lafenatu

Hello,

So I have been trying to find a dealership that has an MT Type-S for about the last 6 months SO..I am going to have to go with an AT. I would look out of state but the problem is getting a loan from a bank where I am is not easy with my credit rating. Obviously a dealership can probably make it happen. So I have found 2 local Type-S's and I would like opinions on what you would go with miles vs cost. My understanding is that right around 100K the timing belt should be serviced and it is not a cheap date to get it done. What is your opinion?

#1 2007 Type-S 144K for $9986
~~This car has a long list of carfax servicing info in a positive way including having the timing belt done at 105K & transmission serviced, everything was done at a Acura dealer.

VIN 19UUA76567A033259



#2 2008 Type-S 113K for $12,699
~~This carfax is not showing the belt done at all. All the servicing was done at an Acura dealer as well.

VIN 19UUA76508A024767

atomlinks

20k mile difference wouldn't be a factor to me with higher mileage. Have you seen these cars in person? Looks like they both have some interior issues from the pics. For the $ I think you could find a decent high mileage 4G for about the same price range, maybe slightly more if you are going automatic transmission route. Timing belt at least every 100-105k, if you are not doing timing belt/waterpump etc yourself, it's some $$ at the dealer, labor cost mostly along with honda "genuine" parts. Better to find one that has had it done recently if that's the case, or in my case I just bought a 4G TL for $7000(230k miles tho) - negotiated price because I knew timing belt was likely not done and probably needed it(which it did).

lafenatu

Unfortunately I'm not a fan of the 4G TL look otherwise I would absolutely go that route. I would need the timing belt done by a professional as I wouldn't even know where to start.

atomlinks

I hear ya on the look, I'm not a huge fan of the 09-11 TL front end(but going to change that on mine). I will say it is starting to grow on me a bit... 3G and 4G certainly different look, I like 'em both. Timing belt i did over labor day weekend myself, I had no idea what I was doing either first time for me :-) I would have been lost without the service manual but all turned out well. I've been browsing around for a couple of years for either 3G Type S or 4G. A really nice TL Type S manual you can prob. find for about 14-15k. I've seen some decent high mileage auto Type S with interior issues/minor issues for about 5500-6500 but never pulled the trigger.

lafenatu

At what point would you look away mileage wise with these cars? I have heard with proper maintenance, these cars will easily go 250K+. On the same token, if I do decide to bite the bullet on one of these, I don't want a car note for something that is only going to survive a year or 2.

atomlinks

Personally I'd never look away if the body/interior/underbody are in excellent shape, well maintained and obviously not driven by a heavy foot teenager. I just replaced a 1999 honda civic(200k miles) for this newer TL(with more miles) for the updated look/features. I'd feel fully confident in that civic lasting another 100k with no major problems. 300k might be pushing it, but then again I drove another 2009 TL with 330,000 miles, drove just fine but had issues with interior and exterior dings dents etc, and a strange armpit smell inside. I'd rather keep a few grand saved up in case something major happens, instead of paying premium up front for a used car with 80k miles where the same major issues could arise. I'm not really worried about resale either as I plan on driving this car to at least 500k. But if you are, lower mileage is usually better. I will say though, I posted that Civic on craigslist and it was sold within 24 hrs @ bluebook, people know honda's are reliable.

Acuraman101

I agree dont look away look for service records and make a purchase based on that. A tl that's been kept up with and has high miles will drive just same as new tl long as it's been properly serviced .I own a 3g tl with 390k and still drive it everyday quite hard some days. I still have no worries putting my faith in it for long trips with family.
It all comes down to if it has been properly maintained. And most dealers for that price will do the timing belt water pump tensioner n all just for the sale.
Just my opinion not knocking buying a lower mile car.

CBP08TL

iTrader: (2)

OP, take a look on the forum black market. there is a Type-S for sale in NJ that may fit your criteria. there are other cars for sale as well...

Member Cars for Sale - AcuraZine - Acura Enthusiast Community