I currently have a 98 Corolla and I am looking to upgrade to a Acura TL. I have found an agm Tl with 96k miles 6 speed and navi for $12900 and they are thinking of taking my corolla and I make up the difference. The thing I am concerned of is trading for a car with almost the same miles of my current car. I am also going to have to change the timing belt and water pump soon so that's more cost. I also want to put money in it ie. rims, exhaust, and other numerous parts. Is it worth getting this car with this many miles if you plan on putting money in it or should I just pay more and get one with less miles?

Any advice on buying a TL would be appreciated. Thank you

 

It all depends on what you want, and how much you're willing to pay. It's a high mileage car according to what you indicate, but if they'll take your Corolla + cash to make up the $12,900, and it's in really good condition, you might have a buy despite having to do the TB/WP in the near future. If you get it, I would just use it w/o modding it if all you need is basic transportation (albeit in a nicer package).

Otherwise, rethink your price target, and get something with lower miles you might want to mod more (obviously will be more $$$). Just remember that the mods are for you and in no way increase the car's value.

 

ERDOC, has it correct.

the 96k on the engine is nothing. it will last forever. although, the engine will be fine for 300k miles, its the other small parts that might go bad. (starter,alternator, wheel bearings, suspension, clutch, etc) you're also right that the Timing belt and water pump are to be changed at 105k miles.

if you're tight on cash (and your Original Post indicated so) I would forgo modding it.
I would do all of the required maintenance to get the car to last those 300k miles,first.

 

I went through a similar process when I purchased my 05 acura tl with 95k miles close to 3mos. ago. paid $13.7 w/taxes through a loan. It was the lowest priced TL i could find in the 6mos. of searching. I wanted to mod too!

I really wanted to stay below 100k but I knew the big maintenance was coming up im now at 102.5k miles and saving as much money as possible. Plan to get the maintenance work done at my local Honda dealer for $800.00+ since my local Acura dealer quoted me $1200.00. Yikes!

^I suggest you try to do it sooner than later, I hit a financial bump which made me spend more than I anticipated so now I really do not have the funds right now for the major service.

Like the others above me said if you want it and everything checks out than go for it, but hold off on modding until you get the 105k miles service done! than Mod away to your hearts desire.

 

good advice = dont buy from dealer.

 

Thanks for the advice. The reason why I chose a TL in this price range is so I can either pay it off up front or really soon. I have the funds to do so, I just don't want payments due to the nature of my job depending on government budgeting.

I am young and definately a car enthusiast so personalizing the car is a must for me ha. I put maintenence at a definate first at all times though. The car can look pretty but if it doesn't run, its useless.

Thanks for sharing the personal experience Mando, I hope you can manage to conjure up the funds to do the maintenance on your TL! I've heard of people going over the 105 mark safely but of course it's not recommended as the outcome of a bad timing belt can set you back thousands more. I will probably get the maintnenance out of the way right off the bat then move to tint, rims, exhaust etc. How does the TL run at 102k miles? Like new? Interior hold up good? Are you satisfied with getting one with that many miles or would you have gone back and gotten one with less?

 

^Well since I didnt buy the car new, I dnt know how a new car drives. But so far I think it drives great esp. coming from a 91' acura integra. It was a definite upgrade and it looks really nice, the only thing that im having a problem with the interior is the leather seats seem to wear out really quickly, and my car gets dirty but thats too be expected since its a lighter interior.

Im actually satisfied with my car it met my requirement it was below 100k mark, for a very short amount of time. , I would have liked to have a lower mileage one but it would cost more and I wanted a nice upgrade but nothing that will break the bank.

Im still in college, so I want to stay away from being in debt in large quantities(e.g. 20k+) This was my first car purchase through an auto loan so I hope to pay it off in the next 2 yrs. since $14k below was what I could afford/approved for.

Only time will tell how well my acura tl holds up but I think it wouldnt have a problem since my 91 integra still runs, and clean interior, just oxidized paint/fading. They are known for reliability.

 

If they really want to sell the car, which I'm sure they do, make them do the timing belt/water pump BEFORE you take delivery, for the same $12,900 price.


That is what I would make them do.

 

Hey sorry for the delay. I am in college too and with classes starting and working full time I've been super busy. I just moved near my college and I hit a deer with my corolla last weekend and they are giving me a good amount for it being totaled. Now it's time to keep hunting for the right TL. The one I was looking at the guy is kind of flakey just like the other ones I looked at. They either need to find the right car to replace it or they are finicky about something. I would also have to drive about 9 hours to get the one I mentioned but I am still gonna try.

Also, it would be really nice if they would do that maintenance prior to selling it and I'll mention it but I'm assuming they will say no ha.

 

^its all good, just keep searching the right one will appear, but your situation with the corolla being totaled you have less time to find the TL. Mayb find a cheap car meantime than keep looking than sell your beater.

I wish the previous owner would have done the 105k service prior to selling it to me too... BUT she wanted it out of her hair due to marriage expenses. She was very consistent with taking it to dealer for service work. She would have jacked up her price if she did the work though.

