Dream Car Purchase Question
#1
Dream Car Purchase Question
One of my dream cars is an Acura TL, I now have a chance to get one! Im not able to afford a brand new off the lot so USED it is... but I am not seeing any with low mileage and I know Honda/Acura is good for high mileage, since I just had a Honda CRV 230k and my original clutch just went onthe car. Any things I should look out for when looking at a Acura TL? I just don't want to buy blind, because I fell in love with a car!!
#2
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Beyond things like condition of the body, the undercarriage, the interior, how it drives on the road, and service records, the only three real options are, Automatic vs. Manual transmission, NAV or not, and Type-S (2007 and 2008 only) or not.
If you're looking for a car with an automatic transmission, you should only consider the 2007 and 2008 models unless you're okay to replace the transmission sometime down the road. Why? Honda upgraded the transmission starting in 2007 and it is considered to be much more reliable than the 2004-2006 models.
One final note, unmodified cars (i.e. cars with stock suspensions, exhausts, and engine intakes) typically fetch a higher price than those which have been played with. Why? If for no other reason than folks don't want to buy other folks's mistakes.
If you're looking for a car with an automatic transmission, you should only consider the 2007 and 2008 models unless you're okay to replace the transmission sometime down the road. Why? Honda upgraded the transmission starting in 2007 and it is considered to be much more reliable than the 2004-2006 models.
One final note, unmodified cars (i.e. cars with stock suspensions, exhausts, and engine intakes) typically fetch a higher price than those which have been played with. Why? If for no other reason than folks don't want to buy other folks's mistakes.
#4
Senior Moderator
The common problems can be found here: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-problems-fixes-114/
#5
All good advice above. Navi shouldn't be a deal breaker as your phone's navi is probably much better than the dated navi tech in the 3G TL. If you can afford it, I would go type-s (wish I had waited).
#6
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As for the Type-S, I'm old and feel the Type-S is a bit boy racer for my tastes; instead I bought a 6MT car which has many of the Type-S suspension goodies as well as the Type-S brakes but with a more conservative (stealthier?) outward visage.
#7
Instructor
I'm a bit older too. I don't feel that the type S is worth the money. It is a nice car, but not worth the money. I do love the quad exhaust and I do love the waffle style wheels. But the base TL is fine for me as far as ride quality and stiffness it works. I'm not driving a race car. Nor do I need to. So what you get on the type S is Type S badge on the steering wheel. The type S badging on the back. Quad exhaust Waffle Style.18 inch wheels a somewhat stiffer suspension and a 3.5 liter engine. Sounds like a lot but it really isn't that much more. Just my 2 cents
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#8
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I'm a bit older too. I don't feel that the type S is worth the money. It is a nice car, but not worth the money. I do love the quad exhaust and I do love the waffle style wheels. But the base TL is fine for me as far as ride quality and stiffness it works. I'm not driving a race car. Nor do I need to. So what you get on the type S is Type S badge on the steering wheel. The type S badging on the back. Quad exhaust Waffle Style.18 inch wheels a somewhat stiffer suspension and a 3.5 liter engine. Sounds like a lot but it really isn't that much more. Just my 2 cents
#9
Three Wheelin'
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OP help us out a little.
What is your budget and what year and trim are you considering?
So far we have old people saying don't buy Type-S because they're old but they love how it looks but it's racer because they're old.
OP are you old? Are you a boy racer, girl racer? Bi-racer? As far as base with or w/o Nav is the same car under the hood and body. Smoothest and most comfortable ride especially with 17's and 235/45/17 tires.
Manual comes with different tuned suspension and better brakes if you are looking for manual and seemingly less transmission issues. If you are looking for a manual you will be looking a looooong time for a clean low mileage TL.
Type-S based on your wheel set-up can be stiff or more stiff and bumpy. However in my opinion the Type-s has a very clean understated aggressiveness to it.
fyi...waffles are 17in
What is your budget and what year and trim are you considering?
So far we have old people saying don't buy Type-S because they're old but they love how it looks but it's racer because they're old.
OP are you old? Are you a boy racer, girl racer? Bi-racer? As far as base with or w/o Nav is the same car under the hood and body. Smoothest and most comfortable ride especially with 17's and 235/45/17 tires.
Manual comes with different tuned suspension and better brakes if you are looking for manual and seemingly less transmission issues. If you are looking for a manual you will be looking a looooong time for a clean low mileage TL.
