I've got a few questions for you guys. I am on my 2nd 1gen TL and am looking at some options of replacing it soon.

I found a 03 CL-S 6 speed with 109K on it for $7600 that I'd like to check out and had some questions. The car is gray with a black interior and appears to be in stock form.

Do the rear seats fold down?

Are there any transmission problems with the MT like that Auto?

Are there any common issues that I should be on the lookout for?

I am looking for a decent commuter that I don't need to spend a lot of $ on to maintain. I'm currently at 247K on my 96 TL and it runs perfect, I'd like to get similar results out of the next car. I know the car is going to need the 105K service so I'm keeping that in mind as I'm searching that I'll need to spend a considerable amount of money on maintenance right off the bat.

The TL is on its 3rd timing belt

Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

I am somewhat new to this board so I don't know what other 6MT owners issues have had. My CL-S has 128,xxx miles on it and I have owned it brand new from the Dealer with 3 miles on it and I am still on stock clutch. I have absoultely now problems with it except for the regular maintenance done to it oil, filter, tires, etc...

The rear seats do not fold down.

 

Yeah, just looked at the pictures of the rear seat and I can clearly see they don't fold down, we can scratch that question.

Is there a pass through at all?

 

not really a pass through more like a little door about the width of a pair of sneakers side by side, maybe a bout a foot and a half long.

 

Yeah it's pretty small and worthless. You can fit a pair of skis or maybe a couple 2"x4"s through it but that's about it.

 

Is this pass through behind the center arm rest in the back? If I would remove the actual "ski bag" part, it would just be a hole through, correct? That is currently how I have it in my TL, it's nice if I need to go to the hardware store for anything.

 

Ski bag? It's just a small locking opening with a door behind the seat back when you fold it down. You could remove that door but it wouldn't give you any more room.

You can see the width of it here and it's actually smaller then the area shown.

 

There is no "ski bag" its just a plastic door that swings up and down. I didn't like it so I busted it out. Just make sure the clutch feels fine and that both headlights work, those ballists are expensive. If you get the car it will be a nice upgrade. The CLS-6 is proably 3 times faster than a 1 gen TL so be prepared for the sheer powaa!!!

 

I've had faster cars before. The CL is really not my first choice; it depends on the seller's final price if I will get it or not.

Thanks for the responses on the door, that's actually exactly what I have in the TL.

It's just one of those things that I really missed in my GS400

 

-seats don't fold down
-no tranny issues.
-only common problem is the OEM rotors seem to warp a bit quicker than other cars, but better rotors will def help

 

Agreed on the rotors.. I am replacing mine but going with aftermarket this time.

 

in terms of rotors for the CL, aftermarket is the only way to go

 

When I bought my car they had just put brand new Acura ones on. 14k miles later they were warped. I put cheaper aftermarket ones on and now 30k miles later they're fine.

 

I just saw your Sig and saw what rotors you have on your CL-S .. I'll take a look into Rota's.. I was looking at ATE or Powerslots.

 

the Rotora's are pretty good (i bought them from Excellerate when i was in CT a few years back), but i might try something else after these. there are a few good rotor brands for the CL.

edit: actually i might just get a BBK next time i need brakes

 

I like my car overall

as for trunk room I fit a 43" by 81" door in mine :P

ski pass through is nice for longer stuff but I have only used it once for some pipe

nothing major with the 6MT cars just look for your normal wear and tear and make sure it drives well and passes an inspection.

 

to fix the rotor issue just install some 91-96 nsx front calipers or legend front calipers, helps big time on not creating a hot spot on the rotors.

137980 and counting on my original rotors.

 

That CL ended up having 5 owners on the Autocheck. I'll pass on this one.

 

Oooof, 5 owners in 7 years. Wow.