my buddy is considering buying a tl from a junkyard for $600, it is a complete car they said it runs and drives. the cons are someone stole the catalytic converter and it is wrecked. the wreck isnt terrible the driver headlight is pushed in and the hood is a little bent as well as the radiator support is kinda pushed in but the radiator and ac condenser are fine and dont have any leaks. I started the car there at the yard the other day. btw the car is not in the junkyard its outside where all the selling cars are sold. i will attach pics but if someone could shed some light on what could be done for the car to have a new headlight put in and the car be drivable. I have no inspections in my state so i should be fine reguarding having no cat. the car is for my buddy and to get him from school and work temporary but he wants to slowly put money into it. I know the car was driven to the junkyard and parked where it has sat for over a year and not started. it has 260k miles but the damn thing started right up with the jumper box. i will attach pics

its not in that bad of condition and would prob look great with a fresh detailing

 

buy it fix it, and start a thread on the princess story that was a $600 TL..





i bet the transmission is shot though.. or on its way out. Be prepared for that cost..

 

I think its a 50/50 on that. the fluid didnt appear burnt but it was dark and def needs a 3x3. if we get it i will test drive it and see if its fine then i will prob flush the fluid, change filter, and 3rd and 4th pressure switches.

didnt seem to have any misfires though, and either the IACV or throttle plate is stuck cause i tried to tap the gas when i turned it on and reved and stayed at 2k rpms

 

might be a diamond if the rough of you have the time/effort to DIY.


Worth a shot for $600..


worst case, just fix it up and flip it

 

anyone ever replaced the radiator support? how difficult is it?

 

Thats expensive for a car that has been front end wrecked and it will be fairly difficult finding good used parts or very expensive buying new ones from a dealer. Also the damage could be extensive enough that the car could have a compromised frame and or the alignment will never be able to be set right.

I found all my TL's on craigslist for around 500 without any damage or having been in a wreck. They just had a trans that needed rebuilt. That is a much better starting point to go by rather than having to guess at the car and mindlessly throw money at it.

If you do buy it you will find out how bad the damage is after taking the radiator support off. It is a fairly simple job that requires you to drill out all the spot welds and it will come right off. Then you just spot weld the good support back in place.

 

02TL, I'm just curious but what state are you located in that has no inspection?

 

For what it's worth, my car had similar front end damage. Actually it was probably 50% worse than this. If the frame isn't damaged then you'll be fine. I'd pull the bumper off (and chuck it since you need a new one anyway) and see if the frame is OK.

That's a lot of miles on the TL with unknown mechanical condition and interior in very rough shape. BTW without a cat you'll have a check engine light.

 

Im in Alabama

 

I will find out more 1st person but judging on the picture I took it was more higher on the car and I dont think the frame was touched. haven't actually put the car in drive but when we jumped it off it started after a few seconds of cranking and it fired right up. the engine sounded fine. there was a little smoke i can recall seeing but i think that was either exhaust or it had a oil leak, reguardless an oil leak isnt a big deal to me unless the headgasket is the one leaking

 

Sounds like OP is set on getting it already, not sure why he made a thread about it asking for opinions

gl.

 

No don't do it. It's not worth fixing. Even if you fix the body, the interior is thrashed. By the time every thing is fixed, you've spent the same if not more than what I'll cost to get a decent TL. And you'll waste a lot of time during the process.

Since the car is idling high, you have some engine problem. Also the paint is probably thrash too.

There's a reason why the car is already at the junkyard. It's bc it's thoroughly thrashed.

 

I'd pass on it.

 

A better place to find a cheap beater car is at the tow truck companies. Just call them and ask if they have any cars for sale $1000 or less.

 

leave that car where it belongs, in the junk yard. That shit will nickel and dime you to death, and in the end you could've bought a non wrecked car from a private seller for the same amount. No brainer bruh.

 

^ I'd agree with these guys. Unless it was something kinda special like an 03 CL-s 6MT that may be worth trying to save...but this isn't worthy and could be $600 thrown out the window

 

Yea hell yall are right for real I should just leave it alone. I guess that was the reason I wanted all yalls advice on this. I will more than likely forget about it now.

Thanks guys!

 

Yeah wow interior is absolute S%$@!

 

good to part out... the seats are easily customized into many other vehicle applications and still go for a decent amount.

You'd get back $600 quick and easily just from the interior. Wish it were by me.

Cheers and lucky you!

 

After a really good cleaning I think the interior would look good.

 

You do not make any money parting out cars. Trust me I do it almost full time. It takes up way more time than its worth and you must have the space to store all the parts. Cities can give you hell for excessive parts laying around outside of a garage.

I have had a 2000 TL up on cl selling for parts over two years and still have sold less than 5 items. These cars are not in demand for used parts, and if anything the parts are not worth very much.

 

I could only imagine. If anything I'd fix it up and sell it

Everytime I go to the junkyards these cars are barely touched