Jboat

I just picked up a 2004 Black TL with 77,000 miles original owner. I have all the dealer service records and it was very well maintained following the recommended services...

There are a couple of issues that enabled me to get the car for what I consider is a very fair price. The paint is oxidized on the roof and driver's side upper door. The dash has a few cracks, and the driver's seat leather is cracked (although it is covered by a nice seat cover...)

Other than that, the car is in excellent mechanical condition. It drives and feels like new. I was wondering if I should have it resprayed in the original black and what that would cost me. Also how much would it be to get the seat fixed. I guess I'll be calling around Monday. I also plan to tint the windows soon...

I am an experienced mechanic so I will be changing the tranny fluid with the mix I read about on here, and getting those 3rd and 4th pressure switches done too. I did read that the fluid was changed at 33,000 miles with Z1?...Also it was called in for a 2nd gear tranny recall whatever that is?...

Anyways, I plan to read all I can and make sure this baby lasts for many years to come...

96SC4

congrats!


sounds like you got a nice well, maintained TL... do the tranny stuff you mentioned, and you'll be golden.

can't help you with paint or leather questions... but it seams like OEM or custom is only options for replacement.

not sure about katzkins or places like that...

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Congrats!

StanCeD_J32

iTrader: (11)

you should post some pics of your new ride

Brock79

Experienced mechanics wouldn't ask some of those questions.

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

When I saw the thread title I was thinking I was gonna see something like 20,maybe 30k range...but regardless, 77 is technically below average your right. Sounds like the car was definitely exposed to the elements with cracked leather/dash, and faded/oxidized paint. With those three items fixed sounds like it could be a great car. Being an 04 auto it sounds like you have the right idea about looking after that tranny. If anything is gonna go on an 04 it's probably that.
Congrats on the purchase!

TurnerDan

Congrats and welcome to Acurazine! I'd go ahead and do a 1x3 trans flush with honda fluid.

Post pics!

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Shut up.

Jboat

Huh?...you callin' me out bro? Maybe I exagerrated a little...

Rebuilt several small block fords, a C4 Tranny, fully restored a '66 Mustang, a 1970 Chevelle, built a few custom motorcycles, and owned and serviced about 15 cars myself over the last 25 years....and worked as a travelling field service technician for a leading industrial bakery equipment company for 7 yrs...(although not any more)

Excuse me for not knowing the details about an Acura TL...

(And I happen to own a pretty impressive set of tools...LOL)

Jboat

I'm doing the first flush tomorrow. Our local Napa sells Redline lubricants. Will post pics as soon as I get some uploaded to the laptop.

Jboat

Pics...

Jboat

BTW, I picked it up for $9800...

Jboat

For some reason those links didn't work...Maybe this will. In the front shot you can see some paint fade on the hood...

Shogun36

That is one sharp looking TL. I love the TL, such an awesome ride.

screaminz28

iTrader: (1)

If the cracked dash bothers you, look into the coverlay cover. It's a plastic one that looks very similar to OEM. A replacement dash will be big money from the dealer.

You could probably get the roof resprayed - i had the front bumper and roof on my G35 resprayed for about $300. Looked really good too. I need to have my entire car painted, so I'm gonna wait and do it all at once, the right way - so big cost there.

As for the seats - you may also check on car-part.com for a used seat. I found leather seats for my vette dirt cheap and they were in EXCELLENT shape. Havent priced out TL seats, but it might be cheaper than recovering.

Jboat

I was also considering a partial respiratory vs. entire car as well...

I'll look into the used seat option...thanks

I owned 3 z28's also, a 1987 Iroc TPI 5.0 T-5, 1995 LT1 vert auto 3.42's, and a 1998 LS1 m6 black on black with black vette wheels!...fun!

bronci

that is so true

bronci

The cover for the dash is the much better option, if you replace the dash rattling will most likely happen and the price isn't worth it

screaminz28

iTrader: (1)

Always glad to see a prior GM owner! I had a 94 LT1 as well - sometimes I miss that car (until I think of all the build quality issues, lol). Mine was a 2.73 auto until I swapped in 4.10s and a manual. It ran pretty good and beat up on a lot of imports and Mustangs here in SC that used to underestimate the ole LT1 once the LS1 came out. Longtubes and a cam and it was running low 12s @ 113.

I always liked the 80s IROCs looks the best - they were just way too slow to be fun.

bronci

for the seats they are expensive and the heating element is a problem so check out if the wires have continuity before purchasing them. I would go with a good seat cover

bronci

As for the oxidation on the roof if it's not too late I have seen a professional detail job make a car like new