Water damage...
08-26-2010, 01:31 PM
#1
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Water damage...
Hey guys,
What are your thoughts on considering an '07 TL with repaired water damage? The car is too far away for me to see it in person, but I am considering hiring a third party mechanic to really research the car and check it out. The car is *exactly* what I am looking for. It has 61,000 miles. The price is listed as $15,000 and negotiable. The damage was freshwater damage, and the seller insists that no water got into the engine or tranny. He claims the carpets were removed and steam cleaned, and that any parts that needed to be replaced (including the brainbox) were replaced with OEM Acura parts. He claims there are absolutely zero residual effects of the damage and that the car has been thoroughly restored to post-damage condition.
Any words of wisdom from the experts? THANKS in advance!!!
Eric
What are your thoughts on considering an '07 TL with repaired water damage? The car is too far away for me to see it in person, but I am considering hiring a third party mechanic to really research the car and check it out. The car is *exactly* what I am looking for. It has 61,000 miles. The price is listed as $15,000 and negotiable. The damage was freshwater damage, and the seller insists that no water got into the engine or tranny. He claims the carpets were removed and steam cleaned, and that any parts that needed to be replaced (including the brainbox) were replaced with OEM Acura parts. He claims there are absolutely zero residual effects of the damage and that the car has been thoroughly restored to post-damage condition.
Any words of wisdom from the experts? THANKS in advance!!!
Eric
08-26-2010, 01:51 PM
#5
Salvage Title?????????????
Look elsewhere.
Depending on your location there are quite a few 2007 TL CPO cars for under $20,000 with half the miles and they will come with not only the the factory warranty, but the additional warranty from Acura. An additional $5000 might seem like a lot of money, but when it comes to repairs on the TL and depreciation with the salvage title it's just a drop in the bucket.
Look elsewhere.
Depending on your location there are quite a few 2007 TL CPO cars for under $20,000 with half the miles and they will come with not only the the factory warranty, but the additional warranty from Acura. An additional $5000 might seem like a lot of money, but when it comes to repairs on the TL and depreciation with the salvage title it's just a drop in the bucket.
08-26-2010, 02:01 PM
#7
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I've been looking, but am coming up empty so far. I want white, with the the really light grey/tan (taupe, I think) interior and nav. I'll consider any year from '04-'08. That's apparently a very tall order :/
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08-26-2010, 02:10 PM
#8
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so it has water damage that got above the floorboards but didn't touch the engine or tranny?
i think you're trying to justify it to yourself, and if you have to do that, it's not the right car.
keep looking, find one that you wont have to worry about
i think you're trying to justify it to yourself, and if you have to do that, it's not the right car.
keep looking, find one that you wont have to worry about
08-26-2010, 02:14 PM
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08-26-2010, 02:33 PM
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Walk away from it Eric-don't worry, you'll be able to find one that you like and that is in your price range.
08-26-2010, 05:28 PM
#12
Dude walk away from it!! I mean really.... I personally rather much buy a TL that has been maintained properly, never been in a wreck or flood. Spend a little more on the CPO for peace of mind
08-26-2010, 06:32 PM
#13
Run. The TL's have a ton of electronics in them, and you could have issues down the road you won't even see right now. And when you are dealing with electrical issues, the bills can add up to huge amounts real fast.
08-26-2010, 06:51 PM
#14
Advanced
I have first hand experience with a flood car. I have had to replace the steering rack likely due to flood damage. The car has bad front impact sensors from being flooded. It probably isn't worth the future hassle and problems...but I did get a great deal on mine.
08-26-2010, 06:57 PM
#15
The Box
No, no, no, no, no!
I just totaled a car a month ago due to water damage.
Once the water damage turns into corrosion on all the components that were in the water, it's done. It's going to be one electrical problem after another.
Keep looking...I was looking for a while and seems like I found what you're looking for
05 TL 6-MT with nav. WDP/gray.
They're out there, just be patient.
I just totaled a car a month ago due to water damage.
Once the water damage turns into corrosion on all the components that were in the water, it's done. It's going to be one electrical problem after another.
Keep looking...I was looking for a while and seems like I found what you're looking for
05 TL 6-MT with nav. WDP/gray.
They're out there, just be patient.
08-26-2010, 07:30 PM
#16
Race Director
Negative ghost rider! Think about it. What brainbox was replaced? I'm assuming either the ECU or the MICU. If water got to one of those, then there was a lot of water inside the car, probably at least 12". If water got that high, it also traveled partially up the air intake. Also, what about water damage to calipers and VSA/ABS sensors?
08-26-2010, 07:37 PM
#17
ok here is my 2 cent..
I am a TL owner that was in FLOOD. so hear my story.
My TL is a an 04 WDP with auto tranny, base model with tan interior.
