I was about to get a TL but found out they were riddled with tranny issues. Read some reviews on the CL-S and been seeing some tranny issues also but not as much as TL.

As a student on a tight budget would you guys recommend the 01 CL-S?

 

I would say don't bother...but its your money. I would recommend an accord or an rsx

 

if you're tight on money, grab an econo car, like a civic, or something that is cheap to drive, cheap to maintain, etc

 

2nd these guys. Its a great car, but I wouldn't waste your money on an automatic. If your tight on money I wouldn't spend it on something you know will eventually fail

 

so it's true then? CLs will eventually have tranny failures just like the TL? What else is left then, are RLs good? I did find a nice accord but i kinda wanted to try Acura

 

The auto CL has the same engine and trans as the TL of the same generation. I would stay away and listen to what Justin said.

What's left? Civics, accords, corolla. A 6th gen accord (4cyl manual) is a good buy. The 05-08 RL is a great car.

 

or just get your hands on a 6 speed

 

I'd have a hard time buying a '05-'08 RL when the '09-'12 is just SOOO much better.

 

I would advise avoiding the car that has a guaranteed (sooner or later) transmission failure. For an alternative, the 03 six speed manual is a great way to go and probably would cost you about the same as the 01 with the failomatic.

 

We dont know your story, we dont know your finances.

If you dont have an emergency fund of at least $5k for anything that might happen (medical, house, or car), the smart thing to do, would be to grab a used econo car that gets 35-40 mpg, has a back seat, easy to repair, easy to maintain....etc....

and sorry for the runon.

 

tranny goes out in any car, even econo cars....that's $2k right there.

 

Although there's less maintenance involved, you're still going to deal with trans problems in a Civic, Accord, etc... Honda isn't exactly known for reliable automatics...


but fwiw I've had my CL for >7 years and I haven't had any transmission meltdowns. A lot of guys on the TL section have said they consider these high maintenance transmissions i.e. you gotta flush and change filters often.


Either way if you're a student on a budget I'd just get a corolla or something and call it a day

 

If your heart is set on the CL then the 6 speed is the way to go

 

I'd hold out for a 6-speed or search for a different car. Just not worth the risk with the autotragic transmission.

 

This one : https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/5221584266.html
A little bit higher miles but appears to be well maintained.

 

Nice Find, rare combo!

 

It had the timing belt/water pump as well as the clutch done recently at an Acura dealer. I'd say that's likely a very well-kept car. For $6500 I'd buy it in a heartbeat and sell the one I have now with less miles on it that needs paint and body work.

 

+1

 

Or this : https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/5221783583.html
At that price you can afford the timing belt and it may have already been done, he doesn't say.

 

IMO gas mileage alone doesn't make this a good car for a cash-strapped student... I mean I'm getting about 24 MPG mixed hwy/city, but keep in mind that's with premium.

 

You're right that it doesn't get great mileage. But the premium argument is silly. Premium costs you an extra $2-4 per tank. So you're talking an extra $200 a year for someone that drives a LOT. Even a struggling student should be able to make that up (1 less beer a week).

 

The original poster wanted a CL automatic. Within the framework of his post of getting a CL, it has been suggested that he avoid the problem plagued automatic and go with a manual. If he is cash strapped then he should probably consider other options, but if he is going for a CL regardless, it makes sense to get the more reliable version. imho.

 

Said user also has not posted in over a week, so we're really just talking to ourselves.

 

Buncha Posterbaters!

 

have had my car 10 years, I like it a lot but I will NEVER buy another Honda/Acura again. Their automatics since about 1998 have been less than stellar. with the Average replacement running $3-5K, I'd say pass

 

If something is bad for a few years, it will be never be addressed. *Logic*

 

you need to go into the current model forums... it isn't all roses with their new units either....

 

Meh, either way it's extra money you don't have to spend. I'd think most cash-strapped students wouldn't want to voluntarily spend and extra $4/week on something like gas That's like 7 packs of Top Ramen. Also gas stations around here, premium isn't just $.10/gal over plus. Not sure where it's at elsewhere in the country...

Maybe I'm skewed since I insist on getting no-ethanol. Currently $4.29/gal

 

My CL got me through HS and college on oil changes, new TB, and motor mounts.

Had to replace the spark plugs recently due to water in the gas tank but I don't fault the car for that.

 

This one appears to be a good deal also, plus I really like the color/interior combo haha.
https://slo.craigslist.org/cto/5290159620.html
Can't help myself, as cool as these cars are, it amazes me that they can be had in this price range.

 

Not a bad price for the miles

 

Look guys I don't understand the big confusion on the cl transmission. We all know the second gen CL\TL had transmission problems, the only way to solve this issue is to rebuild the transmission which is not that hard at all. I would recommend getting the service manual for the transmission, which will display how to rebuild it. The major problem with transmission from the factory was the valves inside the valve body of the transmission. To solve this problem you have to break down the tranny and get a wire bush to polish the the valve body ports and change the clutch packs inside the gears. You will also have to replace all the orings and gaskets. Raybestos sells a rebuild kit that with most of what you'll need. There's still the valves that have to be bought, install the rebuild kit and the new valves for the shift valve body and the clutch packs for the gears. Im in the middle of rebuilding mines now and I cant believe that honda would allow something like this happen tarnishing the brand like that.

 

^no

The main problem was LACK OF LUBRICATION for 3rd gear exasperated by the main filter inside the transmission getting clogged with clutch material..

There is a whole investigation sticky in this forum that covers the issue in great detail. Acura had to enlarge cooling passages via a redesigned casing to mostly solve the issue and that cut down on the failures considerably...

Start here and keep reading until your eyes bleed

https://acurazine.com/forums/transmi...tranny-440072/

 

Simply rebuilding it does nothing. The problem is a design flaw. The updates Acura made in newer versions do help but they do NOT solve the problem and there is still a high rate of failure.

The only way to avoid the failure issues is to go with a newer transmission out of a different Honda vehicle than the CL/TL.

 

​​​​​​Anybody know what trans I should replace my factory 01 CL auto with. I heard with Honda Accord, but what year or model and do I need the ECU as well?

 

Use the attachment provided for all the information you need.