I just bought an 08' TL Type-S for $9000 with 150k miles in it. The owner kept it in really good condition, and since I live in MA, it was rare to see a car that had no rust (He just moved from Texas) I had a couple questions for you fine folks here. Sorry if they've been asked before, I'm still getting used to this website and forum.

1. While the undercarriage is perfect, the paint does have dings and scratches here and there. Where would be a good place to get paint to fix this, and would it be worth it to bring it to a body shop? I would guess there's maybe 3 spots the size of half a dime that need fixing. Also, there are some scratches on the bumpers as well as the mirror, and I was wondering how I should fix those. I think the bumper is plastic, but I'm not sure about the mirror, I don't think it's down to metal.

2. The previous owner had a Compustar remote starter installed in it about 3 years ago. He said he never had any issues with it, but after the first week, when I would start it, it would work fine, but after turning the engine off, if I still left the key in, and tried any switches on the driver's side door (windows, driving position memory, etc.) there would be a loud clicking sound for around 20 seconds coming from the engine (starter I think?) and then I would need to input the navigation code. Also, the driver's side auto window switch function wouldn't work, and from some research on the forum, I saw that both of these meant that the battery would be dead. This made sense, because after hearing the clicking noise, I couldn't get the car started, however, after leaving the car overnight (off) I found it would start after inputting the navigation code, meaning the battery wasn't actually dead. Also, after unplugging the remote starter, the problem went away, and it's been two weeks, so I think that was the definite cause of the issue. Has anyone had an issue like this? If so, what did you do to fix it? The starter and installation are still under warranty, but if this is something I can fix myself, I'll gladly do it to lessen the hassle.

3. The storage backing of the driver's seat seems to be coming off. From my inspection, it looks like a clip might be broken. Is there anywhere that this part could be found? WHere do you guys usually buy parts for your cars from?

4. Any other suggestions for maintenance, or stuff to check? Any tips for driving the car or anything else? All advice and suggestions are welcome!

I've been enjoying the car thoroughly nonetheless, and I'm gonna be dailying it for years to come. Happy to be joining the family of 3G TL owners! For anyone that read through that entire novel, thanks!

 

1) yes, bring it to multiple body shops to get quotes on what you need taken care of.
2) loose wiring can have intermittent starting issues...corroded wiring as well can have the same intermittent starting issues.
3) online dealerships (www.acuraoemparts.com, www.oemacuraparts.com, any other online parts dealership will have replacement parts) unfortunately, might have to get a full seat back as they probably dont sell just the clip for the seat
4) take it to a mechanic, which should have been done before you purchased the car....the mechanic will tell you everything that is broken/needs attention. (not a knock on you, but you seem a little inexperienced to tackle any of the maintenance/repairs) a mechanic will also tell you about point #2

 

Thanks for the info! I did take it to a mechanic, who inspected it and said it was one of the cleanest TL's he'd seen in a long time. He said that anything that needs to be replaced has been replaced (ball joints, timing belt, water pump, etc.) I'll take a look at those sites for any parts I need, appreciate the help!

 

Awesome pickup then! congrats on such a clean car!

 

Thanks!