mrantman88

hey folks well like the title says I'm buying a 2004 Acura TL with over 190,000 miles the seller is selling to me for over 5k. any feedback and if i do end up buying what are the major things that i should look forward to looking for on the vehicle such as mechanic wise?

Italiano

.............too many miles already.....look into another Tl.....

mrantman88

i mean the only reason why i wanted to buy was to have a second car just sitting around but also just to have fun with i guess, but your right it does have many miles then again he just changed the shocks/springs and tires but again the mechanic wise i don't know yet

Italiano

My 04 has 115k if that indicates anything...the car your looking at has been driven a lot....just sayin....what's your daily driver?

Type-ES

Miles are nothing if its been maintained, especially if they are highway miles.

Undying Dreams

iTrader: (3)

Uhh miles are miles bro, highway or not. 190k is something I would steer clear of. Look into another TL as Italiano said.

Rocketsfan

I'm about to hit 200,000 in the next month or two on my '04. Common issues would be things like broken engine mounts, make sure the side mirrors still function correctly, make sure all the windows work, all the interior electronics like lights work (some people don't care if switch lights work), etc. You may want to see if a timing belt change has been done already, too, since at around 200,000 you're looking at replacing it.

If I were you, I wouldn't buy it, though.... but I'm not, so ...

socal3

Your buying it for 5k? If so and if the body looks good that's a good deal if everything works, You can pick up a motor for this car far around 1k

Mrtastygoody

iTrader: (1)

for 5 thousand? Jump on it. Like he ^ said, 1k for a motor.

bonnhew

5k and u drive a TL? i would def go for it if it was in running condition.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

I've had cars with over 200k and they were fine, but depending on the care that was given, that will be the deciding factor, and at the 210K mark the timing belt/plugs will need to be done @ $1000 so keep that in mind. As far as an engine swap with the addtional cost of labor plus the aggravation, unless you do it yourself, it can become a real headache, especially not knowing the condition of the used engine. Although they come with a warranty, the motor will be replaced free, but the labor won't.

Bottom line, if it checks out and the intended use is for a second vehicle, it will serve its purpose.

lilsid112

iTrader: (7)

+1, I would rather by a car that has a lot of miles but was maintained then say a seven yr old car with 20k on it. mmade's (i believe that was his name, forgot the numbers after it) car is a prime example. He has over 220k when he sold it, but maintained it perfectly. Then you have the person that has had the car for 6 to 8 years that has only driven 20k. Some people overlook the yearly oil changes and just go by the "mid".

If you really like the car, have your mechanic look over it and see what he says. Also look through old service records if the PO has them.

mrantman88

My first daily driver is a 09 Corolla S. And yeah all of you guys are right, I do need to get a inspection done first hand to make sure its all running right. Like I said I just want this TL for looks and performance I do wanna drive it sometimes just special occasions. The exterior is ok needing a new paint job has a aspec bodykit bumper has minor paint pealings a few scratches. Interior leather seats need to be replace. The owner just changed shocks/springs also tires. Other things such as a fresh tune up I don't know yet but will know here soon like I said I'm gonna get a inspection done on it to make sure its all running correctly. Thanks everyone. If you folks don't mind looking around for a new lipkit for me it would be highly appreciated or I might just keep it how it is and do a new whole paint job.

Undying Dreams

iTrader: (3)

If you're looking at it as a weekend car that you're looking to mod then I'd say it would be great but if you're wanting a car that really hauls the mail why not get something a bit more performance based to begin with?

mrantman88

I really don't wanna go through a hassle of car payment. And like you said it will be a weekend car but again i work 6 days a week really no time for a weekend haha.

Acura_Dude

City driving is definitely harder on the car than highway miles. Now if he can find a TL with less miles an similar price then its a win-win situation. But if this car was maintained flawlessly then it's a good buy. I've seen too many japanese brand cars double the mileage of this TL he's looking at (accords, civics, camrys, etc).

^This

DeathMetal

iTrader: (2)

No, not really bro.

Bankz

If it's just for fun and a project car then go for it

gofasttl93

Sounds like an okay deal. I would bring it to an Acura stealership and have them do a full inspection. It may be more expensive, but Kwik Kar won't know what to look for in a 200K mile TL like an Acura dealership will.