exl_ent_v6

Hey guys,

Looking at an 09 TSX w/ Tech Pkg and was curious if there is anything I should look out for or inspect before pulling the trigger.

It has 82K miles and the dealer is asking $15K. The CARFAX doesn't show anything. It was a 3 yr lease then someone bought it. So I'd be the 3rd owner. Body looks good - it's dark grey - and the paint looks uniform no visible signs of prior body work. There are some spots of touch up paint on the rear bumper but typical for a car this age. Otherwise the rest of the body is in great shape - no scratches. The headlights are a little faded but I guess I can replace or try and sand/buff.

Engine looks - well like an 82K mile car. I drove it and it drives fine. I hear a rattle in the rear deck and possibly the front passenger's door but otherwise it's solid. It rattles only when driving not when stopped and with the radio I'm sure that can be easily fixed.

What big maintenance items will I face soon? What are your thoughts for someone looking at a car this old with avg number of miles...

Thanks in advance!!

iCrap

09 and the 9-10 tech issues.

- VTC actuator goes bad and causes grinding noises on cold start
- 09 has some oil burning issues
- 09 has rear brake pad wear issues
- Tech speakers are known to blow out all the time on the 9-10

dave_88

^^^that's probably it. the tech system just has the added "issue" of blowing speakers but it's all the same as a regular tsx. and just cuz the carfax doesn't say anything doesn't mean it hasn't been in some accident.

so far, i've blown zero speakers in my tech package and i do listen to bass "heavier" music.

2011 TSX

As far as big maint items I believe a timing belt will be due at either 90k or 105k. During the test dive if you do another one have the car idle over some light colored pavement for about 30 secs and see if anything leaks.

Some things to look for when buying a used car regardless of make:

Exterior

Windshield free of cracks
Body panel colors match
Magnet adheres to all steel body panels
Fresh paint job (if yes, it could be to conceal rust)
Seams where the trunk and hood close are properly aligned
Seams where doors and fenders meet are properly aligned
Free of body scratches
Free of body dents
Windshields wipers and blades fully functional
Headlights and directional lights intact and fully functional

Tires

Tires are a reputable brand name (Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear)
Tires are all of the same make
Tires are of free of any cuts, bubbles or cracks
Tread worn evenly (uneven wear indicates alignment and suspension problems)
Spare tire, jack and lug wrench on car and fully functional
Spare tire inflated
Engine

Free of fluid or oil leaks
Oil filler neck not coated with thick, black deposits
Battery terminals free of corrosion
Oil dip stick free of dark, black oil
Free of odors while engine is running
Exhaust pipe emissions are neither blue (indicates engine burns oil) or black (indicate excessive oil consumption)
Suspension

Vehicle rests levelly
When bouncing the vehicle's corners, no creaking noises are made
All corners respond the same when bouncing
Interior

Seats unworn and free of cracks
All doors open and close freely
Trunk opens and closes freely
Lacks a heavy scent of air freshener (may indicate something is being concealed)
All gauges work
No dashboard warning lights remain illuminated
Stereo works
Heater works
Air conditioner works
Windshield wipers work
Windshield wiper fluid dispenses properly
All seats equipped with functional seat belts
All seats adjust properly
Power windows operate properly
Sunroof opens and closes properly (if applicable)
Car alarm works (if applicable)
Trunk and driver-side door lock and unlock with key
Hazard lights function properly
Headlights, including brights, work properly
Frame

Chassis is neither bent nor cracked
No signs of crumpling or straightening inside the trunk
Frame holes just inside outer edge clean and free of scratches
Automatic Transmission

Transmission fluid looks clean, not dirty or gritty (no indicates possible internal transmission problem)
Transmission neither slips nor delays when driving
Manual or Standard Transmission

Each gear shifts smoothly
No grinding noises when in reverse
Brakes

Vehicle steers straight and does not pull to one side when applying brakes
Parking brake engages and disengages freely


No grinding noises when applying
Wheels do not lock when applying antilock brakes (if applicable)



Steering

Vehicle does not drift to one side without prodding
Vehicle is stable; no shaking or vibrating
No resistance in the steering wheel when turning
No clicking or clunking when turning
Miscellaneous

Car manual located in the glove compartment
Instructions included for any accessories
Service and repair records available
Owner has title

exl_ent_v6

I thought this car had a chain not a timing belt?

Thanks 2011TSX for all this - I haven't bought a used car since 2004!

iCrap

I think the v6 has the chain and the i4 has the belt. not sure though.

wpgacurafan

V6 has the belt, I4 has the chain.