I'm new to the board (obviously) and I'm moving to CO in a couple of weeks and I am buying my buddy's '03 TL to cross country.

I was just wondering if there is anything that I should specifically look into before making the final purchase (common problems, recalls, etc.). He's told me that he's had no major mechanical problems with the car and he's a trustworthy person. I also haven't had a carfax run on it since I trust what he says. Should I get one anyway?

It has 92K miles and I'm getting it for $8,500. Seems like a good deal to me after checking KBB. Any thoughts and opinions on price, condition, etc. would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

id still have a carfax report done. ask him about the tranny. common problem in the 2gen TL's.

 

Great car, but the tranny's are crap.

 

I would never buy a friends car, its the best way to stop being friends. Small problem that you think he should have known/told you and boom you're not friends.

 

I'm not that kind of person to be upset over something like that and he's not the type of person to not tell me something I need to know about the car. But thanks for the concern. Is there anyone out there that approves of me buying this car?

 

The very first thing I would check with a 2003 TL is whether or not the transmission is covered by the 7 year 9 month/109,000 mile extended warranty. Not all 2003 TLs are covered and the transmission, as mention above, has serious reliability issues.

Get the car's VIN number and call Acura to check on the extended warranty.

Is your friend the original owner? If not, there may be things about the car that he is simply doesn't know. In that case a CarFax report would be worthwhile. CarFax reports can miss a lot but they can catch things you might otherwise miss.

You might want to have a local mechanic check out the car before buying.

Has the car ever had any bodywork? If so, don't use the KBB "Excellent" rating for the car's condition.

Also note that the KBB values can be much higher than the true market values. I bought my 1999 TL for about $2,000 under the KBB estimate.

 

Thanks for all the replys so far.

I called the Acura dealership and the transmission is still covered by the extended warranty and all the recalls have been taken care of. According to my friend the car runs very smoothly, I've ridden in the car numerous times so I know he's not giving me a run around.

I did run a CarFax report on it and everything looks good.

I know there was some minor body work done on the car but I've been basing my KBB prices on the "Good" rating this entire time anyway. The "Good" rating KBB is $10,050 so I'm still thinking $8,500 is decent.

Anything else I should look for? Maybe I should just go for it.

 

I think we all know you are going to get it, I believe its an excellent deal. If the car hasnt been taking in for the tranny issue, I suggest do so. I just bought my TL and it freaks me out knowing that it could go at any time. Did you just call acura up and asked them about it?

 

 

Get it and when the trans warranty runs out, just buy an extended aftermarket drivetrain warranty from GE or something and read the fine print. Other than trans issues, the TL's are great cars. I'd also look into the upcoming maintence since it's at 92k, the next to service intervals are expensive, go with a private shop not the dealer.

 

btw I didn't mean for you not to buy a 2nd gen car, just raising the cautions about getting one that is from a friend.

I love my TL, and you will too. Great car.

 

make him replace the timing belt before you buy the car. You will have to do it soon.

 

Timing belt, water pump, spark plugs, coolant, brake fluid, ps fluid, oil, trans fluid should or will need to be changed. You should be able to DIY except for the Timing belt water pump service, new coolant and belts will be included in that $800 service.

 

Thanks for all the advice. I'm gonna try to pick it up next Tuesday. Hopefully I can work something out where I won't have to pay for the tune up.

 

Got the car last night!!! I've only driven it an hour but I already love it. I can't wait to start modding it!

 

Nice. good price too if it is in good shape.

 

plan ahead- you are looking at a good 1500$ to do the ~tune up~ with water pump timing belt plugs valve adjustment- new brake fluid- and some small things
Read the DIY section- especially Seafoam and cabin air filter
Do both before a trip across country!!!