TripleH

Hi, this is my first post here. I'm already thinking about what kind of car I'm going to get when I graduate from college next year. I currently drive around in a miserable heap of junk with no A/C, and I'll be in the market for a new car next May. I want to spend about $30k, and I want the best possible car I can get with that money. I prefer a 2-door, but it's not a must. Do you think a CL-S is the best car one can buy with 30k?

tel1sps

Yes... Compare options and price of other cars in class. Very hard to beat

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2001 Silver 3.2CLS
Muds, Spoiler, Hardwire 8500, Polarg M-6 lamps, K&N filter #33-2178,
Comptech Headers, Sways, mufflers
Planning: SSR 17X7.5 GT1 Wheels, Brembo Brakes.

gto2050

Hey, if you are the REAL Triple H you can have any car you want!

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01 CL-S NightHawk Black/Ebony Bowling Ball Interior
PAA Polished CAI
Polarg M6
Solaris 9005
Cupholder Ver 2.0 Part#77237-SOK-A02
DOM 3/2000
Self proclaimed President of the "No Scratched Rim Club"


gto2050 (Mike) - The voice of absolutely no reason whatsoever!

MCHM3

the best car for 30000 is without a doubt the cl-s

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2001 3.5 cl type s,custom voltage blue paint job, comptech headers, 18 inch ssr agle strusse rims(painted voltage blue with chrome lip), greddy evo exhaust, cross drilled rotors, pioneer avx 7000 tv, playstation2, aem cold air intake,nos fuel pressure regulator, piaa ion yellow fog lights, slammed on nex suspension (level ten torque converter, dommed topped pistons, mdx crankshaft, rods , bearings, heads ported and polished,s-afc, type r powder coated red engine covers
INFECTED WITH POST WHORE SYNDROME

z28typeSWRXkid

Wow...if your lookin for a 30,000 dollar coupe you cant get a better deal than the cl-s...but if you want sumin real sporty and dont care about luxury go for a cobra

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The Fast and the Furious
June 22
San Marino Red Type-S(its my dads...but soon to be mine)

tel1sps

Then ya also have that ugly but fast WRX...

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2001 Silver 3.2CLS
Muds, Spoiler, Hardwire 8500, Polarg M-6 lamps, K&N filter #33-2178,
Comptech Headers, Sways, mufflers
Planning: SSR 17X7.5 GT1 Wheels, Brembo Brakes.

someguy

Depends on what type of car you want. The Cl-S is the fastest luxury coupe for 30K, at least new.

spiroh

I would say either the CL-S or the Subaru WRX.

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Black/Black 2001 CL-S
Comptech Headers
Random Technology Cat
RED AEM CAI
RED AEM Pulleys
APEXi V-AFC
Polarg M6 Roadlamps

M5 Lite

TripleH:

You've come to an Acura CL forum and your asking for the best bang for the buck. This website is very biased over their opinions. Go to IS300.net and ask them the same questions and they'll tell you their car is the best. Go to a bimmer.org and go to the 3 series board and ask them, they'll say that the 3 series is the best. Go to the Kia board and they'll tell you theirs is the best value...point proven?

You have to make a decision on yourself. You can't just ask people what they think is the best. Ask the different people on those websites about what they like about their car and what they don't like. After you get all that down, compare it and see what fits your budget and what fits your driving habits.

Just my 2 cents...

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'98 Dakar Yellow ///M3
Surprise @ Forums atwww.BMWExperience.com
0-60 5.53 sec G-Tech
Picture here

moomaster_99

The Total Package...that no other car can touch in this price range is the CL Type-S. It has almost everything. For a price of about 30K before tax...you get power seats..windows..perforated leather...GPS...heated seats...power moonroof...260 hp motor...20/29 mpg....slightly firmer, but quieter ride than on the CL-P.....17" rims...shitty paint job..oops!! That one slipped out...

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2001 Cl-S Black on Black with Navigation
Black Tint all around (15%~45%)
Weapon-R Dragon Filter with Cold Air Funnel and Ram Air Attachment
Weapon-R Coil-Overs
Koni Adjustable Struts
Comptech Sway Bars
Comptech Headers
14.698 @95.977mph....Sears Point Raceway.I think I need a Level 10 Torque Converter!!
Yes, I know I'm going to hell for wasting gas on Civics....
My Peoples

BigPimp

Depends what you are looking for? Maxima will be upgraded and will be under 30. Maxima will prolly be a quicker car than the CLS, but not as luxurious.

