drewb71

Hello All- I am looking to move up from my 2003 Toyota Camry SE (5MT) with 242,500 miles (still get 30MPG mixed and 36MPG highway) on a 2007 Acura TL Type-S local to me at a Toyota dealership.

The car is Carbon Gray with 2 tone leather. 160,000 miles. 2 owner and clean carfax. Serviced up to June 2015 and 147,000 at Acura dealership. Car is clean on the inside and the outside and drives well and has new inspection and decent brakes and tires 6/32 in front and 9/32 for the rears. Car might need some paint work on right front fender and bumper cover (not scratches or chipped, just discolored) no dings or dents. Very minor curb rash on 2 rims. Drivers seat will need piece of leather replaced and passenger side turn signal in mirror needs replacing. Carbon Fiber trim is slightly faded. Dealer is technically calling this a whole sale car and is selling as is, although they indicated that they would fix anything within reason once I drove the car off the lot.

Car has been on the front line less than a week with an asking price of $8,500. Dealer is discounting the car $1,000 and giving me $2,000 for my trade in, so my out the door price including TTL is $6,000. My question is that a good deal to move out of my Toyota with new tires, front brakes, front struts, brake and coolant flush in the last 6 months and the car drives like stink, but is not as fast and has no alloys or moon roof or upgraded radio. Very bare-bones Camry.

Thoughts and advice welcome.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

that's NOT something we can answer. that is a personal choice.
the type-s you want is very cheap, because of your trade in and discount.

Do you want to spend $6k for a "newer" car with a little more power and style???
only YOU can answer that.

But of course, this is an Acura forum and you will get BIASED answers....
and it sounds like you need confirmation from strangers to go ahead and pull the trigger.
what a weird way to shop, but if you need that justification...here's my push..

BUY it

drewb71

Obviously it is a personal choice and my decision at the end of the day. I do not need confirmation from others, but welcome opinions of those who already own a 07-08 G3 Type S as my last TL was a 1999, back in 1999.
My issue is I do not need to move out of my Camry, it is just slow and lacks passing power and bells and whistles for my driving commute and since I have just decided to make a possible jump back into a TL, wanted to see what others experiences and thoughts are based on ownership experience and market value.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

that's not what you asked, man!!! you asked..."should I?"
this is a solid car man!!!

if you want a car with more passing power and more bells and whistles than the camry, jump ship!!

its solid, with no real problems like your camry.

we've been here for 12 years already!!! if you wanted to know some of our experiences, take a look at the forum and all of its content!!!! I know its a lot to read.....

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

but alas, that doesnt tell us anything of the car in question.
you detailed a little bit about it, and the details LOOK good to me, but a used car is a used car! go check it out and if it comes back clean, purchase it!!!

drewb71

Thanks JustnSpace. I appreciate your feedback and perhaps my thoughts and words did not engage the whole process of what I was driving at and looking for a cheat sheet of opinions on the validity of the car and value, but as you have indicated it is something only I can answer.

I drove the car yesterday and it is very nice. Comfortable, fast, tight suspension and steering. Drove a 2012 Honda Accord EX-L 4 cylinder after and I was not impressed the Honda and no open threads on any forums there.
I want the car, but hard to justify spending money when my Camry is not going to break-down anytime soon.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

thank you for expressing your true desires and needs.

I'm planning to keep my 2006 TL for as LONG as possible. as I have no real need or desire to purchase another vehicle as my TL does what I need it to do. i had planned to keep it for 10 years, and I've already reached 6. 4 more years to go, and its likely that I will keep it beyond that.
sounds like you are in the same boat with your camry. if you are happy and content with it, I dont see the need to "upgrade" unless you just want to get rid of that $6k in a hurry.

08KBP_VA

Id differ from Justin for a change initially for a couple reasons

1. you mention paint discolor - this Gen didnt suffer from paint issues like 2nd Gen could mean poor accident repair job and hidden issues
2. whole sale - question why didnt the dealer just dump to an auction or wholesaler and be done...most dealers do this as its not worth their time for $6000 OTD Id seriously question that after only 1 week.
3. of course theyll fix anything AFTER you buy it but define from them "within reason"...if your real serious get a PPI then post results here
4. Has it had timing belt and water pump changed? what services are on carfax? Thats $$$ if it hasnt


Dont get me wrong Im the first to tout the goodness of 3rd Gen S but on the right car. Make sure this is the right car for you as Justin said

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I am a bit different tho, if the engine or transmission dies in my TL, I will replace them (because very cheap to do so) before I sell and buy a $30k vehicle.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

it could also just be oxidation, which a little elbow grease will take care of

drewb71

Just called the Acura dealer where the car had been serviced from 2006-2015. 32 service records and very glowing report from service adviser on the car.

