new to the forum in Northern VA
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2017
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From: DMV
new to the forum in Northern VA
Hi, all.
Have been exploring this forum since getting into a 2007 TL base 5AT non-Navi (Royal Blue Pearl/Taupe) earlier this evening. I'm coming from a '14 Mazda3 that was totaled a couple of weeks ago.
The 3G TL has 60,510 miles on the ODO with major service (timing belt, water pump, brakes, etc.) done at 51k miles (about 18 months ago) and shod with new tires (although they're pretty cheap Fuzions, not the nicer OEM Michelins or Bridgestones).
Not sure how well I did, but paid $9,950 before TTL + fees; about $11k out-the-door. Anyway, will try to post some pics tomorrow.
Glad to be part of the community and looking forward to learning more about this platform. Cheers.
Have been exploring this forum since getting into a 2007 TL base 5AT non-Navi (Royal Blue Pearl/Taupe) earlier this evening. I'm coming from a '14 Mazda3 that was totaled a couple of weeks ago.
The 3G TL has 60,510 miles on the ODO with major service (timing belt, water pump, brakes, etc.) done at 51k miles (about 18 months ago) and shod with new tires (although they're pretty cheap Fuzions, not the nicer OEM Michelins or Bridgestones).
Not sure how well I did, but paid $9,950 before TTL + fees; about $11k out-the-door. Anyway, will try to post some pics tomorrow.
Glad to be part of the community and looking forward to learning more about this platform. Cheers.
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2017
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From: DMV
OK. 1 full week of owning/driving the '07 TL 5AT (about 160 miles on the ODO) and I've FINALLY stopped testing (listening and feeling) for defects/problems/issues while driving.
This morning I took the car for a spirited drive, winding out the engine (beautiful VTEC V6!) and thoroughly enjoying the experience.
Now that I'm more at ease regarding the mechanical soundness of the vehicle, I'm willing to learn more about the audio system, etc., .... slowly letting down my guard and falling in love with this 10-year old machine....
This morning I took the car for a spirited drive, winding out the engine (beautiful VTEC V6!) and thoroughly enjoying the experience.
Now that I'm more at ease regarding the mechanical soundness of the vehicle, I'm willing to learn more about the audio system, etc., .... slowly letting down my guard and falling in love with this 10-year old machine....
Gumball Rally Special
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 93
Likes: 17
From: Tampa, FL
Beautiful car, beautuful color (Same as mine!), great price, great condition and low miles! And nice wheels too! You've really got a steal of a deal here. Welcome to the forum and enjoy your ride!
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 13,241
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From: DMV
So, took the "new-to-me" TL into the shop today for a full run-down after 1 month and 550 miles of ownership.
First, they confirmed a vibration at highway speeds (60-65 mph) and will rebalance all 4 wheels and do an alignment. Hope it's not a bent rim, or anything worse.
Second, the ATF was very dark and in need of a flush and refill.
Third, brake pads are down to 4/32nds and rotors are warped. So, those have to be replaced.
Fourth, they found oil on the oil pan and the crankcase, which could be from a sloppy oil change or an active leak. Going to de-grease the engine bay and then keep an eye on it.
Fifth, front motor-mount, which was supposedly replaced 2 months ago (by the dealer), has some movement. So, keeping an eye on that as well.
And finally, there's some play in the rear sway bar end link. So will have to watch that, too.
Besides that annoying vibration at speed, everything seems mechanically sound (knock on wood) and everything that needs to be addressed are normal wear items.
First, they confirmed a vibration at highway speeds (60-65 mph) and will rebalance all 4 wheels and do an alignment. Hope it's not a bent rim, or anything worse.
Second, the ATF was very dark and in need of a flush and refill.
Third, brake pads are down to 4/32nds and rotors are warped. So, those have to be replaced.
Fourth, they found oil on the oil pan and the crankcase, which could be from a sloppy oil change or an active leak. Going to de-grease the engine bay and then keep an eye on it.
Fifth, front motor-mount, which was supposedly replaced 2 months ago (by the dealer), has some movement. So, keeping an eye on that as well.
And finally, there's some play in the rear sway bar end link. So will have to watch that, too.
Besides that annoying vibration at speed, everything seems mechanically sound (knock on wood) and everything that needs to be addressed are normal wear items.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 13,241
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From: DMV
Well, spent a good amount of time test driving some BMW 128i coupes this weekend and... guess what? Afterwards, when I was driving home, I started to appreciate my (new-to-me) TL once again.
Obviously, the TL is nose-heavy, suffers from torque-steer, and cannot match the balance and dynamics of the 128i, but I was reminded anew of its (the TL's) strengths as a highway cruiser....
A very much unexpected result of getting a few hours of seat-time in some spry little German RWD coupes....
Obviously, the TL is nose-heavy, suffers from torque-steer, and cannot match the balance and dynamics of the 128i, but I was reminded anew of its (the TL's) strengths as a highway cruiser....
A very much unexpected result of getting a few hours of seat-time in some spry little German RWD coupes....
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 13,241
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From: DMV
Welcome to the forum, and thx for the kind words, Pat. Yeah, it was sheer luck that I came across an 07 example with such low mileage. I am still smitten with it and love the subtle changes in hue depending on the light.
What's your ride? Perhaps we'll see each other on the local roads in NoVA!
Cheers!
What's your ride? Perhaps we'll see each other on the local roads in NoVA!
Cheers!
