I know most people here have the Type S but anyone have the base?

Does the base have the same tranny issues? this is an '01 btw...looking to do a deal soon so any replies would be greatly appreciated.

Also, anyone regret not getting the type S later?

 

Same tranny, same issues.

01 CL-P owner
.

 

Another PROUD CL-P owner also. Screw Type-S (even though i wish I had it!!). The Cl-P has the same looks, the same...list goes on. So your down 35 HP,big deal. I'm at 44,500 miles on an '01, and the thing couldn't run smoother. Look, save your couple thousand dollars, and buy the CL-P!!! You won't regret it unless you see a deal on the Type-S.

Look, just do what I did: debadge the "3.2Cl" so that no one knows you were too poor for the Cl-S... Trust me, people will love your car, you'll get compliments, and you basically have the S minus 35 HP. Comptech headers can fix that right up!

 

I like my white gauges that only come with the Type S.

Spend the extra thousand bucks for the Type S (it's peanuts in the grand scheme of things). The handling is a little better because of the stiffer suspension too.

I like to do it right the first time. And welcome! Do yourself a favor and learn to use the search function before the vets lay into you. Many questions already have answers.

 

So true, can't be making mistakes when it comes to your money! All I'm saying is that the CL-P is definitely worth it if you can't get a deal on a CL-S. Trust me, I'd love to own the Cl-S, but this is just the way it goes. I spent $14,000 on a 2001 Cl-P w/ only 44,500 miles. This is money well spent b/c this will last really long.
When comparing the Cl-P and the Cl-S, the choice is obvious!!(CL-S, duh). But, when comparing the Cl-P to any other similiar car on the market, like this guy is doing, the choice is also obvious. Get a great deal on the CL-P like I did, and you'll surely be happy...Not everyone can get the Cl-S.

 

true, true. but if it was me, i'd save up for another month or two (i have the liberty of being able to walk to work though).

i must say, you're wise for your age.

 

Thanks, I humbly accept this statement. It's time for the Acurazine to know... I currently rank #1 in my high school class. I love cars, and so many people look up to me on that subject at my school, so its cool to be up to speed with you guys...

 

I have a cl-p and love it. Same tranny issues(I'm on #2).

I did regret not getting the CL-S b/c that is the whole reason I started looking at the CL. I love cars and engines and the CL-S has one hell of an engine. The dealer talked me into a CL-p, that is what they had at the time. Stupid But it did save me some money and some extra HP i really don't need, but would have liked.

 

CL-S > CL-p

Get a CL-S, you'll be much happier with it and if you plan on modding it, it will take better to them. When it all comes down to whp, think about this... Stock, your AT CL-S will put down right around 200whp. The CL-p only puts down about 175whp I believe. It's not bad but if you plan on modding it, you'll only get it up to par with a stock CL-S. This of course is short of going F/I.

The other thing I look at is resale value. If it's not a Type-S, your resale will be even lower than that of the Type-S, which in some areas is low enough to begin with.

There are plenty of CL-S's out there to be had. Do some looking around and you'll find one. I'm certain. Good luck and Welcome to AZ!

 

yeah, i'll get more familiar with the search button. i just wanted to get a quick answer regarding the CL-p (what's the P stand for anyway?)

i might wait for a CL-S since it seems depreciation has taken the most of original $2k difference out of the equation already...

this is gonna be my daily driver most likely. i am tryin to get out of an audi A6 2.7T. it's the same as S4 but bigger. but it's getting to the point where i will have to start fixing everything...if you buy an audi, plan on owning it til death does you part cause resale on those stink too.

oh, one more thing...the acura dealer says that acura is gonna take care of the tranny should it go wrong before 100k. do you think i need to get this in writing (since i will be buying used) or is it so common that they'll just take care of it. (i perused the tranny forum but there is no definitive answer.

 

just for future reference.

P stands for Premium which is less than Sport.

 

I bought my car and the next day the tranny started jerking the whole car and it revved really high but had no power a few times... then my TCS light came on and wouldn't go off. I took it back to the dealer and they knew all about the warranty extension (and it was a Lexus Dealer). They shipped it to the nearest Acura dealer and they replaced it no problem. They called someone at Acura and they looked up my VIN and said my car was covered under the extension, so in my case, I had no trouble.

 

The tranny is covered till 7yrs/100K on the AT's. YOu don't need to get it in writing.

