Should I buy an Acura tl 2009 with an engine replacement at 70k miles?

There is an acura tl 09 for sale for 8,500. It has 80,000 miles. The engine was replaced due to something leaking. The previous engine had 70,000 miles. Car looks good but I am not sure if engine replacement is a red flag? Seller tells me that Acura thoroughly checked the replacement after it was done. Seller is selling because while car was being worked on, she leased a car and now is staying with that car. My question is, is an engine replacement a red flag for this car ?

My car has 80000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If a used engine was installed, to make a wise decision you would need to know exactly how many miles were accumulated on that used engine PRIOR to its transplant to the car that you are looking at. However, if a "new" engine was installed, then you might have the opposite of a red flag which is a good deal but even that depends on whether the "new" engine was actually properly installed according to the instructions. The only real "red flags" in a car purchase are collision damage (whether such damage is repaired or not stay away), rust, abuse, and lack of maintenance. Consequently, the mere fact that a "part", even a part as big as "the engine", was replaced is not important. What is important is whether the part was PROPERLY installed and, in your particular circumstance, if the part was "used", exactly how many miles were on it prior to installation in the present car? And, of course, is the engine presently functioning well (it can be tested and evaluated, to some extent, during an inspection).

With regard to any used car purchase, you want to confirm that the vehicle has NEVER been in a collision (Carfax might be helpful) and that the vehicle does not have any outstanding recall-related repairs. Apart from that, inasmuch as used car repair, maintenance, and restoration costs are highly dependent on the actual, as found, condition of the vehicle, the only way to get a reasonably precise estimate of costs you might face, and also to protect yourself in the transaction, is to request a pre-purchase vehicle inspection. That inspection, carried out by a certified Mechanic, dispatched to your location, will give you the exact data you need to make an intelligent, informed decision about any car. If you look at the just cited link for YourMechanic’s inspection service, you will see a long list of the vehicle systems that must be inspected as well as details of YourMechanic’s inspection methodology. If you need further help, please do not hesitate for a moment to re-contact YourMechanic and we will assist you further in your attempts to make a wise used vehicle purchase.

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Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

Acura is consistently ranked among the most reliable luxury car brands. You can expect an Acura to last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles and at least 16 years.
The 3.5-liter engine returns an EPA-estimated 18/26 mpg city/highway, which is identical to the 2008`s mileage.
A properly maintained Acura can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles. However, several factors can influence how well your Acura runs and for how long, including current mileage, vehicle condition, and age.
160,000 miles is high overall miles. If it hasn`t been replaced or rebuilt the transmission would be a big concern for me. The Acura TL is a great car, but I would avoid any that have over 75,000 miles on them. 29 people think this is helpful.
Newer models use timing belts made of polyurethane and Kevlar for long life and durability.
Although the Acura TL has a good reliability track record, various reliability issues can develop over the years and miles. Engine issues: Several TL models have engine woes, but it`s more prevalent with the 2010 model year. According to 2010 TL owners, the engine suffers from excessive oil consumption.
Speed in the quarter-mile is an excellent indicator of a car`s actual power to weight. By today`s standards, anything sub-100 mph doesn`t make the fast-car cut. This TL checks in at 97 mph—decent, no better.
While your Acura vehicle will run fine on regular gasoline, using the recommended premium unleaded 91-octane fuel is sure to boost performance, increase longevity, and keep your Acura running as it should – providing you with the peace of mind you`ve been seeking.
As a premium brand, Acuras are designed for performance and capability, and many Acura vehicles include turbocharged or supercharged engines, which results in a much higher compression ratio than a naturally aspirated engine. So, premium fuel is highly recommended for many Acura models.
The power for the next-generation 2022 MDX comes from Acura`s 3.5-liter V6, which is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The eventual MDX Type S will feature the same 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that`s been announced for the TLX Type S.
Average mileage on a vehicle will usually be in the range of 7,000-12,000 miles per year. If the vehicle is only a few years old and already has 100k miles on the clock, it has seen a lot of usage and may be experiencing higher levels of wear and tear, which could quickly become costly through repairs.
On average, Acura owners pay $501 per year for maintenance and repairs. Acura maintenance costs are low for the industry and very low for luxury models. Extended car warranties or prepaid maintenance plans can help manage Acura maintenance costs.
Average mileage on a vehicle will usually be in the range of 7,000-12,000 miles per year. If the vehicle is only a few years old and already has 100k miles on the clock, it has seen a lot of usage and may be experiencing higher levels of wear and tear, which could quickly become costly through repairs.
That`s higher than its biggest rivals including Lincoln, Genesis, Cadillac, Tesla, and Mercedes-Benz. The experts agree that Acura remains an excellent choice for luxury shoppers that demand high reliability ratings.
The Japanese carmaker is known for its dependability, and more often than not, the RDX is no exception. There are plenty of favorable owner testimonials, and it even has a spot on Forbes` list of 10 vehicles that can run reasonably beyond 250,000 miles.
The Japanese carmaker is known for its dependability, and more often than not, the RDX is no exception. There are plenty of favorable owner testimonials, and it even has a spot on Forbes` list of 10 vehicles that can run reasonably beyond 250,000 miles.
On average, Acura owners pay $501 per year for maintenance and repairs. Acura maintenance costs are low for the industry and very low for luxury models. Extended car warranties or prepaid maintenance plans can help manage Acura maintenance costs.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Should I buy an Acura tl 2009 with an engine replacement at 70k miles?
ANSWER : If a used engine was installed, to make a wise decision you would need to know exactly how many miles were accumulated on that used engine PRIOR to its transplant to the car that you are looking at. However, if a "new" engine was installed, then you might have the opposite of a red flag which is a good deal but even that depends on whether the "new" engine was actually properly installed according to the instructions. The only real "red flags" in a car purchase are collision damage (whether such damage is repaired or not stay away), rust, abuse, and lack of maintenance. Consequently, the mere fact that a "part", even a part as big as "the engine", was replaced is not important. What is important is whether the part was PROPERLY installed and, in your particular circumstance, if the part was "used", exactly how many miles were on it prior to installation in the present car? And, of course, is the engine presently functioning well (it can be tested and evaluated, to some extent, during an inspection).

