Hi,

Im in the market for a CL-type S and have read the forum about 3 days now as a lurker. I have heard of problems with the tranny, now is this only for the 6 speed manual, or does this concern the 5 speed auto tranny (I want the auto). What is the best year to buy, 2001-2003, or is there any difference on the year (body changes, hid lights, etc). Any information would be good, I am buying within 2 weeks. Anything I should look for when checking out the car? Please let me know, I'm looking forword to joining this community.

Thanks in advance,
Jenny

BTW, how reliable is the CL-S? I want to upgrade the headers and intake as soon as I get it

 

it's actually with the auto, not the 6-speed manual. those with trannies that may be affected with the issue have a 100,000 waranty. many of the 03 models had new trannies where there was no longer an issue. if you search, there should be a few posts talking about VIN numbers, and if the CL/TL's VIN was after this number, then it should be clear from the potential defect.

 

So that is why you guys aways say you are on your 2,3,4 tranny. Well, I thought you guys were just paying for the trannies and I was worried for a bit . Now fellas, help a lady find more info on a CL-S .

 

2001-02









2003


(de-badged)

 

best place for info, doesn't really talk about the 03 though faq link


and either way you should get an 03...

 

The Headlights, Taillights, wheels and intereior (among other things) are different in the 03' models. In my opinion, and most other people's opinions, the 03' changes are all aesthetically better than the 01'-02' models. Many people even buy the 03' headlights and tails for the 01's or 02's because they look so much better. There are no "fog" lights for the 03's like there were on the 01's and 02's, but the stock bulbs where so lame anyway, it often looks better if you put in some aftermarket ones. I have an 01', but I like the look of the 03's better, and I don't think I'm alone. Good luck on your purchase, you won't be disappointed!

 

I have an 01 CL-S, and I'd have to agree with bgsm1th for the most part. I'm probably going to switch to the 03 tails eventually. But the headlights look pretty tight on mine after I cleared them and put the PIAA's in. However, if my car was black, I would give more consideration to the 03 headlights.

Fogs would be better if they were controlled separately from the headlights. But I'd rather have the fogs on the 01 than fill those holes that are there on the 03 with aftermarket fogs.

Either way, there isn't a whole lot of difference especially if you want the automatic tranny. It is aesthetic changes, so it mostly depends on personal taste.

Look forward to seeing you around ACL.com

 

this site has more info than you will ever be able to use....

 

There are very minor cosmetic differences in 01-02-03, the 03 had more changes than the 02. I'd go by price, mileage, and color rather than year, and the option of Navi or not. 03 added the Onstar to the Navi if you want that. Anthracite color was only offered in 03. All other colors were available every year, (black, white, silver, red, blue) for the Type S.
Black interior on all colors, tan option with white, red, or black.

You'll find very few 02s, some 03s, but most will be 01s. Check the in-service date to know how much warranty time it has left of 4yr/50k miles. Most common is silver, then black, red and white and blue.
I'd get the newest, lowest miles you can afford. I'd also get the 03 6 speed manual shift, but that's just me. Tranny problems are only with the automatics and effect most all the Honda line, Accords, Odysseys, TL, CL etc.

 

http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130810

http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80987

 

THANKS FOR THE REPLY GUYS!!!!!!!!!! Now, do all years come with the HID head lights? If you guys had a chance would you guys buy the CL again even with the tranny issue? There is a guy that wants to sale me his CL-Type S 2001 for $18750, black on black w/NAVI and only 37k miles. But here is the kicker, its got "4" owners, should I be coutious? What should I look for in terms of test drives and walk arounds before I think about the purchase? Cant wait!!! let me know

 

you can find a better price than 18750

 

Evilstorm,

How much would "you" pay for that CL-S, or any CL-S with those options?

Jenny

 

Hey lobster where are you located in cali?
If you are in southern cali there are a couple of places you can go. I would recommend you to go to South Coast Acura and ask for tommy. He helped me out when I got my car there. I believe they have CLs in stock still.

 

4 owners and only 37k miles, that seems unusual. Might have been wrecked and sat awhile, or it could be legit. Ask for a carfax data sheet.
Your decision depends if you want Navi or not. When new, Navi was a $2000 option. $18750 price seems a little high IMO.

All CLs have HID lights, the ONLY option on the CL was the Navi, and the 6 speed in 03...everything else is standard on every CL.
I had a 2003 6 speed No navi that the dealer wanted to give me $19k for trade-in.
I wouldn't pay over $15-16k for an 01, but I'm cheap

 

sounds about right for 15-16k.....specially if you arent getting it from the dealer with a warranty :P

 

Try to find out who the previous drivers were. You don't want one that has been driven by someone who keeps running it into the rev limiter because it "sounds cool".

If you can get one from a dealer that is "certified", that gives some warranty and is worth paying a little extra for.

 

Certified Acuras from the dealer come with an additional 1yr/12,000 mi warranty that is also added onto any factory warranty that remains too.

 

The CARFAX report came out clean. Wouldnt a 01 with 37k miles still be under warrenty for another year? 15-16k for a CL-S, is that possible? Havent seen anything near that price. Ok, I will try to find one for 15-16k.

 

if you are getting one from the dealer certified 18750 is good. buying it from someone for 18750 is too much imo.

 

buy mine for 19,000 with navi and 49k miles, in superb condition

 

Not necessarily 1 year left on warranty. You can't go just by mileage. It is 4yr or 50,000 miles whichever comes first. I think the 4year warranty time frame will run out BEFORE it hits 50,000 miles. If it is a certified Acura it would have a 5 year warranty.
Again, you need to know the 'in-service' date. I believe, 01 CLs were first sold in MARCH of 2000. If it was originally sold, say, in June 2000 the warranty is up, no matter the mileage. The tranny does have the extended 100,000 mi warranty added because of the tranny problems. THe 800 Acura phone number can tell you the warranty if you give them the VIN #.