1997 Acura EL

The 1997 Acura EL was a compact sedan exclusively sold in Canada. It essentially served as a rebadged Honda Civic and offered a more upscale feel than its Honda counterpart. The EL came equipped with a 1.6-liter SOHC 4-cylinder engine, producing approximately 127 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. People generally appreciated the EL for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and relatively sporty handling. Conversely, some criticisms included its somewhat bland styling and limited availability outside of Canada.

Engine

1.6L SOHC 4-Cylinder

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, often originating from the valve cover gasket, distributor o-ring, or rear main seal. This can result in a burning oil smell, visible oil drips, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Distributor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, difficulty starting, or a complete failure to start. These issues often stem from a faulty ignition control module or distributor coil.
  • Solution: Replace the distributor or the faulty components within the distributor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ depending on whether the entire distributor or just components are replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping or Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips between gears, shifts harshly, or hesitates before engaging a gear. This can be caused by worn friction plates, low transmission fluid, or a faulty shift solenoid.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, replacement of the shift solenoid, or a full transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) - $2000+ (rebuild/replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Suspension Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, particularly when going over bumps. Reduced handling precision and increased tire wear. Common culprits are the control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, and shock absorber bushings.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ per corner, depending on the extent of the damage and the labor involved.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Ball Joints
  • Description/Symptoms: Clicking or popping noises when turning the steering wheel, excessive play in the steering wheel, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per ball joint.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows that operate slowly, erratically, or not at all. This is often caused by a worn or broken window regulator.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, difficulty starting the car, a warning light on the dashboard (battery light).
  • Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation, particularly in areas prone to moisture and road salt exposure, such as the wheel wells, rocker panels, and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+, depending on the severity and location of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface due to sun exposure and age.
  • Solution: Dashboard repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+, depending on the repair method.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1997 Acura EL is generally regarded as a reliable vehicle, however, being an older car, common issues revolve around aging components such as seals, gaskets, and suspension parts. Rust can also be a significant concern, especially in regions with harsh winters. While some repairs may be relatively inexpensive, others, such as transmission work or extensive rust repair, can be costly. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these issues and factor in potential repair costs before making a purchase.