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Hey guys, me again. Just using my free time from studying to check out new cars.
I drive a '99 Honda Civic EX right now with 145k miles on it. It's a wonderful car and I've never had many problems with it. However, I'm itching for a new car. My dad drives a Prius and my mom drives a Lexus RX, and I feel like it's time to upgrade my own vehicle.
What do I want? Acura TL, particularly the 2004 models.
It's such a sexy looking car, and everytime I see one drive by, I come.
I've been scrounging the classifieds and online in my free time for some good deals, and I happened on this: + Show Spoiler +
It's the perfect match for me. Classy exterior, decent rims, leather interior, wood panels etc. It's all very blasé. However, if you've visited that link, there's one glaring detail that just makes me cringe.
172k miles.
Now I probably know what you're thinking. No-buy. However, even though the mileage counts a lot, it's also about how the previous owner took care of it. So I checked its CARFAX, which they conveniently provided. Here's the link: + Show Spoiler +http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=YHO_0&vin=19UUA66294A036362
I'm just a tad over the car newb, so I know the blatantly obvious tips on car care. If you sift through the carfax report, it doesn't seem like this car is all that bad.
Only one previous owner, bought right off the shelf. numerous and consistent check ups. At around 100k miles, he/she replaces timing belt/water pump, which I believe is when they should be replaced for the TL and Accord models.
So I'm asking you guys, if any of you are car enthusiasts and know a bit about maintenance and the like, please tell me if there are any glaring warning signs, other than the mileage, about this deal.
Thanks.
*EDIT: tiny url-ed the first link. Sorry!
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Everything seems like it's in order and to be honest the mileage isn't horrible and like you said it's gone through a consistent number of usual check ups (oil change, alignments, belts, etc) so it should be good to go. Good buy for $9000, but kind of wish it was a coupe 
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Spenguin
Australia3316 Posts
tinyurl the spoiler link please some of us don't have widescreen monitors
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The mileage is a big deal. With that kind of use, a whole bunch of other components could need replacing like transmission, brakes, etc. Also a bunch of other small stuff to make sure fluids aren't leaking.
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The price seems a few grand high for a car with that many miles that has been sold at auction. I'd be worried about a major failure considering the car changed hands a few times in a short period of time. Be sure to pay a mechanic $50 to do a full inspection before you buy. A cheap patch job can get you through a test drive - don't accept the test drive as evidence of a good ride.
Additionally, I would never buy a car that has traveled across state borders, never mind twice. Many people are getting burned by bad out of state titles across the country due to lax or non-existent reporting standards. Carfax mostly deals with repair histories. For out of state purchases there is no way of knowing from Carfax whether the title is clear.
You might want to see if there is a way to check titles at a dmv website from IA, MO and CO (starting with IA).
If you do decide to go forward with the purchase, first thing you should do is check the vin to ensure it is the one they reported. And ask for the title right away. If they say they will send it to you later, walk out. (And if they let you see the title, compare the vin numbers right away.)
Anyhow, good luck with whatever you choose to do. Just remember, if you get burned buying a used car, there is almost nothing you can do to recover your loss.
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I like the '04 TL model. I think they went over the top with the new ones. Personally, I wouldn't buy the car because of the high mileage. However, if you can talk down the price to something a bit more comforting, then maybe.
If all fails, consider getting another Civic. Great all around cars. Not a single complaint from anyone I know...
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I would try to get another 1k off of it if possible.
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Get a 3rd party mechanic to do an inspection (costs roughly $100) and he tells you if you should buy it or re-consider. There is no better advice. Neutral 3rd party expert all the way.
If you don't wanna cough up the cash (I highly advise you to on a serious buy of course)
1) Rust - Big issue (any rust) means more rust in the future = bodywork [Wheel wells/underneath the car/engine bay/trunk <- lift all the mats]
2) Check if all cylinders are working - Some basic shit go take a piece of paper run the car and if it doesn't blow the sheet in a smooth continuous manner something is wrong with one of the cylinders.
3) Check the tires - Bargain with him or use it as leverage to negotiate.
