Hey guys, I am new to the forum and to Acura/Honda so I have a few questions.

I am currently looking to buy an Acura TL, I am going to see a 2004 with 145,000 kms and has the automatic transmission. The car is selling for $10,900 CDN and has the navigation system. I know that the transmissions seem to cause issues, what are some tell tale signs of problems? I am used to driving manual so I am uncertain of what to look for in the automatics. I also know the engine mounts seem to go on this. What other things should I be keeping an eye out for while looking and test driving?

What do you guys think of the price? The car is at a dealer so I do not believe I can take too much off the price, I am going to try for a few hundred dollars. The dealer is also giving a two year power train warrenty with the purchase. I assume a limit of 3,000 per claim would apply. I still have to see a car proof or something along that nature to see if there are any accidents.

What do you guys think about rebuilt TLs? I can get one with 96,000 with the navigation system and everything else for $9,000. The owner says it was a front end corner collision, they say the fender and light were damaged but says it did not touch the frame. I find it hard to believe that an insurance company would write this off just because of that.

I have also seen a couple of '05 RLs for about $1,000 more during my search. One has 160,000 kms but has some rust on one of the door handles. The other is at 175,000 and has no rust. I know this isn't the RL forum but what do you guys think, would it be worth the upgrade to the RL?

 

alll I can say is 05 RLs were the most problematic of that generation... and if they're at the 160,000km mark it's prob best to pass.

an 04 TL with 145k on it isn't too bad tho. 10,900 is a pretty decent price too

rebuilds are up to the person really.. I've had a rebuilt explorer before and it was actually one of my better vehicles I've owned

 

Hmm...I've heard the 04-05 had the most problems. I bought an 06 because of this.

 

make sure you have all work documented... meaning did they get the transmission work done? and any other recalls... if there is no detailed paperwork then probably shouldnt buy at that price

if paperwork is legit and all there then decent price

 

And don't buy a TL on EBay fron a Nigerian.

 

Thanks for the quick reply guys!

I would like to purchase an '06 as well but there are not any in my price range with the navigation system. Not that I need that but after test driving one with navigation I really want it.

The car is from a dealer, I will of couse ask but it is very doubtful that they would have any sort of paperwork, I would be lucky if they have the owners manual.

There was a cheap TL that was a scam 7,000 and it will be shipped to me, who falls for that kind of stuff? This place is an actual used car dealership so I am more confident. Also the fact of them offering a 2 year powertrain warranty for free, but those after market and even manufacture warranties sometimes aren't worth the paper they are printed on.

I must say I am upset that these cars have a transmission issue, the main reason I went with an Acura is because of the reliability I have always heard they had!

As for the RL I really enjoy the look and feel of the car, it seems very solid. I see myself in more of a luxury car, the TL has refinemint as well making this choice difficult.

 

Yeah the stock Navi kinda sucks compared to a smart phone but the Navi hack is pretty cool.