noise/rattle on my TL was the standard Acura moonroof squeak (had the same issue on my '95 Legend LS Coupe). A quick trip to the dealer for their moonroof "fixer" and it's very quiet.

    My only complaint is the center console. I've taken it in 5 times and it still pops up.

    I LOVE the car. The power, knowing the VSA system is there when I'll need it this winter, the Nav system, OnStar, etc....
  • fleetmerfleetmer Member Posts: 2
    I have an '00 TL 41,000 mi. I'd like to get 17" chrome or polished silver wheels and new tires. Any suggestions on wheel and tires brands?
    p.s. glad to read about a "kit" for dealing with the sunrrof noise. I'm calling the dealer tomorrow.
  • fleetmerfleetmer Member Posts: 2
    2002 TL -I had my rotors turned at the dealership first time at 14000 mi, (actual problem started around 12,000. Then at around 25,000 they needed turning again. Now supposedly at my cost. I had it done at a brake shop which said I needed new pads too. They got new front and rear pads through Acura dealer. (ripped me off on the cost). I called Acura of America to complain about early problems. After a couple conversations with the dealer service manager I was reimbursed the $247 I paid the brake shop. The service rep said the original pads caused the rotors to heat up too much (also that the Japanese steel in them is not as hard as US steel). The new pads seemed to solve the problem but I was worried that machining the rotors twice might cause problems down the road, after warranty period, and I just got the dealer to put on new rotors and pads at 38,000 mi. I now have 40,800 mi. As I have read, some of you have had tranny problems around this mileage. What do the service reps tell you? What should I listen/feel for?
  • meeky_mousemeeky_mouse Member Posts: 1
    I'm looking to buy 3.2TL in Phoenix, anyone know what I should offer.
    Also, will the dealers still have 2002 inventory.
    Thanks in advance
  • neuronbobneuronbob Member Posts: 43
    r0n1--The G35 looks great, but has little low-end torque. The interior looks relatively cheap. The regular TL, which I have, should be sufficient for you and less expensive. As for the reliability issues, I've had the center console issue (need to go back to dealer for 2nd fix) and moonroof squeak (gone). I have a dash rattle, but that came only after I had an XM radio system installed and will be dealt with on the next trip to the dealer. I've got 16000 mi on the car and still love it.

    richard52--the "Honda Civics" with Acura badges are actually Acura ELs, only sold in Canada. They are hardly BMW 3-series fighters with their 1.6 liter, 127 hp engines. My guess is that they're not sold here because Americans won't buy them--remember the Caddy Cimmaron? Ewwww. Same thing here.

    fleetmer--i upgraded the wheels on my TL-P to 17" TL-S wheels, which i think are much better looking, and I upgraded the rubber to V-rated Dunlop SP Sport 5000's. Makes a world of difference in the handling, I can (almost) go toe-to-toe with a 3 series. for more info on tire/wheel upgrades you can go to www.acura-tl.com and select the "Tires and Wheels" forum for other ideas and rim types.

    meeky--I don't know how much you can get a TL for in Phx, but I can tell you that the 2002 models were gone in January--the 2003 model came out then. Acura reportedly plans a return to normal model years with the 2004 model, so your only choice for now is the 2003.
  • ecarmackecarmack Member Posts: 161
    I don't agree with the statement that the Nissan VQ series of engines have "little low end torque." If anything, I think it is the other way around, Honda engines have more torque in the mid to high end, and Nissan is stronger in the low end.
  • neuronbobneuronbob Member Posts: 43
    That's what the numbers might say when you look at max torque (max is 260 for the G35 vs. 216 for TL-P and 232 for the TL-S). But I just couldn't feel it when I test-drove the G35. Even my TL-P feels more sprightly than the G35. Perhaps the one i drove wasn't quite broken in yet....
  • heart2heart2 Member Posts: 38
    I have a one month old 2003 Type S, blue, and have noticed very tiny paint chips on the front of my hood. Tried compound and wax to no avail. Will have dealer check it. Anyone with paint problems on these cars?
  • flyfish52flyfish52 Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2002 TL-S with about 22,000 miles. I love it. Driving around town I get around 23 mpg, but on a 1100-mile recent trip my mileage was remarkable. On one tank of fuel I got almost 29 mpg, and the overall average was about 28. I was driving fairly "enthusiastically" also.

    But I have noticed - or felt - a very significant performance difference from time to time, and it seems to correlate with refuelings. I suspect that my gas station is putting regular gas in the premium storage tank. Anybody else notice such a thing? How likely is that?
  • tjutju Member Posts: 20
    My local dealer offered a price of $29,000 (plus a $150 "doc" fee) on a new '03 TL S type with wheel locks and splash guards added. This seems like a pretty good deal. Can those of you who know more about Acura pricing confirm that?

