Buying this '08 TL this week--Need advice!
#1
Buying this '08 TL this week--Need advice!
Hey everyone. I currently own a 2004 TL with 150k miles on it. I owe 5k on the car and the car is worth about 5k. I plan on swapping for this 2008 Acura TL with 60k miles either today or tomorrow:
http://www.cordovacars.com/2008-Acur...-38016/4887867
What specific questions should I ask the dealer about this specific model and year to make sure everything is on the up and up? Any specific problems this year and model have had? Also would just like your general thoughts/ideas about the purchase. My monthly payment is only going up about $50 bucks. Not bad.
Thank you.
http://www.cordovacars.com/2008-Acur...-38016/4887867
What specific questions should I ask the dealer about this specific model and year to make sure everything is on the up and up? Any specific problems this year and model have had? Also would just like your general thoughts/ideas about the purchase. My monthly payment is only going up about $50 bucks. Not bad.
Thank you.
#2
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
its the same car as your 2004.
so, if you know the in's and out's of your 2004, you will know everything about the 2008.
literally, its the same freaking car.
it has the same exact engine as your 2004. the tranny is a little better.
but i would make sure the tranny in the 2008 is shifting as great or even better than the 2004.
LITERALLY, its the same car. Literally.
so, if you know the in's and out's of your 2004, you will know everything about the 2008.
literally, its the same freaking car.
it has the same exact engine as your 2004. the tranny is a little better.
but i would make sure the tranny in the 2008 is shifting as great or even better than the 2004.
LITERALLY, its the same car. Literally.
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Acura-OC (06-09-2014)
#3
Safety Car
iTrader: (4)
Carfax looks good...no reported accidents and only two owners, low miles. Pictures look fine but that doesn't say much, you have to be the judge of that in person. No nav, but maybe that doesn't matter to you. Color combo is actually pretty cool IMO...classy setup. The 07/08 years are solid vehicles with no major issues and it should be a nice upgrade for you if you dont mind getting back into another 3G TL.
Cant tell a whole lot from the pics, only thing I see is the passenger side plastic under spoiler (under front bumper) is peeled back so if your picky you might need to buy a new one. Looks like its just the end piece...probably from a curb or something.
Pop open all the doors and trunks and hood and look for the original VIN labels, check paint and clear coat texture and consistency to see if its had any body work. Lastly, drive the car and put it through its paces.
Goodluck.
Cant tell a whole lot from the pics, only thing I see is the passenger side plastic under spoiler (under front bumper) is peeled back so if your picky you might need to buy a new one. Looks like its just the end piece...probably from a curb or something.
Pop open all the doors and trunks and hood and look for the original VIN labels, check paint and clear coat texture and consistency to see if its had any body work. Lastly, drive the car and put it through its paces.
Goodluck.
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BluffCity04TL (06-09-2014)
#4
its the same car as your 2004.
so, if you know the in's and out's of your 2004, you will know everything about the 2008.
literally, its the same freaking car.
it has the same exact engine as your 2004. the tranny is a little better.
but i would make sure the tranny in the 2008 is shifting as great or even better than the 2004.
LITERALLY, its the same car. Literally.
so, if you know the in's and out's of your 2004, you will know everything about the 2008.
literally, its the same freaking car.
it has the same exact engine as your 2004. the tranny is a little better.
but i would make sure the tranny in the 2008 is shifting as great or even better than the 2004.
LITERALLY, its the same car. Literally.
Carfax looks good...no reported accidents and only two owners, low miles. Pictures look fine but that doesn't say much, you have to be the judge of that in person. No nav, but maybe that doesn't matter to you. Color combo is actually pretty cool IMO...classy setup. The 07/08 years are solid vehicles with no major issues and it should be a nice upgrade for you if you dont mind getting back into another 3G TL.
Cant tell a whole lot from the pics, only thing I see is the passenger side plastic under spoiler (under front bumper) is peeled back so if your picky you might need to buy a new one. Looks like its just the end piece...probably from a curb or something.
