I want to buy an 2004 Acura TL for my first car, I am 16.. Thing is I don't know if I can find a used one under 100k mileage also I'm stuck on what color to get.. please help

 

Yes

 

when dealing with used cars; you might not get your first choice or even your third choice.

when picking a used car; the VERY MOST IMPORTANT THING is how well the car was taken care of previously.

who cares about color; if its broken?

 

so, mr. 16 year old....

you're going to have to be an adult and go look at SEVERAL TL's.

when you find one that is clean and running decently; then you can be choosey on color.

 

you can also check out some of the TL's that are being sold on here.

guarantee that the cars are well taken care of on here.

 

I wouldn't do a 2004 TL or any 3rd gen TL at age 16. If this was a few years back I would tell you go for it. Today however, most look for the "lowest" priced 3rd gen TL which is usually salvaged, high mileage or just a pile of shit. On top of buying this vehicle, it will most likely need some maintenance. Depending on the maintenance required, it may cost you big.

The TL requires premium gasoline as well, not that it's a huge difference in cost from 87 to 91-93 but it can for some. All 3rd gen TL's share some common issues like blue tooth failures, compliance bushing failures, engine mounts, some form of power steering issue from pump to rack, dash board cracking, leather ripping, interior bulbs going out, rear calipers sticking or completely frozen ect. 2004-2006 Automatic transmissions have quite the risk of failures. 07-08 are better units.

Keep in mind, these things cost to repair including the 105K service. Most of the TL's at 120+ have a greater chance of 105K service NOT done because it's expensive. Most people ignore to do this service and end up getting rid of the car. either way, best of luck while you search. I suggest you look into something more economical without a V6 and timing belt setup. Cut some of the expenses by saving on fuel cost, parts cost and overall maintenance costs.

 

x2. even tho, i have a comfortable salary, this car is taking most of it from repairs to modding.

and at 16, i didnt have a job with $0 in the bank. I wouldnt be able to afford this kind of car when I was 16.

 

So you think I should look at the 07-08 TLs 07-08s are a little pricey and I'm looking at the price to be under 10,000

 

My dad is buying this car for me I have to pay for the gas and insurance and the rest of the cars expenses I just have to get a job.. I am planning on getting this car next summer anyway

 

Too bad. I'm going to either trade or sell my '04 TL 6MT in the next three months, give or take a week or two. It is pristine, has never seen snow, garage kept, even parked under cover when I was working, no door dings, everything works, 110,000 miles.

 

oh my,not my dad again. I would stick with a civic or corolla so that way if anything happened I won't ruin nice car,after couple months or a year later you get experience then move on to the next level.

 

under 100K miles and $10,000 is a hard find. Not impossible, but difficult.

 

yeah man, like the guys on here are saying, i think you'd be better off with a cheaper vehicle to start off with at 16. If you like the TL, have you considered a 06-08 TSX? If I were you, I'd consider shooting for one of those, but be sure to get it with the 6 speed manual transmission!!

Otherwise, although Civics aren't the coolest cars, I'd look at those too. You can likely get an 07-08 Si for a good price and they came with an LSD, 6MT and 200hp engine. Not bad for a 16 year old to mash on and pick up some good driving skills. A Civic will hands down be much more economical for you to keep on the road.

The 3G TLs are starting to show their age, in that I bet you a great majority of the ones for sale have something wrong with them. I mean, it's a 10+ year old car. It's expected. But it sucks not having the funds to keep it in excellent shape.

"oh, the bluetooth doesnt work. that knocking sound? yeah, that's just my suspension that needs an overhaul which I can't afford atm. Push that dark button- it's supposed to be back lit, but the lights are burnt out on it." etc, etc...

Also, aftermarket support for the 3G TL kind of sucks. There isn't all that much to choose from and parts are generally on the pricey side.

 

All this talk of TSX and newer civics... why not just get an old Integra or Civic? They are super simple, easy to work on and can be taken through hell and back plus get good MPG to boot.

I bought my GSR for $3,500 (stock and unmolested)

When I was 16 I bought my first car, a 1987 Integra for $600..94k miles, little rust and purple tint, lol I was working as a bagger at a grocery store back then.