Older Acura TLs

akuma1 · June 2001

Thanks. I too consider the TL a step up from the Maxima. But a few thousand dollars is a few thousand dollars I guess.

mmcbride1 · June 2001

Is the I30. Yes, it's based on the Max, but it offers a lot of things the Max doesn't for not much more (about $1,500 more than a Max GLE).

bjohnson71 · June 2001

For anyone near KC please join us for a TL / CL meet on Saturday, June 30th @ 1:00 pm at old Ward's store at Oak Park Mall.

http://www.acura-tl.com/ubb/Forum24/HTML/000058-3.html

aes1519 · June 2001

WIth regards to the TL v. Maxima discussion, anyone have any thoughts on the '02 Altima (if you've heard about it) affecting this comparision? Appears that the SE version of the '02 altima will have 240 HP V6 with maxima-esque features. I realize they appear to be different level cars but from what I'm reading, the 02 V6 altima will be drawing max customers away. I guess it will all depend on the test drive........

aes1519 · June 2001

Upon reading my post, I think I wasn't as clear as I could have been. In light of the '02 altima, does the TL v. Maxima toss-up become even closer? if the new altima takes the place of the present style max, seems like the max will necessarily become more similar to a TL (the '02 maxima has a 260 HP engine --- the same as the type S)

tcpip1 · June 2001

While waiting for stoplights, should I shift to N? Is there any harm if I shift frequently btween D4 and N? Thanks!

monatex · June 2001

Will regular gas work just as well?

chardonnay · June 2001

In my TL I,ve used 87 -89 -91 octane. Unless you are a leadfoot you will not notice any difference.

chardonnay · June 2001

In reference to previous post 858, the following should be added:
For the low down on high octane gasoline, check out www.ftc.gov/bop/confine/pubs/autos/octane.htm

I have additional information available but too involved to post. My suggestion is go to a search engine and type in OCTANE. This is how I have obtained my information.

bigbadboss101 · June 2001

In Canada, my friend toke a TL-S for a test drive. Cost is about $43G, $41 for the TL. Maxima I would think will run around mid $35 for the current model, not much more for the 2002?

My lease is due in May and I might get out early to get either a TL-S, Maxima SE, Altima or whatever else that look like a great buy.

chika1001 · June 2001

We got our TL-S non Nav last week for $600 over invoice. It includes the pro pack (mud guard, wheel locks and rubber protection strips on doors etc. Purchased at Oakland Acura. Rep JB

975j_i3blades · June 2001

Was that a 2002 you purchased at that price?

Thanks.

chardonnay · June 2001

As of June 30, my 3.2TL will be one year on the road with 8513 miles (13,700 kilometres).
The build date is April 2000.
Modifications - manufacturer's aero package (front and rear valance plus side flares below the doors), wood trim around gauge cluster and painted brake calipers.

It has been mechanically trouble-free, although there has been two faults .....

1. Windshield streaking from the wipers - a sort of film on glass. From the many previous posts on this subject, I was not the only one experiencing this problem. 'Bon Ami' and ammonia did not help. The dealer replaced the blades. This helped somewhat, although a wiper line at end of travel still remains. I drained the reservoir and flushed it out. This too helped a bit but the problem still exists. Is there a fix for this?

2. Pitting (corrosion) of the alloy wheels. I did very little driving this past winter, (only about 350 miles when there was salt and sand on the roads). My opinion is the coating over the metal is not thick enough to withstand the harsh winter highway conditions. The dealer was aware of this problem since another TL owner in my area had a similar condition. The dealer had them stripped and recoated at a wheel specialist shop. The coating seems to be thicker, and at the moment, looks good. I will have to see how they stand up for the next winter. Perhaps "Enkei" should upgrade their coating or Acura should demand a better product.

On a 3000 mile trip last September, I averaged around 39 miles to the Imperial gallon doing 65/75 mph on 4-lane highways. Not too bad for a car weighing 3500 lbs! I believe the 5-speed sportshift automatic helps.

