I am looking at buying an inexpensive used Acura, and am now trying to choose from 3 options. 1999 TL w/ 189k, 1996 RL w/169K, and 1995 Legend GS with 113K. They are all priced virtually the same, and I am leaning towards the oldest of the group with the Legend. Just wondering what your opinions are based on overall value, reliability, cost to maintain, etc. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks.

 

Personally, I'd go Legend...

 

+1

 

I would get the Legend out of those 3

 

2G Legends are the coolest but they have head gasket issues.
2G TL has transmission problems although the 4 speed lasts longer than the 5. It is also transverse engined if you care about weight distribution.. (the rest are longitudinal)
1G TL is pretty bulletproof.
The RL is your best bet for reliability.

 

Research the Legend head gasket issues and how to diagnose it. Then drive the shit out of the Legend. If it passes, go for that. If it doesn't, RL.

 

Thanks for the input so far! The Legend is flat-out the coolest of the 3, no doubt, but the head gasket issue is what I was worried about. The tranny problems makes me worried about getting any 2G TL even though it seems you can find them everywhere. I don't mind the 1G RL's, just not as sweet looking as the Legend! But I do need it to be reliable... I can spend a little more and get a 2G RL with a few more miles.... other than looks, I'm not sure if that's worth it...

 

Are you saying the differences between a 2005 RL and 1996 RL a almost neglible?

I don't know if time plays the same factor that use does with a head gasket, but a Legend at 115k is just getting warmed up. The second timing belt is the car's prime. Make sure that and the water pump are have been completed. Then get the radiator hoses, radiator cap, and thermostat changed, and it will run to see its 3rd timing belt.

 

Legend

 

Legend but really check out the head gasket. Achilles heal on that particular C32 motor.

1G RL are very reliable but also boring as well