I used to have an '02 TL. Really liked it. Currently looking at some first gen TLs. Anyone ever went that route? From a 2nd gen to a 1st gen? Your experiences, gripes, stuff that the 1st gen didn't have that the 2nd gen did?

 

They are great cars, I have 1997 3.2TL, driving from last one year. I have put more than 20K miles on it, not a single problem *knock on wood*. You will miss the power of 2nd gen, there is no 6cd changer like 2nd gen, no tip tronic transmission, no memory seats, little bit tighter back seat leg room, rear seats don't fold down. Very few after market parts available. But if done right there is nothing like this car on road. Good Luck with your search.

If you are in modding and stuff then Accord is the way to go. Or a 2nd Gen Legend coupe.

 

can't tell from your sig if you had a TL-P or TL-S... if it is the TL-S, you will def notice a difference in power... the TL-P not so much since the 1G TL is at 200hp 210ft/lbs... a simple intake, headers and type II Intake manifold swap can get you easily past a TL-P...

as far as the options, 1G and 2G both have the heated seats and mirrors, etc... except with the 1G, you won't have to worry about the glass tranny your 2002 had... i think the 1G is a much more reliable car...

 

I had a TL-P, but I'm not concerned about horse power or power gains. I've looked at some 1st gen TLs and, though it feels like my '02 more or less, there are some things I see:

- Windows rolling down slow & squeaky
- Steering seems loose
- Seems like someone could break into it easily since there's no trim at the top of the window.

Can someone ease my mind about the above? Seems like a nice car, and it's nice to know the trans in those models aren't as shaky as the '00+ TLs.

 

1> Thats a common problem, can't really do anything.
2> Its a luxury car, thats whay its "loose". Its not as sporty as 2G TL.
3> Keep all valuables out of sight, you'll be fine.

 

You 2G is really easy to get into, too. I got into our '03 TL-S with no screwdrivers or Slim Jim required.

Your tranny sucks balls. I'm at 266,728 on the original tranny, with a motor that has 30+ lb/ft of torque over the original, I used to track the car, and I do highway pulls. It's still working. Two of our Accords from that generation have had their trannies replaced. Neither had reached100K before needing that done.

~Cheers~

 

its still working. LOL doesn't matter how it works... as long as it works. hah!

 

, go90go's car sounds preety badass.

 

no it doesn't. it sounds like its bogging. And over the phone, it sounds like its farting.

 

1.) there is a DIY on here that you can do to help the slow and squeaky windows...
2.) suspension mods???
3.) alarm and tints are your friends...

 

That reminds me, how good is the market for 1st gen parts? Easy to find? You can probably guess that I'm leaning towards one of these but just need to be convinced to buy it.

Also, one of them that I'm looking at, I was told it needs a "shaft" (something to do with the suspension, not sure). Could this be why the steering seemed loose or all 1st gens loose?

 

^^ my 1st gen has a very small turning radius i think they all turn good

 

That's the effect of two cars' exhaust notes.

Yes, I actually made a u-turn while desired's car had to make a three point. Not sure why, but my fatter tires still allowed me to complete it.

OP, think 2G as the sportier one, a BMW, if you will. 1G is the Merc.

~Cheers~

 

A car I'm looking at said the shaft needs to be replaced, anyone got any comments???

 

And is tint a nightmare for the 1st gen TL? That's what it seems like to me.

 

^ Not really. Maybe the back window, but the dots up above aren't any different than your 2G.

~Cheers~

P.S. Are you looking at a 2.5 or at a 3.2?

 

If you are getting a first gen then I would go with a 3.2. Even though i love my 2.5 to death I wish I had a 3.2.

 

^ I wouldn't mind a UA2 25S, though. 2.5 with room in the bay and 5 lug. The factory wheels are nice enough to leave alone and just upgrade the rubber.

~Cheers~

 

I shoulda just went faster and used the hand brake. :P

 

There is a window mod to take care of it - to some extent
Steering does seem loose but it's something that you get used to
I have had 2 TL's, put tints and alarms on both and never had a problem (knock on wood)



I just got rid of my Mazda 6 and driving the TL again and the small turning radius is AMAZING


I've never wished to have a 3.2...other than the fact that it's 5 lug so there are more wheel options. I love the rarity of the 5 cyl and love telling people about it.


