Hey guys, I'm new to the forums. However, I've always liked the second-generation TL's. I've been looking at a local TL-S black on black for sale for $5k. However, I do have my doubts because I know that these generation TL's are known for the bad transmissions. I have a link below for info on the car.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/4445560783.html

What do you guys think? This guy doesn't have any maintenance records, but apparently has the carfax report. The mileage is also what scares me, almost 160k miles. I'm having the guy drive the TL-S over to my family's shop to get it fully looked at.

My question for you guys is, aside from what my worries are and stated, what do you think I should pay for this car?

Thank you in advance everyone.

 

Its on the expensive side for sure.. Unless he has a record of the trans being either rebuilt or replaced try to get it for 3500ish 4K is your TOP! 5K with no Records on the Trans? RUN TO THE HILLS!


Mileage is Little concern with these motors, Your main issue is not knowing how old is the trans and when its going to caput!

 

The guy claims that the tranny is perfect......
make him prove it with maintenance logs or offer a written notarized guarantee.

If he's still firm with the price, give him your phone # and tell him to call ya if he decides to go lower.

 

Someone else will get it before you if there is such warranty and for a bottom price. if the guy is willing to let it go for 3k, then he should list it 3k, and it should be gone in a blink. To prove it, the buyer should try it out, or get your own mechanic, don't you think? You make it sound like the owner is dying to trick someone to get rid of it.

You should check out 200k+ posts.

 

Yeah the guy has no maintenance records which is why I became skeptical in the first place. Only thing he says he can provide is a carfax, but that could only do so much to help put me at ease. Thanks for the input guys, I'm going to try and see if I can pick this TL-S up for around 3500-4k or I'm just going to move on.

 

The carfax may include some dealer records if serviced at a dealer. You can also call Acura with the VIN and see if a dealer replaced the trans at some point. Best bet is to drive it and put it thru the paces and check all the fluids closely. $5k may be a little high but it does look to be in very nice shape in the pictures.

 

After the hassle, I took a look at it in person. Pictures tend to be deceiving. Had a bunch of scratches all over the paint, along with small oxidation areas around the car. Decided not to pick it up due to the cosmetic stuff. Looked like it was also hit in the front area in which he lied about but I caught him off guard when I inquired him about it.

 

^^pictures can be deceiving for sure! Black is a tough color on top of it

 

You can easily call the dealer with the VIN and they can tell you if the tranny has been replaced.

My 02 TL-S has 175,000 miles and the motor and tranny have been perfect since I bought it at 40K. The tranny had already been replaced when I got the car.

I've had much more issues with the effing brakes pulsating.

 

Seeing this thread makes me sad that the person who bought my TL may not realize and appreciate that they got a 2G TL with a replaced transmission and timing belt/water pump 3 months prior.

 

^^^ Making ya sad, because ya had it all fixed up.....and maybe now missing it. ):

 

I got mine at 140k for 4,000$. I'm at 160k now with no issues