hey guys, I'm new on the forum. I read the tranny recall thread and I just want your opinion on my choice. I was interested in a cl/ cl type-S or tl (2000-2002). I'm a student and can afford one with around 95k miles and up. But now knowing about this big tranny problem I'm wondering if I should. What do you guys think as owners of these cars?

 

if you get the 6 speed cl u should be fine, otherwise if i were you, i would get a nissan

 

big negative if you're trying to find one with that high of a mileage. that would leave you 14,000mi left on the powertrain warranty. not a good choice. i mean, not all CLs have the same tranny problem. you might get lucky and find one that'll last you for years to come. Look into a 6MT CL. that'll be worthwhile.

 

i only have about $10k, i doubt i can afford a 6-speed with that

 

just get a cls 6 speed. No regrets here

 

you don't know that until you start searching around.

 

Just look for one that has had its tranny replaced after February of 2005. The newer modified trannys have been quite reliable - just keep your eye on the fluid color and you should be okay...

 

I love my 2001 CL-S. Would I but it again? No. I would suggest looking at something else.

 

I bought my auto not knowing it had tranny issues. Had the tranny replaced in early 07 and now no longer own an auto. I would definitely stay away from an auto if you're looking for something reliable. Even with the newer tranny it still shifted weird and felt like it was about to go again. If you can't afford a CL-S6 then I'd suggest a 99-00 Civic Si or something along those lines.

 

Don't buy an '01-'02 CL-S, I have seen too many of my friends with major major tranny issues. Just keep saving until you can afford an '03 CL-6 or go with something else, like an RSX-S or a Prelude.

 

My dad's TL-S is going to roll 180k soon and the tranny was replaced around 50k and had no problems since then....(knock on wood)

 

I found 3 of 4 '03 CL-S 6MT on autotrader with apx 90k on there. I searched with a $11.5 ceiling taking negotiation into consideration.

Do yourself a favor and get the 6-speed. Ask your parents, grandmother for the difference in money. If you don't pay a little more up front now, you will pay for it later with transmission problems with the auto.

Decision made.

 

Collage student, $10K budget, & 95K+ miles? You should be looking at another car. Something that will not be expensive to maintain.

Car needs 93 gas
After 100K miles you need to do tune up & timing belt change($$)
A bunch of little things that are CL/TL specific, like brakes, purge valves, IAC valves, plus the auto trans(if it goes)($$ unless your know how to DIY replace)

If your going to get a CL make it a 6MT.

 

hey, i'm a college student too. i JUST picked up my 01 CL from the original owner w/ navi and 67k miles for $10K. i know i found a steal, but there are deals out there. you just got to find them and try to bargain. craigslist it. hopefully your area will have a lot of options. if not, look around other counties nearby. also, TL's come pretty cheap now. i've seen many around $8-9k. good luck with the search.

 

I've actually seen 2nd gen TL's going for a ton more money then the same CL. 4 doors hold value better.

 

I have an auto CL-S and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I first put 200K plus miles on a 2000 TL and only one tranny at 164K miles. My son now drives the TL and it just turned over 224K miles. My CL-S has 109K miles and is still on tranny#1. Both cars do have tranny coolers and Amsoil ATF in them. I put headers, a lightweight pulley and CAI on the CL and ran it to get a 14.4@101 mph. What's not to like about these cars? Mine have been good to me, and I have not been easy on them. I only go easy when the engines are cold, about ten minutes. So in a total of 331K miles on two cars, ONE transmission! I call that normal!

 

even though ive had this car for only 2 months(about) i say................ 6spd ftw!