Buying a 1997 3.2TL This Week
01-21-2013, 05:13 PM
#1
Buying a 1997 3.2TL This Week
My screen name says it all. I am buying a 1997 Acura 3.2TL later this week (Wednesday) from a coworker who is selling her mother's car. Her mother bought it new in 1997 and with advanced age and poor health, these last few years she no longer drove the car (care takers would drive it from time to time to take her to the doctor or run her errands). The car would not start last week, even with a jump and it was about to go charity for a tax deduction. I offered to buy it, thinking it would make an ideal 3rd car for my wife and I. Later in the week a care taker was able to start it. From what I have read on this forum from others' experiences, given the "starts sometimes, sometimes not," most likley the starter has gone bad. The car has only 46,000 miles on it (all city driving) so the starter has likely been used as much as a typical car with 80,000 miles on it, so most likely that is the problem. I've bought a new battery in the hopes that the battery is the issue (mechanics I have spoken with seem convinced that is more likely the issue). On Wednesday I will go to pick up the car, if it starts, great, if not, I will put the new battery in, and if that doesn't do the trick, I will have to have the car towed to my corner mechanic (an expense I'd like to avoid because the car is 40 miles away).
With that said, I'm going into this "project" prepared to spend some money on the car. I think it safe to assume given the low mileage, this car has had nothing done to it other than oil changes. Other than an oil change and brakes, tires, filter and fluids check, I'd appreciate any advice regarding "must do" maintenance items. I fear the timing belt will be among the suggested items (16 years is a long time for many of the components). Thanks in advance and I'll let folks know how this project goes, wish me luck!
With that said, I'm going into this "project" prepared to spend some money on the car. I think it safe to assume given the low mileage, this car has had nothing done to it other than oil changes. Other than an oil change and brakes, tires, filter and fluids check, I'd appreciate any advice regarding "must do" maintenance items. I fear the timing belt will be among the suggested items (16 years is a long time for many of the components). Thanks in advance and I'll let folks know how this project goes, wish me luck!
01-21-2013, 05:25 PM
#2
Banned
Welcome to the site bro. Would it be too much to see the car some we can be of better help to you. E-mail them my way and ill post. parasurfer1979@gmail.com.
01-21-2013, 06:17 PM
#4
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You should also change the differential fluid. Even though it's a front wheel drive car, it does have one and it is often overlooked.
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01-22-2013, 02:19 PM
#10
97 3.2TLPrem(Sold 3/7/14)
Nice. And I thought that the ~70000 miles on the one we recently purchased was low (1/12/2013) also a 1997 3.2TL. (And also, there are ways to post pictures w/o 5 posts or 15 days...
)
)
01-22-2013, 06:43 PM
#12
Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and very kind words. I think the deal quite good and I very much appreciate the car. The car reportedly started yesterday with some "coaxing." The price while very good, I have to keep in mind that car will need the starting issue looked into (hopefully the fresh battery I purchased will do the trick, but I am not counting on it). I will see to the filters and fluids: differential (thanks for that suggestion), transmission, oil and coolant. Tires and most likely given the age of the car a timing belt will be in order. All that can run into quite an investment, but given the quality of the car and its reputation for durability, I think it well worth the investment.
I'd be honored to have the forum's distinction of the lowest miles of any first generation 3.2TL, but if I can get this all sorted out, a distinction I don't want to hold for long! With any luck I will be able to take some photos of my own soon (those photos above taken by the seller...so technically speaking I guess I did not buy the car wholly "sight unseen" but pretty close to it) and I will let you all know the good or bad news of this car as it unfolds.
I'd be honored to have the forum's distinction of the lowest miles of any first generation 3.2TL, but if I can get this all sorted out, a distinction I don't want to hold for long! With any luck I will be able to take some photos of my own soon (those photos above taken by the seller...so technically speaking I guess I did not buy the car wholly "sight unseen" but pretty close to it) and I will let you all know the good or bad news of this car as it unfolds.
