Buying a AT 2004 with 50k+ miles... what to look for

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Old 07-23-2010 | 05:57 AM
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anilhanda's Avatar
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Buying a AT 2004 with 50k+ miles... what to look for

I know there must be a thread in here somewhere regarding the 2004 issues. I've heard transmission issues, but are they major/minor? I'd like to hear some comments from those of you who own a 2004 with 50+ miles (or in that area).

I found a black/tan 2004 w/ Nav with 82k KMs (50+ miles) for $17,000 CAD, I'd love to jump on this!!
Old 07-23-2010 | 07:39 AM
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I bought a 2004 TL with 43,000 miles several months ago.

The first thing I would do is use the VIN to confrim on Acuras website that recalls impacting the car have been taken care of. This will let you know if any recall work needs to be done, and it might give you a little window into how diligent the previous owner was about service.

As with any used car, the next thing I would look for would be the seller's service records. When were oil changes done? Has the automatic transmission fluid ever been changed? Tires, brakes, air filter, cabin air filter, etc.

Transmission failures seem to be hit or miss. The AZ community has some ideas to help ward-off transmission problems, including 3x3 automtic trasnmission fluid drain and refill with a quality synthetic ATF and replacement of the 3rd and 4th gear pressure switches on the automatic transmission.

Good luck. I hope it works out for you.
Old 07-23-2010 | 08:09 AM
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If using the search, you'll spend all day reading about the TL, but I'll chume in and with the '04 at 68,000 miles, I've not spent a dime on anything other than normal oil and filter changes. Just make certain that you, or a person with you is experienced enough to give the car a once over as would be done when purchasing any used car. Carfax is a start, but as all the body panels have the VIN number, check to be certain they all match and are present. I believe that the numbers on the front fenders and bumper are hidden by the plastic panels.

Good luck.
Old 07-23-2010 | 01:08 PM
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Drove it today.

Driving
- right away steering felt tight, took effort to turn (although it loosened a bit)
- braking was slow, but actually more responsive than a 2006 i drove a couple weeks back
- (keep in mind it's AT) as i accelerated in the highway from 3 to 4 RPM, it felt sluggish. it felt as if it wasn't catching gears quick enough, is that the 3rd and 4th gear shift replacement that needs to be done?

Initial superficial impressions

- considerable scuff marks on the tan leather driver seat, other than that leather was fine
- two door rings on the right side

Car information
- was a trade-in
- was in an accident in 2005 (18 months after bought). apparently it was a rear-ender, but right rearside window was smashed and replaced, right back brake replaced, rear bulb replaced. sounds like a serious rear-ender.

what are your thoughts on all this? sounds not bad. actually was more impressed with exterior quality than i thought i would be!
Old 07-23-2010 | 01:56 PM
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Originally Posted by anilhanda
Drove it today.

Driving
- right away steering felt tight, took effort to turn (although it loosened a bit)
- braking was slow, but actually more responsive than a 2006 i drove a couple weeks back
- (keep in mind it's AT) as i accelerated in the highway from 3 to 4 RPM, it felt sluggish. it felt as if it wasn't catching gears quick enough, is that the 3rd and 4th gear shift replacement that needs to be done?

Initial superficial impressions

- considerable scuff marks on the tan leather driver seat, other than that leather was fine
- two door rings on the right side

Car information
- was a trade-in
- was in an accident in 2005 (18 months after bought). apparently it was a rear-ender, but right rearside window was smashed and replaced, right back brake replaced, rear bulb replaced. sounds like a serious rear-ender.

what are your thoughts on all this? sounds not bad. actually was more impressed with exterior quality than i thought i would be!
Mostly all luxury cars have a tight steering. Have you driven a BMW? I love the tight steering factor. IMO, it makes it more fun to drive it.
Old 07-23-2010 | 09:11 PM
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Ask for maintenance records! Also good threads if you use search and just browse around.
Old 07-27-2010 | 01:45 PM
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i own a 2004 tl since last feb. and i had no issue with it ...i had it at 58 000km....and now its at 79 000..i did my regular oil changes and brakes..and let me tell you its gonna be a sweet ride for a while...if you are really worried get it looked at directly at acura it ill be worth your money trust me
Old 07-27-2010 | 03:07 PM
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anilhanda's Avatar
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im getting it looked at by my friend who works at honda

since i'd be buying it from a dealership, they're going to do their own inspection as well.
Old 07-27-2010 | 07:37 PM
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buy extended powertrain warranty. Those trans are fragile and one trans repair will more than pay for the warranty.

I dunno why the car was sluggish above 3K that engine has a FAT FAT FAT torque curve and pulls very well all the way through third (automatic).....stick should pull slighly better

Last edited by YeuEmMaiMai; 07-27-2010 at 07:40 PM.
Old 07-27-2010 | 08:55 PM
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man.. seems like everyday its the same questions hahah. people need to learn how to search
Old 07-28-2010 | 11:03 AM
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anilhanda's Avatar
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Originally Posted by con5tant
man.. seems like everyday its the same questions hahah. people need to learn how to search
because people say things like 'seems like everyday its the same questions' without ever providing any constructive feedback

and more likely than not, the people who posted in those other topics (saying what their issues were 50k+ miles) would scoff and not post here, allowing people who have never posted in those topics to post. or just opening up the discussion. discussion... hm.. that IS what this forum is for, n'est pas?
Old 07-28-2010 | 02:12 PM
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https://acurazine.com/forums/search....archid=3504882
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/potential-3rd-gen-tl-purchase-785434/
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/soon-tl-owner-what-watch-out-784920/
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/2006-acura-tl-w-navi-sale-good-buy-785092/
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/3g-tl-service-department-aka-garage-questions-answers-check-here-first-553557/
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