I just lucked on to a pristine 2000 tl with 50,212 miles on it. A couple of questions..It calls for 5w30 oil and my 2001 CL calls for 5w20. Aren't these the exact same engines? I have been running 0w20 in the cl for the last 100k miles with good results. Also, the TL had the 2 gear transmission oiler "fix" at about 30k. Any suggestions for getting it to last? The CL had a new tranny installed at 90k and I have been changing fluid every 15k using synthetic.

 

Either oil weight will work fine. Use what it says on the oil cap is what I recommend.

The second gear fix does absolutely nothing to solving the real problem which is the premature failure of the third gear clutch pack. You need to read the many threads regards to this.

With regards to the transmission. You bought a car that will have its transmission fail very soon.
The car is worth very little value because of this despite its low mileage. In my experience low mileage cars have a lot of maintenance issues because they were not driven like a normal car. Be prepared to shell out a lot in expenses for things you were not counting on doing.

Also just because the timing belt is not at the 105k miles, you need to get it done if it hasnt been done yet since its well past the 7 years limit.

When the transmission goes do the smart thing and put in an AV6.

 

What he said, but also AFAIK Honda changed from 5W30 to 5W20 for CAFE reasons, although the actual difference is in tenths of a mile per gallon.

 

While it is cool to have a low mileage one, damn I sure as hell wouldn't even dare to buy a 2nd gen TL with under 150k. More miles = more chance of it having newer reliable trans such as a post 05 model trans.

 

^ Also high mileage can also mean Hwy Miles which are very good to the engine.

 

You guys are like doom and gloom! Haha
There is some truth to what is stated, but I suppose a lot depends on how the low miles were put on the car. Was it just driven 3 Miles a day to church or was it routinely also taken on the hwy? Yes, some maintenance items will likely need addressing if they haven't been. Like fluids and timing belt. But you may have found a creampuff. The trans would be a concern but it doesn't mean it may drop on you tomorrow either. I've bought some low mileage cars without issue. A few years ago I came across a 2004 Buick Regal with 13k miles. Essentially it was a 10 year old car. But the owner garaged it, drove it on some hwy runs every month and kept up on fluids. My folks bought it and now have over 50k miles on it without any issues to speak of.
I also own a 95 Legend (in my sig) with 41k miles on it right now. I bought it 8 years ago with 29k. Still runs and drives like new. But maintenance is the key

 

Lol doom n gloom

Just change the T belt and get fresh fluids in there.

Do the 3x3 and atf filter change.

Change the power steering fluid in the reservoir by siphoning it empty and filling with new at every oil change or every other oil change.

Then just enjoy the car. Congrats on a nice find!

 

The 2000 tl requires 5w 20
99 tl use 5w30

use synthetic castrol very good for these engines

 

Yes that's the recommendation from Honda/Acura but it's ONLY due to improving mpg for CAFE reasons.

 

D/F three quarts every 10,000 miles after your first 3x3 . . .

My thinking is that you have better than 50/50 chance of running that car to 200,000+ miles without any major issues.

 

Not counting the transmission taking a dump I would agree with that inference.