Ok, please don't hate me LOL.

I know ZERO about Acura other than what my bank will loan. 10k on 2000-2003.

Things I need:
4 doors
Automatic
Ultra smooth ride
Reliability

I still have a 5 series, (worn out) been looking at older 5ers and 3's. Best bank for the buck is here I think in Acura.

I perfer hot looking cars with wood dashes. Is this a certain type of package?

Where do I start? Which models are less prone to mechincal brake downs? What models offer the best bang for the buck? What should I have checked out before I buy one? I need an acura 101 lesson. 00-03.

Please help.
Joe

 

I don't think an Acura will satisfy you in the 'ultrasmooth ride' category: Acura suspensions are tuned towards handling, not comfort. IMHO your best bet will be a 2001 - 2006 Lexus ES.

 

first of all, welcome to AZ...the first step in switching is getting away from the dark side...

personally, i think the best bang for your buck is the TL...the higher version, RL, is basically a TL with a slightly bigger engine (TL: 3.2; RL: 3.5)...and probably a little more interior room...and just off the top of my head, i don't think there was a wood-dash option for the 00-03 models (maybe not even for the newer 06-07 models), but you can always get one installed...

i'm sure an actual 2nd gen owner will give you better info, but that's my

 

Thanks, I need to go drive some now.

 

well a 00-03 TL wouldn't fall into the "reliability" category. tranny has issues.

 

also fake wood in the TL The car is actually very reliable besides the tranny. But if you get one with well under 109k miles, you don't really have to worry about it as you are covered under the warrantee and will get a loaner. As far as which is 'best' out of the 00-03, they are all pretty much the same except the type S model has a few additional features and some more power.

 

You would only be able to find a high mileage TL for 10K. A high mileage TL will most likely mean your transmission warranty is about it or has expired. If you're looking for a high mileage reliable Acura I would go with a 2003 Acura CL-s 6spd. Our cars are reliable it's just the tranny issue you may or may not have to deal with. If you get the 6spd you'll have no major issue.

 

Isn't a Tranny kind of important? Gee...

RL the same thing?

 

To be honest havent heard of any tranny issues on a RL.

 

Yes... the tranny is important... said to say but Acura Definitely had an engineering hick-up in the late 1990's to early 2000's... however they do and will replace malfunctioning trannys under warranty... at no cost to the warranteed owner (without a loaner in most cases... lol... right Plat)...

Just try to keep it in drive (as opposed to sports shift) for more than 50% of the time... lol

 

an 03 TL is the last gen before the 04 change. 04 TL's have had problems. In general, Acura's very reliable, drive smooth, but I don't know about wood interior dashes? TL's do have leather seats and, in general, nice interiors.

 

No actually the RLs have perfect trannys. A kid at my school has one that has 211k on it and it runs great its a 99 with a 4 spd.

 

It dont matter cabezon its a design flaw on the 2nd Gen TL..Plus full auto sucks

 

it is just as prone to fail if you keep it in ss 100% of the time and if you keep it in drive 100% of the time

 

like everyone said- either get a low mileage TL that has tons of warranty miles left, or get a 6 speed cl (the coupe version but still pretty roomy). I am honestly parting with my car in the not to distant future due to concerns about my tranny. I'm at 140k and cannot afford to replace it if it goes again. If the tranny was not an issue I would keep it for sure.

 

get an 02-03 they look way nicer :-) type s.

for a great family car that is sporty and really nice you can get a 02-03 type s for 9-15 k i did a search on craigslist and the paper i found a few tlp and tls in that range with about 70-110 on the clock

 

hey man i got my 2000 tl with 34000 miles for only 11,800, you just gotta look around, and so far ive put on about 7000 miles and havent had one single problem with it! i absolutely love it!