LHoffman

https://acurazine.com/forums/member-...9936-a-927724/


Found this under the Member Cars for Sale...

Looks like exactly what I want. Also looks to be in immaculate condition.

Been talking with the seller. The ATLP exhaust, J-Pipe etc... were installed by the previous owner. Since I am pretty inexperienced with these types of modifications I wanted to know what the opinions were and if there is anything I should ask the seller so as to verify proper working configuration. Even though he did not install them, he appears to be pretty knowledgeable about the workings.

Also, he is in El Paso and I am in Ohio. Anything to ask about since I can't just pop over and drive the car?

Any other opinions are welcome. Thanks in advance everyone.

Oh Sickest TL

iTrader: (3)

the car looks great.. that interior colour is just awful on that car tho but thats just being picky lol

LHoffman

I know... I would prefer the darker interior, but I cannot seem to find any CBP in the config. I want with that. At this point I am willing to take lighter colored seats for the greater car itself.

dezymond

Looks to be in awesome condition. Those seats can use a bit of TLC, but other than that it seems like a fair price considering the condition and mileage.

truonghthe

If you wanted bad then go check it out.

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

Exterior looks pretty good I don't see any noticeable issues in the pictures. Like others have said those Taupe seats looks pretty nasty and dirty, but maybe with some work they can be revived a bit.
I found it kind of weird that supposedly the timing belt was done at 60K miles? ooooook.
Overall though I like the the car looks with exception of that really ugly shift knob, but if you dont like that it can be easily changed.

LHoffman

Yeah, that thing is pretty nasty, but it is so easy to fix I am not even considering it in my calculation.

FamilyGuy

Seats are a little worn but other than that looks ok.

Timing belt was probably done more for the age of things than the mileage. Ask the seller why he did that.

LHoffman

The current owner did not perform that... was previous owner. I am sure he will not know why it was done.


Any tangible benefits for having the ATLP exhaust and J-pipe other than cosmetics and sound?



At this point I am debating between this car (now dropped to $13500!) at 91k miles with A-spec kit and mods...



or this: 07 TL-S A-Spec 64k miles $16,300 turn signal mods? (Salvage title)

2007 Acura TL Type-S 6 Speed



or this: 08 TL-S 56k miles $16,000

Cars for Sale: 2008 Acura TL Type-S in Buford, GA 30519: Sedan Details - 391493477 - Autotrader

FamilyGuy

Couple extra horses.

LHoffman

Thought that might be the case.

Brock79

Go for a clean title car over a salvage. Even if the salvage is cheaper.

Oh Sickest TL

iTrader: (3)

stay far away from the salvage man

LHoffman

It was so disheartening to see the "salvage" next to that NBP... it is one slick looking car. Plus it is lower miles and A-spec.

I know that a salvage car is a roll of the dice, but I plan to ask the owner a couple questions anyway. Does it not really depend on where the damage happened or how extensive? Though if it was deemed a total loss -> salvage, it had to be pretty bad.

Full disclosure, I bought my 08 Civic as a salvage. $10,500 at 33k miles back in 2010. Have not had any mechanical issues thus far. There have been some odd sounds and sensations when accelerating at low rpms, but it has never resulted in anything breaking or a repair.

I realize all salvages are unique and my experience should not be considered standard. Just giving my experience.

I would much rather have a clean title. Would be nice not to have that question of reliability in the back of my mind and on the car's record though.

You guys (or some friends) had some bad experiences w/ salvage?

dezymond

I've heard nothing but bad experiences with salvage title cars. A few friends rolled the dice and they ended up having to sell their now broken cars because they didn't listen to me about how much unknown there is with a salvage title car.

I've even had some friends have issues with clean title cars. ALWAYS get a PPI to eliminate any possible future failures.

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

I would spend the extra money and get the 08 you linked above w/ less miles.

LHoffman

Talked to that guy, but haven't gotten my email questions back yet.

Now that I have done more research, I would love to find one with A-spec body kit already installed. As I understand they are hard to come by and expensive now.

Oh Sickest TL

iTrader: (3)

my old 02 type s was a salvage, nothing overly wrong with it but as you mentioned random sensations, rattles and vibrations. but that can happen to any vehicle however

dmoneyisfine

I bought a 2008 TLS in canada and it was an American rebuilt...car runs like a dream. Got it cleared by 3 mechanics and spent 300 in Inspections. Don't listen to all the negative feedback. Yes rebuilts can be bad but there is a lot you can do to check over the car yourself like a full electrical inspection along side a frame check etc....I found amazing value in a rebuilt and I couldn't be happier. If you really like that TLS with aspec and are willing to pay a bit, maybe not 3 bills like me but a hundred bux or whatever the peace of mind is worth the cost.

