silver_shark

hey guys, i'm a new member here and I'm looking for some advice; i'm looking to buy a 3rd gen TL (my fave gen of the TL), hoping you guys can give me advice on if this is a good deal or not.

2008 TL Type-S, 123,xxx KM (non A-spec)
- driver's door seems to have a hinge issue (seller will get fixed)
- mirrors are brown at the bottom edges (are they expensive to replace?)
- TPMS lights on, he is on winter wheels currently, is including OEM type-s wheels as summers)
- light in the middle of the dash looks like an "i" with a circle around it
-check engine light on when i started the car, seller says he didn't have it before. after about 10 mins of driving it went off. i'm concerned because he has an aftermarket remote starter, he says if the car is started with that and the 15 min cut-off limit is reached it turns on the engine light (because the car is started without the key) *I have never heard of this*
also the auto window down feature (present on my 7th gen accord) doesn't work (assuming the TL has this feature). guy says its probably because of the remote starter as its also used to open the doors/trunk.
He wants $13,500.

any help, advice, suggestions are greatly appreciated! thanks in advance

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

if seller is getting hinged fixed, is that a true concern?

TPMS lights are on because winter wheels dont have TPMS in them. the type-s oem wheels SHOULD have TPMS which would correct the light.

light in dash with ! is tire pressure. because the car doesnt know the tire pressure without the TPMS.

you'll need to go to an auto store to get the Check engine light read. have them explain to you what the problem is...then if its an easy fix, fix it. if its something that you cant easily fix STAY away from car. This would be my biggest concern.

there is a simple window down reset procedure that resets and corrects the window down problem.


the biggest issue here is the Check engine light. you'll need to find out what code it is...

and you're most likely in canada, since you mentioned KM's.
I'm not sure if canadian auto stores scan the Check engine lights for free, like they do here in the U.S.

polobunny

I think his window down issue is that he can't roll down the windows without the Acura keyfob, since he's using the remote starter. Rest I agree with.

silver_shark

thanks justnspace and polobunny for the quick replies; i'm with you guys 100%, the engine light is my main concern, I was just nitpicking at the other things. I suppose i'm wondering if cat failure is common on these cars, i'm not worried about o2 sensors, but cats are quite expensive. and yes, i'm in Canada, lol. I can get codes read for free. only problem is that the engine light went on and then off within 10mins, and my accord did the same thing (until the engine light just stayed on)

any other problem areas to look out for? and does it seem like a fair price (or possibly a good deal?)

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

yes, cats can go bad.

keep the engine running until the check engine pops up and have it checked. or else, I wouldnt touch it.
$13k is a lot of money....you better make sure you know what that CEL is, or run away

silver_shark

thanks again justnspace, i'll try that. also, there is another type-s (2007) with 174,xxx km going for just under 10k. I havent seen/tested it yet, but if all checks out would that be something better to consider? at the end of the day, its like paying 3k more for roughly 3years less wear and tear (if you consider 20k/year avg) and the overall condition the car seems mint. I guess in a way i'm lucky that that engine light popped up..

polobunny

I'll be blunt and insulting, but if you purchase a $13K car without a pre-purchase inspection INCLUDING checking if there's any stored CEL codes, you deserve any wrath that can fall onto you.
An inspection usually goes from $100 to $150 depending on the region as well as the garage and on the depth of the inspection. Be there during the inspection as much as possible. If the car doesn't get put on a lift, don't go to that garage ever again.

I'm not saying you should get every possible car inspected, but once you're almost sure you're buying a car, go for it. You'll be happy if you spend $150 for an inspection instead of thousands of dollars on a problematic car.
If you ever wanted to go to court for any liability on the seller side, the first question you will be asked is "did you have a professional inspection done on the vehicle?".

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

this is the tough part about car shopping.
YOU CANNOT be in a rush.
there will always be better deals. there will always be better cars.
take your time and find the perfect one.

