Type34

I'll probably be selling my 2008 TSX as my wife will be staying home with our soon-to-be-born child and we'll be losing her income. I basically just commute in my TSX, so a less expensive, reliable Acura 4door is what I'm looking for...

I owned a 2003 TL Type-S and loved it, but the tranny issues scared me and I wanted navigation (which my TL didn't have), so I sold it and got my TSX. I'm basically looking for a lowest-mileage 1999-2000 TL with navigation. I want the 99-00 TL because of 1) cost and 2) the 4-speed AT.

So I need your opinions on the following...

1) Any known issues with the 99-00 TLs? I did a search and came up with replacing the ignition switches, but that's about it. The 4-speed trannies seem to be vault-solid compared to the 01+ 5-speeds...true?

2) Navigation - I'm used to our 2006 MDX and 2008 TSX's navigation screens and Bluetooth / voice command. I can live with the smaller screen, but I also assume that there is no voice command - it's strictly just navigation, correct? Is this navigation upgradeable each year with the DVD disks? I'm wondering if it's worth getting a TL with nav or just buying a portable Garmin (which I had in my TL-S).

3) I loved my TL-S' sportier leather seats...way better than the TL-Ps. I see the TL-P seats cracking pretty bad in many pictures on this board...are your seats pretty worn? Did you have difficulty keeping them from creasing / cracking?

4) Any other information I should know about?

I'm just looking for this TL to get me by for the next couple of years, so your input is appreciated. Thanks

01tl4tl

99 was the last year of the 4 speeds
besides the egr port getting clogged and needing cleaning, and the ignition switch replacement a few times- the 99 is a pretty solid car
With its current age and miles it wont be inexpensive--likely needing the 105 service at 1000-1500 dollars, brake calipers and other parts, headlight HID bulbs,,all will be at replacement time now or soon,,,and shocks
nothing is cheap for the TL

the 99 nav sucks -its a different based drive than the 00 and later units which are dvd based and update disc are available for about 200$ from alpine
No, the disc are not interchangeable between models and years
Yes, a portable handheld is way more efficient and cheaper,
but the dash is different on nav cars,, with electronic ac-heat system as part of the nav screen
If the screen dies you're screwed

If I were looking for solid reliable `economical to operate` (the TL runs on 91 octane and gets crap mileage in town- 19 if you are lucky) the basic Honda civic type car would be at the top of the list
Acura performance with plain honda reliability and operating- runs on 87 octane too

01tl4tl

leather seats can be cleaned and conditioned with saddle soap or other quality leather care product
Im not talking about some wipe and shine stuff, saddle soap is what they use on horse saddles- not slippery when done
Which means most used cars have some cracking on the seat edge
Seat can be recovered or patch sewn in at upholstry shops

sfont012

iTrader: (6)

although these cars are getting old, they hold up pretty well, at least mine has. 2000tl. 125k. No major issues - knock on wood. i don't know about the tranny issues, for some reason i think their more prevalent on 01-03. I'm getting tired of the car now but I will say it is the most reliable car I have ever owned by FAR!

* leather is ok, any car this old is going to start showing it's age with creases and tears.

* Nav is so cheap now, whether you go with aftermarket radio or tom tom.... I bought a JVC kd-nx5000 with built in hard disk, NAV, backup cam, and bluetooth.

Rockstar21

iTrader: (1)

99 acura TL here.... i hit 175k on the way back from gulf shores, AL today.

care drives great and is very reliable... i've seen the prices go as far down as 5,500-6k in my area.

as stated above... ONLY 99's have the 4 speed.. 00-03 has 5

wise2k

Another 99 TL here with Nav. Car is reliable, I'd say. Replaced original tranny at 227,000 miles in September 08 and now I am at 257,000 still going strong. Just came back from San Antonio without a hassle (2,000+ miles trip).

Work done: I cleaned the EGR ports and replaced the Evap Canister at 170,000 miles (VERY EASY DIY job), then did motor mounts (can't remember which), then replaced my spark plugs close to 200,000 miles. Again just cleaned the EGR ports at about 235,000 miles. Timing belt wise, you are better off getting the timing belt kit (search around here) and having your mechanic do it, or a Honda dealer (Honda dealers quoted me about $600 - $800 total here in KY compared to $1,200 at Acura dealers).
As for the navigation, I replaced my hard-drive unit in the trunk with a DVD unit from a junk yard $150, simple plug and play. I like the dash with navi better than the one without.
Otherwise, aside from a few missing features like memory seats and updated front view, etc, I'd say the 99 is a good buy.

ChucksCL-S

'00 TL here (son drives it) at 268,000 miles, still runs great and is on tranny #2. Has been a great car.

Type34

Thanks guys for the feedback thus far...I thought 99-00 had the 4-speed ATs, but you're right, 2000 had the 5-speed AT as well. I'd like some form of luxury, so I'd like to stay within the Acura family at least the TSX/TL level. Plus, a used '99 Civic, for example, is within $500-1000 of a TL...I'd rather have the TL.

Any other experiences?

willwil2

Hey guys, new to the site. Bought a 1999 TL Monday (Labor Day) with 162k miles. I am on this site b/c of the oh so common navigation issue. I am trying to update it. It doesn't appear to be easy but some of the posts stating that it is a simple plug and play from a newer car is encouraging.

Not intending to hijack the posts but I can't PM yet. Can anyone offer guidance on updating the Nav? Can I simply buy a unit from a 01-03 and plug and play? Sounds too good to be true.

As far as price, they were asking $6,999. I got it OTD for $6,500. Never intended to get a car with 162k miles but it was extremely clean and looks and runs very well.