Hello!
I'm planning on going tomorrow to look at an 03 CL Type S six speed.
It has 138,000 miles on it, and claims to have all maintenance records.
Not too familiar with these cars, can anybody give me some general problem areas to look at?

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

6-Speeds generally don't have many problems. The things on them though that do typically go out prematurely are the engine mounts. I would rev the engine and make sure you don't see excessive movement or hear "thunking" sounds between shifts. Also, check to see if the 105,000 mile timing belt service was done, that is a $400-$1000 job at your average shop. Besides that, I would just go over the basic things that you typically need to go over on any other car. Hope this helps.

-Jake

 

Just looked at the carfax, looks like the timing belt and tensioner were done at the proper time. I'll keep the engine mounts in mind. I've had the same issue with my Volvo.

 

Where are you located? If in a rust prone area, check under the weatherstripping on the top of the doors. Also check the rear wheel arches.

Make sure both headlights work properly and turn on instantly (no flickering). Check the oil. Drive it. If it is ok with the seller, get on it hard in second and shift into third. Make sure there are no grinds/pop outs. At about 30mph, put the car into fourth gear and floor it. It should gain speed in relation to the RPMs. If its just the RPMs that raise, the clutch is slipping.

Do a 2k rpm to redline pull (if ok with owner). You should feel two power bumps. The first is the IAB aka the manifold flaps open around 3500rpm. The next step in power is when VTEC engages around 4300rpm (someone correct me if Im wrong, I think I am...).

Check the rear view mirror. If it has any weird spots in it, then the auto dim fluid capsule is leaking. Thats about $100 to replace the mirror. DO NOT keep the mirror in the car if it looks as though it is leaking. It will stain the interior.

Also, since you say the timing belt was done, ask the owner for receipts. Good luck.

Take some pics of it too if you can and post them here. If something doesn't look right on the car, we will definitely tell you.

 

Check the axles, boots, shocks & springs. If they are stock they may need replacing with such mileage. Check the power steering rack for leaks. Check the engine for loud ticking. Could be the valves need adjusting or the purge valve needs replacing. Check the idle speed & quality. The Idle Air control valve goes on this car frequently. Check brakes for warped rotors. Another common thing.

 

• Check for oil leaks at the rear main seal - oil leaks in general
• Check the climate control operation - go from minimum temp to maximum
  temp to make sure it shifts from A/C and upper vents to heat and lower vents
• Check seat heaters - drivers side back has a tendency to short
• Make sure seat belts retract
• Check for broken sway bar end links
• Watch for steady idle
• Listen for quiet valves - Hidden problem on 6-speeds is possible over-rev damaging valve train

 

There is also a 150k mile/10 year TSB on the driver's airbox from the dealer. Dealer will inspected ser# and replace if in the range of defective ser#. No charge.

If car has been lowered, find out if the front lower suspension arms had the bushings replace recently.

 

Also go here: http://www.automd.com/tsb/acura_m/cl_mm/2003_y/

2003 Acura Cl Technical Service Bulletins

 

Good stuff Gary