Type-S based on your wheel set-up can be stiff or more stiff and bumpy. However in my opinion the Type-s has a very clean understated aggressiveness to it.
fyi...waffles are 17in
#12
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I wouldn't worry too much about the wheels. Those can be swapped easily and you can pick and choose your style of rims and tires to your liking later down the road. 07-08 base model sounds like the one you want. But if you're dead set on the 3.5L, your options are slim to the TypeS
Last edited by theCoffeeFiend; 01-23-2018 at 08:12 PM.
#13
I beg to differ on the Navi vs. non-Navi. I think you get the true luxury experience with the Navi screen. Not just for the sake of navigation, but voice commands and Multimedia info. Also the secondary display is really nice. Non-Navi feels like you slumped out at the dealership and got the cheaper model.
#18
Thank you All
Thanks for all of the advice, I was so surprised to see the amount of responses and so fast! I am still looking around my budget is about 13k but I am seeing that I shouldn't go any lower than the 2008 models and no S types! Thanks, I am looking for the racer feel it will take me back to my college days in Daytona Beach! ( I did a little street racing in a Mazda MX-6, not the best car but it wasn't mine and I got some money out of it) I am hoping to find something either this week or next week, but I have to find the right one! Shes gotta be perfect and I would prefer all black, but buying a car is such a hard choice and like someone said I don't want to get someones mistakes!
Hey anyone from the Connecticut/ Western Mass Area on here? Know of any good and reasonable places to get an Acura TL?????
Hey anyone from the Connecticut/ Western Mass Area on here? Know of any good and reasonable places to get an Acura TL?????
#19
Suzuka Master
why no lower than 2008 model? I kinda confuse about your post.
#21
I said that due to this post:
[QUOTE=horseshoez;16171298]Beyond things like condition of the body, the undercarriage, the interior, how it drives on the road, and service records, the only three real options are, Automatic vs. Manual transmission, NAV or not, and Type-S (2007 and 2008 only) or not.
If you're looking for a car with an automatic transmission, you should only consider the 2007 and 2008 models unless you're okay to replace the transmission sometime down the road. Why? Honda upgraded the transmission starting in 2007 and it is considered to be much more reliable than the 2004-2006 models.
[QUOTE=horseshoez;16171298]Beyond things like condition of the body, the undercarriage, the interior, how it drives on the road, and service records, the only three real options are, Automatic vs. Manual transmission, NAV or not, and Type-S (2007 and 2008 only) or not.
If you're looking for a car with an automatic transmission, you should only consider the 2007 and 2008 models unless you're okay to replace the transmission sometime down the road. Why? Honda upgraded the transmission starting in 2007 and it is considered to be much more reliable than the 2004-2006 models.
#22
I'm not understanding these "boy racer" comments as the base TL and Type-S are very similar visually, with the latter being more aesthetically pleasing to me. I guarantee the average Joe won't be able to tell the two apart if you strip them of the badges, that's how similar they look. We're not talking about an Impreza vs STI difference here.
Yes the Type-S has a firmer suspension so that is a consideration, but, in my opinion, it's marginal. In the handful of TLS I've driven, I don't find it obtrusive in any way, however that all depends on your frame of reference. I have sports cars to satisfy my needs so I find the TLS's ride very forgiving and the base TL rather soft. Since you're coming from a CRV, you'll probably find the TLS on the harsher side, but again, it adds the sport character to the car.
I hope you're patient as these are 10+ year old cars so finding a well treated one will be a task. They're out there though, so good luck!
Yes the Type-S has a firmer suspension so that is a consideration, but, in my opinion, it's marginal. In the handful of TLS I've driven, I don't find it obtrusive in any way, however that all depends on your frame of reference. I have sports cars to satisfy my needs so I find the TLS's ride very forgiving and the base TL rather soft. Since you're coming from a CRV, you'll probably find the TLS on the harsher side, but again, it adds the sport character to the car.
I hope you're patient as these are 10+ year old cars so finding a well treated one will be a task. They're out there though, so good luck!
#23
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
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Probably the lowest mileage Type-S for sale right now
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=196888360
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=196888360
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#26
Probably the lowest mileage Type-S for sale right now
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=196888360
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=196888360
#28
Instructor
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@Nelliebaby21
I'm from eastern MA, a few miles close to Boston. But when I was searching for a TL (just like horseshoez, I believe he is from southern NH) the "right one" is very hard to come by, even though the TL's are pretty common. I felt like I lucked out finding the right one. It is true to say the average joe will not notice the difference between a 04-06 from an 07-08 or base vs a TypeS. Even other car enthusiasts will probably not notice the difference either. Would get whatever you like personally.
