Karanx7

iTrader: (2)

Hey guys, I was looking to get some help from the 3G guys.

My friend is looking to buy a 2006 TL with 70k miles. It has navigation, and wants to sell for 15k. The Bluetooth module is broken, alignment was off, and front tires will need to be replaced soon. There is a slight chip on the back (less than an inch on the bumper). The driver's window has a weird issue as well. Is this a good buy? What else should I check out? Do I have to worry about the dreaded tranny issues with a 2006 TL?

jpgayan

I'd pass. I'd rather have a clean car with no issues and higher mileage. Unless you love electrical troubleshooting and repair this sounds like a PITA to deal with. If you can get him to come down some more it may be worth the headaches. Also, I actually like buying cars with nearly bald tires, it gives me leverage to get the price down and allows me to buy the exact tires I want instead of what the previous owner settled for.

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

check KBB for pricing and cars.com for what the market is saying for a car similar.

there is a lot of stuff wrong with the car WTH? yeah i get that its used, but it almost seems like its been neglected a little. its an 06. i have an 05 and in primo condition for a DD (plus i'm anal and take care of it much more so than the average driver).

you could talk the price down and get two new front tires and the alignment out of it. the bluetooth...is a pricey fix like $6-700 at the dealer. the window thing...could be the switch, or fuse.

carfax?? service history?? there's a lot of stuff to look for to make sure there isn't anything else going on with the car.

you willing to take this car as is?? i'd look for something better (like one that was owned by an older individual-less miles, most likely garaged, and regularly maintenanced).

JLui83

I'd pass on that.. Too many problems and headaches.

Just FYI

I'm about to purchase a 2006 TL, auto, nav, 50,000 miles... everything is good and up to date. 1 original owner. for $17,000

VQPower37

i would pass on it

CrunchyTaco

I'm the friend that Karanx7 speaks of (thanks Karanx7).

It's a decent car. Just finished two test drives with it and these were the issues:

- Driver window auto-close feature (where pulling the window trigger to the topmost position would close the window all the way without having to hold it) is buggy. It doesn't do it well, but if you pull halfway so it manually goes up, it closes just fine.
- Front tires definitely need to be replaced in a few months from the looks of it.
- Bluetooth module needs to be fixed (dealer says thats a $500+ fix, but I'm sure it can be done for cheaper). Wouldn't really use the feature anyway though.
- Slight scuff on the top portion of the bumper (not really noticeable, but it is there)

This is the second owner, he has owned it for only a year. It's a 2006 TL purchased from the dealership on 06/06. Maintained and has the records to show it. Battery was replaced a month ago and oil change was done recently as well. The car has 72,200 miles on it. CarFax shows no accidents reported and the car looks great.

Since the discovery of these issues, the seller has agreed to lower the price to $14,700. Especially since the car has the tech stuff I'm looking for (navigation), I think it's a decent price especially since this is a private seller so no taxes or fees.

My other concern was the transmission. I've heard that some TL's have had some pretty severe transmission problems, but I'm not sure when the issue was fixed. Not sure on the date though. Would this one have the issue fixed?

Thanks in advance!

CrunchyTaco

I guess this constitutes for my area. Pretty standard deal I guess.

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

i believe there is a gi-normous thread on the AT transmission issue. use the search function it should get you there if you narrow it down to 3G TL.

if i remember right, by 06 most of the tranny issues were taken care of (someone who has an AT please correct me if i'm wrong).

the window switch would drive me nuts, esp since its driverside (dealer will charge a fortune to fix that). BT...well that's up to you. if you sell the car you get to eat it on the resale with it being non-functional. there is thread for the bluetooth as well (a big one) that might help fix it.

up to you if you want to inherit some of these..."flaws."

me, i'd find something else if its not urgent to find a new ride. good luck.

shellready

Pass

JLui83

Pass... be patient and wait for a better one. Trust me, it will happen.

When you buy a car, you do NOT want to buy one with all these problems unless you KNOW and can fix them yourself. The time/labor/cost to fix is not worth the hassle.

oneonlywgs

If you really like the car. Go for it.

VQPower37

u think u wont use the bluetooth now but once u start using it u will realize its a nifty feature ... wait for one where everything works, u may pay a bit more but atleast everything will be functioning properly

Karanx7

iTrader: (2)

The car was for my friend's sister, and she apparently really wanted it.

Either way, I think they bought it. I agree about the other problems, but I just hope the tranny holds up. I'm still not sure if it has the problematic design transmission.

Thanks for the advice!

jonboy10

Those problems that you posted are what you know of now. Meaning there are still (most likely) many undiscovered problems that you dont know about, at this moment, but will discover later down the road. And what about maintenance?

I wouldnt go for it. Tell him be patient, and it will literally pay off.

VQPower37

hmm hopefully they get lucky and these are the only problems they have ... tel ur friend gluck with the new car

Acutron

Lost me at bluetooh module broken....

eaglegreen48

pass

2Morrow

I think you'll be able to find much better cars in the Phoenix market.
Ive been told its a great car market, Kinda like scottsdale.