With regard to any used car purchase, you want to confirm that the vehicle has NEVER been in a collision (Carfax might be helpful) and that the vehicle does not have any outstanding recall-related repairs. Apart from that, inasmuch as used car repair, maintenance, and restoration costs are highly dependent on the actual, as found, condition of the vehicle, the only way to get a reasonably precise estimate of costs you might face, and also to protect yourself in the transaction, is to request a pre-purchase vehicle inspection. That inspection, carried out by a certified Mechanic, dispatched to your location, will give you the exact data you need to make an intelligent, informed decision about any car. If you look at the just cited link for YourMechanic’s inspection service, you will see a long list of the vehicle systems that must be inspected as well as details of YourMechanic’s inspection methodology. If you need further help, please do not hesitate for a moment to re-contact YourMechanic and we will assist you further in your attempts to make a wise used vehicle purchase.

Hey Allen. I just rebuilt (?) the engine on my 06 Acura TL. Now the engine line went on. They told me the engine? can blow up if I
ANSWER : Hi there. I think it may be a good idea to find a new mechanic. Fortunately, our mobile mechanics are able to complete most diagnostic inspections and complete a lot of repairs services at your location, and on your schedule. In what you are describing above, the current issue seems to be with your EVAP system, which is designed to relieve pressure in the fuel tank and also collect harmful vapors before they escape into the air. Now, in regards to the car "blowing up"; that’s a bit dramatic, but it is important to have your issues repaired if it’s related to the EVAP system. Here is what I would recommend. Set up an appointment to have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location to complete a check engine light inspection – (click here to set up an appointment). This will allow them to download the stored error codes that cause the light to illuminate and determine what parts need repair or replacement. Then, they’ll be better prepared to provide you with a repair estimate and complete the repairs in most cases for you.

I have a 2010 camry. I just recently replaced the engine with a 2014 camry engine. Now I have Four engine lights on. I replaced on
ANSWER : If you swapped the engine from a vehicle that is 4 years newer than the car is then you are going to have electrical and sensor incompatibilities that may not be able to be fixed by just a few sensor replacements. There were many changes in computer and emission related items between 2010 and 2014 engines. I would recommend having a mechanic like one from YourMechanic come to you and compare the two engines to isolate the possible differences and see if the problem can be fixed.

