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Older Acura TLs

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Comments

  • worpspdworpspd Member Posts: 1
    I still change my oil around 3K, even though Acura says it isn't necessary. I think it's cheap preventative maintenance.
  • nadimpalli_knadimpalli_k Member Posts: 1
    Hi

    Recently I went for Test Drive for 3.2 TL. The car is very good... Except in breaking distance.

    I felt the breaking distance is too large for car like 3.2 TL. Have you guys observed the same thing?

    Kishore
  • leeareedleeareed Member Posts: 10
    http://www.tscentral.com/webcasts/content/LAAuto-01-01/acura/acura.ram
    Make sure to copy the whole URL. This is the first CLEAR look at the new front end.
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    a Mazda Millenia's front end?
  • leeareedleeareed Member Posts: 10
    The new front end isn't what I'd hoped. I'd hoped for the TL-X front end, un-altered; heck even the CL front end. It's not that bad thoug....maybe my wife'll finally let me lease one. I wonder when they'll be available.
  • karluvverkarluvver Member Posts: 10
    I'm not sure but I guess it is about 300,000 miles.
  • L8_ApexL8_Apex Member Posts: 187
    karluvver's comment was acceptably humorous. Your comments to leeareed were a little harsh as were leeareed's a bit too personal. So... I've removed them both. This isn't typical for you guys so I know that's all that needs sayin'.

    Take it easy,

    L8_Apex
    Sedans Host
  • pjonkheerpjonkheer Member Posts: 22
    Does anyone know when the TL Type S will be available?? Any ideas on what the price hike will be??

    Thank You.
  • kkuetkkuet Member Posts: 28
    i was just offered a price of 26,499 for a 2001 without any negotians. i'm not looking for a type s anyways, so would you guys buy a 2001 or wait for the 2002? i'll be checking it out at the autoshow this weekend in detroit.
  • leeareedleeareed Member Posts: 10
    OK, OK consider my wrist slapped. Vis-a-vis 2001 vs 2002, it depends on how you like your creature comforts. I think an in-dash changer and memory seats are worth a few month's wait, as I hear the '02 will be on sale in March. Also the vehicle stability assist will be optional, but only on the Type-S I believe.
  • phatboy1phatboy1 Member Posts: 10
    A few months wait for the CD changer, memory seats, fogs, reduced road noise, and front-end reskin is probably worth it. But, it is my guess that the '02 will originally sell for sticker (or very close to sticker.) The question is: are you willing to pay $3k-$4k more for the upgrades offered on the '02? My opinion is if you're not looking at the "S", save the $ and buy an '01--I'd wait a few weeks and offer invoice.
  • luvintelluvintel Member Posts: 7
    What is a good monthly lease payment for 36months..12,000 miles - NJ - all in including taxes....
  • chardonnaychardonnay Member Posts: 22
    Any owners out there with mod's to wheels & tires?Increase in wheel size- say 17 inch & what tire did you change to? I understand that there is a great difference between high & low pressure cast aluminum & forged wheels not to mention price. Has anyone switched to Michelin -ONE?We did on our 96 Taurus- like a different car. Tracks better & no twitching at the steering wheel & a much soother ride. Sorry that they were not on car from day one.
  • x021627x021627 Member Posts: 152
    last march I leased a "00 for $380 month for 36 months, 12K miles per year. i know i got beat, but i traded a '99 accord coupe ex v-6 that had 17K miles. despite the similarities, i LOVE the tl.
  • leeareedleeareed Member Posts: 10
    I'm looking to lease a TL within a month or so. Where can I find a good lease calculator, on Edmunds or any other resource?
    Does anyone know the availability of the '02, or whether the pricing will change much?
  • smoe2smoe2 Member Posts: 1
    I've got a '97 TL 3.2 and love it. But...does anyone else notice any excessive wind noise at highway speeds that seems to come from the side mirrors? If so, has anyone figured out a way to correct this little annoyance?
  • bjohnson71bjohnson71 Member Posts: 33
    chardonnay,

    You should try www.acura-tl.com. The users there are more into modifying their TL's than the Edmunds group. No offense intended.
  • phatboy1phatboy1 Member Posts: 10
    It seems that wind noise from the outside mirrors has been a common complaint--so much so that Acura has redesigned them on the upcoming '02 model. I haven't seen or heard of any aftermarket "fixes" for the noise.

