Just got a '99 TL
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
Just got a '99 TL
Hi guys,
My first post here and I think this is a really great forum. I just bought a '99 TL with 70k on it at a really low price. I have a few questions:
1. I noticed that the gas pedal is a bit stiffer than what I'm used to (I also drive an '01 In finiti QX4, V6, 245hp, 2WD). Is this normal for this vehicle when compared to Nissan/Infiniti gas pedals?
2. The engine sounds much different than the Infiniti, especially when upshifting from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. Kind of like a 'zing' instead of a quiet 'roar' with the Infiniti. The TL seems to take off the line really fast at times, but not as fast on others. Is all of this normal?
3. The engine (or transmission) seems to struggle a little when downshifting from 4th to 3rd and then back to 4th when slowing down and then overtaking on the highway. I just don't feel the power like I feel in the QX4 when I do this. Although when going from 60 to 90, the TL really packs a punch. Am I expecting too much from the '99 TL as compared to a larger, newer engine?
Thanks for all the info in advance!
My first post here and I think this is a really great forum. I just bought a '99 TL with 70k on it at a really low price. I have a few questions:
1. I noticed that the gas pedal is a bit stiffer than what I'm used to (I also drive an '01 In finiti QX4, V6, 245hp, 2WD). Is this normal for this vehicle when compared to Nissan/Infiniti gas pedals?
2. The engine sounds much different than the Infiniti, especially when upshifting from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. Kind of like a 'zing' instead of a quiet 'roar' with the Infiniti. The TL seems to take off the line really fast at times, but not as fast on others. Is all of this normal?
3. The engine (or transmission) seems to struggle a little when downshifting from 4th to 3rd and then back to 4th when slowing down and then overtaking on the highway. I just don't feel the power like I feel in the QX4 when I do this. Although when going from 60 to 90, the TL really packs a punch. Am I expecting too much from the '99 TL as compared to a larger, newer engine?
Thanks for all the info in advance!
Boomer SOONER
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 14
From: McKinney, TX
1. Well they are different cars....
2. They are totally different engines...VTEC engines sound and drive much different than others, once you get used to it and learn how to drive it...you will be hooked.
3. Ya 4th gear is really slow, so when your on the highway use the sport shift to get to 3rd or just punch it. Honestly I havent noticed this, but that may be because I am used to my car...
anyway, congrats on the purchase, do some mods and see what this engine can do!
2. They are totally different engines...VTEC engines sound and drive much different than others, once you get used to it and learn how to drive it...you will be hooked.
3. Ya 4th gear is really slow, so when your on the highway use the sport shift to get to 3rd or just punch it. Honestly I havent noticed this, but that may be because I am used to my car...
anyway, congrats on the purchase, do some mods and see what this engine can do!
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
Thanks OU.
I guess I just have to get used to the TL. It really does feel different when compared to the Camry's, Taurus', Maxima's, ES300's, I35's, and G35's I've driven one time or another.
This is my first Acura/Honda and am impressed with the little details they pay attention too. I would say Acura puts in a little more research in their vehicles when compared to Lexus (the ES300 at least) and Infiniti (I35 and G35), although all of these Japanese entry-level luxury sedans are excellent cars - you can't go wrong with any of them - just my opinion.
I guess I just have to get used to the TL. It really does feel different when compared to the Camry's, Taurus', Maxima's, ES300's, I35's, and G35's I've driven one time or another.
This is my first Acura/Honda and am impressed with the little details they pay attention too. I would say Acura puts in a little more research in their vehicles when compared to Lexus (the ES300 at least) and Infiniti (I35 and G35), although all of these Japanese entry-level luxury sedans are excellent cars - you can't go wrong with any of them - just my opinion.
woooo!!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,985
Likes: 20
From: California
Originally Posted by ricohazel
Hi guys,
My first post here and I think this is a really great forum. I just bought a '99 TL with 70k on it at a really low price. I have a few questions:
1. I noticed that the gas pedal is a bit stiffer than what I'm used to (I also drive an '01 In finiti QX4, V6, 245hp, 2WD). Is this normal for this vehicle when compared to Nissan/Infiniti gas pedals?
2. The engine sounds much different than the Infiniti, especially when upshifting from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. Kind of like a 'zing' instead of a quiet 'roar' with the Infiniti. The TL seems to take off the line really fast at times, but not as fast on others. Is all of this normal?
3. The engine (or transmission) seems to struggle a little when downshifting from 4th to 3rd and then back to 4th when slowing down and then overtaking on the highway. I just don't feel the power like I feel in the QX4 when I do this. Although when going from 60 to 90, the TL really packs a punch. Am I expecting too much from the '99 TL as compared to a larger, newer engine?
Thanks for all the info in advance!
My first post here and I think this is a really great forum. I just bought a '99 TL with 70k on it at a really low price. I have a few questions:
1. I noticed that the gas pedal is a bit stiffer than what I'm used to (I also drive an '01 In finiti QX4, V6, 245hp, 2WD). Is this normal for this vehicle when compared to Nissan/Infiniti gas pedals?
2. The engine sounds much different than the Infiniti, especially when upshifting from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. Kind of like a 'zing' instead of a quiet 'roar' with the Infiniti. The TL seems to take off the line really fast at times, but not as fast on others. Is all of this normal?
3. The engine (or transmission) seems to struggle a little when downshifting from 4th to 3rd and then back to 4th when slowing down and then overtaking on the highway. I just don't feel the power like I feel in the QX4 when I do this. Although when going from 60 to 90, the TL really packs a punch. Am I expecting too much from the '99 TL as compared to a larger, newer engine?
Thanks for all the info in advance!
2. honda = vtec engine. once they hit 4.5-5k rpm, the engine roars as vtec kicks in. there will be a jump in the sound opposed to what i hear in (my sister's) i30... which is more... linear in terms of rpm--engine noise. basically, its normal!
3. cant expect too much outta the 4th gear. i drive a 99 myself too and when i want to switch lanes or cut i usually downshift to 3rd to get some extra power and go where i need to go.
and congrats on the purchase!
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
Thanks subtle.
The 2nd Gen TL really does have a classic design - no gimmicky stuff that goes out of style real fast. I threw some Yokohama Avid H4S's on it and it drives even smoother. Once I get used to it, I'm sure it will be a great ride for the next 2-3 years.
The 2nd Gen TL really does have a classic design - no gimmicky stuff that goes out of style real fast. I threw some Yokohama Avid H4S's on it and it drives even smoother. Once I get used to it, I'm sure it will be a great ride for the next 2-3 years.
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Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7
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From: San Antonio, TX
$10,500, with a 3-month powertrain warranty from....of all places....a Chevy dealership in a San Antonio suburb. I guess they didn't want an Acura on their lot too long, or they really jipped someone on the trade-in...the car was in excellent condition too.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,876
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
Yup, what everybody have already mentioned in this post. To get the optimum performance out of your 99 TL, use the sport shift. And if you haven't done so already, go to your Acura dealer and get a tranny drain/fill or a tranny flush. Your transmission will love you for it, and will provide even smoother shifting. Good luck!
Who Dis Is?
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 0
From: East Coast
Congrats on the purchase and damn you got a really nice deal on it too. As you've heard at higher speeds is when the TL peaks in performance. But I got to disagree with the sportshift giving it better shifts. The sport shift has such a dramatic delay that you might as well punch it and let the auto just kick it into 3rd. Take a few bucks and put a few mods on your car since you saved probably $3K on your car.