Well, I've been looking over the TL and CL, and I like them both. Even though that both cars have transmission problems I still like 'em. Since I would be buying the car used and if the tranny were to go out on me, would there be any type of warranty coverage?

Are there any other problems with the CL-S I need to look out for or suggestions?

Thanks for the help in advance...

 

If you can still find, you can get a Great Deal on a new 2002 CL, since the 03's are already out... this issue may be finding one

You should at least check in to it...

 

Tell us a little about the car. Does it have Nav? Any modifications like tint, springs, Cold Air Induction?

There really aren't any hidden gotchas with this car that I can think of. The big problems are covered by service bulletins and warranty at this point.

 

There is a nice PDG for sale with low miles at my dealer for 25,995

 

well depending on the mileage, if you get one with less than 50K miles on it you are still covered till you get to 50K miles. I would get the dealer to through in a 100K warranty . That way you are covered for sure. IT is only 1100 and you get your money back if you never use it .

 

..not to many people have tranny problems..and cl or tl are very nice cars...if u want to look for the cls or tls..go to the black market in this forum.there are some people want to sell their babies...u might get a good price on it..good luck..just make sure the vehicle is accident free...

 

That's exactly what I did in late Feb, I got a 2002 right when the 2003's came out. I didn't want the 6speed so it's worked out great for me. I got a great deal, only problem my car was black/black with navi, the closest one was at another dealer 700 miles away. I had to wait a few weeks. Anyways, I saved about 2k + buy getting a 2002, I'm sure there harder to find now but you should try.

 

If I were buying a used CL, I would DEFINITLEY check on a few things:

1. make sure the actuator is functioning
2. check all the electrical devices(i.e. seats/mirors/sunroof/etc.)
3.Take a look at the engine..how does it look cosmetically? If it is
clean, it generally is a good indication of how well the car was
maintained.
4. Check overhead roof carpeting (if it's loose, most likey there
was some heavy smoking going on in the car).
5.How's the leather?
6.inspect paint/multiple dings? scratches? chips?
7.It would be good if the previous owner had all maintenance
records

 

take it for a ride and see if you hear any squeaks or rattles.

 

Wow, I didn't know smoke caused that.

 

WOW! Thanks for all the suggestions.

The car that I looked at is being sold by a private seller, that's why I was asking about the warranty. The CL-S has about 17K miles and is in great shape. There were no visible dings or scratches that I could see and the owner said it has never been in an accident. It's white on black w/navi and he's asking $24K.
The interior of the car was clean...the whole car looks great! I tried not to show too much interest though...so he could bring the price down. He's been trying to sell the car for about 2 months now, so I'm trying to talk him down.

I'm gonna go look at another CL-S and a TL as well. However, I just sold my car, but now I have to wait for the "OK" from my parents so they can loan me the extra money that I would need to buy a car.

BTW, this is the first time I'm buying my own car...I'm 20, my first car was a hand-me-down/H.S. graduation gift.

Thanks for the help...I'll keep everyone posted.

 

So with a NAV you want to check the revision of the software. You need to do this on the NAV system - not looking at the CD because version 2.03 says 2.0 or something. You might want to have him throw in version 2.05 or deduct $100 so you can get the newest version (Guys, keep me honest on these version numbers) It's not a huge deal but just something to negotiate with.

 

The transmission problems with the TL and CL, specifically Type S versions, seem to be a bit exaggerated. From what I understand, a lot of these problems come from excessive abuse (ie running the engine hard when cold or continous redline shifting). For the 21,000 miles I had my CL-S, I didn't any problems with the transmission. Only problem I had was my CD-player conked out and needed replacing, and my left "foglight" (really cosmetic lighting) on the lower bumper burned out frequently.

Looking for a used CL, I'd be intent on looking for one with navigation, for the initial $2000 purchase will not be fully reflected in the car's price as a used model. You'll pay more for a model with navigation; granted, but it seems worth it given the option itself won't raise the price $2000. Especially noteworthy if you live in urban areas...I didn't order the navigation for my screen turned blue because I live in a remote area. And as MikeS pointed out (which I didn't think of), software revisions to the system would be beneficial.

Look for basic wear of the car. As someone pointed out, engine compartment conditions can give one a general idea of how the vehicle was maintained (but not always).

Inspect the seating, the integrity of various knobs (loose, tight fitting), how rattle free and solid the car is, as well as if there's any interior discoloration (smoking, water damage, etc.) Look at carpet wear as well...my floormats didn't seem to hold up well. Listen to the stereo to make sure the internals aren't fried or a tweeter or woofer is popped.

Examine the wheels...the Type S wheels are prone to scuffing. A little is exceptable, but if it's excessive, ask about a deduction in price, or if he could have them repaired (more a cosmetic issue).

Request all records, DRIVE THE CAR (can't be stressed enough), and even inquire about the age of the previous owner. Younger folks tend to drive more aggressively. Check tire wear as well, and have the car inspected by Acura before the purchase. Also, check KellyBlueBook to make sure the price you get is within reason. Expect to pay a little more from buying off a private seller than a dealership.

And, oh; one more thing: good luck.

 

 

Go to Acura.com and do the dealer search thing for dealers within 50 miles of you. In the L.A. area there must be at least 10 dealers. Look for a "Certified" car. They come with 100K power train warranty. (Why does the used car get a better warranty than new??? ) Private party will have a better price, but haggle for a good price from a dealer. I got a NEW 2002 for $28,300 before tax/lic. so a used car should easily go for $25K or less. If you buy private party, have the car checked out by a mechanic! Good luck!

 

My brother's fiance has a 2002 Pathfinder w/navi and it "talks" to you, is this the same as the CL's navi? I've never used navi before, so if I have navi is there a monthly payment?

I always thought buying from a private seller would be cheaper then a dealer.

So, if I get a car w/navi I have to go to the dealer and buy a new CD and that's it right?

 

Absolutley NO monthly payment.

 

If you are willing to make the drive to SF here is a cheap Acura CL with only 10K miles on it. http://www.craigslist.org/sfo/car/3699923.html