The car had 47k miles on it when i bought it from the auction. i got the car for 10k. brought the car to the shop, cleaned it up nice..and checked the engine and pretty much everything.
the battery was dead and the antitheft prevented the car from turning on. plus water had gotten to the computer and as a result it sent too much juice to the 2nd cylinder spark plug causing the coil to melt over it. so replaced the computer from factory, changed all spark plugs, and coils. changed the oil 3 times to get all the crap out of the engine, and had acura set off the antitheft system. charged the battery and the car started one shot.
the car was bought in august of 2009, so i have been driving it for a year and now it has 73k miles on it.
havnt had a single issue with the car what so ever, the only thing is that some of the switches for the driver side seat (the lumber) dont work. which i can live with.
I spent 10k for the car and put 1k most to bring it to life..
the interioir and exterioir dont have a mark on them..very clean..
best of luck with your TL, it is a great car to buy, if not happy with this you will deff be able to find else where..
cheers
I am a TL owner that was in FLOOD. so hear my story.
My TL is a an 04 WDP with auto tranny, base model with tan interior.
The car had 47k miles on it when i bought it from the auction. i got the car for 10k. brought the car to the shop, cleaned it up nice..and checked the engine and pretty much everything.
the battery was dead and the antitheft prevented the car from turning on. plus water had gotten to the computer and as a result it sent too much juice to the 2nd cylinder spark plug causing the coil to melt over it. so replaced the computer from factory, changed all spark plugs, and coils. changed the oil 3 times to get all the crap out of the engine, and had acura set off the antitheft system. charged the battery and the car started one shot.
the car was bought in august of 2009, so i have been driving it for a year and now it has 73k miles on it.
havnt had a single issue with the car what so ever, the only thing is that some of the switches for the driver side seat (the lumber) dont work. which i can live with.
I spent 10k for the car and put 1k most to bring it to life..
the interioir and exterioir dont have a mark on them..very clean..
best of luck with your TL, it is a great car to buy, if not happy with this you will deff be able to find else where..
cheers
08-26-2010, 07:55 PM
#19
Race Director
08-27-2010, 08:51 AM
#20
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Thanks a LOT guys! The seller and I have communicated over the past few days (mainly out of curiosity at this point). He continues to insist it is repaired to pre-flood condition. He stated he would go as low as $13,500. I am not considering it seriously, but it looks (on the surface) like one hell of a deal! Haha
Thanks again for all your help guys. I really appreciate it!
Thanks again for all your help guys. I really appreciate it!
08-28-2010, 03:41 PM
#23
The Box
ok here is my 2 cent..
I am a TL owner that was in FLOOD. so hear my story.
My TL is a an 04 WDP with auto tranny, base model with tan interior.
The car had 47k miles on it when i bought it from the auction. i got the car for 10k. brought the car to the shop, cleaned it up nice..and checked the engine and pretty much everything.
the battery was dead and the antitheft prevented the car from turning on. plus water had gotten to the computer and as a result it sent too much juice to the 2nd cylinder spark plug causing the coil to melt over it. so replaced the computer from factory, changed all spark plugs, and coils. changed the oil 3 times to get all the crap out of the engine, and had acura set off the antitheft system. charged the battery and the car started one shot.
the car was bought in august of 2009, so i have been driving it for a year and now it has 73k miles on it.
havnt had a single issue with the car what so ever, the only thing is that some of the switches for the driver side seat (the lumber) dont work. which i can live with.
I spent 10k for the car and put 1k most to bring it to life..
the interioir and exterioir dont have a mark on them..very clean..
best of luck with your TL, it is a great car to buy, if not happy with this you will deff be able to find else where..
cheers
I am a TL owner that was in FLOOD. so hear my story.
My TL is a an 04 WDP with auto tranny, base model with tan interior.
The car had 47k miles on it when i bought it from the auction. i got the car for 10k. brought the car to the shop, cleaned it up nice..and checked the engine and pretty much everything.
the battery was dead and the antitheft prevented the car from turning on. plus water had gotten to the computer and as a result it sent too much juice to the 2nd cylinder spark plug causing the coil to melt over it. so replaced the computer from factory, changed all spark plugs, and coils. changed the oil 3 times to get all the crap out of the engine, and had acura set off the antitheft system. charged the battery and the car started one shot.
the car was bought in august of 2009, so i have been driving it for a year and now it has 73k miles on it.
havnt had a single issue with the car what so ever, the only thing is that some of the switches for the driver side seat (the lumber) dont work. which i can live with.
I spent 10k for the car and put 1k most to bring it to life..
the interioir and exterioir dont have a mark on them..very clean..
best of luck with your TL, it is a great car to buy, if not happy with this you will deff be able to find else where..
cheers
With water invading the entire vehicle, the main problem is corrosion. You do not see it initially but it comes later.
I hope you continue to see minimal problems with the car but for me personally, I wouldn't take the risk.
08-28-2010, 04:14 PM
#24
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My 2005 TL was flooded almost one year ago (late October will be one year). Similar to what the OP is saying (ie. no water in engine, carpets removed and cleaned, etc., PCM replaced). There was 2-3 inches of water in the interior of the car. The only issue I have had so far after the initial repair was that in the cold weather I could not open my gas door because the lever wouldn't budge. There was still moisture inside along the cable that releases the gas door latch so that was replaced as well.