    The promise of reduced wind and road noise for the '02 was one factor in my decision to wait for the '02 TL-S (even though I will be paying thousands over what an '01 can now be had for.)
  • cyclemedcyclemed Member Posts: 3
    Just took delivery of my 2001 TL with Nav. i lso got the rear wing, underbody spoiler kit, sunroof wind deflector ands wheel locks. I was told this was a killer deal at $30K even. Am I wrong?

    Thanks
  • cyclemedcyclemed Member Posts: 3
    One thing I notice about my new TL is that the compressor runs even when the heat is on. This is part of the auto climate control system I assume but I feel it can't be good to run that much, forgetting about decreased performance and fuel mileage. Is there a way around this?
  • dougsilverdougsilver Member Posts: 62
    Yes--this is one of the annoyances with cars having "automatic" climate control systems. I have a Vette and the only way I can turn the AC off with the heat on is having only the floor vents activated. Any other setting that includes the panel vents turns on the AC. With the Acura, though, you can manually turn off the AC by hitting the AC ON/OFF button.
  • kkuetkkuet Member Posts: 28
    only the type s have the side mirrors changed. the regular tl will have the same side mirror as the 2001.

    as for CYCLEMED. i don't know how much all those accessories go for. but i could have a tl with nav for 28,400. so your deal sounds alright, depending on how much the underbody spoiler kit is.
  • mhammy84mhammy84 Member Posts: 167
    We usually start the car, and then hit "AUTO" to engage the HVAC system...and yes, the compressor comes on. We immediately hit "A/C" button to shut off the compressor...but you can hear it fire on as soon as you hit "AUTO." It must be bad for it to be shut off so soon...would anyone disagree? Our Infiniti also has Automatic climate control, but there are two buttons..."AUTO" and "ECO." Pushing either one starts the system...but if you want the compressor on, you would use the "AUTO" button, and when you dont want it on, use the "ECO" button. Each mode allows you to select from a number of floor/panel vent settings.
  • shonieshonie Member Posts: 1
    I've done my "homework" regarding leasing terminology and payment calculations. However, I have 2 different quotes that seem to be about $2000 higher (over the lifetime of the lease) than what the "standard" formulas suggest.

    The "lease fee/rent fee" seems to be where this $2000 is popping up.

    I'm looking at the numbers for a 48 month lease.
    All of the on-line information that I've read says to calculate the "rent fee" like this:
    (Net Cap Cost + Residual)* MF
    (27000 + 14224.70)*.0029 = $119.55
    27000 is the purchase price I was quoted. 14224 is the residual (.49*29030) where 29030 is MSRP

    Depreciation fee is (27000 - 14224)/48 or $266 for a 48 month lease.

    So, $119 + $266 = $385/month

    But I'm being quoted a payment of $466 for a 48 month lease (TTL not included) ...which seems high to me.

    Am I missing something? Is there some type of additional fee that gets added to the "rent fee"? I'm getting my quotes from a "leasing company", not a dealer...if that makes any difference.

    One of the guys told me that the reason for the difference was because they charged a $2500 facilitators fee. Is this BS?

    Thanks for any help you can give me.

    Shonie
  • chardonnaychardonnay Member Posts: 22
    Thanks for advice, but I'm well aware of the acura-tl.com website. I browse this site 5 or 6 times a week. I've learned a lot about my TL from it. I tried joining in July & Dec. but could not login so gave up. They are a great bunch of young enthusiasts.I had my car mod years between 1950-1970 & now a bit too old to go crawling under & bending over a car, other than to keep it in mint condition. It also would be easier to do this in warmer climes as Florida or California.Do you mod your TL?
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    I too browse www.acura-tl.com and www.acura-cl.com on a daily basis. Basically you get a lot of good information from the people posting there and as long as you do not get caught into the "modding fever" that is pretty prevalent out in those sites, you are fine.

    I changed the tires of my TL (on stock wheels/rims) a couple of months after purchasing my car. Basically, the one weak spot on the car that I observed were the tires that came stock with the car. Change them to performance tires and you have a winner.

