2008 Acura TL - Purchase Advice (Drama Inside)
#1
2008 Acura TL - Purchase Advice (Drama Inside)
Hey guys and gals,
Apologies in advance on the wall of text.. but I need some extra advice and outside perspective on a current decision I will soon be making.
I’m currently in the market for a daily driver. Recently sold my ‘18 Toyota Tundra due to accepting a new job and moving within walking distance to campus. Didn’t want to maintain the high monthly expense when I’ll only be driving <10 miles a week (if that). I like the 3rd gen TL because it’s roomy (I’m 6’6” 300+) and I like the luxury of it and how the style of this gen has withstood time.
One week ago I looked at a 2008 TL. It’s a one owner car being sold by the original owner. It has 91k on the odo and he bought it for his wife to use as a daily back in ‘08. He stated that every maintenance record was performed at an Acura dealership, the Carfax report reflects that. It is in overall good condition, one small door ding but that’s practically it. Car drive really well, shifted smooth through all RPM’s. He’s had the Bluetooth unplugged due to the battery drain issue. The cigarette charger port and passenger side window both were not working but he said he’d get those fixed before any purchase.
It was in one “moderate” accident in 2014. Carfax shows a highway sign was ran over and the front bumper, roof, undercarriage, and rear bumper were damaged. Sounds like she hit a sign and ran over a portion with part of it hitting the roof.. All in all, enough to keep me interested due to the one owner, low mileage, and thorough maintenance record. He is asking $8,750 for the car.
Here’s the (big) kicker.. after agreeing to a price (lower than asking) and working on the logistics of signing the title and meeting at the DMV the following week, an older lady in her SUV proceeds to scrape the driver side door of the car while he was exiting the parking lot, knocking off the side mirror and causing damage (mostly scrapes) to the driver and rear drivers side door in the process... I pull over on my way out. She’s apologetic, they’re both alright. They were in the process of making a claim and her insurance will be covering repair costs. The car has since been dropped off at his local Acura dealership for repairs and should be finished this Friday.
My initial thoughts were that this was a pretty clear sign from the universe, but I plan on looking it over again after repairs have been complete, and if checks out and looks like it was repaired well, I plan on offering him significantly less for the car. Is this crazy? Should I take the sign? Its the exterior color I want (PMM) with black leather interior, still a one owner vehicle with low mileage, but now it will be a 2 accident vehicle. Since I’m just needing it for the occasional grocery trip and weekend stroll, I’m trying not to overthink this as it will just be a cash car. It also has not yet had the 105k/7 year maintenance on it either. I would be getting that performed shortly after purchase for peace of mind (negotiating factor).
I definitely have the upper hand here as selling it to someone else will just look like he sold it immediately after an accident, which anyone else would also offer quite a bit lower than his current asking price. Ultimately, thinking of offering $7k assuming all repairs look good. This is more in line with KBB and at least give me some money to work with on the 105k maintenance
If you’re still here reading, I appreciate you.. any opinions welcome!
Thanks.
Apologies in advance on the wall of text.. but I need some extra advice and outside perspective on a current decision I will soon be making.
I’m currently in the market for a daily driver. Recently sold my ‘18 Toyota Tundra due to accepting a new job and moving within walking distance to campus. Didn’t want to maintain the high monthly expense when I’ll only be driving <10 miles a week (if that). I like the 3rd gen TL because it’s roomy (I’m 6’6” 300+) and I like the luxury of it and how the style of this gen has withstood time.
One week ago I looked at a 2008 TL. It’s a one owner car being sold by the original owner. It has 91k on the odo and he bought it for his wife to use as a daily back in ‘08. He stated that every maintenance record was performed at an Acura dealership, the Carfax report reflects that. It is in overall good condition, one small door ding but that’s practically it. Car drive really well, shifted smooth through all RPM’s. He’s had the Bluetooth unplugged due to the battery drain issue. The cigarette charger port and passenger side window both were not working but he said he’d get those fixed before any purchase.
