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Those of you who have been in the game for a long time have probably heard of the TL called Leche. Leche is a white 2006 TL, originally owned by Rodney from NYC. Leche was a daily driver that just so happened to be show car quality, and had a lot of custom work done to it. You might remember seeing it make an appearance in a few magazines, or seeing pictures of it on Google Images.
Well, for those who knew, it was sold in 2011. You can still find his post on here with everything that was done to it, and how much he wanted at the time.
Fast forward to now, and lo and behold, what do I find sitting in the back lot of a local Hyundai Mazda dealership? Well, a highly modified white TL. Now, normally I'd be like ok, somebody just parks far away from the dealership...but this wasn't an employee's car. No, this was just sitting, left to the elements, looking like the dealership had forgotten it was there.
After doing some research and making a few visits, it turns out the kid who bought it from Rodney had traded it in a month back for a new SUV. The air had leaked out of the bags, and it now was stuck completely aired out with no hopes of lifting it. The compressors were trying, but it only got the tank to about 100 psi before it wouldn't do anymore, and it felt like the compressors were overheating. The motor ran smoothly, and was super quiet, but the rest of the car needs a lot of help. The Leon Hardiritt wheels are curbed and could use a good restoration. Rust has formed along the fenders...the trunk setup was torn up, and the suede filthy. The front bumper popped out, most likely from trying to turn the wheels while being aired out. The trunk has grime along the seal that look like it hasn't been cleaned off since 2011. There are dents on the roof, almost like hail but not enough to justify that idea...most likely from dropping a few dense things on it. Oh, and whatever happened to the 3 piece winter wheel setup that also went to the 2nd owner?
It's such a shame to see this thing in its current state. Sure, it can be restored, but who knows if that will happen having it sit at the dealership. They have no idea what they're doing with it, and don't really know anything about it. All they know is it's on the ground and they can't move it.
Hopefully somebody buys it, instead of having it sit in the reject lot in the back haha.
And before you ask, yes it is available for sale. Don't ask how much they want because I don't know. I don't think the dealership even knows.
Here are some pictures I took when I went to check it out:
These pictures don't really show the full extent. In person it looks a lot worse than these pictures show. While it's not a lost cause, it needs a lot of TLC to get it to its former glory. The air system is ancient and definitely has frozen lines as it's been sitting in freezing temperatures aired out for over a month
most, if not all of that looks reversible, but the body work wouldn't be cheap. I guess it just depends on how much someone is willing to pay for a 10+ year old car and if they see the value in fixing this up.
2k to fix the suspension
3.5k for body work
0.75k to fix wheels
0.75k to fix trunk suede
The wheels on that thing alone are worth at least 1 k, even in their current state lol. Definitely sad. I'd imagine if it had actually been taken care of, it would look very different right now.
I'm really not into the VIP thing and I can really appreciate the time and work that went into that car.... But that would be a nightmare to get it back into shape.
A stock TL wouldn't have fallen into that state of disrepair so badly if it were neglected.
In its day, that really was a beautiful piece of work.
A stock TL wouldn't have fallen into that state of disrepair so badly if it were neglected.
Yeah, I think this goes to show how under-appreciated/rated sometimes OEM engineering/design can be.
While highly tricked out cars are very nice for the time being they are not friendly to neglect at all. And as can be seen here...the rotted/wasted air suspension is causing the car to even need special technique to just get it up to be towed away.
Too bad....car was only 10yr old and already in this condition.
Yeah, I think this goes to show how under-appreciated/rated sometimes OEM engineering/design can be.
While highly tricked out cars are very nice for the time being they are not friendly to neglect at all. And as can be seen here...the rotted/wasted air suspension is causing the car to even need special technique to just get it up to be towed away.
Too bad....car was only 10yr old and already in this condition.
01-28-2016, 09:36 PM
