celine

Hi guys,
New here, hoping to own my very first Acura TL. Want to ask opinions on buying a 2007 vs 2008 TL. I can find a better price on the 07 with lower milage than I can with 08.
My other concern is the transmission, seems like a big enough issue, what should I look for to make sure I don't get dumped a shotty transmission? Are there signs/symptoms?
Thanks

eastcoastguy

The 07 and 08's are basically the same and it doesn't matter which one you go with. If you can get a low mileage 07, go for it. Transmissions for the 07-08 are better than the earlier ones but it still helps to maintain it well. Fluid drain and fills and pressure switches will give you the best chance for a long lasting transmission. Check the Carfax or maintenance history to see how the car was maintained, that will be your best chance for a healthy car.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

^^^^ This.....

JDM96specCTR

they are literally the same exact car. however, an 04-06 would have many differences from an 07-08 just fyi. also the 07/08 have a whole different transmission from the 04-06, and are much less prone to failure. the 07-08's are better cars by far than the 04-06

celine

Thanks guys for your response!

I found an 07 with 166k (km) for $6k.
It hasn't been babied, its dirty inside with marks and such on trim (not just wear and tear), the guy admitted he only used 87/9 octane (silver or whatever) fuel. Cosmetically its fine, no accidents. There is an annoying rattle around the gear stick (auto). Bluetooth/handsfree doesn't work, it drains the battery (surprise surprise) but it has nav which is ancient now lol. It needs new tires and new rotors to pass safety which will be a couple thousand?
What do you guys think?

celine

What are pressure switches?

celine

I forgot to mention, the alignment is off. The front tires show further wear on the outsides of the tires vs the rest of the surface tread.

eastcoastguy

Sounds like it wasnt maintained that well. The cheap price will be tempting but its not going to be worth it if you have to put a bunch of money into it right away and then potential of more money later because of poor maintenance.

Pressure switches are sensors on the transmission that monitor the pressures inside the trans and help it to shift (I think thats the jist of it) i could be wrong.

08KBP_VA

Tough to give opinion without pics or seeing car but from what you described I think this is a "pass" at least it would be for me.

GreenSpades

I would say pass. Look in the 10K range and you can find a car you dont have to do a bunch of work to as soon as you buy it. That car sounds like it wasnt maintained right. Also check to make sure the 105K service has been done, which is the timing belt, very important.

smurfhunter

Agreed. I got my '06 with 88k for $10K 9 months ago. It was very clean with maintenance records, which had the 105K stuff done 20K early.

celine

Thanks for the replies again. I had another look at the car, she's fine, hopefully all goes well and will have it tomorrow.
What else other than the timing belt for the 105k service? I'm looking at the CarProof, what will it show up as? I only see a Odometer Reading at 130k and service record showing at 145k