I am strongly considering buying a 03 3.2cl-s. My main concern is with the transmission, does the recall fix the problem or are people still having problems even after the recall. In light of this, would it be better to get the manual instead of the auto?

Thanks in advance. The posts on the forum are very informative.

 

All the 6mt owners will say to get the stick. If you can find one at good price it's worth it. The auto isn't too bad. You'd have to check the vin to see if it's included in the recall. Only some 03's were. Check the tranny forum for specific info.

 

I guess my question is if I should really even consider buying this model car. It seems like the new trannys dont actually fixt the problem and that this problem will be recurring. Does the manual version of the car not have this problem?

 

the manual does NOT have this tranny problem.

 

If you don't mind shifting, definitely get the 6 speed. Very few were made, it's fun to drive, trouble free. Honda makes the best shifters. Just depends on what you like to drive. Of the failed automatic trannies, quite a few had more than one tranny replaced.

 

Although a bunch of the autos were problem free, I don't think it's worth the chance. Every mod you do, you'll be worried that it'll push your trans to the limit. It's just up to you on how bad you want an auto and how much you are willing to spend (for 6 spd) vs the amount of headache you may put up with by going with the auto.

 

thanks. I will be looking for the six speed. I found this car which looks good:

car

edmunds lists the TMV here:

edmunds price

In your opinions, would it be reasonable to pay 17k for the car? Is it harder to negotiate manuals instead of the autos because of the reliability issue?

Thanks again.

 

It will be harder to negotiate on a 6MT simply because they are very rare compared to the 5AT, and also because of the issues with the tranny. 17K would be a decent price for that car but it could be difficult to get the dealer to come down 5K. Good luck with the hunt.

 

also, i found the carfax here:

carfax

this car has had many title transfers. And ideas why?

 

Demand for manual shifters is low so you can get a good deal on the CLS even tho they are sought after. I saw a red one sit at the dealer for months.
If you buy from an individual in a smaller town you can get a good deal.

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-parts-sale-361/closed-sale-2003-cl-s-6-speed-58-000-miles-some-mods-%2417-999-a-328651/ <--here's one to look at since the other CL is in MD, this might be worth a look as well.

 

Looks like one person leased it and turned it in at the end of the lease. The leasing company sold it at auction to the dealer who has it now.

Retail price is $18k +, if you can get it for $17k it's a decent deal.