SX3Illusion

Ok I'm thinking of getting a 2001-2002 Acura TL/TL-S or CL/CL-S. I actually down the line am gonna get a Mitsu EVO and am coming from a Mazdaspeed Protege Turbo(best handling FWD car ever, 70+ mph on the slalom). For now I want something reliable and nice as I am still in school. The MSP was an amazing car and before that I had a turbo Eclipse which was great...its just that those cars constantly had problems AND I wasn't willing to constantly be spending money to fix them. So, for the time being I'm looking at the TL's/CL's with a budget of around $10K or so. The cars I'm seeing out there USED are mostly near 100K in miles and my question is: how long will these cars last before things start breaking...and how about the transmisson issue???

Also coming from tuner turbo cars(mazdaspeed) will these cars be bloated and boring or not? I must enjoy the handling and have fun as I'm still only 20 years old. I'm not sure if these cars can touch the raw performance of an EVO or even a Mazdaspeed Protege.

Input is appreciated especially from those who know the cars I'm coming from.

CLSpeedster

Yah, if your looking for a super fast tuner this isnt realy the car for you. Dont get me wrong they handle quite well and havea more than decent engine for a large luxury coupe but it isnt an Evo. I've had my 03' CL-S for around 8 months and i still smile hard when im driving it. There reliable cars engine wise, its pretty much only the tranny that goes(only on auto). Hope this helps...

Bobbydoedoe

budget around 10K? ino the car depreicates pretty fast, but it be hard to find a cls/tls around 10k

MarbleGT

I can tell you right now, this car is not for you. Max dependability does not come with a 100,000 mile CL/TL. At 100,000 miles is where most of the major maintenace is due. The trans warranty is out, so if it breaks your SOL. Timing belt, water pump, cv axles, etc probably all need to be replaced soon after the purchase.


Personal experience...Having had this car since 8 miles (now at 117,000) Its seen better days. Am I ready to sell???..... and lose $20,000 grand, not a chance.

DelawareCLS

Had a 2001 CL-S and currently have a 2003 CL-S 6-MT, but if handling is your thing I would look elsewhere. While the CL-S is no slouch, I still find myself missing the handling of my '95 GSR. Same as your Protege, you'll notice the extra 800 or so pounds (riding on essentially the same tires as my GSR ).

For 10k used maybe an RSX or a GTI would be what you're looking for?

123456SPEED

Not sure why you are looking at CL/TL, very different than the other racer cars you mention. The Acuras are luxury cruisers, with some sport, esp with the 6 speed CLS. I wouldn't trust the auto trannies on the hi-miles $10k models you are looking at. Figure in a tranny replacement when buying the automatics.

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

I think you either need to up your budget to the $13-$15K range or it will be tough to find a realiable one. Mine is for sale for about $12K, and it's up to 83K miles.

SX3Illusion

Thanks for the opinions. It looks I'm gonna get an EVO eventually. Coming from the Mazdaspeed I probably couldn't asjust to a TL/CL. To answer your questions, I started looking at Acura's because I am going to medical school in a year or so and wanted something more "mature". But I'm gonna keep driving fun racer cars fo life no matter what age I guess!!! Thanks.

MarbleGT

buying a car for the sole purpose of the image is not a good reason to buy a car......

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

But, tell that to the guys having a mid-life crisis and run out to buy a Porsche 911 with an automatic transmission.