Major 100K service done in 2012 with 102,000 miles
Suspension done at 12/30/2013 @129,000 miles. Control arms and struts
All fluids drained and transmission service at 3/24/2015 with 147,000. .

As to why it is being sold to the public as a whole sale car, I do not know. I can only say that being a toyota dealership with a 8 year old acura with 160,000 miles on it and having a tear in the leather and paint that needs to be buffed out, maybe it is just something they want to move on from without a lot of hassle.

drewb71

11/24/2006 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comPre-delivery inspection completed11/30/2006 10 New Jersey
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Princeton Junction, NJ
Title #DB20063340315Title issued or updated
Registration issued or renewed
First owner reported
Titled or registered as
personal vehicle
Loan or lien reported01/11/2007 2,856 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comVehicle serviced03/26/2007 6,858 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comRecommended maintenance performed09/21/2007 15,416 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comMaintenance inspection completed
Recommended maintenance performed
Brakes checked
Drive belts checked
Oil and filter changed
Tires rotated
Wiper(s) replaced01/31/2008 22,273 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comMaintenance inspection completed
Fuel system cleaned/serviced
Oil and filter changed
Tires rotated06/09/2008 28,751 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comRecommended maintenance performed
Brake rotor(s) resurfaced
Front brake pads replaced09/20/2008 36,407 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comRecommended maintenance performed11/14/2008 41,103 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comVehicle serviced12/01/2008 42,208 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comFour tires balanced
Four tires mounted01/19/2009 44,357 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comMaintenance inspection completed
Recommended maintenance performed
Brakes checked
Drive belts checked
Oil and filter changed
Tires rotated
Wiper(s) replaced02/10/2009 45,487 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comInterior trim checked
Steering/suspension checked05/20/2009 52,120 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comMaintenance inspection completed
Fuel system cleaned/serviced
Oil and filter changed
Tires rotated10/01/2009 59,897 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comRecommended maintenance performed
Air filter replaced
Cabin air filter replaced/cleaned
Drive belts checked
Fluids checked
Oil and filter changed
Wiper(s) replaced10/26/2009 61,305 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comTire repaired02/16/2010 67,010 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comMaintenance inspection completed
Battery replaced
Brakes checked
Fluids checked
Oil and filter changed
Steering/suspension checked
Tires rotated
Washed/detailed07/02/2010 74,539 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comMaintenance inspection completed
Recommended maintenance performed
Brake rotor(s) replaced
Brakes checked
Drive belts checked
Front brake pads replaced
Front brake rotor(s) replaced
Oil and filter changed
Tires rotated
Wiper(s) replaced11/10/2010 81,531 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comVehicle serviced11/15/2010 New Jersey
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Princeton Junction, NJRegistration updated when owner moved
the vehicle to a new location04/01/2011 88,625 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comRecommended maintenance performed
Air filter replaced
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Cabin air filter replaced/cleaned
Drive belts checked
Fluids checked
Oil and filter changed
Tires rotated
Wiper(s) replaced09/01/2011 95,348 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comRecommended maintenance performed
Brake rotor(s) resurfaced
Fuel system cleaned/serviced
Oil and filter changed
Rear brake pads replaced
Steering/suspension checked
Tire condition and pressure checked
Tires rotated09/30/2011 96,465 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comAlignment checked
Four tires balanced
Four tires mounted
Four wheel alignment performed02/14/2012 102,316 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comMaintenance inspection completed
Recommended maintenance performed
Antifreeze/coolant flushed/changed
Brake rotor(s) resurfaced
Brakes checked
Drive belt(s) replaced
Drive belts checked
Front brake pads replaced
Oil and filter changed
Parking brake adjusted
Timing belt replaced
Tires rotated
Water pump gasket replaced
Water pump replaced
Wiper(s) replaced07/17/2012 109,453 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comMaintenance inspection completed
Brakes checked
Fluids checked
Oil and filter changed
Power steering hose(s)/line(s) replaced
Steering/suspension checked
Tires rotated
Washed/detailed09/11/2012 111,774 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comBattery replaced12/21/2012 116,270 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comMaintenance inspection completed
Recommended maintenance performed
Air filter replaced
Cabin air filter replaced/cleaned
Drive belts checked
Fluids checked
Oil and filter changed
Tires rotated
Wiper(s) replaced06/24/2013 123,478 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comBrakes checked
Fluids checked
Oil and filter changed
Steering/suspension checked
Tires rotated07/08/2013 123,498 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comBattery replaced
Exterior trim checked08/20/2013 124,625 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comVehicle serviced11/30/2013 New Jersey
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Princeton Junction, NJRegistration issued or renewed12/30/2013 129,775 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comAlignment checked
Brake rotor(s) resurfaced
Four wheel alignment performed
Front brake pads replaced
Oil and filter changed
Suspension serviced08/19/2014 135,959 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comMaintenance inspection completed
Recommended maintenance performed
Brake rotor(s) resurfaced
Brakes checked
Fluids checked
Oil and filter changed
Rear brake pads replaced
Steering/suspension checked
Tires rotated
Washed/detailed01/29/2015 141,861 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comMaintenance inspection completed
Alignment checked
Four tires balanced
Four tires mounted
Four wheel alignment performed03/24/2015 143,637 Precision Acura of Princeton
Lawrence Township, NJ
609-895-0600
precisionacura.comRecommended maintenance performed
Brakes checked
Drive belts checked
Oil and filter changed
Parking brake adjusted
Tires rotated
Wiper(s) replaced