I have Progressive insurance and they have a lifetime guarantee for their repairs (as long as I own the car) so if any additional problems come to light they will be repaired free of charge. It seems to me that any corrosion issues, especially with the electronics, could be pinned on the flood easily enough.
I'm resigned to the fact that I now have to drive this car until it falls apart even though NY is a clean title state that does not have flood salvage titles because I went through my insurance and I'm sure it would be listed on a Carfax as having water damage.
I have Progressive insurance and they have a lifetime guarantee for their repairs (as long as I own the car) so if any additional problems come to light they will be repaired free of charge. It seems to me that any corrosion issues, especially with the electronics, could be pinned on the flood easily enough.
I'm resigned to the fact that I now have to drive this car until it falls apart even though NY is a clean title state that does not have flood salvage titles because I went through my insurance and I'm sure it would be listed on a Carfax as having water damage.
08-30-2010, 06:37 AM
#25
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Well I went to look at two others this weekend, and both were disappointing, to say the least. My frustration and curiosity are getting the best of me. I have a friend that lives pretty close to that car who may go check it out as thoroughly as he can tomorrow. If that checks out, I may reconsider. I know it's probably stupid, but I'm stubborn and DAMN it's a gorgeous car! lol
08-30-2010, 08:40 AM
#28
ok here is my 2 cent..
I am a TL owner that was in FLOOD. so hear my story.
My TL is a an 04 WDP with auto tranny, base model with tan interior.
The car had 47k miles on it when i bought it from the auction. i got the car for 10k. brought the car to the shop, cleaned it up nice..and checked the engine and pretty much everything.
the battery was dead and the antitheft prevented the car from turning on. plus water had gotten to the computer and as a result it sent too much juice to the 2nd cylinder spark plug causing the coil to melt over it. so replaced the computer from factory, changed all spark plugs, and coils. changed the oil 3 times to get all the crap out of the engine, and had acura set off the antitheft system. charged the battery and the car started one shot.
the car was bought in august of 2009, so i have been driving it for a year and now it has 73k miles on it.
havnt had a single issue with the car what so ever, the only thing is that some of the switches for the driver side seat (the lumber) dont work. which i can live with.
I spent 10k for the car and put 1k most to bring it to life..
the interioir and exterioir dont have a mark on them..very clean..
best of luck with your TL, it is a great car to buy, if not happy with this you will deff be able to find else where..
cheers
I am a TL owner that was in FLOOD. so hear my story.
My TL is a an 04 WDP with auto tranny, base model with tan interior.
The car had 47k miles on it when i bought it from the auction. i got the car for 10k. brought the car to the shop, cleaned it up nice..and checked the engine and pretty much everything.
the battery was dead and the antitheft prevented the car from turning on. plus water had gotten to the computer and as a result it sent too much juice to the 2nd cylinder spark plug causing the coil to melt over it. so replaced the computer from factory, changed all spark plugs, and coils. changed the oil 3 times to get all the crap out of the engine, and had acura set off the antitheft system. charged the battery and the car started one shot.
the car was bought in august of 2009, so i have been driving it for a year and now it has 73k miles on it.
havnt had a single issue with the car what so ever, the only thing is that some of the switches for the driver side seat (the lumber) dont work. which i can live with.
I spent 10k for the car and put 1k most to bring it to life..
the interioir and exterioir dont have a mark on them..very clean..
best of luck with your TL, it is a great car to buy, if not happy with this you will deff be able to find else where..
cheers
Good story. Great deal....
09-08-2010, 12:43 PM
#29
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Thanks to ALL of you who said walk / run and keep looking. That's what I did, and I may have found a much better deal in the process. I'm currently considering an '06 (white / parchment / nav) with 40k on the clock. It's a 1-owner car and only a few grand more than the flooded one! Wish me luck. I may go check it out tonight! 
09-08-2010, 02:08 PM
#34
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Most likely heading down shortly to check it out. It's a few hours away from me. If all checks out, I'll be putting a deposit on it.
My old car (loaded Mazda6S... actually my favorite previously owned car to date.) was totaled by a psycho b***h cutting into my lane on 7/26. I have been without a car of my own since then and have been borrowing my brother's work truck ('00 Passport). I need a car STAT or there will be drastic measures!
My old car (loaded Mazda6S... actually my favorite previously owned car to date.) was totaled by a psycho b***h cutting into my lane on 7/26. I have been without a car of my own since then and have been borrowing my brother's work truck ('00 Passport). I need a car STAT or there will be drastic measures!
09-08-2010, 08:28 PM
#36
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Hey all... Just got in. I pulled the trigger on the '06, contingent on a glitch with the nav getting fixed. The car is still under factory warranty, and it's going back to the selling dealer tomorrow for it to get fixed. As long as that pans out okay, it's allll mine!!!! 
Thanks again, guys! When all is settled, I'll post pics!
Thanks again, guys! When all is settled, I'll post pics!
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