 

Sorry to hear about the accident with the deer. Freaking animals, anyways go for the tl it sounds good. Just tell them to fix the timing belt and the water. Pump. Good luck

 

My car actually works ha. I finally was able to pry the hood open because it needs an oil change soon and I tied the front frame part of the engine to a tree and backed up to bend it out so the hood would latch. But the reason I am doing this is to prepare for my Journey to Ohio to pick up the TL! I talked em down to 11700 for a 04 Nav 6 speed with 92,000 miles (pretty good right?). I didn't even ask if they would do the timing belt because the guy seemed flakey and I didn't want to discourage them. I am kind of having reservations about buying a car with this many miles for this price but I know they last forever and it's an awesome car. Another thing is gas mileage. I am going from about 33 to 37mpg no matter how I drive to about 22 to 32 right? Not too bad I guess. Seem like a good deal? I've debated Audi's (a4 etc) and VW's (passats) but the reliability and cost of parts factor steered me away. So do you think this is a good deal? I can maybe post pictures of it that I was sent tonight.

 

Then go for it. Good luck with the car once you get it.

 

Sorry for double post but I can't edit yet. Yes go ahead and oat the UVA bur for the price you are giving it seems nice. When I got the tl I have it cost me 17000 with 117000 miles on it so this is a good deal even with timing belt and water pump that need to be change as soon as ossicle especially the water pump. Yes the mpg are around 21 to 30 depending your way of driving. And about the parts for repairs hmm definitely cheaper than Audi and volswagen. Post sOme pics so we can see it. The prize is really a good deal considering tl's even if they are used are still sell with high prizes. Example: mine 117000 miles at 17000$ in nj with all taxes. Damn taxes are high lol. Good luck

 

yah well seems your already sold on they car just change fluids on the car since its a manual, and miles arent too bad, but be prepared to pay for the 105k service. Save your pennies.

I have a cuzin who has property in Ohio, sorry off topic. Her family moved back to good ol Cali, but rent out their property. is it snowing over there will your corolla make it?
Just asking.

 

It looks immaculate and at a nice a$$ house, my guess is they take great care of it which is exactly what I will do, and yes I am pretty sold on this particular one, fell in love when I first saw the pics. Dangg 17,000 just seems like a ton woww. How many miles does it have now and have you had any repairs? I'm hoping to get just above 30 with the 6 speed. I live in Wisconsin and it's still 80's haha so ya my Corolla will make it. My Corolla would make it another 100k+ hands down and I love it, i've just wanted a bada$$ car like the TL. Me and my roomates r gonna have a blast makin this roady, about 8-9 hours. Corolla won't break a sweat and it will get about 39mpgs on the interstate. I feel bad for the old rolla tho, I'll miss it for sure.

 

I got it 1 month ago so it just have something around 117450 to 117500. I just change the oil and until now I haven't notice any problem. Runs great. My mpg are around 23 to 25 maybe 27 on highway. I keep traveling from nj to pensylvania a lot. And I have notice the tank gets fill completely with something around 48 to 50 bucks. Premium. Regular will f$@k the motor very bad considering the motor is of high performance. Just fix those two things and you are all set.

 

Man, I was going to test drive this 04 black 6spd with 108,000 that I was initially looking at a couple months ago but the guy wouldn't sell it unless he found an 08 tls manual. He ended up trading it in on saturday (which I knew because I called him) for a 08 TLS and it went to this dealer about an hour and a half away. So I call them up to schedule a time today and it's already sold before it even hit the lot. So I have never driven a TL yet. I'm just surprised these people have had their TL so long and hope there is no underlying issue that I don't know about.

 

see if you can sell your car to a private party first. Dealers rip you off with trade-ins

 

Surviving high mileage is one of the reasons why I bought the TL. 159,000 miles as of today, no problems other than normal wear and mice eating through wires. Runs great. 32 mpg on the highway per the computer. 27 mpg overall over last 9k miles.

 

Oh man, all this talk about manual TL-S got me itching for one. Oh and look...

http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/acu...ra&distance=30

I just need to transfer my jpipe, ATLP quads, suspension, wheels... hmm... nah.

 

What year is the TL?

With proper maintenance, there shouldn't be any problems besides maybe dashboard issues and rattles (which can be fixed via 3G GARAGE).

 

I'm at 103.7k miles. YIKES! Now that school has started and no longer living on campus, commuting and all tht jazz... well in a way it hurts me since I am putting so many miles since Ive had it which was at 95k miles back in Mid May 2011.

This sucks wish I was still in the 5 figure mileage.
But pretty much just the oil changes, but soon I'm about to change the A/C filter, and need to tackle a certain rattle that I cant figure out get rid of. Very reliable so far.
I may want to switch my acuras since I own both. Miss my peppy car hahaha hope my mom isnt too attached to it, since she has a 03 gmc envoy xl nd tht things a gas guzzler so she drives my lil one well I drive my newish one

 

Yep, for my car to be just how it was before I need a core support, hood, front bumper cover, radiator mounting brackets and headlights. I plan on doing this myself and selling it private.