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

wow! pretty detailed and looks like you're good to go with the timing belt....
well, just a thought...the timing belt service needs to be done every 105k miles...so, it looks like you're about to hit that service limit again, pretty soon

now, for the real question...Should you!????

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the timing belt service can cost anywhere from $400- 1200 depending on where you go.

If I read it correctly, the future prospect has 160,000 miles.... 40k more miles to hit that service limit

drewb71

Hey JustnSpace- Yes, 40,000 more miles would be 3 years for me as that is what I put on my Camry in the 3 years that I have owned it, so it'll be a little ways away.

I want to buy the car and probably should as it is clean and maintained well and already depreciated in value. If they'll put it on the lift for me and let me inspect the underside and do an oil change and detail the car and give it a full tank of gas, then why say no?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

again, thats on you! are you ready to give up the camry?

it looks like you are crossing your t's and dotting your i's. Good job!

drewb71

Tough question. I need to re-visit the Acura and take it on the highway and make a decision.


How many miles on yours and what is your MPG mixed and on the highway? Do you have a Type S?

nole85

[QUOTE=justnspace;15833125]the timing belt service can cost anywhere from $400- 1200 depending on where you go.

hey just, plz tell me where i can get a belt service for 4 bills...? Thanx..

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I have a 2006 TL equipped with a six speed manual. comes with Brembo brakes and some other goodies the type-s has.

in the city, the TL has poor gas mileage. it shines on the freeway. a mix of both results about 19-22mpg, but of course, I have a heavy foot. I could see higher than that IF i wanted to.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

you'll have to shop around.
independent mechanics/shops will be the cheapest.
another option is to head to your local Honda dealership. they will do it for less than the Acura stealership.
and for years, the north eastern acura dealerships advertise ~$400 timing belt service..as per local acurazine users. But I live in the south, so I'm not to sure if the Jersey dealerships are still offering this

08KBP_VA

Cheapest I found to me was Anderson Honda for $560 all in with waterpump too. Thats MD.

08KBP_VA

The reason I ask about wholesaling is that locally here if the dealer cant retail the car and doesnt pass their inspection they wholesale it to limit liability and exposure. Not that theres anything wrong with buying cars like this from dealer I just dont trust ANY of them when they hit you with such a sweet deal so quickly.

It looks like its well maintained but I would still encourage a PPI by a shop maybe that same dealer that provided you the report and Im surprised they provided that report without proof of ownership you were lucky. Id say is inspection is solid then grab it.

Although I hope you all are both right on the paint panel I dont believe it will buff out easily and unlikely its oxidation more likely clear failure or beginning of it but im generally pessimistic when it comes to paint. But post pics if you do pick it up

drewb71

08- The car was just PA inspected last month before the previous owner traded it in. So fresh inspection for the year and PA is once a year and pretty specific. Car was run through the shop and I saw the work order. Broken cup holder in the rear, turn signal mirror getting moisture in it. The tear in the leather.

They recommended oil change, plugs, TB cleaning, but nothing that stood out or anything of note to alarm.

I just got off the phone with the salesman and he aid that the wholesale aspect is that the car is available at a low price to the community and that there do not it like that because of any issues as they have to by PA law perform the safety check before putting it on the lot. It seems a car that needs minor interior tlc and paint correction. The carfax and existing condition of the car speaks for the condition and maybe its a good deal and that is it. Plus the dealership has been in the community for over 40 years and has a reputation to keep.