 

This statement alone is my biggest worry. I will have to drop major cash to get "up to par" w/ an already stock car. Like I said before, there really are no deals on a CL-S here in Chicago for the price range I had/have (no more than $15,000), so I'm extremely happy w/ my CL-P for this reason.

If its going to be a daily driver like you said, and your not at all worried about having extra, EXTRA HP, then buy this car now! (I command you...lol). I think its worth a search for a CL-S, but if it doesn't show up, buy this one asap.

One last thing, the power output on the CL-P is 100%, definitely enough. Don't be thinking that you'll be lacking in power; oh, and it will rape your A6. Especially, w/ the sportshift mode (tiptronic), you'll be flying by everyone, trust me, I know first-hand: @ redline, this is what i gathered
1st - 25m.p.h. (not redline, shifts from 1st to 2nd automatically)
2nd -60m.p.h. 3rd - 90m.p.h. 4th - N/A (from me at least)

 

2kwiq, how much are you looking to spend?

 

Did you say chicago!?!?! What school u go to?

And when did you buy your CL? I'm chi-town too and i just brought my 03 CL-S

 

Paizano! (one from your home town in italian)

Yep, I'm in the North suburbs and I go to Notre Dame High School. NO, I'm not gay, lol... So, where are you at? I see from your name you went to UIC. Do you know any other CL owners in chi-town, talk to me man...

 

I just brought my 03 CL-S about 3 weeks ago so I know waht you were going through. I started out interested only in the CL-P but as I went to more and more dealers and did more research I went for an S with Nav. U have to get a Nav! Anyways, here are the major factors and differences that affected my decision.

1. S has 35 more hp but same EPA mpg.
2. S has white speed and rpm gauges. A small plus for me. Not too big a deal.
3. Heres the biggie for me. To me, initially, the P has a nicer interior look. It comes with wood trim and non perforated leather. The rippled non perforated leather and wood trim on doors looks esp nice. Functionally, however, perforated leather is much better. It's more comfortable and transfer heat better so your seats will dissipate heat faster when it has baked in the sun in summer time. It is standard on all new acuras and other luxury cars now. On the S's, there only the dull metallic trim. However, I have learned to like the metallic trim and perforated leather. It has a sleek look to it. However, to the untrained eye, like a hottie female, they would probably ob for the CL-P interior.
4. Another biggie for me is the rims. The P comes with 16"s. The S comes with 17"s and they are nice 17"s. However if you plan on gettin new rims and tires anyways, than you will actually save money here.
5. Warranty was a big issue too. I actually didnt know about the transmission problems were that big of a deal till after i purchased the car and got onto acurazine. This might not be an issue for you if you are buying an 01 since the warranty is over except for the 7yr/100k. Check the vin# with a dealership. They can look up when the car 'left the lot' which is when the clock starts ticking on the manufacturers warranty.
6. There were other issues but im too lazy to type more.

My advice is to shop around alot and get an 03! You should be able to get a good deal. Also, from serving board here, there seems to be less transmission problems with the 03's. Seems like alot of 01 and 02 owners have replaced their transmission 2-4 times already. With the 03, check for the warranty on transmission/powertrain. Early 03 models have an extended 7yr/100k trans/powertrain warranty extension. Later 03 models do not. But that prob means there is less chance of prob with the later 03's though. However if you buy from a acura dealer, check for a certified one. The warranties on those are extended 12 months or 12k miles for bumper to bumper and 7yr/100k trans/powertrain.

Know your price targets. Dealers will jack up the price big time. I looked at a advertised 24k CL-S Nav 03 with 34k miles. Got him down to 20.5k. I think i could have talked him down more if i was really gonna buy it and was payin cash. Dealership will tell you all type of crap about payin cash dont mean anything to them esp for a used car, BUT IT DOES!!!

I think if i had know about the transmission issues i could have used that to talk the price more. I also would have gotten a 6speed from a acura dealer to get the extended warranty for probably only 1k more than wat i paid for my auto, but I'm happy with my purchase.

 

Damn! The Notre Dame all boys/catholic high school on Dempster? I live like 3 miles away in Skokie.

No man, I'm tryin to find peeps. They are tryin to set up a meet in july on acurazine meets board.

Man, you really 16 and you own a CL. Thats pretty damn nice. Hook me up with some hs girls!

