Hi, I’m looking at purchasing a 97/98 automatic Acura CL but I’m a bit worried about the stories I hear about the transmission. While researching this car I’ve read horror stories about the automatic transmission being replace 3 times! This definitely is a problem since the car would only have minimal factory warranty left or none. I would like to hear some opinions of current cl owners in regards to this issue. Thanks!

 

Welcome Rookie!

Well, there is some truth to it, but it mostly concerns the 2nd gen Cl's not the First gen which is what you are looking to buy.

I suggest buying an aftermarket extended warranty or even one from Acura if you can still get one, a lot of people have done it for peace of mind and security.

 

For $350, I had my Acura certified. This took my factory warranty from 4/40 to 5/52 bumper to bumber, adn 7/100 powertrain. Of course for it to be certified, it has to pass a detailed inspection, have all the remotes, manual, blah, blah, blah...

 

the 3.0 v6 tranny has been know to crap out more than others, but then again most of us are drivin the car in ways it wasnt designed. as for the 2.3 and 2.2 my 97 2.2 with slowmatic has been prob free. i drop gears and manual shift it alot cuz the damn thing is always tryin to be in 4th even doin 25 mph. nothin like doin 50 then droppin into d3 and floorin it at the same time.

 

I'm you of the unfortunate one's to have already replaced my tranny once, just recently. Fortunately, I got it from a dealer (a guy not a dealership) he worked it out some how through his company that they would pay for a new tranny for me. I was lucky that I bought it from someone who gives a shit about his customers.

Problem is, my overdrive is now hesitant to work when the car is cold. I'm gonna have to get it check-out again. Hopefully its not serious.

If your gonna go through with it, make sure you can get a warrenty. If not from a dealer, I know that AAA has warrenties available for used cars. A full warrenty for 3/36 runs about $900.

 

People seem to forget some of our 1st gens are getting to be close to 6/7 yrs old now (released spring '96?)
I think any car that old with maybe several different owners, driving habits, and amount of milage on them are going to have some mechanical failures by now.
Even though it might be a new car to you....these are not new cars.
But I think they have proven to be reliable cars.

 

What tranny problems?

85,000+ and going strong (w/N2O)!

Go ahead and flame me! :P

 

dude dont worry about it the main problem is people driving there cars like drag cars and throwing alot bigger shot of nitrous on it than should ever be thought of ( wherr the 3 replaced transmissions come in) ..just drive it normal and it will make a great car!!!

 

I'll sell you mine