oo3menace

Joined this forum a while ago and have lurked around occassionally. I've always loved TLs and most acuras for a quite some time. I've owned 13 different hondas/acuras and am now looking to purchase a 1g TL. I got some questions for some owners.

Is a high mileage TL worth purchasing? I only commute 3.5miles to work.

What model would you get, 3.2 or 2.5 and why?

I'm currently looking at a 97 3.2 Premium w/ 192k+ on the ticker. Anything I should specifically look for?

I've read the common problems thread and the TSB thread already. I'm no stranger to a wrench either (previous experience swapping hondas etc.)

What would you do differently if anything before buying one?

Thanks in advance for any help.

-Jon

oo3menace

10 views and only 3 votes.

6MTUA5

iTrader: (2)

I mean obviously people are going to go with the 3.2 Premium since it's the nicest model out of the three.

oo3menace

Well I mean I'm not only looking for votes on which model is nicer. I mean do some of you regret buying the 2.5 over a 3.2? Are the options on the premium really worth any extra $$? Fuel mileage differences between the 2.5 and the 3.2? I'm looking more for maybe someone to nit-pick between the three...

KrayzieDxC

go for the 3.2tl, i commute less then a mile , hahha

make sure timing belt is replace
waterpump
and so on

oo3menace

^Thanks.

Is there anything you really don't like about the car that you can't change/fix?

5cylinder

I opt out of voting.
I would prefer the 2.5 but thats because i like unordinary cars.
But finding parts for a 2.5 is harder than a 3.2
Timing belt is a serious issue on both models, they will snap but change it every 75-100,000 and you will be fine

KrayzieDxC

slow windows!!

i dont know what else. but im use to all the problems..this car been good to me and keeper till dead

plus its made in japan thas one thing is important to me quality and outlast any tl

how much is the car , with that high mileage?

oo3menace

lol @ everyone complains about the slow windows.

I'm gonna go kick the tires around on Saturday if it's still there. It's Pearl white 3.2tl premium w/ 194k (just rechecked) listed for $2,995. Add states "well maintained". It sounds like a hell of a deal even with that mileage.

I have no fear of high mileage acura/hondas. My current DD is a 94 teggie w/ 154k. I'm keeping both just want something more PIMP status since I work in banking. Not trying to pick up a car payment and always frugal with my dough.

Acurasnake

"Mechanical problems include starter failures and harsh-shifting automatic transmissions, though owners report that a transmission fluid flush often eliminates that problem. Engine oil leaks from the area surround the distributor stem from bad distributor o-ring seals, and another common oil leak happens when the oil cooler seal goes bad. "

I'm at 175K, and I JUST replaced the starter and I also did a transmission flush. Btw... Transmission feels great after the flush!

I own a 2.5TL... and I would have liked the 3.2TL better... just because the power of the V6.

"Though generally smooth, the 5-cylinder engine gets noisy when worked hard, emitting a coarse, throaty growl. Though not a slouch, it delivers only adequate pickup. Acceleration off-the-line is a bit lethargic, but the 2.5TL passes and merges quite quickly. Somewhat lumpy at idle, it's not as smooth as the silky, quiet V6 in the 3.2TL, which promises greater performance. "

"The 2.5TL, bearing a refined variation of Vigor's 5-in-line engine, generates 176 horsepower. The 3.2TL stocks a reworked version of Legend's base V6. It pumps up to 200 hp."

BUT

"A firmer suspension went into the 2.5TL, which was marketed as the sportier of the two." "Suspension tuning for the 2.5TL produces a taut, lively tone, while 3.2TL feels more elegant." "With less weight up front, the 2.5TL tends to corner with a crisper feel and slightly less understeer. "

Go90go

I, too, opt out of voting. I like both for different reasons. The 2.5 looks great with the 3.2 bumper, and the added room in the engine bay is a HUGE plus. As 5cylinder said, they aren't common, although the 3.2 is actually less common. The 3.2 IS smoother, but the trade-off is added weight.

Upsides to the 3.2 Premium are: less engine noise, woodgrain everywhere, heated back and butt, TCS. The 97 you're looking at also doesn't have the coil pack interference issue the 96s have, and IIRC the wind noise problem was addressed, too.

Downsides: again, weight, no available plugs for adding aftermarket switches or alarm lights, space in the engine bay.

I say buy it, for only $3K you can't go wrong. Even if you get a BHG, or blow the motor like I did, they aren't expensive or hard to find to replace. Besides, I blew at 236,480, due to poor maintenance from the previous owner, and the fact that I drive hard. I'm at 258K+ now on the new motor, and while my TC is starting to slip because of all the added power, I can still put it to the ground on the original differential and tranny. Keep that cooling system in top shape and you'll be golden. Put a little money into cleaning up the exterior, and no one will believe it's a 12 year old car, especially when you go through the list of factory options the Premium comes with!

~Cheers~

P.S. Screw it, I'm voting for the 3.2 Premium, .

oo3menace

Hat goes off to Acurasnake and go90go. Appreciate the input fellas.

A key reason why I wanted the 3.2 over the 2.5 was the ignition systems, I prefer the distributorless ignition system over a dizzy.

Okay, so now that I have some unbiased (slightly lol) opinions about the two models, I'm going to put this into the mix. If you should have to choose between these too, which one would you and why. Price, options, color, etc.

The aformementioned Pearl White 97 3.2tl prem w/ 194k+ @ $3,000.
OR
A Juniper Green 97 2.5tl w/ 165k+ @ $2,000.

This is really where I'm having issues making up my mind between luxury and price, skewed by mileage.

I personally love the pearl white and prefer the 3.2 ignition system. The price of the 2.5 is hard to beat WITH lower miles, however, not too great of a fan of green cars.

Since they are also dealer sales, I can def get either for less, close to asking price after tax & fees. Links below.

White 97 3.2tl Prem $3k

Green 97 2.5tl $2k

vas25tl

I have a 2.5TL; it's my second one actually and I'm at 233K miles. I love the car, and I love the fact that it's a 5 cylinder; --Totally agree. I also love the fact that around here there aren't many of them at all and no one can believe that it's a 12 year old car!

Now to the two that you are looking at: The 2.5 looks like it's in pretty rough shape exterior wise. It has a lot of dents and just doesn't look like anyone cared about it....With that said, I'd go with the 3.2; looks like it's in much better condition.

oo3menace

Thanks for the advice!

tmnhs81

I have a 3.2TL with 122000 miles no problems. I have never driven a 2.5 and never seen 3.2 Premium, so I voted for 3.2TL. Premium has some nice gadgets like heated seats and mirrors, TCS etc..