I'm heading over to the dealership soon to give them a lookover and see how their drive and transmission feel, but at 130,000 miles do CL's decline quickly?

The 97 is listed at $3650 and the 99 at $4500, so I am certainly intrigued. I want a car that'll keep me nice and comfortable and I can rely on during long drives, and it seems like the CL fits the bill.

Anything else about these cars that are especially worth investigating?

 

are they automatics or manual transmissions?

 

stay away from the auto tranny they suck but i did buy my 3.0 for 500 with 136000miles i wouldnt buy from a dealer ship anyways find a priv. seller its cheaper

 

I wouldn't say to stay away from the autos completely, I'd just ask for a detailed description of the service history to make sure it's been taken care of or at least had the fluid changed regularly, or have had the tranny replaced before. The trannys on the 4 cyls fail less than the 3.0's also, although I would prefer the manuals being that theyre usually rock solid. Mine has 137k on it and if it wasn't for the fact that I keep changing engine and tranny components it would be perfectly fine lol.

 

i have a 97 2.2 5spd.
bought it a couple years back with the equivalent of 161000 miles, now has the equivalent of 199000 miles on it.
and i couldn't be happier.
problems so far have been
-window regulator (easy fix, under $100 DIY)
-blower motor (for heat and ac, not that difficult, just over $100 DIY)
-02 sensor ($150)
-leaking header and flex pipe ($100 ish)
the last two were mainly caused by me being lowered a lot and banging everything on the underside of the car.

if those are both 5spd i'd try and lowball him on the 99, as it might have things like heated seats etc.. that aren't on the 97's.
but like another member said, i'd like to buy private sale instead of a used car dealership

good luck

 

Window regulators, door lock actuators and EGR system are common and inexpensive fixes. The auto transmission is made of glass. Get the manual.

 

i got my 97 2.2 MT w 127K i now have 157K with no issues to report other than scheduled maint. not even any suspension squeaks or interior rattles. steering is still responsive and drives like a new car.