I am a stereotypical girl who doesn't know alot about cars.... and I really just need some good advice! Please help if you can!

I am looking at a 1999 Acura TL 163,014 miles

Traction Control, a Moon Roof, Leather Seats. Tilt-Wheel steering Air Conditioning, and Automatic Climate Control. Keyless Entry, Heated Seats, and Alloy Wheels. Sunroof / Moonroof, Front Wheel Drive, and a Universal Garage Door Opener. Drivers Air Bag · Cruise Control · Auxiliary Power Outlet · Anti Theft · Passenger Air Bag · Power Mirrors · Steering Wheel Audio · Remote Trunk Release · Power Windows · Power Steering · Power Seats · Power Locks · Child Proof Locks · Vanity Mirrors · Rear Window Defrost · Bucket Seats


They are asking $5,995 for it.

Are there any reliability issues I should be worried about? I am going to be driving 200 miles at least a week just with my job...

Are there any expensive engine services or other maintenance that need to be done or might be coming up with this kind of mileage?

Also, is there anything in particular I should look at when I test drive this car?

I really appreciate any advice you could give! I really need to get a car soon!

 

Make sure that the transmission shifts good, Very common failure with the Acura TL, expensive repair,check for transmission fluid, make sure it's not burnt black, should be red/pinkish in color. Have the car scan for trouble codes, If there is code for O2 sensor, have it check for a bad Cat, listen for noises, most time you will find bad sway bar links. Check for brake feels.
The price is a little high for that mileage though.99 TL all came with the same options, Navigation is the only difference i think.
Nice car though. Good luck

 

Actually as much as I like the 2G TL's, I must say for $6,000 (it'll be a bit after the dealer pops up the service fees, paperwork, etc) I wouldn't get one with such high mileage -- try an 04+ accord or something else.

But if you're firm on getting the car - make sure there are no warning lights when you start it. Make sure:

1) the brake discs are not warped (it'll cost you around $200-$300 to replace that),
2) engine is not jerky when you drive it (after it's warmed up),
3) A/C works well,
4) electronics work as they should, all lights work properly.
5) car drives and responsive when you steer

But like people will tell you, the transmission is the biggest problem. Try to find out if it's been replaced or has the jet kit installed - that usually fixes the problem. Good luck! Post up some pictures so we can get a good idea of its condition.

 

offer 4,000 for it and if they dont oblige, then pass on it.. the 99 isnt worth that much and with the known tranny issues... its going to cost you 2k extra down the road anyway.

they are great cars. dont get me wrong, but dont overpay for a money-pit

ps. all of those feautures you listed are standard on every TL.. dont let them try to convince you that their car is special in any way.. EVERY TL has the above features.

 

Also, try to get as much info/service records as you can about the tranny. When was the last time they did a drain/fill on the fluid.

When you test drive, pay close attention to how it shifts. Anything overly "jerky" or if there is slip (hesitation in between gears) and I'd be concerned.

Motor mounts are a common problem. Let it sit in Park until warmed up and see if you can feel a slight shudder. Also listen for a clunk when you shift out of Park.

The rotors also tend to warp fast. Get it up to highway speeds and check for steering wheel shake when you brake.

 

whats ur budget first of all? if u have a little bit more money, u can get an 02-03 for like 2-3k more and with less miles. i got mine for 7500 and 61k miles. ive had it a year and a half and only have put 10k miles.

 

I think that's too much for a 99. Depending on the last owners experience you may be looking at a timing belt, motor mounts, rotors if they're OE amongst countless other things. The 99 trannies are a little more reliable than the 00-03 trannies. There's no oil jet kit for these I believe b/c of the one less gear in there. Personally speaking I don't think its worth that price unless you can get written documentation of prior upkeep. Also I would call Acura with the VIN and ask if prior recalls were resolved.

 

Oh and welcome to AZ. We here are pretty knowledgable and can help you with pretty much anything you come up with.

 

a 99 should hopefully have a 4 speed auto trans- much better than the later 5 speed and its known problems

160k+ miles
first question- was the timing belt and water pump done at 105? or anytime between then and now??
If not,, run screaming NOOOOOOOO into the street

and trans service records- which very few owners kept or actually had done..not a car people really took care of in most cases

for 200 miles a week and gas prices rising- I would get a honda with its much better trans and 4 cyl mileage, for the same money get a pretty nice honda

The TL is a great car and I love mine-money pit that it can be-
for trips its awesome
In town it sucks gas like a v8, 20mpg maybe,,freeway 25-30 depending

 

i second 01tl4tl on checking service records. with that high mileage, 99 or not you have a higher risk of transmission failure which will likely not be covered by acura. dealer charges $4000+, independent shop likely 2000. Remember that though you may be getting a good price on the car up front (assuming you pay what the others are telling you to pay) it is fundamentally an expensive luxury car, and your running costs will reflect this. so i wouldn't buy the car unless you have a few thousand available for transmission replacement and have some surplus income to maintain the thing.

also, i see that you are new to AZ. and good luck with your purchase!

 

also check...
do the seats warm up on both sides with both switch positions (the heater wire in the seats is prone to burning out)
does the sunroof open and close properly (i don't know if this is common but it is $$$ to fix)
check headlights...low beams should be the same color sorta whitish looking, if they are purple/flickering etc bulbs are more expensive than halogens or could indicate more severe failure of the HID system ($$$)
when asking owner about transmission maintenance, ask to see records. if they are from some random place, they may have used random dexron ATF, which is death for the transmission. Honda/Acura ATF-Z1 only (some like amsoil etc but we won't go into that)
wheel bearings are also a common weak point, not sure how to check those.
check that spare tire/tools/manuals are present and in good shape

i would also recommend inspection by dealer/trusted mechanic...

 

Thanks for all of the responses everyone! I ended up passing on the car. I really appreciate all the info posted. It made my decision a lot easier.

Thanks for all your help guys!

 

if you are set on an acura- ck the section here-- Member cars for sale
We will welcome you even if you get an accord~

 

We're glad you passed on the car.

My '00 with 105K might not even fetch $6000 around here, and it looks/drives perfectly.

When test driving a car, any unusual shimmy or noise indicates an issue. Engine/transmission/suspension/steering/etc. How the seller responds to your question about the issue tells you a lot about the seller. "It's always done that", or "Just needs a tune-up", humm . . . caution. And if the seller says, "It just needs a bushing, it'll cost fifteen bucks; I just haven't gotten around to doing it yet". RUN.

 

for the money- I would get a nice honda over a used TL with unknown history and overdue for big maitenance

The seller who tells you it needs 1 tire and 2 cv joints but those are only 35 bucks...not good
Wear your running shoes to view used cars

If you find a car you like- passes visual cks by you, then take it to a private shop for pre-buy inspection- maybe 50 bucks, well spent- its either good or its not

you might look at 3 cars and finally the 4th the shops likes--saves you thousands on repairs and heartache
I did that for years in shops as a tech-let a pro look at it and drive it for you