Certified Used CL 6-speed

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Old 04-15-2004, 04:00 PM
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Certified Used CL 6-speed

greetings CL faithful.

i'm currently searching for a new car. i'm considering a certified used CL 6-speed. i have a tentative test drive scheduled for this weekend.

i'm curious if there's anything significant i should be looking for when inspecting and driving the car. things like leaking transmissions, notchy shifting, vibrations, squeeks, loose or broken parts, etc.

i don't expect too many problems. my 5th gen accord coupe had very good quality and reliability from start to finish. since the '03 CL is the same chassis and equal or better material i'm expecting more of the same.

its a black '03 w/ ~20K miles and tan interior. no navi.

thanks for the insight.
Old 04-15-2004, 04:11 PM
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Re: Certified Used CL 6-speed

Originally posted by carquest
greetings CL faithful.

i'm currently searching for a new car. i'm considering a certified used CL 6-speed. i have a tentative test drive scheduled for this weekend.

i'm curious if there's anything significant i should be looking for when inspecting and driving the car. things like leaking transmissions, notchy shifting, vibrations, squeeks, loose or broken parts, etc.

i don't expect too many problems. my 5th gen accord coupe had very good quality and reliability from start to finish. since the '03 CL is the same chassis and equal or better material i'm expecting more of the same.

its a black '03 w/ ~20K miles and tan interior. no navi.

thanks for the insight.
Tranny: notchy shifting shouldn't be a probably after 5K miles, but this is conditional on learning how to adjust to the clutch/dual-mass flywheel feel.

eBrake: may need adjusting. when I took delivery last Jan '03, eBrake wouldn't hold on hills.

Squeaks/rattles: sunroof, center console, driver's window regulator. Also, mine came with a loose screw in the shift tunnel from the factory. It rattled really bad until it was removed.

Recals: timing belt tensioner and water pump.

BTW- mine is almost 21k old
Old 04-15-2004, 04:11 PM
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I just purchased a 2001 CLS, but wish that I could have had the opportunity to purchase a 03 6 speed. I am going to post pics probably tommorrow. Many people have had problems with the tranny on the 01-02 5 speed auto tranny that is in my cl, but the salesman that I purchased it from said that it has happened so often that they will replace the tranny without any problem within a week because of the 100,000 powertrain warranty included with Acura certification. I have also heard that there have been problems with the tranny in the 03 CLS 5 speed auto tranny, but I don't think that the 6 speeds have had problems like the auto. If I were you I would go for it if the price is right.
Old 04-15-2004, 04:32 PM
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If this is dealer certified, you get a better warranty than a new one, They add on a year for almost full coverage, so it's 5yr/62k miles, and add a 7 yr /100k warranty on the drivetrain. Not bad.
Old 04-15-2004, 04:36 PM
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I'm real happy with my CLS-6MT, I've had it for a couple of months now. It's certified which is nice because of the added warranty (plus, the added warranty is transferable for Acura's ... not all auto makers allow the added warranty to be transferable). I haven't had any real issues ... it took me a while to get use to the clutch; 2nd gear is a bear but after about a month or so, I'm use to it. Other then that, I love this car. It's one of those cars your excited about driving. I don't regret it at all! If you buy it, I don't think you'll regret it either.

BTW, what kind of price? Color? And, just to let you know, there are still a few NEW CL's available out there. My dealer had a few but I really wanted the 6 speed and all he had were the automatics.
Old 04-15-2004, 04:52 PM
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Originally posted by GEB
I'm real happy with my CLS-6MT,

...

I love this car. It's one of those cars your excited about driving. I don't regret it at all! If you buy it, I don't think you'll regret it either.
I can vouch for this... But I have to warn you, it will beg you for mods and drain your bank account.
Old 04-15-2004, 04:59 PM
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let us know how ya like it if ya get it, stay away from here if you want to save money though
Old 04-15-2004, 05:09 PM
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Re: Re: Certified Used CL 6-speed

Originally posted by cls6sp03


Recals: timing belt tensioner and water pump.

