I have the opportunity to purchase a 2002 Tl, has 108000 miles, timing belt was done and all other maintenance, only thing it is the original trans, am I pretty much guaranteed a failure, also I have owned 3 mdx which have been serviced at the same dealership, do you think I would receive any goodwill if the trans went, by the way the price is below market at 5500? Looking for opinions, thanks.

 

well its not a guaranteed failure because i have a 00 and still running strong with 105k *knock on wood* but other than that its a great car. but see if you can get it cheaper.

 

I think with that many miles, you are almost guaranteed a tranny failure soon. If you do buy it, try to work out a deal with them and get some sort of tranny warranty from them or else the car is going to cost you $9k, if you get your tranny changed there.

The price is below avg. for a car being sold at the dealer especially since the timing belt has been done, but depending on where you are, you should be able to find a type-s for that price. Private seller of course.

 

while having other cars with that same dealer is a big help in goodwill, on one of those cars.....
a 2002 car you just bought, past time limits and on the miles limit now,
whats their incentive to give you a 4 grand freebie??
you are going back in the car buying process--not forward-- to buying next years model..as they intended

somebody let a perfectly good TL with the 105 done go??
hmm that seems odd
Wonder if they got a diagnosis at aamc~ when it acted up one day,,dumped it on dealer trade or sell it private quick!

 

not all our trans will fail, some owners get 150-200 out if it!!- thats pretty good, considering

fluid condition tells a lot and a good test drive will show slippage

 

Yes, the maintenance may have been done, but you have no idea how the previous owner drove the car. To be on the safe side, assume the transmission will fail shortly. You will be out approx ~$2500 for the rebuild + possibly other expenses (rental, etc).
Other than the transmission, it is a solid car and you should only be in for normal wear and tear items for a while.
Factor the $2500 into your purchase.
This late in the game, you can assume zero good will from the dealer let alone corporate - this car is two model years behind.