I've had my eye on the 3G TL for longer than I can remember, and I recently became vehicle-less. I'm looking for something sporty yet mature, and with a comfortable cabin as it will be a daily driver. Reliability is of utmost concern as I was burned in that department on that last purchase.
I came across the listing:
Used 2008 Acura TL For Sale | Tallahassee FL-19044741
(notice the actual miles are around 46,000)

I took a look at it in person, test drove it, and plan to have a mechanic inspect it soon. I have a few questions though:

 

Welcome to Acurazine. That's great mileage for an 08. Belt noises, shuddering in the steering wheel and an odd smell on top of a used interior sounds excessive for the mileage. Even if the MIL didn't indicate any maintenance was required due to time vs. mileage someone who takes care of an Acura wouldn't let those problems persist. Have you been able to view the Carfax? Don't use the generic auto check as your guide as it won't show maintenance.

I would look for another one, unless they fix all the mech issues to your satisfaction.

 

Here's the car fax:
http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=AMF_0&vin=-116|87|74|-47|-127|-60|112|60|-63|-73|88|50|21|81|-123|-78|-102|-104|-47|-72|-34|65|18|-74|

 

1. the trunk shouldn't fall all the way down (slam) if you let go.

2. Bumper clip might be popping out may because someone else open the door kinda hard and hit it.

3. Vibration coming through sterring wheel is ok for hydraulic steering but not to the point that drive you nut. Check tires for bulge, any rim might bent and last is to check the LAC or LCA (Lower Arm Compliance busing for failure). Type in google "Acura TL LCA failure" and the link from AZ will appear and it will show you the rest. Which can also cause vibration to the steering wheel.

4. Engine smell of burning rubber shouldn't be the belt unless some thing else is burning like a seal or some sort. But I could be wrong.

5. Don't be expect to get this car for under $13.5k and my guess the dealer lowest price is around $14k.

6. After 4-5 years with mileage you included the car is around $8-$12k, this is a base TL after all and non Navi didn't help with the value after all. If you keep the car in good condition then the price is at the higher end.

 

Based on what your saying I'd have an Acura or Honda dealer look at it...then based on what that inspection says should lead you to price. FYI, I just sold my 08 base TL with 83K on it for $12,800 as a private party sale. The car is in very good condition with near new tires. It's easy to look up the book value of this TL in your area on KBB or NADA.

 

When I was searching for my TL I came across a few Type-S models for around that price. Higher miles, but these are reliable cars regardless. I'd recommend holding out for at least a base with Navi. I ended up getting mine off of eBay, but autotrader and cargurus were other great resources.

 

Sounds maybe a little rough to me for the mileage. Maybe with a little TLC it could be real nice.
Based on what I see the rear bumper is original (vin label still present), but it may have been repainted as it doesn't seem to match very good.
Steering wheel shimmy is out of balance wheels. If it does it while braking it's warped rotors.
Tires look like no namers.
No nav (if you care)
Engine noise in right side is probably the serpentine belt or one of the pulleys which I think is kinda common.
Trunk shouldn't drop fast, but go down slowly on its own. If you put it all the way up it should stay.

 

Ok guys, I think I'm going to pass on this one then. Thanks for all the input and good advise. If anyone wants a low mileage TL, have at it.

 

Hey Mega...remember, none of us has seen the car...what's going on is probably minor but none of us can know for sure...like I said, have an Acura dealer look at, get a price to fix everything, have the Infiniti dealer fix everything or drop the price so you can have it fixed.