7th Nov 2003, 09:10
I have a 96 2.5 TL with 125,000 miles on it, its the second one in my family, we have another one with 170,000 miles on it. Acura makes great cars and the first generations are a little rare. I put many mods on my car so when I drive by, people just stare. I love this car. You are all talking about the D4 being burnt out, mine was too when I bought it, but I hit the dashbord and it went on one day... try it if you want. NICE CARS, I would definetely buy another one... Those 5 Cyl have some snort.
21st Nov 2003, 15:33
I have a 98 2.5TL. I follow the dealer maintenance schedule and the car continues to impress. It's road manners are outstanding: smooth, responsive, fast and quiet. The car was built to perform. Acura vehicles are a work of art. Carefully crafted and reliable, they punch well above their weight in rated horsepower. As you can tell, I'm an Acura fan. Driving mine adds a little spice to my day.
4th Jan 2004, 17:47
I have had my '96 2.5TL since Jan. of '96. I have had my share of problems. In late '96 the transmission failed and had to be replaced, (luckily under warranty). In '98 the CD player stopped working and could not be fixed other than replacing entire unit. In 2000 D4 would not engage in winter months (not a light problem if that's what your thinking-light is working fine in warm weather) causing engine to rev excessively when changing gears. In 2001 check engine light began coming on intermittently with initiation of cruise control. My latest problems, beginning in the last several months are, difficulty removing keys from ignition and the car does not start when it gets wet. Obviously I am a fan of this car because I cannot seem to part with it. I now have 165,000 miles and am shooting for 200K. Just wanted to add a little cloud to the otherwise silver lining.
2nd Jun 2004, 09:41
Own a 97 TL 2.5 has 135,000 miles, it still drives like a dream. I am amazed at how well the leather has stood up to the car. It's not the looker I would like to have, but I am now a Acura believer.
26th Jul 2004, 20:54
I have a 96 TL 2,6 since 1996. 185000 km so far. Like many other TL, the D4 light doesn't work anymore. My only big problem is that the car begins to shake between 85 and 100 km and not every time. Anybody having a solution is welcome. a.fortin@cgocable.ca
20th Sep 2004, 21:27
In my experience, with a proper wheel alignment, H or V rated tires that are properly balanced, there will be no vibration in an Acura TL driven above 120 MPH (not that it is necessarily recommended to drive that fast). The car will feel like it is on rails.
21st Sep 2004, 12:04
I purchased an acura 97 2.5 tl and the kilo's on it are 107,000 but that car runs smother than anything. its like riding on air.
19th Oct 2004, 10:18
I am a 30 yr old woman and wanted a flashy looking car, but had to be an Acura. I got a 97 3.2 TL Premium, for $9,000 with 85,000 miles on it. I didn't flinch. After the test drive, I was SOLD! D4 light is out, but I don't need it! I just wish I had the manual and knew what the stereo system was. If it's Alpine or Bose or neither.
This car glides like butter. I love it!
10th Mar 2005, 19:52
I have a 1995 acura 2.5 tl with 12000 miles. I paid $3,500 for this car. I was lucky this car is still new. my brothers and my friends want to buy this beauty from me. I did not agree because from the moment I drove it I don't want to buy any car expect acura 2.5 tl. I love the way they designed the body, it looks better than the new kind of acura tl. if you find acura buy it it is worth your money.
6th Aug 2007, 01:30
I was recently involved in an accident that left my 2001 Nissan Pathfinder totaled and was in the market for a new car, a black late-model Acura TL being my dream car. Since they were a little out of my price range, I searched the online auto ads and found a very inexpensive 2004 Mitsubishi with 40k miles. Making a long story short, I ran a Carfax and found out it had many problems that the owner did not disclose to me. Being heartbroken, I went to an auto auction on Saturday and stumbled across a black 97 2.5TL on which the bids had stalled at about $2500. I knew that I wanted a TL, but having very limited info on it at that point, I almost didn't bid because of the year and the mileage (approaching 150k). However, the look of it alone convinced me to purchase it (it beat out at least 3 other 2001 and later cars/SUVs I was considering purchasing) and I got it for $2700. I was afraid I was being suckered into a lemon, but I truly have no regrets, even though it hasn't even been a full two days since I bought it. It runs well, doesn't look like a 1997 at ALL, the radio works great (although it was locked when I bought it and initially I had no clue what to do), and the leather and wood grain are immaculate. I didn't even know there was a D4 light (mine is burned out as well) but it's no big deal. I expect to have this car for a very long time.
Also, the tip about upgrading to 215/60R15 tires is great... too bad I bought two new tires for my car yesterday! Maybe next time around!
17th Mar 2008, 16:43
I'm 17, and my mom and dad just bought a 1997 Acura TL 2.5 premium for me from my mom's best friend. My mom's friend's son got two tickets and got his license taken away (he is 17 also), and that's the reason my parents bought it.
I love this car to death. It is so fast and powerful. I always on a clear day drive with the sunroof open, all four windows down, and BLAST the radio, but that's me.
I know I told a story, but point blank this car is the best car ever made!!!
I'm about to drive it right now.
28th Aug 2021, 11:25
I have driven everything from Bentley to BMW, to Saab, and I'm the proud owner of a 1997 Acura TL 2.5! The smoothest and most comfort I have ever experienced in driving! 210,000 miles, still no issues, no leaks, runs perfect every time. I rely on this astounding feat of automotive engineering!!
29th Aug 2021, 14:38
I had a 2002 TL Type S that went through 2 trans in 30.000 miles. Not driven hard. My new Legend before it was far better with no issues. Best car I had quality wise afterwards was my recent Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.
30th Aug 2021, 17:29
2 trans in 30k does mean it was driven hard; maybe not by you, but by the previous owner.
1st Sep 2021, 13:16
Which was me. Brand new. My Legend new had no issues. It was covered by warranty, but Carfax reports killed it at resale time. Black with black leather, a Type S loaded. Bulbs were ridiculously high on that car. HIDs I believe. Very nice car, but I sold at 36,000 miles. The trans then were a well known defect. Mine was a 2002.
15th Apr 2003, 15:18
First, to the person that gets a pulse around 100 you need to get a Tune-up and that problem will go away. I have a 97 3.2TL white with 100,700 miles on it now. I drive this car so hard and nothing has ever slowed down or broke except for having to buy brakes a lot, because I fly in this car. That's going 140mph-150mph being my highest speed, in Atlanta, GA on 85 in the HOV lane. Big straight away that has a slight decline. No governers in this car baby. I have never got a ticket, I do drive smart and now my and the 3.2's limits. I take care of it with on time oil changes (Full syn...). and my engine looks brand new because I clean this baby all the time. The only thing that is wrong with my car and others, is both driver and passenger windows have a vertical strike mark on it from something inside the door rubbing on it. This car always impresses when I am driving.