MikeD95SE

Well, I went to look at a 2002 TLS today with 56,000 miles and it looked practically brand new. The inside/outside and engine, when I went to look at a 2003 yesterday it didnt look even close to as good, rust on engine and what not. Is it possible for a 2002 to look so clean or is something up?

yankystat

I have a 99 TL with 63K which I bought a few weeks ago. The engine looked like it was brand spanking new, and the mechanic said everything looked legit. I guess if you take care of a car, and there are no oil leaks or anything its possible.

vandy786

My 2002 TLS is 3 years old but it looks better maintained than most 2004 TLs I see on the road. It all depends on how much time and care you put into the car.

sc354

my a-spec is about a year and 3 months old, and it looks like the day I drove it off the lot. Unfortunately it does have some dings and scratches due to the inconsiderate drivers on the road, but as for the condition of the interior and such, it's brand new...still runs amazing too...

MikeD95SE

I am really considering buying this car but I am nervous about not having a warranty. Also it shows that at one point this car was sold at an auction. Should that be something I should avoid?

Street Spirit

Keep in mind that the physical appearance of a car does not necessarily dictate how well it was maintained, how well it runs, or if it's ever been in an accident. All it takes to make a car "look" nice is a good detailing shop/body shop or some good products and elbow grease.

ItalnMuslNYC

If the car was at an auction.. it could have been a stolen recovery or salvage vehicle.. why else would it be at an auction? My advice.. do a CarFax history report on it. You might find something with it's history!

MikeD95SE

I ran the car fax. it comes up with a minor accident in 2001 .
Accident Report Date: Source: Detail:
08/15/2001 Georgia Police Report Accident Reported
in Fulton County
Involving a rear impact
with another motor vehicle
Slight damage reported


Here is the sale history:
07/14/2001 Georgia
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Lithonia, GA
Registered as
personal vehicle


08/06/2001 15 Georgia
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Lithonia, GA
Title #7322012183002
Title issued
Registration issued
First owner reported
Loan or lien reported


08/15/2001 Georgia
Police Report
Accident Reported
in Fulton County
Involving a rear impact
with another motor vehicle
Slight damage reported


12/16/2003 50,659 Auto Auction
Sold at auction
in Tennessee
Listed as
a fleet vehicle


02/20/2004 53,770 Dealer Inventory
Murfreesboro, TN
Vehicle offered for sale

Can someone please help me with this as I really want this car but am nervous.

Daggra105

first, keep your options open and your emotions calm..there are alot of tl-s for sale. look for the right one.

suggestions;
1. look for spray paint marks around the claimed damaged area...look for rough paint, might be overspray...
2. access the damage? keep in mind, if damage occurred to chassis etc., might not perform and drive well
3. ask the dealer for certification points if it is a certified pre-owned vehicle..
4. ask for warranty from the dealer..
5. negotiate a better deal if you really want it.

at 56K, you will need a 60K maintenance...think about that extra cost when purchasing the vehicle.

ResidualFreedom

I wouldn't get it personally. I had to pass up four or five really nice TLs to get mine. Say you decide to take the car up to 150km on the highway and, because of the rear end damage, your car starts to shake and rattle. Typical of cars that have been in an accident, the entire car alignment doesn't get put back perfectly, so it appears fine untill you reach that specific speed, My friend had a 240 SX with the same situation.. He didn't get the car up to 150 in the test drive, so he thought it was a "steal".. Once he owned the car for a couple weeks he noticed the car shakes like crazy between 145 and 153km and before and after that speed it is fine. So he has an odd choice on the highway, 140km or 160km either one, but driving at 150 for too long would turn your hands numb and shake the car like a martini shaker.

- bottom line is rust can be removed - a warped frame is a BIG problem if you have it, huge problem..
- Don't think someone has taken care of their engine, when is a better chance to assume they had their engine detailed recently. 15 bucks in products and a half hour could have the engine bay sparkling. That's what I'll do before taking the car to the mechanics. If the engine is clean then it is obvious to the mechanic you know what you are doing and are not "scared" of the engine like most people are, you typically get a better deal on the work, plus they don't try and convince you of anything.. They also prefer to work on a clean engine, who wouldn't, they are usually joyfully suprised to see a detailed engine.. not too common it their practice.

welcome to the TL club. Just be careful, this car can be absolutly amazing at times and frusterating as hell, if you are a member of the multiple trannie club. I would make sure the car is close to perfect before you get it. Like said above there are tons of TL's for sale now, espically with the new 04 TL, don't get one that has been rear-ended, you will be kicking yours if you do, Just my opinion, Good Luck!!



POST # 800 :whocares:

orion_21

If it's a dealer, aske them what it would cost to certify it. The price may go up 1000 bucks, but you walk away with a 100,000 mile warranty. Also, you can get extra warranty coverage pretty cheap. I got an 02' tls with 40K on it, and for 9 bucks a month I have FULL bumper to bumber up to 100k. Every knob, switch, etc is covered (did this mostly for the Nav system). I also get free oil changes. I thought it was worth it.

I really think the extra cash is worth never having to worry about the car.