Ok..i was out car shopping for any number of different rides and found an awesome little CL-S 6-speed with 33 thousand miles. I test drove it and needless to say, want it...BADLY.

All I know about Acura's is that they are mostly over-engineered Honda's (in a good way) and that they are likely to have exceptional longevity, reliability, quality, etc.

This thing was reasonably fast and felt nearly new. The paint looked awesome and otherwsie it looked well taken care of. The dealer is asking 21,600, but I think that is a little high.

My question is...are there problem areas with these cars that I should be aware of? Any particular items of concern?

I'm getting out of an Audi and have owned Benz's, a Saab, a Honda, and them some other domestic garbage. I'm tired of the insane overkill with German car maintenance and the costs associated with it and have always thought that an Acura would be a nice alternative (albiet front wheel drive).

I'm really interested and excited about this car. But am really loooking for some negatives because I simply could not find any.

 

The 6 speed has been trouble free for the most part. The only negative about the car is that it's discontinued...and that only matters if you are only planning on keeping it for a short time. The only thing I would complain about are small annoyances (rattles, squeaks) most of which can be fixed at the dealer.

 

If you are looking for only negatives, below is a thread that discusses some of the more annoying aspects of our cars. Most are not negatives, simply things we wish were different. The only glaring "problem" with the CL's are the auto trannys, ans since you are looking a 6 spd, that doesn't really apply to you. Just about anyone on here will support your decision to by a 6spd CL-S. You will not be disappointed! Good luck!

B

http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...=list+problems

 

With 33k on it, it should be fairly well sorted now (rattles, etc). Not that much that has gone wrong with the 6 spds. Mine has 23k, and 'cept for some minor issue (sunroof rattle, etc), has been pretty good.

If the asking price is 21.6K, you should be able to knock at least $1k off of it. If it's a acura certified car with an extended warrantee, then you'll be paying a premium over a non-certified car, but I think it's worth it in the long run.

I've been a rwd domestic guy for awhile, but the Acura 6spd with the HLSD (automatics don't have it) makes it a nice fwd car. You won't notice it's a fwd car until you drive it 8/10 or 9/10. If you don't push it, it handles quite nicely. It took me awhile to get used to the torquesteer when running flat out, but the hlsd really helps.

good luck,

 

Just some interior squeaks. I love my CLS 6 speed. I also am attracted to the German 'mystique' of the Audis and the Bmw, but reliability and total car cost is important to me, so I have driven Acuras for years, mainly Legend Coupes and 2 CLS 6 speeds. I have been very happy with all of them. I don't think you can go wrong with the fast and fun driving reliable 6 speed. What color are you looking at?

 

What is HLSD?
The one I"m looking at is a dark red with black interior. No Nav (but who needs that really?).

 

You would be surprised! Just my
You use it a lot more than you think you would if you had it. Very handy.
BTW..Great color combo.

B

 

[QUOTE=nomogates]What is HLSD?

Helical limited slip differential

 

San Marino Red works for me

 

Helical Limited Slip Differential is a limited slip allowing power to go to both wheels at the same time when wheel slippage is felt. It's like traction control, you can feel it kick in when you burn out. This allows it to pull straight rather than off to the one side that has traction.

 

Thats not a bad price, try and think of what you would pay for an Audi, volvo, or BMer that had comparable stats. You will be happy with it.

 

Try to find out who the previous owner was, there are some that were owned by juveniles who like to how badly they can abuse a car before it dies. If it was adult owned you'll be better off.

If it is Acura certified, $20-20.5k is a good deal.

 

go for it best car, i love it

 

Hey...there are always guys who usually take VERY good care of their cars selling CL-S, especially, 03 6 speeds in the Black Market...some are ridiculousy cheap as well..I think I saw an 03 with like under 10K miles for like 23,000 if im not mistaken.

 

The paint job on any CL is @$$. I wish that I had a 6 speed. I am an auto driver but long for the responsiveness of a manual when I am not driving into Cambridge, MA every work day.

CLs seem to be plagued by rattles but I have only had them since I had some self inflicted body work done. Overall, I agree with what was posted above...people that buy a CLS generally...GENERALLY take care of them. I would think that you could get it cheaper than $23K though...

(note: I bought my 2003 AT two years from next Oct and I paid $28k w/o navi)

 

I got my Gold CL-S for $23K at the same mileage with a few dents, so I'd say tha's a steal right there. I'd get it.

 

I just bought my 03 cls 6spd for 24,900 and had only 4,500 miles. car is like new actualy a better deal then new because i got The CPO warranty up to 100k and I still have the bumper to bumper warranty until 2007 or 62k Miles I think I came off.