01-22-2013, 06:43 PM
#13
97 3.2TLPrem(Sold 3/7/14)
That also has me beat as I thought I got a good deal at $1500. Actually, I did, it's a great car. Runs good, needs nothing except the D4 bulb replaced. He just got a better deal.....
01-23-2013, 09:56 AM
#15
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Too bad I can't find deals like that where I live. For the prices that you guys paid I'd pick one up in a heartbeat!
01-23-2013, 06:06 PM
#19
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That is definitely a steal!
01-23-2013, 07:29 PM
#20
First Impressions
I picked up the one previous owner car today and the car is a mixed bag. Sadly the car shows its 16 years of age more than its low mileage. The actual mileage on the car by the way is 47,943 (so not quite as low as the 46,000 my coworker recalled on her mother's car...but close enough).
The car had never been garaged and it showed. The first thing I noticed were some scuffs to the paint here and there, a dent on the rear deck (more like a depression) apparently inflicted by the odd passer by. There is some rust/bubbling of the paint over the rear driver's side wheel well.
The car did not want to start, true to the seller's report. After several turns of the key, I got a sputter but no fire. I then put in the fresh battery I had brought along "just in case." I hoped it would fire right up and prove to be a quick and easy fix, but it still did not want to start- note to others, in the process of changing out the battery, I sent the radio into the "theft mode" so it does not work now (the owner did not write the code is in the manual hopefully I'll find the card somewhere in the car).
Eventually, after several minutes of trying, I got the car to start (that saved me a $200 tow). Once on the road to my suburb, I noticed the driver's side mirror only adjusts up and down (no in and out), then I noticed that the cup holder lid was broken and could not be closed. Most likely there will be more similar disappointments once I get the car back from the mechanic because my first (and most recent) stop was at my mechanic where he quickly diagnosed the starting issue as a bad starter (no surprise to anyone here). He hopes to complete the repair tomorrow.
As I said, however, a mixed bag, there is some good news to report. My first pleasant surprise was discovering that the car has the premium package with heated seats and the traction control. Next, I noted the oil change sticker showed the last oil change was last month, and the next change due at 50,000 miles, giving me some reassurance that the car had been routinely serviced throughout its life. Working: door locks, power seats, heated seats, cruise control, clock, interior lighting (including vanity mirrors), drivers side window (below freezing here so I did not check the other windows or A/C). No doubt more to discover here.
The premium package not only adds to the value of the car, it adds much to the value of the car to me because I intend to use this 3.2TL as our winter car to spare our "nice cars" the winter road hazards (which includes salt). Next, and most important, the car drove like a new car. It drove straight, the ride was smooth, the engine pulled like brand new and the transmission shifted seamlessly. I picked up a slight whistle from the brakes when I braked, so new pads may be in order. Underneath the skin, this car is fantastic.
More later (including photos) as the story unfolds. I took an instrument cluster photo with my phone, should someone care to "host" it for me pending me figuring out how to post photos before my 15 days, I'll send it along!
The car had never been garaged and it showed. The first thing I noticed were some scuffs to the paint here and there, a dent on the rear deck (more like a depression) apparently inflicted by the odd passer by. There is some rust/bubbling of the paint over the rear driver's side wheel well.
The car did not want to start, true to the seller's report. After several turns of the key, I got a sputter but no fire. I then put in the fresh battery I had brought along "just in case." I hoped it would fire right up and prove to be a quick and easy fix, but it still did not want to start- note to others, in the process of changing out the battery, I sent the radio into the "theft mode" so it does not work now (the owner did not write the code is in the manual hopefully I'll find the card somewhere in the car).
Eventually, after several minutes of trying, I got the car to start (that saved me a $200 tow). Once on the road to my suburb, I noticed the driver's side mirror only adjusts up and down (no in and out), then I noticed that the cup holder lid was broken and could not be closed. Most likely there will be more similar disappointments once I get the car back from the mechanic because my first (and most recent) stop was at my mechanic where he quickly diagnosed the starting issue as a bad starter (no surprise to anyone here). He hopes to complete the repair tomorrow.
