Hey all. New to the Third Gen, but definitely not Acuras. Here's what I'm thinking: I'm buying this in 2 days...



Here is my problem, though. I want my car as close to stock as I can get it, and would like to get rid of these tails and replace them with stock. Factory stock tails are pretty expensive, though, even through Tim.



I'm also pretty certain that those tails are illegal here in my state, and would really rather have stockies.

Suggestions?

 

They are stock.
it looks like it has some kind of tint/shade over it.

try something that will get rid of paint.

also,the rear side marker is different than stock. the stock ones are red. you're gonna have to buy/trade.

 

typically, painted on tails are removable via sanding + polishing + buffing. if you're buying it from a dealership or what not, include getting rid of the blacked out tail lights in the deal; it isn't hard to do. if it's a tint, better...you'll be able to pull it off! good luck with the purchase/congrats!!!!

 

You can always check out the black market on the forum. Might be your best bet for getting cheap tails.

 

congratz on the car ... to remove tint just heat it and pull it off, or trade with someone im sure someone will be willing to, btw car looks clean!

 

nice, id keep those

 

trade with someone

 

if its just a tint film thing, you can steam it and peel it off. if its spray, your gonna have to trade like everyone else says lol. i like the stock ones too

 

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the help.

 

**MOD EDIT**

Thanks, both of you, let me get the car tomorrow and I'll make up my mind from there. I hadn't noticed the side markers until it was pointed out. The car has to pass CPO inspection tomorrow before I can finalize the deal, so I might be getting ahead of myself.

BTW, its a 2004 TL, 74K, SSM/charcoal, non navi. Auto. A former student that now sells for the local multi line dealer put through the hookup on this, and he's having it inspected before its put on the truck today, and having a full CPO inspection in their shop tomorrow to lessen the chances that this car might be a dog.

 

cool cool ... how much is it going for?

 

I'm paying $14,500. If the deal doesn't work we will just find another one.

 

Like everyone else said if its tint you can peel it right off, if its spray tint I believe you can use break cleaner that would get the paint of but if you do try it on a small piece first.

 

While you're at it, take off that sticker under the Acura emblem.

 

If it's spray a laqcuer thinner will take it off.. Just be careful with this stuff, it's powerful. Wetsanding and buffing will take forever. Also try a cleaner wax on them as well.

Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcom you know what you can do ahhh its already been said. good luck.

 

I really wish to thank everybody for all the replies, but I guess the discussion was rendered academic since the car came in to the local dealer last night and has a laundry list of issues. Its going back where it came from.

In short,this particular car is a complete dog. Back to the search with my salesman and try to find one that isn't a POS.

Thanks again.

 

Keep searching, and good luck!

 

Better to figure out it's a dog BEFORE you drive away! Thank goodness. Have the MODS change the title to "What about this one". You can post up any newly considered TL's and you'll get oodles of advice etc for anything you might be concerned with.

Not sure if you drive stick but most seem to regret either NOT getting NAVI, or not getting 6 speed or both. Try and find those beforehand.

J.

 

Good idea.

Thanks!

 

def get the navi ... and im one of those who regrets not getting the 6mt so like said above def test drive one before you make your decision. and if your on the fence about the 6mt go for it!!! otherwise you will always regret it like me

 

Don't want/need navi. Believe me, I live in a place where that feature really isn't necessary. I live in a state that DEFINED the concept of BFE. :lol:

At my age, I really don't care what transmission a car has, so long as it goes with a bit of authority. It might be a 6MT, or an auto. These things just don't matter anymore.

 

6MT is high in desirability for resale IMO.
And fun to drive and you won't have to worry about the transmission!

BUT...I do agree on the NAVI front...I don't need it either and I live in a metropolitan area!

 

i think 6mt is only highly desirable among enthusiasts ... but to the general public it would drive down the value of the car

 

Glad that you found out the issues with the vehicle. And $14,500 for non-nav auto isn't the best. Got mine for that price with Type-S wheels, navigation, and a 6Speed.

 

I agree with the 6MT being desirable since only one in 40 TL's from 2004 to 2008 had one. Makes them very hard to find, and when I did find one it had not been treated very kindly.

Right now, I'm working on a WDP, 2005, 82K, navi. I guess I will take what I get. Not posting pictures or a link in the fear that this one gets jinxed as well. If this deal falls through then I will just finish up where I am with the Integra project car and just drive it through the winter.

The one posted above in the original part of the thread came out of a dealer in the Denver area that is doing some really BS stuff. They are buying up totaled cars, fixing them in their own shop, and selling them as clear title vehicles. That SSM car above has been totaled as there is evidence in the form of a cracked dash that it has been totaled. The techs at the dealer that my friend and former student is working to help me out also said that all of the air bags have been replaced because the wiring has been jury rigged. Rat bastards.

 

+2 I didn't want/need Navi either.