Who knows about cars? under the hood

[Seductive Skyy]

Okay so I found a 1999 Acura today for $600. Which is a good price for my budget. I really don't know anything about cars. I really need a car!!

The bad about the car:
1) Drives slow
2) Rebuild transmission or Get a new one- my options.


Everything else is in good condition even the title.

To those who know about cars what should I do I need my hobby family help. This will be my first car if I get it. Is this a good deal or not?

[pfmtony]

I know under the hood and under the other hood too.

Unless you know someone a rebuilt or new transmission is going to cost 2k to 5k.

So is it a good deal at 2.9 to 5.9 k? Probably not.

What if it has other issues you don't know about yet? Now we are talking scary expensive. If its a TL in mint condition, low miles, and you can get it fixed for way less than book value, maybe its worth it.

[phildo]

If that's your price range, it is what it is. Tranny (no, not that kind) rebuild or new for that is gonna put you over 2 grand for the whole ride, so you'd be better off spending 2k on something that runs right. If you gotta fix it it ain't a $600 car after all.

[bojulay]

Yeah sounds like basically a parts car, (junker used only for parts)
A wrecking yard might give 200 for it. Spend large on the transmission
and then something else might wind up costing you just as much.

Better save up and you can find some pretty decent cars for
around 3000, or 4000.

Always a good idea to get a reliable mechanic to check out
a used car before you buy, when you make a final decision
that you have found the car you want then have it checked
out before the final buy.

Go online and do some homework on some obvious things to
look for yourself before buying a used car, things like fluid
and oil leaks, uneven tire wear, play in the steering, cv joint
play or knock.

I'm sure there is lots of internet information you can find.

[ManSlut]

There is no such thing as a NEW transmission from a dealership's parts dept, they are remanufactured units that carry NEW type of warranties. Remanufactured units are basically rebuilt transmissions from manufacturer contracted facilities. Most people believe a remanufactured car part has all new internal parts but the outer or main housing/casing is reused. This is not true. All HARD parts are reused, refurbished or renewed where necessary and all SOFT parts are renewed. Generally a dealership supplied and installed remanufactured transmission is 4K +.

An Acura is a Honda and I will make an assumption that this is an automatic type of transmission. Honda automatic transmissions use pressure and shift solenoids that attach on the outside of the transmission and when they go bad they cause symptoms like the transmission is having internal clutches failing causing 'slipping' conditions. A good reputable transmission shop will read the codes first, if there are transmission fault codes the diagnostic tree usually says replace with 'known good' solenoids and if the condition continues then the problem is internal and the transmission needs rebuilding. A quality rebuild with new solenoids (this should always be done with a Honda product) and a good warranty, 12 months or greater, will be 2.5K at least.

I completely agree with phildo, this is no longer a $600 dollar car...If you haven't purchased it, then think it over and find someone who specializes in this Manufacturer, Acura/Honda specialty shop to do a Pre-Buy Inspection on it.

There is always a reason why a car is being sold for $600 and none of them are good.

[ManSlut]

Someone needs to diagnose whether the 'drives slow' condition is transmission related or another problem with the car, such as a restricted exhaust system, fuel or ignition problems with the engine, etc... Like the transmission problem, everything starts with reading the Diagnostic Trouble Codes first!!

[Seductive Skyy]

Thank you all for your help. I will do more research and I'll be taking a mechanic with me!

[7aurelius]

and considering its an Acura ( a honda that takes premium gas) that might actually be the issue as well.. because they are tuned to use premium gas the timing can sometimes be off using regular gas and over time it can mess with the fuel pump and things.. might try getting a mechanic to look at it for cheap and tell you whats wrong.

[bojulay]

With the price of parts and mechanics now days, especially on foreign
cars, it doesn't pay to get one you are going to have to start working on.

I had a 1984 300Z that I loved, but parts for it were so outrageous
that I just junked it rather than spend the money.

[BJerk]

Just make $259 a month payments on a new Chevy Malibu!

[BLM69]

Premium gas lol? It's a 99 Acura not a Ferrari. The issue might be something simple, You need to find a experienced mechanic to diagnose the problem.

[4pargolf]

$600....does it run?

[Seductive Skyy]

Yes but it drives slow

[LazurusLong]

If you have someone mechanical you trust, check out the various cars for sale at Pick N Pull down off Loop 12 just south of I-30.

A lot of time people need quick cash and sell running cars to various salvage yards that the yards sell intact.

[Blaqgirls]

Don't waste your time on it. Its going to turn into a money pit. Every repair is going to cost more than its worth.