Is there any truth to this?? I have an 03 6-speed. I couldn't find anything about it. Will acura send me a letter, or do I just tell the dealer?
Old 04-15-2004, 05:18 PM
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Re: Re: Certified Used CL 6-speed

Originally posted by cls6sp03
T

Recals: timing belt tensioner and water pump.

I did some more research, sounds like cars built in July 2002. Mine wasn't built yet, where was that thing on how to read vin #s??
Old 04-15-2004, 05:20 PM
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Re: Re: Re: Certified Used CL 6-speed

Originally posted by 2003type-s6
Is there any truth to this?? I have an 03 6-speed. I couldn't find anything about it. Will acura send me a letter, or do I just tell the dealer?
Here ya go:
Released September 19, 2003

Product Update: Timing Belt Auto-Tensioner
Safety Recall: V6 Engine Water Pump Recall

Background

Product Update: The timing belt tensioner is filled with
oil to dampen oscillation. Due to a manufacturing
problem, the tensioner oil can leak. If enough oil is lost,
the timing belt loosens and causes engine noise.
Safety Recall: All vehicles not yet repaired under
service bulletin 02-022, Safety Recall: V6 Engine Water
Pump, are also eligible for this product update. They
are identified on a separate campaign responsibility
report. Effective immediately, discontinue the use of
service bulletin 02-022, and use the repair and
warranty information in this service bulletin instead.

VEHICLES AFFECTED

Timing Belt Auto-Tensioner Product Update:

2002 3.2TL: From VIN 19UUA5...2A051141 thru end of production

2003 3.2TL: From VIN 19UUA5...3A000001 thru 19UUA5...3A043888

2002 3.2CL: From VIN 19UYA4...2A003900 thru end of production

2003 3.2CL: From VIN 19UYA4...3A000001 thru
19UYA4...3A009883

2002 MDX: From VIN 2HNYD1...2H505108 thru
2HNYD1...2H545156

Some vehicles affected by this product update are still in dealer inventory. These vehicles must be repaired before they are sold or leased.

Water Pump Safety Recall:

2003 3.2TL: From VIN 19UUA5...3A030788 thru
19UUA5...3A035155

2003 3.2CL: From VIN 19UYA4...3A007392 thru
19UYA4...3A008174

2002 MDX: VIN 2HNYD1...2H534751
From VIN 2HNYD1...2H535893 thru
2HNYD1...2H538954
VIN 2HNYD1...2H539162
VIN 2HNYD1...2H539327

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

All owners of affected vehicles will be mailed a
notification of this product update. Customers will
receive one of two notifications, based on whether the
vehicle was already repaired according to service
bulletin 02-022. Examples of the customer notifications
are at the end of this service bulletin.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

One of two corrective actions is appropriate, based on
whether the vehicle is affected by the water pump recall
and, if so, if the recall has been done.

1. If the vehicle is affected by the recall and the repair
has not been done, inspect the casting die number
on the water pump housing. If the casting die
number is “9,” replace the water pump, the timing
belt, and the timing belt auto-tensioner.

2. If the vehicle is not affected by the recall or it was
already repaired, replace the timing belt autotensioner.
Old 04-15-2004, 06:09 PM
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Thanks man, I'm gonna have to check my vin#
Old 04-15-2004, 06:18 PM
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The only thing I would be xtra cautious about is the tranny ...since anyone , and I mean anyone, who has a manual tranny vehicle is capable of inflicting serious fatal injuries in very short amount of time. When I got my '03 CL-S 6 speed I wanted the Black w/ Ebony ONLY. They found one in Greenwich C.T. ( about 38 miles from the dealer, in Rosyln L.I. ...) I asked to speak with the guy who drove the car back from C.T. to my dealer, just to make sure "we had an understanding" . Yeah I know it sounds anal but I've seen it all. Good Luck with it - best quality, exciting, performance car for the money out there
Old 04-16-2004, 09:52 AM
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thanks for the insight.

i know about the '02 & '03 CL autos because i received the "customer satisfaction campaign" letter from honda regarding my accord. since my accord didn't have the auto it didn't apply. but i saw the number of honda/acuras affected. my sympathy to those of you with the autos.

i'm searching for the 6-speed to avoid the auto trany headaches.

