I'm looking into buying an Acura TL and found a really nice 2004 Acura TL A-Spec. I have never owned an Acura before so I don't know much about it and that is pretty much why I'm asking on here. The only thing I'm really concerned about is reliability and service costs.

It's Antracite Gray exterior with Black interior, 6 speed, no navigation. Has all the regular stuff like MP3, Satellite radio, heated seats, etc. Clear CarFax record. 1 owner. The only thing that bothers me is that it has 90,124 miles.

Are these reliable cars, especially with over 90,000 miles and a 6 speed transmission? Are the maintenance costs expensive? Pretty much looking for the good and bad about the car. I don't want to buy a car I will regret.

 

First of all, welcome to AZ!

Second of all, it's a Honda product, most Honda products have very low maintenance cost. Thirdly, that car would last over 250k miles if maintained properly. Check the CarFax/AutoCheck and get it inspected by the dealership or by a trusted mechanic. TL A SPEC package? Does it come with all of it? A SPEC = wheels, performance tires, steering wheel, underspoiler kit, suspension, etc... If so, buy it!

 

Very reliable 100% worth it if an A-Spec!!!

 

does it have mp3 capabilities included w/ a pxamg or something similar installed by the original owner? the tls don't have support for mp3 til 07 and 08 i think ( i know they have the aux in jack for sure)

 

CarFax was checked and it is clean, nothing at all wrong with it. 1-owner, about 14,000 miles a year. It has the A-Spec underbody kit, badging, steering wheel and rims. The listing does say it has the suspension as well but how can I make sure it does actually have the A-Spec suspension? It also states that it does have MP3 capabilities as well as XM Satellite radio.

Also, the car is listed for $14,890. What is the average price range for this car with the listed mileage?

 

After car as I'm concerned, the 04's don't come with mp3 capabilities; just an fyi. As for your maintenance costs, you can expect to spend close to 1500 in maintenance, once you hit 105k; water pump, belts, plugs, etc.. No real problems with the manuals, aside from the 3rd gear issue, but that can be fixed with gm synco fluid; there's a tsb out for that now, I believe, via Acura. These engines are really meant to be used past 300k; as someone (experienced member) once mentioned; I believe him.

Congrats (soon to be) and WELCOME TO AZ!

 

If the steering wheel is Aspec I can almost guarantee you it's a "real" Aspec from the dealer.

As far as reliability...I think you can have the timing belt and water pump done for a lot less than $1500 but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it myself. 6 speed is a joy to drive...just make sure you don't care about the NAVI cause it's a bear to try and add later if you do. Seems like a good deal...but for an 04 and that mileage I'd attempt to knock 2K off the price. Just my opinion.

Look into I-Simple product from Peripheral Electronics for Ipod compatibility. $150 and you're golden. Plenty of DIY's for all your modding needs on here. Welcome!

 

Try and take off 2-4k off the price. Expect to pay around 1k-1500 for the 105k mile service. Might want to check the clutch as well.

 

I'm not as familiar with 04's so correct me if I'm wrong, but the MP3 capability he's talking about may refer to the ability to play MP3's burned to disc rather than plugging a player in.
Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about the mileage if the car has been correctly maintained. Your most expensive maintenance is coming up soon at 105k (timing belt, water pump, etc.), but you should be fine after that. Oh, and don't forget the clutch...
Good Luck! I hope it turns out well for you.

 

Sucks it doesn't have the nav. When I was shopping I had to have the navi lol. Anyways knock the price down to 12-13k and I would say go for it.

 

i have a navi but my girlfriend's garmin is wayyyy better. she keeps it in her purse and uses it everywhere - dont fret if it doesn't have a navi. but i bought my 05 TL a spec w/ navi for 14,000 earlier this month. i wouldn't pay 14,000 for an 04 non navi, but either way... you are getting a great car and you're def going to love it

 

You should be able to get them down at least 1K since the car will need the 105K servicing pretty soon, and that can run pretty high. Also check the clutch, you never know what may have happened to it with the previous owner.

As another member said, it's a honda! It'll last easily if taken care of properly.

Another thing is the MP3 Matter that everyone has spoke of, the 04TL doesn't play MP3 cd's with the factory head-unit. Maybe an ipod input module was added

 

I got my 04 with 79000 for 13k so don't pay that much.

 

Just to add in, the FULL a-spec package is about 5K when buying the car new.

 

It was 7 grand in 04...and they didn't even have the steering wheel part of the package back then.
I only know because I was with my stepdad when he leased the one I currently own.

 

Yeah considering that a-spec, the deal seems to be really good.. nothing to lose by trying to knock down 1k and see if they accept :P

 

Niece looking car. Are they offering any warranty, or as-is?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

 

Haven't visited the dealership yet so I'm not sure if they are offering a warranty or selling it as-is. I'll most likely check it out on Monday and take it for a test drive.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

I got my 04 tl with 78k for 10800.00 with 2 new tires from bmw vista last year in nov. Mine also has the aspec kit all around and steering and suspension and navi. I would not pay more than 7800 or 8000 for the car, i paid cash for my car so not sure if that is a issue for you but it should help when trying to know money off the price.
Good luck

 

If you can get them to sell that car to him for 7800-8000... I'll pay for it for him!

 

Let’s not get ridiculous about the price. KBB has a ’04 A-Spec excellent condition:
Dealer Retail $14875
Private $12375

 

LOL I guess you guys will just have to always overpay for everything in life, just cause you overpay for something does not make it better.
i would work a deal for him but i'm in Miami area, kinda far.
why would you pay retail in this economy? the moment that car is started and placed in drive by the new owner.... boommm booom pawwwww that bitch just dropped $3000 in value.

did you not read my entire post? i bough the same car last year for a lot less. why would he pay more than i did a year later for the same car? come on smart guys answer that?

 

I just purchased an 06 TL non nav 6MT for 12,500. It has 90K miles on it. I thought that was a great deal and I never owned an acura before. I can tell you the TL is a super fun car to drive , with the aspec options, i'd say bamboozle him about 1500 and take it

 

This thread is 6 months old! Ha ha...I hope he made a decision one way or the other at this point.