It was in one “moderate” accident in 2014. Carfax shows a highway sign was ran over and the front bumper, roof, undercarriage, and rear bumper were damaged. Sounds like she hit a sign and ran over a portion with part of it hitting the roof.. All in all, enough to keep me interested due to the one owner, low mileage, and thorough maintenance record. He is asking $8,750 for the car.
Here’s the (big) kicker.. after agreeing to a price (lower than asking) and working on the logistics of signing the title and meeting at the DMV the following week, an older lady in her SUV proceeds to scrape the driver side door of the car while he was exiting the parking lot, knocking off the side mirror and causing damage (mostly scrapes) to the driver and rear drivers side door in the process... I pull over on my way out. She’s apologetic, they’re both alright. They were in the process of making a claim and her insurance will be covering repair costs. The car has since been dropped off at his local Acura dealership for repairs and should be finished this Friday.
My initial thoughts were that this was a pretty clear sign from the universe, but I plan on looking it over again after repairs have been complete, and if checks out and looks like it was repaired well, I plan on offering him significantly less for the car. Is this crazy? Should I take the sign? Its the exterior color I want (PMM) with black leather interior, still a one owner vehicle with low mileage, but now it will be a 2 accident vehicle. Since I’m just needing it for the occasional grocery trip and weekend stroll, I’m trying not to overthink this as it will just be a cash car. It also has not yet had the 105k/7 year maintenance on it either. I would be getting that performed shortly after purchase for peace of mind (negotiating factor).
I definitely have the upper hand here as selling it to someone else will just look like he sold it immediately after an accident, which anyone else would also offer quite a bit lower than his current asking price. Ultimately, thinking of offering $7k assuming all repairs look good. This is more in line with KBB and at least give me some money to work with on the 105k maintenance
If you’re still here reading, I appreciate you.. any opinions welcome!
Thanks.
#2
Well i can tell you that the mileage is great. I would offer less but wouldn't expect a large drop off due to how popular the car is. If this is the exact color (exterior & interior) and no other issues you may have to bit the bullet. May i ask what your agreed upon purchase price is? in comparison to what you want to offer now?
#3
Well i can tell you that the mileage is great. I would offer less but wouldn't expect a large drop off due to how popular the car is. If this is the exact color (exterior & interior) and no other issues you may have to bit the bullet. May i ask what your agreed upon purchase price is? in comparison to what you want to offer now?
Didn’t know how much a second accident would lower the value. But I do plan on keeping this for a long while, and with the low mileage and how few miles I’ll be putting on it, I don’t see it being too big of a factor by the time I’m ready to sell down the line.
You’re exactly right. The exact color combo and one owner is definitely worth a lot. I could keep shopping but would find one that was better in some ways and worse in others.
Ultimately, I doubt he’ll come down $1500, but it’s a starting point of negotiation.
#5
Senior Moderator
it's got newer paint then when you first saw it so to ask for more money off is somewhat iffy to me.
#6
But it should be ready for me to go look at Friday. I'll report back with any updates, hopefully everything checks out and we can make an agreement and make me a first time TL owner.
And sorry for the double entered paragraphs in the OP. Written on mobile and the format was wacky.
#8
Intermediate
Piece of advise, buy that car even if he doesn't come down on the price, it's worth it and you will not regret your decision. My first TL was an 04, when I sold it, it had 253k miles on it and running wonderful. Never should have sold it. Now I have an 07 TL with 98k and love it. Drove from Ohio to Tennesses to purchase. One owner, all records, no one had ever seat in the back sit. Mint condition, purchased or $10k cash and it had 50k when I brought it. I'd do it all over again.
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Gn0me (02-05-2021)
#9
Piece of advise, buy that car even if he doesn't come down on the price, it's worth it and you will not regret your decision. My first TL was an 04, when I sold it, it had 253k miles on it and running wonderful. Never should have sold it. Now I have an 07 TL with 98k and love it. Drove from Ohio to Tennesses to purchase. One owner, all records, no one had ever seat in the back sit. Mint condition, purchased or $10k cash and it had 50k when I brought it. I'd do it all over again.
