david_vang

i am finding a few tl's that are in my price range even though most of those would be over 120k miles. all the tls with low mileage are out of my budget.

i'm worried that buying a high mileage tl would just make me go broke after a few years of owning it. for example, if the transmission would go bad, how much do you think it would cost to get it repaired/replaced? also how much does it cost for regular maintenance.

if you own a high mileage tl are you experiencing any kind of issues at all?

thanks guys.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

Depends,

Regular maintenance you can do yourself, oil change, tire rotation etc etc.

Just make sure the car you look at has had its 105k, because that can cost your from 600-1100 dollars.

Also they take premium gas.. If you get a 04-06 Auto IIRC, they have tranny problems, there is a thread on it. I would search around on the forum and see what you come up with.

Otacon

iTrader: (1)

Well, you're 17 buy a car you can afford without a doubt. I had always wanted a TL-S but when I was 17 I could only afford a DB2. So I messed with integras until I joined the Navy and could get a TL-S.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

if you cant afford one, dont buy it.

nj2pa2nc

since you are 17 and this is probably your 1st car try looking at other brands. Save up your money so you can afford the tl with maybe lower mileage.

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

find something you can afford. cars like the TL weren't even on my radar when i was your age. why? poor college student. needed practical and affordable on a really tight budget.

once you get old enough to have a real job that pays and you can reasonably afford to buy a TL (by which time the 5th gen will be out) then you can enjoy all the bells and whistles that come with the TL or any other luxury based vehicle without stressing over the expense of taking care of it.

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

NO way. Low maintenance. VERY RELIABLE !!!

icy2

Save your money, get you something more affordable, and get a TL when you can afford one without worrying about any issues that may arise. It's not fun to own a cool car if you can't afford to do anything else!

erdoc48

Getting a high mileage TL is just admission to the club, and that's assuming you're getting a well cared for example. I'm also in the camp that says get something cheaper until your finances can afford something nicer. The worst thing in the world to be is indebted to your car (have to work exclusively to drive).

ez12a

i had a 93 integra in college, it had 145k when i bought it and i spent at least 2k in repairs (including timing belt, clutch, water pump, radiator, power steering pump, catalytic converter, axle-back exhaust, shocks and springs...) over the 4-5 years I owned it.

I dont think a high mileage TL would be good for someone in your financial situation. A lot of electronics and other things can break.

Find a cheap civic or something similar that you can work on easily and be patient.

Ditto everyone else, dont be a slave to your car or car payments, and enjoy your early adulthood while you can.

just throwing a number out there, if your transmission were to fail (auto) it would cost somewhere in the $2k+ for a rebuild/replacement. Dont forget tires cost at least $400 for a decent set not including installation. Those will last anywhere from 20k-50k--at 120k you can be on the tail end of those tires.

erdoc48

My first car was a 74 Celica, and it actually broke down when I was driving it home from the prior owner's home (of course, the water pump failed on the way home). Thankfully, parts were cheap for it, and I learned quite a bit by working on it myself. TL repairs will likely be much more expensive. Plus, when you can afford the car you really want, say in 3-4 years, you might want something different, or if you still want a TL, you can get an 08 TL or TL-S.

sauceja

iTrader: (2)

agreed I had a 86 ford ranger supercab 2.9L V6 5 speed when I was 17.

I would def. get a little older car for now for a few reasons. cost, maintenance, parts cost and availability. If you get parking lot dents (will happen) then you won't freak out.

Plus with an older car if you do decide to do your own maintenance or start modding then you can get your hands dirty on a car that if you make a mistake or mess something up it is not on a vehicle that you want to keep for a long time.

But I am not your father so I say fuck it. Get a TL and enjoy your youth (a car won't get you laid anyway) let all your friends pile in and drink and smoke in it then try and find out why there are stains and burns in your back seat. Go off roading and all the other fun stuff kids do.

or maybe its just me.

P1zzaman

iTrader: (1)

At age 17 i had no car. Then at age 25 I bought a brand new TL and paid it off in a year. In the end, I still win

spaceboy

i had a 85 Accord when i was 17 then a 93 Corolla later, TL that time was like a dream car to me

I hate cars

Some of the most fun I've ever had in a car was when I had my POS '84 GranPrix from 16-17yrs old. I did things in that car that no car should go through. Plus it was just nice not caring about the car. I tried to kill that thing. Then I got the GN right before I turned 18 and the fun was over.

