Buying a Used Acura
By Andrew Whitehead
The Acura was launched in 1986 as Hondas luxury brand. If you’re looking at buying a used Acura the line up includes a large choice of sedans, sports cars and SUV’s. Established models such as the TL & CL are available at a wide range of prices.

Acura CL

The Acura CL introduced in 2000, as an early 2001 model was a little bigger and heavier than its forerunner the new CL preserved the four seat layout and generally retained its appearance. The “CL” denotes “contemporary luxury” with a host of features as standard including leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof, Xenon headlights, climate control (automatic), heated mirrors and a six disc CD changer (in-dash). Also as standard were anti-lock all disc brakes, traction control and front side airbags. The engine unit was basically the TL sedans 3.2 liter V6 with an impressive 225 horsepower. The only optional extra available was an in-dash navigation system with touch screen controls.

Acura MDX

The Acura MDX was designed to compete specifically with the Lexus RX300 and several other car-based SUV models. The Acura MDX, “Multi Dimensional Luxury” is based on the Honda Odyssey minivan. In the engine department you’re looking at a 3.5 liter V6, 240 horsepower with a five speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity is an impressive 3500 pound trailer or 4500 pound boat. The Acura MDX comes with VTM-4 (standard variable torque management 4 wheel drive) designed to sense imminent wheel slippage and upon doing so will send 52% of the power to the rear wheels when required. Also a rear wheel locking device provides maximum traction below 6mph however low gearing was excluded. Standard features include leather interior, powered front bucket seats (heated), powered sunroof, front side airbags, anti-locking all-disc brakes, rear air conditioning, heated mirrors and a CD player. The Touring package came with optional driver’s seat and mirror memory, in dash six disc CD and roof rack with the navigation in dash system with touch screen as a factory option. Seating and storage included second and third row bench seats as standard that folded into the rear cargo area, both seats are split so sections can be used as required for passengers and cargo.

Acura TL

The TL is Acura’s best-selling car and was upgraded for 2004 with a redesign including new styling, increase in power and more standard safety features. The engine unit in all models 2004 onwards is the 3.2 liter V6 delivering 270 brake horsepower as opposed to 225 and 260 on previous models. Standard features include leather interior, heated front seats, aluminium interior trim, sunroof, front and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, anti-skid system and 17 inch alloy wheels. Additionally the Acura TL also came with satellite radio, in dash CD/DVD audio disc player, and a hands free wireless link with the audio system for cell phones. Manual transmission models were available with high performance tires. Voice activated navigation system was a factory optional extra.