Prezzz

Hello everybody !

Not sure if im posting in the right place... Im new here and have a question about buying a car.

My 96 TL was totaled and i have been on the hunt for a new one. Turns out a friend of mine came across someone who is selling a 2001 acura TL with 150,000 miles on it for $4500. Now ive done my research and know that these years always have transmission issues... Come to find out, the tranny DID go out and the guy had it rebuilt. He says around 130,000 miles.

I have seen the car and it is beautiful. No sratches/dents/rust nothing. Only visual thing that is wrong is the rip in the front seat, which doesnt bother me too much.

What im worried about and wanted to ask this knowledgable community is about the transmission issues. How long should i expect this car to go on a rebuilt? Is it worth it for $4500? The guy has already had the water pump and timing belt done so thats not a worry, but with 150k miles and a rebuilt tranny, im a little nervous about it. Im close to going for it but i just need a little push (or pull) to steer me in the right direction.

It has leather, tinted windows, navi, all the good stuff. Kbb has it at $4200 in very good condition. Also, what should i be asking about the car with these issues?

Thank you in advance, any suggestions or feedback is highly appreciated!

-Shaun

3.2TLc

Welcome Prezz !!!
When looking at the '01 TL, make sure that the car is checked over on a rack. Inspect things like the brakes, suspension, exhaust, leaking fluids and so forth.

Was the T-belt servicing and tranny rebuild documentation available ? Any PM records are very helpful in evaluating how the car was maintained by the previous owner(s). If you're unsure about certain things such as the tranny, you can request that a shop evaluates your concerns prior to making an offer.

Take the car on a spirited test drive and then at slower stop 'n go driving to see how the tranny shifts. Then check the fluid's level and condition.

Compare the car to others available within that year and price range. IMO, you could probably find an '02-'03 with the updated styling for about the same price. If the '01 TL checks out and you really like it, don't be afraid to make a lower offer of what you feel it's worth.....perhaps $3500 ? IDK ! But, look at some other cars first. Maybe consider a 3rd Gen TL ?

01tl4tl

if the tbelt job was done right with all new tensioners and roller pullies, that's worth a lot
If NOT done right its a ticking time bomb!!!!
were the valves adjusted, the intake manifold removed and egr passage and ports cleaned? big prob for us

I have an 01, nav was optional for our year, you probably need the 150$ newest nav dvd to get real use from it with city updates-
things to look for are: old dirty brake fluid, old ps fluid and condition of atf- before driving
Is it on the correct Honda dw1 atf fluid? that's a major issue in lifespan
rebuilt may last 10kmiles or 100kmiles, does it have the external oil jet on top where filler hole is?(original case design) or is there a large bolt head with ATF stamped on it? (the post 05 replacement under warranty trans case)
or is there blue paint on trans bolts? (warranty replaced at some point but will eventually need rebuild)

If you have 2 grand for a manual trans swap or a used oddy/accord trans- they are still great cars
But
If you don't have a wad of cash in case the steering rack is bad or the brake calipers and master cyl are shot from never changed fluid, and trans quits next month= I would not buy a TL again at this age in its life

01tl4tl

unless you want to buy mine in which case.......

3.2TLc

^^^ Yeah, he may even drive it to you !!!

MarcDavidoff

As mentioned, timing belt job is a big factor if it was done recently. Remember the car is 13 years old and would have to be in mint condition and closer to 100k miles or less for me to fork over that much $$. If it were an 02/03 type-s that would add more value as well. There are still a lot of 2nd gens around so the pricing on them now is pretty decent and you can look around for an even better one at less cost. It sounds like it is in very good shape overall, but is would think $3500 might be reasonable if the timing belt job has been done and the trans is solid. But if you keep looking you may be able to snag a type-s with similar miles for around the same

01tl4tl

type S comes with nav iirc and slightly more supportive -sporty seats and different camshafts for improved low end torque
some difference in intake manifold,,about 30 hp more?? higher insurance rate? type S owners verify?

if someone has put 2 grand in maintenance/repairs and the car is solid, what they are asking is reasonable -that's based on tbelt getting new pullies!! without them run as fast as you can
ps my 01 will fetch way more than 45!! its all about what mods are on the car and how its taken care of

01tl4tl

considering how many ziners have 200-300 and kris with 600,000 MILES!!!
150 is nothing - throw some good struts on it and replace the brakes with upgrades = rock and roll another 150

Groovemaster

Don't know where you are, but I am in Fl, the land of overpriced cars (because its relatively flat and no snow, so suspensions last longer and no rust). I bought my 03 TL Type S 3 months ago for $4800 with only 143K on the clock and ALL work done at a local dealership, including a dealer serviced tranny at 138K (just 5K before I bought it). I say you can do better... (BTW, Edmunds says that a private party sell for a 01 TL w/ 150K in OUTSTANDING condition should go for about $3100-$3200.)

Nicks2001tl

Got any pics or a link that can show the car?