TL as a first Car? Positives/Negatives?
09-27-2006, 02:50 PM
#1
Cruisin'
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TL as a first Car? Positives/Negatives?
Hello. I’m new here so go easy on me.
After realizing that I am able to buy a car in a couple months, I need to come up with a decision for one. I have 2 main cars that I am interested in. One is a 1995-1997 BMW 325/328 Sedan and the other is a 1999-2001 Acura 3.2TL. Now mind you, I've read up extensively on the BMW and noticed that parts and labor on these cars are expensive and they are not all that reliable. Well, being that my dad has had a '97 Accord and it is ROCK SOLID and Acura is in essence Honda, that the TL should have that dependability plus all of the luxury features that come standard. And, moreover, my Uncle has a 2001 TL and I just love it. My dad also thinks it would be a nice car fore me. Now I fully understand that one might think that a Civic or Accord is the best way to go for a first car, but I believe that I am fully capable of owning and taking care of a car like the TL or 3-Series BMW. I've decided on these 2 cars and I am wondering which one I should get. Also, weather is a consideration to me, being located in Rhode Island and I know that the BMW isn't the best choice for that.
OK. Are there any negatives about the Second Gen. TLs that I should take into consideration? I've read about people having problems with their transmissions :|, and a few recalls, but nothing beyond that.
Thanks,
Nick
After realizing that I am able to buy a car in a couple months, I need to come up with a decision for one. I have 2 main cars that I am interested in. One is a 1995-1997 BMW 325/328 Sedan and the other is a 1999-2001 Acura 3.2TL. Now mind you, I've read up extensively on the BMW and noticed that parts and labor on these cars are expensive and they are not all that reliable. Well, being that my dad has had a '97 Accord and it is ROCK SOLID and Acura is in essence Honda, that the TL should have that dependability plus all of the luxury features that come standard. And, moreover, my Uncle has a 2001 TL and I just love it. My dad also thinks it would be a nice car fore me. Now I fully understand that one might think that a Civic or Accord is the best way to go for a first car, but I believe that I am fully capable of owning and taking care of a car like the TL or 3-Series BMW. I've decided on these 2 cars and I am wondering which one I should get. Also, weather is a consideration to me, being located in Rhode Island and I know that the BMW isn't the best choice for that.
OK. Are there any negatives about the Second Gen. TLs that I should take into consideration? I've read about people having problems with their transmissions :|, and a few recalls, but nothing beyond that.
Thanks,
Nick
09-27-2006, 03:12 PM
#2
How much do you want to spend?
How will you be using the car? (For example: Commuting long distances, around town, etc.)
Will you be parking it on the street or in a garage?
I just bought a 1999 TL and I think it's a great car. But the transmission problems are very real and you'll want to make sure that you have a warranty or that you could handle the cost of a non-warranty replacement.
The 2000-2003 TL transmissions get a very "non-Honda-like" Black Dot for reliability in Consumer Reports owner survey based ratings. That's the lowest mark they give out.
BMW makes some awesome cars but they can be extemely expensive to maintain. I'd hesitate before buying one.
If you're going to park it out on the street and you don't want to worry too much about it, I would go for a Civic or Accord with a 5 speed manual transmission.
Bob
How will you be using the car? (For example: Commuting long distances, around town, etc.)
Will you be parking it on the street or in a garage?
I just bought a 1999 TL and I think it's a great car. But the transmission problems are very real and you'll want to make sure that you have a warranty or that you could handle the cost of a non-warranty replacement.
The 2000-2003 TL transmissions get a very "non-Honda-like" Black Dot for reliability in Consumer Reports owner survey based ratings. That's the lowest mark they give out.
BMW makes some awesome cars but they can be extemely expensive to maintain. I'd hesitate before buying one.
If you're going to park it out on the street and you don't want to worry too much about it, I would go for a Civic or Accord with a 5 speed manual transmission.
Bob
09-27-2006, 03:28 PM
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Cruisin'
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I am planning on spending $9000 or maybe a smidgen more. But I'd only have to pay half for it with my dad. Or if I keep my grades up, then he will get me a car, and like I said, he thinks this is a really nice car.
I'd be using the car to go from home to school, to go around the state and explore new places and then eventually I will be going to Tennessee twice per year, a 1,300 mile trip one way instead of flying.
And, I'd park it in the garage. I'll have to read some more about that transmission probem with these years.
Thanks,
Nick
I'd be using the car to go from home to school, to go around the state and explore new places and then eventually I will be going to Tennessee twice per year, a 1,300 mile trip one way instead of flying.
