I am going to test drive an 2004 Acura TL tomorrow that has 173K miles and the guy is asking $8,000. What are the the major things I need to be looking for when driving the car? I've had you guys all tell me how great the car is and how reliable it is but looking through the "Problems and Fixes" forum I see lots of different things that could go wrong, transmission etc....What are the most common things I should be looking for that could potentially fu** me over I'f I buy the car?

 

Mainly watch out for DEAD HOOKERS...




a slipping transmission, worn suspension/steering components, etc.

That is going to be one well used car.

 

just trany issue because its an 04 model other than that you good to go.

 

Tranny, suspension and make sure it was not in a wreck. Other than that you should be fine.

 

as these cars are getting older with more mileage than we've ever seen before, i think its time to revise our "its bulletproof" mantra.

with, 173k miles and it being an almost 9 year old car, i think its safe to say that you're going to have to check EVERY THING.

like one poster pointed out, suspension components could be worn.
motor mounts could be worn.
who knows what the deal is on the transmission.
interior is probably beat up.
the motor will be fine(if they took care of oil changes)
the timing belt will neeed to be changed AGAIn, soon.
water pump could be going out.
just all the little things.


I would just be wary of all the little things going out.
So, if you think $8k is a great deal and dont mind sinking in a couple more grand for maintenance, then sure, go ahead and purchase it.

this is probably the reason why the seller is getting rid of it, as it ages all the little things go out and he got tired of maintaining them.

 

All of the above plus:

Check HFL (hands free Link), even if it is with his phone
Check Transmission fluid color. If it's a dark brown (vs red) and/or burnt smelling, it hasn't been maintained well enough and you should walk away.