I'm looking to purchase a 1999 3.2TL. I'm not a very mechanically inclined person, so I want to make sure I look for the problem area's in this vehicle. I understand (according to these forums) that the '99 has some tranny issues. If there are any other areas that I should take a look at, or better a list of things to look for I would appreciate it. Also, I was planning on taking the car to an Acura dealership close by to have them inspect it, possibly hook it up to their computers and such. As an additional note the car has 94,000 miles on it. Thanks, Steve

 

To many miles...tranny warranty will end at 100k. Check engine mounts, wipers if they slam when they come down, warped rotors, clogged EGR ports or check to see if it has had the EGR recall done.

 

Depending upon when it was originally sold, the tranny warranty will end (7 years) about the same time the car reaches 100,000 miles, so the mileage is kind of a moot point. Plus 13,000 - 15,000 miles per year isn't alot.

 

tranny replacements have a 1year/12k mile warentee.. as long as u keep getting new trannys ur good to go :tounge:

 

i would check wiring to make sure everything is working properly,any rattle and engine noise, suspension. Maybe even get a carfax report. I'm very meticulous, so i check almost everything i can just to be safe

 

Steve:
I bought a 1999 on Sept. 16th with 38,900 miles on it. It had new Rotor and Pad put on by Acura at 30,000 had just had the 30,000 service at Acura at 35,000 miles. EGR recall was done and it was serviced with oil changes etc. with all records. Paid $11,000 for it. Was a great deal with low mileage. The car has been PERFECT in everyway for the 5,000 miles I've put on it. Not one problem/everything works perfectly. Tires are original and will need replaced in about 4/5K miles. I'd be concerned about the Tranmission. Would give it a through road test and also would want to know about the maintenance. Has the oil been changed/trans. fluid, etc. What are you paying for it??? That might help in determining whether to go ahead or not. The tranny issue is a concern, but there are a lot of people that don't have problems. Mine was owned by a retired couple in their late 70's and they were very very meticulous with it. Since the tire still had tread on em at about 40,000 miles, I knew they had not driven it hard. They also had every and I mean every receipt for oil changes and service. I love the car! No problem in getting many more miles out of a 99 if it has not been beat to death. Love mine!

 

What's the price?

 

The asking price is $8,777.00. Seems like it would be a fair price. I've seen the car, but didn't have time to really go over it. I was thinking of getting a Carfax done, just in case, and hopefully the trip to the Acura dealership wouldn't hurt. I was told that this is a single owner vehicle, and from the limited amount of time I saw it looked pretty nice.

 

Also, the people I'm looking at buying it from seemed to know that this particular car can have tranny issues. When I mentioned that I had been researching this car, and specifically the issues with the tranny, the guy said he knew about them and had made sure that it had been looked at - and everything was good. It's hard to put alot of faith in somebody 'giving' their word, especially when their trying to sell you something. But with Carfax in hand, and a trip to the dealership, hopefully I can make a solid determination to buy or not. Thanks for the help so far.

 

Look over everything. Make sure no SRS lights. Turn on headlights and make sure they come on and stay and emit a white light with a blue hue, any other color light or simply not coming on indicates a problem with the HID lighting system and can be expensive.

Check out if the rotors are warped on the test drive, if they are you'll notice a shudder in the steering wheel while braking from highway speeds.

 

Car has had 2 owners, NC and FL, originally registered for personal use. It was at a collision repair facility after an accident or other incident and frame damage was reported. The rest is of a generally good nature (not reported total loss event, no flood damage, no Exceedes Mech. Limits or Not Actual Mileage, 13,505 miles per year, expired warranty (a given for a '99), etc.). I suppose the accident could be a deterrent, although from what I understand (very limited) depending on how bad the damage was, it could be a minor issue if fixed correctly or it could effect the entire car. Would the Acura dealership be able to determine the extent of the damage?

 

Frame damage


That means don't buy a car with frame damage.

 

It took me 6 months to find my used Acura. Keep looking! I wouldn't touch a car that had been in an accident especially with Frame damage concerns. Let see=my car=38k Mint condition/absolutely mint condition with Navi for $2200 more($11,000) =move on bud=there are better deals out there for sure!!!!!

 

I agree stay away from any car that has had frame damage incurred by the previous owner. If it was not fixed right then the entire car will have problems, especially suspension, axles, possibly engine problems and drivability issues. look elsewhere and good luck!

 

Thanks everyone!, I'm taking your advice and looking elsewhere.