I currently drive a 1990 300ZX. After many years of wonderful driving, it is time to buy a new car. (I was thinking of waiting for the 350Z, but I really want some back seats)

I am looking to purchase a 2002 CL-S. I went to the dealership and inquired about a black w/ tan interior w/ navi. He was able to find one with all but the navi. He stated that he looked in his computer and there is no black/tan 2002 CL-S with Navi east of the Mississippi (I am in Atlanta). He also said that Acura is making no more 2002's, so I would have to wait for the 2003 model year. Is this true?

Also, if I decide to go with the 2002 (no Navi), what should I pay? I have heard that there is a current factory to dealer incentive of $1,000 on the CL's. Also, the 2003's will be coming out soon. The normal invoice is $28,002 ($27,002 w/ incentive), so I was thinking of offering about $28,000 (~4% profit over adjusted invoice). Does this sound about right, or will I get laughed off the lot? Any other good haggling strategy would be appreciated.

If I do buy one (I really want to), what are the best bang-for-you-buck mods that I should do first?

Thanks.

 

Is your 300ZX n/a or TT? If its a TT i might have a buyer for you, my friend really wants a TT, right now he has a n/a Z. How many miles are on your car? and where do you live?

 

28,000 seems pritty good, go for it!

 

I know where you can buy a “nearly new” RED one. (see sig)
It has the NAV system and all.
Spend the money you have left over for the MOD’s you want to do.

But seriously...................

If you are set on new, I would wait for a 2003.
Is your 300ZX a manual tranny?
If it is, and you’re used to stick shift I would wait and get a 6-Speed manual.
I’m guessing that coming off a car like that you prefer to shift on your own for performance driving.

Shawn S

 

Look around for a lightly used 2002. You may be able to save a ton of money as the re-sale is not the best.

Then, with the money you save, get an extended warranty and MODs.

IMO

 

My Z is a manual non-TT. However, I plan to keep it and one day do a complete restoration.

I don't feel like waiting for a 2003 (I am too impatient). I will look around for a slightly used 2002, but, Eggplant, if you got one with navi for $28,500, I will try to get a new one without for $27,500.

A couple of more questions. First, is a spoiler worth it? It looks good in pictures, but how does it look in real-life? Does it change any of the performance aspects of the car?

What about the tires? When I test-drove it they were kind of loud.

Also, I have heard sbout some problems with the transmission. Is this something I should worry about, or were the problems limited to the 2001 and beginning of 2002 runs?

 

Well, to answer some of your ?s, the tires suck big time, notice I have done no mods to my car, excpet that. Second, the tranny is an issue, which can be avoided if you wait for the 6 speed. However, I would not get the six speed only b/c I like the VSA and adjustable heated seats. The tranny is not really something to worry about, just be sure to get the extended warranty. Third, I love the spoiler, and its just looks, doesn't help performance at all. Finally, don't buy used. You don't know how the previous owner treated her, its not worth the $$$ IMO. Oh, and, BTW, 28k sounds a bit high. I would actually start at about 26.5, as the new 2003 is coming out and dealers want 02s to go away. You could prolly even go lower than 26.5, but not much. Just for referance, I bough my car in April of 2000 for 29k, so don't go above 27. Hope that helps, and I'll tell you, this car is great.

 

Jump on the 6-speed manual IMO. I'm dying to drive a stick again, but many folks get inot a CL for the luxery not the performance, hence the auto choice.

Mods.....tires and sways is what I'm after. After that I'm going to spring for springs. All Comptech please.

But....all in all for an '02....if you have good credit, you should be able to stretch to 27500 with navigation. See..I had NO credit (as I just graduated from college) so I paid outta my ass (still am..need to re-finance).

Good luck and enjoy your Acura experience....whatever you do.

 

Thanks, Addict. That is some of the best and most practical info I have gotten.

 

Glad to help

 

When does the 2003 come out? I think I heard April.

 

mid-February

 

Not to be the "Master of the Obivous" here, but you do realize the CL-S is FWD, right? It ain't gonna drive like the Z no matter what you do to it. FWD is FWD. You can dial a lot of understeer out, but at the end of the day, you still plow.

As long as your looking for a bang-for-the-buck cruiser and not a corner carver, you're in good shape. I'll give it that much. It sure has been a comfortable way to get around for the last two years.

BTW, I am waiting for the 350Z. Put my pre-order in this weekend for a 6MT Touring, Silverstone/Charcoal, non-nav.

 

i read march.

 

I got an email yesterday to pre-order a 350Z. It is tempting, but I think I am willing to give up some of the cornering ability for a little more practicality. I feel that the CL-S is a good blend of both.

It my take some getting used to, going from RWD to FWD, but I think I could get used to it.

 

Shawn said that when he preordered his, the salesman said the first ones would be there in Feb, wanna chime in Shawn?

 

Which dealer did you go to?? Last time I was at Nalley they seemed to have a few there...

 

Six Speeds?

 

No, no, just '02s...

 

Phew, I was about ready to go for a ride.

 

I was in your same situation. I had a sports car (93 Cobra), but I got sick of it and I wanted something more along the line of a sport luxury car. I test drove the IS 300=I don't like 4 door cars, Audi TT=I hit my head when I was getting in, BMW 328CI=Too expensive to match what the CL had all around.

 

I heard the end of feb.

 

I ordered a RED one in December with no promised date.
I changed the order to BLUE two weeks ago and now they say the RED one will be in mid Feb.
But, since I changed my order I have to wait for the next allocation which looks to be mid March.

I would guess they will start showing up the first or second week of Feb.
If you are particular about color or NAV option you have to wait a bit more.

Shawn S

 

Scalbert,

I was looking at Acuracarland. They had a lot of '02 CL's on the lot. It almost seems that they had almost as many CL's as TL's.

 

So did you make up your mind on what car to get? Are you going to get the 03 CL 6 speed?

 

No decision yet. I am going to look this weekend.
I think I may get a better deal on a 2002 now, versus a 2003 in a month.

 

In March the G35 will come out. It is a 4 door Z car. But I'm betting that the CLS will be waaay cheaper out the door.

I like the blue CLS better than the Red

 

hte header is cool.but costly..the spring and rims...intakes..sound system.. my cls is all stock..and one of my buddy is having a 90 300ZX TT too..heavily mod....and he is thinking of selling it too

 

I am now the pround owner of a new 2002 Acura CL type S. It is black with tan interior. The spoiler is being installed next Saturday.

Any advice on how to break this car in? Any special things to consider? When can I run her at full throttle? When should I first change the oil and transmission fluid?

What is the best for cosmetic care?

The Acura ended up being just slightly ahead of the Impreza WRX. (That is a very, very fun car to drive, but a little lacking in the interior department)

 

Take it easy on the brakes and the engine for the first 1000 miles. For exterior care the general consensus is to either use Zaino or Blackfire. People change their fluids at various rates, many change every 3000 miles.

Edit: Oh yeah, congrats on the new car