Older Acura TLs

1…1314161819…175

Comments

  • antonkantonk Member Posts: 19
    Yeah, they are both great cars, that's why my dad wants to buy a TL for himself, and leave our Maxima SE for my mom
  • dlg8dlg8 Member Posts: 4
    Just checking in. I've had my 2000 TL for more than a year and it is absolutely the best car I've ever owned. The dealership (Castle Acura in New Castle, Delaware) has been great. I get free oil changes and they just sent me a coupon for a free wash, wax, and interior cleaning. The TL handles more than well enough for me. I'm just surprised I have not gotten a speeding ticket. I can hardly wait until I can justify trading it in on a TL-S.

    I'm 6'2" and I have plenty of head and knee room which was one of the reasons that I selected the TL. Does scholl know that the seat has an up/down adjustment?
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    Actually, the Maxima with the Automatic is a total dog....the TL would humiliate it in a street start. The Manual Maxima however is quick and would be comparable to the regular 3.2TL. Since the 3.2TL does not come in a manual version, we don't have its performance figures to compare against.

    Motortrend had rated the 2000 3.2TL at 6.7Secs 0-60 while "Road and Track" rated the 1999 3.2TL at 7.2Secs 0-60. It is commonly accepted that the 1999 TL with the 4-speed transmission and the non-free flowing intake manifold was slower than the 2000 3.2TL by about 0.50 secs 0-60 - a lot more difference in the quarter mile....so if we were to extrapolate the 1999 R&T test to a 2000 3.2TL, it would take it right to 6.7Secs again. Car&Driver, who have pretty conservative testers rated the 2000 3.2TL at 7.2Secs 0-60, which is the slowest recorded time for the 2000 TL from any major publication.

    Here are the acceleration figures from the comparison test done on the 2000 3.2TL, 2000 Lexus ES300, 2000 Infiniti I-30 (which is similar to the Automatic Maxima) and 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora V6 (Motortrend - June, 2000 issue)....

    ---------Acura 3.2TL-----Lexus ES300-----Infiniti I30--
    0-30------- 2.5 ------------ 2.8 -------------------- 2.9
    0-40------- 3.7------------ 4.0 -------------------- 4.1
    0-50------- 5.1------------ 5.9--------------------- 5.9
    0-60------- 6.7------------ 7.9--------------------- 7.9
    0-70------- 9.0------------ 10.1-------------------- 10.0
    0-80------ 11.5------------ 13.3-------------------- 13.0
    0-90------ 14.3------------ 17.0-------------------- 16.6
    Qtrmile--- 15.2@93.1 ----- 16.0@87.5 --------- 16.0@88.5

    As you notice, the other cars did not stand a chance from right off idle to much higher speeds....the Acura always held the upper-hand....when compared to the 1999 TL, transmission and intake modifications in the 2000 TL improved low-end torque and mid-range power, even though peak hp/torque numbers remained the same. Of course, with the advent of the 3.2TL-s, all these figures have been bettered......

    Also, the Acura (EPA classification - midsize) is heavier than both the Lexus ES300 (EPA Classification - Compact) and the Infiniti I-30 (EPA Classification - mid-size) yet has better mileage figures (better hwy figure than the I-30).

    Mileage of Acura 3.2TL: 19city/29hwy (3483lbs)
    Mileage of Lexus ES300: 19city/26hwy (3351lbs)
    Mileage of Infiniti I30: 20city/28hwy (3194lbs)

    (The Acura weighs 3494lbs with the Navigation)

    Later...AH
  • antonkantonk Member Posts: 19
    Maxima is not a total dog, in fact it's very fast, especially for its horsepower rating. But with high torque, its acceleration is good at any RPM's, whereas the Acura should excel in the highs. Quite frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if the Maxima was quicker in a street start than the TL.
  • jmtreetopjmtreetop Member Posts: 130
    Can anyone tell me how the TL's handle in snow? How about 3-6" snow?? I haven't justified giving up my 4X4 SUV for an Acura TL-S because I'm worried about winter but really want the TL-S.
  • antonkantonk Member Posts: 19
    Hey, if I can drive a 96 Avenger with 14" bald tires with 140,000 miles on it in 6" snow, then why not a TL-S? It'd be a shame to get it dirty though...
  • yupyupyupyupyupyup Member Posts: 16
    must be an Acura salesman.
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    Nope ! Just a totally satisfied owner. I have owned my 2000 TL for almost a year now. I have a Toyota Camry too, in addition to the TL. Of course, these cars are way different from each other.