Pop open all the doors and trunks and hood and look for the original VIN labels, check paint and clear coat texture and consistency to see if its had any body work. Lastly, drive the car and put it through its paces.
Goodluck.
Cant tell a whole lot from the pics, only thing I see is the passenger side plastic under spoiler (under front bumper) is peeled back so if your picky you might need to buy a new one. Looks like its just the end piece...probably from a curb or something.
Pop open all the doors and trunks and hood and look for the original VIN labels, check paint and clear coat texture and consistency to see if its had any body work. Lastly, drive the car and put it through its paces.
Goodluck.
#6
06 Anthracite TL
The only significant downside is that you're going from being $5K in debt on what you have to $16K in debt on the 08 (since I guess you'll trade or sell the 04 for what you owe on it, so no equity in that car). It's OK if you don't mind the debt (unless you're paying in full). Is your 04 pretty shot at 150K miles or is it worth keeping and paying off to be out of debt?
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justnspace (06-09-2014)
#7
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
It could be wax, but make sure the light colored stuff on the lower bumper insert isn't paint overspray:
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#9
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
The only significant downside is that you're going from being $5K in debt on what you have to $16K in debt on the 08 (since I guess you'll trade or sell the 04 for what you owe on it, so no equity in that car). It's OK if you don't mind the debt (unless you're paying in full). Is your 04 pretty shot at 150K miles or is it worth keeping and paying off to be out of debt?
#10
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
#11
KCCO
#12
My '04 is pretty shot at 150miles. Had a few problems with it and really don't completely "trust" the car anymore. Need to make a move. Not concerned with the little extra debt. Car talk in this thread gentleman not my finances. Thanks for help.
#13
#16
Oh man I just found this and got in touch with the seller. If I can get them to knock down the price i might go with the '09. Thoughts?:
http://www.roadshowmini.com/VehicleD...-TN/2271619113
http://www.roadshowmini.com/VehicleD...-TN/2271619113
#17
Oh man I just found this and got in touch with the seller. If I can get them to knock down the price i might go with the '09. Thoughts?:
http://www.roadshowmini.com/VehicleD...-TN/2271619113
http://www.roadshowmini.com/VehicleD...-TN/2271619113
G4 fu fu fu...
#18
Safety Car
iTrader: (4)
The 09-11's are really awkward looking cars (12+ improved a lot), but can be decent with a couple nice mods. If it's a base model I say no, if it's an SH-AWD I would probably do it over a 3G base.
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Spectra Phantom (06-09-2014)
#19
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
It's not AWD. Pass.
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justnspace (06-09-2014)
#21
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
sure, purchase the car.
Since, I know what to look for, I would have no problem buying this kind of car.
see the lower valance on the passenger side hanging off?
its either been wrecked or the previous owner drove over things.
and we cannot tell you what to look for as each car will have its own history and its own "surprises"
i'm telling you, its exactly like your 04.
if you've been driving your 04 a lot, you'll pick out things that are wrong on the 08. you just have to pay attention and look at details.
Last edited by justnspace; 06-09-2014 at 05:17 PM.
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BluffCity04TL (06-09-2014)
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BluffCity04TL (06-09-2014)
#23
I'm ok with the little kinks on the 08. My current 04 has the same kinks. Going to drive it tomorrow. Will let you guys know. Will prob go with 08. I appreciate all the help.
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BluffCity04TL (06-10-2014)
#26
Options:
2008 TL - 59,941 miles- $16,250- all the bells and whistles
2006 TL - 43,202 miles- $14,500- base model. Still nice though.
Before going to look at the cars, it looks like it would make sense to go with the '06 if we look at $$$$. I could really care less about the bells and whistles. '06 has fewer miles and is cheaper.
2008 TL - 59,941 miles- $16,250- all the bells and whistles
2006 TL - 43,202 miles- $14,500- base model. Still nice though.
Before going to look at the cars, it looks like it would make sense to go with the '06 if we look at $$$$. I could really care less about the bells and whistles. '06 has fewer miles and is cheaper.
