What should I buy, and what should I avoid?
What should I buy, and what should I avoid?
Ok, so my 1992 VW Corrado is probably going to get totaled. which means I need a new ride. My wife is driving the decisions but I am going to push her to the Acura TL. Here is what my restrictions are
Automatic Transmission
2004-2008
12k TOPS budget. not a penny more
White, Grey, Red, or Black
Low miles as possible
I am going to attach some links for cars I find to get some feedback from you guys who are the experts. I cant afford more than 12K so as much as I want a TL-S I cant afford it.
I am considering branded titles to get a car, is that stupid when it comes to Acura's? I know resale is worthless but my plan would be to drive this until it dies.
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/cto/4356333194.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/cto/4380755257.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/4380204554.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/4381510079.html
Thanks for all the advice.
Automatic Transmission
2004-2008
12k TOPS budget. not a penny more
White, Grey, Red, or Black
Low miles as possible
I am going to attach some links for cars I find to get some feedback from you guys who are the experts. I cant afford more than 12K so as much as I want a TL-S I cant afford it.
I am considering branded titles to get a car, is that stupid when it comes to Acura's? I know resale is worthless but my plan would be to drive this until it dies.
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/cto/4356333194.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/cto/4380755257.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/4380204554.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/4381510079.html
Thanks for all the advice.
the thing is, those ads DONT tell you ANYTHING.
there all generic "buy my TL"
so, you as a buyer, would have to go check out each individual car. Making sure that they are in good working order
there all generic "buy my TL"
so, you as a buyer, would have to go check out each individual car. Making sure that they are in good working order
How do you guys feel about Branded titles? I have owned them before as long as there were receipts for the work from a good shop.
Should I be concerned with 130K miles if they have receipts for Timming, water, and everything? My current car has 180K and still was strong until i wrecked it so high millage doesnt scare me if the car's are known for running for a long time.
Should I be concerned with 130K miles if they have receipts for Timming, water, and everything? My current car has 180K and still was strong until i wrecked it so high millage doesnt scare me if the car's are known for running for a long time.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 67
Likes: 16
It depends what happened to the car, like justnspace said, you have to go to each car and see what's up and get them checked out etc... As far as miles go, these are pretty strong cars, if they have the paperwork on all the maintenance and it checks out then it shouldn't be a problem. As far as I'm concerned 130k is still the break in period.
Right, we absolutely cannot tell from the ads.
sure the cars look good and pretty but thats as far as the eye can see.
you'll have to inspect them.
about the "branded titles" ... if you know that it has a salvaged title and are comfortable with buying a wrecked car.... more power to you.
just means, you might find something you might not like later down the road.
will you have the ability to fix? if you do find something broken or messed up?
another option you might not want to hear; you're going over your means.
dont buy the TL if you cant afford one.
sure the cars look good and pretty but thats as far as the eye can see.
you'll have to inspect them.
about the "branded titles" ... if you know that it has a salvaged title and are comfortable with buying a wrecked car.... more power to you.
just means, you might find something you might not like later down the road.
will you have the ability to fix? if you do find something broken or messed up?
another option you might not want to hear; you're going over your means.
dont buy the TL if you cant afford one.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 440
Likes: 68
From: Miami, FL
2007-2008 are the years to aim for if you want that stronger transmission, but considering your budget and miles requirement, you'll most likely find something in the 3 earlier years. The Type-S will most definitely be out of reach.
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I can afford one the wife doesnt want to spend the money. she would rather spend 20K on a new ford then on a used Acura. she wants a car for around 10 - 12 and she doesnt get that you dont get luxury in that price range.
$10-12k can get you a wrecked entry level luxury vehicle.
$20k will get you a brand new ford with all the bells and whistles of an entry level luxury vehicle.
in this case, i would finance the Ford and get a brand new vehicle with all the amenities of the TL and more!!!!!!!!!
the new fusions have better tech, look great, a turbo engine that can get great mileage!!
wrecked car?
or brand new car with better stuffs than the TL?
this one is priced a little more than $20k. but it gives you an idea.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ht=cjtl+fusion
wrecked car?
or brand new car with better stuffs than the TL?
Just traded in my beloved 2005 TL for a 2014 Ford Fusion Titanium last night after months of consideration. The TL needed only a few minor things done but I just have been itching to get into something different lately. Going from an 05 to a 14 is a huge jump in terms of technology and toys. The Fusion is pretty well loaded...Titanium is top trim, has 2.0 liter "EcoBoost" with gobs of power (feels quicker than my TL), 19" wheels, MyFord Touch, push to start, camera, adaptive cruise, collision warning, remote start, etc. Sticker came out to be a hair under $35,000. Ended up getting a pretty good deal on a 36 month lease and fair value for my trade. 
