Buying a Used Car: ~2007 Acura TSX?

Buying from a private seller is the way to go if you've got a basic knowledge of automobile mechanics and how a private sale of one works.

You really need a couple weeks to get a feel for the market, though. Buying a car is something you shouldn't rush.

I'm buying a car right now to (looking at an 06 accord so same boat as you) and had this same debate with someone. In alot of ways buying from a private seller is easier because the price are lower, you're not paying sales taxes, and since they aren't salespeople they tend to be much more straight forward with you. I'm leaning towards buying my car from a dealer just because I can't find any private seller offering exactly what I'm looking for. You just have to be more prepared for all the tricks that most salespeople will try to pull and it probably will cost a little more. If you need a loan, they may give you a discounted interest rate, and they may give you some kind of warranty coverage. Either way you need to do your homework and a week is not enough time to make an informed choice. The fastest way to do your research is undoubtedly at a dealership because they can show you lots of different cars and walk you through the differences and they're always ready for a test drive. You can always shortlist cars at a dealership than buy the same thing private. Either way you need to at least these two basic pieces of due dilligence on ANY car you're interested in: 1) Get a mechanical inspection - if you go to a private seller, offer to take it to the dealership and pay for the 150 point inspection (usually about $150-$200) - this will tell you everything that could possibly be wrong with the car and how much it is to fix it - the quote on repairs can be a very handy bargaining chip 2) Get a carfax - read it carefully if you go to a dealer they should hand show you this without blinking - if they hesitate, walk away. If I were you, I'd spend tonight on autotrader and bargain finder and craislist finding car models that interest you in your price range, and checking them out at dealerships all day tomorrow to decide what you're really interested in.

craigslist to me is like the bad neighborhood of the interwebz. i go there only in broad daylight, i don't wear expensive clothing or jewelry there, and i try to get in and out in a hurry. scary fucking place.

Have you considered trying b&s ?

What about eBay? Or a site like Edmonds? They've both got private listings. Don't be wary of Craigslist. Be wary of buying something off of Craigslist without doing your homework. And I mean thoroughly.

Just get it looked at by a dealership before you buy.

I've helped my parents purchase two cars off of Craigslist. Like what others have said, do your homework. We had both cars checked out by our family mechanic. We also had the carfax...one seller actually provided us the carfax for free. Very positive experiences with both and I'll probably buy my next car from Craigslist when the time comes.

I think you will be okay on CL. Acuras, especially ones just a few years old, are almost bulletproof. They hold their resale value well, too, so it wouldn't be shocking to see more than average private sellers versus CPOs.

I had an 05 or 06 TSX and it was one of my favorite cars. Good choice and an upgrade from the Camry.

I drove a friend's TSX to Chicago and back a couple weeks ago (about 400 miles). I'm 6'4, and the car was actually very cramped for my tastes. Acceleration was adequate, handling was average, road noise/ride quality average. But, the fit and finish was excellent and the car seemed extremely solid all around.

Excellent fuel economy as well.

I would never buy one. But they just aren't to my taste. If you like them, I doubt you would regret buying one.

Personally, I would look into the larger TL. My sister drives one of these, and I love it. These can be had for similar prices if you go back another year or so. If you're not set on an Acura, I absolutely love both the style and the performance of the Lexus IS. Brilliant car. Comparable reliability and quality as well.

Good luck in the search!

I agree. I don't think you can wrong with either Lexus or Acura. Both incredibly reliable brands.

Gotta watch out for sticky pedals and sudden acceleration in those Lexus'

True, but I still think Lexus is a very good brand overall. Even though I'm from the Detroit area, I'd still rather drive a Lexus over any domestic luxury car. Although the new Buick Lacrosse is pretty sweet.