I’m looking into getting a 02-03 TL but don’t have much experience and knowledge on the car. What I’ve read so far is that it might have tranny issues.

I’m gonna go take a look at this local one for sale with 80k miles.
Any suggestions/tips into what I should be looking for?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb...258153018.html

 

I would definitely check for records of when tranny flushes have been. Also check the fluid yourself on the dipstick with the car running. Check to see if it's black or burnt smelling. You also want to check fog lights to see if they're intact. The glass on them breaks pretty easy. Also make sure both of the HID's work because they can be expensive to replace if you don't know where to look. Make sure the Black keys are there as well. The gray key that comes with doesn't do much good. Mine had some bad noisy tires up front when I bought it so that might be something to check for. Also the 6 disc changer tends to go bad quick too so I'd check to make sure it works well. That's really about it I guess besides checking normal things like brakes and acceleration and oil level.

 

In general, just check the stuff that would be regularly maintained.

Is the radiator 50/50, or just water?

Brake pads, good? or no?

If the motor looks too clean, it probably leaks. Someone pressure washed it.

Just take a general look around. see if anything seems amiss.

 

The car looks nice in the pictures but check it over carefully. Black paint can be tough to maintain. It says carfax is available so request that upfront. Besides what was already mentioned regarding the trans, make sure it shifts without any issues. Also may want to check to see if the trans has been replaced yet. It my be on the carfax or you can check with Acura. Or you can also look at the bolts for the trans and see if they have blue paint on them which would indicate the trans has been replaced. Hopefully that price is negotiable a decent bit downward. Also see if the timing belt has been done. If not, that is another costly maint item to have to deal with soon

 

Funny, the people with it don't know it's a type S.. either that or someone wanted type s parts

 

Hey Iradier310, if ya don't feel comfortable with evaluating the car.....pay a shop to professionally inspect the car before making an offer. Things like trannys and T-belts add up real quick if in need of attention.

For that kind of money, I'd want to see a complete PM maintenance log from the original owner and dealership verification. The car really appears clean, but then again ......with the common issues of any ten year old car comes the potential of expensive repairs. Is there any type of warranty with the car ?

Check around to get a better idea of what comparable cars are being sold for in your local area. Do your homework and all will be well !!!

 

Not so sure it is...unless they removed the S from the emblem? I thought the Type S had perforated leather seating?

It looks like the other stuff does match an S (wheels, silver guages, etc) so maybe they really did just pull the S off the emblem?

 

That does look suspicious now that it was pointed out. The shifter does not look like the typeS and the seat bottoms are not perforated from what I can tell.