I read most of your posts and discussions about the CL-S, 6 speed for the last month. I can see that most of you know a great deal about cars and have nothing but good things to say about your ride.

I am a few days away from getting a 03 Anthracite 6 speed. I have just a few more questions to ask before taking the plunge.

1) Do you guys have problems with the stock tires? If so, when did you change them?
2) What is this problem about the 'notchy' shifting?
3) Has there been theft problems of any kind for you CL-S owners?
4) What should I look for before I drive it off the lot?

Thanks!

Counting down the days....:P

 

I just got mine on the 21st so I can't really comment on any of your questions, the only thing I have to say about the car is that I have been driving manual trans cars for ~seven years now and this clutch is a little unusual. Seems to me that it is either enguaged or disenguaged its not that smooth. But I have heard that cars with performance type clutches are like that:P

 

1. Stock tires stink.. alot of guys have had road hazzard bubbles in the sidewalls if they hit a pothole and some just noticed bubbles and don't know where they came from..
2. Shifting between 1st and 2nd is basically the syncros in the COLD weather... the weather has warmed up here and I have had no problem when first starting the car... In the cold, it will go away after the car warms up..
3. No theft problmes for me, but go to the Q&A section and go see how to rig up a shock sensor into your factory alarm.
4. Look for less than 15 miles.. if you buy a car over that I am sure it has been test driven and beat.. Check the rocker panels and under carriage for marks, scraps or scrathces from shipping. If your smart you'll do what I did and told them not to to touch the car.. Less than 10 miles and not to take any of the plastic off the interior... They listened i bought it... DO NOT LET THEM PDI the CAR... meaning they wash and wax it... 9 out of 10 times they get wax all over the rubber around the windows and it is a mess.

Smitty

 

I would tell them to put the tape around the sunroof to stop it from making noise...because it will

 

Stock tires really suck, but I'm a cheapo and I'm still using them until they wear. Then I'll put something nice in.

I like the clutch...I'm used to it now, so shifting is not a problem. If you're like me, you'll get used to it and love it. Nice feel to it IMHO.

No theft problems for mine...but never do I really leave it out. Things I'm always worried about are the decals and the headlights. Will you be parking outside or in a garage?

Look for scratches and dimples and stuff in the paint. I had problems with dirt in the paint or dimples on the panels. Have a careful eye and look through at all angles in the light...best is to look at reflections off the paint and look for any distortion. Things to note on the 6MT would be the idle (mine is a bit rough, but it seems everyone else has this on the 6MT CLS), ticking sound from behind the steering column is normal according to dealer too, be sure there are no swirls. They may dealer prep it, but be careful that they end up scratching. My dealer did a good job, except after the spoiler got put on, I have a lot of swirls and stuff on the trunk (rest of the car is fine). Also make sure the fit and finish is to your liking...check the lines and make sure each panel flows together...my hood was not level (if you look at the left side and right side edges, they didn't line up), as was the rear bumper to the left and right rear quarter panels (make sure they line up). If you want more info, please PM me...I've got the Anthracite 6-speed.

 

The car has 35 miles on it and the plastic inside is already gone. I'll take that into consideration when talking about the bottom line. Thanks for the heads up!

 

Originally posted by gsrblack
No theft problems for mine...but never do I really leave it out. Things I'm always worried about are the decals and the headlights. Will you be parking outside or in a garage?

Garaged at night. The only time it will be out is working hours. Should I just take the Type-S decal off? Someone posted that it's rather simple to do. <shudder>

Originally posted by gsrblack
Look for scratches and dimples and stuff in the paint. I had problems with dirt in the paint or dimples on the panels. Have a careful eye and look through at all angles in the light...best is to look at reflections off the paint and look for any distortion. Things to note on the 6MT would be the idle (mine is a bit rough, but it seems everyone else has this on the 6MT CLS), ticking sound from behind the steering column is normal according to dealer too, be sure there are no swirls. They may dealer prep it, but be careful that they end up scratching. My dealer did a good job, except after the spoiler got put on, I have a lot of swirls and stuff on the trunk (rest of the car is fine). Also make sure the fit and finish is to your liking...check the lines and make sure each panel flows together...my hood was not level (if you look at the left side and right side edges, they didn't line up), as was the rear bumper to the left and right rear quarter panels (make sure they line up). If you want more info, please PM me...I've got the Anthracite 6-speed.