Also I’ve been wondering, the color matched mud flaps and spoiler in the original post, are those just a dealer installed option, or is it a “package” of some sort? The carfax shows the spoiler was added at the dealership before original purchase.
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Midnight Mystery (02-05-2021)
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Gn0me (02-05-2021)
#12
Your Friendly Canadian
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#13
Senior Moderator
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Gn0me (02-06-2021)
#14
Your Friendly Canadian
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I would not pay more for a car that has been partly repainted.
I would 100% pay less for a vehicle that's been repaired compared to a car that was never damaged.
I would 100% pay less for a vehicle that's been repaired compared to a car that was never damaged.
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Gn0me (02-06-2021)
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#16
Instructor
Given the history in the mileage, and you clearly saw the additional damage that just took place. I would buy the car, at the price that you agreed-upon, enjoy it and don’t look back…
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Gn0me (02-06-2021)
#17
Instructor
These are not easy to find in good condition and with low miles, these
are sought after, I think it’s a great price on the car. It should serve you well for a long time…
are sought after, I think it’s a great price on the car. It should serve you well for a long time…
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Gn0me (02-06-2021)
#18
Thanks for the replies! Repairs were done well which was expected since it was minor. Looked it over again, test drove again, all feels really solid. Tranny fluid flushed at 80k, all other service records performed on time at Acura. Only have the 105k coming up that I plan to get done.
Agreed on $500 less than the original asking price, so I’m happy with that. It’ll show that it was sold immediately after an accident, but at least I’ll be able to explain that in detail when the time comes to sell it. Transferring the title and taking ownership on Monday! Thanks again for the input. Hard to find a low mile one owner that’s been maintained, so I’m glad I didn’t talk myself out of it.
Agreed on $500 less than the original asking price, so I’m happy with that. It’ll show that it was sold immediately after an accident, but at least I’ll be able to explain that in detail when the time comes to sell it. Transferring the title and taking ownership on Monday! Thanks again for the input. Hard to find a low mile one owner that’s been maintained, so I’m glad I didn’t talk myself out of it.
#19
Senior Moderator
They did a pretty good job on the paint match also! Greys tend to be darker for the 1st year on repairs and then fade via the sun to match perfectly!
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Gn0me (02-07-2021)
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Slpr04UA6 (02-14-2021)
#21
Pro
https://www.covercraft.com/us/en/pro...m-sunscreen.UV
I use this on both of my 07 and 08. No dash cracks....yet..
I use this on both of my 07 and 08. No dash cracks....yet..
Last edited by jeffstlnote; 02-14-2021 at 06:21 AM.
#22
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
iTrader: (1)
#23
Suzuka Master
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04WDPSeDaN (02-15-2021)
#25
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
iTrader: (1)
Amazing isn't it Just a paper weight under a soft fleece lining 6 layer car cover. I go through covers quicker than oil changes
Been there done that my friend. Bought a new OEM dashboard and had the dealership replace it. It will be well worth it!
#26
UA7_Unknown
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04WDPSeDaN (02-16-2021)
#28
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Damn are cracked dashes that common? Mine is pretty bad. Also the pillar on my door and lower part of the window is peeling/faded.
also the leather in my front seats are cracked/falling off.
need to get those taken care of cause it makes the car look so janky.
also the leather in my front seats are cracked/falling off.
need to get those taken care of cause it makes the car look so janky.
