levelseventysix

Hello all,

This is my first post to the boards as my wife and I are looking to replace her 4runner with a '09-'12 TL.

My first question for the group is to gather opinions on buying a vehicle that is certified vs non-certified.

I ask because I've come across a few good deals that are sold by non Acura dealers hence they aren't certified. So what is the general consensus on, or advantage of certified?

VQPower37

the main benefit of buying a certified car is that u have an extended warranty to 100k for the power train and 12 mo/ 12,000 miles bumper to bumper extension

other than that personally i think the cpo is not all that useful as people have purchased cpo cars that have been in accidents, and had mechanical issues, had fluids not changed even though as part of the cpo process i believe some of the fluids are suppose to be changed (not sure on this) but at the end of the day its still a preowned car.

if it were me deciding between cars cpo/ noncpo would not be a deal breaker for me. i would be looking more closely at the condition of the cars/ service history/ and would probably take a paint meter with me to see if any of the panels have been repainted (indicating the car has likely been wrecked)

just my opinion on the whole cpo thing.

carbonTSEX

I agree it's really only the extended warranty. To me it's a sales gimmick and a way to showcase a particular vehicle they want to sell quickly.

Good luck with your purchase!

darocc

The advantage is if eventually there is a problem with the car, the repair will be covered under warranty at Acura dealership. Non-certified = you're on your own... Acura has different certified plans so check the details! Some are full extended warranties and others are just basic engine and powertrain plans. If you're saving $1,000 or more buying a non-certified I would rather have that. Some people like the "peace of mind" of having an extended warranty... Chances are a problem will occur much after it has expired anyways.

C8N

I would compare prices of a certified vs non certified with an Acura extended warranty.

levelseventysix

I have compared the prices between certified and non-certified and the difference is around $2-3k. I'd say that's enough for me to forgo the certification.

Plus, the one we found has that beautiful Umber interior.

NBP04TL4ME

And depending on the model year and mileage of the car you pick you may still be under the OEM factory warranty. If you are then you have the option of buying an extended warranty.......

levelseventysix

It's a 2012. It is still under OEM warranty for at least 8,000 more miles.

NBP04TL4ME

So the CPO means that much less. If and when you decide you want an extended warranty, you will want to reach out to the following:

Saccucci Honda in RI
Bernardi Honda in MA
Hyannis Honda in MA

These are all brick and mortar dealers who are VERY competitive on AcuraCare and HondaCare warrantys. Again - if....

levelseventysix

This is a very good point. We're going out tomorrow evening to look at the car. Hopefully we'll be bringing it home with us.

levelseventysix

Well the particular vehicle we were looking at has been sold so moving on to other options.

We found another online that is nice. The mileage is 64,000. Is this considered high mileage for the SH-AWD/Advance Pkg? Asking is $24k.

Inspire08

Mileage for 2012 TL that your looking at is kinda high, I recently bought a CPO 12' TL Tech with 21k miles for $26700. Ask if they have any records to show like regular oil change?

Tony Pac

I believe when you pay about $25K to get a car, it's better to get one that is certified. Dealers usually call certified cars when they know all the maintenance was down at Acura and there was no accident.

I would never pay $25K to small private dealership.

levelseventysix

Ok, thanks for the advice. To be honest, this is our first time buying a used car this new. It's either been a brand new car or an older used vehicle we paid cash for.

I'll pass on that one. There's a local Acura dealer that has a CPO with 35k miles for $27,000. Kinda steep for what we want to pay but we'll go by and look at that one instead. Maybe we can get that down to about 25-24k.

Tony Pac

Good luck!

Since TLX is out, you can negotiate the price of 4G TLs.

NBP04TL4ME

2012 Acura TL CLEAN TITLE CLEAN CARFAX FULL WARRANTY 36K MILES SILVER

Not sure if this is an option for you - http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/4825334128.html

levelseventysix

Those are nice indeed but not exactly what I'm looking for.

