LS5

Hey Everyone! I've been a lurker here on and off and decided to join AcuraZine since I might soon be able to own my first 3G TL.

I'm hoping to get some advice and opinions regarding two privately owned TLs i've narrowed my search down to. Estimated price is in parentheses.

07 Base CGP AT 45k miles (~$12.5k - $13.5k)
- dashboard has lots of cracks on passenger side and some above the steering wheel
- steering wheel has cover on since it looks like the wheel is worn out
- hydraulic hood lifts do not work in holding hood open
- Car otherwise drives well and everything else seems to work (AC/electronics/ebony seats are in good condition, etc...)
- did not run carfax yet

07 Type S CBP AT 80k miles (~$14k - ~$15k)
- two 6-10in. cracks on passenger side
- rear spoiler paint is worn out or damaged but isn't bad
- rear bumper has scratch on bad looking they backed into something but is minor
- clean carfax
- tires, motor mounts, windshield (crack), and AC clutch replaced recently
- taupe interior in good shape
- car drives well and looks like it was taken care of

Both are in overall good shape other than what was listed above, but will have an Acura mechanic do an inspection before buying. I drive about 6k miles per year.

Sorry, having trouble posting pics.

Should I worry about the 80k on Type S? Which car is the better value and is there anything I should watch out for?

Thanks in advance and looking forward to learning more about 3G TLs!

zen470

Get the Type S. I wish I did >.<

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

Regarding the S, the two 6-10" cracks...where are they? Also on the dash?

80k on a TL is nothing.

But I personally would not buy a TL with a cracked dash.

If I were in the market for a 3G today, I would get the Type-S.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

holy shit, that's a close one!

both are pretty similar in price and condition(from what I can read)

it's gonna be a tough decision because its so close.
would you rather save a few grand to buy the Base TL?

or spend a few grand to get the type-s?

personally, with condition of cars being similar, i'd get the type-s all day.

the type-s is the latest and greatest iteration and has a few extra features than the base.

granted; both cars are in great working condition.
if the type-s was displaying some kind of abuse, I wouldnt touch it.

So, basically its up to you to investigate which car you want.

polobunny

I'd be wary of a car with a worn out steering wheel yet only 45K miles. Usually a good way to see if a car mileage has been messed with is the steering wheel and pedals. If they look really worn out, something's shady. Say what you want about having a ring on a finger, it doesn't go through a steering wheel this quick.

Hydraulic lifts to prop the hood don't work (wtf?) and the owner didn't replace them even though it's a cheap part? Tells you about what kind of owner that person was. It's one thing to not change a flaky reverse light bulb, but the hood struts take 5 minutes at best to change.


I would worry more about the base one than the Type-S one. People owning the Type-S seem to pamper their car a bit more, or at least in this case it seems true. Can't vouch for these people going a bit hard on the car sometimes though.

TL-GIXXER

Neither. Pass on both

I picked up my base 04 with 16k miles for around $13k and not one flaw on the car. It was brand new. Maybe the lowest mileage TL on this board.

aIRpeACE

iTrader: (2)

very close and tough decision to make. but i would go with the type s myself

truonghthe

No, James holding the record for buying the lowest milage, he got a 07 back in 2013 with 5k miles.

TacoBello

I'd pass on both. A cracked dash will always look shitty. I can't believe they're asking that much for cars in neglected condition. Worn out paint on the type a spoiler? How does that happen?

You also don't know what kind if damage is behind the bumper. Just because the outside looks ok, doesn't mean behind is the same case. I remember seeing a Porsche with "minor" cosmetic damage to the rear bumper and one of the exhaust pipes. Didn't look bad at all. Until the shop dismantled it and ended up needing 5 times the original expected price in repairs.

I'd hate to have to look at a cracked dash every day. It's the one thing you stare at every time your in the car. Plus, that's no good for resale. It'll probably just get worse over time. You can replace it, but it requires a bunch of work and money.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

worn out paint = wasnt cared for and the sun ate it.

wil5on0701

Newer member here... I am lucky enough to currently have a base '07 in Silver Metallic and an '08 Type S in Nighthawk Black Pearl. Go for the Type S, hands down. But not this one - keep looking and find one in better shape. In my experience no matter where you are they pop up all over, all the time. And further advice, go with either the Silver or the Carbon Bronze on the Type S. The paint on either of those two colors just holds up so much better. The paint on my base '07 is flawless... but sunny day here today in Cincinnati and doing all I can to avoid looking directly at the paint on my Type S!!

1black_seven

iTrader: (2)

Not unless the previous owner was an asshole to the car.
80k is low mileage, these cars weren't manufactured during WWII.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

worn out paint on spoiler is pretty common on some of the TL's. I've seen it on a couple alrdy. its weird because its just the spoiler part, but trunk is fine. and yes, 100% original factory paint in all cases

Bogie

I bought an '07 TL-S earlier this year at 75K miles and bought with no worries. But this winter I'll be doing a t/belt job along with a suspension refresh, so keep in mind maintenance that will need to be done over the next 20K miles. I believe the manual calls for t/belt at 100K or so miles, but I like to play it safe.

As far as the two cars you've listed, I would pass on the base model. Seems like it wasn't well taken care of. The TL-S seems OK based on what you've posted as long as you're willing to deal with the dash cracks. If it were me, I'd keep looking. But as far as reliability is concerned, the TL-S is a solid car at its core.

96SC4

it's strange the base has all those issues with low miles
mine has 58K now, and has none of those issues...
definitely get a car fax on that one...

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Take the Type S.

truonghthe

If the dash crack at that mileage I would stay away from both car.

1black_seven

iTrader: (2)

OP if it makes you feel better my car has 131k miles now and the only major problem it had was a bad starter, which is premature for the miles.
I just changed my compliance bushings two days ago and all they had were some minuscule cracks.
These cars have been pretty reliable, granted every manufacturer is going to make a Dud once in a while.

LS5

Thanks so much to everyone for their replies and valuable opinions!

Sorry it's been busy and I didn't have time to post a reply.

ggesp - yes, the two cracks are on the passenger side dashboard of the Type S

TL-GIXXER - there was actually an '06 AT ASM with ~20-25k low miles selling for about $13k but I wanted to stick with '07-'08 models

wil5son0701 - Thanks for the insight as an owner of both models!

1black_seven - nice to see your car still running strong and that it's relatively problem free

Will review the Type S condition especially with the cracks on the dashboard before making a decision at $14k. I'm still keeping an eye out for new sales.

Redsand353

If it were me, I would pass on both. Cracked dash=dealbreaker