M3Sins: I dont think we are very biased on this site. Almost all of us bitch about quality issues with this car but do realize that there are few choices under 30k. You cant even get a cheezy 325 under 30, come on now. IS300 is over 30 as well.


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<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1603513&a=12224080" TARGET=_blank>
Tinted Silver CLS</A>
Bad ideas catch on quickly

tel1sps

Add sport package, hids, heated seats, 6 cd player, leather and Sport shifter to a 3 series and ya close to 40k, and that's for a 325.

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2001 Silver 3.2CLS
Muds, Spoiler, Hardwire 8500, Polarg M-6 lamps, K&N filter #33-2178,
Comptech Headers, Sways, mufflers
Planning: SSR 17X7.5 GT1 Wheels, Brembo Brakes.

someguy

Yes you can. 325 bases around 27K,

Caddy©

Very True ! We are biased. That's a Given, but I did exactly what M3Sins suggested: I looked at all those cars, looked at pricing vs options vs bang for the buck.

If you do the same after looking at all those cars, I think you'll be hard pressed to choose anything but an ACURA CL-S...

But it all comes down to what you think looks good, what you can see yourself driving in the end that matters.

Cheers & Happy Choosen



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2001 CL-S Silver
Comptech Headers
Comptech Sways
14 % Tint
Viper 550 Alarm

kastegir

well, I agree with M3Sins for a change. Ask a bunch of people what they like and don't like, then make the call. You need to set some parameters like new vs. used, 2 vs. 4 doors and whether you want to lean luxury or lean toward sport. Once you set those, go out and drive the cars you're considering and do a TON of research.

I'm still on the fence and have decided to wait until the fall to get my new ride, but then again, I have a convertible to enjoy for the summer. I'm still looking at the CL-S, the 330, the X-type and the S4. I just need to draw a line at a price and make the call, but what's the rush. It's sunny out. :-)

M5 Lite

Pricing for the 2001 BMW 325i:
Base Price: $26,990
Destination Charge: $645
Sport package: $1400
HIDS: $500
Heated seats: $500
Cd/AM/FM Radio: $200
Leather: $1450
Steptronic Trans: $1275

TOTAL COST: $32,960

Do your homework



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'98 Dakar Yellow ///M3
Surprise @ Forums atwww.BMWExperience.com
0-60 5.53 sec G-Tech
Picture here

Zapata

tripleH,
I was in the same boat you were in about 6 months ago. Car ran well but no AC. I looked around for 30K car. Eliminated the Maxima, most domestics, bmw and lexus. Why because for 30k you will get pretty much everything you want in the CL-S that you'll have to pay out the ass for with the BMW and the Lexus. As most people on this board have said....best bang for the buck. Plus, by the time you go to purchase they'll have the manual out(if you want). At that point, NOTHING and I mean NOTHING will be in the same class as the CL-S. People on this board are for the most part impartial and of sound mind......that's why we bought the
CL-S. Logically, the CL-S is the best buy

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'01 Silver CL-Type S
!BEWARE THE SILVER SWORD!

ChodTheWacko

Yeah, they're the same, but:
a) the 325 is a 180 HP car, the type-S = 260
b) if you take out NAV, you should be able to pick up a CL-S for $28000.

Is the BMW 'feel' worth trading 85 horses and $5K? Not to me.

I found $30K to be a real curious number to pick. I picked the exact same number. YOu can top out a 'regular' car (maxima/accord/camry) and get a boring (but well made) car, get a bare bones luxury car with comparible power (is300, I30, BMW 330), get a luxury car with options and some small engine (BMW 325), or get the CL Type-S and get EVERYTHING for $30K.

That's what my conclusions were from shopping around, anyway.


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'01 Aegean Blue CL S-Type w/Nav (Built 6/01)
2 Coats of Z5/Z6, acura-cl.com sticker, Yellow lobster, AEM CAI, Polarg M6
=====
CL FAQ: www.wizardsworks.org/chod/acura
70K and growing!

NOVAwhiteTypeS

YOu forgot the DEALER MARKUP of 2000 on top of msrp.



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CL-S
White/Ebony/Navi/Spoiler/Visor/Full Bra/Mud Guards/Acura Car Cover/Tint 20%,35%,5% on Sun Roof, Rockford 250a2 Amp w/JL10w6 / K&N Drop in Filter w/ J&J RAP CAI. Polarg m-6.
Comptech Headers,Springs,Sways, Eurolite Xenon Crystal high beams.Polarg m6


gtech 0-60 6.03 w/ 438 pound load. preheader.

proactive

Maybe you can help me out... Im wondering about the BMW cost of ownership... as in:

1. Statistically, do they breakdown more or less than Acuras?

2. How do the maintenance and repair costs compare to Acura?

moomaster_99

EXACTLY....BASES....my friend's ended up being about 36K...caused he added the Euro Sport Package (which BTW is what allows the BMW to claim the better handling v. the CL) and the HIDs....hmmm...a base 325...what does that consist of...cloth seats...stripped car...okay motor....damn...that's not really a nice car...

