Hello everyone. I am not new to acura/honda at all. I have owned over 8 integras on top of a few other hondas and working on my current project jdm front 4dr teg. But I am new to the j series motors and tls. I been reading up and doing as much research as I do on anything I buy. I wanted to get some owners opinion and advice. I am currently looking into a 05 tl 6speed mt. 2 owner.With 110k a little more miles then I like to buy a car at but the car is equipped with navi and all the bells and whistles minus the aspec or type s badges. and the place is only asking 9k. Is there anything in particular I should be looking for or worried about? Thank ls in advice for the help

 

Electrical gremlins. Bluetooth might not be working. Navi and Bluetooth will eventually crap out, lol. Just depends how long before they do. Also, check compliance bushings in the front lower control arms for tears, play in the sway bar end links, transmission grinds when shifting at high rpm, etc.

 

I was aware of the bushing being a issue. But not the sway links. Is the trans/clutch in them tough? I don't drive like a mad man but I do like to know if I want to get some the trans will be able to take it.

 

The 6MT are pretty solid. Generally the only issues you hear is when guys are riding the clutch hard, but let's be honest, that's true for any standard. Also, as long as you're not getting grinds when shifting in high RPM from 1-2 or 2-3, (same with rev matching and downshifting, if you do that) you should be fine. If there are grinds and they're not all that often, I'd suggest you do the transmission fill and drain 2 times, and on the 3rd time put the GM friction modified synchromesh in. The 3 drains, 3 fills should be done in a relatively short time frame, in like a day. You want the lose bits of metal shavings to be picked out of there as best as possible.

Oh, another key item is whether or not the timing belt service has been done. It can get pretty expensive to get it done at a dealership, depending on where you live. Make sure the full service was done (water pump, tensioner and something else I'm forgetting).

Also, make sure the valve adjustment was done as well. If these are upcoming maintenance items you'd have to tackle, you should do them at the same time since you'll have everything apart already. It's definitely possible to do it yourself if you're mechanically inclined, but it is a bit labour intensive. There are threads on AZ showing how to do it.

 

Awesome thanks. I can do the timing belt and stuff myself.but it would be nice to know if it's already been done so I don't have to lol. I been seeing people say around 100k you should do this. Is that correct?

 

105k

 

unless the seller can produce a receipt stating the service was done, assume the t-belt needs to be done.

things to look for

rust
even paint
are all 4 tires in good shape?
how does the inside look?
how does it run good (ie no odd noises)
how does it shift
does it drive straight?
all fluid levels OK
engine compartment relatively clean?
how does the air filter look?
how does the oil look?
is it quiet over bumps or does it thump a lot?
how is the brake feel?

if it passes this basic inspection and you ran the vin past your insurance co with no red flags, take the car and get it inspected.

 

The older 3G automatic trannys had some issues supposedly so its nice to see you looking at 6mt. However, that does not mean you are completely in the clear. The 6mt's do have 3rd gear issues. So if you are test driving and you get a slightly grind or it pops out of third gear dont be entirely alarmed. The GM synchromesh fluid basically completely takes care of that issue and the fluid change is simple. Do research on that to learn more.
I recommend looking at the newer updated and revised 07/08 models, but you cant get the base model in stick, so if you require stick then you have to get the Type S. The automatic 07/08 is strong so you wont have to worry about tranny issues though. Those years have interior and exterior updates as well as backup camera on nav equipped vehicles among other things.
Other than what other people already mentioned just look for the normal things you always look at when searching used cars. Lowest amount of owners is always a good thing, no reported accidents, no body work or repaint, and good maintenance history is key.

 

Thanks guys. I did find another tl this one is a bit of drive for me but maybe worth it. 2007 125k on it and it is the type s 6 speed mt

 

is it from a dealer or private party ?

in either case, definitely verify maintenance history and see if there's a pattern or trend of increasing repairs

i got my '06, 83k, AT, Navi for $11k on 7/4

carfax was 2 owner (1st being actual owner, and 2nd was under dealership)

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