All in all, I am very happy with this car.

monatex · July 2001

On Tuesday, I purchased a 99 TL with 40,000 miles. I got it for $18,000 with my 92 Accord trade in. I am VERY pleased so far. However, has anyone had a problem with the spedometer being a little off? It seemed that on my trip this weekend that I was 2-3 mph slower than what the guage said. Any thoughts? Also, what kind of tires do you all recommend when I have to replace the original Michelin's? I want some high mileage but also with good grip. Thanks!

yhippa · July 2001

I was reading the Accord EX-V6 vs. TL board, and someone mentioned that you can get a TL under invoice. Is this generally true? The Acura dealer near me seems to have a hard time holding on to them.

baz821 · July 2001

My TL has 2000 miles. Love the car, but a few things bug me. You just can't buy a car that has or does everything you want, and pleases you 100%, but the Acura is somewhat close. Did I see these things when I test-drove the car ? Nope...guess I was too excited.
1. Car is quiet and smooth...cabin could be more silent...wind noise from top of windows and LOTS of wind noise with moonroof tilted or open. No rattling, however.
2. Door locks in terrible position...every time I reach out to pay a toll or swipe my card at work, my arm gets punctured by the lock cylinder. Dumb design.
3. Console cup holder too small to hold a small coffee...it's just not wide enough..dumb design.
4. Loud hissing noise from air conditioner when the compressor is running....annoying, but it sure keeps the car quite comfortable on very hot days.
5. Engine cooling fans are loud, but I'm ok with it.
6. Wish the drivers seat was mounted lower...I'm 5'11'' and mostly legs and I am quite close to the ceiling, looking thru the top of the windshield. In colder weather, when I have a coat on, I'll surely be hitting the ceiling with my hair and I will get very pissy.
7. Very small glove compartment.
8. Center console has two storage compartments. The lower larger one has a hole in it, and it leads to the space under the cup holder. If anything small gets thru that hole (like my housekeys), figure on an hour to get them out or take apart the console...stupid design.
9. Bose radio not very good..sounds like I'm in a tunnel and there's no real good bass. Anyone have any ideas on this one ?
10. Seats OK...would prefer a little more lumbar, but getting more comfy as time goes by.

Good points...good economy...28 - 29 mpg on highway, but it's drinking 93 octane. Anyone tried 89 octane ?

Smooth powerful engine, good solid steering and braking...fun transmission, smooth shifting relatively quiet car.

Deep down, I feel that I may have enjoyed the Passat GLX a bit more, but I'll never know...I need to keep this guy for the next 120,000 miles or so. I also loved the Mercedez Benz C240, but too much $$$ for me. The Acura was the best value for me. Comments anyone? Thanks.

tcpip1 · July 2001

TL that is. Check out:

http://www.forbes.com/2001/07/20/0723feat.html

s852 · July 2001

Has anyone successfully improved the sound of the TL Bose stock stereo with a subwoofer and amp or something?
About the only thing I liked better about the ES300 I test drove was the fact that stock Lexus radio sounded much crisper and had much beter bass than the Bose stereo in the Acura TL.
The base Lexus radio sounded so good I can only imagine how good their Nakamichi upgrade would have been.
I used to drive a 2000 Accord EXV6 and the base stereo was weak, but after I replaced the factory speakers with some Polks and added a 5 channel amp and nice subwoofer in the trunk, it sounded great and 10 times better than the Bose system in the TL. The front Polks had very crisp highs without brassiness and the sub I had gave a nice and very tight bass kick you could feel much more than you could hear (no booming ghetto sound). This is what a stereo in a $30,000 TL should sound like.
I also test drove a C Class Mercedes with a Bose stereo upgrade and it also sounded like garbage.
What are they thinking with these expensive and yet very weak stereo systems?

ecarmack · July 2001

Read your post in the C230 area and thought it would be better to respond here. You said you could get the TL w/Nav for about $29-30k. Can't you also get the Type S discounted down to that range? Personal preference, but I would take the features of the Type S over a Nav system. Just curious if you have to have the Nav or if there was something you didn't like about the Type-S (ride, etc., I haven't driven one yet).

s852 · July 2001

I was quoted $29995 for a 2002 standard TL with Navi. They do not currently have any great lease deal with factory incentives on the 2002 TL and I am little inclined to lease this time. Since I can wait several months to get another car, I may wait for the 2002 ES300 to come out and see if Acura offers a lease deal at that time to better compete with the debut of the new Lexus.
I test drove the Type-S, but I preferred the more refined and quiet ride of the standard TL and was satisfied with the standard 225 HP, so the type-S did not appeal to me at all.
I really like the Acura navigation system and I think it is one of the best features of the TL, just like the panarama roof is the best feature of the C230.
If I decide I don't need navigation, I will look more closely at other cars where navigation is not available (such as Passat GLX, 2002 Altima 3.5 SE etc.) rather than buy a TL without navigation.

richardye · July 2001

I have a 2001 TL which has the same "design features" as you mentioned. The AC hissing noise is not very obvious so it does not bother me. The speaker system is weak with radio reception but seems to work better with CD. On the Smart Shopper site you (or maybe someone else) mentioned hesitation in D5 gear. My car has the same especially starting after a full stop. The moonroof in tilt mode produces big noise. Anyone knows if a deflector solves the problem?

