Considering buying a TL
#1
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Considering buying a TL
Hey guys, I am a 18 year old freshman college student and was thinking about buying an 06 TL with nav for 20k. It has around 63k miles on it. Is it a good deal? how reliable are acuras? ( was thinking about an 06 audi a4 also) And do alot of TLs have problems before the 100k mileage mark?
#3
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63 is high, but if you can get a better price on it, then why not. The 06 in my opinion should cost you at the most 20K, and thats with new tires, all service recipts, no damage (no scratches, dents, chips), leather wear is minimal, all booklets are included, the rims are not curbed, and the car is in essentially tip top condition, which only 5% of cars fall into. My guess is if its like the average owner with the average car, 18.5 should be good. My TL just got to 62K and is working almost like the day I got it. the 06 TL is a very nice car with some additons over the 05:
1. TPMS
2. Torque limiting system (if you get into a car with FWD and punch the throttle from a standstill, the steering will jerk into 1 direction. This is called torque steer. Average Joe complained about this and a system was added in 06+ TL's to prevent this. If you can hold a steering-wheel and have some good reflexes, torque steer is no problem to control or handle since the VSA system will instantly kick in to help you out.
3. redesigned transmission 100% sure, the transmission design was changed in 2005 models, honda did not release the VIN from which the new one started. BUT the 06+ ones are much stronger and sturdier than the early 04-05 ones.
Personally, go look at the car, look out for the normal stuff like wear and tear like tire life, fluids, tire wear, paint, scratches/dents, etc.
Then look a bit more in-depth for all the panels to have VIN stickers, there should be a STICKER WITH THE VIN on it on ALL panels, doors, hood, trunk, chasis, etc. If there is not one, it has been replaced, and most likely been in an accident.
1. TPMS
2. Torque limiting system (if you get into a car with FWD and punch the throttle from a standstill, the steering will jerk into 1 direction. This is called torque steer. Average Joe complained about this and a system was added in 06+ TL's to prevent this. If you can hold a steering-wheel and have some good reflexes, torque steer is no problem to control or handle since the VSA system will instantly kick in to help you out.
3. redesigned transmission 100% sure, the transmission design was changed in 2005 models, honda did not release the VIN from which the new one started. BUT the 06+ ones are much stronger and sturdier than the early 04-05 ones.
Personally, go look at the car, look out for the normal stuff like wear and tear like tire life, fluids, tire wear, paint, scratches/dents, etc.
Then look a bit more in-depth for all the panels to have VIN stickers, there should be a STICKER WITH THE VIN on it on ALL panels, doors, hood, trunk, chasis, etc. If there is not one, it has been replaced, and most likely been in an accident.
#4
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First of all, welcome to AZ I have owned two Acura's and they are very reliable. Not without problems, but I've had nothing major. Maintenance is very low as well. There are a few issues the TL's have had but you can get corrected under recalls if they have not been done yet.
You may want to read this thread:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=tl+06+recalls
You may want to read this thread:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=tl+06+recalls
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Well I can possibly pick up a grey 06 TL with like 43k miles i think for about 23k sticker price and im sure the dealer can drop the price a bit. And both of these TLs are basically fully loaded with nav. Its just hard to get a car in my age group because insurance is so damn expensive =(. So am I making the right decision from these cars: G35 coupe, audi A4(06), 06 BMW 3 series sedan, 06 TL. I have a civic which has 137k miles on it at the moment so yeah hondas are very reliable, but what mileage should I look for? I am looking for car payments to be 200-250 a month because insurance is over 300 a month. And i Have 7500 to put down.
#6
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look for a car that is under factory warranty, I think its 4 years 50,000 miles. That way you can extend it. the one with 43K is perfect. Look over it and get a mechanic and buddy to look over it to look for any potential issues. I suggest highly that you buy from an acura dealer since it has to be certified.
#7
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IMHO- keep the civic. Your 18 and your a freshman in college. Save your $7500 and wait until you graduate to buy something. Maybe not the response you were looking for but it is my opinion.
Welcome to the site BTW.
Welcome to the site BTW.
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#8
Burning Brakes
Sensible advice but he's not gonna take it, when you get the car itch you gotta scratch it! When I decided I wanted a TL nothing else would've satisfied me.
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haha yeah but It really is not going to cost me that much because of the prices of cars just fell. How much does it cost to extend the warranty?