I noticed the fit on the front-tire walls were off, perhaps by as little as 2 millimeters. I haven't had a good look at the car under natural sunlight. I will look for the paint marks.

Thanks!

 

Great choice and I love that color, it's harder to find, only offered in 03 on the CL. Got my white 6 speed last month. The clutch does take getting used to but it makes for quick shifts once you are familiar with it. My engine idles smoothly. Mine was used and had 3500 mi so maybe it was broken in, had one owner and got repossessed. Get as many accessories added in the deal as possible they are pricey later - (spoiler is $600 at some dealers, mudflaps are $85). Mine came with the mudflaps and the sunroof visor on already, plus I got an added warranty (5yr/62k/100k) since it was a used 'Certified' Acura. couldn't pass it up. have fun.

 

I absolutely love mine, I bought mine last May, so I've almost been a full year. I havn't had any problems with the clutch, I've loved it since day one, I think the fact that it feels like a real sports car clutch is part of the appeal, I love the way it engages, and I like to laugh when I take it to the dealer, the service guy gets in it, and stalls it, ha ha ha , everytime without fail!

As far as theft, nope, not at all, and I leave my V1 up in the windsheild unless i'm in bmore or philly...

The paint, Zaino the heck out of it, and park far away form everyone else, I have three door dings in one year , but the zaino makes them look pretty, even it is a little ding! (soon to be fixed)

Let us know when you get it! You will LOVE this car...


E

 

1) The stock tires tend to spin easily I'm a cheap bastard, so I'm waiting till they wear out before I get new ones.

2) The Notchy shifting can be attributed to 3 things.
a) People that don't know how to dive a stick.
b) New syncros need to wear in a bit in order for the tranny to be smooth
c) Cold weather will affect the smoothness (warm is better).
d) a little of all the above

3) I've had no problems, put people have reported "losing" their type S badges.

4) If at all possible, pick up the car during daylight hours. Check it for any damage to the paint, rims, etc, etc. as other members have advised. Look for any scratches from instruments that the dealer may have used to remove the plastic on the interior. I've got some minor blems from the dealer removing the plastic.

 

I have not had any notchy shifting. I test drove many manual transmission cars (Audi, BMW, Nissan, Infiniti, MB etc). This is by far and away the best transimission i came across

 

All this talk is making me crazy!

No doubt I have already fallen in love with this car. It was by pure coincidence the dealer got the 6 speed in my color too!

As far as Zaino is concerned, where did you get yours and how much is it?

Thanks,

 

Nice car. Great color choice.

As far as stock tires go, mine seemed to spin a lot. Don't know what caused it but it seems to be related to the accelerator. When I put new tires on (P7000's), the spin went down but is still there when I really punch it (hehe).

Seriously though, what I did was I bought new rims/tires from tirerack.com and keep my stockers for winter. Get some nice summer tires, they will really help.

As far as the shifting is concerned, I agree 100% with Smitty about the COLD weather. It seems that the trans oil gets pretty gummed up and the 2nd gear syncro has an issue sticking. I have noticed that both heat and wear in seems to resolve this. That is, after 5k miles or so, the syncro is much better regardless of temp.

No theft issues here.

As far as pickup I agree again with Smitty and gsrblack, but it looks like yours is already picked out.

GET SOME ZAINO!!!!