    The cars are great even though the dealer experience is definitely not even in the same league as Lexus. The salesmen are positively sleazy and of the old-school...

    antonk:

    If you look at the power graph of the Acura, there is about 200 lbs/feet of torque in the Acura, almost a little off idle, even though the peak Torque happens at about 4700 rpm. Also, in the earlier acceleration statistics, you will notice that the Infiniti I-30 (similar to the Maxima) is EXACTLY 300 lbs LIGHTER than the Acura (with Nav - the test was done with the NAV version), yet is thrashed in 0-30, 0-40, 0-50, 0-60, 0-70, 0-80, 0-90 and also the quarter mile....even though on paper, the Infiniti has got a better Power/Torque NUMBER....street starts account for 0-30, 0-40, 0-50...acceleration of a car is not dependent on the peak HP/Torque numbers (which are entertaining but will not serve any purpose in day to day driving) but on the way the power appears all along the power band and also how it reaches the ground (via the transmission)....

    Later...AH
  • antonkantonk Member Posts: 19
    I sure hope you guys are right about the Acura. I thought it was fast, but some numbers showed otherwise. I just wanted to make sure it wouldn't be slower than the Maxima, and I think it's faster. I guess Acura Canada was off by like a second for the TL's 0-60's
  • varmitvarmit Member Posts: 1,125
    jmtreetop - I haven't had mine long enough to become an expert on TL driving in the snow, but here are my impressions...

    Too much torque! (How often do you read that?) It's much to easy to generate wheelspin, especialy since we're dealing with an automatic. The traction control engages frequently in slick conditions and it works well. I just wish it didn't have to.

    Otherwise, it's pretty stable. Snow tires would help, but it can hold its own without them. The SportShift mode allows me to drive a gear or two above normal once you get going and the car is balanced well. Defrosters and such all work well, so visibility isn't an issue.

    Dunno what your budget looks like, but the MDX might be a good compromise.
  • jgoodelljgoodell Member Posts: 2
    Trying to decide between the 2002 Aura AL (not type I) and the Infinite I30. I imagine others have been in this situation, and would appreciate any thoughts.

    Thanks.
  • lfuronlfuron Member Posts: 3
    My wife just got her ’02 TL S with nav and so far it seems like a fine car. The one major complaint is the lake of coverage of the navigation system. The Acura brochure claims to find “almost any address” in the continental US but in fact has no addresses for 9 states and only covers large cities in many others. We purchased the nav to use on a trip from Calif to the East coast later this year and now find it will not do what was claimed. When I told the salesman who sold us the car about this limitation both he and the sales manager seemed shocked to learn about it.

    As far as comparing 0 – 60 times on Maxima vs TL S Type I believe a stock Maxima with a 5 sp man would take a TL 225HP but not an S Type. I used to drag race a ’55 Dodge with a full race Chrysler hemi and a hopped up ’58 Corvette many years ago and agree that a strong flat torque curve is more important than peak HP.

    To DC Wong : My Stillen supercharged Maxima is a stock ’95 in all other respects and it handles pretty well. Some torque steer but not bad. I put it on their dyno and got over 235HP at the wheels which works out to between 275 – 280 at the flywheel.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    It looks like you may have composed your post offline in MS Word. There is something about Word using nonstandard ascii codes for apostrophes and stuff that will make those codes show up when you actually post.

    You can avoid that by either using a standard ascii editor such as Notepad, or just using the post box directly.

    Hope this helps.