    Later...AH
  • thermtherm Member Posts: 8
    This is pretty trivial, but, my 2000 3.2TL speedometer has a labeled 0 MPH mark immediately followed by another unlabeled mark I assume is for 10 MPH. There is no intermediate 5 MPH mark. Why is it this way? Why not put in all the marks evenly spaced? I am guessing it was done that way for some reason. Do other car models have something like this also?
  • dougsilverdougsilver Member Posts: 62
    I have also noticed that many cars do not bother with demarcations below 10mph. I guess what should be assumed is that if you are driving that slowly, you are probably in a parking lot or extremely slow stop-and-go traffic. In which case you should be looking out the windows and paying attention to driving rather than staring at the speedo to try and figure out if you are going 4mph or 6mph.
  • bjohnson71bjohnson71 Member Posts: 33
    Chardonnay,

    Come on back to www.acura-tl.com if you ever get the bug. It's very interesting watching what everyone does to their TL's. I am working on mod, but only minor mod like window tint, shift knob, floor mats, wheels and tires. I have a hard time spending around 30k for a car and then spending 5k to 10k modding my car out. I'd rather spend the money on electronics, vacations, etc. Personal choices I guess.

    PS.. I'm TLinKC on the www.acura-tl.com site.
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    I operate as "hunter001" in www.acura-tl.com ...very good site, lots of information about the TL, generally friendly crowd ....just avoid getting caught in the "modding fever"....

    Later...AH
  • blexv6blexv6 Member Posts: 9
    Let me just say I am new to this site and have scrolled through this discussion page. I presently have a 1998 Accord EXV6 which is a great car. I would like to mention this vehicle does have Heated seats and mirrors, despite what some posters advised. Another item I wish to comment on is power antennas as opposed to the printed ones you
    now get in the TL and Accord. I had a power antenna on my 1992 Accord and hated it as it became bent, would not detract, was brittle. I have found that the reception on the printed rear glass is quite good for and does not get damaged. Finally I will be getting an Acura TLS in the next year. I expect this vehicle will look, interior wise just like the CLS. I have seen the CLS and its got great perforated leather seats and steering wheel, 6 in dash cd player, I believe memory seats ( which is great because my wife is short and I am tall, and she never puts the seat back and I always rack my knees on the steering wheel ), a nicer "S" badge sifter and the last but not least, a 260 hp engine. Wow and I thought my 200 hp Accord was quick. I definately think I can wait for this vehicle. Thanks for all the interesting info. on this forum.
  • jweaver1jweaver1 Member Posts: 25
    Has anyone heard if the 2002 TL or TL-S will have side curtain air bags for head protection in the event of a side impact? The low priced 2001 Dodge Stratus and 2001 Saturn, to name a few of the cheaper cars, have them available as an option (for about $400) and some of the more expensive cars include them as standard equipment. I think that any car in the $30,000 price range should include this item in the base price. On another topic, I believe that the recommended replacement interval for the timing belt on the TL and CL is 105,000 miles, but the warranty is only for 60,000 miles. If you are following the maintenance schedule to the 'T' and your timing belt breaks at say 75,000 miles are you screwed, or will Acura replace it for free? If Acura is telling us that we don't have to replace anything inside the engine for 100,000 miles shouldn't they have a 100,000 mile power train warranty (like Volkswagen, or Hyundai?)
  • me8pme8p Member Posts: 1
    I got a 96 3.2TL
    Have a problem with a mildewy smell from the A/C. I've got the dealer to Friggyfresh it several times and that works 4 a bit, but it comes back. They said they will open up the A/C and clean it out for C$800 8( and it may still come back in a year.

    Another guy said change the A/C filter...

    Any ideas?
  • chardonnaychardonnay Member Posts: 22
    Bjohnson71 & Hunter001-------My mods. are wheel locks, caliper paint ( Folia Tec), wood trim on gauge cluster, winter floor mats,Acura Aero Package,1 coat Meguiars #7 & 5 coats of Meguiars#26. Waiting for spring to continue.What tires did you install Hunter001?
  • joelhejoelhe Member Posts: 22
    How do you calibrate the outside thermometer in a TL? I've seen a prodedure dfor doing this somewhere, but can't find it. Mine reads 2 degrees high.

