I have been a member of this site for about 4 years. I have been shopping my area for a TL patiently for 2 months. Finally I have decided to take the appropriate actions to purchase a 2004 TL with 92k miles ($10,700.00). Some questions I have if you could help and offer a little support.

The car is very clean on the outside and inside accept for one minor area on the driver door. The engine compartment is quite dirty. Should that be a concern?

He told me that the timing belt and service that goes with it was done at 75k-or 85k. This service and other services were done by a Mazda mechanic who works on Acuras as well. I believe him and have asked for proof upon purchase.

I called the Acura dealer who services it. He told me that the real wheel has a broken lug bolt. Which can be repaired for 100 and if needed replaced for about 400. Rear brake pads need to be replaced (I can do that). He also informed me that all oil changes have been done within schedule but no site of major fluids or timing belt.

So if the guy who did the side work pans out. I think its a good buy. What do you think? I will also be taking the vehicle to Acura for inspection prior to purchase. Cost is about $130.00

Thanks for any input. I look forward to owing this car and believe it will last me well for the short time I intent to keep it.

 

That sounds ok if it has Navi and as long as you can verify that the timing belt has already been taken care of. Since that normally happens at 105K, if it hasn't been done, you're in for another 1k from what I hear unless you can do it yourself. But it's definitely worth taking to the Acura dealership to see. I would think for the mileage and year, you might be able to go under $10K, but the price you said is right where KBB says from a private seller. By the way, what color is it?

 

not that great of a price. does it have navi atleast?
the 105k maintenance is a huge deal - if those belts were not correctly done, i'd be concerned. don't forget about the water pump, tensioner belts and spark plugs. those also all due at 105k and cost major bucks. too bad you're not over here in washington. you could pick up my mine for the same price~ish. good luck!

 

If the major service was already done that is pretty good - saves you some cash. If no plugs, not a big deal. Ebay for under 60 dollars and it takes about 25 min to remove and replace.

 

Right on! thanks for the responses. The color is anthracite and there is no Navi. I know I can get him to 10,500 but being a sales guy I will shoot for 10k.

I just saw the car for the second time today. Going to plan on having Acura inspect it this Saturday to verify all the appropriate work was done. The guy is very confident and open to it to the inspection. Which leaves me confident that the work was actually done.

I plan on having this car for maybe a year. My financial situation should be far better. At that point I will be on the search for a Manual TL. I miss my manual.

The bank appraised the vehicle at 11,300. So I feel 10,500 is fair. That is below the median value on 3 appraisal sites.

 

that's a good deal as long as the timing belt work has been done

 

I don't know your situation but here's a suggestion.
why don't you wait and save for the car that you really want?
a newer 6MT TL with less miles.

 

Yeah, buying and selling is a waste of money. Plus, you might get stuck with fixing everything in order to move it in a year.

 

You are right!

I would wait longer if I could. I have been patiently shopping for 2 months to find a decent TL. I am borrowing a vehicle right now and its a tight fit! I recently switched careers and can not wait any longer for my first two clients to close. They are going to close... just the nature of the business.

So I just need a ride for a little while and to work hard. I wont have to worry about a few grand lost on the sale.

Thanks for the input. I have not been a buyer in haste by any means. So if the dealership says its a not go, I will wait.

 

Personally, I wouldn't do it.
a few grand is a lot of money.

Can you wait it out any longer?

 

if you decide to buy the car, try to get the seller to cover the inspection within the agreed price, that would be good.