Hello, I am planning on buying a 99-00 TL in Feb of 08... About how much would this run me? Would it be possible to pick one up for around $5K? What is considered high-mileage for these cars? 200K? I see alot of these around 190 and 200 and I am a little skeptical, but I'm not sure... Are there things to look out for with these years? What about that tranny problem? Does it effect these years?

My uncle has an 02 TL. He worked for a Honda dealer, so I'm hoping I can ask him some of these q's too and maybe when the time comes he can help me look for one.

Thanks,
Nick

 

well the 99's are the least effected by the tranny issues, since only that year has the 4 speed auto.. i just picked up my 2000 with 215k on it for around $5K. it already had some mods and a sound system, and needs a lil bit of work, but its very clean and the motor runs strong and clean with no smoke or leaks.. oh and blue book value for a 2000 TL with 215k miles in "good" condition, with my extras listed was about 7100. "excellent" was 7800.

basically if the motor is taken care of, it will run forever. the trannies are a different story. and with high mileage, im sure suspension components will need replacement if they havent been. if you are a DIY'er u should have no problem doing most of the maintenece needed at that mileage as long as there is no major problems

 

First of all welcome, second of all, use the search feature. However I will be kind enough to answer your questions. When you buy any car, it all depends on the condition, history and mileage of the car. A average 99TL will go around 7 - 9K. Mileage, try to stay under 100,000. Tranny issue? Well the answer to that is, commonly 99TL have less of the tranny problem compared to the other years. Tranny problem effect all the years but less on the 99. Always see if the car was serviced good, check carfax, and history by checking the VIN number within Acura website. Hope this helps!

 

Thank You. Oh OK, so the tranny issues are only with the 5-Speed? I'd like to keep the car as original as possible, except for the addition of an OEM Spoiler if it doesn't have one, so I don't have to worry about mods or anything like that... I was surprised by the book value and how much they actually sell for.

Another option I could look at is getting a '98 RL. They seem to all be in the $4K range for some reason while book value is at like 8 or 9... But then you get the lesser fuel economy.

I dunno...

Nick

 

the 4spd has problems also, just not as bad as the 5spd. and IMO the 99 TL is a much nicer car than the 98 RL, especially for a younger person.

just checked ebay quick.. theres 3 98 RL's..

70k miles, $11,900
97k miles, $8400
206k miles, $5000

 

Yeah, there's one locally on Craigslist for $4500. Special Edition with Nav with miles in the 100's... I think the TL is sportier and I would agree that it would be better for a younger person too.

Thanks,
Nick

 

As noted above, the 4-speed transmission in the 1999 TL also has reliability problems.

Consumer Reports owner based reliability surveys give the 1999 TL transmission a "worse than average" rating. The 5-speed transmission in the 2000-2003 TL gets a "much worse than average" rating.

Be aware that an out-of-warranty transmission repair can run well over $3,000.

Bob

 

Isn't it a recall though to add that oil jet? Is that the cause of all the problems?

Nick

 

Suggest you use the search button for more info on this. In short, The recall was to add the oil jet for a completely different problem, not for the trans failing issue

 

Ahh... I see.

Nick

 

Get the TL, not the RL. You'll love it

 

I will also add that you should be careful of the Craigslist deals. Trust me, I'm a huge fan of Craigslist and use it practically once a day, buying something from it at least twice a month. But in my area I always see the same scam, almost always using a second gen TL with all the bells and whistles for a suspiciously low price. To be fair,.. I'm not entirely sure what the scam is,.. but it's most definitely not legit.

 

Thanks for the advice nutz... I'll keep that in mind. I guess the population rules in favor of the TL. I kinda liked the RL because of it's Mercedes-ish look, but whatever... The TL is a great car.

Thanks,
Nick

 

my 99tl has 120k, no problems with trans. Just make sure all the service has been performed on the car. great car for the price and features!!