I'm in the market for a car and am really interested in a TL, but after further research, I had some questions:

1) The transmission fiasco: Does it effect all 2nd gen TL's or just 2000+? What are some signs of transmission failures? Did it effect all TL's or just some that were not properly maintained? any further advice you could give me regarding the transmission?

2) The rear view mirror: I recently just went to test drive one from a private owner and the rear view mirror was not working (the dimmer)? I was wondering what the easy way for the fix would be? I looked in the post about the leaking mirror, but just wanted to make sure. Call Acura, call the manufacturer, or just get a second party mirror?

3) Besides those two things, the car seems perfect to me. One is minor, but the transmission this is major in my eyes since replacing a transmission is basically half of the car. If you have any other suggestions, do you mind letting me know?


thank you

 

the tranny is really the only main flaw with the tl.. apparently the auto's were crap from 2000-2006 or 05 cant remember..

 

yeah I heard that and I also heard that the 99's were clear since it is a 4speed automatic compared to the 5 speed automatic transmissions..


anyway of testing a car for transmission problems?

 

easiest way is to search the VIN number, then you can see if the trans has been changed or how many times its been changed.

 

on carfax or through acura?

 

through acura.. i forget the website. some one here will remember it.. or just do a search.. this topic comes up almost everyday on acurazine.

 

You need the vin, it wont tell how many times but it will tell you if there is still warranty left. Go to acura.com and go under owners link.

 

Welcome to Acurazine!

1) The transmission fiasco: Does it effect all 2nd gen TL's or just 2000+? What are some signs of transmission failures? Did it effect all TL's or just some that were not properly maintained? any further advice you could give me regarding the transmission?

The 1999 TL uses a 4- speed transmission which is more reliable than the 5-speed used in the 2000-2003 TL. But it still has "worse than average" reliability according to Consumer Reports subscriber surveys.

See the Tranny Failure thread for more information:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=566833



2) The rear view mirror: I recently just went to test drive one from a private owner and the rear view mirror was not working (the dimmer)? I was wondering what the easy way for the fix would be? I looked in the post about the leaking mirror, but just wanted to make sure. Call Acura, call the manufacturer, or just get a second party mirror?

The rear view mirrors, manufactured by Magna Donnelly, can fail and leak a corrosive fluid on the car's interior. Up until about a year ago, Magna Donnelly was sending out free replacements. But they're no longer doing that. Cost ~ $100)

You might be able to get a free one from Acura but that's a longshot. Your best bet is to buy a genuine Acura replacement. The leak problem has apparently been corrected with a new design.

Don't buy a used mirror as many of those are the old failure-prone design.

See the "Rear View Mirror Exploded" Thread for more information:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=549093



3) Besides those two things, the car seems perfect to me. One is minor, but the transmission this is major in my eyes since replacing a transmission is basically half of the car. If you have any other suggestions, do you mind letting me know?

Spend a few hours reading the forums. This is the place to learn all about the second generation TLs.

 

I've been reading about it for a while, but just need to know how to diagnose if a transmission needs replacement. I'm on the look out for a 99' TL though nothing else since it might be a bit better for me.

any way to test if a transmission is about to go during a test drive? things to look for?

 

thx BobF

I just need to find out if there are any ways to test if a transmission is about to go during a test drive on a 99TL? things to look for?

I searched for symptoms and signs on transmission failures but no luck. I'm a college student so I wanted to do my research before purchasing a car. any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

Well one thing you'll want to look for is abrupt shifting between gears. there are many posts of symptoms in the tranny failure thread. (Just be sure that you're reading reports for the 1999 TL.)

Unfortunately, the transmission could perform perfectly during your test drive and then fail within a month or two.

Buying a second generation TL without a warranty on the transmission is fairly risky because of the significant reliability issues. Be aware that a non-warranty repair for a failed transmission can run between $2,000 and $4,000. If that would blow your budget, consider buying something else. (For example, consider an Accord or Camry with a five speed manual transmission.)

I bought a 1999 TL about two years ago and it's been a great car. But the previous owner had just installed a new transmission and that came with a two year warranty.

Best of luck with whatever you buy.

 

basic things: smell the trans dipstick- burned- thats bad- black- thats bad
tell the owner what you are going to do first--On test drive at light throttle cruise 25 and 35 mph- stand on the gas in D5 or -D4 in a 99,
it should downshift with authority and hook up in 2nd gear, then launch forward accellerating madly with no protest from engine or transmission
If it revs and doesnt engage the gear- takes a few seconds to grab a gear- thats imminent death

If you can find a TL where the trans was already replaced under warranty- and especially if that occured AFTER mid 2005, those are good units.

Buying ANY 8 to 10 year old car requires an understanding the last owner did not put money into brakes and cv axles- tires worn out- shocks worn- alignment off....
maybe the 105k mile service was not performed- thats $1200,and MUST be done- risk of massive engine failure!!!!
the trans is $2500 rebuild cost,,,,you have to figure that into the sellers asking price and go down in relation to that if it was never replaced and never serviced-fluid changed regularly

New shocks-500 to 1400, brakes 200-500, ac problems...you dont want to know!
that 1200 dollar service for water pump and timing belt at 105, needs valve adjustment then as well,,,add another 300

Have you looked in the Off Topic link- top of every page here, then scroll down- Private Sales has a special area just for Member cars for sale

 

If you are a student on a tight budget where a $150 headlight bulb will mean the differance between living in the TL and just driving it, then its going to be much better for you to go toyota or something like that-
the TL eats gas with gusto, 19 in town- combined city/hwy 22-24
no part or repair is cheap- the spark plugs are 7 dollars each!!!! tires $125-175 EACH!

When you have cash in hand to fix any problems thaty arise, and time to enjoy driving the TL for the pure joy of a mountain backroad- then come here and buy a members fixed up car.

While in school- an older civic- small transportation is something to think about.
Look at the parking space size at campus- and imagine the beating the TL doors will take there

 

When you find a car you really like, call acura and ask for its warranty history
1-800-382-2238 x5 6am to 5 pm pacific time
they can tell you if the trans was replaced- or any other parts done on warranty-
the 99 had a `recall` for ignition switch - you want to make sure thats been done

Look for an 02 with warranty still remaining on trans- the hope it goes out a month after you get the car- so you start ownership with a fresh trans- courtesy of acura~

 

yup, basically all the info needed... should be stickied for potential second generation owners..