#29
Pro
Man I'm glad my brother isn't on this site much anymore. He had a 2007 Type S in silver and would get SO MAD whenever he saw any base TL rocking anything in regards to a Type S. Usually it was the wheels and no quad tips etc.. Having 2 Type S's myself I couldn't care less, and if anything see it as a compliment to the 2 cars I own. His usually phrase was "if you want a Type S that badly just go f'n buy one" then proceed to get in front of the base so the banging and quad tips would be seen. Yea he's my brother and I love him, but he can be douchy
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04WDPSeDaN (02-19-2021)
#30
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
iTrader: (1)
Man I'm glad my brother isn't on this site much anymore. He had a 2007 Type S in silver and would get SO MAD whenever he saw any base TL rocking anything in regards to a Type S. Usually it was the wheels and no quad tips etc.. Having 2 Type S's myself I couldn't care less, and if anything see it as a compliment to the 2 cars I own. His usually phrase was "if you want a Type S that badly just go f'n buy one" then proceed to get in front of the base so the banging and quad tips would be seen. Yea he's my brother and I love him, but he can be douchy
The type-s upgrades are a really nice touch, though I don't claim to own a type-s but have a proper fake-s to the real type-s. I'd tell you one thing, your brother would admire my exhaust tips . All kidding aside, I'd think he be upset to see how these vehicles ended up.
#31
Pro
Oh I bet!
It really bothered him, issues! I mean the kid (younger brother) bought his 07 Type S brand new, had it paid off in 48 months, paid to have the 105k service done at around 103k. Drove it to 110k and sold it to LEASE a Audi Q7
So when I took my new (to me) 08 Type S 6 MT home for last xmas he wanted drive it. Of course I obliged. After the usual banter from him saying things like "I haven't driven a stick in forever" "this seems faster/quicker then my auto was" etc etc, there was a pause...and then he says....
"man I think I f'd up, how much is your payment a month?
"I paid cash, own it, just like you owned yours when you sold it...dumbass"
So what's he doing now? Waiting for the new TLX Type S to arrive. God he's annoying lol.
It really bothered him, issues! I mean the kid (younger brother) bought his 07 Type S brand new, had it paid off in 48 months, paid to have the 105k service done at around 103k. Drove it to 110k and sold it to LEASE a Audi Q7
So when I took my new (to me) 08 Type S 6 MT home for last xmas he wanted drive it. Of course I obliged. After the usual banter from him saying things like "I haven't driven a stick in forever" "this seems faster/quicker then my auto was" etc etc, there was a pause...and then he says....
"man I think I f'd up, how much is your payment a month?
"I paid cash, own it, just like you owned yours when you sold it...dumbass"
So what's he doing now? Waiting for the new TLX Type S to arrive. God he's annoying lol.
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04WDPSeDaN (02-20-2021)
#32
Suzuka Master
Oh I bet!
It really bothered him, issues! I mean the kid (younger brother) bought his 07 Type S brand new, had it paid off in 48 months, paid to have the 105k service done at around 103k. Drove it to 110k and sold it to LEASE a Audi Q7
So when I took my new (to me) 08 Type S 6 MT home for last xmas he wanted drive it. Of course I obliged. After the usual banter from him saying things like "I haven't driven a stick in forever" "this seems faster/quicker then my auto was" etc etc, there was a pause...and then he says....
"man I think I f'd up, how much is your payment a month?
"I paid cash, own it, just like you owned yours when you sold it...dumbass"
So what's he doing now? Waiting for the new TLX Type S to arrive. God he's annoying lol.
It really bothered him, issues! I mean the kid (younger brother) bought his 07 Type S brand new, had it paid off in 48 months, paid to have the 105k service done at around 103k. Drove it to 110k and sold it to LEASE a Audi Q7
So when I took my new (to me) 08 Type S 6 MT home for last xmas he wanted drive it. Of course I obliged. After the usual banter from him saying things like "I haven't driven a stick in forever" "this seems faster/quicker then my auto was" etc etc, there was a pause...and then he says....
"man I think I f'd up, how much is your payment a month?
"I paid cash, own it, just like you owned yours when you sold it...dumbass"
So what's he doing now? Waiting for the new TLX Type S to arrive. God he's annoying lol.
My mentality is that if i ever having the car payment, it better be worth it (something nice). As for five of mine TL, I been paid all cash on all of them. Yes even the the MRP I just look at record the other day OTD price was $26k back in 2011.
