Hello. I'm about thinking about buying a 2001 3.2CL Type-S and need some advice...
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Allentown, PA
Hello. I'm about thinking about buying a 2001 3.2CL Type-S and need some advice...
Hello. I just went back to college after working for a year and decided to sell my 2000 Audi S4 to lower my bills. I've been looking around at cars and the 3.2CL Type-S caught my eye. I've found a few online and I hope to buy one by the end of the week if all goes well. Before I buy a car I always like to talk to people who own them in forums like this to get first hand opinions, experiences, advice, and information from people who drive these cars everyday.
I'm pretty much looking at three 2001 CL Type-S's. One has 46,500 miles (the private party seller says they are mostly highway miles), but the price is the lowest of the three at $19,500. Should I be wary of buying one of these cars so close to the end of its warranty?
Also, I have a few questions about the car's features. Do all of the 2001 CL Type-S's come with side-impact airbags? How well does the navigation work? How quickly will the Sport Shift 5-speed automatic shift? I've only ever driven a Eclipse with Tiptronic and there was atleast a 2 second delay when shifting. What sort of mods should I expect to want to do to the car (I want to keep it close to stock)? Also, how is the handling and acceleration with these cars? Finally, how do they handle in the snow and rain?
Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer my questions. I'm looking forward to posting on this forum when I own a CL.
P.s. If anyone is selling their 2001 CL Type-S, please drop me an email with details. Like I said, I'm hoping to buy one this week so I'd like to now all of my options.
I'm pretty much looking at three 2001 CL Type-S's. One has 46,500 miles (the private party seller says they are mostly highway miles), but the price is the lowest of the three at $19,500. Should I be wary of buying one of these cars so close to the end of its warranty?
Also, I have a few questions about the car's features. Do all of the 2001 CL Type-S's come with side-impact airbags? How well does the navigation work? How quickly will the Sport Shift 5-speed automatic shift? I've only ever driven a Eclipse with Tiptronic and there was atleast a 2 second delay when shifting. What sort of mods should I expect to want to do to the car (I want to keep it close to stock)? Also, how is the handling and acceleration with these cars? Finally, how do they handle in the snow and rain?
Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer my questions. I'm looking forward to posting on this forum when I own a CL.
P.s. If anyone is selling their 2001 CL Type-S, please drop me an email with details. Like I said, I'm hoping to buy one this week so I'd like to now all of my options.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 736
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From: Honolulu, HI
bnl107,
Welcome to the board. I am sure many other members will chime in. Let me start of by saying that the 2001 CL-S's and later models for that matters do have a problem with the automatic tranny. Please check out the Tranny Forum for more details. Not every CL has it, but a subsantial few on this board thus far. I would be wary of buying one near the end of its warranty, as the tranny problem may show its ugly head.
In terms of the Sport Shift, it takes approximately 1 second for the transmission to respond to gear changes. As for modifications, the CL-S responds very well to suspension modifications, tire upgrades, CAI, and Headers, as many will attest to.
In stock form, the CL-S is quite good for a car this size in terms of acceleration. Handling is competent but could be better with just a tire change. The CL-S does tend to plow and lean quite a bit when pushed.
Well, that a brief summary of the CL-S. Others will contribute more to this. Hope that helps thus far.
Welcome to the board. I am sure many other members will chime in. Let me start of by saying that the 2001 CL-S's and later models for that matters do have a problem with the automatic tranny. Please check out the Tranny Forum for more details. Not every CL has it, but a subsantial few on this board thus far. I would be wary of buying one near the end of its warranty, as the tranny problem may show its ugly head.
In terms of the Sport Shift, it takes approximately 1 second for the transmission to respond to gear changes. As for modifications, the CL-S responds very well to suspension modifications, tire upgrades, CAI, and Headers, as many will attest to.
In stock form, the CL-S is quite good for a car this size in terms of acceleration. Handling is competent but could be better with just a tire change. The CL-S does tend to plow and lean quite a bit when pushed.
Well, that a brief summary of the CL-S. Others will contribute more to this. Hope that helps thus far.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: west of the mississippi
As to your snow and rain question: I live in Colorado, where we see plenty of snow. Last winter was my first winter in a few years with out a 4x4. I have to say that on snowy roads, my CL-S felt more stable than the 4Runner that I previously had. As long as you don't drive like an idiot on slick roads (like most people do), I think you will be very happy w/ the traction/performance. Just as a note - I was using the stock Michy's. With some stickier, more sports oriented tires, the wet handling may suffer.