Rich

karz10 · August 2001

I just thought I'd post here, since people are talking about the TYPE-S in here as well. I already posted in smart shopper TL shopping, and in Sedans TL-S.

It seems there is a difference in Dealer Invoice pricing for the TLS w/ Navi, between Edmunds & NADA. KBB does not show and invoice for this car. I emailed NADA and Edmunds. Edmunds has not responded, NADA referred me to AutoFusion.com who provided them this information. Here are the results I posted in the other threads:

Although it seems nobody cares, I thought I'd mention that AutoFusion responded to my inquiry.

They claim the information they provided NADA is correct and that a 3.2 TL Type S WITH Navi has an invoice price of:

$28630
+ $480 dest
-----------
$29,110 Total invoice

This is in fact $1320 less than the invoice quoted by Edmunds. I am taking this with a grain of salt, and reqested further clarification from AutoFusion. Still waiting for a response from Edmunds.

Just thought someone may want to know that if they are negotiating from the invoice up. I mean if this pricing is correct, say for example I started at $500 over and ended up at $1000 over invoice, I'd still be at $30,110 for an S w/ navi, and it would still be a 3.5% profit for dealer. Maybe someone already hammering a dealer may have some feedback on this info?

Karz

gmanusmc · August 2001

Karz...after reading the Edmunds and Acura-TL boards since March, I'm convinced you will not be able to get a Type S with Navi for 30,110.
I suggest you e-mail all Acura dealers within a hundred mile radius with that figure as an offer and see what responses you receive.

Good Luck!

Bill G

karz10 · August 2001

Yeah, I have only recently come on the boards, but have spent hrs scrolling back, and understand your point. Just thought in the off chance there was new info out there, and dealers had more room to work with than we once thought, then there would be a chance you could get a better price than not having this info. As it is you see some people getting better deals than others, depending on their skills, and I'm sure-the dealers need to sell a car that day, not to mention inventory etc.

Plus, ya never know, other mfg's are coming out w/ new rides over the next couple mo's, and this car has been out for a few mo's now, unlike the MDX, I have been seeing more TL-S'on the lots around here than almost any other Ac models recently. I was just making an example of an offer, I want to confirm some info b4 I get started (plus I'm still selling my car)

Karz

aia1 · August 2001

My TL came with the optional deflector for the sunroof and there is absolutly no turbulence with it in place.

Has anybody tried to switch the fixed headrest of a pre-2001 car with the tilt headrests of the new model. I have lately been thinking of taking a new TL out for an extended test drive and bringing it home and .......

hunter001 · August 2001

I second your opinion. If you are buying a TL/TL-s without the Navigation, then you necessarily have to look at lots of other cars too, since non-nav cars are plentiful. After more than a year of owning the TL (with Navigation), I will never buy another car which does not have Navigation as an option. Also, in the Acura TL board (acura-tl.com) there are hoards of gentlemen who sprang for the TL without Navigation and have thoroughly regretted it and some of them are now trading them in for the models with the Navigation. Unfortunately, factory Navigation cannot be added onto a car which does not come with it. The dash design of NAV/Non-Nav TLs are different and aftermarket systems are a joke beside the factory Navigation system.

Also, if you plan to go for a Passat, I heard that the 2002 models are supposed to have a 4yr/50000 mile warranty, unlike the current 2yr/24000 miles + 100k powertrain warranty of Volkswagen. So it may be prudent to wait a few months more.

Later...AH

s852 · August 2001

I really like the the navigation system in the TL.
It is just a neat gadget that I would only "need" use rarely, but would likely use often just for fun.