NBP04TL4ME

What exactly are you looking for and/or did you find it this weekend?

levelseventysix

We actually picked up the one with 35k miles. I was able to get the dealer to take $1,000 off sticker. It's SH-AWD Tech - white with the taupe (white?) interior. The wife is very happy.

Will post pics in a new thread when I have the time.

Thanks everyone for the advice. This is our family's first Acura (Toyota Family) so we're excited.

NBP04TL4ME

Congrats! Welcome to the family and enjoy

levelseventysix

I actually may not have time to post an extensive photo thread so here is my wife's TL. Thanks again everyone.

NBP04TL4ME

Tony Pac

congrats! nice car

mylove4cars

Congrats, white with taupe; I have the same SH-AWD. You are going to like this baby!

Cooldude01

congratz on the car.
Very nice.
Since you're a toyota family, you will notice a different on acura shifting. In my opinion, Toyota's transmission shifts smoother than honda's but i'm sure you will enjoy the acura.

levelseventysix

Our Toyotas have mostly been SUVs (FJ Cruiser and two 4Runners). But I have noticed that the shifting on the TL is different from what I normally expect from an automobile. I'm sure I'll get used to it.

carsalepvscoo

Congrats on the new car. I have a 2012 SH-AWD and love it. Enjoy the new ride!

SilverJ

Nice car OP ! I will offer some feedback on the CPO vs non CPO. I bought an MDX certified back in May. It was in spectacular condition. It had 36k on the odometer so we wanted the extra year of warranty. When I bought my TLS manual a few years ago it too was certified but was not in the same condition, 3rd gear was notchy(fixed by synchromesh) and it had a few chips on the bumper. So I do believe it depends on the dealer. I was so happy to find a manual in the color I wanted I didnt care.
Fast forward to today, I bought my 2012 TL from an audi dealer. Non certified. It had 11k on it. I had them take it to an Acura dealer for a 130.00 inspection(the same one they do to certify the vehicle). Worth it. They found a few chips here and there and the Audi dealer fixed everything. When the car was delivered to me, it was perfect. Even better than the MDX I bought certified a few months ago.
With 11k on the odometer, I didn't care about the extended warranty. I am good till the end of 2016 with the OEM warranty. I would only hesitate to buy a non-certified vehicle from an Acura dealer. Because if they can't certify it, there's a reason as its a money grab for the dealership.

VTEC11

OP, congrats on the new car, looks greats!

VTEC11

Can one still purchase an Acuracare warranty if the car is purchased at a non-Honda/Acura dealer? Assuming the car is still under factory warranty?

spf1410

Congratulations OP, that TL is a spectacular car and that's a perfect color combination.

NBP04TL4ME

Absolutely! So long as the original warranty is still in place and not expired, you can purchase an extended one. Shop the dealers I listed above.

DASS

iTrader: (2)

I just purchased a non certified 2012 TL for $23k from a Honda dealer. It had 45K miles so I decided to purchase the extended warranty.

I was advised ahead time, and I was so glad that I was, to be sure and purchase a manufacturer warranty and not a dealer warranty. The difference being that warranty work can be performed at any Acura dealership as opposed to a dealer warranty that's is only valid at one local dealership.

I negotiated an Acura Care warranty, which gives me an additional 48 month/48,000 mile bumper to bumper for $2500. Total vehicle price $25,500.

NBP04TL4ME

Congrats and you are correct. However for clarity for others who don't know:

It is usually recommended to purchase an AcuraCare (manufacturer) warranty as you don't have to worry about "reasonable and customary" charges. It's either under warranty or isn't.
Dealers will also sell 3rd party or non AcuraCare (manufacturer) warranties, but as mentioned above aren't necessarily as comprehensive and don't always cover dealer costs for repairs.

VTEC11

That's good to know, thanks for the info!

NBP04TL4ME

You are welcome, just make sure you know the in-service date.

VTEC11

Right, of course!