Raider_SPE

You could probably do better, though the one you found does have great service records.

2007 Acura TL Type S (Negotiable/Warrantee)

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

i would skip the TB cleaning.
spark plugs are usually changed along with the 105k service, ie; timing belt service

drewb71

If I can for the price and the service history, I do not know where else to look.

Oh Sickest TL

iTrader: (3)

pull it

Aussum

Here is another. Might not have the steller records though.

Cars for Sale: Used 2007 Acura TL in Type-S, Plano TX: 75023 Details - Sedan - Autotrader

drewb71

not bad. Priced similar. The thing about my TLS is that one owner 9 years and dealer records and service is consistent.

Ltfa182

Good service records, good price. I'd buy it if I were in your shoes. Have you actually driven it though?

drewb71

Yes I have driven it. Not on the highway, but on some decent back roads.

Jayfizzl3

I have 08 type s, it's a great car. But the condition your camry is in sounds great. If it's not giving you any problems, keep it. I would just get an aftermarket deck, wire up some sounds and call it a day. At least you know the history of the your car.

If you buy the tl, your gonna drain the precious $6k, and have paint and interior issue. Who knows what the condition of the tranny gonna be in the months to come. My 08 tl 's has 50k miles on it and the transmission act's weird sometime.

Keep the camry, add some sounds, heck, even slam the broad a little. Drive her till she can't handle the D anymore . That's what I would do.

Ltfa182

Thats good! As long as it feels nice and you feel like it's worth it. Sometimes cars look good on paper and then you drive them only to realize they actually have a lot of issues. Your Camry does sound impressive though in terms of durability.

drewb71

Folks- I am still debating as the car and the deal are still available.

On the one had, my Camry is running great, although it will need sway bar links and bushing in the months ahead, if I want to stop the noises when I go over bumps. Also, there is an exhaust leak that will definitely need to be addressed to the cost of $300. Should not be so difficult to decide. Spend $6,000 and trade a solid car or say pass on a clean and maintained TL-S and put another $800 dollars in a car that will continue to decrease it value faster than the TL-S.

I imagine there will be other TL-S's down the road. Not sure I will see $2,000 for my trade in or another car like the Camry anytime soon. Plus in the last 7 months I have replaced the front struts, installed 4 new tire, new front brakes and rotors, brake and coolant flush too. I know short of a meteor hitting the car or it getting stolen, it will live for a long time. Could you a respray in the bumper and air-dam and side mirror and he hood due to rock chips and road spray with all those miles, but now I am nit picking,,,,

DementiaPhuro

Keep the Camry, drive it to the ground. Based on your responses, you're obviously on the fence about making this purchase and still haven't been able to come down to pulling the trigger on the buy. If it concerns you that much, move on and fight another day (years).

drewb71

I am only on the fence because it will cost the same today or in a few years and the Camry will continue to loss value. If this were a 6-Speed, it would be a wrap and done.

sockr1

iTrader: (5)

i would have pulled the trigger yesterday....i'm a car guy and take a lot of pride in what i drive and to me i would get rid of the camry in a heartbeat and go to the type s. it's leaps and bounds ahead of the camry, yea it will cost money out of your pocket, but nothing extreme. plus you'll be getting a very well maintained car that is very reliable and gives you a nice boost in luxury and performance. i'm a big believer in doing something if it makes you happy (within reason) and for me driving the type s every day puts a smile on my face....if it doesn't put you in financial troubles, i say go for it!

these cars are only getting cheaper every year and there's now a different kind of crowd buying the TL which makes it harder and harder to find something well maintained and in good shape (think of these new owners doing a full plasti dip on their car instead of the 105k service type of things...)

YungMoola15

I'd keep the Camry no questions. It's already gone through depreciation so it's not going to depreciate any faster than the TL. The TL is nice but if the Camry is driving fine why bother? Plus the TL needs premium gas and gets about 25 mixed. On top of that, maintenance will be more expensive since it's an Acura. Acura is a well built car but it's not a Toyota. Both cars will run forever it's just Acura will cost a bit more.

YungMoola15

Also OP, check this out
Looks like a clean car for being 05 and those have 270HP vs 285 HP in the Type S. In 06 they tuned it down to 258 on base model.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/5752552948.html

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

The 05 has 258 too. They didn't detune the 06-08 models.