And, I'd park it in the garage. I'll have to read some more about that transmission probem with these years.
Thanks,
Nick
09-27-2006, 03:45 PM
#4
Originally Posted by NTL1991
I'll have to read some more about that transmission probem with these years.
https://acurazine.com/forums/wash-wax-23/leather-conditioner-help-106818/
Good luck with whatever you buy.
Bob
09-27-2006, 03:49 PM
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I recently purchased my 2nd generation TL (6 months ago) and I did all the research I could from websites, forums and discussing with my local Acura dealer.
Yes - the transmission has failed on some of the Acura TL's; Acura has made a formal recall for these TL's (and the Accord's that are affected too) and are doing the following:
1) Technicians will inspect the transmission for the second gear for overheating
a) If it's fine, they'll leave it.
b) If it looks worn, they will install an oil injection kit to keep it cool.
c) If its excessively worn, they are willing to replace the transmission (free of charge) with a refurbished one (that has the same problems).
Please note however, that they are only dealing with the second gear. This isn't the problem most people are complaining about as its the third gear that crumbling and causing issues for some people. Acura HQ has not said anything offical about this problem, however, service technicians do know about it and are willing to accomodate some people (depends on the dealer).
Acura also claims that only 2% of the million cars they've produced have this issue, however some people would argue otherwise.
2) Acura has also extended the warranty on the transmission to the earlier of 170,000 KM or 7 years (Sorry, I only know Canada).
Personally, I love this car! I called ahead to find out whether the recall was outstanding on my car and had it checked - nothing was noted and I haven't noticed anything signs.
I've driven many cars including a 2002 BMW 3 series (not sure how different from the 90's models) and the Acura is much smoother and defientely more comfortable - something that I'm willing to loose a few HPs to.
Hope this helps.
Yes - the transmission has failed on some of the Acura TL's; Acura has made a formal recall for these TL's (and the Accord's that are affected too) and are doing the following:
1) Technicians will inspect the transmission for the second gear for overheating
a) If it's fine, they'll leave it.
b) If it looks worn, they will install an oil injection kit to keep it cool.
c) If its excessively worn, they are willing to replace the transmission (free of charge) with a refurbished one (that has the same problems).
Please note however, that they are only dealing with the second gear. This isn't the problem most people are complaining about as its the third gear that crumbling and causing issues for some people. Acura HQ has not said anything offical about this problem, however, service technicians do know about it and are willing to accomodate some people (depends on the dealer).
Acura also claims that only 2% of the million cars they've produced have this issue, however some people would argue otherwise.
2) Acura has also extended the warranty on the transmission to the earlier of 170,000 KM or 7 years (Sorry, I only know Canada).
Personally, I love this car! I called ahead to find out whether the recall was outstanding on my car and had it checked - nothing was noted and I haven't noticed anything signs.
I've driven many cars including a 2002 BMW 3 series (not sure how different from the 90's models) and the Acura is much smoother and defientely more comfortable - something that I'm willing to loose a few HPs to.
Hope this helps.
09-27-2006, 04:48 PM
#7
Pro
Originally Posted by DQuach
c) If its excessively worn, they are willing to replace the transmission (free of charge) with a refurbished one (that has the same problems).
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09-27-2006, 05:07 PM
#8
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Great first car man! Its actually my second car but I had a truck before this and was always a "truck man" before. Well screw that you can pry my TL from my cold dead hands! I did have to have the tranny replaced but it was covered and even with all of that I still love this car. Fast, sleek, and comfortable. And its not really that bad to work on so you should be able to do most basic maintenance yourself.
09-27-2006, 05:24 PM
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Originally Posted by DQuach
I've driven many cars including a 2002 BMW 3 series (not sure how different from the 90's models) and the Acura is much smoother and defientely more comfortable - something that I'm willing to loose a few HPs to.
As for modding it, I'm the kind of person who enjoys the look and feel of cars that are stock and not ones with body kits, Huge spoilers, etc... So I guess thats a no for me unlike alot of TL owners here.
Thank You for the responses, everyone!
Nick
09-27-2006, 05:26 PM
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Originally Posted by bonknhead
I thought as of February 2005, Acura was replacing failed trannies with a new, redesigned one?
