Old Member Checking In - What to look for when purchasing?
10-15-2018, 11:55 AM
#1
I like turtles
Thread Starter
Old Member Checking In - What to look for when purchasing?
Hey Everyone
Been a while since I posted as I haven't owned a 3rd gen in over 6 years. I am looking for another TL strictly for a commuting vehicle. Now that these vehicles are older and can be found for sub $5000, what warning signs should I be looking for when searching? The last thing I want is to end up with something that needs a ton of work right out of the gate. I am going to be commuting over 120 miles a day in whatever I find...
Also, is there a specific year that has aged better over time? Or a specific year I should avoid? And in terms of keeping it simple, would I be better off with a non tech model? Or does it really not matter?
The last two TLs I owned were covered by warranties, so I never really worried too much about what could go wrong and cost.
Thanks for the help guys! I am really looking forward to getting back into one of these.
Been a while since I posted as I haven't owned a 3rd gen in over 6 years. I am looking for another TL strictly for a commuting vehicle. Now that these vehicles are older and can be found for sub $5000, what warning signs should I be looking for when searching? The last thing I want is to end up with something that needs a ton of work right out of the gate. I am going to be commuting over 120 miles a day in whatever I find...
Also, is there a specific year that has aged better over time? Or a specific year I should avoid? And in terms of keeping it simple, would I be better off with a non tech model? Or does it really not matter?
The last two TLs I owned were covered by warranties, so I never really worried too much about what could go wrong and cost.
Thanks for the help guys! I am really looking forward to getting back into one of these.
10-15-2018, 12:02 PM
#2
Chris, at this point...a used car is a used car is a used car..........
what that means is you're going to look at every component on the car and see if it's broken. if broken, you're going to then asses if it's something you can easily fix or if you're going to pass on the car.
if you cannot do this, hire a mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection for you.
a used car is a used car is a used car...
take a look at tires, all suspension components(including bushings, shocks springs, end links sub-frame) look at engine mounts and transmission mounts, check out the tranny...is it shifting smoothly?...check out engine (PCV and EGR valves, throttlebody, hoses, radiator, power steering pump, a/c, timing belt, spark plugs, coil packs) check out interior - run the a/c and heat. check radio echeck navigation. check out exterior body panels for inconsistent gaps and paint runs. check for proper drainage in sunroof and a/c lines.<br /><br />basically you're checking the whole fuckin car to make sure you arent buying a broken car.
what that means is you're going to look at every component on the car and see if it's broken. if broken, you're going to then asses if it's something you can easily fix or if you're going to pass on the car.
if you cannot do this, hire a mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection for you.
a used car is a used car is a used car...
take a look at tires, all suspension components(including bushings, shocks springs, end links sub-frame) look at engine mounts and transmission mounts, check out the tranny...is it shifting smoothly?...check out engine (PCV and EGR valves, throttlebody, hoses, radiator, power steering pump, a/c, timing belt, spark plugs, coil packs) check out interior - run the a/c and heat. check radio echeck navigation. check out exterior body panels for inconsistent gaps and paint runs. check for proper drainage in sunroof and a/c lines.<br /><br />basically you're checking the whole fuckin car to make sure you arent buying a broken car.
Last edited by justnspace; 10-15-2018 at 12:08 PM.
10-15-2018, 12:23 PM
#3
I like turtles
Thread Starter
Thanks man...glad to see you are still hanging around these forums. Hope all is well with you!
Anyway...yeah, a used car is a used car. I am ok with little minor issues as those are expected. I was more curious to know if any MAJOR problems have developed with these cars now that a majority of them are high mileage at this point. Don't want to be putting a tranny, engine, or diffs in something. Minor stuff is easy peasy for me...
Anyway...yeah, a used car is a used car. I am ok with little minor issues as those are expected. I was more curious to know if any MAJOR problems have developed with these cars now that a majority of them are high mileage at this point. Don't want to be putting a tranny, engine, or diffs in something. Minor stuff is easy peasy for me...
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justnspace (10-15-2018)
10-15-2018, 02:38 PM
#4
Public Figure
Good things to check are Compliance bushings, motor/trans mounts, power steering pump/steering rack (leaking?), rear main seal or other oil/fluid leaks. Another thing to know is the automatic transmissions are notorious for being garbage and known to fail at high mileage. If you can find a 6mt I would highly recommend it over an AT
10-15-2018, 02:42 PM
#5
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
10-15-2018, 02:44 PM
#6
with the car being FWD, the suspension really takes a beating. the bushings especially. people spend their whole paychecks chasing down vibratiions, pulling, and noises..
anytime you enter the cash car realm, you're gonna have to spend a few grand fixing minor things.
anytime you enter the cash car realm, you're gonna have to spend a few grand fixing minor things.
10-15-2018, 05:05 PM
#7
I like turtles
Thread Starter
Trending Topics
10-15-2018, 05:09 PM
#8
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Beater Jeeps.. now that's something that holds value. 
They start life brand new as beaters though.
They start life brand new as beaters though.
10-15-2018, 06:07 PM
#9
I like turtles
Thread Starter
Lol #facts
i have a 2018 grand Cherokee at the moment and the build quality is a joke. Now just gotta sell one of the real beaters to grab another TL. Wish me luck boys.
i have a 2018 grand Cherokee at the moment and the build quality is a joke. Now just gotta sell one of the real beaters to grab another TL. Wish me luck boys.
10-17-2018, 10:59 PM
#11
Safety Car
iTrader: (5)
i remember you, welcome back! i still have my tl haha, 10 years strong.
go for an 07-08, the 04-06 can have bad transmission problems so just spring for a later model. check to see if there are any oil leaks and make sure you disconnect the HFL if you buy a TL haha.
i would also recommend getting a multi point inspection for peace of mind
go for an 07-08, the 04-06 can have bad transmission problems so just spring for a later model. check to see if there are any oil leaks and make sure you disconnect the HFL if you buy a TL haha.
i would also recommend getting a multi point inspection for peace of mind
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Redsand353 (10-18-2018)
10-18-2018, 08:01 AM
#12
Burning Brakes
Like sockr1 says, stick with the 06-07 model years, due to their more reliable transmissions. Secondly, unless your very, very well versed on all systems, and methods for checking out a used vehicle, spring for a pre-purchase inspection, preferably from shop very knowledgeable regarding that specific vehicle. If you take the car to a Dealer, chances are, they will be SUPER critical, often times pointing out items that may not be serious, but when used as a guide, these critiques can be very helpful. Good luck
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