I think every kid should experience a POS car. I would love to have one right now so I could park wherever I want, not worry about vandalism, theft, rocks, water, curbs, etc. Me and my old friends from elementary school were just talking about how much fun it was when we had junk cars. Girls were not a problem either. We were always drawing so much attention to ourselves with the stupid crap we did that they just seemed to appear.

It's such a waste driving a nice car that you can't do anything in. I always have "creative" ideas when I'm driving the TL but can't execute them because I don't want to hurt it.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^Raise your hand if you ever hit a curb in your TL?





Raises Hand

I hate cars

I would have to raise mine as well. Mine wasn't drivable though. That's what really started my hatred toward electronics.

SSM4DR

iTrader: (1)

Have patience when car shopping is the key, never rush into buying a car, and look around for somewhat of "the best deal". Do your researches on: recalls, common problems other owners have with the car, and be smart. Example: If I was to buy another used car (TL or anything else) I would take my time and look for a certified pre-owned one with low mileage, the color combo exterior/interior I want. Knowing that it's certified pre-owened tells you that: It's still under factory warranty, that all the parts on the car is OEM, and ect. But since you're younger and this is going to be your 1st car, don't expect too much from your 1st car. As long as your 1st car gets you to point A and B then it should be better than having no car. My 1st car was a 2002 Honda Accord EX V6 coupe auto and it was a great car that took me to point A to B without any problems . You can buy my TL so I can get myself a newer car lol.

mynameisraj

I'm 17 and have a TL. If your transmission goes bad, you're looking at thousands, I believe. It's a nice car, but it does become a bit of a money pit; I'd suggest a cheaper, older vehicle if you don't want to spend much past what you buy it for. That's not to say that it isn't reliable, but keeping care of it will cost a good amount.

david_vang

thanks for all the input guys!

i might just look for an accord or civic.

but just in case i find a tl i like, what do you guys think the chances of an automatic tl's transmission going bad if it's like around 120k miles

3GNBPTL

I bought my 06 TL base with 145k on it in April of last year with two big risks, no carfax and no service records. I know, bad move. I drove it from Wisconsin to Florida in June; 3000 miles back and forth. Drove carefully there, drove like I stole it on the way back. Not a single problem until last month, the starter's starting to give out. I've owned my fair share of civics and integras which took a lot of beating. I was skeptical at first of the TL's because of their history with glass-made transmissions but I've pushed my TL to it's limits already and it hasn't shown any signs of problems yet. I have 157k miles now and no problems. Reliability wise, it goes with any car, as long as proper preventative maintenance is done, they'll last forever.

Good lucking finding your TL david. And +1 for a fellow hmong member!

Suprstar

Sorry to hear about your ride.

mY sLOW UA6

I'm 18 and I maintain 2 TLs (UA5 Type S, UA6 Base) its easy to change the oil and perform regular maintnence, but if that tranny hasnt been touched after 120k miles stay away. The one in the UA5 was just replaced at 100k under warrenty thank god.

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

If you like manual trans, look at a used Civic Si. 2006-2007. They are a BLAST to drive.

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

Not sure if it's been mentioned, but keep in mind the TL takes only premium gas and your insurance will likely be quite a bit higher. In terms of reliability, the TL is probably about the best you can get in its class (G35, 3, C, A4, etc).

david_vang

ok so i guess it seems like the main issue i have to worry about when buying a high mileage tl is that the tranny are likely to give out.

no, i used to like manual cars but i've had many friends/family who tell me that they get so sick of manuals after a while. even my brother who is a car enthusiasts grew tired of his manual honda prelude.

david_vang

i'm looking at a 2006 tl on craigslist that has 123k miles, according to him the tires are still in good condition and he's already done a timing belt change. automatic tranny and navi equipped. cost: $10,900.

i have $9,100 saved up from doing web design work but i could probably get a couple more thousands from my parents... what should my starting offer to him be and what price should i buy the car at (if i was going to buy this car)

what do you guys think.

