I’ve been keeping my eyes out, after parting with my 03 TLS, and I’ve come across a 2008 TL loaded, with 44k on it. Lady bought it at the Acura dealer in 2008 and just traded it back in to them. She had a few cars.

When buying something that’s been driven so little I wonder about the old fluids, the timing belt, other belts and hoses, rubber parts/mounts etc. struts. it was garaged and is immaculate.

How has the tranny held up just sitting there.

What else should be aware of? I mean this thing could drive perfect and a month from now everything could be blowing up on me. Or am I wrong to be concerned?

I’ll see full service records in the morning because if I remember right that same dealer did everything which isn’t much at 44k.

The dealer told me the battery died in the car because it was just sitting there. Bluetooth is currently not working because this woman put a new battery in the car and it blew out the Bluetooth module. They won’t replace that part because they can’t get it from Acura. Module looks cheap.

That Make any sense at all??

 

Your approach is good, rubber parts would be the main worry for me, definitely spend some time greasing everything white lithium etc. Condition the leather so that can get supple again without cracking And if the dash isn't cracked I would be very careful at first with temperature swings is make sure you use windshield covers etc. If it seems like it's been well cared for I wouldn't hesitate to buy. Also keep in mind there is a time component to some fluids too. Even if the oil and fluids don't have many miles if it's been a couple years I would do that too. Inspect brake lines specifically too to make sure dry rot hasn't set in anywhere.

Very important too to make sure your tires are in good shape and aren't cracking along the edges. All tires have a date code so make sure they aren't as old as the car or something.

Hope this helps just some things off the top of mind.

 

Thanks, did I mention they want $11,500 for it? Seems decent price. it’s not moving they thought they’d sell it in a day. 2 and a half weeks now and a price drop from $12,500.

I’m positive the Acura dealer put new tires on it. I’ll find out today.

 

If the car was 10/10 perfect no curb rash on wheels, paint is perfect, inside is perfect then it might be worth 11,500. But that's a bit much.

The bluetooth module is known for going bad, you can see it when you start the car up. And then scroll through the multi information display. If it is bad it will say HFL booting up and stay that way. It's a relatively easy DIY fix, with a new HFL module. The battery causing the HFL to go bad sounds like BS to me.

I'd do a fluid change on all the fluids and check the tires if you were to go for it.

 

11.5k does seem steep but I guess there aren't many others out there like it with those miles. If you like the car go for it, it should hold it's value pretty well until the miles get closer to 80k then it will be in the average low miles population with the rest of them. 12k buys some pretty nice cars and the dealer will also hit you with a dealer fee so keep that in mind for $500-900 + taxes, title, fees. There was a 2012 tl SHawd tech locally in NC, clean 70k miles for 12k, also I plan to sell my CBP TYPE-S with just under 100k for less than that when the time comes and I finish new leather interior for some price comparisons. In summary, if you like it go for it but keep your eyes open to other deals since there are alot of nice cars in that range, unfortunately prices seem to be high and inventory low due to covid. Best of luck!

 

I bought a 08 TL 2 years ago with similar mileage and needless to say up to this date the only thing I spend money on that car is for tires and some how my wife manage to blow out one of the rear shock.

 

how much did they give her for the trade in?

 

11.5k is a bit steep but if its perfect and i could afford it i would go for 11k. full service records, immaculate paint and interior, shifts well, minimal dings, etc. the HFL is kinda buns anyway, i unplugged mine as soon as i got my 06 and never looked back. if you do get it change all fluids and like EZ mentioned check all rubber and bushings, and while youre at it check hoses and lines (power steering, vac lines, coolant), along with grounds and check for overall rust. if it was garaged and taken good care of it should be fine. GLWP!

 

Is this one?

https://www.antoninoacura.com/used-N...UA66288A027528

It's the only one I could find with 44k but it's listed at 12.5 not 11.5. I can't find any record of the timing belt being done, so that would have to be done based on time.

 

Update, I love it. Should I go for it? Tranny issues down the line scare me (my guy said they all fail, see below).

I checked it out. It is clean. The body is really clean, except for a ding on the corner of the rear bumper (don’t care). Interior excellent. Engine bay very clean with everything looking pretty new but not like it was washed. I mean the timing belt on it looked excellent. The rubber all good, strong and pliable hoses and trim, moldings.

It drives friggin amazing. Smooth power. Very tight. The power steering felt like it was kicking in and out a tiny bit, either needs fluid or a pump, or drive as is

Tires are older for sure. Timing belt needs to be replaced I assume. Those are the first 2 things, and fluids.

Questions:
My transmission guy that did my ‘03 said every one of these cars needs a tranny, 06,07,08,09 etc. He does a ton of them. He’s the best around. That scared me.

Also would changing tranny fluid after a very long time hurt the thing?

As for the price, my state is higher than most and try finding one of these like this. They are ready to deal a little.

 

I'd say go for it but see how much room they have in it and bring up the timing belt maybe they can work that into the deal? Since Acura dealer also see if they can pull all dealer records/maintenance on it too. BTW, I dont think thats an unreasonable price if all checks out.

