winterishere

The car has 240.000 km (150k miles). The transmission is seemingly good. Should I change spark plugs? Are there any fuel additives I should use?

Any tips on what to do once you take over a high mileage used car is welcome!

winterishere

Topic is supposed to be "... engine and transmission.

Skirmich

Check:


Suspension: Ball Joints, Rod Ends, Bushings and Struts.
Motor: Find Timing belt Records (PRIORITY), Change all Belts and Adjust Valves, Change Air Filter and Check Fluids.
Trans: Do a 3x3 even if the ATF seems fine better know when you last changed the ATF than don't knowing how long has been there.



Don't:
Use any "high mileage" oils...
Stick with 5W-20 or 5W-30 don't accept anybody who suggests changing to 10W-XX its wrong.
Leave the current ATF (This is serious you must know how old the ATF is for it to last longer).
Use any other ATF than Honda DW-1 or REDLINE MIX unless you like to have a 3000bucks paperweight.



That's about it..

ErickUa5

Make sure to look at the subframe on the front passenger side for rust, if you see it avoid it. By turning the steering wheel all the way left you should be able to inspect it.

3.2TLc

Hey Winterishere and nearly done....Check out the 2nd Gen's "DIY" sticky for many common problems and the fixes for them. At 150k, the biggest concerns would be the tranny and T-belt service. Keep all the suggested PM up to date and all will be fine.

Try to find out as much as ya can about the car's previous maintenance, if unknown.....start with a fuel system cleaner such as Seafoam, replace the plugs with NGK's, perform a drain & fill of the tranny using Honda DW1, clean the TB intake/IAC valve/EGR passageways and check the brakes/suspension/steering components.

pwehmeier

run some seafoam through the fuel and vac line

Nicks2001tl

The first step is to do all the above. But most importantly is to start an oil change schedule. Change to synthetic. Run a 1/2 can of seafoam through the crankcase drive around for minimum of 40 miles not to exceed 200 miles. A good synthetic oil (Mobil 1) will last a long time before changing.


Check spark plugs
Check battery
Check brakes and brake fluid
Check motor mounts
Check egr ports and throttle body for carbon build up.


Put a supercharger in only 5 grand USD.


Enjoy you car! It`s big and safe enough to put your family in.

winterishere

I took the car out for a spin and took it to a Honda dealer for a pre-purchase 50 point inspection. It has a BUNCH of problems. Brakes, muffler, front end, subframe etc. The mechanic said that he wouldnt even pay $100 for the car. Needed too much to get safetied.

Thanks for the help, guys. The search continues.

Nicks2001tl

Good Luck!


If you really like this car try to find another TL in better shape.

3.2TLc

Most any 10+ year old car with over 100k + miles will require some attention, if the PM repairs were not kept up. Things do tend to wear out and rust through years of use and neglect.

Depending upon the asking price and your ability to "DIY", some of these older TL's can be a good value. However if ya want a better and newer car, it may be worth spending more money out front.....if ya don't want to be working on it.

If ya go to Dealers for servicing and repairs, used cars can get really expensive fast. Sometimes, with repairs costing more than the car's worth.