4) Accidents - Check
5) Request paperwork for tuneups from the dealer - See if it makes chronological sense
6) Repainted - Check
7) Check the oil - See if the owner takes care of the car just by checking the oil. If it's all gritty and shit you know the owner is lying about how much he babied it
8) Brakes - how much it's worn through use as leverage once again
9) Talk with the owner - Why is he selling, how did he come up with the price, ask about how it runs. Probe his ass in a casual gentle demeanor.
10) Test drive + Bargain your ass off it seems high IMHO
GL
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I'm driving a 270k miles car. It feels like having a huge dick.
Btw, the car says VTEC. I always presumed they are way ahead of the curve.
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It's a bit too high priced IMHO.
If you can - avoid the auto. 6 speed manual is a lot better. Even so, I would try get the prize down to 7,000 $ for a 100-120k miles manual in similar condition. For that car, with the auto and the bit high mileage - 6,500$ appears like the most I'd give. If you can make it just above 5,500-5,750$, then you can call it a fair deal.
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Carfax isn't the greatest if you do not claim the accident and just pay for the work out of your own pocket it will not show up on a carfax report. 172k miles is a lot on a 6 year old car the price should be a bit lower. Other than that it looks in good shape. This is the biggest thing I can see for you.
Timing belt water pump and drive belts replaced
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
Washed/detailed
That will cost you a lot of money and it was last done 3 years ago. Also get them to see if they can grab the work orders from the original dealership for the car.
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idk much about Carfax, but I will say that timing belts are no problem to replace, they wear out on all cars, it's no big deal.
That being said, after looking at the carfax report, it looks like there hasn't been any significant maintenance done on the car other than chassis lubrication and a tire change. I'm a bit superstitious when it comes to cars so idc if you believe this but I believe in the so-called 150k curse, which means most cars need some kind of significant repair somewhere around that mileage.
It really depends on how much the previous owner over-accelerated at green lights / speed bumps / stop signs / on-ramps / etc, how many times he had to slam on the brakes, and how many times he drove all day without stopping, but usually somewhere between 130k and 170k you have something major that needs to be replaced. So really the mileage is a big deal in this case... if it was closer to 200k I'd feel better about it because the guy probably already took care of anything that needed to be repaired. But it seems like you're gonna at least be buying new tires soon, and if I'm right there'll be somewhere between $800-$1200+ worth of repairs to be made.
Another thing I don't like is it looks like they changed the paint once or twice? I mean, it doesn't look green to me, lol. Not that changing the paint makes a difference in the quality of the car, but you want to look out for that because people who change the paint tend to drive faster.
Just get it checked out first if you really want it.
Edit: also, it looks like there might be a dent in this pic
+ Show Spoiler +
or it could just be a reflection, idk. Not that it really makes a difference... and not really sure how a dent would get there... perhaps the fault of a blunt object or maybe a foot? :D
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On July 16 2010 20:13 Navane wrote:
I'm driving a 270k miles car. It feels like having a huge dick.
Btw, the car says VTEC. I always presumed they are way ahead of the curve.
haha nostalgic, i looked that thread up again since you said that lol
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Hey guys, thanks for the replies. =]
I've looked into the car more, and unfortunately, the dealer doesn't have any more information about the car other than what's in the CARFAX. I was negotiating with him over the phone (lol), and as skeptical as he sounded about my willingness to buy, he was able to go down $300. I'll have to go over there and check the car out myself and see whether I can reach a lower price.
However, I found this listing, link here: + Show Spoiler +http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/1839575355.html
It's for an Acura TSX 2006 selling for $3500. When I first saw this I thought how ridiculous the price was, so I had to check it out. I emailed the guy, and "she" responded with this: + Show Spoiler +Hello there,
I'm writing you regarding my Acura TSX. The car is still for sale. My asking price for the car
is $3500. It is a 2006 model loaded with everything. Currently the car has 32,666 miles, the
VIN# is JH4CL96806C032667. The car is in perfect condition,with no scratches on it,no damage,
clear title, it has just been completely serviced. The engine runs very good and the automatic
transmission shifts perfectly. I'm selling the car because I don't have time to enjoy it due to
my job (I work as a casino dealer on a cruise ship) plus that I have some financial problems
and I need money very soon. I have to tell you that I'm currently at work and I left the car in
New York at the shipping company, it's already packed and waiting to be shipped anywhere. If
you decide to purchase it, you will receive all the documents of the car (owner's manuals,
keys, clear title, bill of sale) in order to register it under your name.We will use eBay`s
protection program for our safety. I just need your full name and address so I can open a case
.(with no further obligation or fees).If you are still interested email me for picture and
details.