Note: its a used car every brand has their Achilles heels, my 08 Type S has 39k on it and I know there will be issues down the road but will that be 5k or 70k its always a gamble on a used car. Good luck in your decision. Chances are with that mileage and condition it was unlikely abused.

 

Whoever told you about the trans issue on the 07-08 model is full of sh*t, I personally own 4 auto trans within these year and I have yet has a transmission issue. Just take care of the ATF by drain and fill drive 10k-15k miles and do another one and you will be ok.

 

yes the trans issues stopped after 06

 

Thank you all. Especially for your thoughts on the Tranny. The guy who said they all fail, is the owner of the best tranny shop in the state. No doubt he’s biased by the 2,000 2nd Gen vehicles that came through his shop and made him a billionaire , but I think he knows a thing or 2. He said it might not go, but I should budget for it 100%.

So say it’s out the door at $12,000. $11 plus tax and dealer. Then there’s tires, timing belt, and fluids, first. I’m no mechanic so that’s what $1500 conservatively? At $13,500 I can probably find a newer one with all that done. A local Infinite dealer had an one, around a 2010-2012, immaculate, new everything with about 115k on it for like $12,000. Those brown leather luxury seats looked untouched.

Im not a typical guy with a real job where I can absorb costs easily or I’d buy the 2008 today and plan on a tranny. The thing is like a Porsche. Wonderful car.

I’ll have to see.

Thanks all.

 

There is no way I would advocate buying a low mile base 3G TL for over $10,000, errr, unless all fluids and rubber (including suspension, hoses, belts, tires, ...) has been recently replaced. Paying $13,500 for that car is a non-starter.

 

Just do it if you love it.

 

Yes, honestly I can get it for $11,000 but then I’d have to put the other stuff into it. That’s too much. I want exactly what you said. Belts and hoses and good tires. Plus the struts what’s the time lifespan of those things? I’ll need those too.

It’s got to be practical for me. I don’t have the money to buy it because I want it.

thanks!

 

The struts and shocks are probably good; many folks here get well over a quarter of a million miles on them.

 

After talking to a few specialists, I’m much more confident in the vehicle, I really just want new tires and a timing belt out of them. I find it hard to believe they payed retail price on a trade, they said they payed $10,700. I doubt it. The woman bought a new Acura and there’s no profit in new.

Used car prices have skyrocketed. Carmax offered $2000 over *retail* for my 2017 Impala that was my dad’s until recently. No I can’t keep it.

 

OP you are worry too much, let me give you an inside story.

I bought a 08 WDP with Ebony interior with Navi back in Feb 2018, the car has 44k miles, one owner that traded in at the Audi dealer. it got 4 months old tires and LCA bushing replaced about 6 months prior to trade in, I was able to pull the record. My wife been use that car as daily driven ever since and now has 92k miles on the clock.

YES it is still have the same original timing belt and water pump since 2008, the car still run smooth with no issue. As far as issue the only we did was replace the rear strut assembly as I have no idea how she manage to kill the rear right. Other than that it was nothing but oil change and ATF drain and fill between every other oil change.

I will do 105k service soon and I will be posting the original timing belt condition for you guy to see.

 

Thanks!

 

no way they paid 10K...

 

Bro, even if they did imagine the mark up, paint insurance, wheel insurance, GAP insurance, Dealer prep fees, blinker fluid fees added to new car lol

 

max they paid is around 7K. If you can get new tires, timing belt service (2K right there) you'll make out like a bandit.

 

I can’t see dealer paying more than 5k for that car. If they throw in brand new tires and timing/water pump job I’d consider paying the $11.5k. Otherwise those things will easily run you about $2K and are must do items. At 13.5k plus dealer fees and all that I would just add some more cash and look for a deal from a private party at 15k. Nothing is a guarantee especially with used cars but if reliability is a priority I would look at Toyota/Lexus.

 

On the price, so they want you to believe they'll only make $1k off the deal? I highly doubt that, below are the trade estimates from their own website

Edmunds True Market Value®
Value range: $4,015* up to $6,752*
Rough
$4,015
Average
$5,384
Clean
$6,752

As Ive said since its an acura dealer see if theyll work the TB and WP into the deal. If you buy for 11k or 11.5 will they do the TB job included, simple question. Tires can wait unless your saying they wont pass inspection.

The more you screw around analyzing this the more of an oppty the car will disappear or maybe your market is soft on 3rd Gen and it will sit. I can tell you that vehicle in my area woulda been sold in 1 weekend at my local Acura dealer especially in that condition.

Good luck

 

Yup yup. Dealers make BANK off of used cars. The markup on used cars is insane. I can guarantee that they paid SEVERAL thousand less than $10k

Yeah that's probably absolute MAX.....maybe $7k if the dealer was really generous that day, lol.

Dealer paid closer to 5k than 10k for sure.

Exactly.

