So I'm getting a helluva deal on an 03 CLS with navi and before I committed myself, started googling back on reliability problems and it bought me right back to acurazine (I'm usuall on the TL forum).

These tranmissions problems are almost making me quit my decision on making the purchase. I am considering taking the car in for a total checkup at an acura dealership and the Seller is being very cooperative on that front.

Should I give up my purchase because of the tranny issues ?

 

It's up to you. The tranny is covered up to 100k miles. If you plan on keeping the car over 100k, I would pass.

 

yea was planning on keeping this car for the long haul (present 97 TL has 142,000 miles on it)... almost hurts giving up on the deal

 

what sort of mileage you looking at starting off with and what's your yearly average? That may help you make a decision if you think you'll be in a different state financially when it comes to the 100k mileage.

 

I had the same thoughts before buying my 03 CL-S. The 01-02 were the most problematic with the tranny issue. A very SMALL percentage had tranny issues. I have my 03 CL now and love it. Couldn't complain, and yeah if you have warranty, your good to go.

 

the car is a 2003 model Type S with 11,000 miles and navi.... getting it for under 17,000. I do a lot of driving..... bought my 97 TL in 2000 with 27,000 miles on her and she's got about 142,000 on the odometer today.

I'll finish that warrany mighty quick I think....... that's the reason I'm considering against it. You guys think the dealer will be able to tell if my car is part of the recall ?? More importantly, will he be forthcoming ??

 

i'd buy it...more than likely, when the tranny goes, it'll just be a minor inconvenience and you'll probably get a service car while yours is in the shop. Personally, I think the rest of the car and its features (not to mention that price) outweigh the tranny issues.

 

'03 CLS 11k Navi for 17k.... Get a carfax on it.

So basically with your average rate of 23k/yr in 5 years you'll be at 126k. I think you should jump on this soon if the carfax checks out.

 

yes I am going to get a carfax report and have it checked out with the State Police for a fishy past, I too am surprised with the low price and so I'm kinda gutted reading all this about the tranny's

 

moreover I'm also scheduled to take it to an acura dealer and have them run a diagnostics check on it.

One question though, will running a diagnostic check reveal if there is something wrong with the suspension / axle ? The previous owner mentioned he ripped one of the tires out when he ran through a pot hole.

 

I had the same dilemma when I was considering buying a 2001 CL back in Oct. 2002... Since the 03 CLS 6spds where out, I bought one of those and that was then end of my dilemma

 

Yeah that is WAY low, that's insane. An 03 Type S with that low of miles and navi minimum would go for $22K or so. Weird.

 

You can also install a tranny cooler and put Amsoil synthetic trans fluid in her to help with longevity.

 

Something unusual on that car with such low miles. I'd have the history checked thoroughly. Could be just never driven, but it's unusual and with Navi, the price is way below market...

 

Yea that is very wierd... that price is too low... if you have any cop friends i would have them run a VIN check on that car because sometimes carfax does not have all the accidents and all other issues. And thats the price that i am trying to sell mine for and it is an 01 cls navi with 40k miles and it is low so i would deff check up on that price and why it is so low. Could just be nothing though because i bought mine 1yr ago with 19k miles on it for $15k and there was/is nothing wrong with it so you never know.

 

There's a reason why they say when something's too good to be true, it usually is!

However if the VIN check out clean, you're saving yourself a good 4,000 - 5,000$ in contrast to its market value. If anything happens to the transmission > 100K, you can use your savings to fix it.

 

Where are you located? Location can strongly effect the price/demand for the CL, esp. the 6 speed. I found mine sitting in Oklahoma. I got a great deal too cause apparently no one in Oklahoma wanted a coupe, esp a shifter. this was 2 years ago, mine had 7,500 miles w/Navi for $23750.

 

I'd pass on it.

 

Just remember carfax doesn't reveal all. Hopefully, that dealer will be thorough in his diagnostics.

 

yea, dont skimp on the cash to get it checked out, especially for something thats priced like that. Get the carfax, have acura run the diagnostics check on it, and maybe have a mechanic check it out for the other stuff like resprayed body panels etc . .

 

just an update, seller never got back to me after I asked him for the VIN number, guess its a blessing in disugise I didn't pick it up

 

That sucks, but it definitely seemed to good to be true... Still think you should pick a CL-S up at some point though.

 

Something's def. wrong for that price!!!