KiPenie

I recently had an 2000 Acura TL with about 230k miles on it....the transmission was starting to slip, it would jerk and the engine would rev up alot to change gears. I no longer have that vehicle and I am looking for another car, preferably another Acura. I have found many different options on craigslist but I want to know what to stay away from in terms of years and mileage and also if someone could tell me whats reasonable to pay that would help also. I am a single female and I do not want to be taken advantage of, I know a little about cars but I'm no expert. Any advice would be appreciated!

2012wagon

I buy a lot of used cars on craigslist. I always set my budget first. I personally only buy clean, 1 owner, car with the lowest mileage I can find, with all maintenance history.

I also buy in certain zip codes only.


Yes it is profiling, but my money, so I can do so as I please


There are TSX with 400K+ miles running around. They are reliable cars. But do research the oil consumption issue on the 2.4


As with all used cars, check for leaks, do a good long test drive (city/highway). Check brakes, make sure all electronics work.


Also if you are paying cash, its always a pretty easy deal to negotiate and negotiate hard, even if you are female.


Good luck.

KiPenie

Thank you so much for responding!! I have found a 2006 Acura TL on craigslist in boiling springs with 147605 miles,black with black wheels and navi system. The ad says that the maintenance has always been done. It has a salvage title and a cracked left tail light. The price is $6500, what are your thoughts.I have not called yet to find out why there is a salvage title, I know that can be for a number of different reasons.

2012wagon

I would talk to them and get a feel for it. Salvage, as you said could be for theft, damage, accidents, vandalism, etc.


I keep my cars for short period of time. Thus I prefer clean title, easy to resale.


But your needs may be different.

mrgold35

I would stay away from a salvage title unless you were the one that caused it to be salvage. If you purchased this vehicle, you might have to drive it until it dies and junk it because you will get hardly anything if you need to sell down the road. Whatever the reason, the insurance company determine it would cost more to repair compared to writing it off as a total loss (flood, hail, theft recovery, vandalism, non repairable from accident, etc...). There is a good chance there is still a potential for the issue still being there (electrical or rust from flood damage) OR repairs might have been done on the cheap to make it look good and road worthy (half A$$ repairs, faulty safety systems like no airbag, etc...). Plan on taking the car to a body shop and a trusted mechanic before you sign for a salvage vehicle.

If you price range is under $10,000, you can get a much newer Accord or civic with one owner with 1/3 to 1/2 as many miles. The tech on a 06 TL can be found on a 08/09 Accord EX. A good thing about Honda is availability of part and dealerships. It only cost me $1100 total to replace my 4AT tranny on my 97 Honda Accord with a used one back in 2005 (car went another 80,000 miles before my niece killed it).

A TSX is also a good choice and I like the +06 models (fog lights, bluetooth, memory seats, maint reminder, updated Navi, more HP than 04-05 models). They usually run about the same price as a TL from the same year; but, not as many to choose from (a more solid long-term vehicle overall compared to the TL). One of the downsides with Acura compared to Honda is the cost of similar repairs. Replacing a HID lights, power steering unit, A/C unit or transmission can be very expensive for Acura. Find a good mechanic or find a vehicle inspection place to really check any car out.

KiPenie

I understand what you are saying about the salvage title issue. I, unlike you plan to keep the next vehicle I purchase for a long time because I am not into reselling or anything like that. I will try to stick with clean titles and one owner because I feel that the more it has been bounced around, the less likely it has been maintained properly. I will keep you posted!

KiPenie

Thanks so much for responding! I will steer clear of salvage titles, I never thought about the damage causing issues later. So it sounds like you think I would be better off getting a Honda Accord instead of an Acura?? The last Acura I had was expensive on parts so I understand exactly what you are saying. I will keep posting about what I continue to find and ask for feedback because I do NOT want to be stuck with a lemon!

KiPenie

For sale 2004 Acura TL 3.2L engine, Automatic transmission, 135k miles. Black with black leather interior. Power locks, windows, power/heated mirrors and seats, CD player, AC, ABS, cruise control, sunroof, keyless entry remote. Vehicle is very well maintained and in a great shape. Exterior is in great condition, no damages or anything major, interior is in perfect condition, nice black leather seats no rips or tears, everything works. mechanically is in excellent condition, smooth engine and transmission, good set of tires, good alignment, good brakes. Asking $6400. Call/text (864)884-93..2.9. NO TRADES.



This is a craigslist AD that I just seen. The car LOOKS very nice BUT are the miles too high?? and what should I offer on the price??, I will be buying with cash. And the title status says rebuilt,, I have no idea what that means??

2012wagon

If you decided to stay away from salvage vehicles, you should stay away from rebuilt titles too

mrgold35

Here is a link for Salvage vs Rebuilt titles: Rebuilt vs Salvage Title | Rebuilt Title

In a nut shell, a rebuilt title is for a car that made roadworthly and passed inspection. Roadworthly does not mean 100% repaired to OEM standards. Depending on your local/state laws, you may not be able to register or get insurance on a salvage title.

I would start at the top of my list for most bang for the buck low mileage 1 or 2 owner Honda/Acura I could get for X amount of $$$. You can also get CarFax temporally to do VIN checks for number of owners, accidents, location of ownership, maintenance records, corp lease vehicles -vs- privately owned, etc... CarFax doesn't give you 100% of the story; but, it is a good start marking border line cars off the list. I did this for my MDX and it was an one owner corp lease return out of Cali and I purchased from a Honda dealership in CO. I would also leave cars alone that had +4 owners because there might be an issue or needed repair they are passing along to the next person.

KiPenie

LOL!! Ok I will stay away from rebuilt also, I just did not know what that meant. What are you guys thoughts on price and mileage though?? For reference.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

If you go the TL route. 04-06 Autos have tranny issues. Go 6spd if possible or go 07-08. I would go with a TSX. the 04-05 is nice 06-08 has the face lift and MID plus more HP, you could always go with a 7th gen Accord which is almost the same "platform".

Depending on your budget you will be able to find what you want, you will have to just continue to look. Yes, I also agree take someone who is knowlegable about cars or your mechanic with you so your not stuck with a crap car. Even take them to the dealership.

KiPenie

Ok thanks so much for the advice!!!!! I will keep posting my findings

deathangel

You mentioned Boiling Springs... are you from PA?

KiPenie

Hi, No I am from SC

KiPenie

Hello,

I am now interested in a 2003 or 2004 Acura MDX. Does anyone have any thoughts on this vehicle, far as what to look for, whats reasonable pricing etc. Any help would be appreciated.