Prepping CLS for sale - what things to fix?
05-08-2013, 12:57 PM
#1
CLS 6MT Navi
Thread Starter
Prepping CLS for sale - what things to fix?
I know it's a tradeoff of how much to spend on the car vs how much more it would sell for, but I wonder if I should have cosmetic or mechanical work done.
It's in great shape overall, no major issues. (2003 CLS 6MT -105k mi.). I got it at 7500 mi. I've done the timing belt, but it needs new struts and a front/top? motor mount. Driver's seat bottom leather has wear, and has multiple door dings. Drives great, does have some front end noise due to the struts or mount.
What would help it sell the most? I would disclose all repairs needed to buyer.
It's in great shape overall, no major issues. (2003 CLS 6MT -105k mi.). I got it at 7500 mi. I've done the timing belt, but it needs new struts and a front/top? motor mount. Driver's seat bottom leather has wear, and has multiple door dings. Drives great, does have some front end noise due to the struts or mount.
What would help it sell the most? I would disclose all repairs needed to buyer.
Last edited by 123456SPEED; 05-08-2013 at 01:01 PM.
05-08-2013, 02:41 PM
#2
fix it and drive it? those repairs are not that hard for a DYI guy
05-08-2013, 02:47 PM
#3
No TL until I have kids!
My CL-S 6MT needed a fair bit of repairs when I bought it, and the lowered price reflected the effort that I had to put in.
Honestly, since the CL-S 6MT is a bit of a sought after car, you are likely to run into people who know what the car is. Since the timing belt service is done, that is a great advantage to you.
I would leave the cosmetic issues such as the seat wear and the door dings as is, unless you have a hookup on Paintless Dent Removal. Things such as dents are to be expected with time, and a 2003 CL would have been built roughly 11 years ago.
As for the front end noise, you may want to address that. While you may be able to find a buyer who is handy and willing to make the necessary repairs, many people want a turnkey car. A potential buyer may lowball you because of the repairs needed.
You could try to sell it as is, at a lower price to reflect the work needed, and make all of the problems known in your for sale ad. Because the CL-S 6MT is a sought after model, you may be able to find a buyer who is mechanically adept and is willing to take the car on as is. If that does not work, you could fix the front end noise and then put it up for a higher price.
Perhaps a potential buyer may be the type to be fine with the problems, and just buy upgraded suspension and mounts. Perhaps a potential buyer may want a quite mechanically sound turnkey car, if they are going to spend the sort of money that a CL-S 6MT would command.
Let's throw some random numbers out. Let's say that it needs $500 worth of work. It is not likely that the buyer will be like, "I would pay $x,xxx if it did not need those repairs but am willing to buy the car for exactly $500 less because it needs exactly $500 worth of work." It is more likely that they would want to buy it for $750 or $1,000 less because of the effort that would be needed to get it up to snuff.
The buyer's level of mechanical knowledge will play into how much money they deem that the car needs in order to fix those problems. They could see it as the price of parts, or the price of parts and labor. They could be the type who is perfectly content with it as is, and is ready to buy upgraded suspension and mounts. Not everyone is that way though. Some people just want to pay their money and have a car that is ready to go from the minute they get it registered.
However, the front end noise may serve as a turnoff to some potential buyers, unless you find someone who is handy, ready, and willing to take it on as is. Hope that this helps.
Honestly, since the CL-S 6MT is a bit of a sought after car, you are likely to run into people who know what the car is. Since the timing belt service is done, that is a great advantage to you.
I would leave the cosmetic issues such as the seat wear and the door dings as is, unless you have a hookup on Paintless Dent Removal. Things such as dents are to be expected with time, and a 2003 CL would have been built roughly 11 years ago.
As for the front end noise, you may want to address that. While you may be able to find a buyer who is handy and willing to make the necessary repairs, many people want a turnkey car. A potential buyer may lowball you because of the repairs needed.
You could try to sell it as is, at a lower price to reflect the work needed, and make all of the problems known in your for sale ad. Because the CL-S 6MT is a sought after model, you may be able to find a buyer who is mechanically adept and is willing to take the car on as is. If that does not work, you could fix the front end noise and then put it up for a higher price.
Perhaps a potential buyer may be the type to be fine with the problems, and just buy upgraded suspension and mounts. Perhaps a potential buyer may want a quite mechanically sound turnkey car, if they are going to spend the sort of money that a CL-S 6MT would command.