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
  • jcskjcsk Member Posts: 1
    I'm delighted to report that I am now the proud owner of a brand new 2002 TL - what a great car! Even better, the buying experience at Leith Acura in Cary, North Carolina was terrific. Good deal ($28400 including splashguards, destination charge, etc) and a responsive, low key salesman. If you're in the market for a terrific car from a great dealership, stop in and ask for Mike Mitchell.
  • bluesky999bluesky999 Member Posts: 253
    Say, having owned a Camry and a TL, which were you implying had the better service department? Just curious--may buy the new Camry coming out this Fall for a relative who asked me for help, and was wondering how Toyota is doing service-wise. I thought Acura was quite good in this regard, but would like to know what you found between the two.
  • bluesky999bluesky999 Member Posts: 253
    Has anyone heard any comments from Acura's brass regarding the direction that the next generation ('04) TL will take? I wonder if they plan to keep it very conservative looking, or if they will try to break the Honda mold and get more aggressive in the styling department. I also wonder what kind of technical changes might be in order. A couple that I expect to see are the new satellite based stereo systems as standard (you pay about $10 a month for non-commercial programming that is beamed from satellites--there are 2 companies entering the business) and the power steering and brakes should become electrically assisted, rather than being driven from the engine, which will improve either fuel mileage and/or power.
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    Toyotas are traditionally considered as very reliable and so has been the case with mine. Absolutely no problems whatsoever. The service dept is a little better than a Chevy or a Pontiac service center however. You do not get loaner cars etc, when you are in for service. Some of the perks of the Acura service like free coffee, doughnuts, free local calls etc., are missing from the Toyota dealership experience. But then, for the dollar, you get a very good car.

    The Acura has been an absolute pleasure throughout the ownership. The expensive double-wishbone suspension of the Acura makes its presence felt at higher speeds, where the Camry (with cheaper Macpherson strut suspension) attains a certain floaty disconnected feel. You can go to much higher speeds in the Acura and feel comfortable while doing it. With the Toyota Camry, you are certainly uncomfortable when the speed builds up - but the target audience of the Camry is also, I believe a little less youthful - so that is no biggie. Acura dealers are a little better than the Toyota/Honda set-ups since you get loaner cars for every scheduled service visit, in addition to the above mentioned perks when one has to wait at the dealership. In addition to that, there is 24hour road-side assistance, concierge service, trip interruption benefits etc. Lexus dealership experience however, is a lot more professional and even better overall. The service departments go out of their way to satisfy their customers - can't say the same about Acura dealers.

    Later...AH
  • gdpeckgdpeck Member Posts: 4
    Hi All,
    I just purchased an 01 TL, and am wondering if there are any on-line places to purchase genuine Acura accessories at discounted prices on the web. There are a few of these sites for Honda's (partscheap.com, handaparts.com, etc.), but I haven't been able to find any for Acura accessories. If you know of any sites like this, please let me know.

    Thanks
    George
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    Try www.ahmotor.com

    Later...AH
  • bcjacob1bcjacob1 Member Posts: 39
    I took my '00 TL to the dealer today. I have 30,000 miles and the manual says to change the AC filter at this time. The dealer charged $60.00 to change the filter saying it's in a difficult place. The owner's manual says to take the car to the dealer to change the filter and the manual does not even say where the filter is located.

    Is the dealer over-charging for this? Can I do this myself?
  • dougsilverdougsilver Member Posts: 62
    I have seen (and test driven courtesy of Honda engineering) the 2002 TL-S and it is a nice looking car--just slightly different in appearance to our 2000TL. Yesterday I saw my first plain vanilla 2002 TL (not "S") while walking around my neighborhood. My first view was sort of from the side so I did not realize it was a 2002. My first thought was why did someone bother to put Honda Accord alloy wheels on the Acura. Then I noticed the clear rear turn signals (the current fad) and realized this was a 2002.

    What a mistake Acura made in choice of wheels! The complaint of the pre-2002 TL was that from the front it looked like an Accord or Civic. Now the front is more distinctive with the reworked grill and lights but the wheels make it look like and Accord versus the much more distinctive wheels of the pre-2002 TL.
  • ed571ed571 Member Posts: 6
    Does any1 know of any 01 Tls left going around invoice in Philly/S. Jersey area? Having no luck finding any left.

