TL Type S Buying Advice

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Old 12-11-2013 | 12:07 PM
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TL Type S Buying Advice

Hello Gentlemen (and ladies?), I'm looking at buying a 2008 TL Type-S Auto () with 126k miles. Is there anything I should be concerned about or look into further before pulling the trigger on this car? I'm coming from the BMW E46 world and know that there are TONS of things to look for on that car when buying a new one.

Background on the car: One owner, sales guy bought new and used for work so hence the higher miles. I was told that it was a lot of highway time. All maintenance from the dealer with records to show. 100k service is done, no valve adjustment was needed apparently. Drove the car, doesn't seem to have any issues to me other than the gas cap notification which the seller told me about prior to me driving. Pulls strong, no odd sounds, shifts great. No scratches, dents, dings, etc. The front has a clear bra on it so very little to no road rash. Interior is spotless.

He's asking $14k, is this a fair price?

Just looking for some advice because the miles kind of concern me.
Old 12-11-2013 | 12:55 PM
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Seems a bit high considering the mileage, but it is a Type-S so the high price is to be expected. If you wait, I'm sure you'll find something better down the road. There is an '08 Type S being advertised near me with 44k miles and the seller is asking $21k. Looks immaculate and I'd much rather spend the extra cash and get a car with 80k fewer miles.
Old 12-11-2013 | 01:01 PM
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Thanks for the reply. I don't want to spend that much money on a new car is the thing. For $21k I can get into a CPO TSX or 4th gen TL no problem. There are a few other Type S cars around here but are all right around $20k with 60k-70k miles and that's too much for a dealer car without any records IMO. Right now my options are a 2007 TL base without nav with 80k miles for $12k or this Type S for $14k. Both private sellers.

The biggest downside and worry factor to the base car is that it doesn't come with much for records and will need the 100k service soon.
Old 12-11-2013 | 01:02 PM
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our Honda's are not plagued with mechanical or electrical problems like European cars!
there are no known pressing issues for the Auto TL type-s.

if the oil has been changed regularly, the car will last beyond 300k miles, with the little things going out first....like alternators, batteries, starters, etc.

you can get the car pre-inspected, so that you will know everything that is good with the car, and obviously known issues will be found out.

basically, if the tires are good, ALL of the fluids look clean, you have yourself a mechanically sound car that will last you 10 years or more.

Since it is a FWD vehicle, the suspension does take a beating.
axles, bushings, and shocks will eventually need to be replaced, but this is normal for any used car in this price range.


treat it just like any other used car you're willing to buy...
if maintenance checks out, you're good to go.

obviously dont buy a fucked up beat on car....

Last edited by justnspace; 12-11-2013 at 01:06 PM.
Old 12-11-2013 | 01:07 PM
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[/QUOTE]He's asking $14k, is this a fair price?

Just looking for some advice because the miles kind of concern me.[/QUOTE]

Assuming it is an automatic and according to NADA that price is about right with those miles.


The tighten fuel cap could be something simple like a new cap or it could be more serious so if you're going to pay $14K make him fix that first or....


If you are wary pay the $125 or so and get it inspected. These cars will last forever if taken car of, it is a Honda.
Old 12-11-2013 | 02:29 PM
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Based on what you said it sounds like this could be a good car. For some reason it always seemed that the TL's front end get pitted and chipped up a lot more than other cars I have had, so that clear bra is key!! Like others have said there is seriously no common problem areas with the automatic Type S. They are extremely solid cars! besides all the normal stuff you want to look into on any used car, if its well maintained like it seems to be this should be a very good car. Much less problematic than any german car. As far as price goes I dont have experience shopping for high mileage Type S's, but if its clean, well maintained, and original accident and body repair free I would say that sounds pretty good.
Oh, and this Type S has 117,000 more miles than my 07 Type S. Sorry had to say it lol :-D
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Old 12-11-2013 | 02:54 PM
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The tighten fuel cap could be something simple like a new cap or it could be more serious so if you're going to pay $14K make him fix that first or....

If you are wary pay the $125 or so and get it inspected. These cars will last forever if taken car of, it is a Honda.[/QUOTE]

The seller got it diagnosed as the evap purge valve and has the documentation for the diagnosis, he said he wasn't going to fix it. I was going to offer him $13k for the car and see what happens.