All in all I really like the first gen more than the second. I've had a 00 TL and a 03 Type S and I didn't like them, they just didn't feel right....There are better cars in that class for the $$

 

Oh and I am terrified of the 2G Tranny

 

I really wanna pull the trigger on a 1st gen but those windows just scare me. Though one person may not have scratched windows, I had the intention of getting tint from the get-go and really don't wanna lose out on that. Therefore, I just have to put the 1st gen towards the bottom of my list.

 

I've had 1st, 2nd and 3rd gen TL's.

I still have the 1st gen TL, take that for what its worth

 

The funny thing is, while a 5 cylinder is rather rare in the car world, the 2.5TL is not. I posted in a thread awhile back about how everyone automatically assumes that if it isn't an RL, it's a 2.5TL.

The scratches are on the outside, the tint is on the inside.

Hi Ken!

~Cheers~

 

I have tint and scratches. The tint isn't effected by the scratches. First gen FTW!

 

I honestly would not trade or upgrade my First Gen for any other car right now. Just got the tint on yesterday and did a complete detail. Finally, after three years.

What would bother me more than your concerns is when the leather on the seats starts to go like mine did from the previous owner. I still haven't decided between replacing or having them re-covered.

 

I'll second that. I love the long low and wide look of it and it's a blast to drive. Plus, low insurance and no stupid car payment.

 

I have a 98 3.2 silver TL that I bought new.I still like the way the car looks over the new ones.The new ones have a lot more buttons inside.But who cares I don't.And no payments to.

 

I think you would get a better idea if you post a similar thread in the 2nd gen foum because as it is you will get 1st gen biased (kind-of) responses.
Do the same in the 2nd gen and then weigh your pros and cons.
I had a 97TL 2.5 before my current 99TL and I couldn't be happier with the upgrade. My 99 has the old school but trusted 4-speed transmission and my original one lasted until 227,000 miles; got a new one from the dealer for $2k. It is a solid car and right now I am at 246,000 miles and it's clean inside out, mechanically solid.
Basically stock except for 2002 TL-S wheels. Love it

 

Looks very nice with those wheels

 

Also, the 2nd gen has so much in common with the 98-02 accord that you have choices when it comes to parts and common repairs, making it an affordable luxury/sports sedan to own.
And the design is timeless (in my opinion) even with minimal customization. Dont forget to check out the 2nd gen forum for their 2 cents because some have probably been through both generations and might give you more insight.

 

^ Yes. So much in common that they're the same car... .

We here in the 1G forum also have had experience through both generations and in Ken's case, all three generations. 4th doesn't count for me as I can't tell the front from the back of the car. Seriously. I saw one on the street and wondered why he parked backwards at a metered spot before I noticed the red lenses.

~Cheers~

 

, the 2.5 is known but people outside of the fam don't know that there is an inline 5 cylinder in it.

 

Oh, and something I didn't mention yesterday, most 2G'ers think they drive a 1G, since out gen wasn't that common.

~Cheers~

 

newperson you totaled your TL? i didnt even know

 

disregard that post above newperson.... but i love my 2nd gen even though im getting a 2nd gen RL

 

Guys, the first gen I was looking at was a "finalist" in my selection, but I didn't move quick enough! Had already been sold when I was calling the guy to tell him I wanted to discuss some prices! I'ved moved over to the Nissan side now, but you guys did convince me that the 1st gen was a good selection.

 

There was a 2.5 locally here for only $1800. Don't know what happened to it but I can't imagine that it stayed on the market long either.

Which Nissans are you looking into? Be forewarned, though, suspension sucks on those things.

~Cheers~

 

I purchased an I35. I definitely do feel the suspension difference; TL is much stiffer.

 

congrats, about 3 yrs ago when i got my tl-s it was the tl-s vs an 02 i35 in the finals for my purchase haha. loved the i35 but the tl visually suited my desires a lot more... congrats on it though you cant go wrong with the vq... that car has a lot of pep to it but it will feel like a boat in the handling department.