If I decide I must have navigation, I will most likely get a 2002 TL base model with navigation or a 2002 Camry XLE or SE with navigation. I will probably also at least look at the 2002 Lexus ES300 with navigation.
If I decide to pass on navigation, I will probably also pass on the Acura TL and get a 2002 Passat GLX or a 2002 Altima SE or SL.
I will likely wait until October or November to buy or lease my next car so I can drive all the competition and see if either dealers will discount the TL more than they do now or Acura offers a lease incentive on the 2002 TLs after the new ES300, new Infiniti I35, new Audi A6 with more powerful engines and its new CVT transmission and the other new competing cars hit the market over the next few months.

acurahad · August 2001

Has anyone had a problem with your brakes, when you are stopped and the brake peddle goes down about an inch, but not all the way to the floor, then stops? This does not happen every time. Of course the dealer could not reproduce the problem, so they did nothing. Also,has anyone had the problem, when starting the car, you hear a arching type sound coming from the left corner dash.
I must say that Acura's Customer Service line is the pits. I had an Infiniti before and there was a big difference in the response obtained from their Customer Service compared to Acura.
I had problems with the original owners of the dealership and Acura Customer service said, that the damage done to your car was dealer related, to may a long story short, so there was nothing they could do.What good are they?
So this will be my first & last Acura that I purchase due mainly to sorry customer relations.

s852 · August 2001

An inch? This happens to lots and lots of cars especially if the A/C is running while you are sitting at a traffic light.
A few weeks ago someone posted the same "problem" about their VW Passat.
I have driven several different cars from different manufacturers that did the same thing.
Everyone thought it is something very unsual or unique to their car, but it is not.

tcpip1 · August 2001

I think I have the same feeling with my '89 Accord when the A/C is on. Anyone knows why?

acurahad · August 2001

A/C is not on and this is not a normal problem. I have driven a few cars myself and had a similar problem in a Cirrus. They replaced the master cylinder & brake booster& the problem went away. So no this is not normal.
Sorry, I used an inch as an example, not an exact measurement.

inky · August 2001

I am sure you were kidding. I recommend calling the parts department instead of hurting the next owner. Is that the right thing to do now a days?
INKY

lateralus · August 2001

Hi folks, I have a 2000 Accord EX-V6 (same car as the TL, just spelled with an "H" instead of an "A") and I've noticed this "problem" myself. The situation with the sinking brake pedal @ a stop light with the A/C on is probably best explained (in my opinion) like this. (1)The brakes are power assist-meaning a diaphragm connected to the master cylinder receives vacuum from the intake manifold. (2) The level of this vacuum varies with engine rpm and throttle position. (3) With the A/C on the engine is set by the ECM to idle at a higher rpm than normal to compensate for the load of the compressor.(4) The sinking pedal occurs when the A/C compressor cycles off (normal) and the engine slows-thus creating a vacuum change the affects the master cylinder diaphram. So the next time any of you notice this happening, take note of what the A/C compressor is doing (cycling on, or off). Hope this helps!

phlee70 · August 2001

I have a 2002 3.2TL.
I noticed a whisltling wind noise coming from the driver side sideview mirror area. I took it in to get it looked at. They took two days to take both doors on the drivers side apart and reseal everything.

When they put it back together they did it so that it was not aligned properly. Now both the doors do not close correctly, and the wind noise came back a few days later.

I took it back in, and they noticed that the weather stripping on the both those doors were ripped.

I'm waiting for the parts to coming, and hopefully this will fix it. If it doesn't I'm interested in finding out how the lemon works.

I called service and mentioned the word "lemon", and he said that it usually for safety related problems not for cosmetic issues.

I looked up the lemon law under my state, and they stated the following....

... have a nonconformity that both substantially impairs the use, market value, or safety of the vehicle and is not repairable by the dealer or manufacturer in at least four attempts for the same repair, or be out of service for a total of 30 or more business days.....

ALthought this is still scheduled to be the second attempt, should I start looking into the lemon law more......

Let me know what you readers think.....

tgif888 · August 2001

I think your service department is right. Lemon only applies to the use, market vakue, or safety of the vehicle are being compromised. I don't think the wind noise is qualify.

champion · August 2001

How do you reset the maintenance required light. I know that it comes on automatically after so many miles. I also know that we have changed the oil etc at regular intervals. I would like to turn it off. Thanks

andrewnyc · August 2001

s852, which dealer did you get this price? I checked with one dealer here in NY and the saleperson told me they only sell it at the MSRP price. For a 3.2TL w/o Nav, the price is close to $30K. Thanks.

tgif888 · August 2001

What year of model did you own? For the older model it is like this, "take a pen and push the black part till it resets to green." I got this from Acura-tl.com

phlee70 · August 2001

I would think that no one would want a brand new $30,000 car that has an annoying WHISTLING noise every time you drive on the highway.