I've done all the work on my BMW so working on cars doesn't scare me, it's a good challenge for me.
Old 12-11-2013 | 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by JTS97Z28
Oh, and this Type S has 117,000 more miles than my 07 Type S. Sorry had to say it lol :-D
If you want to sell that car to me for less than $20k, I'd be glad to take it off your hands and give it some running room.
Old 12-11-2013 | 02:59 PM
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Originally Posted by SamDoe1
If you want to sell that car to me for less than $20k, I'd be glad to take it off your hands and give it some running room.
LOL i believe he spent a little over $20 grand for it.
Old 12-11-2013 | 03:04 PM
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It sounds like a good car. Haggle the price, as always, but don't expect it to come down much.
Old 12-11-2013 | 03:04 PM
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Cars are a depreciating asset. It's only getting older and unless it's a Ferrari 250GTB or some other rare exotic, it's likely not going to be worth more even with low miles.
Old 12-11-2013 | 03:06 PM
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Anyway, we'll see how this goes. I'm still working on selling my E46. I've been on E46 Fanatics for years but I'm excited to join another community.
Old 12-11-2013 | 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
LOL i believe he spent a little over $20 grand for it.
23 to be exact. It more or less is getting driven on a daily basis so the miles are going up. My commute to work is only 13 miles each way so not too bad though.
Let us know what happens with this 08 Type S if he takes 13 or not. Oh, I dont think you stated what color it is? NBP (black), ASM (silver), WDP (white), CBP (bronze), KBP (blue), MRP (red)?
Interior choices are Ebony/Silver (basically all black), or Taupe (black with light gray seats, headliner, and door inserts).
Old 12-11-2013 | 03:14 PM
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It's the bronze color with ebony/silver. That's the black interior, black seats with tan-ish inserts correct?
Old 12-11-2013 | 03:16 PM
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Originally Posted by SamDoe1
Cars are a depreciating asset. It's only getting older and unless it's a Ferrari 250GTB or some other rare exotic, it's likely not going to be worth more even with low miles.
LOL tell that to James, as stated he spent $23k for the low mileage TL.
he would be stupid to sell it for anything less.

so, please try again!
Old 12-11-2013 | 03:24 PM
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Originally Posted by SamDoe1
It's the bronze color with ebony/silver. That's the black interior, black seats with tan-ish inserts correct?
Sweet! Carbon Bronze Pearl with the black interior is an amazing color combo. Yeah ebony/silver has black on the outter parts of the seats, with like a very dark silver (almost charcoalish) inserts.
Old 12-11-2013 | 04:05 PM
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Thanks guys, much appreciated. I'll post up if I end up getting the car.
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Old 12-11-2013 | 05:46 PM
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Originally Posted by SamDoe1
The seller got it diagnosed as the evap purge valve and has the documentation for the diagnosis, he said he wasn't going to fix it. I was going to offer him $13k for the car and see what happens.

I've done all the work on my BMW so working on cars doesn't scare me, it's a good challenge for me.

Well there you go, you know what it will cost to fix it. Hope he accepts your offer or if not you can come to a mutually acceptable price, good luck.
Old 12-12-2013 | 02:06 AM
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Originally Posted by JTS97Z28
Interior choices are Ebony/Silver (basically all black), or Taupe (black with light gray seats, headliner, and door inserts).
isnt "ebony/silver" the black interior with silver middle lining(2 tone) on seats? and taupe is the light tan seats(1 tone)?
Old 12-12-2013 | 07:49 AM
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Originally Posted by paperboy42190
isnt "ebony/silver" the black interior with silver middle lining(2 tone) on seats? and taupe is the light tan seats(1 tone)?
Yup. The taupe interior isn't really tan even though people call it that. The seats, center console lid, door panel inserts, and headliner are all light gray. Ebony/silver is all black with exception of the dark silver in the middle if the seats.
Old 01-04-2014 | 05:56 PM
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Just bought it today after it checked out of the PPI. Paid $13.5k after some negotiation. Excited to drive it more!
Old 01-04-2014 | 05:58 PM
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Old 01-05-2014 | 11:30 AM
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Congrats.
Old 01-05-2014 | 01:08 PM
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congrat and now we need to see pics.
Old 01-05-2014 | 01:58 PM
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Nice. Can't wait to see it.
Old 01-05-2014 | 02:40 PM
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Pics as promised. Sorry for the crappy pictures, the current weather here is -10F with windchills into the -15F or lower...
Attached Thumbnails TL Type S Buying Advice-image-1-b.jpg   TL Type S Buying Advice-image-2-b.jpg   TL Type S Buying Advice-imageb.jpg  
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Old 01-06-2014 | 04:20 AM
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Looks really good! Congrats!
Old 01-06-2014 | 07:17 AM
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Originally Posted by SamDoe1
Pics as promised. Sorry for the crappy pictures, the current weather here is -10F with windchills into the -15F or lower...
Nice car. Congrats! In the last pic the interior looks to be the grey, but that could be the reflection.

Any future mods planned?
Old 01-06-2014 | 08:28 AM
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You got a great price. Congrats
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