Eyeing a 6sp TL w/100k- look okay?
 

All,

Been looking at a 6spd TL with 100k miles (2004). I own an 2005 auto with 140k miles. My mother needs a vehicle so thinking about buying the 6spd and giving her my auto.

Concerns:
1.) It was Midwest car for 9 years so has rust (see pics below)
2.) No documentation of WP/timing belt change or clutch, only some powersteering work. Had been in and out of Acura Dealership at least 10 times but no note of any major service intervals on carfax.

Need help:
1.) Pictures of underbody attached. Anything look out of whack? The Driver's side control arm and tie rods and brake calipers look extra rusty or I am over-analzying?
2.) Price: What's a good asking price for the above. They want $6k.

Rant:
Why won't dealerships verbally tell prospective customers what work was done on the vehicle by phone? When I purchased a second-hand Ford the dealers were more than helpful in disclosing what work was done (Didn't even require the owner of the vehicle to be on the phone with me. That said this was almost 10 years ago..../rant off

Appreciate the help!!!

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...35ddf1874c.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...e922bc6b4f.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...a1d5ee52a5.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...960e311093.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...6f2801375a.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...70686ac18f.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...455c038d5e.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...a490a0ed82.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...4743d92ac9.jpg

Looks pretty clean, I'm not seeing any show stoppers.

FWIW, when I was shopping I found the strut tower brace bar was a good indicator of overall rust/corrosion. While we cannot see all of the bar in your picture above, what can be seen looks pretty clean.

For a car the driving in the snow state I have to say the rust is minimal for its age, I wouldn't worry too much about the rust. You might have to replace the rear trailing arm in order to get the car alignment every Honda/Acura driven in the snow state has that issue along with sticky rear caliper. What I am interesting more is the rear quarter panel and trunk gutter to see if rust develop there.

$6k for a 04 MT is a relative good deal.

I agree, looks like a good deal. I bought an '05 6mt with 90k miles back in 2016 for $9k and I don't regret the decision at all.

It was a New England car, so also issues with rust. My factory mufflers need to be replaced soon. I have some rust on a rear quarter panel and a rear door, but it was because the previous owner was sideswiped and paint seal was poor.

Keep in mind that because of the age, anything rubber will need to be replaced. I had to swap the mounts, struts/top mounts, ball joints, front/rear sway bar endlinks.

The biggest problem I had was a CV joint boot tear. This will result in half-axle deterioration. One of my half axles snapped while I was driving... Dealer wanted $2500 to replace both halves! Spent $500 for aftermarket ones + install and they have been going for about 5k miles w/o trouble.

These models are also notorious for 3rd gear issues where it will randomly pop out of gear. I had the isssue and aftee switching to GM synchomesh fluid, it never happened again.

Hope this helps and good luck with your purchase!