I am looking for a used car that will be dead nuts reliable for me with basic routine maintenance. I've heard of CLs and TLs having inevitable transmission failures but are there any that aren't like that? What Acuras, years, engines, options should I look for and what ones should I stay away from? I'm looking in the 90s and early 2000s. Mileage doesn't matter to me as long as its clean, going to last with minimal if any problems.

 

Generally when looking at any used vehicle there are things you check to see condition of driveline. Firstthings first puling transmission dipstick and checking atf fluid color. its its clear red and doesnt have any faint burnt odor and trans shifts solid then your fine. Its its cleare red but has burnt odor that means they power flushed it and i wouldnt go near it. if the fluid is dark and burnt odor RUN lol. if its a little dark and doesnt smell burned, it can most likely be cleaned out over time with just a drain and fill every other oil change.

Honda transmissions are tricky, if they have older fluid in them btu not burnt they can usually handle very slow fluid change out to allow cleaning and lubrication but on a power cleaner which forces the oil fluid out and all fresh fluid in, usually the trans goes bad shortly there after

older modle MDX's have weaks trans, the newer models are better but stil weak if not properly maintained. are you looking for a suv or car? Tsx autos seem to do very well, TL autos start to shift harder over time but they hold up prety well in the newer stuff, the older 3.2tls trans are kind of weak. early 2000's accords have transmission issues but again it really has alot to do with the maintenance of the vehicle more than anything else. The CL/TL which are the older 3.2 models trans are weak so be sure its clean/clear/burnt odor free fluid

 

This is my opinion based on what I have experienced, my friends, and family members have experienced, plus having friends that work at Acura dealerships that give me stories from time to time.

Stay away from:
-99-03 TL/TL-S (99 trannies are a lil better, but I wouldn't take the chance)
-01-03 CL/CL-S (automatic)
-02-04 MDX
-04 TSX (Climate control/Hvac problems/Navi issues/Dash lighting issues

Try to look for:
03 CL-S 6mt
05-08 TSX
96-99 RL
06-07 RL
94-01 Integra
91-95 Legend MT
02-06 RSX/RSX-S
04-06 TL 6mt
07-08 TL-S 6mt