Moving Up: 88 Accord to 01 Acura TL

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Old 11-20-2003, 08:00 PM
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Moving Up: 88 Accord to 01 Acura TL

I recently retired my 1988 Accord with 182K miles and bought a 2001 TL with 69K miles.

The TL is certified and recently had new filters and fluids (except for power steering fluid) spark plugs, tires, and battery. I put anti-seeze compound on the wheel hubs (the wheels were stuck on the hubs) and on the spark plug threads (plugs can be difficult to get out if left in for 60K + miles). I plan on replacing the power steering fluid.

I over maintained my 88 Accord but it showed - original transmission and engine (didn't burn or use oil between the 3K mile oil changes).

Since I work on my own cars I purchased the service manual (www.helminc.com) for my TL. I spent an extra $1 to get the service manual which covers the 1999-2003 models.

I am very impressed with the quality and ride of the TL and plan on keeping it for a long time. I hope to gain and share ideas with other members so that we can enjoy our Acura's.
Old 11-20-2003, 08:19 PM
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Re: Moving Up: 88 Accord to 01 Acura TL

Originally posted by Southern
I recently retired my 1988 Accord with 182K miles and bought a 2001 TL with 69K miles.

The TL is certified and recently had new filters and fluids (except for power steering fluid) spark plugs, tires, and battery. I put anti-seeze compound on the wheel hubs (the wheels were stuck on the hubs) and on the spark plug threads (plugs can be difficult to get out if left in for 60K + miles). I plan on replacing the power steering fluid.

I over maintained my 88 Accord but it showed - original transmission and engine (didn't burn or use oil between the 3K mile oil changes).

Since I work on my own cars I purchased the service manual (www.helminc.com) for my TL. I spent an extra $1 to get the service manual which covers the 1999-2003 models.

I am very impressed with the quality and ride of the TL and plan on keeping it for a long time. I hope to gain and share ideas with other members so that we can enjoy our Acura's.
Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!
Old 11-20-2003, 09:19 PM
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Congrats, welcome to the board...

I also moved from 89 Accord(206k miles) to a 2000TL this year.. Also do most of the maintence on the car myself, which is why i bought a used TL..

Were you on the 3G forum???
Old 11-20-2003, 11:21 PM
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Congrats!

I also moved up from an 88 Accord (195K miles) to a brand new 99 TL when it first came out.
Old 11-21-2003, 05:56 AM
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Welcome and good luck with your TL
Old 11-21-2003, 08:04 AM
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Southern: WELCOME! My mom retired her 88 Maroon Accord LX (loved the flipped headlights) with 207,000 miles and believe it or not she sold it to a college student four years ago for $2500. Boy did she get her money out of that car. I still see it riding around town too. How long will that thing go, I'm sure she has had to replace the tranny by now though. She purchased another Accord and I'm sure she'll have it another 11 years. I'm sure you'll enjoy your TL!
Old 11-21-2003, 12:09 PM
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Thanks for the welcome's

I forgot to mention that my new TL (3.2L 6 cylinder engine) gets the same gas milage (28MPG) as my Accord (2.0L 4 cylinder engine).

Going through the 1999-2003 service manual, it is interesting to see the changes Acura has made over the years. For example the 1999 model has heated front seats for both the upper and lower seat backs. After the 1999 model they eliminated the heater for the passenger upper seat back. Maybe there was too much current draw on the alternator to run all four heating elements.

Vtec11: When I found out about the 3G's forum my Honda was in the phase-out stage. I did visit the forum as a guest - it was interesting to read about the same problems that I encountered (rear upper control arms, leaking fuel injectors).

Before I purchased the 2001 Acrua TL I was also considering a 2002 Acura TL-S. After reviewing the service history on both vehicles, I decided on the 2001 Acrua TL - The 2002 TL-S had the transmission, ECU, and radiator replaced at 30K miles (the car only had 31K miles).

Out of all the cars I have owned, my Honda was the cheapest to maintain. I suspect that I will have the same experience with my Acura.
Old 11-21-2003, 12:12 PM
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Welcome aboard
Old 11-21-2003, 12:24 PM
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Originally posted by Southern
Thanks for the welcome's

I forgot to mention that my new TL (3.2L 6 cylinder engine) gets the same gas milage (28MPG) as my Accord (2.0L 4 cylinder engine).

Going through the 1999-2003 service manual, it is interesting to see the changes Acura has made over the years. For example the 1999 model has heated front seats for both the upper and lower seat backs. After the 1999 model they eliminated the heater for the passenger upper seat back. Maybe there was too much current draw on the alternator to run all four heating elements.

Vtec11: When I found out about the 3G's forum my Honda was in the phase-out stage. I did visit the forum as a guest - it was interesting to read about the same problems that I encountered (rear upper control arms, leaking fuel injectors).

Before I purchased the 2001 Acrua TL I was also considering a 2002 Acura TL-S. After reviewing the service history on both vehicles, I decided on the 2001 Acrua TL - The 2002 TL-S had the transmission, ECU, and radiator replaced at 30K miles (the car only had 31K miles).

Out of all the cars I have owned, my Honda was the cheapest to maintain. I suspect that I will have the same experience with my Acura.
I asked why they eliminated the heated back portion for the passenger seat. The technician said they had to place the side airbag sensor in the upper portion of the passenger seat which in turn made them eliminate the heat for that part of the seat. I'm assuming they didn't pick up side air bags till 2000 or after.
Old 11-21-2003, 09:12 PM
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Originally posted by Southern
Thanks for the welcome's

Before I purchased the 2001 Acrua TL I was also considering a 2002 Acura TL-S. After reviewing the service history on both vehicles, I decided on the 2001 Acrua TL - The 2002 TL-S had the transmission, ECU, and radiator replaced at 30K miles (the car only had 31K miles).

Wouldn't the 2002 TL-S been a better choice? The TL was renound to have bad trannies and if the 2002 TL-S already got its tranny replaced, with a new one, I'm confused... I thought the replacement trannies we're good ones?!? I just want to ask you guys if you ever came across a used TL, would you consider it more if it had the tranny replaced?
Old 11-22-2003, 06:21 PM
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Type S Lady: You are correct, I checked my service manual and the 2000-2003 models have a OPDS (Occupant Position Detection System) in the passanger seat back. The 1999 model does not have side air bags.

Martyp: After reviewing posts regarding bad trannies, it appears to be common for TLS owners to be on their third + transmissions. My thought was to avoid a car that had a history of problems - even if it is under warrantee.
Old 11-22-2003, 07:11 PM
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Welcome Southern! Wished I could say the same... but unfortunately my 95 Integra was built alot better than the 99TL.
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