First of all I'm 18 and I haven't even had a "car" yet (`98 dodge dakota currently). I know very little about car modding but my dad has a decent understanding. Next year is my senior year and I'm looking for a car that will last me through college, and maybe a couple years after. I want a car that is comfortable to drive ie. leather seats, pretty comfortable ride ect. Thats why I looked into the later model acuras (cl and tl). That is really my first question, what are the benefits/cons between the tl and cl? Also I have never driven a manual tran. (Willing to learn though) how much performance difference would I see between a manual and auto, 0-60 time 1/4 time? Also how much more hp could I squeeze out of the cl or tl with about another 2-3 grand?

EDIT

Oh and to clarify I'm looking specifically at 2000-2003 cl and tl type S's.

 

The CL is 2-door and the TL is 4-door. The 6-speeds were only available on the CL-S in '03. The autos have tranny problems, so try and get a 6-speed. Both cars are very comfortable and will last you a while if properly cared for.

 

ok its gonna be 2001-2003 CL/TL. make sure you go with a Type-S and not a Cl/TL-P, most dont label the premium models....just no "S" emblems. thats important thing number 1.

if you got the right amount of money to spend which is up to you, we can keep that private, then this is your car! I would go with the CL: has plenty of room, is a 4seater, and is more sporty and rare than a TL, but basically same cars the TL and CL are.

ok CLS/TLS get 195hp at wheels with the 260HP motor. The 6speed manual [only CL] gets 215HP to the wheels [it has the same 260hp engine but loses less power through the drivetrain].

we'll all tell you a 6speed CL is the way to go!

with mods, 2-3is enough! get 1.Comptech headers [$1300] 2.Comptech Cold Air Intake [$300] 3. UR crank pulleys [$300] 4. probably brakes and suspension to go with those.

those 3 will get you about 235Whp on auto, but about 250 on the manual tranny.

that should get you started: great cars, great potential, and great reliabilty. a mid mileage car will last you through college!

 

Uh... 2 extra doors and a full back seat... (if she's 18 too)

But besides that, welcome to the forum, hope you do pick an Acura, you'll love it. For 2-3 Grand you can do ALOT with a TL or CL, but definitely start off with a Type-S. The automatic transmissions had a recall on them, so watch out for problems and replacements, make sure you know what you're getting into. 2003 CL-S 6 speed, the only year they made it... Get the 6-speed, you'll be wishing you did if you don't.

Oh, and the website's search function should be your friend.

 

Price for the car is not a huge issue, but something around 12 grand. I looked quite a bit but I'm not finding any manual's for either tl or cl. Was the auto tranny recalled on the tl also?

And ok so I could add another 35 hp or so but what is the stock 0-60 time and modded 0-60 time? I have seen conflicting numbers for the times thats why I ask.

 

try to stay away from the autos mainly because of the tranny headaches. so basically leaves you with one option if you really want one of these. the 03 cls 6mt. i believe stock type-s 1/4 is high 14's to low 15's and depending how modded i've read as low as high 13's. welcome to the wonderful world of acura.

 

I'm not finding any manuals anywhere near where I live so are there any alternatives to the cl-s?

 

The manuals are gettin harder and harder to find. The only alternative is to travel far if u really want a manual, or get the auto.

 

Since I want to keep it awhile 6-7 years I don't know if i wanna risk the auto. What do you guys think about the rsx type s? It looks like it is 0-60 in less than 7. Or what else is there outside of an acura for what im looking for?

 

0-60 in less than 7 for the RSX-S? Unless its heavily modded, I don't think so..

 

The RSX is a fine car it just has a punishing ride. If you must get one, buy a Type S model with the higher hp motor and the 6 speed. If you can, get the A-SPEC suspension on it as this settles the ride down a lot and makes it a better car in my opinion. A 6 speed CL-S is worth looking for and it's a car you can drive no problems into your mid-20s.

 

You may want a 4 door. It's easier to haul your friends around in.