mscheripone

Im going to look at a 2004 Acura TL AT with 137K miles on it for $8995. Got the car fax and it has been serviced and has only had one owner. Trying to figure out if its a good purchase even if i can negotiate down to $7995. What needs to be done around this mileage?

Thanks

donaldso718

I think 9 grand is a lot for that year and mileage?

Aman

Try to get the service records in your hands so you can see that all maintenance has been done and up to date, at the dealer/reputable shop. Double-check to see that the 105k service was done and the timing belt/water pump changed.

Get it checked out by a reputable independent shop.

It is possible that the car has been in an accident that wasn't reported, so check for matching VINs on body panels. I think they're on the doors, bumpers, trunklid, and hood.

Check to see if all the panel gaps line up perfect, make sure paint matches perfectly (colour and orange peel).

And of course, give it a good shakedown when you test-drive it. Drive it with the radio off so you can hear any noises a car shouldn't be making. Listen for any rattles, this car is kind of notorious for that.

Ask, ask, ask, ask, ask! Anything you don't understand, are curious or concerned about, ask!

And take your time and search as much as you can. There are plenty of TLs there, cross-shop them, get the best example you can for your budget.

Good luck, and cheers to a future TL owner!

akertulis

that mite be a little far off in price i paid 10k for my 04/6mt w/navi with only 100k on it

mscheripone

Thanks everyone for your responses! I got the carfax and it was serviced at 101k miles but not sure what. I will check on that. Also the car was in an accident on the left side i went to see the car and it had scratches on the back bumper only. So what do you all think is a good price? What should i negotiate down to?

xtcxjigga

iTrader: (1)

You should check and see how bad the damage was from the accident. Once a car has been in a bad accident, it'll never be the same. I would not pay more then 7500-8000 for that, depending on condition and how it was maintained.

akertulis

yea i would def ask if you can take it to another garage and have it checked out for you because there not gonna lie because there not the ones selling it. Its worth a second opinion for sure and def get the timing belt and water pump and cerp belt replaced in the deal

fener6

i recently bought my 05 with 119k for about $9600. no accidents and one owner. bought it from an acura dealer too (came with a limited warranty)

hopefully that can give u an idea of a fair price for yours

erick3

the TL's can make 300,000+ miles if take care of properly. PM me and I'll throw you my number if you'd like. I can give you a list of things, that in my experience, need to be checked for any car past 100,000 miles (aka what needed to be replaced on mine before i sold it).

jimmyl

I wouldn't mind seeing your list of things to do with a car at that mileage. I will break the 100K barrier in the next week or two. I know about the impending timing belt, water pump, etc...... Would like to hear what else might be impending.

Trunk Monkey

iTrader: (1)

Recently bought my '04 w/ Nav for $10K with 100K miles

BitterAmerican

Even though I think that's a lot for that kind of mileage, the bottom line is that if the motor has been taken care of, the car will run well for much longer than the 100k milestone. If my in-laws' 91 Accord can last 260k and their friend's Accord (same year, but purplish) can last 400k+ with only regular maintenance, I can only imagine that the motors in our 3rd gen's will be able to meet or exceed their predecessors.

I would check the motor over carefully. Look at the dipstick for burns. Check the oil cap for buildup. Look at the spark plugs to see if the seals are holding up. If you buy it, run full synthetic and change it every 3k like you love your new TL.

loc05tl

i bought my 05 auto/nav fully loaded with 94k for $11.5k. so you do the math , but either way good luck. TL's are def great cars to own

veggiemonster

iTrader: (1)

i just bought my '04 6mt without nav for $8920...but the car was absolutely flawless for the 140k it has on it. (financed so i didn't talk the price down too much, but it was listed as 10,500)