dodonne2

Hey Everyone,

Im about to buy a 2003 Acura TL Type S with 212k miles for $1500. The issue with the car is that the previous owner has been driving it with the spare tire on it for the past 2 YEARS. The spare is a 55, the other side is 65. You can clearly feel it pull hard to one side when you hammer the throttle.

My question is, what type of major mechanical fix can I expect in the future from this? Transmission, Transfercase?

Also, would you recommend putting the correct tire size on after I buy it, or would that just accelerate the probable mechanic failure.

Thanks for your input.

Derek

Jakes_tl

This generation of TL's have horrible transmissions so you can expect the transmission to go any out on you any day.

Chojun

Wow lol. I'm guessing that you have the spare on the front??

I would not buy this car. It probably has major issues. If the owner couldn't afford to pay ~$135 for a new tire then it probably has serious problems with it.

Also, running tires of different sizes on driven wheels is SO bad for the differential.

Pass this one up and keep an eye out for something a little better maintained.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Wouldn't that just be torque steer?

TacoBello

It likely is much worse than normal due to the different sized tires.

thoiboi

Keep looking Derek..

dodonne2

I can buy it for $1500. Sounds like it would be $1000 in parts if major mechanic issues develop. $2500 for this car isnt a bad deal all things considered. You're thoughts?

Thanks for the opinions

Chojun

Probably more than that. You'll be looking at about $1800-$2000 for a new transmission (parts + labor for an AV6, see our thread about AV6 for more info) if (when) yours craps out. At 212K miles you're likely in need for your 3rd timing belt (assuming it has been changed once). That will run you $1000.

Check for power steering leaks, which are common. You can overhaul the P/S system yourself for pretty reasonable price but if you have to hire a mechanic, ~$300.

You need to buy a new tire and rim, ~$300.

You probably need new engine mounts. Ours are known to require replacement every ~75K miles. Do it yourself for around $350 if I remember correctly. For a mechanic, about ~5 hours labor on top of that (do it at the same time as your timing belt).

You might need a new O2 sensor. Your valves need to be adjusted, and EGR port/passage cleaned/cleared in the intake manifold. Possibly new spark plugs as well. You can do that yourself for cheap, or the dealer will charge about $300 for 3 hours labor.

I've observed most people going around ~200K on the stock suspension components. You'll likely need to update your coilovers. Wheel and other bearings, too.

Don't forget about other maintenance items like radiator fluid and brake fluid. Also, check your valve covers for leaks - I've noticed that these tend to go bad and need to be replaced as they leak oil (mine do). You can replace these when you do your valves.

Call it a hunch or paranoia but I'd do a compression test too.

So the long answer is that if you love this car enough to buy it, you're going to put some money into it to get it running like it came off the assembly line. But if you're willing to do the work and spend the money then you WILL love this car.

However given the fact that the previous owner never bothered to get off the spare tire, I'm willing to bet that there were serious maintenance lapses. Was the oil changed regularly, at least?

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

Derek, run. I repeat run far away like when a crazy ex is chasing you with a knife.

previous owner was driving on a spare for 2 years? why? Couldn't afford to pay for a new tire, shit even a used tire. So this leads me to believe that this owner did not give a care about the TL.

Did he even do the 105k service 107k miles ago?

Has he done any maintenance on the car, TB waterpump etc

Any service receipts, carfax etc?

212k if the transmission hasn't been replaced (which I'm sure it has probably multiple times) add on an additional 2500.

Shit owner is probably trying to dump the car because the 2nd or 3rd tranny is going out.

You pay $1500 for the car and will probably have to put $4000 into the car which equals not worth it.

Tosh

Run away from this neglected car!
Tons of nice ones out there.

01tl4tl

Funny, you look smarter than to even consider that car!

different aspect ratio tires cause damage you dont want to think about- and as stated before- so may things have likely NOT been done as maintenance on that car
Look in our Member Cars for sale section for better options

Be aware ANY TL is going to need some work- ~1000$ worth to start
Then worries of trans failure etc....stash 2 grand for that emergency