Hey guys, kinda new here to the forum as far as ownership. Heres my situation..I am looking at getting a TL Type S, but I really really want a manual. However a local dealer here in my area has a white 08 with 104k miles and its an auto. The white made me fall in love right away, but I just don't know if I should pass up on this and keep searching for a manual in my price range, or hop on this one before its too late.

Any thoughts or advice? And also what tips would you give someone like me as a future owner? I have had BMWs, volvos, acuras etc. before. I always told myself I would get one of these.

 

104k is timing belt time. If it got traded in it almost certainly wasn't done. Not a huge deal, but factor another $600+ in for the job.

Personally, whatever improvements were made with the automatic transmission in the 07+, I still don't trust Honda to make one. The manual transmission is more fun and more reliable.

 

Wait for a MT since you really really want a manual.

 

You answered your own question.


Btw, I also don't trust Honda automatics as far as I can throw them.

 

I guess my main question now is what is the likelihood of finding a manual Type S within the $15k range? I'm aware of the 105k service with that needs to be done, so I try to factor that into the price. I don't mind the automatic, I would rathe just get something i'm 100% in love with instead of just 90% lol

 

Wait to find a manual it'll be worth it

Search nationwide be prepared to have it shipped or fly out to drive it back

 

Good idea! I was actually considering this..i'm in VA and I found a bronze one in NJ with a 6 speed for about $13.9k...the only thing is its a little higher in mileage 126k. Not a huge deal for these cars I know, I'm just not as moved by that one as I am with this white one here.

 

Negotiate the price.

I found mine up north and had it shipped. It's tough to find a 6spd but very worth it. Have patience. They pop up all the time but sell fast so check daily.

 

Bought it sight unseen?

 

I saw 2 in NC, one alabaster and one DWP, both sticks. Not sure where in VA you are but they are at same dealer and might be worth a further look. I saw these the other day when I was trolling.

 

Very likely. they they do pop up frequently, you just have to jump on it as soon as they pop up because nice 6MT cars sell fast and you may have to travel/ship. My advice? If you truly want a 6MT don't settle and wait for the right car if you can. I've owned every generation TL and my current 08 6MT TL-S is by far my favorite.

 

Where at?? I'm real close to North Carolina!!

I'd do just about anything for a white one. Searched nationwide and not a single one popped up.

 

No, I paid for shipping at a dealer to bring the car down for me to look at. I could've walked away if I didn't like, losing only the shipping costs. Luckily the car was as good as the photos so I bought it. On private sales you'll need to fly out to check it out, so only do that after many good photos and a good phone call with the seller.

 

There are used car inspection services you can use to check out cars in other places also. Good, reputable ones will test drive the car, take it back to their shop & put it up on a rack and give it a through going over, check all the features & functions, etc.; and send you pictures of things they see and areas you want checked out. I paid $125 to a service in Houston to check out my 06MT before I bought it & had it shipped to me.

 

99% of the young whippersnappers on here will say get the MT, I say get the WDP one at your local dealer...I owned a white TL...absolutely love the color. It's not a racecar, it's a sports sedan.

 

I'm not exactly a young whippersnapper....but I still say get the MT.

 

Compared to me you are Jack...LOL

 

If you really wanted a 6MT, then you'd need to wait for one. Don't settle.

 

More reliable transmission, easier to fix if it does break, better gas mileage, better brakes, and the advantage of a limited slip diff. These are objective advantages to the manual that won't change with the driver's age!

 

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Both at same dealer. Maybe you used a specific filter but they popped right up on search for manual trans in type s any distance. Good luck. The WDP actually is a southern car too even better and a 1 owner

Alabaster

Cars for Sale: Used 2008 Acura TL in Type-S, Charlotte NC: 28206 Details - Sedan - Autotrader

WDP

Cars for Sale: Used 2008 Acura TL in Type-S, Charlotte NC: 28206 Details - Sedan - Autotrader

 

You're right..i'll keep searching. Im in no rush anyway. I would hate to settle for an auto and find a a manual a few weeks later.

The WDP looks great, unfortunately its just a little out of my price range. I'll keep searching around..im sure i'll find something.

 

Even if you buy it, i wouldnt be disappointed. I just bought my 04 5at and so far i love it. Manual was one of my mandatory factors when buying a car but in my area manuals never come up for sale, and if any do theyre either riced out or have over 200k kilometers. I do sometimes wish i got the manual but im fine with the auto.

 

Patience is key. Wait till you find a manual TL and you won't regret it.

 

I love my 3rd gen TL and am on my second one - but I wouldn't even consider an automatic TL.

Wait for the manual.

 

Either way, you can't go wrong....just be patient.

 

Do the 08 models have an aux input and the ability to play audio files via bluetooth? And what about adding an aftermarket sub and amp? I have two 10s and an amp i'll be taking out of my old car. I know the TL's come with a sub from the factory that make a rattle sound sometimes so I would probably bypass that if possible.

 

Yes the 07-08 models have a AUX Input

No 3G TL has the ability to play audio files via bluetooth from the factory. You might have to buy a bluetooth aux adapter to get that function.

You can add aftermarket subs and amps to any car. Not sure what you're asking specifically.

When I had my 08 TL, I had a Alpine Type-R 10" with a Alpine MRV-M500 amp installed in it.

As for the rear sub rattling, just simply pull down the carpet lining in the rear trunk and disconnect the connector that goes into the stock sub. Once you have your aftermarket subs installed you won't have to worry about the factory sub rattling.

 

Patience was the key. Back when I bought mine (brand new BTW), I had to wait 3 months from order to delivery to get the combination I wanted. I thought of it in terms of 'How Am I Gonna Look Back On This Years From Now'?

And how am I looking back? I get offers to sell it almost every day from mechanics and car enthusiasts, largely because it a 6MT!
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I agree!

Wait for a 6MT. There are a few rare gems around, you have to be willing to travel and pay the cost.

BTW,

I spotted you on Route 17 North, by the Lodi area a while back. I forgot to mention it to you.

 

I would check craigslist as well and then have the car inspected. Like others said, check often because these cars go quick.

 

True if you want the 6 speed be patient.There is NOTHING wrong with an 07-08 auto regarding durability.These trans' have been upgraded and seen many a type S with 175-200k with the original auto trans.A far cry for the 04-06! I DO AGREE the 6 speed is more fun to drive,but these car are not high performance in either form.With that being said I love my auto type S.They are fun,reliable and well made.Just maintain religiously!!

 

I guess my question is how easy or complicated would it be to add subs if the car already has a faculty one?

 

I'll hold off and wait for manual..but to make things even more complicated i'm now thinking if the TL has enough modern technology for me. The bluetooth and back up camera all sound nice, but when looking at other cars in my price range like the 2nd gen TSX I go into a serious dilemma of power or technology? Or am I not really giving up that much in terms of technology? Do the 08 TL's have the ability to play sirius xm through the factory radio/nav?

 

How did ya know it wuz me?
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Have the dealer do the timing belt kit as part of the deal

 

You're one of the very VERY few 6MT TL's in deep green pearl.

Besides,

You look exactly like your avatar.

 

My 04 6MT is a blast to drive - I highly recommend looking for a manual.

 

If you are willing to sacrifice the MT then make them a reasonable offer on the 2008. Is it listed at an Acura/Honda dealer? If so, you could make them a cash offer for the vehicle+timing belt service. If they are asking 14, for example, offer them 12.5 plus the service done. Then be willing to walk it out if they say no . You never know how low you could have gone on an offer until the manager is chasing you out to the parking lot...