All in all, I think you would be very happy with this car. I do have to agree with FDao as far as the tranny goes - although no problems w/ mine (only 10K miles).
All in all, I think you would be very happy with this car. I do have to agree with FDao as far as the tranny goes - although no problems w/ mine (only 10K miles).
Suzuka Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,034
Likes: 10
From: Outside Houston
Buy one. You won't be dissappointed. It is no S4 but it is a damn good car!
The NAVI is said to be one of the best setup's in the the industry. I am wishing I would have gotten is but I just bought an aftermarket handheld GPS so I will have to make due.
All I have on my car is a CAI. It sounds awesome and you can feel the power difference. Sways really improve the handling but I mainly drive on straight roads only so I could not justify the cost.
As for the warranty, I am pretty such you can purchase an extended warranty if the current one is not voided. 40K+ miles is a lot on a 2001. Mine only has 12K.
To summarize, I am a huge car fanatic and everyday I wish I could have a new car, but, for the price, performance, and conveniences, the CL-S is a handsdown winner. I have had this car for about a year and a half and that is longer than any other car I have owned.
-Ash
The NAVI is said to be one of the best setup's in the the industry. I am wishing I would have gotten is but I just bought an aftermarket handheld GPS so I will have to make due.
All I have on my car is a CAI. It sounds awesome and you can feel the power difference. Sways really improve the handling but I mainly drive on straight roads only so I could not justify the cost.
As for the warranty, I am pretty such you can purchase an extended warranty if the current one is not voided. 40K+ miles is a lot on a 2001. Mine only has 12K.
To summarize, I am a huge car fanatic and everyday I wish I could have a new car, but, for the price, performance, and conveniences, the CL-S is a handsdown winner. I have had this car for about a year and a half and that is longer than any other car I have owned.
-Ash
Back to Four Doors
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
From: San Rafael, CA USA
dbox,
My '01 CL-S has about 44,000 miles on it. All have been trouble free, just added gas and oil.
The NAVI system is the smartest thing I have purchased in some time. It works great. I use it to find out-of-the-way cafe's when travelling. Or finding a customer site (I am/was in sales) or finding your way to a friend's house. You won't regret it.
As for mods, I added sways and they added just what was needed. They eliminated the body roll and didn't adversely affect the overall ride and comfort. They cost $300 and I installed them myself with my son's help.
As for the tranny, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Get an extended warranty and forget about it. Check out Consumer Reports who give the '01 CL high marks across the board.
Go for it and good luck.
My '01 CL-S has about 44,000 miles on it. All have been trouble free, just added gas and oil.
The NAVI system is the smartest thing I have purchased in some time. It works great. I use it to find out-of-the-way cafe's when travelling. Or finding a customer site (I am/was in sales) or finding your way to a friend's house. You won't regret it.
As for mods, I added sways and they added just what was needed. They eliminated the body roll and didn't adversely affect the overall ride and comfort. They cost $300 and I installed them myself with my son's help.
As for the tranny, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Get an extended warranty and forget about it. Check out Consumer Reports who give the '01 CL high marks across the board.
Go for it and good luck.
whoXwanXsum
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 4,739
Likes: 0
From: HOUSTON
Originally posted by lead_sled_dog
dbox,
My '01 CL-S has about 44,000 miles on it. All have been trouble free, just added gas and oil.
The NAVI system is the smartest thing I have purchased in some time. It works great. I use it to find out-of-the-way cafe's when travelling. Or finding a customer site (I am/was in sales) or finding your way to a friend's house. You won't regret it.
As for mods, I added sways and they added just what was needed. They eliminated the body roll and didn't adversely affect the overall ride and comfort. They cost $300 and I installed them myself with my son's help.
As for the tranny, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Get an extended warranty and forget about it. Check out Consumer Reports who give the '01 CL high marks across the board.
Go for it and good luck.
dbox,
My '01 CL-S has about 44,000 miles on it. All have been trouble free, just added gas and oil.
The NAVI system is the smartest thing I have purchased in some time. It works great. I use it to find out-of-the-way cafe's when travelling. Or finding a customer site (I am/was in sales) or finding your way to a friend's house. You won't regret it.
As for mods, I added sways and they added just what was needed. They eliminated the body roll and didn't adversely affect the overall ride and comfort. They cost $300 and I installed them myself with my son's help.
