Hey everyone. Got a question for you. My '04 is getting up there..... 122K miles, lots of city dings, and lights going off (including ck engine for secondary 02 sensor).

My friend's shop has 2 pretty complete TLs in the yard for parts. I've already taken the front driveshaft from it.

I'm wondering if I should just get a new car (trade in TL) or if I should "refresh" mine with a bunch of parts from the salvaged cars. From a maintenance perspective, all I've done, really, is the timing belt service.

Thanks in advance.

 

02 sensor should be an easy fix

I say refresh and do some mods!! Make the car feel new again!

 

Not sure I understand. If it isn't broken, don't fix it. Are there other problems besides the o2 sensor?

 

122k is a lot? lol

 

this

 

I say, see how much it is to get your car repaired vs. buying a new vehicle. If its payed off and running I would fix the car, unless you want another car payment. If you want to get a car you really like then do what you can to bring up the value of your car then trade it in.

 

I would keep it, especially if you have 2 parts cars at your disposal. And with proper maintenance 122k is nothing for these cars.

 

Well, I suspect that the 02 sensor is toast bc I have an AEM CAI, and I don't clean the filter often enough, but other than that, it runs fine. I could use some new tires, but maybe wondering if I should take the seats out of the newer cars, or maybe even the carpet or switch out the tails.

 

You've already done your 105k service. I say get newer parts from the two junked TLs and keep the car for another 122k.

 

Yes, but without anything really broken, which parts would you say would be good to replace from a preventative standpoint (other than the 02/cat)?

 

Im not a good person to ask because with my car buying addiction I would say ditch that thing and get another car :-)

 

Haha, I have one, too, that's why I'm trying to be sensible here. The TL went from weekend car to daily. My weekend car is sooo much more fun now

 

In that case, keep the TL as a reliable daily driver and mod/maintain your weekend car.

Provided you keep up on maintenance with the TL, it should last you a very long time.

 

Keep the car and grab the parts off the donor cars.

Do a TL-S conversion (interior, exterior, everything)

 

I suggest that you replace parts that don't work right now. There's no point in replacing car parts that are fully functional. In the future when something gives out, just head over to your friend's shop and get the parts you need.

I'm also curious to what your weekend car is!!!

 

Keep the TL and mod it.

 

It's funny how you say "refresh" your car with parts from salvaged TLs lol, isn't that downgrading? Lol jk

 

What's your weekend car?

 

It'll be cheaper to maintain your current car then to buy a new one, if you still like it keep it til you're sick of it.

 

i'm actually going through this dilemma right now. my 2004 has 136K miles, a bent rim, bushings, and 2 dents and some light scratches. soon to need new tires and pads.
I don't know whether I should do all this work, or sell it off and buy a BMW or something. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it), I can't find a suitable upgrade in my price range.

 

thats a typical 10 year old car, but 136k isnt shit for these motors. If you like the car, do some paintless dent repair, get a professional wet sand and wax and it will look brand new. Also if you have a bent rim you can get one for cheap off ebay and new tires and pads are just maintenance..no reason to sell a perfectly fine car, unless you want to upgrade to something better, but if you just going to sell if off those reasons stated, thats no beuno

 

Keep the TL. I kept my 99 TL w/ 150k miles when I bought my 05 TL. My 99 needed alot of maintenance work and I considered selling. I ended up keeping the car and doing all the maintenance myself and it has lasted me another 5+ years (and its still my daily). Now if it craps out I got my 05 TL w/ 50k miles that I plan on keeping until "the wheels fall off".

I have no car payments and two cars now, so I should be good for a while without car payments. Either do the maintenance and spend money when/where needed or have monthly payments for the next 3+ years, its up to you.

I could have been car payment free for 6+ years now if I didnt purchase my 05 when I did. After paying interest for the term of the loan (paid $22,800 otd in 07 w/ 27k miles), I could have spent/saved $26k elsewhere. I do not regret purchasing my 3G, and now my goal is to go as long as possible without any car payments (my son is 4, so another 12 years if possible ). I have owned my 99 for 11 years now, so that goal is not too far fetched.

 

Thanks for letting me sound it out. Will keop the TL and just fix as needed.

As for weekend car, here she is. In fact, I have to go pick her up right now. Had to get a new PS hose .

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=832246

 

Whoa momma! That thing is a beast

 

^ yeah, definately keep the TL as a daily. Routine maintenance will keep you going a long time. Enjoy the weekend warrior

 

Our TL are timeless design, mine still get compliments constantly! mod it up a bit and it'll look new..and 122k is NOTHING..lol
Plus if the car is paid off...it feels good =)

 

Keep the TL...Fix it, maintane it and drive it. Have fun with the weekend car...enjoy life...

 

That's your weekend car?!?!

Uh, yeah keep the TL and drive it till it dies.

 

I love your weekend car.