    Joel
  • inkyinky Member Posts: 370
    Man, the local dealer is advertising his many, many TLs for $26,499. This is a great deal. Anyone bought one for less?
    INKY
  • coolguy1coolguy1 Member Posts: 2
  • coolguy1coolguy1 Member Posts: 2
    Sorry for the previous blank post - I hit Enter instead of Tab when going from the Title bar to the message window.

    To shonie and anyone else considering a lease: Go to www.carbuyingtips.com and check out the section on leasing. You will find lots of good info/advice, and there is a lease calculator spreadsheet that you can download and use for free, as well as links to software you can buy if you prefer. It seems that a lot of people get caught up in the monthly payment, not the total dollar amount they shell out over the term of the lease. Often times they entice you with a low monthly payment, but they are screwing you behind the scenes in other ways that you aren't even aware of. My advice is to check out the website, download the spreadsheet, run the numbers yourself, then go get the deal you really wanted.
  • curiousgeorge8curiousgeorge8 Member Posts: 10
    I had the same problem with my 90 Accord. It seems to be a common thing here in South Florida and this is what my mechanic told me and it worked:

    Turn off your A/C, and turn on your heat on Full and turn on the fan on full. Make sure the system is on re-condition, to increase the heat level to its maximum. Open the windows to let out the moisture build up, since you have re-condition on, and you would just be re-using moist air. (Using fresh air, would just lower the potential power of the heat inside the vents, and might not kill as much mold, since the goal is to have as much heat INSIDE the VENTS, not necessarily inside the car itself.) Rotate using the floor vents, and the main vents on different trips. Eventually the mold growing in your vents will die off. Do not use your A/C when you are doing this "cleaning" process for at least 1 week. If the smell hasn't gone away after a week, keep the heat on as long as you can bear it, you may just have tons of mold in your vents.

    It works for about 1 year until the mold grows back, which is a very natural process for air conditioners, especially if you live in a hot+humid area, and you never use your heater.

    You can do it yourself next year, and it doesn't cost you anything, and you'll save a trip to the dealer.
  • kkuetkkuet Member Posts: 28
    i'm in michigan and suburban acura in novi is advertising for the same price. but you can still negotiate down. where are you at?
  • inkyinky Member Posts: 370
    Well, I am not a buyer. I had a 00 TL which I bought for $28,000 when they were hot. Sold it one year latter for $26,250. I am glad I sold it before the prices stated to slide. It would go for about $24k today. If you get one for much less than $26,500 I would be surprised. Good luck and let us know.
    INKY
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    >Bjohnson71 & Hunter001-------My mods. are wheel >locks, caliper paint ( Folia Tec), wood trim on >gauge cluster, winter floor mats,Acura Aero >Package,1 coat Meguiars #7 & 5 coats of >Meguiars#26. Waiting for spring to continue.What >tires did you install Hunter001?

    Okay ! My "mods" also include the Burlwood shift knob, the wheel locks and floor mats that was purchased at the time of buying the car....also have clayed my car and put in a couple of coats of Zymol (the one you get in auto stores)....waiting for spring for re-waxing...

    The tires that I replaced my OEM TL tires with, is Michelin Pilot 225/55-ZR16 ZGT Z4 Ultra-high performance All seasons. Basically there is only a single tire in the OEM tire size (205/60R16) that comes in a high performance designation - Bridgestone RE92.

    There were lots of 205/55R16 tires available but they would not maintain the stock tire/wheel combos' diameter - thus throwing you odometer and speedometer off. The 225/55-ZR16s would maintain the Stock tire/wheel combo diameter perfectly...and hence I went in for it. The performance difference vs the stock tires in both accelerating and stopping is like night and day....moreover, the 225s matches the car perfectly and do not "stick-out" of the car, which was a priority for me...

    Later...AH
  • lougheed2lougheed2 Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone been successful having the dealer swap out for better performing tires e. 225/55zr/16's? Or, is it entirely the owner's cost for a new set of tires? Can you trade in the stock tires at some reduction in price for the new tire set? And are we sure that the recommended better performing tires are a true fit for the TL? Is there a source I can verify,even though I believe what you are saying--just want to make sure... Thanks alot.