    Ed
  • mlisonmlison Member Posts: 3
    My 2000 TL currently has 11,600 miles. At about 10,000, it developed a rattle around the sunroof which only occurs when the roof is closed. This car was so quiet prior to this that it's really noticeable.
    It really sounds as if the roof is just "flexing" at the seals to the glass panel.
    It's been pretty cold here in Wisconsin, so I have yet to check the seals and weatherstrips for dirt.
    Has anyone else experienced a problem like this?
  • gdpeckgdpeck Member Posts: 4
    mlison: There is a TSB about the moonroof seal squeaking on the glass when the sunshade is opened. Point your browser to the following URL: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/Servicemmy5.cfm, then search by year. The website will prompt you for make and model, and then for type of component. Enter STRUCTURE BODY ROOF, and you will see the TSB number. I haven't experienced the problem, but if the short description from the TSB sounds like the problem you are having, I would contact an Acura dealer
  • rickslickrickslick Member Posts: 27
    The other day I had the auto climate set on abt 68 when all of a sudden the # 20 showed in the
    display. I attempted to cut the system off but no matter how many times I pressed the off button it would't cut off. The air continued to blow cold the whole time. After about 5 minutes the 68 came back on the screen and I was able to cut the system off. Also I haven't verified it in the owners manual but my center armrest moves forward and this in turn has improved the comfort level in the seat 100%. I say this because I'm rather short and I tend to lean a little when I drive. Any1 experience the auto climate situation listed above??
  • mlisonmlison Member Posts: 3
    gdpeck: Thank you very much. I checked the service bulletin and this seems to be exactly my problem.
  • frankbluefrankblue Member Posts: 4
    Try www.acura-tl.com great site for aces. and performance parts!
  • ajacuraajacura Member Posts: 1
    I'm seriously considering trading in my '95 Integra for the 2002 TL. I love everything about it other than all I've been hearing about the seats giving poor back support (I have a pretty bad back). I gave it a couple of test drives and it felt ok but I'm nervous about it over the long run. I'm also looking at the BMW 325, Audi A4 2.8, & Lexus ES300, but the TL just gives the best bang for the buck. The back thing really makes me nervous though. I'd appreciate any insights from any longer term TL owners.
  • rickslickrickslick Member Posts: 27
    ajacura, I have a 01 TL for the last 3 months. The seats took some getting use to but after 3 months they are getting better by the day. In the post b4 yours I noted that the armrest moved forward which has helped me a whole lot. They are very comfy. I owned a 92 Integra and they were very hard so anything has got to be an improvement over those. I had 6 payments left on my Integra and I couldn't stand the harnish any longer so I traded the car for a 97 Maxima SE.
    The back support in the TL is fine. You may have to keep playing with the seat til you fine that just right spot but once you do, it's the bomb.
  • dennis81dennis81 Member Posts: 7
    I'm approaching 50,000 miles on my '99 TL, and I'm starting to think about replacing the tires. The tread still looks decent, but I'm thinking I will get better performance/handling with a new set of sneakers. Any thoughts on changing brands or plus sizing to enhance performance?
  • navarch31navarch31 Member Posts: 2
    Hi all! I just bought a new 2001 3.2 TL from Criswell in Annapolis, MD. It was $27,000 including freight and wheel locks. It was one of the last five 2001's in the state. I have a question about steering feel. I drove two 1999's prior to my new car, and another 2001 as a loaner while the front rotors where replaced under warranty. The loaner had 15000 miles on it. The steering feel in these cars was much tighter - what I was expecting from my car. The wheel snapped back in a turn to dead center much quicker (vs. continuing the turn), and in general felt less boosted. I only have 900 miles on the car. Should I expect as the tires wear that steering response will improve? Can you adjust or tighten the steering? Does toe and heel have any effect? Any thoughts?

