Don't know much about TLs, so any help is appreciated. He is looking at the following car.


HERE


2006 Acura TL w/ Navigation
$18,900
36,910 Miles
6-speed Manual

Is this a good deal? Could do better? Thanks again.

 

sounds like a good deal. couple quick questions: is it an acura dealership, used car dealer, or private party? and check the carfax

if 18,900 is asking price, he can have it for 16-17k easily

 

looks pretty good from the photos, i'd get the vin and have and acura dealer run it to see if the recalls have been performed. Also look at the engine air filter to see if it's been replaced since replacement is a 30K along with the interior filter. Check the tire tread depth, tires should be the MX4M's. Also check headlights, etc and get a PPI done at an acura dealership.

 

I am the one looking for the car. It is a used car dealership. The autotrader page has a link that says "click here for you free carfax report", but when I do, it takes me to the carfax page and wants me to pay $20-$30 for the report. I don't mind paying, but would prefer not to if it is something that's supposed to be free.

Here's the other sticking point (long, will provide cliffnotes). So I went to get my emissions done last week, and my check engine light was on, had been for 4-5 months. This is an automatic fail, so I had a diagnostic run. I can't remember what it was off hand, but essentially when I called the Audi dealership (it's a 2000 Audi A6), they said that parts and labor were ~$2400. Normally I would be skeptical, but this is the Audi dealership my dad has used for his last 3 cars, and they knew us well. The maintenance manager even asked about my father, so I don't think they're trying to pull one over on me.

This past weekend, I went to a used car dealership (different one), and when they took my car to appraise it, they said it was just an o2 sensor, not a big deal (I've had 3 diagnostics run at 3 different places that say different). This is a small used car dealership, so I'm guessing they didn't even run one. They offered me $5,200 (more then I was expecting). I'm afraid a bigger dealership, that actually does a thorough inspection, will realize what's wrong with the Audi. So I might be stuck at the one dealership that is likely giving me 2-3k more then others would. So, that's where I stand at the moment.

Thanks for any help.

Cliffnotes

-check engine light on
-transmission about to go
-one dealership offering 5200 (very fair)
-car I want is at another dealership, afraid they'll find the transmission issue

 

That looks good- I have an 06 in the same color and about the same mileage. It's a shame the prices have fallen so badly, and this is why I won't part with mine for a newer car. You still have 13000 miles of warranty coverage left (assuming this isn't a salvage car). Even if the filters haven't been changed, you can do them yourself for very little $$$.

 

EDIT: Just realized it's against AZ rules to check VIN's for others. Sorry

 

Teach us how this is done please.

 

Negotiation. Car industry is in the suck right now, so there is lots of room for negotiation on sticker price.

 

one thing used car dealerships have a hassle with is individuals who finance. while it may mean more money for the dealership from the financing company, there are lots of people who are not qualified for financing. the best thing i did when i bought my TL was that i saw the car, test drove it, and then when we sat to "make a deal", i pulled out the checkbook, wrote 15,000 on it, told the salesman make it happen out the door, and if not, bring it back, and we'll be on our separate ways. almost all of the time, once you leave the dealership, you don't come back for the same car, no matter how many times you say you will. the dealers lower the price to transform you from a window shopper to a customer. they salivate at the thought of guaranteed cash, and if you show them this, they will do anything humanly possible to place you in the car at the budget you have.

for $15k, i got an ABP certified 53K TL 5-AT fully loaded with navigation
they were asking $17500 for the car.

as for the horny leprachaun, make sure you have a mechanic check this car out. or better yet, take it to an acura dealer and have them do the used car inspection
it is around 150 here in LA, but it is worth it when spending 16-17 thousand.

 

Sounds like the thing I need to do is guarantee money. I always shop with the intent of buying but maybe because I don't (or can't) lay money on the spot that's really slowing me down.

 

one thing you can do is get the money gathered, and once this is done, go on craigslist, and find someone in your area.
if you can, whatever car you buy, take it to acura. the seller will do it if he knows there is no problem since he has nothing to hide. but only do this if you are going to purchase that TL if the report comes well.
the private sellers can be demanding, but they need the money even more. so lowball them, and you got yourself a TL

 

Sounds like a plan. I have money on hand, its just that I'm hesitant to pull the trigger before an inspection, so I never tell them I'm willing to buy "on the spot."

Back to replying to the OP's question, I don't think that price is "a steal" by any means, but it's a good deal; if your friend must have a TL asap, I'd say take it. If he can wait it out a little more, I'd suggest looking at private party sales, "steals" come up every once in a while.

 

On the spot is a relative term. Add 'after the approved inspection' and you are ready to go.

Shopping with cash or preapproved financing is always the way it should be done. Just get yourself approved prior to shopping so you have a maximum figure you will spend.

I don't lead with the fact that I don't use dealer arranged financing because they figure on getting a kickback if they help you. When they ask early on just say you haven't decided or it depends on the deal.

 

Just PM each other.