Octane and concerns with buying a used TL
09-29-2008, 10:01 AM
#1
10th Gear
Thread Starter
Octane and concerns with buying a used TL
I'm finally ready to sell my Maxima and move into an '05 or '06 TL. I've educated myself to only using at least 91 octane. However, I won't know if the previous owner did. Since I don't put on a lot of miles and looking to save some $ on the price of the car, I'm in the market for one that has high miles - so, no warranty. Is there a way for me / my mechanic to to know if there will be engine problems in my future based on what the previous owner filled up with? Thanks!
09-29-2008, 10:28 AM
#2
I dont think there is really an easy way to tell besides taking the engine apart and inspecting the valves and such for carbon build up. Best thing you can do is run 93 octane for a few tanks and seafoam the engine to clean it out a bit.
On a side note, my mechanic at the acura dealer that for best results I should be running 91 and 89 every other tank, but making sure that I have at least a quarter tank of 91 in the car when putting in the 89. Has anyone else heard this?
On a side note, my mechanic at the acura dealer that for best results I should be running 91 and 89 every other tank, but making sure that I have at least a quarter tank of 91 in the car when putting in the 89. Has anyone else heard this?
09-29-2008, 11:01 AM
#3
run 91 octane or 93 if thats what they sell in your area
No need to run higher than that as it will not help- and will actually be bad for the engine
Seafoam the gas tank and intake manifold, and again in a month - then good for a year.
All the carbon deposits that normally occur will be removed!
Be very aware the 04-05-maybe 06, automatics carry the gen2 problem of trans clutch pack failure at low miles- anywhere over 50 which is your warranty limit- would be normal
2500$ rebuild yours locally or $4000 at acura for rebuilt from acura in a swap trans situation- dead out, rebuilt in
you can buy an extended warranty thru an acura dealer-even on a car you didnt buy there
Go in and speak with the sales manager only! and get a long time-miles coverage on the car- especially the transmission
Otherwise buy one with high miles and hope, and put aside some money in case~
Your car may be fine but....
A little carbon is the least of your concerns- 20 bucks will take care of that!
any car you really like, call acura with the VIN number at 1-800-382-2238 x5,
tell them `just looking to buy` and can they check any warranty repairs made or outstanding recalls to be taken care of
They can also tell you a little about when and where the car was purchased, how many people have registered with them as the owner (its optional but gets recall notices sent to you) for example the gen3s have a recall for ps hoses and wiper motor
If they have your address they can mail you a card!
Thats Acura Care and can tell you about any acura given its VIN number
check out the Off Topic link at top of pages here- then scroll down to Private Sales- there is a new area highlighted - Member Cars for sale
you can find a well loved acura from a ziner who took good care of it-
No need to run higher than that as it will not help- and will actually be bad for the engine
Seafoam the gas tank and intake manifold, and again in a month - then good for a year.
All the carbon deposits that normally occur will be removed!
Be very aware the 04-05-maybe 06, automatics carry the gen2 problem of trans clutch pack failure at low miles- anywhere over 50 which is your warranty limit- would be normal
2500$ rebuild yours locally or $4000 at acura for rebuilt from acura in a swap trans situation- dead out, rebuilt in
you can buy an extended warranty thru an acura dealer-even on a car you didnt buy there
Go in and speak with the sales manager only! and get a long time-miles coverage on the car- especially the transmission
Otherwise buy one with high miles and hope, and put aside some money in case~
Your car may be fine but....
A little carbon is the least of your concerns- 20 bucks will take care of that!
any car you really like, call acura with the VIN number at 1-800-382-2238 x5,
tell them `just looking to buy` and can they check any warranty repairs made or outstanding recalls to be taken care of
They can also tell you a little about when and where the car was purchased, how many people have registered with them as the owner (its optional but gets recall notices sent to you) for example the gen3s have a recall for ps hoses and wiper motor
If they have your address they can mail you a card!
Thats Acura Care and can tell you about any acura given its VIN number
check out the Off Topic link at top of pages here- then scroll down to Private Sales- there is a new area highlighted - Member Cars for sale
you can find a well loved acura from a ziner who took good care of it-
09-29-2008, 11:05 AM
#4
the S motor really needs the 91, its has higher compression 11-1 and the octane number is about the additives to retard detonation/combustion
98 octane has way more added in than 91
All the gas starts as 87 at the refinery- then each brand name served (several companies share a main line) has its secret sauce line that ties into the fill line before the tanker- Each sauce changes the octane- raises the number
98 octane has way more added in than 91
All the gas starts as 87 at the refinery- then each brand name served (several companies share a main line) has its secret sauce line that ties into the fill line before the tanker- Each sauce changes the octane- raises the number
09-29-2008, 11:30 AM
#5
I dont think there is really an easy way to tell besides taking the engine apart and inspecting the valves and such for carbon build up. Best thing you can do is run 93 octane for a few tanks and seafoam the engine to clean it out a bit.
On a side note, my mechanic at the acura dealer that for best results I should be running 91 and 89 every other tank, but making sure that I have at least a quarter tank of 91 in the car when putting in the 89. Has anyone else heard this?
On a side note, my mechanic at the acura dealer that for best results I should be running 91 and 89 every other tank, but making sure that I have at least a quarter tank of 91 in the car when putting in the 89. Has anyone else heard this?
09-29-2008, 12:36 PM
#6
on your side note, your mechanic sounds like an idiot...switching octane is not a good idea, pick one and stick with it, there is not one single reason to switch back and fourth between 91 and 89 every tank...89 octane will yield you nothing in performance or miliage...91 octane is optimum for the performance and fuel miliage for this car....
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09-30-2008, 04:29 PM
#8
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01tl4tl, so to clarify if im getting an 04-05' TL w/ about 30-50k miles on it, I should definitely get warranty for the transmission?
I did find an 06' for a decent price with 40k miles on it which im really interested, but I just wanna know what other options there are.
I did find an 06' for a decent price with 40k miles on it which im really interested, but I just wanna know what other options there are.
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