Been watching a good father/son youtube channel where the dad was a car dealer for like 30+ years. They said the easiest way to estimate how much the dealer paid for that used car is to go look up trade in values on that car on various websites (Edmunds, black book/NADA, KBB, etc.) and take an avg of that and see the diff between listing price and trade in price....used cars are marked up SEVERAL thousand dollars at least. Used prices are bit higher so they probably paid a bit more than they would 12mo ago....but it's likely at 11k they are making $3k+ profit EASY

 

They refuse to do anything at the $11k price point. No timing belt, no tires. They did new brakes all around, that’s it. No Warranty at all (In my state they don’t have to beyond 6 years old.)

Inspection:
I brought it to a Honda dealer for a full 1 hour inspection. They were impressed. The mechanic said he couldn’t believe the shocks were so good, and no cracking on bushings or rubber, no nothing. Underside extremely clean. Tires need to done “Marginal” rating. Timing belt needs to be done because of time, and they are very serious about it no matter where I go for that. I have a guy that does it for $400 labor.

When I expressed frustration that the dealer wouldn’t do anything about this stuff, the Honda mechanics responded that it’s because “They know what they have, and honestly it’s priced very well, if not somewhat low for what it is.”

So that’s where it’s at. First bill would be tires ($500+), later the timing belt.

 

Also correct: No business person would pay $10,700. They insist they making almost nothing.

The trade-in customer is a big time Casino person and they maybe wanted this person as a new customer? Plus that person traded a one year old car with 12k on it, that’s on the lot at the same time.

 

LOL. Like it's been said before....they're making several thousand dollars on it. I've read that it's not uncommon for dealers to have a 30day/60day/90day policy where at each 30day interval they may reduce the price if the car doesn't sell. Lot of times they may sell to auction or to another dealer if it sits too long. Being a 6MT car the buyers market is much smaller...but also these ppl may pay more for the car....you can wait it out to see if price drops more but don't be fooled into thinking they are barely scraping by....even with another 1-2k discount, they are till making good profit...I guarantee it.

Up to you if you feel it's worth it. Make sure to check out ALL the interior buttons/switches/functions. Look at trunk and feel all panel gaps with your fingers to make sure no hidden repair/uneven alignment. Lot of accidents/repairs/crashes are not reported to carfax. With the tires + TB/WP service...be ready to shell out $1000+ in immediate service needs.

 

So walk..


Dealerships will lie cheat and steal all to make a deal.. They can say all they want but we all know the truth.

 

Ummm, I'm pretty sure the car in question is a base 2008 TL, which by definition has an automatic transmission.

 

Good point. My bad....think I confused it with another thread/car......

 

Yeah, if the car @Johnny2003TL-S is looking at was a 2008 TL Type-S 6MT with only 44,000 miles and as clean as it sounds, the dealership would probably be asking at least $15,000 for the car, and they'd probably get it too.

Edit: I posted the above, and then I saw this: https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...%2417k-990730/

 

I guess the price is what prevent you from making purchase, as a used car the price is somewhat high (I paid similar pricing 3 years ago) BUT at the end of the day we won't be drive or maintain that particular TL. If you think its over priced then just walk and look for another car, also here some food for thought, what used car around $10k won't require maintenance/ repair?

You got the full details of the car heath from Honda dealer, so all it need is a timing belt (also I already gave you input on that matter as well). As far as dealer story goes about previous owner or trade in, all of that info are irrelevant. I am here to buy a car and how it mechanically sound and not the story behind it, the dealer got that for trade in less than $5000 and I willing to bet anything on that.

 

its an auto

 

You’re right. But used cars are through the roof right now. Anyone in the used market?

But still correct: I’m waiting until next week. The price is the price. I honestly don’t see them coming down much. Once, if, it hits $10,000 it’s gone in a minute. My buddy got a basic 2006 Civic for his kid with 60k on it and had to pay $10,000. He knows what he’s doing when it comes to buying cars too. If this was Pennsylvania or some southern state, Arizona, this price would be lower. I’m in an expensive state.

I think, they think, I’m rich (I came down from a rich town) and I’m being a tight wad. I’m not by by any means either one.

Since I think it’ll sell fast at $10k, if I want it I should pay what I need to to get it soon. And screw it... Do tires day 1, and the timing belt in short while. Every belt and price of rubber on the car looks new. It’s not going to break soon.

 

If it gives you a comparison I paid $8,500 plus fees for my 06 TL back in February (came out to about 10K). However, the dealer did include a new timing belt with the purchase (they did it for $400 which was half the normal price, which is included in the 10k). It was a Dodge dealer that was also a Honda dealer so the Honda side did it.

Now, mine was a 6MT which at least here seems to drive the number up because of the rarity of it. This was also before COVID which drove up prices.

 

Agreed; I bought my 2006 TL 6MT for $10,000 out the door (New Hampshire has no sales tax) back in May of 2017 after five months of shopping. My car had 114,000 miles on the clock, had just had the timing belt done, and was in very good condition. The thing is, during my five months search, I saw LOTS of good condition 2006 TLs with comparable mileage and maintenance, but imbued with automatic transmissions, for sale, and none were more expensive than roughly $8,000 (most were more like $6,500).

 

Yeah, the automatics definitely go for less. I forgot to put in my original post but at the time of purchase the odometer had 65,890.

If it's in good shape that makes a difference too. A lot of third generations have been trashed now too.