 

www.zainobros.com

At minimum, get:

Z2 $12.95
Z6 $9.95
Z7 $7.95
ZFX $19.95

Full price list and order info here:

http://www.zainobros.com/files/order.htm

 

Hell yea! That's freakin' nice!

 

THAT...my friend, is ZAINO!



also check out this pic, it's the truck of my car and side after zainoing one night!







Go out and get it already what is stopping you!?

 

I traded in my 2002 RSX-S the saturday after thanksgiving last year for my 2003 CLS6, satin silver/black. And the best thing I can say about my CLS6 is that exactly four weeks from today, the $10,750 loan plus a little bit of interest (I figure less than $100), it will be paid for!

1. I do not have any issues with the tires whatsoever. The guys have a point about potholes though. Avoid potholes, shit, I avoid puddles! But if I keep the car for a long time (I won't-I have my fingers crossed for the 04 model, and this time I won't be cheap, I will get the navi), I would wear out the original tires then consult the good people here for what to upgrade to. If you remain stock (like me) the tires should not be an issue. It may be that some of the guys here have modded the suspension with better springs, sways and lowered the car, and then NOW the tires suck because the car can out drive the tires. Acura gave us good quality Michelins, not the firestones that the ford suvs get.

2. Shifting. Suprisingly, go find a used 2002 RSX-S six speed and drive that. First to second is absolutely horrible! It is more of a crash, not a shift. My CLS6 has the finest transmission I have ever owned. Beware of the automatics in this car, but from what I have read, Acura has this solved.

3. Theft. No problem, although I must say, I work in probably one of the most affulent communities in Chicago, Glenview, where it is very safe. But last week we had a 98 buick stolen out of the lot in broad daylight. The CLS, 6 or auto is pretty rare compared most, so, we benefit from the "stolen ferrari" syndrome. If you steal a ferrari, what are you going to do with it? Driving it would be sheer suicide, and selling it for the parts would be almost impossible. I would be more worried if I had a real popular car, like an Accord or a Camery.

4. Things to look for. Mine was delivered in fine shape, my dealer is very careful. But , there is a factory issue. I even called Acura about it, because when I noticed the flaw on mine, I saw it on many others. There is a "styling line" on each side of the car that runs between the wheel wells, roughly at a height of the top of the wheels. Check the passenger side of the car FIRST. Compare that line on the door to the line on the front fender. Stand by the door handle for a good angle. Things should be OK. Now, check the drivers side, same way. Don't be suprised if the line differs by about 1/8 of an inch. I didn't even notice it until I owned the car two weeks, but it irked me. Acura will fix it for you free. But when I visited the body shop of MY choice, the solution was to move the fender. This entails breaking the paint on the bolts and breaking sealing mastic on the rocker panel to bet to the fender attach bolts. This is a real concern for corrosion protection, and in the end, I said "leave it alone, I'll live with it". No one else has noticed it, unless I point it out. It's one of those things, that if you fix it, you will probably have more problems somewhere else.

Good choice, and good luck. Post back, and let us know how you like it. I find the dealer system is great. Of course, I have bought 7 acuras since 1992, so, they better treat me well. All 7 were bought from the same dealer. If this is your first Acura, you are in for a treat! Tip: Go to the dealer TONIGHT and ask for the factory supplied owners handbook. They should be able to accomidate you. Know the car inside and out before you get it. I know of too many people who have damaged/wrecked/TOTALED! a car in the first few hours of ownership, just trying to figure out "Gee...how does this thing work?

 

A big thanks to all those who have contributed to this thread so far. It's amazing what I can learn in a few hours! Keep em coming...

As far as Zaino is concerned... I'm sold!

 

Curious, have you already ordered the car or put something down to hold it? Just don't want someone else to buy it before you go in...

 

Unfortunately, no to both questions. I asked the dealer if I could put a deposit down, but they said since it was already on the lot, it was considered a 'stock' vehicle. Is this a baloney answer?

I wouldn't want to see this car get taken by the time I get there!

