d0n

Hi,
I currently drive a 2003 Honda Accord coupe (fully loaded with leather and nav) and decided I want to upgrade into something nicer. I really like the Acura TL/TLS especially because it has a nicer look, has four doors and I like the extra goodies (newer NAV, seat memory, back up camera, etc.)

I was hoping you guys would help me go through this journey of buying a new one. On what to look for, what to avoid, what is a good/bad idea.

So far I have gone to look at this Acura TLS:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv...708032923.html
Talked to the owner, said he did all the repaird (he had dealers warranty till 120k and they checked everything). He loves it, but is selling it because he is in need for a truck, because of his job. Didn't get to test drive it (it was only at a park&sell), only got to sit in it and it was nice. He has a dvd system installed, that is connected to the NAV, which is the only mod. (I don't like modded cars). I like that it has the sequential shifting and HIDs and a sportier Type S look. But I might not have the cash in time (he is in a rush to get the truck and I am waiting for financing approval).
Also, he is willing to go lower the price to 15k.

In a few hours I am going to see this one:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...712724537.html

Not a Type S, but very low miles compared to the TLS. Owner said he has two cars, that's why this one has low mileage. Will get to drive it today and see.

What do you guys think so far?
I am in the LA area.

Thanks

1black_seven

iTrader: (2)

It's not worth 16k. I'm sure he knows this and is using it as negotiating fluff.

It's only rated at 286hp, I don't know where he got 300 from.

Timing chain? Is this an RSX motor? Because it should have a belt.

Get a car fax while you're waiting.

Edit: another thing, it really seems like he's trying hard to get rid of this car. His ad is really inflated with words and description. Which I'm guessing is due to his rush to get a new truck.
Call me paranoid. But it just doesn't sit easy with me when people alter facts about their own vehicle.

1black_seven

iTrader: (2)

The 2nd ad seems to be more straightforward. Seems legit.

cougtype_s

Carfax is your friend when searching Craigslist. An independent inspection would also be something you may want to consider. Both cars are about the same price, so you need to look at mileage vs. amenities and decide which one is right for you. Happy hunting.

d0n

Thanks for the replies guys! I really appreciate it.
I went to see the 2nd ad (the one with only 56k miles) and it basically looked and smelled like a new car. (the engine made a little bit of a "dragging - wheezing" kind of noise when accelerating though. - should that be a big concern?)

Other than that it looked like it is in top condition and he is asking for $16k firm, not a penny less. It is an 06 and he changed the back lights for the newer model.

However, it doesn't have the backup camera and it just didn't feel as good as the Type S does. I just love the aggressive look (the four mufflers are amazing) and sporty feel of the Type S.

But like you guys said, it seems a little fishy and the difference in the mileage is pretty huge too. A smarter choice would probably be the one with lesser miles, even though it feels more boring and setback.

The Type S he is willing to sell for $14,500-$15,000
The 56k miles 2006 - $16,000.

Also, if you know someone selling a TL/TLS around the Los Angeles area, that would be worth checking out, please let me know.

Thanks!

DaeHanMeenGuk

You can get the quad tips and a Type-S bumper on the base model. Some just cut away at the base rear bumper to make space for the quad exhaust tips and put on a Type-S aspec kit over it to cover the parts that are cut up. A lot of members have done this.

d0n

that's true maybe i should look at a base one and eventually upgrade it a little bsomething like this perhaps:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...674489640.html

d0n

this guy has even already done the upgrades:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...684928814.html

but i'd prefer the newer model with the backup camera

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

If your heart is set on the S, you should definately wait. You don't want to regret this later.

Nyordrms

iTrader: (1)

^^^^I agree, i looked at an 07 base in the fall, liked the car but not enough to pull the trigger was really wanting an S found the one i was looking for about 4 months later, with less K (CDN) and only 6g more, for a Type S

if ur wanting an S just keep looking, they are out there

1black_seven

iTrader: (2)

I was going to add, if you're set on a type s, then wait.
It took me months of waiting to find the exact TL I wanted.

When you get the perfect car it makes waiting much more rewarding.

d0n

Thanks guys!

This type S doens't look bad:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb...715150049.html

but the price is very high.

Really makes me think especially if I see one like this:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv...715280528.html

with 50k less miles and $5000 cheaper...

It's tough to find the perfect one..

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Keep looking Don-be patient.

Seems like a lot for an '07 Type S with that 133,00+ miles on it.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

with that many miles, it should be lower than that price for the type s...

truonghthe

first of welcome to the forum, as far as getting Type S can be a paint in the ass in if locate in CA or TX since they are filled with BMW, Mercedes, Infinity, Lexus. Acura never consider in the same league in those state simply its FWD, not luxury enough, and mostly under power compare to the competition (even the Type S). Therefore the used car available for consumer is low that lead up to price jump, your chance of finding a right TL-S with decent mileage and price is gona be alittle hard so search around. I would recommend you get your hand on 07-08 model (base or Type S) since they came with goodie upgrade compare to earlier model. As far as mileage 3g TL is a 5+ years old car so expect ~ 90k miles on it. If you want Type S then better make up your mind fast, like me I originally wanted the Type S since 07 but despite being working minimum wage and being HS student that dream has to wait. When I have enough money to buy a Type S I asked my acura dealer to looking for TL-S for me within my mileage range,

the sale man call me couple later and ask "we just got a TL trade in, are you interested?" I asked "what year and what color?" he replied "05 that has 24k miles with Nav" I then told him please don't call me anymore unless its a Type S. He asked "so you are only interested getting Type S" I said "yep", funny how he call me a week later and said "we just got one Type S in" I told him the color and the mileage of the car then told him that I am currently checking out the car and in progress of doing paperwork of putting down deposit (same car, same dealer owner but locate in different town.)

d0n

nice! I thought I'd be better off buying it from a private party though (much better price) and I can still get it checked by a mechanic to ensure it is good quality.

Anyways, I will have to hold off on this for a while now, as I got declined for financing (annoying how strict banks are these days). Even though I could easily afford the monthly payments, I don't have enough credit history and haven't been working for long enough. :/

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

sorry to hear that. take this as an opportunity to save some money so the more money you can put down/ or buy it outright the better.

truonghthe

save the money and if you afraid of decline on loan then you need to come up with more down payment.