Let's throw some random numbers out. Let's say that it needs $500 worth of work. It is not likely that the buyer will be like, "I would pay $x,xxx if it did not need those repairs but am willing to buy the car for exactly $500 less because it needs exactly $500 worth of work." It is more likely that they would want to buy it for $750 or $1,000 less because of the effort that would be needed to get it up to snuff.
The buyer's level of mechanical knowledge will play into how much money they deem that the car needs in order to fix those problems. They could see it as the price of parts, or the price of parts and labor. They could be the type who is perfectly content with it as is, and is ready to buy upgraded suspension and mounts. Not everyone is that way though. Some people just want to pay their money and have a car that is ready to go from the minute they get it registered.
However, the front end noise may serve as a turnoff to some potential buyers, unless you find someone who is handy, ready, and willing to take it on as is. Hope that this helps.
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justnspace (05-08-2013)
05-08-2013, 03:37 PM
#4
CLS 6MT Navi
Thread Starter
Thanks, yes the front end needs to be fixed before I sell. but one place wanted I think $1500 for all 4 struts and a motor mount. There's no engine vibration so I think the noise is the struts, mostly turning on inclines. I'm gonna get some more estimates.
Has new brakes, new battery, tires are 2 years old. If I spend much I would be inclined to keep it longer. It is still a Great car but after 10 years I want a change.
not a bad dilemma, we all know how great the CLS MT is, and I'm glad I got to enjoy it for so long.
Has new brakes, new battery, tires are 2 years old. If I spend much I would be inclined to keep it longer. It is still a Great car but after 10 years I want a change.
not a bad dilemma, we all know how great the CLS MT is, and I'm glad I got to enjoy it for so long.
05-08-2013, 05:04 PM
#7
^ i just had my front and side mount replaced and it cleared up all of the noise in the front end of my car 2002 CL-S 118K miles
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05-08-2013, 05:44 PM
#8
No TL until I have kids!
I bet that, if you ask enough of your friends, you will be able to find someone with the skills to help you diagnose what's what with the CL, and find a suspension guy or gal to get the front end sorted out for you.
Perhaps you can post on the AcuraZine regional forum for your area! I know that there are people out there who can help you through this without resorting to paying hourly labor rates. Suspension is honestly not all that complicated, and I KNOW that somebody can help you through this in a more affordable manner than a dealership or mechanic on the clock could.
05-10-2013, 08:36 AM
#9
Couple of things-
1. Absolutely fix the front end noise. You are more likely to find a seller quicker without haggling if that's addressed. I steered away from several CLS6 when I was in the market years ago because of that, and that's that I can usually fix the issue myself. Most people don't want major hassles when purchasing a "new" car.
2. Post a wtb thread in the black market. I see people basically giving away their original shocks/struts and usually they have low mileage on them. Another route would be a local junkyard. I just got both front struts with springs and mounts for about $60. Then all you have to do is a straight swap whe you replace it.
3. I would def do this work myself. Post a thread to see if anyone is local and just provide some beer and food, you'd be surprised how quick help arrives when you mention free beer!
Good luck and if you need any advice just ask!
1. Absolutely fix the front end noise. You are more likely to find a seller quicker without haggling if that's addressed. I steered away from several CLS6 when I was in the market years ago because of that, and that's that I can usually fix the issue myself. Most people don't want major hassles when purchasing a "new" car.
2. Post a wtb thread in the black market. I see people basically giving away their original shocks/struts and usually they have low mileage on them. Another route would be a local junkyard. I just got both front struts with springs and mounts for about $60. Then all you have to do is a straight swap whe you replace it.
3. I would def do this work myself. Post a thread to see if anyone is local and just provide some beer and food, you'd be surprised how quick help arrives when you mention free beer!
Good luck and if you need any advice just ask!
05-14-2013, 04:22 PM
#12
I think you should fix it up and keep it knowing how long these cars go for. I would love to buy it but you are too far away from me.
Admin edit-You can't post it in this forum either. You will have to wait until you can access the Black Market. Welcome to the forums.
Admin edit-You can't post it in this forum either. You will have to wait until you can access the Black Market. Welcome to the forums.
05-15-2013, 02:23 PM
#13
Burning Brakes
It's nice to see an old familiar name around here. I sold my CL6 in Oct 2011 and fixed everything that needed to be done beforehand. I do miss that car a lot. I like the Jeep I have now more, but I miss owning the CL. Just like you, it was time for change. If I had a spare garage and could do it again I would have kept it as a side car. The CL is too reliable for its selling price. Just my 
05-17-2013, 11:29 AM
#15
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