YungMoola15

Hi just sold my CL with bad transmission so I am looking for a new car..

I found this 2005 Acura TL with 172,000 miles One Owner lady driven mostly highway from Atlanta to DC.

I checked the carfax and it checks out though it has TWO rear impact accident and the autocheck says "Slight damage Reported" the trunk is little bit misaligned but not noticeable at first sight it's just not straight.

The car is in beautiful condition inside and out no rips or stains.
The lady has all the service records which includes a recent timing belt service and trans flush.

The tires are 10k old and are in good shape.

Just wondering if you guys think it's a good idea to buy the car? Should I worry about the miles?

Thank you

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

I wouldn't buy it. Not because of the miles but because of the damage history.

Also, no 3G transmission is perfect, but the 07-08 seem to hold up the best. I would raise your budget and try to find one of those.

TacoBello

I agree. Keep saving, yungmoola

YungMoola15

Lol I see what you're trying to do. If I did buy the car what should I worry about?

YungMoola15

Yup that's my main worry about the car specially after losing the CL with the shitty trans. Problem is i need a car asap because I have school 30 miles away. What would you say would be a good price considering the accidents? Btw the damage isn't noticebable but I notice these types of things instantly which is why I mentioned it.

TacoBello

I'd be worried about the recorded accidents and the lack of, or low quality repair done on it. Makes you wonder about other things too if that was neglected. Also, as stated, the 07-08s had better transmissions. Has the one you're looking at ever been fixed? If not, I'd be worried. If so, I'd still be worried, just a little less.

TacoBello

erdoc48

It all comes down to finances and risk tolerance:
If the $4500 price tag appeals to you, see if you can drive the car for a while (maybe like an hour) to detect any unusual noises, bad shifting or the like. If you're OK with the fact that it's had 2 rear hit collisions, it runs well, and you really can't afford more, then go for it.
For me, I wouldn't want to take on a car with high mileage like that, but not everyone's finances are the same. Realize this is an 'as is' sale, and any mechanical faults that make themselves apparent after sale are on you. On the other hand, it may be a really good car. The recent TB work and tranny flush (which I assume/ hope means a drain and fill) are extra things you don't need to worry about. The best thing to do would be to have it assessed by a mechanic and if it checks out, buy it.

YungMoola15

I mean I could probably pay more for a car if I get a loan but I really didn't want to get hooked on a payment. Plus I need a car in a hurry or else I'll have to borrow brothers car and it's too much hassle. He just called and said it was actually a complete transmission flush not drain refill so I don't know what to make of that. I drove the car up to 80mph and it super smooth.

YungMoola15

I kind of contradicted myself didn't i? Lol

YungMoola15

Here's the link to the ad. If anyone is interested..,

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/cto/4882082315.html

erdoc48

For that mileage, it actually looks very good. $4500 is a gamble (since it's used with high mileage) but if it runs good and you're satisfied with it, get it.

YungMoola15

Damn but it's such a tough call I just don't know what to do. Ugh... If the guy did $4000 I'd been all over it.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

You're willing to spend $4k+ on a new car but you didn't want to pay less than that and have the CL fixed?

TacoBello

If 500 bones is enough to break the bank on this car for you, I'd suggest you stay away. This car can have some potentially expensive maintenance items, if you don't take care of them yourself. The expensive ones generally aren't easy to do either.

$4000 = all good!

$4500 = fuck, I dunno. Seems like a lot

You = shouldn't be buying this car

I don't mean to sound like an ass, but you sound like you're not ready to get into a TL yet.

YungMoola15

I actually went ahead bought the car. It's in immaculate condition as I mentioned before and the lady agreed to do $4250. $500 wouldn't have broken my bank but it would have helped with registrations fee, tax, etc..

Overall I am happy because car runs wonderful and now I have all the service records with peace of mind.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Best of luck with it! Enjoy!

YungMoola15

But now I have one more dilemma. LOL

My brother now wants the TL and wants to give me his 2002 RSX Manual with 221k.
One owner and the car runs great but needs new drive belt because squeaky noise.

Does have a small leak but thats to be expected.

What do you guys think? He's willing to give me it for $1200.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Uhhhh no. It's an older car with more miles and has a known issue. Plus it's much smaller.

polobunny

I fail to see how this is related. You're comparing a $1200 car to a $4250 car that seems very well kept.
Surprise, you're going to end up with a car that looks and behaves like it's worth $1200 and at 221K... 172K is already high in my book, but to each its own.

YungMoola15

Really? But is the TL worth $3000 more? You think the TL can make it to RSX miles? I mean the lady I bought it from took some serious good care of the car i mean she had every single record from engine mounts to tires to timing belt.

jblessing

How long do you want to keep the next car for? Keep in mind the maintenance costs at 180k, 200k, etc. Even the best Honda/Acura v6 trannys typically dont last much beyond 200k.

Like everyone has already said, if you are ok with the condition and a mechanic inspects and is ok, you're probably fine to get it. Just don't expect it to be perfect. You get what you pay for...