 

dude you got it!!! Keep me updated on that meet cause I'm there. Yep, even though it's only a CL-P, it's nice when the ladies think you're older, we all know how that goes, but I have to admit I'm pretty lucky.
...And no, my parents didn't buy the car, I bought it with all my OWN money. Thank God for Dominick's. Yeah that's right, you better believe it...lol
Do you know anyone else in the area??

 

Well, i don't think you've driven a 2.7T then. it's the fastest car I've ever owned. And I've had maximas and the E36 M3. If I was lookin for speed, I wouldn't be lookin at the auto CL. I am just looking for a daily driver. Got a boxster if i feel the urge to row some gears.

I too am looking for something under $15k. I was going to get a IS300, but it fell through so shifted my focus to the CL. didn't know they were this affordable.

hey, mefromuic...anything other cars you look at in this price range?
i am from Chitown as well

 

What!?! all these chicago people coming out of no where...

Anyway, you are my hero. The E36 M3 was my dream 1st car, but it just didn't happen, couldn't find a deal (too high resale value!) that I-6, 240HP, rear wheel drive, 5 speed, long story, but i stumbled on the CL

Yeah, sorry bout the Audi thing, got a little cocky...had no idea it had 250HP mated to the AWD system, sorry, i think i'd be raped in a race, but, since your so close, let's set that up....

as far as daily driver under $15k, CL's prob the best thing around. PLease don't underestimate me for a 16 year old, and anyway, I've been throught the list on autotrader.com for the Chicago area, nothing special, but good luck on the search even though you already found the right car...the CL-P

 

Dude, you're chi-town?!

In that case, i can tell you the exact dealerships and around what price you can get the car for. Well, i guess you and others will tell me whether these are actually good deals or not.

McGrath Acura of Westmont:
03 CL-S 6MT/Navi Satin Silver Metallic
40k miles
Tinted Windows
Factory Spoiler
Engine Compartment looks mint condition
Price: <19.5k You should be able to get this below 19.5k
This was from a month ago.
I think thats a great deal considering its a deal and it will be Acura Certified.
Problem is, it might be sold already. I think i didnt see it on cars.com last time i check a couple weeks ago.

McGrath Acura of Westmont:
03 CL-S Auto/Navi Satin Silver Metallic
34k miles!!!
Engine Compartment looks oldish with rust at one hinge
Mild radiator damage from small rocks
Towing thingie on below rear bumper
Price: Definite 20.5k or below. This was from a month ago.
Good deal from mileage stand point and Navi. Engine compartment condition and radiator damage threw me off. There was also a puddle of liquid under the car when i moved it. Plus the trailor hitch the car did some towing which we know is not good considering this car's transmission. It was brought very early too, like late august 02, which means the warranty will run out earlier. I was gonna buy it anyways but my passy posed strong objection.

There are also nice ones at Acura of Woodfield and Acura of Libertyville. I almost brought a 03 CL-S Satin Silver Mettalic, 42k miles, spoiler, tintied windows, and everything in good condition from the Libertyville one. Price was $19.3k. But i really wanted the Nav.


Actually, the IS300 was one of the first cars i looked at that I wanted to get. They are bit pricer though. A 01 IS300 is equivalent to a 03 CLS price.

I also thought about the Scion tc, the 06 civic si, TL's, accords, and accords coupe. But depending on year and mileage, those will run over 15k. After buying the CL-S, my experience have gained, and am interested in cars i wouldnt have been interested in before. A nice small roadster would be nice. A miata or MR2 spyder. Mazda6, RSX-S, and TSX.

Cars.com is a good site to check. Dealers will post different prices for the same car on different sites. Cars.com usually has the lowest. Its also more user friendly. The ads will usually give you the vin#. You can then call any dealer up and do some due diligence. Like when it was brought off the lot. Whether it did the transmission recall. Etc.

 

, mefromuic knows his stuff...

 

No, not compared to other guys on here.

 

 

so you mean you're not a tech guy, or don't know all the details...there's always someone who knows more...

I meant that you know the chicagoland area and where all the deals are. That takes time to find all that out. You prob. know cause you just bought your CL, but you still know where to look.

hopefully 2kwiq can finally make his decision and truly join this elite group...

hey check out what I wrote in the Chicago meet page, you think that'll work mefromuic??