"Dunnik" (dunnik)
09/16/2014 at 13:36 • Filed to: ACURA TL, USED CARS
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"Dunnik" (dunnik)
09/16/2014 at 13:36 • Filed to: ACURA TL, USED CARS | 1
| 20 |
I've stumbled across a minty 2008 Acura TL in Pearl White with 48,000 km (30,000 mi.) selling for $17,888. It's a trade-in to an Acura dealership in the next city over. One owner - an older lady. The car was bought and serviced at that dealership. Full records. They're taking delivery of it on Saturday, but the dealer pointed out that a car like this will probably be sold before it even hits the lot. He's right, so I've placed a (refundable) $500 deposit on it.
A good friend has a 2007 TL Type S which he purchased in 2011 with almost the same mileage. He's since put 70,000 km on the car and the only thing he's had to do is replace the timing belt just before 100,000 km. Which isn't surprising, the TL is, after all, a tuned-up luxury Honda Accord and every review I've found says that it's very reliable.
My search for a new DD was narrowed when I considered that if I wanted a reliable DD sports sedan, that I had to go Japanese. That's a pretty short list: the TL/TSX, the IS and the maybe the Legacy. The Subie's AWD would be great in the winter but I'd be wasting gas the other 8 months of the year. The IS is, of course, RWD which is great in summer but even on winter tires, ugh, dunno if I want to deal with that in a Canadian winter. I could keep my existing DD as a winter beater but I'd have to pay for vehicle storage. And the TL is much better looking than either.
Yes, yes, Fail Wheel Drive, but all reports indicate that for a FWD car, the TL handles very well. My commute is all highway, with (unfortunately) few curves and twisties. But when I go out and find some twisties, I'm hoping the car won't embarrass itself.
Other than this not being a Type S there's just one problem - if you choose to see this as a problem - it's an automagic, and an older 5-speed at that. But due to the low mileage and condition, I see this as an acceptable compromise. Besides, I suspect my left leg will fall off due to excessive shifting in stop-n-go Toronto traffic. Still a bit of a shame, since I've always loved Honda manuals (only BMW makes 'em better, imho).
The vehicle does not have the Technology package, so no factory nav. Which isn't a big deal to me, I don't find i need sat-nav much if it all, and if I really do, I can always bolt on a unit and wire it into the battery. A modern unit would work better than the older generation navis anyway (though I'm told this particular unit, while low resolution and cartoonish graphics, is quite good). Or, if I have something like $1800 I don't know what to do with, I can always have the dealer retrofit the navi unit.
The !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! requires premium and synthetic, of course, but that's par for the course. Develops around 260 hp and 235 ft/lb of torque which I would describe as "quite adequate" for a DD. I've always loved revvy Honda engines, especially VTEC sixes. I love that it redlines just below 7000 rpm. Speaking of redlines, as a lady-driven one owner, I don't think this car has ever come close to seeing it. It's as if it's had a 48,000 km break-in period.
I think I can wake the old girl up though.
So what do you think, Oppo? Shut up and take my money NP?
Note: Not pictures of the actual vehicle, especially the last one.
davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
> Dunnik
09/16/2014 at 13:42 |
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Looks good, but if I'm honest, automatic would make it a no-go for me, personally.
But if your situation/wants make it acceptable, go for it (see if you can get them down on price more, of course).
CB
> Dunnik
09/16/2014 at 13:43 |
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"... four months of winter..."
"Toronto"
Hehehehe.
I think it sounds like a pretty good deal. I have a soft spot for this car, and really, it sounds like all the car you need. Price may be a smidge high, but it could be negotiated.
Raphmoe
> Dunnik
09/16/2014 at 13:43 |
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$18,000 for an 8 year old car might not be the best decision.
Money Hustard
> Dunnik
09/16/2014 at 13:46 |
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Not a bad choice. This is absolutely vintage Acura. 8 year old cars can be risky investments, but not when they are Acuras.
