location

1818 St. Albans Dr #106, Raleigh,
NC 27609

phone

Need Help

919-872-1999
Understanding Alignment

Personalized Care for a Rare and Timeless Acura

These days, spotting an Acura Legend is like catching a glimpse of a classic on the move. The design, the engine note, the overall feel—it’s hard not to appreciate. The Legend wasn’t just a car; it was Acura’s first swing at redefining luxury performance when it arrived in the late ‘80s. And it delivered.

Here at Creech Import Repair, we’ve been working on Legends since they rolled off the lot. Whether yours is a cherished daily driver or a passion project that only hits the streets on weekends, we’re the kind of shop that gets it—and keeps it going.

Why the Legend Still Has a Following

When Acura introduced the Legend in 1986, it changed the game. It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t scream for attention. Instead, it delivered a clean, smooth ride with power that didn’t feel overworked. The V6 under the hood ran with quiet confidence, and the interiors leaned into thoughtful simplicity—ergonomic layouts, comfortable materials, and intuitive controls.

What really keeps people hanging onto these cars, though, is how long they last with proper upkeep. Compared to today’s feature-packed vehicles, the Legend feels refreshingly mechanical. That makes it a joy to work on—and a car worth holding onto.

acura-repair

Known Problems by Year: What to Look Out For

Even the most reliable machines have weak spots, and the Legend is no exception. Here’s a closer look at what tends to pop up by model range:

🔧 1986–1987 Acura Legend
  • Blown Head Gaskets: These early models could overheat if cooling components failed, and that often led to blown gaskets. A clogged radiator or bad thermostat usually started the chain reaction.
  • Rust Trouble: Legends driven in colder climates were prone to rust around wheel wells and door bottoms.
  • Starter Glitches: If your ignition switch acts up or the starter motor fails, it can leave you stuck—common once mileage creeps up.
🔧 1988–1990 Acura Legend
  • Cooling System Wear: Radiators and water pumps aged fast in this batch. If the fan motor went bad, the engine would run hot, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
  • Axle Noise: Clicking during turns usually points to worn CV joints—a routine fix for FWD vehicles of the time.
  • Sunroof Problems: The power sunroof track would sometimes jam. Old, sticky grease or debris buildup is typically the cause.
🔧 1991–1995 Acura Legend (Second Gen)
  • Overheating—Type II Engine: The high-output Type II motor was notorious for overheating if cooling system upkeep was neglected. Warped heads and blown gaskets followed.
  • ABS Light Stays On: Failing ABS sensors or control modules were common in higher-mileage cars.
  • Warm Weather No-Starts: Blame the main relay. When it failed—usually during hot months—the car would crank but not fire.
  • Cracked Radiators & Dead Fans: As plastic tanks aged, they cracked. Meanwhile, cooling fans stopped working and often went unnoticed until the temp gauge spiked.

Signs Your Acura Legend Needs a Check-Up

Older vehicles have their quirks, and Legends are no different. Some of the more common red flags to keep on your radar include:

  • The engine won't restart after being driven
  • Temperature gauge climbs unexpectedly
  • Brakes squeal or vibrate under light pressure
  • Grinding sound during turns
  • Dash lights flicker or act erratically
  • Coolant puddling under the car
  • A/C stops blowing cold air, especially at idle

What We Can Do for Your Legend

At Creech Import Repair, we don’t just repair Legends—we keep them alive. Our team knows the ins and outs of these vehicles because we've been working on them since the beginning

🔧
Engine Services
  • Diagnosing and replacing head gaskets
  • Timing belt and water pump swaps (every 90K miles)
  • Tracking down oil leaks
  • Replacing ignition components and distributors
  • Main relay repairs and replacements
❄️
Cooling & HVAC
  • Radiator installs (we avoid cheap parts)
  • Thermostat and coolant temp sensor replacement
  • Cooling fan motor fixes
  • HVAC system upgrades (R-12 to R-134a conversions)
  • Compressor and condenser servicing
🚗
Suspension & Steering
  • Control arm, tie rod, and ball joint service
  • Shock and strut repairs
  • Sway bar bushing replacements
  • Steering rack leak checks and fixes
  • Wheel alignments
🛑
Brake System
  • Brake pads and rotor swaps
  • ABS diagnostics and sensor repairs
  • Brake master cylinder service
  • E-brake cable adjustments
  • Brake fluid flushing
🔋
Electrical & Interior Work
  • Battery and alternator testing
  • Dash cluster and lighting repairs
  • Starter motor replacements
  • Window and door lock troubleshooting
  • Fuse and relay diagnostics

Acura Legend Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance goes a long way with these cars. Below is a suggested service timeline:

Service Recommended Interval
Oil & Filter Change Every 3,000–5,000 miles
Timing Belt & Water Pump Every 90,000 miles
Brake Fluid Flush Every 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement Every 30,000–45,000 miles
Coolant Flush Every 3 years or 50,000 miles
Battery & Charging System Check Yearly or as needed
Suspension/Steering Inspection Every 25,000 miles

Why Raleigh Trusts Creech Import Repair

We’ve been around long enough to remember when the Acura Legend was a showroom star. A lot has changed since then—but our appreciation for these vehicles hasn’t. Our approach is simple: we treat each car like it’s our own, and we never push repairs you don’t need.

Here’s why owners stick with us:

  • We’ve worked on Legends for decades
  • We use high-quality OEM and equivalent parts
  • We explain everything clearly—no tech jargon, no surprises
  • Our pricing is fair, and our quotes are honest
  • We truly enjoy working on classic Japanese cars

Real Reviews from Local Legend Drivers

Maxin Will
Jordan R., Raleigh
Star rating

Still driving my '93 Legend. Had overheating issues until Creech replaced the head gasket. They knew exactly what to do.

Jonathan Pearce
Linda C., Durham
Star rating

Took my Legend in after other shops struck out. Creech found the problem and fixed it right away.

Brett engle
Sean P., Cary
Star rating

Not many techs understand this car anymore. These guys do. They treated it like a classic, not just an old car.

Let’s Keep Your Legend Rolling

Whether your Acura Legend is a beloved daily driver or a classic tucked away in the garage, it deserves expert care. Let Creech Import Repair in Raleigh help you get the most out of every mile.

📍Visit Us::Creech Import Repair – Raleigh, NC
📞Call Today: 919-872-1999
🌐 Book Online: Contact us

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For an estimate with the most trusted auto repair shop in Wake County, Creech Import Repair!

location
Shop Location
1818 St. Albans Dr #106
Raleigh, NC 27609
time
Monday - Friday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
phone
Call us 919-872-1999
Our Commitment to You

At Creech Import Repair, our philosophy is simple: Treat customers with kindness, respect, and honesty, and success will follow. Contact us for any and all of your automotive repair needs.

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