Oppopinions: Second-Gen Acura TL

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno)
12/01/2014 at 21:28 • Filed to: None

On my seeming pointless search for something to replace my hateful POS, the late 90s- early '00s Acura TL has caught my eye. How does Oppo feel about these.

I know they aren't much more than a gussied up Accord, but I like how they look; the interior look pretty nice; and being Honda, it should by stereotype last a long time.

I know Honda motors have timing belts rather than chains, so that'll be a concern. I also know these gained a 5-speed auto after 2000, though that could be the autobox that Honda had issues with, so a '99 with a 4-speed might be a safer bet. Either way it has 225 horsepower in non Type-S trim.

They were also built in America, which is a plus to me.

I dunno, I'd need your guys help with these, Hondas aren't my specialty, but I like everything I've read about it so far (which isn't much.)

DISCUSSION (32)

bob and john > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:29

personally, i'm more of a fan of the third gen.

What about finding a manual?

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:30

Not a huge fan, They look kinda boring to me IMO.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:31

Nice cars, but at that point I'd go for a 3.2 CL (sportier and smaller) or a 3.5RL (larger and comfier).

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > bob and john
12/01/2014 at 21:31

2nd Gen wasn't sold with a manual and I can't find any third gens in my hypothetical price range. I'd be looking at those if they were because I honestly love them.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jkm7680
12/01/2014 at 21:32

I'm perfectly fine with boring. I actually prefer plain looking cars to flashy.

Vimto > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:33

Never buy a Honda/Acura with the 5-speed auto from this period - TL, Odyssey, Accord, etc...if its a 4-speed auto, it has a much better chance of lasting longer than your enthusiasm.

Thunderface > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:33

not the nicest or poshest car, but good nonetheless

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vimto
12/01/2014 at 21:34

That's what I thought. So look for '99s.

bob and john > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:35

ah.

I MIGHT be mistaken, but I think honda's trans issues started popping up post 05.

ALSO: acura CL. pretty much an TL coupe. BUT WITH ADDED MANUAL

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:36

A manual would be awesome though.

AM3R shamefully returns > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:36

find a manual, the auto's grenade fairly frequently, happened to two friends of mine (albeit both had north of 120k on them).

Rico > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:37

I've been in these before and they look and feel mad nice. And yeah the 5 speed autobox used to eat itself but not always! All in all a very nice car with a few gadgets to keep you comfortable.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
12/01/2014 at 21:37

The RL might be better, but I like the styling and size of the TL a little more. And there's a lack of CLs for sale locally, as in only two or three.

cayman2007 > bob and john
12/01/2014 at 21:38

I bought a 2001 CL Type S new, auto only at the time. As noted timing belts are a wear item, as are transmissions (every 30,000 miles). Be prepared to do your brakes monthly too.. the car was a piece of shit

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:38

My username may be just a little bit biased.

Transmission. But that's about it. Mine is still on its original automatic transmission at around 170k miles. Get a Type-S, my friend had a 2002 3.2TL Type-S that parked next to my 2000 every day at school and I was definitely jealous of it.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > bob and john
12/01/2014 at 21:39

Brutally honest: I don't want a manual transmissioned car. And there's a lack of any CLs for sale locally.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:40

There's nothing really wrong with the TL that I know of, but as far as I know, it's just sort of "meh" in every way. Who knows, though. It could be a great car, I've never driven one.

bob and john > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:41

I dont judge. I dont mind auto cars. I have motorcycle for fun, car is to getting to place4s when i cant take bike.

I liked those TLs. Very handsome cars. if maintain, they will last a while. watch out for rust.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna
12/01/2014 at 21:43

I'm wondering if I find one with the transmission rebuilt already if it'll last longer...

There's a very nice blue Type-S in my price range, but it has 198k on it. And some light body damage.

No Prius Needed > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:46

The transmissions were notoriously weak across pretty much all Hondas at this time. The Lexus ES300 isn't a bad choice though.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:55

3.2 Honda V6 don't lie. amazing engine, but be wary of the 5-speed auto, they can fail. I had a friend who had one, and I loved it. drove so well

Nibby > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 21:57

My parents had a 1999 one, but they leased it. My aunt had a 2003 and she just retired it a few months ago. No issues, just wanted a new car.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
12/01/2014 at 21:58

That seems to be the case. Damn, I really don't want to risk a transmission failing, but I really like these.

Damn, even when I try to find a nice, boring-ish car it has issues. Why am I attracted to cars with known issues!?

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 22:14

I don't know why, but I still see you in this

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/4737372238…

Also theres this

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/4778238498…

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve
12/01/2014 at 22:19

The Escalade's ad is waaay to vauge. And it's in a not-so-great neighborhood.

The Cobalt? Eh, I dunno.

...I'm really not looking at anything GM anymore. I've come the realization that outside of truck, in the time period I'm looking at, they really made absolute shit for the most part.

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 22:25

An epiphany. Got it. And yes, I also wouldn't like to go to check out an Escalade in the wrong side of town. I imagine how things would go if I was in that situation:

*Walks toward Escalade. Looks Around. Owner Arrives*

Me in a friendly voice: "Hello sir!"

*Gets shot*

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve
12/01/2014 at 22:27

That's probably about how it would go.

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/01/2014 at 22:30

I'm pretty sure i'd get shot first.