As I said, however, a mixed bag, there is some good news to report. My first pleasant surprise was discovering that the car has the premium package with heated seats and the traction control. Next, I noted the oil change sticker showed the last oil change was last month, and the next change due at 50,000 miles, giving me some reassurance that the car had been routinely serviced throughout its life. Working: door locks, power seats, heated seats, cruise control, clock, interior lighting (including vanity mirrors), drivers side window (below freezing here so I did not check the other windows or A/C). No doubt more to discover here.
The premium package not only adds to the value of the car, it adds much to the value of the car to me because I intend to use this 3.2TL as our winter car to spare our "nice cars" the winter road hazards (which includes salt). Next, and most important, the car drove like a new car. It drove straight, the ride was smooth, the engine pulled like brand new and the transmission shifted seamlessly. I picked up a slight whistle from the brakes when I braked, so new pads may be in order. Underneath the skin, this car is fantastic.
More later (including photos) as the story unfolds. I took an instrument cluster photo with my phone, should someone care to "host" it for me pending me figuring out how to post photos before my 15 days, I'll send it along!
01-23-2013, 10:11 PM
#21
大日本帝国
01-24-2013, 06:44 AM
#22
97 3.2TLPrem(Sold 3/7/14)
01-25-2013, 02:49 PM
#23
98 3.2 Flamenco Black
When you do your research, there are potential locations within the car that shows the Radio Code. Your local Acura dealer will pull it for you but can not gurantee they will entertain you.
Good luck with the car. There's a ton of knowledge base information here on this 1st Gen Threads. Happy hunting.
Things that I will check pronto:
1. Tranny fluid, if not pinkish, drain and fill ASAP.
2. Coolant level.
3. PS level.
4. Belts.
5. Drop some Fuel Cleaner.
Best to you.
Good luck with the car. There's a ton of knowledge base information here on this 1st Gen Threads. Happy hunting.
Things that I will check pronto:
1. Tranny fluid, if not pinkish, drain and fill ASAP.
2. Coolant level.
3. PS level.
4. Belts.
5. Drop some Fuel Cleaner.
Best to you.
01-26-2013, 07:05 AM
#25
97 3.2TLPrem(Sold 3/7/14)
Agreed. I do an actual fuel injection cleaning. I use a pressurized fuel injector cleaner canister with a product called OTC Pro Inject-R Kleen. Fairly easy procedure and much more effective than 'in tank' type cleaners.
01-26-2013, 07:23 PM
#27
97 3.2TLPrem(Sold 3/7/14)
If you take your key and insert it in that opening next to the '0' on the speedo, it will reset the maintainence required light to green......
01-26-2013, 07:25 PM
#28
Update $$$$
Thanks everyone for the great suggestions! I've got the car home from the starter replacement- OEM starter $280 and with labor a $600 job, together with a fresh Kirkland battery now has the cost of the car up from the $1,200 purchase price to $1,900. More to follow:
#1. While washing the car and cleaning up the interior, upon inspecting the trunk, I discovered that the spare tire compartment had taken in water and rusted out a perforation (a nearby body shop will repair for $200). So this is my next project (the hole is currently covered by a rubber car mat held firm by the spare)-- that should do until I get the car into the body shop in a couple of weeks.
#2. I found the radio code on a sticker attached to the underside of the ashtray! The passenger side speaker has a crackle. I'll want to replace that, not sure how much that will cost- hopefully not too much. I'm fairly handy but not up to taking the door apart.
#3. The tires are Michelin with plenty of tread left, but I believe they are old and I'll want to replace them soon.
#4. The lid over the cup holders has a broken latch prong. I'll need to hunt down a replacement lid or compartment (hopefully a salvage yard will have it).