DAMN DAMN DAMN.... i hope they put it in the back lot and nobody sees it. :P

 

Fear not, you still have time...

 

BTW:

Thanks dude... And not too bad yourself!!!

(Bubba Rubb never gets old!!!)

 

Congrats...

Love my 03 Anthracite 6 speed too...

Tires: On my 01 CLS, had to replace two different tires. And on my new baby, had to replace one already after only 1200 miles

Shifting: As people have mentioned, I've noticed that the notchy shift into 2nd or 4th has gotten smooth since the weather has warmed up.

Rattles: I have at least 4 different type of rattles/squeaks. Driver's door/window, Dash, center console and sunroof. Fortunately they don't all occur at the same time. They are affected by different weather/road conditions. Will have dealer take a look at these in about 3 weeks.

Theft: no problem yet ... cross my fingers...

I got mine with 300 miles on it. If I had it to do again, I would have insisted much lower mileage.

Something worth checking into. My dealership offers CT upgrade on new CLs/TLs. You may want to ask them about this.

-g

 

What's a 'CT upgrade'?

Also, is $727 a fair price for factory installed spoiler?

 

I got my CLS in June and I paid $500 and change for the spoiler and install.
If you go in there and tell them that you'll buy it today if they give you a good price, they may come down in price.

As for the "notchy" shifting, I defenitly have it in my car. It can get bad in the winter. It was bad enough once or twice that I actually had to stop the car before the shifter would slip into second. But, I think my car has a problem with it. Too bad the dealer won't admit it.

Besides that, the car is great. I love driving it.

good luck

 

What defects are some of the tires having, I want to check. My shifter is the teeniest bit notchy-feeling into 2nd early on, only noticeable because the other shifts are so seamless.

I love driving this car! I drove Legend Coupes (manual and automatic) before which I thought could not be beaten. Well... in some ways this car is better, and in other ways the Legend was better to me.
The CLS 6 is hit-you-over-the-head-fun, is smarter and techier and has more features... and the 6 shifter is to die for.
The Legend Coupes have more soul and charisma, but I love my techy CL-S. The 6 speed is the main feature I wanted in this car and I waited since 01 for Acura to make it. There is no way I was going to pass it up esp. when I was reading these may be the last ones. Have fun, be careful, it's fast.

 

I pick mine up tommorrow and I can't wait. I will not be driven to much cause I want to save it just for when it has to come out but I will preserve it as much as possible. I think this car will be a very admired car once they stop making it. I cannot express the love I have for my 02' but I couldn't pass up the deal for getting a 6 speeder especially now that Acura stopped making it. on an excellent car

 

Lou, did you trade in your 02? What color, was it hard to find the 6 speed you wanted? I quickly bought mine last month cause it was used and cheaper and I got a great warranty, I thought used 6 speeds would be rare. I'm not sold yet on the color (white) but it's growing on me and you don't see too many.

 

Tommorrow is the big day but I am unhappy about several things

the car is used so I want to see if they can give me a certified warranty

the color is silver I am a dark color type of hombre you know what I mean

no navi but hey I am not taking this car in no long distance trips its not for its intended purpose.

Overall I strongly believe that once I get it the mod bug will drive me nuts so far I have Brembos 12.4
Titanium bar
Comptech sways
Infinity Basslink
JL audio 300/4 amp with MB quarts fronts and rears Discus series
SSR Comptetion with 235/45 ZR 17 Michelin A/S
Piaa Fogs light that I don't know If I will need.

 

Mine was a certified so I got 5yr/62k/100k warranty. It had been sold and then repossessed. It's great how you can get a longer warranty with the used ones. It had 3500 miles. I like silver but I see more of those than other colors. Good luck.

 

My dealer offers new CLs/TLs with CompTech headers, airbox, exhaust, springs and sways installed.