LHoffman

Well... called the seller of the NBP salvage. Car already sold.

So. Don't have to deal with that debate now. But thanks everyone for your input.

Oh Sickest TL

iTrader: (3)

^^ yup, these TL's are still very popular, they sell quick

LHoffman

Yeah, tell me about it. I am trying to get my financing basically in hand so I can close a deal when I find it. Trouble of distance being it is difficult or impossible to just go out and inspect the car quickly before pulling the trigger on it. Good thing about most TL-Ss being that they are decently babied. Have to be discerning though.

06TLMatt

Acura TL type S

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

Not necessarily. When I have searched for TL-S I found myself disappointed more often than not especially when searching local dealers. This was years ago as well when you would think they would still be in decent shape. In a local dealer search it would almost be impossible to find one in mint condition. They either ALL had some sort of body repaint work, atleast a ding or two, scratches, for sure curb rash on all 4 wheels, typically had some no name tires on them, and excessive wear on the seats.

Oh Sickest TL

iTrader: (3)

^^not sure what you except, its a car, things age. they are going on 7-11 years old.

RedStar101

The way the prices are going, I wouldn't by a salvage, they've come down quite a bit in the past few years with newer generations. You'll lose in the end on a salvage IMO

LHoffman

Appreciate all the help and insight guys.

Obviously some imperfections and wear must be expected on an 8-9 yr old car. However, what I meant about being discerning was weeding out the ones that look better than they actually are, condition wise.

The goal is to find a TL I want, with the minimal amount of wear and tear. I am sure that would be the goal of most discerning buyers. That is perfectly reasonable.


And thanks for the link to the NBP in Georgia. Unfortunately I am looking for a manual, pretty much exclusively. Not sure there is an auto that could come up that I would buy over a manual. It would have to be amazing. Just a preference of mine. But thank you.

ct_ua6

Things shouldn't be in bad condition if you take car of them...regardless of age

LHoffman

My intention is to keep the car until it no longer runs... Obviously that could change, but I am not intending to flip the car or sell it in a few years. Again, who knows what could happen, but re-sale value is not tops on my priority list. Not saying I don't consider it or that I would not rather have a clean title, because I do and I would.

06TLMatt

How much are you looking to spend on one?

truonghthe

You mentioned financing make sure you totally secure a finance X amount of $$$ prior to go check the car out, there is not thing can disappointed to the car owner is that saying "I gotta wait for the bank to approve my finance.

LHoffman

I suppose that is true. I just don't want to finally find the perfect one and have it sold to someone else while I wait a couple days on getting the financing. Some guys may hold the car for me, but I honestly could not blame someone for not taking immediate cash from someone.

Just trying to get my ducks in a row as much as possible ahead of time.

LHoffman

https://acurazine.com/forums/member-...bp-nbp-928009/


Around $15k.

As you can see, the TL I linked to in member cars for sale at the beginning of this thread pretty much fits everything I am asking for. The only reason I am not head over heels for it is the mileage, which is pushing my limits, and the interior, which is that light taupe color.

Beggars can't be choosers, but right now I am still a chooser. This looks like a very fine vehicle and is nearly perfect. I am, as I said, getting financing in order for it. Though I don't know if I will actually purchase yet. Not going to rush it. If it gets scooped up, so be it. I will find something else.

06TLMatt

Find anything OP?

LHoffman

OP?

Did another nationwide Craigslist search yesterday. Couple new listings but nothing I was interested in. So far the only two I have found that fit my bill are the CBPs in El Paso and Georgia.

Unfortunately, I did some in depth budgeting last night and found that it may be wise to hold off on buying for a while. Credit is fine and I could probably swing the monthly payment, but it would be rather tight, all things considered. Might be best to wait 'til some other items are payed off. Which sucks. I was pretty excited about finally getting my TL.

I am still going to keep searching though. If I find something too good to pass up I will have to reconsider. Con is that mileage on any given car will only go up while I wait... pro being that something could go up for sale that I haven't seen yet. Could still work out for me.

Thanks for the continuing support everyone. Can't wait to be a full member of the Acura 3G TL community.