inurok

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New to this forum but not to Acura. I have owned a 2000 TL and a 2003 TL type S in the past. I picked up this 2005 TL for only $3800 with 230k miles in pretty rough shape but I am told the engine and tranny are solid.

It has nav but the screen is distorted like vertical hold is messed up? Makes a thunk when I jam the gas (mounts ??) power steering pump little loud and needs tires.

Its a shame how some people treat their cars. Car has mnay other minor issues I will need you guys advice soon and thank you in advance.

Christov

96SC4

trannies on that year aren't the best, so hopefully yours was replaced

the power steering is a common issue/easy fix... you'll find lots of info on that

good luck with it. i admire people who take on projects

ssbusa

iTrader: (1)

Not a bad price for 3800, some time and $ will get her going. Good luck Christov, post some pics.

NBP04TL4ME

Welcome aboard

If you haven't already be sure to check out the 3G Garage - https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/3g-tl-service-department-aka-garage-questions-answers-check-here-first-553557/

TurnerDan

How's the transmission feel?

inurok

Transmission felt okay but sometimes I feel a bang or bump when I tromp the pedal. I have still not picked the car up but they have my deposit and are cleaning it up. judging by the condition of the car I doubt the timing belt has ever been change and the car has a little over 230k miles. Even for $3800 should I walk away or pick it up as scheduled Friday? $3800 does not seem like such a bargain if you guys tell me im looking at 6k in repairs?

Thanks

inurok

1black_seven

iTrader: (2)

That thing needs headlights cleaned up. Interior looks decent

Acuramon

Doesn't look bad to me. That banging sound when you hit the accelerator concerns me a bit though. Might be nothing much but could be expensive. Why not have a mechanic check it out before buying? That way you will have an idea of how much it will cost to bring it up to standard.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Congrats

96SC4

i wouldn't do it, but i'm not mechanically inclined..

the transmission is what would scare me the most...esp if you are getting strange symptoms now.

The car looks decent in pics, but if you think it wasn't properly cared for by the original owner...i would definitely walk away.

good luck and let us know what you decide

inurok

Tranny feels fine I drove it a lot today and did not feel that bang anymore?? Feels like the typical 5 speed auto of that era. My Daily driver is a Cadillac Deville DTS so maybe I am not used to the firm shifts or bangs and booms?

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Congrats!

nokkieny

You might as well just buy a boat. Timing belt, Tranmission, mounts, fluids, PS pump, Tires, 230k miles. Those are just the things you know about. Unless you are a DIY'er I just feel like it is an unnecessary risk

inurok

Thank you its gonna be a project but I feel in the end I still will come out ahead.

inurok

Is the timing belt a very expensive job? $3800 for a 2005 TL was cheapest I have found so far? Do you have a link to some other cheap 05s in better condition. Im still at the point I can back out.

96SC4

where do u live?

post here and in regional section...

also, look in our classified section on this forum

inurok

I am in Delaware I never checked classifieds here. I will search here for 2005 TL under $5000 thanks I just cant afford retail right now.

nokkieny

My biggest concern on any TL above 120k would be the transmission because if it goes it basically totals the car.
Timing belt is gonna be around $500-$1k

inurok

Well went in the trunk and tightened the connectors behind the navigation unit and now it works perfectly. Radio sounds great as well. Now on to the next one...(problem)

NBP04TL4ME

Did you buy it or are you tinkering with someone else's car at this point?

96SC4

i'm assuming he bought it, but has a very short period of time to return it...?

confused as well

inurok

I have until Friday to cancel that's when I sign final paperwork. The owner told me to just drive it and see if I like it.

So far
One hid headlight is out
passenger side window does not work
needs 4 tires
going over bumps very loose rattling in front end
power steering pump little noisy but not terrible

Strong power (No CEL on) No abs on No Air bag light on
Transmission shifting firm but good. Only slight bumps at low speed taps on gas like in a parking lot.

All lights work but fender blinker on driver side

Power mirror switch wont work in up position.

Timing belt is the only mystery as I have no idea if it has been changed or not.

NBP04TL4ME

You definitely need to find out about the TB as that will run some $$. From the list you put together - perhaps a bargaining point with the seller. I have to believe there aren't too many buyers for cars with that many miles on the odometer.

inurok

So is $3800 too much for a 2005 TL even if I have to have the TB done myself for say $800 at a later time?

what are symptoms of a bad timing belt?

The car does have an intermittent miss almost like it wants to shut off at times but does not. I was told in needs a fresh set of plugs?

inurok

I have a feeling this car might have a title issue because the dealer said they could not give me a car fax. Can someone run one for me and message me? Funds are so time which is why I bought a cheap fixer upper.

Thanks and if I am breaking the rules sorry in advance and please delete this reply

19UUA662X5A001928

tl-frank

If your having doubts i wouldn't get it...then your stuck with a 3800 dollar driveway ornament if it does break down...if funds are a problem at the moment find something cheaper and something that would cost a lot to do regular maintenance on....sounds like your not really mechanically inclined to do some major repairs (From what I'm reading if not sorry).......so basically if your gut feeling is telling you to opt out don't get it ......get your self something else cheaper or keep looking around. ...best of luck

tl-frank

But hey I'm not you so that's just my opinion. .....3800 dollars is alot of money to gamble away..

inurok

I do really want the car but you are correct I am a computer Consultant and I don't know anything about car repair. I am surprised I even got the nav screen to work. I did fid out the timing belt was changed at 137k miles so that's somewhat of a relief. I rather it be due for a change than 100k overdo for a change. thanks

NBP04TL4ME

If the TB was done at 137K and the car has 230K on it now, you will be due for another TB change in about another 12K miles, which normally equates to nine months for the average driver. Having the first one done at 137K instead of 105K was late and a gamble but others have waited that long and longer - it's a roll of the dice. Again just something to keep in mind.
And to answer you question about symptoms of a bad timing belt - there aren't any. When the belt works, it works, when it breaks, engine parts try and occupy the same space at the same time and it isn't good. Pistons hit valves and in the case of this particular car - you would definitely be done for good. Not trying to scare you as a broken timing belt on any interference engine is very bad and costly to repair.

inurok

Update:

Tranny still feels fine other than shifting kinda rough.

Ride is bumpy and lotta rattles in front driving over bumps

Powersteering pump noisy though less when warmed up

Engine sounds fine with A/C on or off but when ac comes one rpms drop like engings gonna shut off then go right back to normal a second later. (AC is ice cold)

Driverside HID headlight is out.