Hi,

I found a 2001 CL- Type S in Black/Parchment w/ 30k miles in my area in very nice condition.

It's an individual's car (not a dealer) and the person seems to have babied the car. He is a retired military jet aircraft engineer who has gone through over 200 cars in his lifetime, as he is a MAJOR car enthusiast. He did all the maintenance on the car himself and not a single problem, even not the slightest hint of tranny issues. He SWEARS by Mobil1 Synthetic oil which he uses in all his car and the over 20 Corvettes (very BIG vette' guy) he had owned, and even the Jet Aircrafts (maybe not Mobil1, but still synthetic).

He said car has been garaged, washed twice a month and used Meguirers wax. He answered EVERY question I had with very through responses and then some.

The only problems with the car is that there is a small ding near the rear and a 1" long scratch on the rim when he hit a curb. Also its at 31k miles, I would assume the stock tires our almost finished, right? That's about another $800 of tires I need to get.

He is offering it at 23,650 which is pretty high for this car. KBB rates it at $22,275 in excellent condition (which supposedly includes new or very new tires, which is obviously not the case), Edmunds rates it at 21,305 for similar condition. The NADA rates it for 21,305 (tradein) to 25,775 (Retail). Obviously this shouldn't be near retail as its a private party and I still have a lot of work to do to get this car. The seller is barely budging on the price. He felt insulted when I offered 22.5k (which I thought was very appropriate considered it needs new tires). He declined firmly saying "NO!". He said that Acura rates these stock tires @ 60-80k miles! Then I offered 23k as final, and he said no, but he'll go $250 down to $23,400. He kept saying how I'll never find a better condition of this car (he IS right) and that the car is worth (he said close to 28k!) a lot more according to Edmunds, NADA, etc.. (which is NOT true). I said I'll talk to him later about it.

He seems to think his car is a work of perfection (it's close ) so it deserves that price. But w/ a scratched rim and used up tires, it should not. I really don't want to lose this near perfect car, but don't want to be easily ripped. Help!

-David

 

It's worth what the book says. no more; no less. Everyone thinks their car is worth more than it is. Edmunds is usually pretty accurate. You will need new tires even if there is some tread left as the stocks get hard and slick (dry rot) after 2 years and make the car ride rough and won't grip the road. Don't pay very much over Edmunds private party sale. Hang tough.

 

I agree. Every one thinks their car is worth a helluva lot more than what KBB or Edmunds say . I would look for other CL-S offers. Give this guy sometime, he'll realize that his car is not worth that much ....sheesh .

 

Another thing, he has been trying to sell this car since April (according to car.com classified date), no wonder, it's the price!

Also, is he wrong to say that the tires don't need to be replaced?

 

IMO, you will need new tire to reach this car's potential. Stocks aren't great when they're new but really suck once they get a few years or miles on them. If you get the car do a search there are many tire threads.

 

I'm still trying to get the car, I think I'm going have to settle on $23k

 

I disagree ! One CAN take better care of another car. Who give a rats ass who Edmunds thinks our car is worth. Yeah, wait to you try to part with it ...............................If he/she can get 23,500, more power to them.

CASH TALKS AND BULLSHIT WALKS !

FUCK THE BLUE BOOK TOO !

 

I feel sorry for your mother

 

The CLS is not an exclusive car. You pay the fair market value. I agree go by KBB and Edmunds private value, no more no less!

 

Yea, this ain't an S2000 w/ limited production...its a car thats going outta production!

 

point taken, but the car is really worth what ever someone is willing to pay for it. If you pay 23K, then it is worth 23K (at least to you).

 

I need your help guys. I might wind up paying a little more than 23k, but I WANT the car. Only condition is that the car needs to be inspected by a mechanic. I just need some sort of record showing the car is in great shape prior to purchase. Would it be too much to ask the car to drive the car (we pay him) to a nearby Acura dealer (20 min. away) to have them look at the car and make a printout of it's condition (we pay)? Is that sort of thing possible (at a dealership)? If not, are there "mobile" mechanics we can pay to come to the guys house and check it out. I just feel better have a Acura mechanic look at it.

 

i don't think that is too much to ask. does it have navi?


btw, i still have my stock tires w/ 90% tread. if you end up w/ the car i'll make you a great deal on them.

 

Even if you were to take the car to the Acura dealer and have them look it over, they can't guarantee that everything is perfect. But they can look over the car and let you know if they see anything that might be a problem. The Acura dealer or a good mechanic would be fine in this case. Many places offer pre-purchase inspections for a certain price. Just call the dealer and some other local shops to see what they charge for this service. Good luck with your purchase!

 

 

Well you still have half the warranty, so you are in good shape there. The price is a bit high imo. We were at the dealer in Sacramento the other day and they had an 01 with upgraded wheels, tires, exhaust, tint and springs for $21995. Good luck.

 

The car does NOT have navi for those interested.

Thanks for the info about the Acura mechanics, I'm going to call a close dealer tomorrow. What are typical prices for this type of inspection? How long does it take?

Red Rider, how many miles on that car ?