#34
Intermediate
Oh I bet!
It really bothered him, issues! I mean the kid (younger brother) bought his 07 Type S brand new, had it paid off in 48 months, paid to have the 105k service done at around 103k. Drove it to 110k and sold it to LEASE a Audi Q7
So when I took my new (to me) 08 Type S 6 MT home for last xmas he wanted drive it. Of course I obliged. After the usual banter from him saying things like "I haven't driven a stick in forever" "this seems faster/quicker then my auto was" etc etc, there was a pause...and then he says....
"man I think I f'd up, how much is your payment a month?
"I paid cash, own it, just like you owned yours when you sold it...dumbass"
So what's he doing now? Waiting for the new TLX Type S to arrive. God he's annoying lol.
It really bothered him, issues! I mean the kid (younger brother) bought his 07 Type S brand new, had it paid off in 48 months, paid to have the 105k service done at around 103k. Drove it to 110k and sold it to LEASE a Audi Q7
So when I took my new (to me) 08 Type S 6 MT home for last xmas he wanted drive it. Of course I obliged. After the usual banter from him saying things like "I haven't driven a stick in forever" "this seems faster/quicker then my auto was" etc etc, there was a pause...and then he says....
"man I think I f'd up, how much is your payment a month?
"I paid cash, own it, just like you owned yours when you sold it...dumbass"
So what's he doing now? Waiting for the new TLX Type S to arrive. God he's annoying lol.
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04WDPSeDaN (02-20-2021)
#35
Suzuka Master
#36
Pro
#37
Intermediate
fair but you really don't want to keep an Audi past 60-70k miles without a personal mechanic, of which i have. I'm certain he pocketed BIG cash, right?
#38
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
iTrader: (1)
Oh I bet!
It really bothered him, issues! I mean the kid (younger brother) bought his 07 Type S brand new, had it paid off in 48 months, paid to have the 105k service done at around 103k. Drove it to 110k and sold it to LEASE a Audi Q7
So when I took my new (to me) 08 Type S 6 MT home for last xmas he wanted drive it. Of course I obliged. After the usual banter from him saying things like "I haven't driven a stick in forever" "this seems faster/quicker then my auto was" etc etc, there was a pause...and then he says....
"man I think I f'd up, how much is your payment a month?
"I paid cash, own it, just like you owned yours when you sold it...dumbass"
So what's he doing now? Waiting for the new TLX Type S to arrive. God he's annoying lol.
It really bothered him, issues! I mean the kid (younger brother) bought his 07 Type S brand new, had it paid off in 48 months, paid to have the 105k service done at around 103k. Drove it to 110k and sold it to LEASE a Audi Q7
So when I took my new (to me) 08 Type S 6 MT home for last xmas he wanted drive it. Of course I obliged. After the usual banter from him saying things like "I haven't driven a stick in forever" "this seems faster/quicker then my auto was" etc etc, there was a pause...and then he says....
"man I think I f'd up, how much is your payment a month?
"I paid cash, own it, just like you owned yours when you sold it...dumbass"
So what's he doing now? Waiting for the new TLX Type S to arrive. God he's annoying lol.
Though the TLX-S isn't out yet, in todays competition, it's a lack luster vehicle that's over priced (IMO). I drove two different 2021 TLX's and they felt dull. Not the Acura PR bullshit they are pushing for these vehicles. Remember, we are in different times now. The 3rd gen TL was the proper Acura (price, options and performance) for it's time. It's taken them over 10 years to catch up, or try to at least. Nothing wrong with owning German vehicles. I own two of them.
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#39
Suzuka Master
That's what I said about my 2019 X3 M40i. I told my wife, if I'm making payments, it better be for a vehicle that I don't mind doing so. Paid in full in just a few months because they pissed me off with their APR bullshit of 4.5% with a credit score of 841. The dealership was being difficult so on my last payment I wrote them a nice letter
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