UnsanePyro

Well, my old car (Volvo 850) died, and I went on a car hunt, and really enjoyed driving a 1997 2.5TL, and was wondering some things.

Its for sale for $6000 with 125,000 miles, which sounded really high to me at first, but is only around 15,000 miles a year, my volvo was a 95 with 175,000. Its got the sunroof, leather, cd player, all the power goodies, and is all in pretty good condition.

I was wondering if there are any common problems that I should look out for before I get the car, things to check, things that commonly fail. Any help and guidance would be amazingly helpfull.

I heard that the automatic transmissions have a problem with chewing up third gear after about 30,000 miles, how true is this?

From what I have read here (which seems like the place to be) the biggest problems are

-the starter (around 150k miles from what I understand)
-noize from the windows
-slow windows (I noticed the front windows went up very slowly)
-d4 light in dash (oh well)

HQuakers

Make sure the 90k service was done. If it wasn't, expect to pay anywhere from $500-1000 to get that done.

I think the tranny issue is for the 2nd gen TL, but I could be wrong. I haven't really had a problem with mine (might be slipping just a tad). While you're at it, find out if a tranny flush was done as well.

Otherwise, car is built solid.

Enjoy, and welcome aboard

UnsanePyro

I'm going back tomorrow I believe, looking at it again before any money gets put down, and I'll be sure to ask about that. Ideally, I could have them do the most recently needed service, and change all the fluids as soon as I get it, so I have a known starting point for everything, make me feel better.

Mikes96TL03CLS

Yep you will be VERY happy with this car. TL best car I have ever owned. If you have a mechanic, have him take a look at it. Then decide.

Ken1997TL

1st generation TL transmissions for both the 5 and 6 cylinder are reliable. The 1999 and newer TL's use a totally different one that has had issues in 3rd and 2ng gear clutchpacks.

UnsanePyro

I pick up the car in less then 12 hours Too bad its suppsoed to rain the next 10+ days

LDH

then its the perfect chance to test out your new car assuming the tires are still good

SW20

Make sure the exhaust manifold is not cracked.On cold startup with the hood open just listen for a exhaust leak.This is a common problem on 2 1/2 TL's.

Ken1997TL

If it is cracked, it is covered by a Federal law that requires FREE service due to emission laws.

Its a loophole that works in your favor.

spooky3ce

The exhaust manifold and the front breaks are the most common problems with new or used 2.5 TL's... other than that, GREAT CAR!!!... My exhaust manifold is still broken, i think its just a gasket... to lazy to fix, but i should get on top of it before my engine gives out on me... 167,000 miles already... all freeway... even though it gives out and dies, i'm still going to keep it... give it to one of my grandchildren when i'm old... lol... "Wow, grandpa its a classic 98 TL" lol...anyways, have fun driving it, i sure have the past 5 years... click here... to see what people have had problems with in their TL's... mostly minor problems here and there...

spooky3ce

Cool, thanks... good thing i waited to fix it... this loophole will do just fine... hope it works...

Wait, he's barely going to buy his TL... Will it work if your car wasn't bought that way but broke while you already owned it???

Ken1997TL

Emission recalls are for all cars that have catalytic converters, regardless of miles or years owned

Ken1997TL

http://www.lrgnet.com/auto-extended-...cret/emission/


Read that

spooky3ce

Thanks ken1997TL for the link... I'll go ask the Acura Dealer... someday... lol... anways I forgot to tell UnsanePyro... You're making a good deal on the Acura for $6,000 bucks... kbb.com <~~~ a.k.a Kelly Blue Book says your car is worth about $7,000 to $8,000 bucks... $7,340 to be exact, according to the area code i'm in and the usumption that its in good condition... excelent will probably boost it a couple hundred to thousands more dollars... go check it out... also click here to ask R6HURLEY about a car fax thingy... you might find out somethings you didn't know about your car... i personally, don't want to know... but the A/C smells like piss... like i said in the "Common First Gen TL Problems" it was probably me... ... again have fun driving it...

Salient18

Hi im selling a 1998 acura 3.2tl with only 64k miles black with beige leather int,fully loaded must sell ask 9500 neg

UnsanePyro

Yeah, the condition I wouldn't put at excelent, there are some minor dents/paint scratches/cracking leather on drivers seat, but nothing that really bothers me too much.

Originally it was $6900, but he slipped and said that he had negotiated to someone else to $6000 but they backed out, so he said that he would obviously give us the same price

I can't wait to get it back with the new O2 sensor, and then go get the new spark plugs/wires (for free! ) and the transmission flushed

MacauKiwi

Hi people, I have just joined your community and have found all this information very valluable. I am looking at buying a 1997 Acura 2.5 TL with about 70,000kms on the clock. Having another look and a test drive tomorrow.

Thanks and all the best
MacauKiwi

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

wow!! WELCOME TO THE BOARDS!!! and all the way from Macau too!!! i want to go there.. i heard the gambling is great... lolz... well let us know how it goes and make sure to post pics...

when i was in china the 1st Gen TL was badged as a Honda Legend...

TLBaller

i hate converting.. thats 70,000 miles? in kilometers?

MacauKiwi

Hi, thats about 43,500 miles which is quite low, I did buy it yesterday and it's a 1996 Dark Green TL. Drives very well There are a few Honda Legends in Macau and Vigor's. Macau has a population of around 500,000 people. Also about 22 Casinos!...more coming.

Thanks for the warm welcome! Next few days will be spent getting to know the car, (especially the electrics) and cleaning out the interior. I had a full oil change.

Will keep you updated and post some pics at a later stage.

All the best,

MacauKiwi

elazar

I got a 97 2.5TL about a year ago with 107k on it for 6500. Its a great car, but make sure you get the warranty work done that Ken mentioned. Also, you may want to flush the the tranny once you get it. My issues: slow windows, recently I have been having a hard time starting it(starter possibly), cracked manifold and midpipe(warranty covered this), currently need to change an O2 sensor(they go fast), and possibly something wrong with my TDC/CP sensor. Thats about it, otherwise, I love it...

E

MacauKiwi

Hi, just discovered that the ABS and SRS dash lights are not working at all on my 96 Acura TL. I believe that they should come on at start-up. I have searched the forums and most hits are for flashing lights or lights staying on. Any ideas on what this could be would be welcomed. Would it be advisable to get the Honda dealer to look?

Help appreciated,
MacauKiwi

vanz

Looks like someone drilled them out. Heard about that kind of scam. Yeah, definitely have someone look into it. Doesn't have to be the dealer.