Possible purchase of 2003 TL with 91K miles, be afraid?
#1
Cruisin'
Thread Starter
Possible purchase of 2003 TL with 91K miles, be afraid?
Hey guys n gals,
Just wanted to run this by the experts here to make sure I’m not looking at a disaster as a good deal...
Short version is I’m a service manager at a large independent auto repair shop (8 mechanics, 16 Svc bays) with a pretty high car count. So one of our customers has a 2003 TL (non S) and is the original owner. She has had the struts replaced at our shop but no other maintenance other than oil changes and wipers. She had a minor accident which scratched up the RF fender and both right doors.
We have told her it’s due for timing belt, water pump, fluid svcs, etc but she is done maintaining it at this point, has 4 cars and doesn’t need them all. With the paint scuffing, she is asking somewhere around $1000, would you all say that is a fair price for a good running TL with VERY clean interior and 91K?
I’m very mechanical so timing belt and kit I would do, even if the transmission is in the future it doesn’t scare me too badly. I’m looking for a better commuter that’s fun, quiet, and better mileage than my lifted Toyota Land Cruiser.
Any my recommendations of what I should look out for on 2nd gens besides the transmission (and a good long test drive looking for shift flare or slippage)?
Thanks!
Just wanted to run this by the experts here to make sure I’m not looking at a disaster as a good deal...
Short version is I’m a service manager at a large independent auto repair shop (8 mechanics, 16 Svc bays) with a pretty high car count. So one of our customers has a 2003 TL (non S) and is the original owner. She has had the struts replaced at our shop but no other maintenance other than oil changes and wipers. She had a minor accident which scratched up the RF fender and both right doors.
We have told her it’s due for timing belt, water pump, fluid svcs, etc but she is done maintaining it at this point, has 4 cars and doesn’t need them all. With the paint scuffing, she is asking somewhere around $1000, would you all say that is a fair price for a good running TL with VERY clean interior and 91K?
I’m very mechanical so timing belt and kit I would do, even if the transmission is in the future it doesn’t scare me too badly. I’m looking for a better commuter that’s fun, quiet, and better mileage than my lifted Toyota Land Cruiser.
Any my recommendations of what I should look out for on 2nd gens besides the transmission (and a good long test drive looking for shift flare or slippage)?
Thanks!
#2
Burning Brakes
IMO: Aside from potential transmission issues, the 2G TL is a pretty bullet-proof ride. Depending on the extent of the damage to the right side, I think $1K is a very fair price, especially at that mileage. Check for oil leaks at the oil pump area, and even if the oil pump seal is not leaking now, I would consider replacing it anyway, while your doing the timing belt. Also, it would be wise to check all the engine mounts as well. Depending on where you live, you may want to check the exhaust system. In salt belt states, the rear muffler flanges tend to rust out prematurely. In my area, you can buy two doors and a fender from the local pick-n-pull, for less thn $150.00. How else could you get a reliable,comfortable attractive car for around a $2,000.00 total investment? Enjoy
#3
Cruisin'
Thread Starter
Thanks for the heads up on the possible oil leak location, that’s good advice. The damage to the right side is minimal, I would only replace the right rear door and calling around those seem to go for around $75.
My my thoughts exactly about the overall build quality on these models, except for the tranny they are pretty stout. BTW, I’m in Colorado so the body and undercarriage are clean and rust free.
My my thoughts exactly about the overall build quality on these models, except for the tranny they are pretty stout. BTW, I’m in Colorado so the body and undercarriage are clean and rust free.
#4
Latent car nut
iTrader: (2)
Adding to Frank's comments regarding salt; if in fact you do live in the winter salted road zone, the gas tank, fuel lines and brake lines are all prone to rusting out in addition to exhaust components.
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