    Carey
  • rktcyntstrktcyntst Member Posts: 9
    Rick slick,

    I too experienced the wacky reading on the climate control screen. I don't recall the exact items that were being displayed, but I wasn't able to control it at all either. This lasted all of 10 seconds and I remember it happening on 2 separate occasions. (BOW it's a 2000 AL) This occurred about 5 days after bringing the car home and now, after over a year of using it, it wasn't recurred. Let me know if you find out more information about this as I'd be interested in hearing about it.
  • rktcyntstrktcyntst Member Posts: 9
    looks like the spell checker took some liberties with my "BTW" and "TL"...
  • brian124brian124 Member Posts: 38
    mlison, I've had my 2001 TL for about 2 months now and the sunroof is doing the same thing you describe. I checked this message board back in June or July of last year and found a message on this problem. I guess Acura is aware of the problem and they have a kit to fix it. Have you spoken to a dealer yet? If you have, was the dealership willing and able to fix the problem?
  • aaceaace Member Posts: 7
    Currently on acura-tl.com, they are taking order for a new gauge. This is a group buy and they need 50 people to sign up. If you get tire of looking at your old gauge and want to try something new, you might want to check it out.
  • #noname#noname Member Posts: 58
    With regard to our 2000 3.2TL, for which we have owned for exactly a year (7000 miles on the car only!) we did experience the sunroof rattle shortly after purchasing the car. The noise was traced back to the sunroof wind deflector which we had installed. Apparently, the deflector has clips that come into contact directly with a painted surface inside the sunroof area. The clips rubbed against the metal surface, creating the rattle noise you hear, when the car hits bumps and twists. The situation was remedied by the dealer who installed a kit which was available, it had new clips and I am pretty sure it also came with soft pads to insulate the noise.

    with regard to the climate control situation, I have heard this happen before on 2000 models also...since its one of those things that happens out of the blue, it would be hard to prove the problem to a dealer. Hasnt happened yet in my car...but again, I have heard other people complain about the exact same thing. Really strange, but keep in mind that computers today go whacky sometimes!
  • 13381338 Member Posts: 1
    Hi,
    Have a 2001TL ~2000miles. Since the time I got the car I have felt that the wind noise is excesssive.It begins to increase at speeds over 40 miles and is a kind of hissing noise that appears to be coming from the top of the windows.This increases with speed and in windy conditions.
    Took it to the dealer who tried adjusting the window alignment.This did not help any.Took it back and he now tells me this is "normal".
    Any objective measures/tests available to diagnose and solve this?
    Anyone with similar problems?
  • stephen36stephen36 Member Posts: 7
    The most probable sorce of your wind noise is the mirrors. Their size/shape creates the noise, specially at higher speeds. Nothing you can do about it.

    You can "test" this theory by driving with the mirrors folded down. (A difficult proposition.) If you get less noise, it is the mirrors.

    I find the noise noticable, but not anoying.
  • dlg8dlg8 Member Posts: 4
    When we first got our 2000 AL I had a comfort problem with the seat back after an extended drive. I have since discovered that by tilting the seat bottom down at the back and leaning the seat back backwards more than I do in other vehicles that I am very comfortable. I also move the entire seat slightly forward, raise the seat and I have the lumbar support at its minimum. For me the basic problem stems from the curvature of the seat back. I am 6' 2" tall and these adjustments tend to make the lower part of the seat back more parallel with my lower back. Fortunately the power adjustments give you an multitude of possible positions. I can't speak for the passenger or rear seats.
  • jasonkureejiijasonkureejii Member Posts: 210
    I've been considering buying the new 2002 classic TL, but there are some issues I would like an opinion about. Does anyone consider the interior a BIT plain or cheap in comparison to an ES/IS300, a BMW 325i, a MB C240 , an Audi 2.8 A4, or even an Infiniti I30? Is anyone unsatisfied with the layout, fit and finish, or material for the 2000-02 models? The cars I mentioned are others I've considered in the near-luxury class. The other issue is depreciation. Does anyone have an idea how the TLs (since the makeover in what? '99) are holding up in value? Does anyone feel `Damn, maybe I should've forked over another 4-5 grand on an optioned out BMW, Benz or Lexus...'?