#10
I drove my accord for 14 years, 230k miles before I let her go (when we picked up the RDX last year). And now I'm living large in the TL. Going to see if this TL can last 14 years as well.
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Well I can possibly pick up a grey 06 TL with like 43k miles i think for about 23k sticker price and im sure the dealer can drop the price a bit. And both of these TLs are basically fully loaded with nav. Its just hard to get a car in my age group because insurance is so damn expensive =(. So am I making the right decision from these cars: G35 coupe, audi A4(06), 06 BMW 3 series sedan, 06 TL. I have a civic which has 137k miles on it at the moment so yeah hondas are very reliable, but what mileage should I look for? I am looking for car payments to be 200-250 a month because insurance is over 300 a month. And i Have 7500 to put down.
A car payment of that low would mean you have a really low finance rate (which at that age/credit history you won't get) and are paying for the car for the next 10 years. ($15000 loan at 8% for 6 years is $263/mo.)
Plus, in college you will be able to beat up your car and not worry about it.
prices will def. go down and there could be more choices come next year as leases start coming back. on a used one I would wait. New ones on the otherhand are going fast.
#14
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Dont think so....although the prices on 3G (2004-2008) TL's have been declining ever since Acura released the new 2009 model. You should have some good bargaining power..especially with the current economic situation. Many of these dealers are doing whatever they can to get these cars off the lot.
#16
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I looked over the fact your a college student. Get a TSX, it gets better MPG and probably will have cheaper insurance since it costs less.
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Yea you should be able to find great prices now. I bought by 2005 TL a few months ago before the 4G was released and the economy collapsed. If i was to buy the same exact car now I would probably pay a couple grand less. I would definitely consider looking to buy now, prices are good and probably wont change much in the near future.
#20
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i've been looking for a TL for a month now, im just taking my time because I don't have a car payment and I have a 03 civic coupe that works just fine. Im just wanting something a little bigger, nicer, and faster. Just take your time and don't rush into anything.
I've emailed many dealers one right now I have on the ropes is a 2007 TL Type-S, on the site it says 28,000 dark blue with about 23,000miles on it. I told the dealer that the blue isn't my first choice of color but can be if the price is right. He said give me a price. I just said $24,000 out the door with tax and license and all of that stuff. I got an email back saying ok, swing by.. I also brought up to him and said " I was looking into that Acura TL and I figured sense you are not an Acura dealer you would wanna get rid of that fast and for a good price" so me I think that might of helped a little too.. Let us know what happens and i'll let you know what happens.
I've emailed many dealers one right now I have on the ropes is a 2007 TL Type-S, on the site it says 28,000 dark blue with about 23,000miles on it. I told the dealer that the blue isn't my first choice of color but can be if the price is right. He said give me a price. I just said $24,000 out the door with tax and license and all of that stuff. I got an email back saying ok, swing by.. I also brought up to him and said " I was looking into that Acura TL and I figured sense you are not an Acura dealer you would wanna get rid of that fast and for a good price" so me I think that might of helped a little too.. Let us know what happens and i'll let you know what happens.
#21
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Do you think I wud be able to drop the price of a 06 TL which is at 22k down to lets say 20k with tax and license? because tax and license is like atleast an extra 2k. I just called a lexus dealer that has an 06 TL for 22,976 with 47,203 miles and it has nav and everything. What price should I argue for? Oh and I am going to go see the car tonight in a few hours.
#22
Burning Brakes
And besides even if you don't buy any warranty you should still get the balance of the factory warranty that came with the car when it was new, which covers the powertrain and expires when the car is 5 years old or 100,000 kms.
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Do you think I wud be able to drop the price of a 06 TL which is at 22k down to lets say 20k with tax and license? because tax and license is like atleast an extra 2k. I just called a lexus dealer that has an 06 TL for 22,976 with 47,203 miles and it has nav and everything. What price should I argue for? Oh and I am going to go see the car tonight in a few hours.
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I am located in the SFV california. What price should I bargain for? My dad said he would like to keep payments under 250 because of insurance payments.
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Sounds like a good deal, just a matter of whether you want that many miles or not...