If I were in your shoes, I would go for the cleanest 6 speed model i can find(if you can drive manual). If looking for an auto, a low mileage 07-08 (minor cosmetic damage is ok) is what i would go for. May take A LONG TIME to find one. But I would pay a little extra if its the "right one". What ever you decide, it is going to need some work either way. So i would put aside some money for maintenance and repairs
I'm from eastern MA, a few miles close to Boston. But when I was searching for a TL (just like horseshoez, I believe he is from southern NH) the "right one" is very hard to come by, even though the TL's are pretty common. I felt like I lucked out finding the right one. It is true to say the average joe will not notice the difference between a 04-06 from an 07-08 or base vs a TypeS. Even other car enthusiasts will probably not notice the difference either. Would get whatever you like personally.
If I were in your shoes, I would go for the cleanest 6 speed model i can find(if you can drive manual). If looking for an auto, a low mileage 07-08 (minor cosmetic damage is ok) is what i would go for. May take A LONG TIME to find one. But I would pay a little extra if its the "right one". What ever you decide, it is going to need some work either way. So i would put aside some money for maintenance and repairs
#29
Suzuka Master
^^^^ you also forgot to mention that right one also come at a RIGHT price too as Horseshoez had learned.
#30
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#31
I highly doubt Super Nintendo graphics on a screen in a 14year old car is making any impressions.
Last edited by b15; 01-25-2018 at 08:54 AM.
#32
I totally agree with you. Not everyone is a Graphic UI major and even with the Atari looking graphics, I’d still rather have interactive color screen rather than a bland LCD. It’s true 2007-2008 non-Navi looks much sleeker than 2004-2006 non-Navi. Even then I would still spend a little dough on infotainment. IMHO the TL dash/console with Navi is an award winning design.
#33
I totally agree with you. Not everyone is a Graphic UI major and even with the Atari looking graphics, I’d still rather have interactive color screen rather than a bland LCD. It’s true 2007-2008 non-Navi looks much sleeker than 2004-2006 non-Navi. Even then I would still spend a little dough on infotainment. IMHO the TL dash/console with Navi is an award winning design.
I suppose that you like viewing standard definition on your tube TV too right? Unless of course you're a Graphic UI major.
#35
Suzuka Master
some people thinks it useless and laugh until I plug in my phone and using the phone mirror option where their non Nav screen can't. Who laughing now?
#37
I'd still laugh at you. Mirroring is stupid because you have to use the phone to perform any function. I plug in my phone and get android auto/carplay and can control my phone from the screen and via voice commands. It is something, that is actually useful. At least your dash looks better though!
#38
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
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I don't have an issue with the OEM Navigation unit. It's not only the navigation that makes the interior better but the voice command ability that is only found with the navigation unit. Not for nothing, it was pretty bad ass to ask your car "what time is it?" It's worth it in my opinion and for it's time, it was well advanced and user friendly. Not many newer vehicles use such a large screen and or touch screen for that matter. I've been in many newer vehicles with fancy units (including the one that's in my wifes car where it shows you the exact landscape including day or night time) but I still find that in some cases, the 3rd gen TL navigation unit seems easier. IMO, navigation and 6MT holds a premium price just due to the fact that it's not easy to find them and find them both together.
#39
OP there's a silver 08 base with 35k in your budget locally here in Chicago. Looks clean. 2 owners, no accidents. Might be worth checking out if you're serious about one. Good luck!
2008 Acura TL Nav Buffalo Grove IL 21916930
2008 Acura TL Nav Buffalo Grove IL 21916930
#40
You're not really "spending a little dough on infotainment". This may be a true statement at the time this car was in it's prime, but the 3G TL is so cheap and old these days that people on the market for one would be more inclined to buy the best maintained one regardless of nav. No arguments here that having it makes the interior come together but let's be real, no sane person is paying a premium for an Atari looking screen.
I suppose that you like viewing standard definition on your tube TV too right? Unless of course you're a Graphic UI major.
I suppose that you like viewing standard definition on your tube TV too right? Unless of course you're a Graphic UI major.
I don’t think its a fair generalization of the needs/wants of people on the market for a TL. Some people buy the TL for the enthusiasm. When I was in the market I was exclusively looking for an 05-06 with Navigation. Took me 2 months and hundreds of dollars payed to CarFax until I found my 05 Black/Black w/Navi having 5 pages of CarFax dealer maintenance @136k miles. I passed on many super duper crazy clean TLs w/o Navi because I know I would regret it. So many posts about people asking how to convert their non-Navi to Navi. And unfortunately it’s not cheap even if you source parts from a junkyard. Not to mention the intensive labor. But I totally get people who don’t care about the Navi in a TL. Utility vs. Novelty.And yes, I’m a Video Editor/Visual Effects Specialist so I appreciate outdated UIs of all resolutions and depths