Wow, that's great mileage. I hope whichever one I get gets that good of mileage and I just keep hearing great stories about people with high mileage TL's.
Ya that's a hot TLS! I wouldn't do it if I had all that in my TL already lol. Those ATLP's are amazing, that would be the first thing I would want to do. Is there any highway droning with the ATLP?
It's an 04.
Ya i just moved near campus and it's crazy. I work about 50 minutes away full time and go to night classes. It's a lot to handle . It's amazing how the miles rack upp mann. Oh and btw I got to test drive that black 04 that I thought was sold! The financing fell through so they still have it. It is in amazinggg shape. New front brembo brakes, 6 speed and navi. It looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor. The thing that turned me off was that they didn't know if it had the 105,000 maintenance and they just tried to undermine the fact that it wasn't done. I knew the owner because I talked to him and he didn't do that maintenance. It has 108,000 miles and they are asking 12,500 which isn't too bad. But there's that one I posted above with 97,000 miles for 11,700. Harrd choice ugh. My mom also really doesn't want me to get an Acura because of practicality but I would rather spend my hard earned money on something I want and it is still a pretty practical car, it's just not a Corolla. Peace

 

Amen tothe last 3 sentences you said brother.

 

So I got A TL!! I drove to Chicago after work last night and pulled a all nighter driving with my cousin and went to work today at 7! I am running on pure caffeine. Anyways the car has the Aero body kit, navi, 6 speed, and its the abyss blue pearl! It has some hail damage but I will make due with it and fix it some time. I will post pictures!

 

congratz, post some pics for us soon

 

Congrats, nd damn that suxs but at least you got the car you wanted.. and ur previous post. My mom was the same way but ever since I saw th 04 TL commercials on TV i wanted one, so now many yrs. later, the chance to own one. My mom says it wasnt practical, this was my dream car and if I couldnt get my 1st choice 06+ Honda Pilot than TL was next. Honda pilots are so expensive for being so many yrs. old now..

Well got the loan since I also wanted to build my credit so no problem there, but plan to pay it off ASAP

 

Here it is! not the best quality, will take more. It's a car I actually look forward to getting into after work. Very comfortable and super smooth. It goes too. Will fall in love with it.

 

Man my next choice in color for the TL was a ABP or a RRP. Nice it looks like a scuff mark on the bottom left corner of your front aspec lip, mayb its just the pix quality. But nonetheless, great pick up


Also question do you headlights look white with a hint of blue, or a bit more blue, Im getting the feeling my headlights are just about done but I wanna see if they look originally blue

 

Congrats on the new ride.

The price was pretty good. I would have went with one over 105K that already had the TB service done though.

 

[quote=RaviNJCLs;13223728]Congrats on the new ride.

The price was pretty good. I would have went with one over 105K that already had the TB service done though.

Yepp! I got it for 9100 dollars and the Honda dealership quoted me 600 dollars for accessory, timing belt and water pump change. After saving that much money I'm not really worried about spending 600 for the service. I love it more and more each day. Anyone recommend seafoam or any additive to do before I change the spark plugs? (NGK Iridiums). Anything else to look out for? I'm going to change the front break pads probably with rotex gold ones because they are a bit low.

 

Ya i love the color! Way better the grey or black one I was looking at. Grey leather interior with carbon fiber accents is legit too. The scuff is just a surface scratch that I'll get buffed out. Also for the headlights, 6000/6100k will look like a diamond white with a hint of blue from the get go so they probably aren't going out. I had 6100k on my retrofit projectors on my corolla and they looked like this. I got big plans for the whip!

 

Yah man, i would love they grey, but for some reason I always lean towards the lightest interior, it just looks nice... and ive seen other stock TL (old peps) who drive them have a more blue, but I may also need to adjust them since they seem a bit low.
Wish my honda dealer quoted me $600 for the 105k service, they quoted $800. Which isnt too bad but I wanna save money too.. Ohh well..

 

[QUOTE=TLdub;13227524]Nice, congrats. I have the same car except w/ a/t and different color interior. How many miles on it? I have about 160K now, and seeing what you paid, mine may be worth a cup of coffee in a trade...

 

Very nice deal.

Personally I am not a big fan of Seafoam or any additives. If I were you I would drive it a couple months with the plugs you have now. If it runs well then I would avoid seafoaming. If there seems to be issues I would start with cleaning the TB and IM first.

 

Ya I was pretty to hear such a low price!
[quote=SutTL;13228235]95k miles, I got a steal on it and drove to Chicago for it. It has some hail dents I'm gonna get fixed. Normally they are worth up towards 13k to 15k and sell quick!
Oh ok. What is your experience with additives? Any negative experience that caused your dislike or you just think it's unnecessary? I just like to clean everything out so it runs smoother, and possibly get better gas mileage after the full tuneup. There's no problem, it's more of a preventive measure and making sure the vehicle is running at peak level.

BTW I do need front brembo brake pads. Any suggestions? Duralast CMAX? Hawk? Red stuff? ET300? Stock Brembo?