I’m fed up with my autotragic 2000 max SE sterling mist. I’m tired of all of the problems im having. Replaced all spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel filter, air filter pcv valve and so on and it’s still sluggish and rough running. Had transmission worked on 2 times with replacement solenoid and drop resistor and it still doesn’t shift right or can’t find the right gear. Plus the rotors ar warped and the engine mounts are busted. The crappy gas mileage is disheartening. I’m tired of nickel and diming for this car so I’ve decided to trade it in. I guess that’s what I get for buying it so cheap at Manheim auto auction only to find out that the woman who owned it 2 years on a lease didn’t really take care of it. But hey, im young (only 19) was hardheaded, and should have bought my car certified from a dealer. Anyway, I’m looking to trade it in for a 2000, or 2001 tl. What do you guys think about this? It will be a step up because my max was base, meaning no leather, sunroof, power seats or nothing, just a regular SE. I have 63,000 miles on my max and she is very clean. How much should I expect to get from a dealer trade in at like an Acura dealer or something? Any suggestions on where I should trade it in? How does a trade in work?
Please help, thanks.

 

Well...they (the dealer) will smile then punch you in the stomach. Once you are on your feet again, smile and accept their offer.

Serioulsy, try and sell it on your own first. If you got it from an auction, you should have gotten a better deal than buying private or from a dealer. Get as much as you can and then try and buy a used car via a private seller then take it to a trusted mechanic before you buy. Certified cars can have just as many problems. The only used car lot I would trust is CarMax since this is there ONLY business. Good luck.

 

I just changed the spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel filter. Plus new brakes. Will this increase the value of the car on trade in? Also will my aftermarket stereo setup and tints increase the value of the car?
Please give suggestions.

 

Nothing you add to the vehicle will increase its value.

I also got my car at the Manheim Auto Auction and it wasn't in the greatest shape when I got it, and I put some money into it and still spend 6k less than what a dealer would charge for it. With auctions, it's just a matter of luck.

 

With that type of mileage and it being a base model, you're looking at about $8,000. You're better off trying to sell it on your own. Those Acuras are nice, make sure you get a type S and keep in mind they also have the HID theft problem that 02 and 03 maxes have.

 

Why not just upgrade to a 2k2 or 2k3?

Faster than the TL, better looking (imo), and you can get a 6-speed. I don't think anyone is having coil problems with the 3.5.

Maintenance will not add to the value of a car. After all, you're SUPPOSED to do your scheduled maintenance.

A total lack of maintenance (oil leaking all over?) will decrease the value for sure, though!

Aftermarket mods decrease the value of a car (to a dealer) but can increase it (to a private buyer.)