Hello!

So I have been looking for a 6MT TL for a bit now, and I ran across this:

http://www.zmotorz.com/en/detail.php?7884

It's a 2006 6MT with navi, 98k miles, one owner, clear history vehicle. The selling company is apparently a wholesaler who posted on Craigslist; I haven't seen this on Autotrader yet.

They was $12,900 plus taxes. Now, I think that's a little too good...and am very skeptical.

What do you guys think? Also, if anyone can answer, do you think the stock clutch will need replacement at this mileage? If so, that's a $3,000 job right?

They say it is a new Acura trade in (I guess someone bought a new one and traded it; dealer couldn't unload it so it came to the wholesaler?) with maintenance records. 105k would be the next maintenance right?

Please help!

 

At this point in mileage the TL would need the timing belt/water pump done, if not already.

 

The combination of Craigslist, 98K miles, very very cheap price, & impending timing belt replacement cost would scare me away. I say keep looking IMO.

 

that looks like a really good price. It's offset by the maintenance you need to do at 105k but still a real good price. Just check everything out and do an autocheck on it.

 

The timing belt, water pump, etc that is due at 105k miles is around a $1,100 - $1,300 job. If you are seriously interested in it, I would take it to an Acura dealer, or shop that specializes in Acura/Honda's, and have them look over it. That car has a shitload of miles on it for a 2006.

I'd stay away.

 

that sure is alot of miles in like 2.5 years.

 

I'm at 41k, purchased in nov 2006. And I drive 50ish a day for work.

90k?! wow...

 

Thanks for the input. I think I will follow the general consensus and avoid this vehicle. You know how the saying goes...if it is too good to be true...

 

here are some factors. I think 98k for an 06 is a lot of miles but sure that's got to be a lot highway miles. So possilbly the clutch is not all that worn if the guy is in 6th gear on the highway.

Now say you buy a car with 65k miles it's 40k away from a tb, water pump change etc. It's not like it's $0 maintenance compared to the 98k mileage car. You've got to prorate some of that cost.

Also depends on how well the guy kept it and if there are any service records etc.

 

i agreed with piggydog. the mileage is high, but that doesn't mean the car is beaten up. I can sell a low mileage car say (20000 miles), but i can rip the car like i stole it during those 20000 miles. If I drive it like I stole it, then for sure clutch, brakes, suspension, etc will be more worn out than a car that is carefully driven or treated nicely.

As mentioned above, the t/b and w/p job would be roughly $1000-$1200, then its not too bad, because after doing that, you're good to go for another 90-100k miles. In terms of clutch, you would really have to drive it to know if the clutch is toast or not, and the same for brakes, without truly testing it out, you won't know.

The only concern I normally have is, what was the car used for before. It might be a rental car hence the high mileage, or maybe a really busy sales agent owns it that commutes 100-200 miles a day or something.

Another thing are the minor (but can be costly) suspension components like ball joints, bearings, bushings, arms, rods, etc. High mileage obviously means lots of driving, and those components takes some beating regardless if its driven nicely or roughly because its been driving a lot daily. But again, if its been driven nicely, component might still be in good condition.

 

I'd definitely buy it for that price.

 

Thorough lookover by a Acura tech or good mechanic is a must. This car was at 2 auctions in May and June.

 

red flags enough to walk away.

 

I see. How did you know the car was in two auctions? I think I will pass on this...I really wouldn't want to take this to Newark NJ every day and have it break down on me for some reason.

I will continue searching, or opt for something a bit less luxurious, like a WRX, that will fit in my range.

 

Info came from VIN check

 

That many miles in 2.5 years should mean mostly highway driven then no? Which is good, so just do a little more research and do it!

 

Now that's a car that will have been driven gently and not abused!