    Have not purchased my TL yet, but will in March 2001 and am looking forward to it. If anyone buys one in the chic ago area let me know your price and dealer....
  • chardonnaychardonnay Member Posts: 22
    Could not find tire data that you gave. Checked Tire rack and Michelin sites and up with
    Michelin Pilot XGT V4/Z4 - is this correct or ....?
    How and where did you do your research? It seems very thorough. I'll look into this as a possible upgrade.
    Your information may also help lougheed2.
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    The tire I intended was indeed Michelin Pilot 225/55-ZR-16 XGT Z4s and not "ZGT Z4s". Basically you can go into www.michelin.com and do a tire size check. Almost all tire companies have a vehicle/tire-size fitment checking tool within their site. On the stock rims, Michelin (who manufactures the 3.2 TLs' stock tires) recommends 225/55-16s for the Acura 3.2TL, 99 model and onwards (they have not updated the 225/55-16 models with XGT H4 and XGT Z4 on their site yet)....Actually, the XGT H4s come for a lot cheaper than the Z4s and are I believe rated for upto 130mph which I believe is plenty....the XGT V4s do not come in this tire size...But these high-performance tires are a bit noisier than the stock tires even though the braking/accelerating is a lot better (than stock) and the car also feels planted to the ground...the mileage also reduces a bit (by about 1-2mpg)...Michelin also recommends 215/55R16 and 215/60-R16 tires for stock wheels even though they would be "off" from the stock tire/wheel combo by a little....but they would be closer to the stock tire width.


    You could use this as a starting point - http://michelin.tireselector.com/

    http://www.michelin.com/us/eng/tire/catalog/pxgtz4.htm


    But if you go in for a "up-size" in wheels (from the stock 16" to 17"), I would recommend tires in the 215/50-17s which are the closest approximation to the stock diameter (among available tires)....I personally preferred the stock wheels...


    As far as the dealer swapping out the OEM tires for different tires, I believe that depends on the deal you work out with the dealer...since they would also have to purchase the new tires from Michelin tire dealers before swapping...


    Later...AH

  • chardonnaychardonnay Member Posts: 22
    Sorry to read about above on ACURA-TL.COM site. This happened to me on my 1986 Prelude but after 11 years. The glass installed said that it is known in the auto industry as a "stress fracture" where the cowl & A pillar come together. Mine happened in the winter, when it could possibly be caused by extreme fast temperature change. On a unit only a couple of years old would this not be a warranty item? Worth a try! Good Luck!
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    Thanks for the advice. I think my windshield crack was due to a stone/flying debris hitting it. I did hear the sharp noise but while driving, I did not notice any cracks. The next morning, when I took it out of the garage, I saw the 4-5 inch long crack. Bummer. But life goes on.

    Later...AH
  • raleigh72raleigh72 Member Posts: 3
    I just got an offer in Houston for $28,095 for an '01 3.2 with no nav and a wing. They do not seem to have any "advertising" of "delivery" charges on top of that. Is this a good deal? I wish I could wait a few months because the price is bound to fall when new models are released this year.
  • footfaultfootfault Member Posts: 1
    I have enjoyed reading the messages posted here, very informative. I am close to buying a new car. I live in Northern Calif and would like to know what I should expect to pay for a 00 or 01. I/I nave. Best I can gather $26-27K would be a good price, not counting tax, pic., misc.. Recommend any dealers?

    Although I am leaning toward the AL, I find it difficult not to stop thinking about a new Avalon. Have any of you thrown the Avalon in the mix of cars considered and what was the deciding factors in choosing the AL?

    Thanks
  • phatboy1phatboy1 Member Posts: 10
    raleigh72: $28,095 for an '01 w/out nav is WAY high. Read the other posts on this board...some are quoting prices just above invoice. With the '02 TL/TL-S due out in just over a month, you should be able to negoiate very agressively.

    footfault: unless you're 60+ years old (and/or feel that old), the Avalon shouldn't be a consideration. It's UGLY! Nothing says "I'm old" like the Avalon...well, maybe an Oldsmobile.
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