Ok so I just sold my 5 speed integra and need a new Acura. I found a 02 cl type 6 auto with 77,000 original miles for 6500 obo and have been searching relentlessly to try to learn about the transmission, the recalls, and everything. I have found a lot of contradicting info so I figured I would post. Pretty much I want to know if the tranny has went through the recall, I believe for the oil cooler, is it a decent transmission reliability wise? I have read that some people say simply changing the oil frequently (almost yearly) along with cleaning the external filter is all it takes for them to be reliable. Please let me know what is up with these, and if 03 is any better than 02 as I have also read.

 

no question, save your money and buy an '03 6 speed, unless you have about $3K of disposable money to swap for a new tranny later. The '03 Automatics are no better than 01-02, so when it comes to '03's, only consider a 6 speed. Regardless if it has been replaced, if they added the same generation automatic, you will be at risk.

the only way I would see recommending that particular car is if the auto tranny that was put in came from another car besides a 2nd gen CL/TL, like the popular Odyssey or 06+ TL swaps.

otherwise, buyer beware and your 1st mod should be saving for an eventual tranny swap.

 

Ok thanks, I original only sold my integra to get an accord 6 speed but haven't found one since. I'll keep looking, thank you very much for the response.

 

There was a sick ass deal in my local Craigslist for a taffeta white 6 speed supercharged for $6K. Not sure where you are located or if it's still available but just thought I would mention.

 

I'm in CA, haven't found anything like that. Did find a rsx-s original owner 130k for 7 that I'm looking at

 

Auto Trans are shit, don't even bother buying, its manual or don't buy. Unless you have disposable income.

 

I agree, if you want a CL, the '03 6 speed is the only good choice. Hard to find yes, but worth it, and trouble free. I've had mine 9 years or so and love it...My CLS just turned over 100k miles, still fun to drive. but I want a new car and I'm shopping the Zdx.

I know, much hated and completely different ride. talk about hard to find, the Advance models in the colors I like are rarer than the CLS 6MT.
hope you find what you want.

 

the auto trans may eventually go out, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good car. my 01 had well over 200k miles on the original tranny.

it did eventually go out around 230k miles i think.

 

Mine went out at 82K, crazy, I'm still pissed! I replaced it, but I contacted Acura and got them to cover 45% of the bill, still a ton of money I had to pay!