Well, we all know the plusses of the six speed, but not that many of us have traded our cars in.

What would it have taken for the rest of you to have considered trading in?

Here's my list, trying to be as realistic as possible even though I understand much of this would constitue a new car:

The 03 would have had to have been:

1. RWD or AWD with better weight distribution (This is the one that is obviously the least realistic)

2. About another 100lbs off of the 6 speed weight

3. Better tires with slightly wider rims to accomodate fatter tires. 18"s would have been a plus, but not necessary.

4. Larger, more powerful brakes

Numbers 2-4 really aren't too much to ask (although the weight savings might be tough).

In reality, if the 03 had just numbers 2-4 I would have had a tough time not thinking about the trade in. The only difference would be that is would still be the same front-driver, although much improved.

Had the car changed to AWD or RWD (I realize this is unrealistic), I would have traded it in.

 

I'd add to that an attractive change in styling and more torque lower on the tach.

 

The bottom line is that driving a stick is a completely different driving experience.

 

I don't know if I'd like to drive stick in everyday traffic

 

It's just something you get used to.

 

Bingo! For a daily driver I am more than happy with my auto CL. The only way I will have another manual is as a second car, which I'm looking into...SR20DET :hint: :hint:

 

What I am looking for:

1) 300+HP
2) AWD
3) 6-speed SMG
4) NAV
5) 4-doors
6) Cost less than 40K!

 

If I had the means, I'd be driving a 6speed right now, because I know it can handle power mods better than our 5auto and the gearing is much better. I'd also be in the process of twin-turbo'ing it.

 

Actually, the bottom line is that MOST people that already own an automatic CL-S (which are 99% of CL-S owners on this forum) can't justify the cost of trading to a 6 speed.

If I still owned my CL-S and wanted to trade it for a 6 speed, I certainly wouldn't buy another CL-S. I'd probably go for the G35 Coupe instead. I'd never buy the same exact car (sans trannsmission) twice in a row.

 

 

MONEY!!! If I didn't just buy my house last month, I would have been in a 03 6spd. I got a great deal on one at Radley Acura, and I wasn't going to take a hit, just a thousand down. Now, I just don't care. I like my car, next car will not be the same damn car. I am looking into RWD, SMG, 333hp, 18s with a sub-zero 60 times. HMMMMM???? M3 sounds like that! hehe

 

Yeah, me too..... until mine exploded

Now I'm looking to get back into a Japanese engineered vehicle.

As much as I love Bimmers, they're just not nearly as reliable as Japanese cars.

I even loved my E36 M3, but that car also had it's share of glitches......

 

We can all dream can't we!

 

Hmmm good call. Two months ago before I knew anything about the G35 Coupe, I wouldn't have given a second thought and just gotten a 6speed CLS. Now that the Coupe is out or will be out soon, I'd probably go with that. RWD. Woot.

 

Tom2 - Exploded! DAMN I am so looking into a 02 M3 that i can almost taste it. HOWEVER, is that a typical problem with the bimmers OR are the numbers like us with the tranny? If I got a m3 it would mainly be for show

 

There's no way of knowing the numbers, but from what I've been seeing, it seems like the new M3 engines are flawed (bearing clearances too tight) by design.

However, it seems that BMW has alread increased the bearing clearances and oil viscosity on the newer M3 engines being built

We'll see if that stops the problem down the road......

 

I want one, but I don't want one that bad.

 

Money. Don't want to take the big hit after owning a new car for 1 year, then buying another new car (another hit). Deprecation of 2 new cars in about a year. If my car was 2-3 years old, maybe I would buy a manual. But not a CL after viewing this ...

http://members.telocity.com/~thegoods/G35Coupe.jpg

I think I would go with a Z or G35. 31k for a manual CL is too much (I paid 28k for an auto). For 31-32 I'd get a 350Z performance. I'm not sure what a G35 coupe will cost. I don't need the back seat or FWD. Now if I could get a 6-speed CL for 28k .... it would be a more difficult decision: 350Z Enthusiast or a CL?