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2001 Cl-S Black on Black with Navigation
Black Tint all around (15%~45%)
Weapon-R Dragon Filter with Cold Air Funnel and Ram Air Attachment
Weapon-R Coil-Overs
Koni Adjustable Struts
Comptech Sway Bars
Comptech Headers
14.698 @95.977mph....Sears Point Raceway.I think I need a Level 10 Torque Converter!!
Yes, I know I'm going to hell for wasting gas on Civics....
My Peoples

Rod

Since everyone has said a CL-S is the best buy, I'll say, get a TL-S.

ChodTheWacko

I thought about that too, but the TL-S is $3500 more (well, just looking at carsdirect.com prices)




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'01 Aegean Blue CL S-Type w/Nav (Built 6/01)
2 Coats of Z5/Z6, acura-cl.com sticker, Yellow lobster, AEM CAI, Polarg M6
=====
CL FAQ: www.wizardsworks.org/chod/acura
70K and growing!

moomaster_99

Yeah...if you want a 4-door...take the TL- TYPE-S....and you can knock off 2k if you don't want the Navi.

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2001 Cl-S Black on Black with Navigation
Black Tint all around (15%~45%)
Weapon-R Dragon Filter with Cold Air Funnel and Ram Air Attachment
Weapon-R Coil-Overs
Koni Adjustable Struts
Comptech Sway Bars
Comptech Headers
14.698 @95.977mph....Sears Point Raceway.I think I need a Level 10 Torque Converter!!
Yes, I know I'm going to hell for wasting gas on Civics....
My Peoples

SilverCL225hp

Acura 3.2CL
Acura 3.2TL
Acura 3.2CL Type S
Acura 3.2TL Type S

They are the best choices in the $30,000 range.

spiroh

I thought leather was standard on BMW?



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Black/Black 2001 CL-S
Comptech Headers
Random Technology Cat
RED AEM CAI
RED AEM Pulleys
APEXi V-AFC
Polarg M6 Roadlamps

charliemike

Now now, if you're gonna get pissy at least be fair ... you forgot the $1200 sunroof =)

2000MaximaSE

2002 maxima!!! It will have a 3.5L 260 hp 246 lbft engine. Hid's, Nav, New tail lights, newley detailed interior new side sills, new grill, and new guages along with some more goodies OHH and a SIX SPEED MANUAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
all for probably right at or below 30k

Adam

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2000 Maxima SE

alex2364

If you're getting a 325, you gotta get the premium package which includes moonroof, auto dimming mirror, power seats. A bimmer isn't a bimmer without these things.

alex2364

Fake leather is standard on 3-series which BMW calls "leatherette". The real stuff costs is extra.

Collective27

I totaly agree with M3sins, that if your going to go to an cl board were going to say go with a cl. I think that the cl is a great car and for the money your not going to beat it with anything. I would definitly get it if i were you, as i hope to get it, (dam parents). Either that or a tl-s, but as m3sins said you should check the other boards....if i realy could have any car though it would be a Acura Legend Coupe with the 6 speed manual, but it is almost impossible to find them with low mileage. I do hope though that you are able to get a CL-S, im sure you will like it....and welcome to the board!....M3Sins, just want to say that i love the 98 m3's, my brother has one in blue!



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Darren Pisano

1989 Acura Legend L
126,000+ miles and still going strong

JZ

The Maxima will be a hard car to beat for the value. However, I'm still waiting to see what the styling is going to look like.

Re: the Bimmer. First off, why would anyone who is a car enthusiast at all (like everyone posting on this board) settle for the 325. Talk about making a major compromise to keep at a reasonable price. You would have the baby of the baby bimmers. Secondly, I would never pay that kind of money for a 325 when you would see 10 of your exact same car every time you leave the house for a drive. I think every other person in America owns or leases a 3 series, many just for the status symbol.

