1996 Acura TL Review

Outrates my past Cadillac

Written by: Michael on 07/28/2009

Vehicle

1996 Acura TL 4 Dr 2.5 Premium Sedan

Review

I have had this acura for four years now and it out performed my previous STS Cadillac. The only repair which I have had to do in the last four years was to replace the muffler. Yes, I was quoted like $600 for a muffler but, what I did was buy one using the internet with a rebate costing me only $114 usd, and then had it installed at a local mechanic for $25 since it was just three bolts to deal with but it required a lift to replace it. Overall great car!!!! I take care of it so it will last, why deal with car payments for a new one... LOL

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Excellent after 200000

Written by: kalz on 06/10/2009

Vehicle

1996 Acura TL 4 Dr 2.5 Sedan

Review

I bought my acura in 2007 from a private party with about 160,000 miles on it. Since then it's been extremely reliable, the only thing I have spent money on is brake calipers for rear left wheel. Other than that I have had no issues. My car has now 216000 miles on it and it still feels the same. I would highly recommend acura to anybody who wants to buy a used car.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

The only downside is the cost for parts and servicing, Acura parts are extremely expensive to say the least.

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BEST car ever owned

Written by: Ed on 04/11/2009

Vehicle

1996 Acura TL 4 Dr 2.5 Premium Sedan

Review

I bought my 2.5TL used in 2000 with 26k miles on it. It now has 228k miles and it still going strong. My teen son drove it for 2 years, my teen daughter drove it for 1 year, now I am driving it again, and it takes me everywhere without problems. I commute 4 hours round trip (combo of highway and city) daily!

Favorite Features

Quality and design.

Suggested Improvements

Better lumber support. That's a personal preference though. The rest of the family thinks it's fine.

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Now has 214k

Written by: upotn pt on 02/01/2008

Vehicle

1996 Acura TL 4 Dr 2.5 Premium Sedan

Review

Back on 2/16/04 I wrote a review when the car had 154k. Well, it now has 214K! It's getting a bit tired now, uses a bit of oil, leaks a bit of oil, bunch more rattles and sqeaks. HOWEVER you can't go wrong with a first generation TL!! Best car I have ever owned. I am in the process of looking to buy for another 96-'98 TL with say 100k miles. I'll be giving my TL to my oldest teenager. He loves the car.

Favorite Features

Longevity.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing... incredibly well build car.

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Inspire is a great car for the money

Written by: InspiredTiki on 07/17/2007

Vehicle

1996 Acura TL 4 Dr 2.5 Premium Sedan

Review

Got this car with 135k on it for $4k and had no real problems till just recently. Ball joint on psgr. side is squeaking, and steering rack leaks p/s fluid (leakstop stopped it tho). No really BIG issues though! Wish I found a 3.2 (drove my friends one, BIG difference!), but the 2.5 is ok. Acceleration is a bit sluggish, but it is over 3k lbs. Proper maintenance keeps this bad boy running smooth. Just replaced the console with the 3.2 premium wood console. Made a world of a difference in the cockpit!

Favorite Features

Exterior styling (shouldn't have changed it), tight turning radius, and the smooth ride. The cockpit is set up pretty nice too (just need more illumination to see what you're trying to adjust).

Suggested Improvements

Make it quiet! Road noise is bad for a "luxury" car. Smoother shifting tranny would be nice too. Cheaper parts would be nicer. At least drop the price to 3.2 prices. Why is the 2.5 more expensive? A tilting sunroof would've been nice too.

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