I've enjoyed my '97 3.2 TL from the very moment I drove it off the lot as a brand new car. This is my second Acura after owning a Legend for four years. The TL has 215,000 Kilometers on the dial today and runs like a top except for a weird, periodic shutter or pulse at around 100 Kph in D4. Above this speed everything is fine. When I take it up to this speed in D3 the phenomenon does not occur.
Does anyone know what this might be? Timing belt, or something worse like trany?
I have up-sized "the rubber" to 215/60's as well which enhances the drive nicely.
I Have a Acura 2.5 Tl It's a clean car as other drivers would know right!! but the problems I had were nothing really major only the D4 light went out and the back driver side power window goes down when it wants to and the passenger side window goes down really really really really slow sometime, and like all those other 2.5 drivers the starting does sound kinda crazy at start up, but its all good do not pass this car up.
I purchased a Dark Green 97 TL in Dec. 2001 with 40,000K as my retirement auto. I have not had any major problems. The car now has 58,000K. I was told that the "97" had problems after purchase, however, to date I love my car. My start-up is fine, have not noticed any weird sounds and it is as smooth a ride as when I first purchased it. It is a real classy looker. I stick to the maintenance schedule and I stand behind it. If you are considering one, do not hesitate for one minute. Drive and enjoy.
I have a 1997 Acura TL 3.2 with 119000 miles on it. My 4 year lease will be up in June. It is a great car very reliable. It has only been to the shop for regular tune ups and one for a problem with the heater. I can drive the mess out of the car and it still will run like the first day I drove it. You can't beat an Acura in quality, durability, and all around looks. Driving this Acura has instilled in me the fact that American made cars are for the birds. I also own a 97 Catera, and let me just say it is falling apart. Plus the resale value is know where near what I paid for it. I believe I will always own an Acura, because it just want stop impressing.
I have a 2000 Acura 2/5 TL and I absolutely love it. I have the problem with starting it in the morning to, especially in the cold weather, which I've been told is normal. I use synthetic oil and it makes the car so much smoother (as if it's not smooth enough). Every time someone new comes into my car they always saw "wow this is a nice car". It's a great car for your money - dependable, smooth and fun to drive. I will definitely buy another Acura, they just make a great car. Acura is in a class all it's own. Nothing compares to it.
I got such a great deal on a 96 2.5 a few years ago that I
don't regret not having the 3.2 too much. Apparently the burnt out "D4" is not uncommon. Maybe we should all call Acura on the same day and demand a fix. No weird noises except on cold days, it sounds like a diesel until it warms up. The only major drawback to the 2.5 is the lack of after-market performance parts that are everywhere for
3.2's, Integras, Civics, etc. Any ideas?
I’m a current owner of a 1997 2.5 TL with about 0 complaints. I actually love to get in this baby everyday, which makes driving a pleasure. I get compliments on it daily from strangers and friends alike. Seriously, with minor additions, this car looks like a million bucks! Midnight Blue, slightly tinted windows, 18 Enkei wheels, and an upgraded stereo and this thing really stand’s out in the crowd of the typical HONDA looking cars of today. Not sure why the TL got a bad rap from the press, but it doesn’t deserve it. Starts every time, drives like a dream, is very comfortable inside, decent power under the hood, and a bunch of other things most cars wish they could be. All of this for a fraction of the cost of what other cars in their line are. The only thing I don’t like about it is that it requires you to gas up with at least 92 octane… expensive where I’m from. Paid $20K with 19K miles, what a steal!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.