Hi everyone

In 2008 I sold my 2004 TL w/6 speed manual tranny, due to life needs. Now I am looking to get back into a 3G TL. I have been looking at cars.com, and autotrader.com, and seeing lots of cars for sale, but just not sure what a reasonable mileage is these days. I am leaning more toward a 2007/2008 model, since it had a few upgrades over the 2004 model I had. So any input would be appreciated.

 

Well if you want a 6-speed again, stop looking at 07-08 unless you wanna drop 22K+ on a type-s manual, not to mention the pain in the ass of finding one. I would say get an 05 or 06 with Navigation, 6-Speed, and Aspec if you can find it. In 05 they used way better leather for the seats than in 04. My 04 seats just started disintegrating.

 

First post after joining almost eight years ago, lol?

I'd focus more on how well the car was maintained and cared for, rather than absolute mileage. I'd rather buy a car with 100k that was meticulously maintained and washed/waxed regularly than one with 50k that was run through automatic car washes and had a few sporadic oil changes with no name dino oil and crappy filters.

That said, NADA tends to figure average mileage to be around 14k per year.

 

If it were me Id go for a 6MT TL-S this time around, nothing wrong with a base tho, they will be much easier to find than a TL-S 6MT. Regardless, its not a bad idea to look at the 07/08s. The mid-cycle upgrades are worth it IMO, especially the new auto trans.

 

^

 

I agree with the OP. Since you have already had the 04-06 style, might as well make the next one either an 07-08 and change it up a little. It has enough changes/updates to make it feel like a slightly different car, and obviously newer is typically better. You didnt mention anything about the next car having to be manual, but if that is the case then I would still recommended sticking with the 07-08, but it will just have to be a Type S.
A few obvious, but good pointers at finding potential good cars is the lowest possible amount of owners (1 owner being optimal). It doesnt always mean its a good car but its your best bet at finding one that has been cared for. Less bullshit stories this way as well. Next step is one that has a clean carfax or autocheck report. Then after you found one that meets those standards, check the actual vehicle for signs off issues. Check paint consistency to make sure its original and hasnt had any collision or body repair work. Looking for original VIN labels is always a good sign of that body panel being original.

Hope this helps.

James

 

Best of luck in your search, John.

 

tell me bout it hard to find type s with low miles but finally found one like new even got new car smell.good luck tho take your time

 

Take your time and find what you want, good luck!

 

yeah, well, I was a lurker then, and then I have been sans TL for a few years...