Mandy

Guys,

I must say I am embarrassed by asking you guys. I have always smirked at a post where somebody’s getting an opinion on getting A car….I always respond to such a post by saying….DO YOUR RESEARCH…

But I have done my research and the bottom line is that I am in this crap, a car is available for purchase for $9,800. Maybe can be negotiated to $9K or lower.

2nd Gen 2003 TL-S Anthracite with Black Leather:

•Had body work done on the rear, it sucks but I can accept it (not really but I have to bite my tongue).

•A tail light has water….probably cracked from accident. Needs replaced or fixed.

•1 fog lamp in bad shape, still works though.

•Has front lip.

•73,000 miles, original transmission (this is scary to even mention).

•I have not inspected the underside if there are leaks, will do it this weekend.

•Interior leather is decent.

•Engine sounds OK.

•Rims, 17 TL-s 5 spoke are OK, good tires.

•Have not checked stereo, said all OK.

Will test drive this weekend.

I really need to get a car, my 1st Gen will be handed down to my son (I am not going anyplace). And I need to get the car this weekend!

HELP!!!!!!!

Help!!!

Mandy

Here are some pics they are crappy, the car looks better than it looks on the pics:

Mandy

Should I offer $7K? I really do not know how they sell nowadays...

tmnhs81

eh, I'd rather spend a little more and get a 3G, maybe a 6spd or else I'll keep 1G. Tranny issue is the only thing held me back from getting a 2G when I got my 1G TL. I love everything about 2G but transmission.

Like you said offer $7K (assuming its a salvage title), give it a shot.

Mandy

Thanks, makes me feel better to let go of this if the number does not work. Other than the tranny issue...I would have done it by now.

As you said, get the 3rd Gen instead.

Mandy

Mind made up. I love my 1st Gen and will baby it for some more time! I will look for a 3rd Gen next spring!

Go90go

Good decision!

~Cheers~

stlswagger

I've had my CLS 6 speed for a little over a week now. Originally leased for 4 years, same people bought it after the lease then traded it in on an SUV. I drove a rental car for a month looking for one with low miles, navi and had no negative information found on the CarFax. IMHO since you already have what looks to be a car in great shape is wait for a manual unless you absolutely need 4 doors.

As well, I'm not a fan of buying anything which has been in an accident without seeing the repair records and not just the CarFax. With the auto, if you're buying from an owner, check all their service records since its auto and you may be dead set on buying a 4 door auto. That's no knock on anyone here with a TL or TLS but everything I've read since joining this forum a week ago scares the hell out of me about that auto tranny and Acura/Honda only extending the warranty for 7 years/100K miles.

TLin401

I might be in the market for a 3G in the spring as well.

03bl AC k CL

ive owned an aegean blue pearl 02 tl-s with navi for 3 years before selling it in july to lease an 09 altima

i see you decided to keep your car but ill give you a run down

in July 2006 i bought the tl-s from an old member on AZ i paid 15k for it at 70k miles on its 2nd tranny already.

i thought it was quick for what it was, and i loved the look of it (it had the oem body kit and spoiler already installed, not to mention HID foglights)

issues aside its an awesome car with good looks and for a family sedan very fun to drive. the stereo sucks. i replaced it after about 3 months of ownership. Its loud, but its by no means clean.

now, the issues: the obvious tranny issue... i had it replaced once in October of 2006 (yes only 3 months after buying it, but under warranty) .. then again in April of 2009 (i was out of warranty, but Acura goodwilled 85% of the cost) I ended up paying about $450. the tranny went on me in Virginia (if you look at the two locations under my avatar that is a pretty big problem)

the paint is very very fragile... i found that out after a few trips back and forth to NJ from NC.

do i wish i still had the car after all is said and done? absolutely. i miss it to death. i drive a brand new car now, one with as many options plus some that i had in the TL (minus the navigation). but it is a timeless design (IMO)

I ended up fixing every issue my tl had before selling it (it had 121k miles) i got $7800 for it. if youre going the route of the 2nd gen, do yourself a favor and buy high mileage. Do this with caution though.

High mileage will get you into the 6k range for a type s. just make sure the timing belt and water pump are done. also, make sure the transmission has been replaced recently and has a warranty on it.

just an fyi: my trans went again in april of 09 due to a problem not associated with the recalls. ( i dont know if that makes anyone feel better or worse lol) good luck anyway.

tmnhs81

+2.. me too, most likely..

Mandy

Thanks and thanks again. That's why I decided to sound off the forum before making that BIG decision....I love my 1st Gen, what can I say.

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

glass tranny FTL...

TLin401

Mandy

You would not believe this....my neighbor bought the freeking TL-S, the exact one I was going to buy...it is sitting on his driveway as I type this...

I am so happy I did not get it!

TLin401

Why?

What kind of problem did you see now besides the tranny?

Mandy

The poor body work done on it. And frankly the car smelled like crap. Lastly the feeling that the tranny will take a dump.

Plus I am saving a ton of Ad Valorem taxes and Insurance premium which I would have to shell out...so I am happy!

3rd Gen here I come next year.

Mandy

The car sold for $8,600.00 by the way. I was ready to fork $7,500.