I am looking to buy a car and have narrowed it down to the G37 or TL. I found a 2007 Acura TL (with nav) locally. It has 63k miles and is in pretty good condition besides a few scratches that look like they were caused by a roof rack. The dealership is asking $21k, which I think is way too much. I have looked around autotrader and see they range from anywhere between $16k-$21k. This is not a type S either. Any idea on a good price?

 

NADA trade (what this car is worth): $15,800. NADA clean retail (dealer): 18,600. I would not pay full dealer retail--I suggest you seek a private seller.

$21K is simply ridiculous. You can buy 2010 TLs for this much all day.

Good luck. Here's my bag of tricks when buying a used car (and I've bought plenty, with very good "luck."):


1. One owner car - Adult owned. The guy I purchased my TL-S from was a professional guy who was upgrading to a 335i. Not the sort that beats a car.

2. Maintained with records - The car had all it's regular maintenance done at Acura, so it was easy to ask for the records to ensure it was cared for.

3. No accidents - This can sometimes be a bit tougher to track--especially with cars that have been brokered (another reason to go for one-owner cars). It's worth checking Carfax and Autocheck, but then giving the body (especially door jams, seams, etc.) a thorough inspection in good light to look for body work. I avoid cars at small independent car dealers (I'm not saying they're all bad), but many deal exclusively in auctioned cars with dubious pedigrees.

4. Privately sold - I have consistently found I can save thousands from what dealers require for their used cars. And trading in is even more of a losing proposition. Dealers work full time to maximize their profit at every turn--and some of them will skin you alive if you let them. I've found I'm allergic to car salesmen! And most regular Joe's selling their car won't lie to your face.

5. Inspected professionally - Paying a mechanic who is very familiar with the particular car is well worth it. Having mine inspected at Acura cost me $50, and saved me $1000 on the final price negotiation due to some things found in the inspection.

6. Purchased unemotionally - Like everyone, I get excited about buying a new (used) car. But now I try to stay objective, not emotionally attached as I decide. I now try to look for problems that might disqualify the car (like the absence of the above list) and walk away if there are problems. I took my time to look at about a dozen TLs before I settled on this one. It wasn't perfect--but I knew exactly what needed attention, and how much it would cost.

 

the correct price for that TL should be $17-$18k not a penny more, just wait and see how long it will take them to correct the price tag or the car will sit on the lot for months. You remind me when I check out a 08 TL-S back in 2012, the car has 86k miles asking price was $19k. I told the sale man no way in hell I will paying $19k for a car that will over mile in a year beside TPMS is shot, the car drove like shit, @45 mph the steering shake like crazy oh and lets not mention about the broken passenger fog light lens that collect rain water and forming a pool, rear bumper has a big dent look like previous owner back into a poll. Oh and the color wasn't my favorite, CBP with Taupe interior. The sale man trying to convince me its a rare car so he asked for my phone number, I give him some reasonable random number and before I walk out I told him good luck with the sale. The car sit on the lot for the next six months and finally they have to push it to the auction lot.

 

lol truonghthe, you are funny.

 

i was looking for a type S and saw on at a local Honda dealership. they didn't put up a price online, so i went there to see it in person. the car was in good condition, clear and whatnot, but they asked for 26k. i was like dude you smoking. The dude tried to convince me how rare the type s is and the best they can do is 25.5k. i was like good luck and walked out

 

Thanks guys! I appreciate the advice. I might throw an offer out soon, but I am going to continue to look around I saw a few 4Gs for good prices.

 

I purchased a 07 TL-S 6MT w/ 70K miles on it two weeks ago from a Chicago area Buick dealership of all places three weeks ago for 19.1K. (Clean carfax and only issue was passenger heated seat not working). It took me 6 months to find a 6MT but in that searching found plenty of non Type-S TLs around that mileage for ~$17K. If you decide on a TL be patient they are out there for cheaper.

 

don't get the FWD 4th gen TL, its ugly. Trust me with $18k can get you one with navi and the mileage should be around 50k miles.

 

Honestly if I were you I would choose a G37 over a Type-S.... More power, nicer and more updated looking interior, and it's a VQ motor so you'll love the exhaust note.. Not to mention there is a lot more aftermarket support for the G37 compared to the TL..

I always liked the 2007-2008 G35 and 2009+ G37 Sedan... I would trade my TL for one with black leather interior anyday. Even if the G is a Auto, it's still a pretty quick beast for a sedan.

The only downside to a G is that every damn person and their mom drives one. You literally see them everywhere compared to the TL. So in that aspect, the TL is a bit more "unique/rare" but I would still rather have the 328HP G37 sedan...

 

If this helps I just bought an 08 TL with 44k on it and not a thing wrong with it and its in amazing condition for 19k in MI.

 

I just bought my 07 TL Navi with 107k for 14,500.00. In Minneapolis thats a great deal. Most 05-06 with that mileage were going for 13,500.00!

 

I'm going to keep looking and see how long the car sits on the lot. I think if its there in a couple of months I'll offer $17k-18k tops, OTD...which would put it at $15-16k plus ask them to fix the scratches. I loved the way the car handled and overall I liked it a lot more than I thought it would.

 

There was a 2007 black type-s 6 speed for sale by me a few weeks ago. At a dealer with 80k miles or so and they were asking 18k. All I know is it sold within the week.

 

Wow, i got my 07 TL-S 6MT with 44k miles a year ago for $20,500 with clean carfax and in perfect shape.

That is a serious rip off.