Looking to buy 04 Acura TL
10-21-2017, 10:46 PM
#1
Looking to buy 04 Acura TL
Hello everyone, I am looking to upgrade from 99 tl to 04 tl. I went to look at one today with 130k miles. It was very clean. No rips in the seats and the outside condition is great for its age. I know this has been asked so many times on the forum, but what are some things to look for in 04 TL before purchasing. I test drove it and it drove nice. I didn't floor it or anything but the transmission shifted smooth when accelerating and it down shifted fine pressing down on the gas pedal. I checked under the hood and there's no leaks or anything. Front axles look good as well. Please advice on particular things to look for in an 04 TL. Thanks in advance!
10-22-2017, 06:50 AM
#2
Nothing different from any other test drive. Our '04 with 104k miles has only needed a d/s lock solenoid and d/s seat belt buckle. Depending on the mileage, check if timing belt service has been done, if not the price can be steep. Just replaced ours at 102k miles, did it myself, but if done by a garage maybe $800/$1000 with all necessary parts.
Will be picking up another car on Thursday this week and if the wife wants it to replace the TL, the TL will be for sale. Only problem is, it won't be cheap.
Will be picking up another car on Thursday this week and if the wife wants it to replace the TL, the TL will be for sale. Only problem is, it won't be cheap.
Last edited by Turbonut; 10-22-2017 at 06:57 AM.
10-22-2017, 06:32 PM
#3
My advice would just be don't pay too much as this car is 14 years old and extremely common. If something major is not right just walk away and buy something else. They are great cars, but not appreciated by many and their values have dropped. I know because I bought an 04 TL with 130,000 miles on it.
10-22-2017, 08:29 PM
#4
Test drove the car and no problems other than pulling to the left when accelerating from stop. It had around 130k miles and I negotiated the price to 6k. The trans fluid was brown but shifts were fine. I walked away because of the kbb was very low for 04 model.
10-23-2017, 05:26 AM
#5
Use the KBB only as an estimation, and depending on the condition adjust the price accordingly.
It may make sense at times to invest in a car that is nearly perfect, needing no repairs, mechanical
and/or cosmetic, then one that can be purchased under the "book" value that needs to have repairs.
KBB Dealer $6800
KBB Private $6200
This isn't an advertisement, but our '04, no dents, rust, scratches, nicks or dings, garaged, not used
in the winters, and regardless of the KBB values, the price will be listed for $7500.
Just for future reference, trans fluid is only dyed red to distinguish it from other fluids, but when in use
it will turn brown, and that isn't an indication of a problem.
It may make sense at times to invest in a car that is nearly perfect, needing no repairs, mechanical
and/or cosmetic, then one that can be purchased under the "book" value that needs to have repairs.
KBB Dealer $6800
KBB Private $6200
This isn't an advertisement, but our '04, no dents, rust, scratches, nicks or dings, garaged, not used
in the winters, and regardless of the KBB values, the price will be listed for $7500.
Just for future reference, trans fluid is only dyed red to distinguish it from other fluids, but when in use
it will turn brown, and that isn't an indication of a problem.
10-25-2017, 11:54 AM
#7
Thanks turbonut. I looked at couple of other tl's and they were not as clean. One was from east cost and had typical rust. I was like it is not even worth test driving. I will post pics of the first one and I am buying it in couple days.
