'99 - '02 Acura TL

[SLATRON]

I wanted to hear peoples opinions/experiences with this car bad or good. I was thinking about getting a very clean one with low miles under 100k with great body, interior and engine bay. Specifically wondering about the VTEC,any issues, what should I look out for? About $2-3k I would probably only use til winter and might sell to family member that uses vehicles sparingly, or keep longer if like it. Has some maintenance records from a tiny dealer that took on trade for older SUV supposedly. Would take my near 200k car for around half price, but have to drive a bit to look at, drive n have someone inspect it further. Worth my time?

 

[Hokiefyd]

I think these TLs were from the years of Honda's other-than-durable V-6 automatic transmissions. Aside from the transmission, I think the cars themselves were pretty good...back from when Acura (and all of the Asian luxury makes) were still building their reputations...so material quality was generally good, etc.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Honda never had any problem with VTEC components, automatic transmission with a 6-cylinde engine is another thing.

 

[Danh]

Owned one for 12 years. Pretty solid but transmissions are a real weak spot, especially on the 00-02 model years. Timing belt changes are expensive and likely ignored by many owners. The replacement schedule, iirc, is 7 years/90k, so it's not unlikely any used one of that vintage is about due. Rattles, digital display failure and seized brake calipers were issues for me, but not sure these problems are widespread.

 

[dnastrau]

+1 on being careful about the transmissions on these cars. I would also try to find out if the timing belt has been recently changed.

A friend bought one new and loved it other than the transmission. He drove the car 300,000 miles before trading it but it was ready for a 3rd factory replacement transmission at that mileage despite being regularly serviced. Acura picked up the tab on the 1st replacement just before 100K and I think paid for part of the next one (just before 200K) but at 300K he was on his own and decided to buy a new car.

Andrew S.

 

[SLATRON]

Hey thanks guys, yeah I'll probably pass on this, looking on some sites people seem to really like them or complaining about some of stuff you've noted, tranny, t belt, rust, etc. Plus its about an hr from me, thanx

 

[Shrubitup]

Use this site to determine reliability/discover problem areas in used cars. Good info!

http://tradeinqualityindex.com/

 

[Finz]

Or take a look here and see who says what: Car Complaints

 

[bobbob]

I had an '02 CL. Amazing car, great heated seats, Bose and every option except Nav. But, the
trannies were a nightmare. Acura stepped up to the plate, fixing the tranny and giving me a
100K warranty. Go to Acura.com, give them the VIN and they will do the rest.