As for the tranny, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Get an extended warranty and forget about it. Check out Consumer Reports who give the '01 CL high marks across the board.
Go for it and good luck.
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Got da Internet Goin Nutz
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,997
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From: The Land of Sugar, TEXAS
help? ...here ya go
I drive A LOT! I have almost 45K on my 2001 but when I got it in April of 2001 it only had 8K miles on it. If you plan to drive a lot do not get one with high miles. You don't want to be at 100K in a couple of years.
If you do get the 46K car make sure a tranny fluid change was done at 45K (hopefully it was done at 30K as well). If one wasn't make them do one as a condition of the sale. The tranny problem is highly publicized on this site but the rate of failure is not that high, however it is one of the only problems with the car and it happens to be a very expensive one if your not covered. GET A 100K WARRANTY PERIOD! Make sure it DOES NOT have stock tires on it either. If it does you can plan on quickly putting at least $500 into new tires on it very soon. Make sure you get one with navi. It will help you sell it when its time to let it go and it is an EXCELLENT feature. I put mine to use often.
As for mods - springs make it look great, sways make it handle great, intake makes it sound great, gives a little more pick up at the high end and is pretty much a must, headers make it go damn fast, and tires are a must. The price in order - $300 + install, 300 install yourself, 1K + install, $150 used easy to find in black market and install yourself.
If you do get the 46K car make sure a tranny fluid change was done at 45K (hopefully it was done at 30K as well). If one wasn't make them do one as a condition of the sale. The tranny problem is highly publicized on this site but the rate of failure is not that high, however it is one of the only problems with the car and it happens to be a very expensive one if your not covered. GET A 100K WARRANTY PERIOD! Make sure it DOES NOT have stock tires on it either. If it does you can plan on quickly putting at least $500 into new tires on it very soon. Make sure you get one with navi. It will help you sell it when its time to let it go and it is an EXCELLENT feature. I put mine to use often.
As for mods - springs make it look great, sways make it handle great, intake makes it sound great, gives a little more pick up at the high end and is pretty much a must, headers make it go damn fast, and tires are a must. The price in order - $300 + install, 300 install yourself, 1K + install, $150 used easy to find in black market and install yourself.
whoXwanXsum
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 4,739
Likes: 0
From: HOUSTON
Re: help? ...here ya go
Originally posted by bl^5
I drive A LOT! I have almost 45K on my 2001 but when I got it in April of 2001 it only had 8K miles on it. If you plan to drive a lot do not get one with high miles. You don't want to be at 100K in a couple of years.
If you do get the 46K car make sure a tranny fluid change was done at 45K (hopefully it was done at 30K as well). If one wasn't make them do one as a condition of the sale. The tranny problem is highly publicized on this site but the rate of failure is not that high, however it is one of the only problems with the car and it happens to be a very expensive one if your not covered. GET A 100K WARRANTY PERIOD! Make sure it DOES NOT have stock tires on it either. If it does you can plan on quickly putting at least $500 into new tires on it very soon. Make sure you get one with navi. It will help you sell it when its time to let it go and it is an EXCELLENT feature. I put mine to use often.
As for mods - springs make it look great, sways make it handle great, intake makes it sound great, gives a little more pick up at the high end and is pretty much a must, headers make it go damn fast, and tires are a must. The price in order - $300 + install, 300 install yourself, 1K + install, $150 used easy to find in black market and install yourself.
I drive A LOT! I have almost 45K on my 2001 but when I got it in April of 2001 it only had 8K miles on it. If you plan to drive a lot do not get one with high miles. You don't want to be at 100K in a couple of years.
If you do get the 46K car make sure a tranny fluid change was done at 45K (hopefully it was done at 30K as well). If one wasn't make them do one as a condition of the sale. The tranny problem is highly publicized on this site but the rate of failure is not that high, however it is one of the only problems with the car and it happens to be a very expensive one if your not covered. GET A 100K WARRANTY PERIOD! Make sure it DOES NOT have stock tires on it either. If it does you can plan on quickly putting at least $500 into new tires on it very soon. Make sure you get one with navi. It will help you sell it when its time to let it go and it is an EXCELLENT feature. I put mine to use often.
As for mods - springs make it look great, sways make it handle great, intake makes it sound great, gives a little more pick up at the high end and is pretty much a must, headers make it go damn fast, and tires are a must. The price in order - $300 + install, 300 install yourself, 1K + install, $150 used easy to find in black market and install yourself.
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