thanks for pointing out the rattles, the timing belt tensioner, & water pumps. if i buy one i'll confirm the tensioner & pump have been replaced or that the service doesn't apply.

again, the car is black ext/tan int no navi. ~ 20K miles. the price is too high, but if i like the car i'll see what kind of deal i can arrange. the CL was killed due to lack of popularity. the 6-speed seems even less desirable. but since the reliability of the autos is in serious doubt, AND i prefer the manual, i think i can deal.

lastly, you are all very correct. the acura certified warranty is better than the acura new car warranty. its also one of the best certified warranties availabe. i'm also considering a certified GS300 but it doesn't appear that the balance of the lexus new car warranty transfers to subsequent owners like the honda and acura warranties do. so the lexus certified warranty is only 3 years from the date of the certified purchase or 100,000 total vehicle miles (bumper to bumper). if you purchase an older lexus this is good. but i'm looking for a low milage '03 CL, GS, or a low milage '02 accord coupe (manual).
Old 04-17-2004, 12:48 PM
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Originally posted by darrinb
let us know how ya like it if ya get it, stay away from here if you want to save money though
Old 04-17-2004, 03:39 PM
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I've been pretty happy with mine and I've had it since June of 2003 (about 10k miles now). I've had no problems with any tranny notchiness, but the clutch does have a strange engagement property. It almost forces you to shift quickly to drive it smoothly.

The 1st thing you're gonna want to replace is the stock tires, they seriously suck ass for any kind of performance driving.
Old 04-17-2004, 05:16 PM
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lucky bastards, haha i wanta 6 speed real bad
Old 04-17-2004, 05:51 PM
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Make a very conscious decision about weather you want a navi or a non navi. My first 03 cls6 mt was non navi, but #2 is, and it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. You also get Onstar and a hands free phone with the navi.

Most people who buy a non navi CLS regret the decision sometime down the road. Me? Never navi-less again.
Old 04-17-2004, 06:03 PM
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yup to that I'm one of those regrets right here....."damn should have gotten the Navi...."
Old 04-17-2004, 10:05 PM
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Originally posted by carquest


thanks for pointing out the the timing belt tensioner, & water pumps. if i buy one i'll confirm the tensioner & pump have been replaced or that the service doesn't apply.

By LAW that car can NOT be SOLD without those recalls being performed if the vehicles VIN is within recall digits.

Also, you might want to check out the BLACKMARKET section here.. there are a few 6-speeds for sale...

Smitty

P.S. Welcome aboard... lots of info within these pages... enjoy
Old 04-17-2004, 10:30 PM
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They do not replace all the water pumps, they check the number on it. My first 6 speed needed thebelt tensioner but the w pump was ok.
My 2nd 6 speed! I just got (w/Navi) I don;t think is in the recall #'s. You'll Love the 6 speed.
Old 04-17-2004, 11:50 PM
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carquest: You still looking for a 6 sp.? I have a black on black w/ 19k on it....I love it alot, but Im moving to Florida and theres a old NSX screeming my name!!! Let me know if you are interested.
Old 04-18-2004, 12:36 PM
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Originally posted by silvervtec96
carquest: You still looking for a 6 sp.? I have a black on black w/ 19k on it....I love it alot, but Im moving to Florida and theres a old NSX screeming my name!!! Let me know if you are interested.
I'll give you $15k for it
Old 04-19-2004, 11:28 AM
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unfortunately i didn't get the opportunity to drive the CL over the weekend. i got a call sat morning explaining that the listing was in error. it was actually a CL-P, not a 6-speed CL-S.

then, this morning i get an e-mail claiming that the phone call on sat morning was actually in error. they confused the stock numbers and they REALLY have a 6-speed CL-S.

who knows? so i'm going to try to schedule for a spin one evening this week.


silvervtec96. thanks for the offer but i want a non-black on non-black. i'm looking for a tan interior. preferably white ext. but since i'm looking used i can't be as picky.

also, i've thought about the navi and i really don't have any use for it. i'm not thrilled w/ on-star. one of my family members has it. i'm not impressed. i also haven't gone wireless yet. i'd rather be out of touch while i'm on the road. oneday i may take the plunge, but not for the for foreseeable future.