Thank you!
Elizabeth Smith
Now I find it very convenient that she listed the car under Denver, when it's garaged in NY. I don't know, it sounds kind of fishy to me. However, she will use eBay for the transaction. Are there any questions I should ask her in the follow up email that will potentially expose the scam or legitimize it? How about eBay, I've never sold or bought anything over it, do any of you think there are problems with it?
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"plus that I have some financial problems and I need money very soon."
Screams scam on it.
I would never trust a site like craigslist to buy a car unless you can go and take a look at it for yourself.
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Don't penny and dime your car purchase. More likely than not you will be burned. Be smart, save more of your money so you have more options for a higher quality/low mileage vehicle.
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I can't find any good deals for the Acura TL right now, so I've gone on to my second choice of cars.
Do you guys know anything about the 2001 BMW 330XI or the 2002 BMW 325i? I found a pair for around the same price and will check them out when the dealers get back to me. Both have around 130k miles on them.
Thanks for all the replies guys, and I definitely know not to be stingy when choosing cars. I guess I got too excited with that deal. V_V
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On July 17 2010 06:56 TOloseGT wrote:
I can't find any good deals for the Acura TL right now, so I've gone on to my second choice of cars.
Do you guys know anything about the 2001 BMW 330XI or the 2002 BMW 325i? I found a pair for around the same price and will check them out when the dealers get back to me. Both have around 130k miles on them.
Thanks for all the replies guys, and I definitely know not to be stingy when choosing cars. I guess I got too excited with that deal. V_V
Here is my number 1 question, do you live in a place that never see's snow(or cold weather)?
Number2: Are they located at a dealership that never see's snow(or cold weather)?
Also post pictures of them if you can.
My knowledge on BMW is a lot more extensive than Acura(Own a 2005 3 Series).
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On July 17 2010 06:58 Kralic wrote:Show nested quote +On July 17 2010 06:56 TOloseGT wrote:
I can't find any good deals for the Acura TL right now, so I've gone on to my second choice of cars.
Do you guys know anything about the 2001 BMW 330XI or the 2002 BMW 325i? I found a pair for around the same price and will check them out when the dealers get back to me. Both have around 130k miles on them.
Thanks for all the replies guys, and I definitely know not to be stingy when choosing cars. I guess I got too excited with that deal. V_V
Here is my number 1 question, do you live in a place that never see's snow(or cold weather)? Number2: Are they located at a dealership that never see's snow(or cold weather)? Also post pictures of them if you can. My knowledge on BMW is a lot more extensive than Acura(Own a 2005 3 Series).
I live in Denver, will commute on highway 36 to boulder next year 2 days a week. We see snow starting November up until March. At least one big snowstorm a year. Roads are well salted every morning however, except during those freak storms.
*EDIT: forgot to answer your second question.
I believe they are private, and both live near the Highlands Ranch area. Snow generally blankets all of Denver and its outlying areas equally.
2001 BMW 330xi : http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/1846097160.html
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On July 17 2010 07:00 TOloseGT wrote:Show nested quote +On July 17 2010 06:58 Kralic wrote:On July 17 2010 06:56 TOloseGT wrote:
I can't find any good deals for the Acura TL right now, so I've gone on to my second choice of cars.
Do you guys know anything about the 2001 BMW 330XI or the 2002 BMW 325i? I found a pair for around the same price and will check them out when the dealers get back to me. Both have around 130k miles on them.