This would affect the market value of the car.

..... Lemon only applies to the use, MARKET VALUE, OR safety of the vehicle

champion · August 2001

My wife owns a 2000 TL and I would like to reset the maintenance light myself. How does one go about doing this?

ukrick · August 2001

http://www.lemonlawamerica.com/

phlee70 · August 2001

I've been getting INTEGRAs as free loaners every time I take my 2002 TL for service. Do all dealers give free loaners? If so anyone drive anything other than an INTEGRA....

tgif888 · August 2001

Loaner is just a courtesy service from Acura dealer. The dealer didn't need to give it to you. Some dealer might even give you a CL, or TL. It really depends on the dealership.

caprirooster · August 2001

Hi all!

Has anyone purchased the Acura Care Extended Warranty? I am looking at getting one for 7 years/100,000 miles for my TL-S. I would appreciate some advise and input from you folks here as to what you paid for and did you get it from the dealer or found it via another dealer through the internet.

Thanks!
Cap

maxzoey · August 2001

Came out to my garage today and found a few drops of oil on the floor. Took the car to the dealership to find that the front axel seal was shot. The car only has 40,000 kms (25,000 miles).
The dealer was very good and gave me a courtesy car, but I still am a little worried. Has anyone else had this problem ?

hunter001 · August 2001

If you check page 61 of your 2000 TL owner's manual (should be present in your dashboard), you will find the following:

1.Turn off the engine.

2.Press and hold the select and reset buttons on the instrument panel, then turn the ignition switch ON(II).

3.Hold the buttons for about ten seconds, until the indicator resets.

Hope this helps.

Later...AH

maxzoey · August 2001

Got a phone call from the dealership today thinking they were calling to say my 2000 TL axel seal repair was done. Service Manager said they had installed the seal but there still was a leak after they test drove the car. They were going to go to the next step, to order in and replace the cv shaft, and if that still did not correct the leak, they would replace the transmission. I do not understand why they can't diagnose the problem and fix it,but have to do it in stages. Now that they have said the transmission word, I am really beginning to worry about the car. The car onl;y has 40,000 kms. and has not been driven hard. Has anyone else had a similar problem ?

dougsilver · August 2001

Your noticing that the repairs are being done in stages rather than diagnosis confirms my opinion of the current state of "auto mechanics". In the "old days", cars were simpler and good mechanics either knew instinctively what to do or were able to intelligently diagnose problems. My impression these days is that the so-called mechanics check out the onboard computer or hook the car to some diagnostic device and they rely on that to pinpoint the problem--which frequently works fine.

However, with intermittent problems or with a problem that is not monitored by the onboard computer, that is another story. The only option that the typical dealership mechanic has is to follow the (often excruciating) procedures and protocols spelled out in the shop manuals--these are fun to read if you care to buy one.

On the other hand, a good experienced mechanic (unfortunately the type of person NOT found at the dealer) can cut through the bull and get right to the problem. Just my opinion based on observations over the years.

varmit · August 2001

I have to second Dougsilver's vote. I've sat around the campfire with a number of former mechanics. The stories they tell frequently revolve around how they had to jump through hoops to make even the most simple repairs.

maxzoey · August 2001

My saga continues at the Dealership. Dealer now has decided to go to step 2 to correct my transmission fluid leak, they have ordered the cv shaft. I call the dealership the next day to see if my car is ready, they tell me they ordered the part too late for next day delivery, part should be in today. Again at the end of the day I call the dealership, they tell me the wrong part came in , so now the cv shaft will not be in until Monday. Excuse was that Acura changed the part number, but the parts department never updated their parts record. Now if the cv shaft is not the problem a transmission it will take 2-3 days to get in plus 1 day to install the transmission. I just don't understand why the dealership is not calling me to keep me informed.I guess that is what happens when you live in a market where there is only one dealer, they just don't have to worry about customer service. The only thing that I can say about the dealer is that I do have a courtesy car, if I was driving a North American car I would have to go out a rent a vechicle. I spoke to my salesman, told him I was really losing confidence in the quality of the car, and the service of the dealership.

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