robertgeller

Hello all --

Being that this is my first post, I thought I would introduce myself. My name is Robert, and I am 15 years old.

We currently have an 2004 Acura 3.2 TL-S on lease, and an 87 Honda Accord DX that is now officially inoperable, unless we put $2,000 worth of work into it, which is just not worth it.

So... we are looking for a new (but used ) second car, which will also serve as the car I drive (and basically mine). My parents usually don't need to use both cars at once, as they both are self-employed and work at home, so it should work out nicely.

He is only looking to spend about $11-12k as the budget is a bit tight, so keep that in mind.

My dad is letting me have some input here, as it will serve mostly as my car. Originally I wanted the WRX, but we doesn't want to get one of those, because he got a bad impression (i.e. suspension too tight and too much of a rally car) of it from his friend, who drives 110+ on country roads in Pennyslvania. He's stubborn and won't listen to me, which is frustrating, but just the way it is. So most likely we won't be getting that.

He has suggested the Acura CL as a possible candidate. I have looked on cars.com and craigslist and found some decent deals, but I would want the S-type if at all possible. I originally was firmly against the CL because I thought it was too big for a really 'fun' car, but CarDomain seems to have some really loyal CL users who really soup up their CLs and get some pretty impressive statistics.

I know you probably will be pretty partial about the CL, but would you honestly recommend it as a good, fun-to-drive first car? I like the interior of course, who better than Acura for a sporty and luxurious interior? But it's the machine I'm interested in.

In conclusion, if some of you could advise me on whether to get the CL(-S), and if so, possible deals or whatnot that perhaps I haven't seen. I have seen a '00 CL (not S ) for about $12k with about 50k miles on it relatively close to my area.

Thank you!

Jamz

1997-1999 CL 2.2, 2.3, & 3.0

2001-2003 3.2 CL-P, CL-S (auto, 5sp, 6sp '03)


if you're looking for a CL-S, you need to visit the 2nd gen forum

BEETROOT

I didn't think they had an 04 type S.

BEETROOT

I don't think either one of these cars exist. They didn't make a CL in 00, and I don't think the 3rd gen Tl has a type S...although I could be wrong on the TL.

BEETROOT

I don't think either one of these cars exist. They didn't make a CL in 00, and I don't think the 3rd gen Tl has a type S...although I could be wrong on the TL.

darrinb

welcome aboard

robertgeller

Err? Where did you get that? We have a 2004 (possibly 2003, they look so similar, it's hard to discern) TL-S.

I was just looking for suggestions, because as I said, nothing's definite yet.

Thanks!

BEETROOT

Well a 2003 is the 2nd gen, 2004 is 3rd gen. Its a completely different vehicle.

03



04

robertgeller

Ohhhh. We have the top one. Apologies about that, thanks for clearing that up BEETROOT.

BEETROOT

<---- a-cl fact checker



my personal opinion.... for 12k probably the only cl-s you are gonna find will be an 01 with high miles. it should run forever... but the faulty tranny is only covered to 100,000 miles so after that I look at the cl-s as a liability. plus it only comes in auto (with ss), and it takes some suspension work to make it a fun car to drive. the stock suspension is extremely high and bouncy, and it sways like a mofo.

if you have some money to throw into it, maybe. but for your price range I wouldn't put a type s at the top of the list for a really fun car. its quick, and nice interior...but there are better cars out there if you want performance first.

I don't really know what to suggest since I don't know your personal preferences... too bad about the subaru because that would be my #1 recommendation.

if I was gonna spend 12k on a 'fun' car today I would buy a 2000 or 2001 mustang gt. thats me though, most people on this board will disagree.

UCiCL30

In my opinion....

12k.. u can get a prelude.. 97-02 i think it stopped in 02.. or 03

the older ones can be bought for 6-10k, it has the H22 motor, nice to fix up.. turbo or watever..

if u can push it to about 16k, you can get a used s2000.. sorry that might be out of ur area.

OR, integra, GSR.. type R if possible. easily attained at ur price range.

the 97-99 acura CL 3.0 (auto) or 2.3/2.2 if u want manual. i own the 3.0, i love it.. just need some suspension upgrades, but after that, it handles nice, and its not TOO slow.

and theres the old school favorites of mine.. toyota MR2 (older generation) which u can turbo, 240sx to sylvia conversion..

these are all options for u man..
ive been looking for a project car myself.. im leaning towards the s2000 or prelude. happy hunting =)

robertgeller

UCiCL30, Thank you!

We went to the Acura dealer and spoke with our salesman there. We took out a small 2001 Integra LS, which was [luckily] too small for my dad (I did not like it much either, you had to floor it to get up a semi-big hill, from watching my parents). Tonight, after we got home, our salesman called us with a trade-in he was getting. 2001 Acura 3.2 TL with only ~55k miles, for $14.5k.

We're going to go look at that and we'll probably end up with it or something similar.

The TL is a great car, and it will be a fabulous first car, but it will be sort of boring to have two of the exact same models...

cl-baller201

UCiCL30

TL is a boat hehe..

u can fit all ur friends and all.. but ur gonna need some work done to make it nice..
suspension work is direly needed..

check out the TL forums for that ..

thanx CL-baller, u rock!