I'm new to Honda/Acura and need a little direction. Recently I found a 2012 TL SH-AWD that has 20k on the clock and a rebuilt title. The owner tells me that the car was flooded which is how it got the rebuilt title. He also says that the engine developed a timing problem which required the timing belt to be changed. My question is what could cause the engine's timing to be off at only 20k miles? Also, does the TL SH-AWD have an interference or non-interference engine. I'm getting a good deal price wise and was wondering if anyone could shed a little like on the engine situation.

Thanks

 

The engine is an interference motor; if you can have him send any documentation about the repair, it'll help. You can have a compression test to ensure the valves are good, and I'd also recommend a leakdown test as well to make sure you aren't getting into a SH-AWD TL that's going to be consuming oil.

 

If the car was flooded and water got to the belt, it softened the belt and then when dried up it hardened the belt so much that it probably skipped a tooth, or two, or three. SO the timing went coo-coo. Other parts in that area, such as the tensioner maybe was stuck, etc. Flooded cars are trouble, even if they look fine when you see them up close. Besides, TLs major parts are too expensive to replace or re-build (i.e. engine, transmission, electronics etc) when they break down a year or two after the flood and because of the flood.

Not sure what kind of deal you get because of the re-build title due to flooding, I would paid $1.

Stay away from that car. It is trouble down the road.

 

Agree with Tony, stay away from any rebuilt-title. That is a red flag.

Im sure there's more out there.

Goodluck!

 

I would stay away and look for a higher mileage, dealer maintained 4G SH-AWD

 

"good deal"

Unless it's $5k I'd steer completely away.

 

Stay away. Nothing but trouble lies ahead with this car.

 

Don't do it.

No matter how good the current deal it is. You will eventually end up spending a whole lot more money (and headaches) fixing this and that, later on.

 

With the amount of electronics on modern cars, I would stay away from a flooded car.

 

I would stick with everyone elses advice. I would buy a well maintained TL with 60k miles over a car that was flooded with 20k.

 

I wouldn't buy it, to much risk. Lots of good advice from the members here. Nevertheless, the final decision is yours.

 

No, thanks!!! Stay a way from that deal!!!

 

Have to agree with Silver and Muffin, with a high mileage well maintained TL you know what you are getting. A flood damaged TL may have underlining issues that mysteriously show up.
If you decide to sell later it may be very difficult since most potential buyers stay clear of salvage titles.

 

wondering if nay-sayer picked it up.

 

Justnspace you practically beat me to it...