Faults:

Transmission is a little jumpy, but at 109K miles, I am not surprised.

In dash single CD player no longer functioning. However, trunk-mounted 6 CD changer still works fine, so I don't mind.

General Comments:

This is really a great car. I previously owned a 1999 Audi A4, and after making $6K-$7K in repairs over 2 years, I sold it. I bought this '96 3.2TL from my parents as an "in between car" while I figured out what I wanted next, and have since decided to keep it until it explodes, which will probably be quite a while.

At this point this car is 10 years old, and in the 2 years our family has owned it we have put 30K miles on it and not had a single problem.

The brakes and tires are cheap to replace, and other than that, we have only done oil changes. It gets about 23 MPG on my commute in bumper to bumper LA traffic, which is pretty good.

It may not be the best looking car, but its styling isn't bad, and with heated seats, heated mirrors, auto climate control, 6 CD changer, leather, cruise control, power seats, and more, it really has a lot of comforts.

The engine has a good amount of power. This car isn't sporty by any means, but it has plenty of freeway passing power.

Bottom line: This is a really great car if you are looking for a used luxury car that you want to last forever with little to no maintenance. I am a believer in Japanese cars after this Acura, and my next new car will be an Acura or Lexus for sure, and certainly not a German car. It is solid!

Faults:

Replaced antifreeze hoses and front axles at 195000.

General Comments:

This car is one of the most reliable cars I have ever driven in my life, and I've driven many cars. Currently at 195,000 miles and I'm still doing 70 or more with no problem on the parkways. Everything is stock and still works, it's perfect just like all Hondas and Acuras.

Faults:

ABS Brake System Failure at 50,000 miles.

2,000 dollar repair. Declined service. Currently running the car without ABS.

Car will function fine without ABS.

ABS light comes on often.

ABS Pump runs often.

CD Player failure. Common in this model.

General Comments:

The quality of the 1996 Acura TL 2.5 is TOP Notch.

Maintenance costs can run high if you have to rely on a dealer without a warranty. But This car only begins to need major maintenance at 75,000 Miles.

Maintenance costs run 400-600 dollars.

For things like brakes and shocks.

Timing belt at 120,000 miles can cost 700 dollars.

It has been a highly dependable auto.

It always starts. It has never left me stranded on the road.

There is also an emissions Warranty to 150,000 miles that covers O2 sensors, Plugs and wires. Be sure to check with your local dealer about this Warranty.

This Warranty only covers the 2.5 TL.

Faults:

Recently my car has started smoking whenever I get to about 60 mph and above. The car is not running hot however I can smell transmission fluid burning and the smoke coming from under the hood.

General Comments:

The car has always been dependable though and the only other thing that I have had had trouble with was the O2 sensor.