I am about to unload $6000 on a 1999 Acura 2.3CL automatic with 85k miles after I took a look at it today and got the ok from my local mechanic. I did some further research and read that this specific car model has an unreliable transmission:

http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=184068



So how bad is this problem in relative terms? Worse than the average Acura? Worse than the average japanese car? Worse than the average car?

I have to have an auto, by the way. Oh and I should warn you guys, that I am an utter noob when comes to cars!

 

3.0's have the bad tranny, the 2.x rarely has problems

 

Thanks for the quick reply! So is this post (in the thread I linked) incorrect?

 

Well.. yes and no. 2.3 autos do have some history of unreliability but I don't think they're as bad as 3.0 trannies. I have a 98 2.3CL and it's got 111k miles with no major signs of tranny problems except for a slight slip from 1st to 2nd when the car is first started after completely cooling off. Some people on here say it's a MAJOR WARNING SIGN OH MY GOD but it's been doing that for the last 5k miles with no other problems. *knock on wood*

The likelihood is that the transmission will die on yours but it won't happen for a while if you're only at 85k miles. Honestly, what cars don't have transmissions that go out at around ~120k miles?

 

hahaha

 

Thanks for the clarification.

Hope this car lasts me for awhile.

 

From what I have been seeing of recent hondas is their auto trannys are looking like crap. Honestly, I would stay away from the autos for now. I haven't heard much about the auto (Although I have heard a few complaints)2.2/2.3s, but there is less of them around and obviously will have less reports. I don't have much experience of Hondas, so I am not a very reliable source, but I do read quite a bit on the other forums (TL,CL2nd gen, and accords) on here, and it seems the autos don't hold up like the standards can.

 

98 2.3 here and the tranny had to be redone at 70k. i'm at ~100k now and its not doing bad at all.

 

If I do run into transmission problems, what is the range in costs to repair them?

Also I am getting a fair price on the vehicle in the op?

 

id say 6000 may be a little in the high range, depending on whether or not its in awesome condition like already had timing belt changed and no problems with the cooling system or any other parts. including the interior. transmission repairs might be in the upper 2k range depending on where you go.

 

2000-3000 for a full rebuild, hopefully you'd be on the lower end

 

Everything is in excellent condition. The only concern is that I will have to change the timing belt in 15-20k miles. Anyway, got the title transferred so the car is officially mine.

On another note, the previous owner said he only used premium (I think he was bullshitting me), but regardless, would it be alright if I switch to regular after the car has been running on premium? (I know that sounds like a stupid question)

 

your car only need regular. premium runs better but with gas prices on the rise again i wouldn't do it.

 

$6000 is an incredible price for a 99 2.3CL with only 85k miles. Fair market value for an auto 98 2.3CL (my car) with >100k miles in Washington is 6300.

It did used to be a $25,000 car back in 1999

 

i got my car with 120k for like 7500, and it was a good deal, if that car is in good condition, its a great deal with that mileage. But my car was incredibly perfect

 

i agree great price

 

if you drive it like a granny...you wont have a problem...push it hard like i do.....


this is my 3rd tranny re-build

 

i got my 2.3 for 4300 with only 68k-mi over 1.5 years ago. theyve been sellin in the 3k~5k range down here last i checked...

i KNOW how much it was worth when it originally sold, i still have my sticker...



i wouldnt run premium in my 2.3 if i were you. last few times i tried, i got crappier performance from premium. this engine was made for regular.

 

Damn brent, you're a beast who do you think you are, cocoa?

 

So, I have been driving around the past couple of days and everything is going great. The only problem I have so far is that the headlights are weak for night time driving. Is there any affordable solution?

I know I can't afford a HID+Projector setup, but how is a HID setup without projectors? Some also recommend PIAA or Sylvania bulbs, so how do those compare to HID?

 

blackack is gonna tell you to buy sylvania cool blues because he has them

 

I'm putting HID projectors on mine, but I recommend sylvania cool blues cuz they're cheap and bright as hell

 

Thanks for the reply. So the sylvania cool blues are alright and better than stock for night driving? I also read that the lifespan of some these bulbs are questionable; does that include the sylvania cool blues?

I also found this about the cool blues:
http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProd...RG-Results.htm
Which one is the best in terms of night driving? I don't really care about looks...

Also, is this stuff easy to install for a complete noob like myself? Or am I going to have to find someone to do it for me?

 

The silverstars have short lifes, not the cool blues, I've had mine for like 3 years

 

Nokya's FTW.... Ive had mine for about 3 years as well, and they are good as gold.....

 

I have read that the Nokya's are not that great for night driving? Is that true?

 

i have hids without projectors. as long as you have enough mind power figure out how to aim the beams in the right direction then its really really worth it.

 

I found an ad for a 1998 Acura 2.3 CL...the owner claims it is in excellent condition and runs great. The only thing I am concerned about is that the car has 190,000 miles on it. However, on the upside, he is asking a modest $2,600. Would this car even be worth taking a look at or should I shy away from this vehicle due to the high mileage? Does anyone have a model close to this one with mileage this high...I'd be interested to know how it is running. Thanks a lot!

 

i would go ahead and take a look at it, i have a camry with over 333k on it and it runs smoother than my 2.2

 

Yes that is very true