Gone but never to be forgotten.
Color is called Dark Side. Looks like black most the time. In direct sun, it looks green/blue.
Massive key fob:
My giddy self taking delivery:
35% window tint all around is going on next week. It's a big change going from Honda to Ford, but I'm absolutely LOVING this car.
Gone but never to be forgotten.
Color is called Dark Side. Looks like black most the time. In direct sun, it looks green/blue.
Massive key fob:
My giddy self taking delivery:
35% window tint all around is going on next week. It's a big change going from Honda to Ford, but I'm absolutely LOVING this car.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ht=cjtl+fusion
Last edited by justnspace; Mar 19, 2014 at 02:09 PM.
but the OP is thinking really weird.
who would want a wrecked TL that their wife might be driving?
if he was driving and was able to fix things, sure a $10k wrecked TL makes sense.
Yeah, I wasn't thinking BRAND NEW but like maybe a 2012 or something? I have NEVER been a fan of the fords. we have a 2013 RDX that she drives daily so she knows acura's. i just want a fun project car that meets her criteria and TL's are the ones I like.
Off topic kinda but I had a 2013 or 2014 Fusion Titanium model- I think that's the top of the line model back in December of 2013 when my TL was in the body shop and it was a really nice car and the tech in it was pretty amazing. Too bad, while it was in my week long possession, the steering wheel controls and MID hit the crapper on a 1200 mile car. 
OP- do you have to get an AT?
OP- do you have to get an AT?
I'll be driving it but my wife wants to be able to drive it and she refuses to learn stick so It has to be automatic.
I work on all my own cars as much as possible. I want to pay cash for it that is why we are keeping the price low. dont want another car payment. the RDX payment is enough!
I work on all my own cars as much as possible. I want to pay cash for it that is why we are keeping the price low. dont want another car payment. the RDX payment is enough!
SO I think I am going to try to find a 06-07 TL with Navi. Miles less than 130K with a clean title and receipts proving that work was done. keeping the price under 12k if I can. I am in no rush right now so one has to come along.
I'll be driving it but my wife wants to be able to drive it and she refuses to learn stick so It has to be automatic.
I work on all my own cars as much as possible. I want to pay cash for it that is why we are keeping the price low. dont want another car payment. the RDX payment is enough!
I work on all my own cars as much as possible. I want to pay cash for it that is why we are keeping the price low. dont want another car payment. the RDX payment is enough!
my friend was jealous of me when he found out i picked up a six speed TL.
this fool bought a totaled six speed TL and fixed it up.
to this day, its a flawless ride, mechanically.
of course it has some "african engineered" fixes to it, but what do you expect for a $7k TL that was wrecked.
so, when you go and inspect different TL's, just know what you are getting into.
Happy Hunting.
HA HA, Trade in wife! I would owe more than she is worth im sure!
Lets just say I have been in the days where Zip ties are my friend to fix a car.
My other choices are Subaru Legacy GT, Chrystler 300. and the TL is by far the best in my opinion.
Lets just say I have been in the days where Zip ties are my friend to fix a car.
My other choices are Subaru Legacy GT, Chrystler 300. and the TL is by far the best in my opinion.
Haha...I was thinking the same thing. When I met my wife I was driving a manual. I told her that's all I would ever drive and if she wanted to drive any of my cars, she'd have to learn. 8 years and 7 cars later that has held true and she hasn't driven any of them, lol.
Get a manual and be happy every day.
One warning on a branded title - depending on what/where there was damage, you might limit yourself mod wise. I just rolled my fenders for my wheels, and by friend can't do his because the quarter is basically made of bondo.
Also, keep your eyes open for deals. I just picked my TL up for 2500 bucks - high miles and could use a paint job - but even if I put 2K into a paint job I'm below blue book, and I can get an excellent paint job for less than that.
Get a manual and be happy every day.
One warning on a branded title - depending on what/where there was damage, you might limit yourself mod wise. I just rolled my fenders for my wheels, and by friend can't do his because the quarter is basically made of bondo.
Also, keep your eyes open for deals. I just picked my TL up for 2500 bucks - high miles and could use a paint job - but even if I put 2K into a paint job I'm below blue book, and I can get an excellent paint job for less than that.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 167
From: PA/ NY/ FL
Zip ties are still my best friend. Thanks to my B5 S4.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 50
From: Rocket City
If you are looking to keep a car for 10+ years with minimum maintenance, you should be looking at a Lexus/Toyota product. I've owned several Honda/Acura vehicles for the last 20 years, but Acura quality has declined in the last few years.
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