Mrtastygoody

iTrader: (1)

It isn't necessarily the tranny, it's two pressure switches on the tranny that need to be changed usually, as preventative care. I was 18 when I got my TL (3rd car, hmmmm), and as you can see am still currently 18. I'm in love, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Plus, it's basically a scaled up accord anyways. BTW, premo gas costs me $1.50 extra per fill up from empty vs. regular gas. You literally don't notice the difference.

SSM4DR

iTrader: (1)

Keep saving up and when you find right the right TL, you'll have just about enough .

**WhItE-aNgEl**

Start small like everyone else. I started with a 95 celica when I was 17, than upgraded to a is300 than a Acura tl. I totaled the is300 fn rear wheel drive scares the shit out of me in rain and snow. AWD and FWD ftw lol alot will disagree with this haha

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

Someone call up Clint Eastwood and ask him what he thinks.


Do what is best for you. A TL in its 100ks is still better than 85% of the cars on the road. It also gives you a reason to turbo it when you get older and have a little more money to mod big time. Let us know how it goes

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

Go for 9K. Ask him you want a inspection (from a independent mechanic-- you'll have to pay for it-- you choose where). If he doesn't budge on the 9K-10K, make a false story claiming that the transmission may need to be replaced because the transmissions the TL doesn't last long because of premature wear. Say it happens all the time and can even show a printed out old thread from AZ somewhere. Gotta lie to make a good deal most of the time. Always work for me for a private seller. Good luck

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I dont think I'd EVER grow to get tired of rowing my own gears.
For the past 8 years I've been driving a manual transmission

Babnik

If you want a lower mileage used car but don't have a lot of money, you have to go domestic. You can get a G6 or a Fusion for way less than a TL and it'll be newer and have less mileage, and you'll have enough money left over in case it breaks down. Never buy a car that you can just barely afford, otherwise if it breaks down you're screwed.

mY sLOW UA6

^ Stay slamming gears

Jackass

Premium gas only adds about $2 per tank so I don't consider that too much of an issue for most. Although insurance rates would be something to consider for sure. Be sure to check those before making any decisions.
There are lots of things to consider. Transmissions are the primary and easy thing to point at in these cars, but now that the used ones are 5-8 years old with over 100k miles, just about anything could be in need of replacement. It really depends on how well the car was taken care of by the previous owners. This is no different than any other used car of similar age.
Tired of it?? My TL is my 4th manual transmission car. I have been driving manuals since '97 and haven't tired of them yet. My wife's Equinox Sport is the first auto I have driven and not been bored in. This is 100% a personal choice that you have to decide for yourself. If you drive in true bumper to bumper stop and go traffic (under 5mph), then I can see an auto as being preferred. If you are like me and only get into slow moving rush-hour traffic (steady 10-15mph), a manual is the way to go since you just stay in first and crawl along with traffic and never touch the brakes. There are days I wish I didn't have to shift, but the days I prefer to shift manually far outnumber those.

Also make sure you are prepared for the cost of tires and other basic parts on the TL. Tires are not going to cost you $75 per tire. Plan on $150-250 per tire for decent tires. If you get a manual (or auto Type-S), you will have the front Brembo brakes which are not cheap to replace the pads either.

07tl-s6spd

iTrader: (1)

get a 6mt if you like...way more fun IMO

3GNBPTL

I paid $11,900 for mine, 06 base w/navi, auto, 145k at the time. no carfax, no service records, no problems, no regrets. Good luck!

nj2pa2nc

have been driving manual transmission vehicles for many, many years and never got tired of them. Did get tired of automatic so decided never to own it again

Aman

I'm sick of my automatic transmission.

Besides, MT gives you an excuse not to lend your car out. My

If you only have $9,000, I'd look at a much cheaper car. As in around $3,000, 5 at the most. Purchasing the car is just the tip of the iceberg. Then you have to pay for insurance, maintenance, gas, and trust me, it adds up big time.

I'm 19, and when I worked and drove every day, at least 50% of my income went straight into my car. You can number crunch all you want, but you have to accommodate for the unexpected. My car's been sideswiped, had its windshield cracked, been keyed, backed into, and most recently gotten a flat tire. The appeal of having a nice-ass car is great, and it's great having one. Worrying about it sucks, though.

These things can happen in any car, but at least with a cheaper car, you have a big money buffer, and can afford to repair anything properly.

Just my opinion, spend your money wisely. I wouldn't buy a 3rd generation TL if I had $9,100.