Hi guys, I'm new to the board and had some questions: A friend is selling a 2002 TL-S in mint condition with 24K miles on it (no navi). the car has the stock warranty until 10/06 and the extended tranny warranty until 10/08. I know the had the recall (oil jet kit) done last fall at 20K miles.

I think I can get the car for $19K, is this a good price? what else to look out for? I know the tranny has issues, but I'll be covered for 3+ years. Is there a tranny cooler that can be installed? Why not put on an external like full size trucks, etc. do? It seems the problem is a cooling issue from what I've read. \

Any other suggestions/ points of interest would be appreciated.
TIA,
Charlie

 

hey Charlie, YES, that is a good price for a TLS with 24k miles on it. (in my opinion).

i have a tranny cooler installed, it is easy to do and does not cost much, but bear in mind it will not solve the real issue of why the trannies are failing. this does have to do with overheating but it's because the 3rd gear clutchpack was not made to actually withstand the heat and force being put on it by the type-s engine. a tranny cooler with help but will not prevent the failure if it is to occur.

i love my TL-S and personally i would do it all over again, even if i knew about the tranny issues beforehand. not all the trannies will fail, but we know from our own group here that the failure rate must be up around 25% maybe 30% of the total number of manufactured TLs between 99-03.

i still say, buy the car. if you need a new tranny get the free one from warranty and put away $3500 little by little to buy a rebuilt, beefed up tranny to have installed at some later time if you need it. the car will last you for 300k miles EASY (my father's toyota avalon has 185k on it now and has never had any problems if this shows you how far you can take the car when you care for it).

good luck with your decision.

Bob
(SSTS)

 

sounds like a good deal...

 

find one with NAVI!

 

go for it