I went to check this out as an insurance comparable for mine (see New Mufflers) as it was listed at $6500 at a Kia dealership. The grizzled salesman says it's going to wholesale, which probably means soon! 183,202 miles. Autotrader: <https://preview.tinyurl.com/rwvqlto>

This thing doesn't look too bad. The paint job is still good except for some minor discoloration on the front bumper. A little rubbing might clean that up. No rust on the rear wheelwells. The body looks straight. (Disclaimer, I am not a mechanic or body guy.) One thing that jumped out at me was the lack of curb rash on the wheels. That's impressive! I should buy it just for the wheels. I didn't climb in the bushes behind it to take a better look, but the back looks OK, too. There's a good chance this car was well taken care of, evidenced by the good paint, good body and clean wheels. The inside (tan) looks good except for the small tear in the driver's seat. I didn't crawl under it.

The "grizzled salesman" said it wasn't for sale. He said it needed a lot of work and I asked what. He said tires and brakes. The tires are good for a while. I'd guess 5/32nds. We didn't start it, or anything. I asked him what he thought he'd get and he said $1,000 or $1,500. If this goes for $1,000 or less, "as is", I'd be glad to help someone get it. However, I think he'd like to back up his "as is" with a 38, meaning "no backsies." Whatever happens, I think it's going to happen fast.

Dayton Kia, Chuck Rylander, 937-237-1000 - I-70 & I-75 in Ohio.

I'll stick one picture up here and the others at <synchisis.net/red03>

 

Hopefully it finds a good home!

 

Not bad, not bad. Miles are up there, but could be a fun project for someone.

 

Realized if I saw this at the pick-a-part place I'd kick myself. Went back and crawled under it. The mufflers not only look very good, it may have a new CAT! Really nice underneath. I'd say this car was garaged. I looked under the rear wheelwells for rust and didn't find any. (I am not a body guy!) Did a CarFax on it and it came back good,
with the first owner 2002-2015, then two short time owners since. The passenger seatback is leaning all the way back. Is it broken?

Looked closer at the front bumper and that isn't going to rub out. There's a little blemish at the point of the hood and a small,1/8" blemish on the spoiler. The rear looks fine. Took some more pictures but can't get them off my phone.

Went back to talk with the salesman and he, all of a sudden, thinks it's worth a lot! I said I wanted it for a parts car and if he was interested to call. We have a big auto auction too near and I may sign up there. That could be a big time-killer, but could score well. And, there's a newish pick-and-pay lot down by Costco.

 

I'd say if you could get it for a good deal it's worth it. The re-spray on the bumper and spoiler is a hard thing to match, but the right person could get it close. Most likely will need a new paint job.
I've put in 2k on mine so far and i've got at least that in paint and body coming up.

 

There are three things to keep in mind when buying an 03 CLS 6MT at that milage that I've had to deal with.

1. Valve adjustment - $300
​​​2. Timing belt/waterpump/oil pump seal - $1900
3. Clutch/flywheel/RMS - $2000

Other than that, all the other maintenance would take a weekend to do. Pricing for those was with OEM parts and done by an Acura technician but not at the dealership.

 

^
Use the AISIN TKH001 timing belt kit and LUK 08047 clutch kit and LUK DMF063 flywheel and save BIG$$ over the OEM parts costs. The best thing about these is that they are made by the same manufacturer that makes the branded acura / honda parts for 'gobs' less.

 

I would say #1 and #2 on your list can be done in a weekend with basic hand tools for less than $300. Granted, the clutch and flywheel + RMS is not something most DIY'ers will tackle at home, but... these things can happen regardless of age or car. It's the price you pay for shifting your own gears.

I think what would keep me away from a car with that many miles on it is condition and maintenance records. If it looks like it was poorly taken care of or sloppy work was performed, stay away!

 

I believe the AISIN kit uses a Mitsuboshi Timing Belt whereas the OEM belt is definitely a gates belt. <-- Says the guy who just changed his timing belt this weekend

 

Correct, and it is made in Thailand. IMHO, not a big enough issue to split hairs over. Now if we were talking about the water pump, that's another discussion.
To add 'insult to injury', the Gates branded kit, GATES TCKWP286, arrives with your USA made Gates TB; however, it supplies a water pump and tensioner made in China, go figure.

 

I do the TCK286 kit and just purchase the AISIN WP separately. OEM/OEM that way. But Agree 100% the WP in the gates kit is crap.

 

regardless of the work needed, somebody should save it. That car is not even totaled.

 

Those prices are full retail. Dealers don't even charge $1900 for a timing belt and water pump. The seal is easy once you've got it all down. I'm glad people are afraid of repairs. Keeps the stream of great used cars steady and cheap.

 

Been keeping an eye on this red Cl, thinking I could pick it up at auction. Now, it has a price on the window. Probably should not have mentioned it here.... What I'm thinking is pick it up for under $1,000 and offer it here. As mentioned above, this car should be rescued. Will continue to try and keep an eye on it. Original owner was up in Marysville, O where it was made.

 

Did you say red CL-S 6MT?

 

Yes

 

After looking at some equivalent used mufflers and getting a good "temporary" job of repairing the split pipe joints, I stuck with the mufflers I had.

Now pondering a civil response to my insurance company's offer to total my car for $2,000. Intermediate term is to find another insurance company. (I remember when I had State Farm on my LeMans that was older than this and they said "get it fixed and give us the bill." Not sure State Farm is still the same company, either.)