Okay, for anyone who is aware of my situation from the other threads; I have one more question for you TL experts in here because based on my observations so far, I think the forums is pushing me into this direction...

For the 2nd generation (99-03) TL models, is the 1999 the most reliable??
I feel that this is so because the 2000-2003 used the 5 speed transmission; I would prefer the 5-speed (who wouldn't) but for the transmission issues with these transmissions I would rather use the 4-speed (what is difference between the 4 speed to 5 speed transmssion anyone, i mean, better gas mileage? performance? or what) The 1999 only used the 4 speed, but it would be crazy to go with a better transmission and have tons of transmission problems, IMO based what I have read. I really like the TL S, but feel that with these issues I will get the 1999; Please give me some more feedback;

The following link is somethingthat I have read today and it also convinces me that the 1999 is the better car. It seems pretty accurate from what I have read in the mists of this Acura TL forum.

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/re...ings&tab=4#rel


Please, any $0.02 will be appreciated again;

 

A TL-S w/ a stack of Legos under the gas pedal is just as reliable. J/K I would have to agree completly regarding the tranny.

 

Well the 1999 TL & the 2000- 2001 TL models have some other changes on them that may or may not matter to you other than transmisson. The 2000-2001 TL are the same car . The 2000-2001 TL added new side impact airbags for the front driver & passenger to protect in side impacts. The 1999 TL does not have this the 2000-2001 model also added new dual stage front passenger airbag that varies the rate of the deployment power of the front passenger SRS airbag reducing the rate of inflation during a low speed collisions. The 1999 TL does not have this but does have driver & front passenger airbags. ACURA in 2000 added the 5speed auto sport -shift Transmission to the TL from the 4speed auto sport-shift on the 1999. The 2000 TL model in its stock form added a newly redesign intake manifold. This further boosted performace,efficency & aroud town performance. Fuel Economy for the 1999 TL is 19city27highway the 2000TL got an extra mile to the gallon on the highway. Also with the 1999TL while in the sport-shift mode you can upshift form 1st to 2nd gear. With the 2000-2003 the car while in the sport-shift mode changes from 1st to 2nd own its own. I think they change this to prevent redline in 1st gear.
There is also a change in the the way the front passenger seat heaters are in the 1999 from the 2000 & up models. The 1999 front passenger seat heat top & bottom portion of the seat the later models just heat bottom due to side airbags design.

 

SHHHHHH bro...your making me feel bad about my '99...i bought in september '99 as the '00 was being introduced in the dealership so i offered 26,000 for the '99 and they gave it to me...thats the only reason. but still, there are very few TL-Ps ('99-01) modded enought to take me on.

 

You dont hear about as many '99's with tranny problems, but I think that may be because there are more of the 5 speeds out there.

 

the '99 has always had less problems than the others... we take pride in that and out chrome shift gate too ehehhehehe...

but you pay for it... you loose half a second on the 0-60 time due to the 4 speed vs the 5 speed, and you loose side airbags, DVD NAVI, and easier CAI installs...

 

I love my 99 TL! My cousin got a 00 TL and made me feel bad mainly with her extra gear and side air bags.

Two months ago, her trans was replaced at 28,000 miles (yes she doesn't use her car much). My is running so great at 65k miles. Plus the chrome shift gate made me feel better and controlling all gears with SS.

 

No problems here with my tranny (knock on wood).

 

yeah, i'm just at 70003miles since today morning and not a tranny problem. Oh, dont be afraid of '00+ for tranny problems...statically only less than 4% of people with TLs have tranny problems...and most of those 4% are on this forum.

AND this forum is basically to help people out so you hear mostly complaints, problems and issues our cars have. Whoever is stock and has no interest in moddin they TLs is NOT ON THIS FORUM hence they are happy and have no problems.

I think '99s are awesome. I no problems exept a shit lot of paint chips and scratches and o yeah, my right headlight burned out today.

peace.

 

etxxz, my cousin doesn't know about this forum. When her transmission failed she didn't even know what to do. So I wouldn't say all 4% are on here I also doubt the percentage is that low.

 

what kind of mods do you have?
I'm planning on doing headers, exhaust, cold air, TL-S throttle body and pulley.
Maybe just maybe......Turbo!!!! And then everybody will to my TL-P

 

Look at my name...need I say anymore?? Their all great cars--I just feel bad for the poor bastards that have to get a new tranny every 20k or less

 

i have all those exept -S TB which im trying to find along with cl/tl-s cams, i've got iriduim plugs and a dynotuned vafc onboard...im sure tl-s vs me would be a close match...once i get TB and then more w/ tl-s cams...IF I EVEN FIND THEM...i've looked in about 20 junkyards in the past week.

 

We've got both. The 99 has around 73K miles and nothing too major. I got the 03 TL-S because I wanted more power. So far, I've got 33K miles on it and no problems with it at all. It's been a very reliable car. The TL-P is definitely more comfortable. The TL-S is more versatile and more fun to drive. For me, I would have to rate reliabilty the same for both base on my experience so far.

Check out my Signature and you can see how each is prepped.