Hi,
Can anyone offer some input on what to look out for when shopping for a used TL. I have been looking at a 96 2.5 with 85K and the car seems to run without a hitch. I did detect a little valve noise which I assume would indicate an adjustment needed.
I don't know the service history on the vehicle and am planning on it needing a timing belt if the service interval is 80K. Any input on the costs associated with this and other general info would be helfpul. TIA.

 

the timing belt is suggested along with the rest of the 90 kmile service.... first gens are the way to go

 

Even if you don't plan to do any major engine mods, I would suggest putting a K&N air filter in. They don't cost much more than a standard paper filter, and they're good for the life of your car. I found out that a paper FRAM filter for my 97 3.2TL was 50 bucks Canadian, and I would have to spend that with every filter change. I found a K&N on sale here in Saskatoon for 59 bucks, and all I have to do is get it cleaned and recharged every 10,000 kilometers (for about ten bucks)

It also gave me a VERY minor - 2 MPG - increase in fuel economy...

win-win situation...

K&N part number is 33-2089. Just drops right into the stock air basket. 30 seconds to install.

 

Get a 3.2TL instead