    Otherwise, I find the Audi 2.8 A4 too compact and a bit slow...crazy interior layout. The Infiniti I30 I never even considered...no exterior style whatsoever...also a bit slow off the get go. The Lexus ES300 seems like a car my wife would enjoy...very luxurious interior...roomy and comfy...and NO excitement however. The IS300 is too new... would rather buy the BMW 325i. The MB C240 is also the slowest of the bunch, I think. I love the design and reviews of this one, but I would rather fork over the extra $10000 with options for the 3.2L model. The BMW 325i is my second choice right now. It has some quality, great performance, always good reviews, of course, at a price (maybe another $4000 optioned out if your lucky, I guess compared to the TL). BUT I like having a damn midsize, NOT a compact. That's one the main reasons for giving so much consideration to the TL. The TL is of course indicative of reliablity, value, and very good (not great) performance. Two minor things, however, get rid of the that damn fake wood and redesign the [non-permissible content removed]! Overall, I really do think the TL has a somewhat classy uninhibited look. Love the grill!!!
  • robnisrobnis Member Posts: 78
    If you want a quality, well built car which will last, then opt for the TL. If you want a little more performance and speed, opt for the TL-S In fact the 0-60 in the TL-S would probably take a number of the little BMW's out there. If you enjoy poor traction in the winter, high long term repair bills, opt for the BMW. If you need "snob appeal" for want of another term, go for the BMW. BTW the retained value of the TL is excellent and considered one of the best in its class of near luxury cars. And you don't have to pay over 30K for the TL either. Everything is standard except for the navigation system which is 2K and one of the better available systems.
  • jasonkureejiijasonkureejii Member Posts: 210
    Did you consider getting one or are you still awaiting the new Infiniti I35? I'm taking a little time this weekend to have a look-see at some models. You're right about it's value. I don't think any other car in it's class can beat it, and I think I've read that they've outsold the forementioned cars the last year or two. I live in Plano, and I don't think the dealers here are going to come off the 2002 MSRP very much. HAS ANYONE IN THE DALLAS/FORT WORTH AREA had any luck on the 2002 model TLs???
  • robnisrobnis Member Posts: 78
    Hi....actually left the I-35 go as a possibility. Although it should be nice I doubt it will be as fast as the TL-S. And of course it will cost more too. I have to determine if I want the TL or the TL-S. Since Jag is jacking the price of their new X 3.0 to over 40K with barely a few packages along with the question of 1st year reliability, I will can the Jag too. I figure that I can always get a good deal our of selling a TL personally if I get it and decide to opt for something else. The BMW is nice, but oh, that German maintenance over the long haul! Best wishes on whatever you get.
  • flinflin Member Posts: 29
    Hi, my 2000 TL is at the 7500 mile mark, and I have a few questions.

    • Transmission - when going up hills I feel a sudden downshift and have to put my foot down harder - consequently it sometimes feels as if the engine is straining itself going up these hills. Is this a normal function of the gradelogic system or do I have a problem?

    • There is a metallic rattle in the dash that sounds as if it's coming from the left vent. 2 trips to the dealer and they couldn't reproduce. It's fairly constant. Anyone had this?

    • The passenger seat, or something around it squeaks as if something's loose when it is occupied. Anyone had this?
  • stephen36stephen36 Member Posts: 7
    I haven't had the particular rattle you describe. However, to get it fixed, you need to find a street near the dealer that reproduces the noise. Then you go for a drive on that road with the technician.
  • varmitvarmit Member Posts: 1,125
    Sorry to beat this issue into the ground. My 2001 TL just started with the infamous sunroof rattle. I thought it had been fixed for the 01 models. Anyway, I checked the NHTSA site but didn't find the TSB for it. It looks like they are having trouble with their "raw data". I'd like to have a copy of the TSB or its number before I go to the dealer. Just in case I get a clueless Tech, or they try to give me the "they all do that" song and dance. Anybody have more info?
  • varmitvarmit Member Posts: 1,125
    Oh yeah... I should add that I love this car. Aside from the roof rattle, the only problem I've had is the fact that the gas pedal is addictive.
  • charliemikecharliemike Member Posts: 87
    Go to www.acura-tl.com ... it's a great owner's forum. You can find dozens of owners posting solutions/issues to that problem there daily =)
  • shopper101shopper101 Member Posts: 11
    There is a used 2000 3.2TL w/navi for sale by the owner in my area. The car has 30,800 miles, looks clean, and has no accidents. The sale price is $23,000.

    Is this a good buy?
  • tgif888tgif888 Member Posts: 351
    It is almost $3000 below Blue Book retail value. I think is better to check out the car at www.carfax.com and make sure everything is clean.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.