Hey guys,
I’m new here, actually just signed up tonight and needed some advice.
I am strongly considering buying a 2.2 CL or a 3.0 CL.
I am leaning towards the 2.2 for two reasons, should be cheaper and the other reason is my primary concern and reason for writing: transmission.
I want a standard 5 speed, I do not want automatic and from what I am reading the 3.0 comes in auto only.
Also, I want a 97, maybe a 98 but I’m quite new to researching all this so I’m not all sure.
I have a 95 Nissan Pathfinder and in late August the reverse gear went out. Long story short,
It was just over 2 grand to have the transmission rebuilt !
I have heard that Nissan’s are great cars, but have 100K mile transmissions. Mine was just over 114K at that time.

I would love to get a Lexus SC300 but bottom line is that I would have to get one that is too old to be able to afford it. This is why I am looking into a 97-98 CL but for reasons mentioned above I am adamant about 5-speed.

I located this forum and no sooner do I start reading some of the posts than here is mention of transmission problems !
There is no way in hell I will buy another car without an extended warranty. I had one on the pathfinder and let it lapse. 3 months later is when the transmission went ‘south’. Had I re-upped the extended warranty it would have been a little over $700. Instead I paid over $2K so I will not make that mistake again.
I am still a month away from seriously starting to look but I would rather hear from others that actually have CL’s than to read the Consumer Reports stuff.
Any and all the info you guys can share will be much appreciated !

“reb0101”

reb0101@hotmail.com

 

I *THINK* the transmission problems have only been occurring with the 2nd generation CL's.

 

there were some issues on the 3.0 auto as well ... but not as widespread as the 3.2 auto.