 

Check the plastic trim around the back windows. mine was over the rubber moulding in some parts. I got it out but there are all kinds of wrinkles now. Also, my car was missing some of those plastic fasteners on the trunk liner...and check what everybody else already said.

and stock tires really suck.

 

It looks like I have a 50/50 chance of getting the car now. After getting the quotes for insurance on this car, I'll have to save even more for the TOTAL auto payments each month!

I need three things for this to work:

1) Dealer still has the car on the lot
2) Dealer doesn't pull a fast one on me and change my quote
3) I can somehow lower my insurance on this car

I'll post more later!

 

I was also worried about getting the car because of insurance because the quotes were so high, but when I took the acutal vin to the insurance people they lowered it alot. I pay 2000 ayear for my coverage

 

I pay 1680 a year for mine, full coverage! 250 deductable

 

Whew! Maybe my insurance isn't that bad after all. I got a quote for 780 for half a year. Thanks for the info!

 

not bad at all! I'd go with it if you can!

I pay like 140 a month for insurance and a whopping 530 for honda finance (OUCH!) But it gets me my ride!

 

A couple of things here. One, only 2,700 2003 cl-s 6 speeds were made, so this is a pretty exclusive car If all fifty states were equally sized and populated, that works out to 54 cars per state.

Two. Insurance. When I traded my 2002 RSX-S for the CLS6, my insurance actually went DOWN by $26 a year. I now pay $1,002 for twelve months of full insurance if I pay it all at once. I think the decrease is due to the RSX-S owners have a "racer boy" image. I guess a CLS shows you have matured a bit. I don't know why you guys are paying so much. Look around and get more quotes. I had country companies for my GS-Rs, 92, 94, 96, 97(type R) and my 2002 RSX-S. Premium for the 92 was $373/six months. The 2002 was $752 for six months. Went to Progressive and I got $1,028 for twelve months. All this with no tickets, no accidents. I am a 51 year old single male, and no one drives the car but me.

Insurance is funny. I was told by more than one insurance guy that over a 20 year period, "you will have, at some point the least expensive insurance you can get, and at another point in time, the most expensive insurance." It doesn't matter which company it is. Make sure the ins. company knows that a, you have a factory alarm system, b, the immobilizer system, and c, that if you unlock the door(s) and do not enter the car in 30 seconds, the car "defends itself" by relocking the doors. The insurance company didn't know about this, and it helped lower the premium.

Stick with big name, reliable insurers. State Farm, Progressive, Allstate, Country Companies, etc. DO NOT USE GEICO. I don't know about the here and now, but 5 years ago, Geico would take 10% of your premium money to buy radar gun systems. They would donate these to police departments, to increase the chances that you would be caught speeding, SO THEY COULD RAISE YOUR RATES! Rotten Bastards.

Finally, enjoy your car. You will love it.

Drive defensively, as if everyone on the road is out to get you, because believe me, they are. We should ALL tend to drive such that any maneuver we make, changing lanes, braking, accellerating, etc. does not make anyone else on the road have to adjust for what we just did.

 

This insurance thing is weird. I paid my 6 month insurance just before I traded in my 01 CLS for the 03 CLS. A couple days ago I got a check in the mail and a revised policy showing that the 03 cost 20 bucks less to insure. I was stunned.

Had the car for just over two weeks; only a few hundred miles, but its a way different car than the 01. I've also had lots of manual shifts before this---Mustang GT, Maxima SE, Accord coupe; this is the best shifter yet. And it really makes the most of the superb engine we have....

Also the car feels lighter and more nimble in the turns than the 01. I also will stick with the factory tires till they wear out.

 

I've had mine for 1 year and 22K miles.

1) Stock tires aren't very grippy as it's quite easy to spin them in 1st and 2nd. Being a cheapskate, I'm still on them but will replace them with another brand/type.

2) Any notchiness faded away with the miles. It's quite smooth now.

3) I've had no theft problems.

4) Look in the rearview mirror for cops.

Ciao