The Acclude

What would you say is the median income or TL-S OWNERS(read: not lease). I don't make *that*much per hour(just above double digits/hr), but I could make a sizeable downpayment(5-6K). I want an ABP TLS with the OEM kit at least, but used is looking like a safer financial decision (at 20 yrs of age). Opinions?


What are someof the costs I should be aware of(aside from worrying about the tranny & rotors problem?

vlam

Don't know what you currently drive/own but don't forget about insurance cost. 20yr young and a $30K vehicle. Depending on where you live and whether you will have your own policy, Insurance is defintely not a thing to leave out.

kclai

buy used if you have to buy this car. this car ain't all that great. service sucks and I just had to replace my tranny and the "service advisors" treat you like crap.

Diamond Type-S

i agree about the insurance thing, i pay upwards 3 grand for insurance and my car was a demo when i bought it, so not that many miles on it. If you can afford it that might be the way to go. Of course everyone knows Jersey's insurance rates...

ferizzo

a 20-22k loan will come out to about 430 bucks a month for 5 years. This on top of insurance, gas, maintenance can be a bit much depending on what you make. If you live at home that it might not be so bad.

I disagree with kclai. This is a great car when you look at the price tag. You won't get anything better at or around this range because the G is a little more money. What other car gives you good performance, nice interior, and space all for under 30k (without the kit or navi)? Good Luck.

goldendragon576

I personally LOVE my TLS!! I think it is the greatest purchase I have ever made. at 20 I don't think it's a good idea for you to purchase a new TL-S, used maybe but I think the TL-S is bit out of your range. It may be okay for a little while but think about how your gonna pay for the car a year from now. The insurance is what's gonna kill you and even if your parents pay that for you, keep in mind that a little over double digits an hr isn't going to be easy paying $400-500 a month. Don't forget the mods your probably gonna want to get. I make about +-$50/hr and I still question whether I can afford some of the things I want to do it it. Once you start with the mods, you won't want to stop. Good luck in your decision though and let us know what you decided to do.
Just my thoughts.

The Acclude

Thanks for all the great opinions...
Here is what I drive, or trying to sell.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4290020535

I've done the racing thing for a while now, so I'll DEFINATELY be backing away from that for a while. I just live @ home, but the car would be a full financial responsibility for me, and I am dedicated to being able to sucessfully own a TLS, because It is the only car I can see myself driving other than my current car Im kinda focusing on selling my car first so I can make a nice down payment. I'll look into insurance and the other operating costs soon. Besides I haven't seen any ABP TLS' for sale anywhere near Austin Tx yet

kgoessling

With the multitude of problems with the TLS, do yourself a favor and buy a Toyota!

lilirish

i might be selling my girls solara...u intrested

ColdFusionTL

um....no

:p

VTEC Animal

With regards to the service, you've always got the rep above the dealer you can go to but by all means if you only have one dealer in the area I would say that you should meet the service department and try to get a feel for them. This is something I would suggest to ANYONE buying a car that would have a factory warranty, whether it be an Acura, Lexus, Mercedes, Ford, or Kia.... It's a good idea to pick out your service location WELL before you'd ever POSSIBLY need it. So even if you never have to see the repairman, you should have an idea where you want to take it just in case.

Now, with regards to the car, I'd buy used if you can find what you're looking for. You'll save a LOT of money, and with the way new car rebates are right now it's driven the values of used cars down because dealers are having a tougher time selling that used car with no rebate instead of the new car with the rebate. Right now, I'd HIGHLY suggest that you check out the TSX before you buy. And if you're serious about the TL, wait until October or November if you can, as there will probably be more lease returns during those months and probably more trade-ins than normal if the new TL hits. Maybe you could snag a buyer before they trade it in and save yourself some bucks (offer the owner $1500 over the dealer trade-in).

CarDumb

You say you still live at home (I assume that means your parents' place). It's personal preference, but if I had to choose I'd rather live on my own than have a TL. ...just my 2¢.

TL-S Playa

I'd say go for it. I have a 98 v6 accord coupe that I want to sell but the dealer will only give me 10,000 which I think is a ripoff but I plan on purchasing a 2002 TL-S for 26K does that sound fair?
It;s fully loaded with navi and only 23,000 miles
some on give me advise?


Accord is too slow

unbeknownst

"Fully loaded" TL-S??? As opposed to one that isn't?

TL-S Playa

I meant with the navi:wow:

The Acclude

I dont really look forward to throwing money away on rent when I can milk the few bills thing for a year or two.

My mom almost traded in her 02 Accord coupe for an 03 6spd but the dealer only offered 14500 for a 24K car(last year).


I've been reading all I can @ www.carbuyingtips.com looks to be a helpful website. Thing is if I find a used one (for 20-23K) Id still be putting @ least 5k down, so then I'd try and find one with navi....oh well I have some time to decide/find a car. Certified cars are almost as much as new ones though

CLens

I'm 16 and I have a 2003 TL Type-S with Navigation. I say go for it.

The Acclude

I think I know the answer to how you got yours but how much di you or the purchaser(s) put down and what ar [your ?] monthly payments/insurance costs like?

CLens

I had my mom finance it, because she has really good credit. She pays for the insurance, and I give her 600 a month for payments and whatever. I think the payments are like 350 a month. I'm not really sure.

goldendragon576

CLens, I'm curious, where does a 16yr old get $600 a month??

LiQiCE

I got my TL-S with NAVI for $32K before taxes and tags. Put down about $8K-10K or so I think, and I'm paying I think $450/month for 60 months with a 5.9% interest rate.

The insurance on the car was only $10/month over my '92 Eclipse GS (no-turbo) ... I think its $117 a month now or something like that. So $1400 a year roughly for the entire year. Thats full coverage... I'm in VA though, perfect driving record and I get a discount too since I use the same company for my homeowner's insurance. I'm 23 btw.