    Also, even if this is a good deal, why should I buy the TL-S instead of a Maxima SE (with virtually all the TL equipment, inc. heated seats and traction control) for almost $2K less???
  • prelude1997prelude1997 Member Posts: 26
    tju, your 29K price, is that w/ or w/o destination? if dest is included, then that's a great price. figure $60 for the wheel locks and splash guards, you are getting it for 100+ UNDER invoice. where are you located?

    In DC, the best I got was 350 over invoice on a Premium w/ Navg. Still shopping around.
  • jdone1jdone1 Member Posts: 22
    You should buy the tl-s because:
    Maxima interior looks and feels cheap.
    Maxima looks kind of weird in general.
    Maxima resale will be at least 2k$ less than the tl-s.

    At least those were my reasons for picking the Acura over the Nissan.
  • bartalk2bartalk2 Member Posts: 326
    I have read of cases where some gas stations have put regular (or half regular) into their high-test pumps. Gasoline is one of those products that customers are unable to judge. If you suspect it, go elsewhere and compare your car's performance.
  • karluvver1karluvver1 Member Posts: 19
    just took a trip to Utah 1700 miles and got 35 M.P.G.

    I heard that someone backs their Maxima into the garage so they don't have to look at the rear end.
  • heart2heart2 Member Posts: 38
    Have a new TL-S and was told by one service dept that it had factory "break-in oil" and not to dare change it before 3700 miles. Another service dept. said Acura does not use break-in oil but only 5W20 Honda oil in the new car. Anyone know the truth? Also any tips on changing it yourself? Special tools etc.
  • georget4georget4 Member Posts: 1
    Just Purchased an Acura, and my SalesPerson also told me not to change the oil for at least the first 3000 miles, since it contains special "break-in" oil.
  • rickslickrickslick Member Posts: 27
    I read on the Acura-TL site that Honda/Acuras have a device in the transmission that tries to insure that the car is motionless when you shift from reverse to drive so that the tranny isn't damaged. That's what causes the delay when you shift.
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    I was told by my salesman, the service manager, and it even says it in the owners manual, don't change the initial oil until 7500 miles.
  • aggiebartaggiebart Member Posts: 37
    Did they make this color in other years than '99?
    I like the Charcoal grey and black interior combo...
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    Are you wanting a color that is darker than the Anthricite (sp) Metallic?
  • aggiebartaggiebart Member Posts: 37
    In 02 I notice that they make a silver but not charcoal grey, I am wondering if they had charcoal in earlier years... I don't know clever color name Acura calls it.
  • aggiebartaggiebart Member Posts: 37
    I just checked and Anthricite (sp) Metallic is the color I am looking for, any info would be appreciated. Since the car is virtually unchanged in 4 year models, I might as well get a nice used one..
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    I went thru the same thing you are going thru. I was all set to get a certified used TL.

    Then I REALLY looked into it, and it was cheaper to lease a brand new one, than to buy a used one (and not have the warranty, etc).

    I do not recommend getting a used one, for that reason.

    P.S. My TL is the Anthricite Metallic, and I really like the color. (Wanted the dark blue that is on the TL-P though, but this was a nice compromise)
  • dicarlo27dicarlo27 Member Posts: 3
    I am looking to buy a new 3.2 TL within the next 10 days or so. Is the Navigational system worth the extra $2,000 or so? If so what is a reasonable price for it?
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    Nav system is worth every penny, and you get OnStar as well.
  • daysailerdaysailer Member Posts: 720
    would be an interesting and occasionally useful gadget, but hardly worth $2K to me (and I have no use for OnStar). A portable, graphic GPS system can be had for <$500 and can be used in any car e.g Garmin GPS-5). What's more, map updates are more readily available at lower cost. The principle advantage of the TL system is the inertal nav function to carry through GPS blind spots. The TL system reduces the convenience and flexibility of the HVAC controls by their incorporation in the NAV screen. If I could have the NAV for perhaps <$300, I might consider it.
  • acuranow99acuranow99 Member Posts: 1
    I'm looking to buy an entry level Luxury Sedan and the Acura 3.2TL really caught my eye. My only concern right now are the Xenon Headlights. I hear that they are often stolen,(very expensive to replace) more so than airbags these days. I would appreciate to hear what others think? Thanks.
  • benjrbenjr Member Posts: 9
    Hi,

    My friend told me about an article he read concerning the 5-speed auto trans on the acura tl. To access , go to "www.latimes.com" , click on
    "highway 1" . ARticle is titled " Honda's unexpected Gear shift ".
  • jdone1jdone1 Member Posts: 22
    The problem with headlight theft seems to be fairly isolated. So far it is only a signigicant problem in the NYC/Jersey area-not sure why.
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