NBP04TL4ME

Any thrown codes should be retrievable from the Nav as well under messages.

silver_shark

Polobunny, I apprecitae it, thats not insulting, thats just logic.. I would definitely get it all checked out, if I was that certain about the car. this is just something i'm considering at this point, which is why I came here to you as experts (or at least highly knowledgeable in that respect). another q, if the CEL is intermittent, are they stored in a way that they can be read even if the CEL is not on at that particular time?

Due_Diligence

Now will this fix the window up problem too?

Are you willing to travel for a TL-S I feel that's were you will find the good deals.

NBP04TL4ME

......Unless the owner knows how to and does in fact clear them.

It should - Press the window switch down until the window goes all the way down and continue to hold the switch down for an additional 5 seconds. Then hold it up until the window goes all the way up and continue to hold for an additional 5 seconds. That's the reset sequence. It should work after that.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^that's what I was thinking of. windows not going back up!

polobunneh corrected me on why the windows dont roll down

Due_Diligence

Thanks a bunch I will try this after I leave work today.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

The guys are giving you great advice-welcome to AcuraZine, SS.

silver_shark

Guys I really appreciate all of the responses, it's great to have such support as a new member! I'll be going up there tomo with a code reader to check the stored codes. Also the guy is willing to fix it all certified and e-tested. I was thinking to shoot a lower offer as is but i think it best to just get the car proper right from the start. If all checks out, by tomo I'll be the proud owner of my (attainable) dream car lol.

Also that window technique is for the auto switch on the panel, usually as a result of lost power/Dead battery etc. The window down feature I'm referring to is when all windows and the sunroof open when you double tap the unlock button on the key fob and hold it on the second press. I have a feeling that function may be lost on account of the added remote start fob which also controls the door locks and trunk. although i really like that feature, if i lose it to having a two way starter I'm able to do without it. Here's to hoping, and huge shout out to all of you guys for the help. I'm glad i found a great forum with great people, Cheers!

silver_shark

Also, how would I be able to check the codes from the nav unit as previously mentioned? And on another note, what is a good source for oem parts, and does anyone have any pics (if possible) of the 04-06 A-spec lip kit on a type s? This I've also tried searching for but no luck. Thanks again everyone..

stuff215

I would also check the Motor Mounts/Trans Mounts for any cracks.

silver_shark

Hey guys, just an update, the seller has agreed to drive the car over to my area to the shop of my choice for a full inspection, he is paying for the certification and emissions test, and there are apparently no liens on the car (this I will verify by picking up the UVIP from the ministry of transportation).

things are looking good, I'm just researching the window down feature to see if theres a way to fix it..

on another note, anyone know where I can get an A-spec kit for a good price? i guess its almost time to start looking lol

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

wow, good seller so far!
hope she checks out!!!!!

Oh Sickest TL

iTrader: (3)

contact bruce at endless rpm for the lip kit.. OEM parts can be found at delray acura for great prices

truonghthe

Just a FYI some color is discontinued for aspec kit, you will have to get it in another color and paint to match. The best color availability now is white, black , blue (just some piece), bronze (some piece) but if you have red or silver then sorry it not available anywhere at all.

silver_shark

Thx truonghthe, i would love to own the metallic red, but this one happens to be silver (of course) lol. I'm not sure if the red was available in canada, as I've never seen one. I've probably seen 2 dark red base tl but that's about it, your car looks awesome in your avatar

truonghthe

thnx, that what many canadian told us here on AZ that they never saw MRP (Morrocan Red Pearl) in Canada. When I looking to buy a TL my color of choice was KBP (blue), NBP (black), ASM (Silver) and I can't picture myself owning a red TL. I was gonna buy a black one but the ad appear to be near me so i went and check it out anyway. I was blowing away by the color after test drive. In the shade it looks like dark red but its stand out and when the sun hit it directly it turn out to be more bright red. I later found out that MRP in Type S may even rarer than KBP. Here are some pics for you to enjoy.


Then





Now

silver_shark

Update:

I'm now the proud owner of the 2008 silver TL Type-S! thanks to everyone for all of your help! now time to familiarize myself with all of these features (and get used to filling up premium fuel)

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^the color is called ASM or alabaster silver metallic

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

congrats!!!!!!!