Sn210
> Dunnik
09/16/2014 at 13:46 |
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I approve this purchase! I got my 2008 tl-s back in January for $18,500 with 65,000 miles, so I say very Nice Price! All of your reasons for going with the TL were my reasons: sporty reliable sedan with fwd for my New England winters. Let me know if you have any questions!
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Dunnik
> Raphmoe
09/16/2014 at 13:54 |
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Every car purchase has some risk, but I feel it still may be worth it. Not that the 7-8 years old thing doesn't trouble me, but that is good leverage to use to negotiate on price.
Especially tires. Would probably have the OEM all-seasons, with good tread but 7-8 years old. I'd be swapping out for winters/summers, but if I had good tires I could put off that extra expensive a while longer.
Klaus Schmoll
> Dunnik
09/16/2014 at 14:01 |
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I have the previous gen of that car (Euro-Accord). I too bought it because it was a one owner, low-mileage car. Surprisingly fun to drive for a FWD mid-sizer, and in the two years I've had it it never missed a beat. Oil changes were the only maintenance needed so far, just passed the notorious TÜV inspection with flying colours. Good choice IMHO.
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Dunnik
> Sn210
09/16/2014 at 14:07 |
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Nice!
I hoon, therefore I am
> Dunnik
09/16/2014 at 14:38 |
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Fun car, especially for FWD. The AC isn't the best, but it does have a cool (unintended) feature that chills the center console when you turn it on. I rebuilt one when my ex's cousin ran it into the ground. The only real sore spot is the auto trans - they are notorious for going out sometime after 100k miles - and the leather seats tearing. I'd have kept the one I rebuilt, but 138k miles and replacing a head gasket, radiator, a couple window motors, hood lift struts, interior bits, intake tube, battery cable, serpentine belt and tensioner/idler, spark plugs I didn't feel like attacking a trans if/when it went.
Keep in mind a lot of what I did (plugs, serp belt, radiator/hoses) was during and/or due to said cousin blowing a head gasket. Frankly, I'm surprised I was able to revive it.
ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
> Dunnik
09/16/2014 at 14:42 |
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I have always really liked the TL. Used to be my favorite realistic car for a very very long time. It has aged well too.
Rico
> Dunnik
09/16/2014 at 14:44 |
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Nice price for that mileage and they are relatively bullet proof after 2006.
Alex B
> Raphmoe
09/16/2014 at 17:32 |
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It's 6 years old.
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Alex B
> Money Hustard
09/16/2014 at 17:33 |
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It's 6 years old though.
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Raphmoe
> Alex B
09/16/2014 at 17:35 |
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Model year 2008, most likely manufactured in 2007. We are now in model year 2015.
15-7 = 8
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Alex B
> Raphmoe
09/16/2014 at 17:39 |
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Oh, I see. Makes sense now.
997Tuuuuurbo
> Dunnik
09/16/2014 at 17:59 |
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I put over 100K miles on a 2005 TL. Hate to sound like an old guy but is was the last great Acura. Styling went to hell in the next gen.
The automatic was quite good, and the mileage was great for being a high horsepower V6.
Had a few minor issues, all solved at dealer under warranty, in the first few months. The remaining 90k miles were trouble free.
I'd own another one in a second, but my dog requires me to own a wagon.
No Prius Needed
> Dunnik
09/16/2014 at 18:33 |
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Have you looked at the 2005 RL? You can get them for very cheap, have AWD, really good handling, don't look bad, and very reliable.
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Money Hustard
> Alex B
09/16/2014 at 19:02 |
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Yeah, saw mention of it in the comments and didn't do the math myself, shame on me.
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Dunnik
> Sn210
09/17/2014 at 23:02 |
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Reading your old thread now :D
http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/2008-acura-tl-…
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Sn210
> Dunnik
09/18/2014 at 07:03 |
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nice! People still comment on that every now and then