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Black/black CLS
Comptech headers, springs, swaybars
Koni yellows
Polarg M6 road lamps
Solaris Hi beams
Potenza RE730 225/45/17
Red AEM CAI
Denso Iridium plugs
35% metallic tint

volsfan0911

www.bimmer.org

You'll find several current gripes on the E46's, such as the aux fan OEM'ed by Siemens crapping out & leaving you sans climate control, speaker/rear deck rattles, wind noise, thermostat problems and the occasional #5 cylinder detonation. Parts are hard to come by (big back orders now on all the above), and if not covered under warranty or routine maint. schedule (entirely at service managers mercy on that one), then you pay big bucks for repairs. The "Break My Wallet" moniker is well deserved! Not that my friendly, local GM dealer knows squat either

friendlydacat

M3Sins,

The prices you're qouting are the INVOICE, not MSRP.

Look at Edmunds, CarsDirect, Cars.com, and your local dealer. YOu will find that the price you qouted are invoice.



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Acura CL Type S
White Exterior
Ebony Interior
All Stock parts

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1992 Geo Metro LSI Convertible
Cat-In-The-Hat Sticker
Slashed-up Top
All stock
Anyone know where I can get the Suzuki Switch Turbo Engine?

eyeguy

While I as well as most people here believe that a CL-S is the best sports coupe for 30k, another factor to consider is insurance. I had a CL-S until 2 wks ago and now am looking to replace it. Initially I thought I'd get another. But then I started checking into insurance (which I didn't when I actually got the car) and find that the Cl-S was the most expensive car of the following: 330Ci, 330i coupe, A4 1.8/2.8, S4, TTs, C320, Maxima, IS300, GTI. Plus, the CL-S has a pretty horrible lease program c/w the other options. So, do I get the CL-S? (Which I think has the nicest interior, esp the navi system that I miss) or do I go with the S4 or 300Ci which are actually cheaper to live with?

bc01cls

Since I drive a CL-S, and not wanting to look like an utter moron--of course I think it's the best deal going. However, if a good looking 4 door suits your tastes, why noy wait for the '02 Altima instead of a TL?? When premiered at the Auto show in NY, journalists literally applauded, they were SO taken with it...to date this has never happened. 240hp V-6 and a 5-speed (correct me on this if it's a 6 spd!) and GREAT LOOKS for days, and cheaper than the Max! After seeing the Altima in the magazines, you can't wonder if a total redesign of the Maxima is coming soon in order to survive. Check out the Altima since it is definitely under $30,000.

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CL-S PDG, TR Typhoon Wheels, Comptech Sways, Solaris 9005, guards, nose mask, V-1 hard wired & remote.

phatpat

acura cl/tl type s

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'01 Black/Tan CL-S w/ Navi & spoiler
AEM CAI
Comptech headers, springs & sway bars
Toyo Proxes T1-S 235/45ZR17 tires
15% tint, Infinity Perfect sub/PPI amp

'97 Acura Integra LS

"It doesn't matter if you win by an inch or a mile; winning is winning."

Red Rider

Of course we're biased, we've all gone through this drill and looked at all the cars in this price range. For myself all i can say is the top of my budget was 30k and i did extensive homework, and imho nothing came close,certainly no beemer which was no surprise.

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San Marino Red
Spoiler
Comptech Headers
Comptech Sways

JZ

I'm going to hold all of my judgements on the Altima/Maxima engine upgrade until I see some numbers. The last car I drove in that had its engine come from a truck in the lineup was the Mitsubishi Glant that supposedly had a 200hp 3.0L engine yet it felt twice as slow as my girlfriend's Civic EX!! We'll have to see how well Nissan has tuned that thing. Maybe good, maybe bad.

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Black/black CLS
Comptech headers, springs, swaybars
Koni yellows
Polarg M6 road lamps
Solaris Hi beams
Potenza RE730 225/45/17
Red AEM CAI
Denso Iridium plugs
35% metallic tint

gto2050

Actually, if you remember, the 1998 Maxima SE had 190 HP and the new one had 222HP with the special editi0on having 227. The 0-60 times and 1/4 mile times were no different according to several car mags. I have never seen anything that shows the new Maxima to be any faster than the old one. I had a 1998 and it was a great cat. Lots of fun to drive. Not luxurious by any stretch of the imagination but tossable and torquey. Great 5 spd. I have to hold my judgement until I see two things, performance and looks. For some reason the Nissan stylists seem stuck in the 80's. JMO.

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01 CL-S NightHawk Black/Ebony Bowling Ball Interior
PAA Polished CAI
Polarg M6
Solaris 9005
Cupholder Ver 2.0 Part#77237-SOK-A02
DOM 3/2000
Self proclaimed President of the "No Scratched Rim Club"


gto2050 (Mike) - The voice of absolutely no reason whatsoever!