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I looked at `06 & `07 TL's at Acura dealer b4 we bought our new '08. They had an `07 TL w/12k mi + Navi for something like $24.5k. If you can get any kind of extended warranty on the `06 you'd better pony up the cash- 64k miles is pretty high for 2 yrs old. You'll also need to think about things like brake pads, serp belt, other wear items once you take delivery. (I'd look at a nice Accord coupe or Civic first- use the other $$ for tuition)
#28
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http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/search...dsfyc=&systime=
look at all the ones i found just from 50miles from 91710. so you should be able to bargin im sure. and all of these have way less miles than that one. good luck
look at all the ones i found just from 50miles from 91710. so you should be able to bargin im sure. and all of these have way less miles than that one. good luck
#30
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Well guys, my dad is offering to buy me a fully loaded used mercedes e500 with 350hp so i think im going to go with that, im just worried about maintenance ugh
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Hope you have a good mechanic, or lots of spare cash. Merc E series parts/service are real expensive. You'll be lucky to get 12 mpg. They are tanks however, your dad is looking out for your safety, I presume.
#33
(If I were you, but I'm not, I'd opt for something less flashy.)
It's nice that your folks take good care of you. Aint nothing wrong for parents to give their kids the very best they can provide.
The problem is the rest of the world. You can approach the issue, "Screw everyone else. They're just jealous, not my problem," and prance around. But by doing so, prepare to accept all the sh!t that comes with that decision. Brace yourself for people calling you names out of spite and envy. It's human nature. You have what many don't, and what some may never ever attain.
I'd personally never buy a 18 yo kid the E500. Hell, I'd be hesitant to even buy my kid the TL at such a young age. Doing so would just set my kid up for unnecessary hassles from the cops, from his peers, and cause problems. There's nothing wrong w/ a little modesty and humility, and I'd be doing my kid a disservice if I wasn't trying to instill those values into him/her.
It's human nature that many do not appreciate what they have when it's simply "given" to them. A lot of kids from wealthy families do have this attitude and are flat out obnoxious pricks (which is why they get a bad name in the first place) thinking they're better than anyone else because of money.
This is in no one implying that you're some spoiled, snot-nose brat. Just saying the world we live in is quick to judge and assume. Be prepared to accept the criticism and the crap that comes along with the decisions you make.
Last edited by usc; 11-13-2008 at 04:04 PM.
#34
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Well guys, the mercedes E500 was sold to people that arrived to the dealership FIVE minutes before me... =( However, I am now considering an Audi A6 or the Acura TL. I decided against the E500 because it is unnecessary power and low gas mileage. I want the acura TL because USC, you do make a point. I do not want to be that flashy even though some of my friends are. (19 year old friend has the new gen M5) I think I will stick to a fully loaded Acura TL if I get a good price because it is very reliable.
#35
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Well guys, the mercedes E500 was sold to people that arrived to the dealership FIVE minutes before me... =( However, I am now considering an Audi A6 or the Acura TL. I decided against the E500 because it is unnecessary power and low gas mileage. I want the acura TL because USC, you do make a point. I do not want to be that flashy even though some of my friends are. (19 year old friend has the new gen M5) I think I will stick to a fully loaded Acura TL if I get a good price because it is very reliable.
1. Cost of maintainance $200 oil changes vs 29.99
2. Cost of Insurance
3. Common Issues
4. Community to help out
5. Distance of dealer
In my case, the TL won by a landslide.
#36
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Also Mercedes have bad resale value compared to an Acura. I saw a 2007 C class I think for 22,000 or something like that, at a dealer. Everyone has told me also they have low resale. Audi I heard are ok cars, have you thought of Lexus? Like the IS editions?
#37
Safety Car
Good time to buy with the economy being where it is - the TL's a fantastic car. I love it and thus far, I haven't had any major problems with her - maintenance wise that is. Got it my sophomore year.............in high school -_- still going strong!
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Well im not that worried about resale value because I want to keep the car and I am experienced with mercedes because my dad has a mercedes s500 and a s550. As for lexus, I decided I would rather save my dad some money and get a TL. I really like the TL and with nav it has EVERYTHING I need.
#39
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aboutryski, where are you located? I spent quite some time searching for the TL that I wanted (6 months actually). I could probably help you out if you just tell me what your looking for (nav, color, MT or AT, etc..) and where you are located. I had my mind set on getting a NBP with black interior, 6MT and Navi. Trust me, this exact car is very hard to find, but after a long search I finally found it!