Have the alignment checked on the rear too. The trunk being off a little isn't that big a deal (and probably easily fixed), but it may be a sign of poor hidden repairs.

I would be concerned about overall maintenance with the car given they just did the timing belt (which should be been done every 105k...so they are way over). These trannys should be drained and filled, not flushed too...but it could just be how the shop reported it.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

You're the only one who can determine if the TL is work $3k more. If you're even considering the trade, that shows you're not in love with the TL, therefore maybe the RSX would be worth it.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

WTF, I think you're confused.

Has a CL, sold it because of a bad transmission.
Buys a 3G TL that is know for crappy tranny.
Buys the TL and the previous owner has all the service records.

Now asking us if he should trade/sale for a smaller car with more miles, and older. Also, asking if the TL would last as many miles as the RSX, " I mean the lady I bought it from took some serious good care of the car "

It's all about maintenance.

Me thinks you should just take the bus.

NBP04TL4ME

Tell your brother to find his own car............

04WDPSeDaN

iTrader: (1)

If you're set on buying a 3rd gen TL save up another 4-5K and get on in better condition.
Best of luck buddy!

thoiboi

He seems to have bought it already

04WDPSeDaN

iTrader: (1)

hahahahaha

ahhhhhhhhhh shit...

This means one thing only

thoiboi

Rants aside OP, if my only choices were between the RSX and that TL, I would actually opt for the RSX. I would pocket the 3K and maintain the RSX (replace all those belts and such). The TL's transmission will be on its way out in a few years (probably) but that will be your brother's problem. You'll have a MT and hopefully not as many issues.

Difference between you and me, I wouldn't have bought that car in the first place but hey, sometimes life gives you lemons and you just gotta roll with the punches

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

honestly, if your budget is $4500 you shouldnt even have been looking for TLs in the first place. But whats done is done, enjoy the car for as long as you can.

MarcDavidoff

Or you can spend a little more and get something like this:
2007 Acura TL - Very Clean
Looks like a very nicely maintained car..maybe can be had for closer to $7k.
http://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/4881259219.html

DementiaPhuro

What was your thought process going through all of this..? Did you get a TL just cause you needed some vehicle to commute with? Your budget was already pretty bad to start with. You got what you paid for out of $4500. If you're going to invest in something with that amount of money, at least be settled and at content with the decision.. Now you're thinking about an RSX.. Make up your mind. It's not a dilemma you're in. You're in an indecisive stage and don't know what you want. It seems like you only bought the TL because that's all you could really afford and really needed to get into another car. I'm reasonable, but you're just giving yourself the run around at this point. Do as you please, it's your money and decision. You have the power in hand.

MarcDavidoff

^ $4500 budget wasn't that bad really.. Yes for a 3rd gen TL maybe so if that is what you mean. But for $4500 you can do pretty decent if you keep an eye out for a different well kept car.

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

Congrats. Post some pics. Check the fluids/filters and do maintenance if applicable.

Since it's an AT, change out the 3rd and 4th gear sensors & drain and fill the tranny fluid.

Oh, and keep the TL don't do the RSX.

Majofo

Aside from the bullshit, that is one effing clean 04.. I'd hit it.



Many of us have +150k on the TL.. still running like new. Things to look out for at that mileage.. front main seal / vtec gasket oil leak.. rear main leak.. axle seal leaks.. etc. Don't let the inside bake and then throw on the AC.. or cold and throw on the heat full blast.. otherwise say goodbye to that contiguous dash cover.

Also clean those seats regularly and don't let them dry up. Notorious for ripping and generally disintegrating into the rat hairs that keep them together.

screaminz28

iTrader: (1)

I agree the car looked like it was in great shape, plus it was a single owner which is nice. I'd say it's a toss up between the TL and RSX - I would hesitate because in my eyes, I doubt it needs a new drive belt, but probably will need an accessory. They usually make noise when one is getting ready to go out.

On the TL, I'd only worry about the transmission, and not specifically, but just in general. Might be wise to do pressure switches just in case.

YungMoola15

Damn some say keep some say I am stupid. Ok so the car has 172k and it drives freaking great no tranny slips or shifting issues. But if you guys think the car will need a new trans within 20k I definitely would rather sell it and get something else but the lady who owned it was a corporate person who maintained it at the dealership and she has every record to prove it. Even had the original window sticker.

YungMoola15

It's an 05 and the seats look like new, maybe because of the detail? I didn't see any cracks or blemishes on the leather but I'll definitely clean with leather spray.

So how would one find the leaks? Or should it be done by a mechanic? I checked if it was leaking but didn't find any under the driveway and also check the fluid level to make sure.

Sorry for the noob questions.

YungMoola15

I will post the pictures tomorrow. I should drain and refill next oil change? The car just got a tranny flush...

YungMoola15

She did the timing belt TWICE. First time at 100k and the second at 150k so it was just recently done. The trunk thing is actually not that bad I will post some pictures. I would be completely satisfied if I can get good solid 30k out of it. I am a student so I only drive about 10k a year at highest.