Honda Car Forum

Hello All,
My 1994 Honda Accord EX was totalled right before the New Year.
I went to see the newer used Accord EXs (2000-2001) but the body does
not seem as well built, there is more engine noise, and the ride is a
bit rough. Without knowing much at all about Acuras, I went on a lot
and test drove a 2000 Acura TL 3.2 and it felt much better. I know
nothing about Acura models but my questions include:

1. How is the Acura TL regarded by it's previous owners?

2. Is the cost of maintaining an Acura significantly more than that
of maintaing the Hondas?

3. I am not familiar with Acura models. Should I be considering
something other than the Acura TL? Basically, my budget for this car
is under $20,000 and the Acura TLs in my area are basically around
that price range.

4. Are there significant differences among the 1999-2000 model Acura
TLs?

Sorry for all the questions but any comments or input would be
much appreciated.

On 1/17/04 10:16 AM, in article
91b1270c.0401170816.5688d0b9@posting.google.com, "Edward Westin"
<ewestin@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Hello All,
> My 1994 Honda Accord EX was totalled right before the New Year.
> I went to see the newer used Accord EXs (2000-2001) but the body does
> not seem as well built, there is more engine noise, and the ride is a
> bit rough. Without knowing much at all about Acuras, I went on a lot
> and test drove a 2000 Acura TL 3.2 and it felt much better. I know
> nothing about Acura models but my questions include:
>
> 1. How is the Acura TL regarded by it's previous owners?
>
> 2. Is the cost of maintaining an Acura significantly more than that
> of maintaing the Hondas?
>
> 3. I am not familiar with Acura models. Should I be considering
> something other than the Acura TL? Basically, my budget for this car
> is under $20,000 and the Acura TLs in my area are basically around
> that price range.
>
> 4. Are there significant differences among the 1999-2000 model Acura
> TLs?
>
> Sorry for all the questions but any comments or input would be
> much appreciated.

Main differences:

- '99 TL has a 4 speed transmission. '00 TL has the 5 speed transmission.
Warranty on the 5 speed transmissions was extended to 100,000 miles because
of the rampant failures.

- '99 TL has seat heater in the passenger's seat back, as well as the
bottom. '00 TL has side airbag and lost the passenger seat back heater to
make room for it.

ewestin@yahoo.com (Edward Westin) wrote in message news:<91b1270c.0401170816.5688d0b9@posting.google. com>...
> Hello All,
> My 1994 Honda Accord EX was totalled right before the New Year.

Our '98 Accord EX was totaled in October.

> I went to see the newer used Accord EXs (2000-2001) but the body does
> not seem as well built, there is more engine noise, and the ride is a
> bit rough. Without knowing much at all about Acuras, I went on a lot
> and test drove a 2000 Acura TL 3.2 and it felt much better. I know
> nothing about Acura models but my questions include:
>
> 1. How is the Acura TL regarded by it's previous owners?

Generally very well but the 5-speed auto transmission is plagued by
failures. The 2000 TL is built on a modified Accord platform.
>
> 2. Is the cost of maintaining an Acura significantly more than that
> of maintaing the Hondas?

The major service for the V6 (timing belts) is big bucks. Otherwise
routine maintenance isn't too expensive if you use an independent
mechanic.
>
> 3. I am not familiar with Acura models. Should I be considering
> something other than the Acura TL? Basically, my budget for this car
> is under $20,000 and the Acura TLs in my area are basically around
> that price range.

You can also buy a used RL for $20K. It is built on the old Legend
platform but tuned for luxury rather than sport. Very reliable.

For under $20K you can buy a brand new 2004 Accord which shares its
new platform with the 2004 Acura TL.

If you can bear to leave the Honda family, the Mazda 6 is a very nice
car.
>
> 4. Are there significant differences among the 1999-2000 model Acura
> TLs?
>
see www.edmunds.com for info

> Sorry for all the questions but any comments or input would be
> much appreciated.

We replaced our 1998 Accord EX with a 2004 Accord EX. The 2004 is a
far superior car.

Happy Motoring

GMW

On 17 Jan 2004 08:16:30 -0800, ewestin@yahoo.com (Edward Westin)
wrote:

>Hello All,
> My 1994 Honda Accord EX was totalled right before the New Year.
>I went to see the newer used Accord EXs (2000-2001) but the body does
>not seem as well built, there is more engine noise, and the ride is a
>bit rough. Without knowing much at all about Acuras, I went on a lot
>and test drove a 2000 Acura TL 3.2 and it felt much better. I know
>nothing about Acura models but my questions include:
>
>1. How is the Acura TL regarded by it's previous owners?
>
>2. Is the cost of maintaining an Acura significantly more than that
>of maintaing the Hondas?
>
>3. I am not familiar with Acura models. Should I be considering
>something other than the Acura TL? Basically, my budget for this car
>is under $20,000 and the Acura TLs in my area are basically around
>that price range.
>
>4. Are there significant differences among the 1999-2000 model Acura
>TLs?
>
> Sorry for all the questions but any comments or input would be
>much appreciated.

Are you looking to match the Accord's Family car nature? If not, you
might try an Integra (used) or RSX (new or lightly used). I have a 97
GSR and I cannot say enough good things about it. I have owned 2
Integras and 1 Accord and cannot complain about the number of miles
put on them vs maintenance cost.

Dino

our 1999 3.2TL is wonderful. warranty was extended on xmission.
we love it, 40000 miles and still chuggin along.
mikey.


Edward Westin wrote:
> Hello All,
> My 1994 Honda Accord EX was totalled right before the New Year.
> I went to see the newer used Accord EXs (2000-2001) but the body does
> not seem as well built, there is more engine noise, and the ride is a
> bit rough. Without knowing much at all about Acuras, I went on a lot
> and test drove a 2000 Acura TL 3.2 and it felt much better. I know
> nothing about Acura models but my questions include:
>
> 1. How is the Acura TL regarded by it's previous owners?
>
> 2. Is the cost of maintaining an Acura significantly more than that
> of maintaing the Hondas?
>
> 3. I am not familiar with Acura models. Should I be considering
> something other than the Acura TL? Basically, my budget for this car
> is under $20,000 and the Acura TLs in my area are basically around
> that price range.
>
> 4. Are there significant differences among the 1999-2000 model Acura
> TLs?
>
> Sorry for all the questions but any comments or input would be
> much appreciated.