09-27-2006, 07:36 PM
#11
Oh Hullow
well 02 tl-s is my second car n i love it (fyi sold my 1st car didnt crash it :-P )...anyway i had the option of taking the more conservative route and getting an 02 infiniti i35 with half the miles for a grand cheaper... some might call me stupid for not taking that ... but my personal preference is the tl... the transmission is the only issue to worry about... as for me ive had no problems with mine only owned it since july, but still its going strong and i in no way shape or form regret my decision... go with the tl you wont be disappointed... try for an 01 since it would still have about 2 years on the warranty .. and look for lowest miles possible... and get black on black!! haha... good luck bro... n props for splitting the cost of your first car lol... you are in the same situation i was 2 years ago i cant speak for someone that was jsut given a car but it feels really good when you pay for it haha... as for this car paid for on my own soo yeah i baby the hell out of it... just dont get obsessive like i am with keeping it immaculate its quite annoying lol but keep it clean.
09-27-2006, 10:30 PM
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Congrats on either car at 16. I'm 45 and my progression of cars was, starting at 16: 62' Chevy Nova (w/three on the tree), 78 Ford Pinto, 83 Corolla, 86 Celica GTS, 90 VW Jetta 16V, 1999 Mercury Mystique, 2000 VW Jetta VR6 and finally, a 2005TL w/Nav.
The point is, to even be able to consider either puts you waaaay ahead of the game compared to most of us ordinary mortals, so no worries. Good luck.
The point is, to even be able to consider either puts you waaaay ahead of the game compared to most of us ordinary mortals, so no worries. Good luck.
09-28-2006, 12:44 AM
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Originally Posted by AMGala
I personally think the 99-01 TL looks WAY better than the Bimmer...
the inside of the bimmer was small and cheap feeling, and the car itself looks like a girls car to me.
[QUOTE=DQuach]something that I'm willing to loose a few HPs to.QUOTE]
in his sitiation he'd be gaining HP.
09-28-2006, 03:07 AM
#17
05 Acura TL: a-spec
I was actually considering the same thing a few years ago.. I went with the Acura.. Obviously. I would recommend you get the Acura... when the warranty runs out on your Acura you can just get a warranty through a credit union or something. –Chris
09-28-2006, 07:28 AM
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Get the acura...of course no one on this site is going to tell you that you should buy the bimmer (at least I hope not). I prefer the '02-'03 body style over the '99-'01, but both are nice. As for modding, I thought I was the same as you. I wanted the stock look and feel of the car. Well it didn't last very long. I lowered it a little to get rid of the huge wheel gap, put an OEM Acura body kit on it and did some tinkering under the hood to get a few more horses out of it. Oh yeah, I added the OEM Nav too. I bought it without nav and wanted it after I bought it, so I put it in myself. That's just my experience with it, but I think you'll love the car either way.
09-28-2006, 02:26 PM
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Cruisin'
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Originally Posted by AS3.0CL
hey, dude where u from RI...like HS or part of the state?
Again, thanks for the replies! I think it's a solid yes for the TL.
Nick
09-28-2006, 02:36 PM
#21
Nick, you sound really mature for 16. Not like some on the forum who somehow simply have money to blow with little regard for some of the points you have mentioned. Let me offer, first of all, you would never want a RWD car, ie: the BMW, in winter weather in your region. Also, if you follow Consumer Reports, which I do, the quality factor in is favor of the Acura.
Good luck, young man.....live long and prosper
2005 6MT NBP
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Good luck, young man.....live long and prosper
2005 6MT NBP
K&N typhoon intake
Michelin Pilot A/S
V1 on the lookout
09-28-2006, 08:44 PM
#23
F1 cart racer
Originally Posted by NTL1991
I live in Burrillville in NW RI...
Again, thanks for the replies! I think it's a solid yes for the TL.
Nick
Again, thanks for the replies! I think it's a solid yes for the TL.
Nick
ah i c, jw because i know alot of people in different HS and colleges. the TL is a good choice, my dad had an 03 TL-S that i would drive occasionally, until the tranny went out one day(scary experiance, was in the car with him) and then he got an 04. the TL is a very solid car and very fun car. i recommend that if i was you over a BMW.
09-29-2006, 04:30 PM
#24
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A few years ago when i got my license my mom got me an 03 tl 3.2 and it is a great first car. I would definitely go with the 1999-2001 tl over the bmw... the styling for the tl is so alot more modern than the 95 bmw. I don't know how the car drives though... i've driven an 2003 m3 and those are fun... Good luck on your choice they are both great cars
- jeremy
- jeremy
10-05-2006, 09:10 PM
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Hey the TL is a great first car. Its actually my first car I got it back in april and I love it. Im 17 and I think its a great car and I really love it. I saved up for a long time for the car I wanted and when I found this I was like "MINE." Although I didnt rush into it I did have it inspected first. Acuras are much longer lasting cars then BMWs so if you take the TL you wont be disapointed.
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