Just bought a 1996 Acura TL 2.5 from an older lady with only 40,000 miles. Just wanted to ask a few questions:

1. Someone I know has a 3.2 and he says mid grade fuel will be okay. What do you think?
2. I've been reading in this forum that the timing belt should be changed around 90,000 miles. Just wondering if the age of my new (used) Acura has any impact on when I should change the belt?
3. There seems to be a bit of road noise that I wasn't expecting for a car this nice. Could it be the tires or is this normal.
4. I commute (all highway) 134 miles daily. What kind of gas mileage can I expect?
5. Is there anything I need to know about this car that might leave me stranded where I don't want to be?

Thanks for any info anyone has to offer...

I think I'm happy in Maryland!!!

 

1. I use reg unleaded, or premium sometimes.
2. I would look into maybe changing your timing belt around 75K to 85K. Not saying you half to. But might be a good idea.
3. Road noise, that's weird. My cars very quiet. Little louder now with my thin tires.
4. You'll get good gas mileage with that car.
5. Nothing you need to really know. It's a very nice, reliable and comfortable car.

 

I use Premium in my 3.2, but I'm just like that. My car had some road noise with the stock tires, LOTS now with the 18" 's. And maybe the 2.5 is better on gas, but the 3.2, well mine and a few othe guys I know around here, is horrible if you don't baby the car. I'm pretty enthusiastic in my driving and I am lucky to get 400 kms to a tank (240 miles). If I baby it for a whole tank, i might get 500. I would change the belt at 60000 miles and every 50000 after that. Better safe than sorry in that department.

 

I have a 98 2.5 and use premium 90% of the time, and plus the rest of the time. I never put regular in. Mid grade is just fine, i dont notice any difference at all when i use it.
Not sure about the timing belt thing.
In terms of gas milage, if you are going mostly highway then you should get about 23-24mpg, thats what i averaged with a 60/40 highway/city travel. i normally get around 21 city.
The car is pretty quit for me too, im on stock tires and wheels though.
And in terms of getting stranded anywhere, these cars are very reliable, i dont think thats something to really worry about, especially with the low milage of your vehicle.

 

1. Midgrade is fine, you might lose 5 hp or so, even then its not going to be really noticeable, your engine is advanced/well-built enough to use regular or midgrade just fine.

2. Get it changed when it says so, there is an "idiot factor" built into all of those recommendations, such as 100,000 miles or more for the belt, but don't push it.

3. Could be the tires, the TL's are pretty quiet but that could depend on your previous vehicles too. But I would guess its just tire roar.

4. Expect about 26 mpg maybe 27 if you're gentle on the gas and use the cruise. I get about 26 on my 3.2 with Premium gas.

5. Nothing bad. You have the "sportier" TL. The 3.2 is faster but a little more easy going on the highway. Your suspension is a little more tight for those windy roads.

6. ENJOY!

 

I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT KIND OF ROAD NOISE ARE YOU GETTING. I GOT A 96 3.2 AND IM ALSO EXPERIENCING ROAD NOISE. I COULD HEAR THE WIND GETTING IN THE CAR WITH THE WINDOWS UP, JUST WANT TO KNOW IF ITS THE SAME THING YOU HAVE

 

i have that problem..the seals are not good on my car because of the frameless windows...it's awesome in the summer though with the widows down

 

Funny because my car was more quiet with 18" Kumho Ecstas than with Pirelli P600's on stock wheels.

 

Kumho's are excellent tires at an excellent price. Those Koreans know how to do a few things right