 

Either you are a manual transmission driver or not. All those "I have to drive in traffic" statements are just BS. Just say that you like automatics. ITS OK.. I will not ever buy an automatic (AND NEVER HAVE). Oh and I'm 54. What I am waiting for is to compare the 6 speed CL to the 6 speed G35. The CL 6 speed is the best manual trans. I have ever driven with a V-6. This is very important to me and we will see how the G35 stacks up (even with better weight distribution which is important.

 

Not many people actually answered the question on what it would've taken from Acura in the '03 in order for them to trade up.

We all know that you would take a big hit monetarily-- that's why I posed the question.

 

there is nothing acura could have done short of give me a six speed. it's a great car but it's like the very last thing on my mind. i am very satisfied w/ my car.

 

I agree with Tom2 (for once)

I love cars too much to purchase the same one with a different tranny. Sure, I would love to have one, but the money does not justify the difference in cars. IMO

-Ash

 

But that's just it - I would trade up, but I don't have the money.

 

Im' seriously thinking about trading up. If i switch i will get the 6MT w/ navigation. I'll wait and see what news i hear about the redesigned TLS before I make the jump.

 

Well to answer that in IMO, it would be nothing. Done with the cls when I get rid of it. Nothing acura can do now will make me buy the 6spd. :P I am not usually loyal to one car maker. If I like the car I buy it.

 

call me crazy but I LOVE MY 5 SPEED AUTO!

 

Increase supply (to lower demand/price) OR price a 6 speed cheaper than the auto.

I don't buy 'limited production' cars at 'limited production' prices. But, to each his own.

I know it is old school, but an automatic usually cost more (500-1000). Plus no VSA or TCS. (I know Acura has it's reasons for the price.)

At 31k, it is not a bargin too me. I would rather buy a Z because of the price and my needs. But, everyone is different.

 

What will make me buy? Just what they did. Add a manual option. I would have bought an 01 CL if a manual was available. I hesitate now because the G35 has come on to the scene. The better weight distribution of the G35 and rear wheel drive may tip my decision. Depends on whether Nissan/Infiniti can make a decent manual. The Altima and Maxima manuals are terrible. If Acura had a manual a year ago there would have been no competition and no decison for me to make.

I guess Honda can afford to be cautious. Its not like they need exciting cars to lure new customers. In short they are not hungry like Nissan is.

 

According to Nissan, the G35 manual trans is supposed to rival the feel/precision of the S2000 tranny. I've never driven an S2000, but I hear that it's tranny feels awesome and precise.

 

body kit option
24" shorter
500 lbs lighter
real fog lights
more hp and equal amout of torque.

 

I have driven sticks for the last 20 years and have 3 other cars all with manuals...it's a pleasure to just get in and put it in auto for a change (it creeped me out at first, but I got used to it QUICKLY!)

 

That's the main reason for me. I'm at 8k & already my transmission is slipping. This is this First automatic transmission car I have owned. The previous six(over 18yrs) where all manuals & I really enjoy driving a car with a manual but the realities of commuting in traffic 5days a week finally caught up with me. An automatic is a helluva a lot easier to deal with day to day.

I choose the CL-S for reliability,performance,features & value. Now that the transmission issue has reared it's ugly head the 6spd looks more appealing! A car I would have faith in for 100k+ miles. I really love the car except for the tranny issue.

This 5spd auto is the achilles heal. I've been kicking around the idea of trading for the 6spd BUT I don't want to take the financial hit. It would really piss the wife off!!!

 

I drove exclusively automatics for about 6 years, then almost exclusively manuals for over 5. I've been back on the auto-wagon (tho it's tiptronic) for the last 4. I'd be happy with a manual again if not for LA traffic.

At first I wasn't looking at the CL-S again cause I'm locked into my A6 lease for another 25 or so months. Then I saw the G35 coupe on the horizon. At least I'll have some fun test driving when I start looking...

For the first time in a few years, they're actually a good number of decent sports/luxury cars available in the $30-40k price range. I guess someone at the corporate level woke up and realized that no everyone wants an SUV.

Anyone looking for an A6 2.7T with low miles...?