The following users liked this post:
justnspace (06-10-2014)
#28
Asian Persuasion
Options:
2008 TL - 59,941 miles- $16,250- all the bells and whistles
2006 TL - 43,202 miles- $14,500- base model. Still nice though.
Before going to look at the cars, it looks like it would make sense to go with the '06 if we look at $$$$. I could really care less about the bells and whistles. '06 has fewer miles and is cheaper.
2008 TL - 59,941 miles- $16,250- all the bells and whistles
2006 TL - 43,202 miles- $14,500- base model. Still nice though.
Before going to look at the cars, it looks like it would make sense to go with the '06 if we look at $$$$. I could really care less about the bells and whistles. '06 has fewer miles and is cheaper.
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BluffCity04TL (06-10-2014)
#29
#30
06 Anthracite TL
What I would do is go to KBB.com or Edmunds.com, get the appropriate pricing for both cars (retail pricing) and work down from there. The prices listed likely have a decent profit built in...your job is to test drive and then price the cars accordingly. The dealerships job is to get what they're asking for it- the actual sales price will be somewhere in the middle. If you think the price is too high for either car (they won't come down), be ready to walk out and do it if they seem completely unreasonable. You'll get a call from them in the next few days to try to make the deal. It's been done this way for a very long time...it's a big game and you have to be ready to play (unless it's a Carmax or CarSense- in NJ/PA- type place where there's a non negotiable price).
If the 08 appears to have damage and you still want it, negotiate the price down a bit based on that.
If the 06 appears to be a decent car with the lower mileage and less money (no apparent damage), get that one.
If the 08 appears to have damage and you still want it, negotiate the price down a bit based on that.
If the 06 appears to be a decent car with the lower mileage and less money (no apparent damage), get that one.
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#32
I'm also in the market, but only shopping for an 07-08 (I kinda have a thing for 3-spoke steering wheels) and have recently been leaning towards a base non-nav, since I was thinking I'd primarily continue to use my phone/google maps for navigation. This fact makes me lean more towards getting Nav.
#33
Asian Persuasion
Thanks for posting that, I had no idea DVD-Audio was only with Navigation.
I'm also in the market, but only shopping for an 07-08 (I kinda have a thing for 3-spoke steering wheels) and have recently been leaning towards a base non-nav, since I was thinking I'd primarily continue to use my phone/google maps for navigation. This fact makes me lean more towards getting Nav.
I'm also in the market, but only shopping for an 07-08 (I kinda have a thing for 3-spoke steering wheels) and have recently been leaning towards a base non-nav, since I was thinking I'd primarily continue to use my phone/google maps for navigation. This fact makes me lean more towards getting Nav.
#34
However it shakes out, you really have to put your foot down otherwise they'll walk all over you. Push for those numbers that are what you want because they're going to make money off the car regardless, even if they cry about their overhead costs. If that doesn't happen then you have to either walk away, or decide to settle if its what you really want.
Personally I would probably go for the black 06. If you can already see just from the pictures that the 08 is shady, or just simply not taken care of, that's probably enough to put me off.
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BluffCity04TL (06-11-2014)
#36
I like turtles
For that kind of money I would look for a Type-S. Atleast make the extra money your going to spend worth it, and it will feel a little less like the exact same car.
#37
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Financing basically the same car you have for another 5 years just to lose some miles doesn't make sense.
#38
Thanks for the post this is the idea I am struggling with. I feel that the difference in miles is so substantial that it would be worth it to finance same car for five more years. I just want to feel like the car I'm driving isn't about to die on me, if that makes sense. I just want to be able to depend on it and get from point A to B.
#39
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Thanks for the post this is the idea I am struggling with. I feel that the difference in miles is so substantial that it would be worth it to finance same car for five more years. I just want to feel like the car I'm driving isn't about to die on me, if that makes sense. I just want to be able to depend on it and get from point A to B.
#40
Not really. It has 153k miles and I just feel like it's getting old? If there was a time for me to get into a newer car it would be now because my trade in value and what i owe on the car are almost the same. I'm paying $270 a month for a car with 153k miles on it when i could be driving the same car with 60k miles on it for $300. Am i making any sense?