After filling up with 93 octane, I drove the car for much of the day and I must say that I really like it. My initial favorable impression of the engine and transmission reconfirmed. The car rides and handles very well. I had the car up past 80 miles an hour on the highway and it was exceptionally composed. The car is clearly "luxury" in terms of the quiet isolation from the road. Silky smooth steering, powerful smooth shifting drivetrain, cushioned ride. A bit floaty in the corners, car feels much larger than it is.
The mechanic inspected the car, belts, fluids, everything in tip top shape. He said the car appears to have been well maintained, and a pleasant surprise he said the brakes appeared to be new.
I've got the photobucket up- and photos of the car will follow. The photos flatter the exterior condition and do not do justice to the interior.
#1. While washing the car and cleaning up the interior, upon inspecting the trunk, I discovered that the spare tire compartment had taken in water and rusted out a perforation (a nearby body shop will repair for $200). So this is my next project (the hole is currently covered by a rubber car mat held firm by the spare)-- that should do until I get the car into the body shop in a couple of weeks.
#2. I found the radio code on a sticker attached to the underside of the ashtray! The passenger side speaker has a crackle. I'll want to replace that, not sure how much that will cost- hopefully not too much. I'm fairly handy but not up to taking the door apart.
#3. The tires are Michelin with plenty of tread left, but I believe they are old and I'll want to replace them soon.
#4. The lid over the cup holders has a broken latch prong. I'll need to hunt down a replacement lid or compartment (hopefully a salvage yard will have it).
After filling up with 93 octane, I drove the car for much of the day and I must say that I really like it. My initial favorable impression of the engine and transmission reconfirmed. The car rides and handles very well. I had the car up past 80 miles an hour on the highway and it was exceptionally composed. The car is clearly "luxury" in terms of the quiet isolation from the road. Silky smooth steering, powerful smooth shifting drivetrain, cushioned ride. A bit floaty in the corners, car feels much larger than it is.
The mechanic inspected the car, belts, fluids, everything in tip top shape. He said the car appears to have been well maintained, and a pleasant surprise he said the brakes appeared to be new.
I've got the photobucket up- and photos of the car will follow. The photos flatter the exterior condition and do not do justice to the interior.
01-26-2013, 07:38 PM
#30
97 3.2TLPrem(Sold 3/7/14)
I'm at a little over $2000 now with new tires. I've changed to oil and air filter, cleaned out the fuel injection, replaced a couple of bulbs and ours is good to go. I did a magnet closure on our broken cup holder lid. Works good enough for now.
01-27-2013, 08:01 AM
#38
Hard Life-
Almost certainly this car has had lots of touch ups! Although a one owner car with low miles, this car has not had an easy life. It was a Chicago car (Hyde Park), owned by the mother of a coworker I've known for 11 years. My coworker's mother now 86 years old, purchased this car new 4 years after her husband passed away, and it served her very well these last 16 years. She could have bought any car she liked, and a family friend who was a "car nut" advised her to buy this car. I'd say she got some very good advice there.
I am confident from a visual inspection alone that the ungaraged car exposed to city life has suffered countless bumps (if not fender benders) throughout its life.
I am confident from a visual inspection alone that the ungaraged car exposed to city life has suffered countless bumps (if not fender benders) throughout its life.
02-01-2013, 08:51 AM
#40
Leaks
Mandy- I think I must have a leak somewhere. The tire well showed a rust/water line, so the compartment had been holding water for goodness knows how long-- could be a seal perhaps the trunk or tail lights.
When I have the body shop tack in a fresh steel plate I'll get their take on it. Hopefully a bead of silcone somewhere will keep it from a repeat performance.
I'm out of town for another week, but when I get back that will be near the top of my "to do" list.
When I have the body shop tack in a fresh steel plate I'll get their take on it. Hopefully a bead of silcone somewhere will keep it from a repeat performance.
I'm out of town for another week, but when I get back that will be near the top of my "to do" list.