I have no oil pressure (PSI) diagnostic says to replace engine. Which would be the best way to go
ANSWER : You say the only thing you hear is the knocking in the lower end, but this knock is a major problem. When you drove the car with no oil pressure, it damaged the crankshaft main bearings, and most likely the crankshaft and other engine bearings as well. I suggest having a remanufactured engine that has a warranty installed as opposed to a used motor. The problem with a used engine is you cannot tell how it was taken care of, and as you said how many miles it really has. When buying the remanufactured engine, make sure you get one with a warranty that covers parts and labor to replace it, in case the new motor fails at some point. Only buy remanufactured engines from reputable sources that have known good warranties. You also have the option to have your engine rebuilt, though this may cost the most depending on parts involved. The upside here would be that the car would still have the original motor. If you would like a second opinion on the matter, you could contact a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose the noise you’re hearing.

How do you replace the rear & side engine mounts without lifting out the engine? & how do you lift the engine out?
ANSWER : Hi…thank you for your questions. If required in the application, a portable engine support bar is used to support an engine during mount replacement. The support bar has lifting capability as well so that the mount can be unloaded and removed. If a particular repair application requires a "crane" (complete engine removal for instance), such are portable these days in any event. With regard to the exhaust system repair, mechanics use ramps to gain access. Six ton portable jack stands will safely support a car two feet into the air which provides more than enough access to repair or replace any exhaust system component. If you desire replacement of the mounts, please refer to YourMechanic’s motor mount replacement service page. For exhaust leaks, please use the exhaust system inspection/repair page page. Once on each of those service pages, if you click on "Get a Quote" and enter your vehicle information (year, make, model) you can obtain cost info and schedule the service. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Should I replace my engine or buy a used car?
ANSWER : Considering that the price to replace your engine and the cost to purchase a new vehicle are in the same price range, I would choose the option that takes less time. This will remove this headache from your life sooner. If you think that you could find a new/similar vehicle to purchase before the parts are available and labor completed, I would do that. If you think that the car search will be long and tedious and also have a trusted mechanic who can get the job done quickly and efficiently, I would go that route.

The harmonic balance or went out of round and the Woodruff key tore up and they engine needs replaced
ANSWER : Hello. This is a common issue on this engine. The balancer bolt tends to come loose and causes this failure to occur. If I were choosing what engine to go with I would go with the one from Japan. Those tend to be the best because of their low mileage. I would also say it is best to replace the engine as it is cheaper then replacing the vehicle.

dealership is asking for these to do a 90,000 mile service: engine and in cabin filter 135.00, engine belt 197.95 replacement of
ANSWER : Without seeing the vehicle first hand, I can speculate on some of this.

90,000 mile service – the vehicle is 4 years old and at nearly 90K so that is spot on.

Air/cabin filters – generally replaced as needed.

Drive belt, brakes and brakes – these are normal wear items. There is not set mileage that they will last or have a recommended replacement interval. If the brakes are worn, they should be replaced. Tires are the only 4 [points in which your vehicle contacts the ground. They are probably the single most important item(s) on your vehicle. If the drive belt is worn/cracked, then it should be replaced as it drives the water pump, a/c compressor, alternator and power steering.

Brake fluid flush – Brake fluid is hydroscopic – it absorbs moisture over time. This can reduce the boiling point of the brake fluid and long-term, can lead to a damaged anti-lock brake pump which by itself, can cost $2000-$4000 to replace depending on the vehicle. Brake fluid should be flushed every 2 years minimum, especially in vehicles equipped with anti-lick brakes, traction control, etc.

Differential and power steering fluids – Considering the age and mileage, changing these fluids is not a bad idea for a long and healthy lifespan. Old/dirty fluid can lead to failed bearings and more which like a failed anti-lock brake pump, can cost thousands to repair/replace.

Spark plug replacement – Infiniti recommends replacement at 100,000 miles under normal conditions. Replacing them now at 90,000 is not a bad idea.

I cannot speak for pricing as dealership pricing is on a different scale and vaiies region to region and dealer to dealer. If you are interested in comparing prices, click here, select QUOTE, and a yourmechanic.com representative can provide you with price quotes for most of your needs.