Thanks for all the replies guys, and I definitely know not to be stingy when choosing cars. I guess I got too excited with that deal. V_V
Here is my number 1 question, do you live in a place that never see's snow(or cold weather)? Number2: Are they located at a dealership that never see's snow(or cold weather)? Also post pictures of them if you can. My knowledge on BMW is a lot more extensive than Acura(Own a 2005 3 Series). I live in Denver, will commute on highway 36 to boulder next year 2 days a week. We see snow starting November up until March. At least one big snowstorm a year. Roads are well salted every morning however, except during those freak storms.
Okay, the major problem with the E46's ( 99-05, easier to call them this) is that if they were never in a cold enviroment their valve in the engine will freeze up in the cold. Make sure they have an insulated valve and oil dipstick installed if not this could cost you a lot of money to get fixed if it does freeze. Make sure that the headlights work as well if they are Xenon headlights (expensive if they are burned out). A BMW is great, if it is has been maintained properly, if it has not it will fall apart fast and cost a lot of money in repairs. If you can get pictures that would be the best, also is this a BMW dealership or a private used lot type dealership?
Edit: It looks in very good condition on the exterior. $7600 seems like a very good deal. Since it is in your area it should have had the winterization steps done to it. Any problem that would be caused by the cold would have happened already (unless they bought it down south and brought it up to sell).
The AWD will help you in the snow, you won't need winter tires if you are used to driving in the snow (with all season tires on not strictly summer tires).
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On July 17 2010 07:07 Kralic wrote:Show nested quote +On July 17 2010 07:00 TOloseGT wrote:On July 17 2010 06:58 Kralic wrote:On July 17 2010 06:56 TOloseGT wrote:
I can't find any good deals for the Acura TL right now, so I've gone on to my second choice of cars.
Do you guys know anything about the 2001 BMW 330XI or the 2002 BMW 325i? I found a pair for around the same price and will check them out when the dealers get back to me. Both have around 130k miles on them.
Thanks for all the replies guys, and I definitely know not to be stingy when choosing cars. I guess I got too excited with that deal. V_V
Here is my number 1 question, do you live in a place that never see's snow(or cold weather)? Number2: Are they located at a dealership that never see's snow(or cold weather)? Also post pictures of them if you can. My knowledge on BMW is a lot more extensive than Acura(Own a 2005 3 Series). I live in Denver, will commute on highway 36 to boulder next year 2 days a week. We see snow starting November up until March. At least one big snowstorm a year. Roads are well salted every morning however, except during those freak storms. Okay, the major problem with the E46's ( 99-05, easier to call them this) is that if they were never in a cold enviroment their valve in the engine will freeze up in the cold. Make sure they have an insulated valve and oil dipstick installed if not this could cost you a lot of money to get fixed if it does freeze. Make sure that the headlights work as well if they are Xenon headlights (expensive if they are burned out). A BMW is great, if it is has been maintained properly, if it has not it will fall apart fast and cost a lot of money in repairs. If you can get pictures that would be the best, also is this a BMW dealership or a private used lot type dealership?
Thank you.
I ninja edited my post above with pictures to the 330xi.
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On July 17 2010 07:00 TOloseGT wrote:I believe they are private, and both live near the Highlands Ranch area. Snow generally blankets all of Denver and its outlying areas equally. 2001 BMW 330xi : http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/1846097160.html
I googled the phone number provided in this craigslist ad and the guy has a bunch of different cars and trucks listed. Such as: http://www.usedcarsplus.com/classic-cars/03-use/renault/220603218888.html (invalid vin, and amazingly, the car has never been in the rain or snow)
This guy is either: a dealer posing as a private seller which is most likely illegal in CO. as it is in most states; a scammer; or just a decent guy that happens to have a lot of cars laying around 
In regards to the Acura TSX - this is certainly a scam. The Ebay VPP protections automatically apply only to certain transactions completed on the ebay motors site. "Elizabeth" would not need your name and shipping address to create a "case." You could view headers on the email to see where the email originated. I bet its not a cruise ship. Google "Ebay VPP scam" for more info.
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EPT![[image loading]](http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/190058/036362.08.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/2992/acura.png)
