08KBP_VA

Going to look at it today and I dont normally ask for internet help but I need a second set of eyes on this one before I go there. I know the dealers rep isnt great but maybe this is a hidden gem. My gut is questioning this thing but maybe its paranoia due to dealer. Ive seen a few things that caught my eye but this is my preferred color.

2003 Acura Tl 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan In Fairfax VA - 1st Choice Auto Sales

Thoughts? Opinions? Ill update after I visit this afternoon.

MBP 03

The two things that caught my eye:

1. There is something wrong with the clock display.
2. The 3.2 TL Type-S badge on the trunk is not even close to the factory location, which could be a sign of accident repair in the rear.

The car looks pretty good in those pics, but we know all too well that they don't always tell the whole story.

MBP 03

There is also the issue with the rear armrests. This is a pretty common problem on these cars, but that bulging in the pics is pretty bad.

Skirmich

1.- If mileage is correct be prepared for Timing Belt Change soon.
2.- Price is ridiculous, even for a TL-S right now is High.
3.- Transmission Issues anyway, Be prepared for an AV6 Swap.

08KBP_VA

Thanks MBP I saw those same things but went to go look at it...it was 30mins of my life ill never get back. Should have trusted my gut and previous experience with these guys but they must have found every perfect angle to hide the polished terd. The car was worse than I expected. Thankfully only 15 mins from my work. In fact was so bad wasnt even worth a drive.

The search continues...

08KBP_VA

Thanks Skirmich. They didnt post and never do the carfax for some stupid reason but it had decent maintenance records but no timing belt/wp change. Regarding price I have seen a stupid uptick in prices on these things in the $6's now even for crazy terds like this one it was the Tammy Faye of cars. NOW I know why it ended up and this place looking for its last owner.

CP13

If you are in dire search for an 2g TL, it may be worth looking for a tranny fixer with a decent mileage and good service record... usually this car with a busted tranny should cost no more than 1K... even after doing an AV6 tranny swap and TBelt change, your cost in the end will still be significantly less, but with a more reliable car in the end...

I was very fortunate that my co-teacher sold me theirs for $500 witg good service records but with a busted transmission... in the end, I spent little less than $1500... understandably, I do not have much funds to splurge on a newer car...

johnny14

iTrader: (1)

Love the color! Im sure you will find issues with that car considering its age! Test drive, make sure the engine is good, and haggle the price and call it a day! You'll enjoy the car its a great car overall.

SuperGreg

I had a similar experience with a shady dealer looking for an Odyssey for my wife. Against better judgement I went and looked because it had all the specs and options we were looking for. Ended up being a giant POS, in the middle of being detailed with a dead battery (I'm wondering how they got all the shiny pics for the web site, posted weeks earlier, if the van was just now being detailed? wtf).

08KBP_VA

Found another local TL type s just traded approx 90k miles with nav is it my imagination or have prices gotten into crazy category? This one is 7k and has good service records it hasn't been through their shop yet or cleaned but I got to see it and drove it I think that price is crazy given what I saw with the car. Am I correct prices have certainly ticked up now for these things? Also has an open recall for the AT

there are no pics yet as hasn't been cleared for retail they wanted me to sign everything before it went through the shop and inspected. I laughed as I walked away

Skirmich

Perhaps the AV6 Swap is getting attention and starting to ramp up the prices....

In all Seriousness the TL is a great car, if the trans wasn´t crap the car should be priced higher, The TL-S has Full Traction control, 260HP, Class Leading MPGs and 4 way ABS! Even today there are a lot of cars that doesn´t offer that... The only thing lacking is "TECH" features but for a Driver Enthusiast is a great car for a great price.

08KBP_VA

Couple things pushed me away from this one as I'm pretty sure it was wrecked. One thing that did surprise me and puzzle me is a sticker on driver door or some sort of certification and front bumper paint flaking. Wasn't quick enough to get a pic but only seen something similar on another car that was wrecked.

Pill keep looking though this one was closer