It has about 100k miles on it. Anything in particular to look out for?

Thanks

 

How does the transmission shift?
Find out if it's a replacement transmission or still the original.

With that mileage it's going to need the timing belt (105k mi service) done soon, which is a little pricey. That might be why its for sale.

 

99 with 4 speeds are good cars- the 105 timing belt water pump job and assume it needs all fluids changed etc- 1200-1500 dollars for that

 

Nothing really, just normal stuff you'd look for in a used car. If it runs and drives nice and is priced right buy it. I'm within 200 miles of hitting 200k in my 99 TL and it runs and drives perfect.

 

Thanks, guys.

I assume that you mean that the transmission should shift smoothly, without skipping any gears or causing any strange noises?

 

I would personally have the car inspected by a reputable mechanic or a dealer so that you know what you are looking at as far as repairs and a good way to talk the car down with what is needed as well as finding out if its worth the price vs the service. I always have a car inspected so i dont end up shooting myself in the foot. good luck

 

So my friend is telling me that the 4-sp in the '99 is also not problem-free... How common are problems with the '99 TL transmission? No point picking up a car if you have to pay for another car just in the cost of a transmission.

 

I bought my 99tl at 87k and it's now 94k. Still running strong and smooth. I'll be doing the 105k maintenance soon.

 

you should probably look out for another car. dont believe the hype about the 99's having more reliable transmissions. i had 3 replaced within a year and a half. at 100k youre looking at a timing belt as well. thres another 500 bucks. plugs, seals, valve job.

and then youre still riding around in a car that has a transmission fault and can fail at any time.

look at the maxima, mazda millenia, camry, RL, infiniti i35. i would get the i35 if u want an auto or the maxima if u want a stick.

 

I have 153k on my Tl it still runs perfectly

 

In all honesty & even though the TL is a great car, he speaks the truth. I'm personally someone who took the risk & ended up losing. And even though I'm only out about $2k, that's $2k that could've went into car that didn't have these problems, or even into my pocket if I got a "lesser" car.

These cars will start to be a lot more common since original/2nd owners are rolling around 100k miles. And now with the extended warranty about to run out on '03s, dumping the TL before a tranny problem occurs is probably a good move, if they have financial concerns. Coincidentally around 100k miles you're looking at a new timing belt & other things too, so add another $1k to that.

Great car but sucks the risk is so high.

 

^^^ Totally agree, everyone with a good running TL over 100K are all lucky. Don't take the risk, cuz if it does happen - you'll have a hard time selling it.

I was looking at a few CLS6's, the manual transmission will run forever, why don't you look into that?

 

I don't agree. The 1999 TL is a nice car and overall is pretty reliable. Everyone has different experiences, but the vast majority of members on this forum with 99's have had significantly better results with their trannys than 00-03 owners have. The motor's in our cars are extremely reliable and will run forever if maintained correctly.

 

127000 on my 99TL Shifts and runs perfectly. I maintain it well and don't run the heck out of it.

 

I just sold my 03 with 83,000miles, i could feel the tranny starting to act up and slipped pretty good on me once going up a hill. I'm sure it would have lasted me a bit longer but why take the chance.

Although the 99 have a "more reliable" tranny still isn't worth the risk. If you budgeting make sure to include a couple grand for a tranny. I agree with phee and look for something else, Manuel is possible since they usually last longer then auto.

 

if you know how you properly use a manual yea manuals will last longer

 

treat your car good and it will treat you better

 

don't race it or drive it too hard to prolong its life

 

hush phee phee...

my 99 had 180k on it with original tranny and never hiccupped once

 

+1 on RL and Maxima with stick..