i'll let you know if i ever get the chance to REALLY check one out.

thanks again.
Old 04-19-2004, 11:58 AM
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That's funny, I just sold my Certified white/parchment 6 speed, had 15k miles. Took me 2-3 months to sell. White is not as popular, but any CL is hard to sell right now I think. The color is mainly why I sold it, the black interior is much nicer. I got a 6 speed with navi, in anthracite with half the miles for just a little more than my sale of the white one, so I'm a happy CLamper.
Old 04-19-2004, 04:13 PM
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Yeah, I test drove a used white/tan cl 6 speed in aug of 03. I didn't mind the white on the outside, and it had a pinstripe that looked pretty sharp. Inside, however was like sitting in a sun room. It was waaaaaaaaaaaay to bright, felt like I was on display in an aquarium. Maybe with some 35% tint. I think White exterior with black interior would be ok, but being picky at this point with a rare and discontinued car is not altogether reasonable! Check out Autotrader.com man, I checked it out just to see how many 6 speeds there were for sale and there were about 50 nation wide. Good luck.
Old 04-19-2004, 04:18 PM
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The 6 speed I test drove was actually at Tischer acura in laurel. I imagine it's sold by now. It was a company vehicle had like 20,000 miles. I said no thanks. I was looking and looking, finally I called Radley Acura in Bailey's crossroads in Virginia, and they had NEW 6 speeds in every color. It was like the land of lost Acura's! Anyway, I bought my Anthracite 6speed there. It was the only one they had.
Old 04-19-2004, 04:32 PM
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2003type-s6 is right ... there are still a few new ones out there. My dealer has had at least 2 since I bought my CL back in February. One was a CL-P and the other was CL-S Auto in my favorite color (BLUE). They didn't have a 6-speed but it's amazing that they're still out there if you look hard enough. I would think that your local dealer could do a search for you ... One thing I noticed, the New CL's weren't listed in the on-line inventory for my dealer. A new CL isn't available in the search and those CL's weren't listed in the used cars. Maybe they just have them on the lots and can't be accessed any other way then physically walking the lots or calling the dealer.
Old 04-20-2004, 10:11 AM
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2003type-s6 & GEB. thanks for the idea. if i get a chance to drive one and like it enought i'll check out Radley or see if i can get a local dealer to search their inventory for a NEW 6-speed. i think if i like the car i'd prefer a new one anyway.
Old 04-20-2004, 10:22 AM
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I'll never buy a new car again, don't want the 20-30% depreciation. I got my 6 speed Navi on Fri, anthracite with 7500 miles, spoiler, clear bra, for $10,000 less than when it was new. The car still smells new too! that's a lot of savings for mods!

If you're gonna buy from a dealer, I'd sugest trying to find a used, certified one, you get an extra year of the warranty and a 7yr/100k mile powertrain warranty, better than a new warranty.
Good luck on your search.
Old 04-20-2004, 11:16 AM
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Originally posted by 123456SPEED
...The car still smells new too!...
Maybe the dealer gave it a bit of this:

Just a little

I actually used the Ozium stuff for several years in my last car. It really retains that new smell. Probably toxic, but what the hell.
Old 04-20-2004, 12:07 PM
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Maybe, but I bought it from a doctor who must have just kept it in his garage, only had 7500 miles in about 12 months.

It's true, car smell is a dedicated area of the new car industry. They actaully do add smells to give what is now considered 'the new car smell'. In Japan the smell of leather is taken out, but for US it is put back or left in too.

So mostly what we smell in new cars is a manufactured smell.
Old 04-20-2004, 03:30 PM
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I didn't know that about the leather smell in Japan.


And I really did use that Ozium stuff because I also like that new car smell. Odd that such a thing is engrained into our collective consciousness.
Old 04-21-2004, 08:44 AM
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i got the chance to drive one of these mechanical wonders last night. i'm now VERY confused.

for those of you who have been following my journey i've started a new thread called "certified 6-speed test drive". (i don't know how to set-up a link. sorry.) please feel free to follow the saga at the new link if you like.

thanks.
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