So I'm looking to buy a used car. Either a 2003 CL Type S (6-speed), a 2001 BMW 330ci, or a 2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe. I understand that this is an Acura forum so I'm just looking for reasons to purchase the CL over the other 2 cars.

 

classy, nice, eye catcher, dunno much about the 2nd gen....

i dont mean to dog on CL's, but I'd go with the G35

 

the cl-s is less expensive/ more value for the $

the cl-s will get you around better in the winter

imo, the cl-s has the better interior

the cl-s isn't as common

the cl-s offers competitive performance

there are plenty of mods for the cl-s now (with more on the way) so no need to worry about that.

 

oh, and acura-cl.com is the best automotive forum on the internet.

 

 

not enough what, mods?

 

yah.. especially exterior
go to www.i-m-racing.com and check 350Z mod list... it took me more than 1 hr just to go through bodykits.

 

yeah, that's true. i was talking more like go fast mods.


hopefully rondog will make that bumper replacement kit for the cl.

 

all of what matt said.

O.T. what part of il are u from?

 

I'd get the G. Why buy a discontinued car?

 

why buy a car everyone else has?
How many cl-s's do you see on the street?
How many bmw's, g35's, Z's do you see on the street?

 

Drive all 3, see which one you like best. Then factor in money and make a decision.

Getting opinions on a car is fine.... but you should really do your own research, drive each, and see which one you can get the better deal on... then make a decision.

 

As much as I love Acura, I hate them.

G35 is a cool car, but they have cheapish interior and not as good of build quality as the CL-S.

They are both coupes, 6-speed and boast similar power ratings, although the G35 IS faster and more powerful. The main decision you have to make is if you want RWD or FWD.

I'm not a huge fan of BMW, but they are nice cars. 330Ci is a sweet car, but I think it's way overpriced.

 

Build quality of G35C > CL-S

 

Damn...can't really go wrong with any of the above. I'd have a hard choice myself but would probably not consider the 330 simply because the one you mention is an 01. All have their plus and minus factors but the other two are 03s (less miles, longer warranty). I personally like the interior of the CLS but the G's interior does look terrible. I agree with mattg on the go mods but the show mods are about similar for both (are there many kits for the G...I know there are for the Z).

either choice this is the better forum of any of those cars so go buy whichever and make sure you comeback here!

 

I agree with juniorbean, drive them and see which one you like best. I'd skip on the 330 since it's an 01, go for the 03 CL-S or G35c. It all depends on what you're looking for. I think the CL's interior is the nicest; the G35's felt cheap and the seat controls were awkward. BUT, the G35c looks beautiful on the outside, especially in black. It looks great stock, without an additional drop and with the factory wheels.

 

The build quality of the G35C is pretty dang good as far as I can see. Not better than the CL but as good as the CL. Interior could use a little more durable materials but other than that I don't see the issue. BMW will kill you on maintenance once you are out of warranty.

If you live in a winter climate, the CL will be a better choice. If you live in a temperate climate, then the choice is whether you want FWD or RWD.

 

I'd get the G35 coupe. Because of the bad transmission issues with the CL. Plus the stock rotors on the CL are lousy. And unless you have headers and intake, the CL-S six speed will be slower than the G35 coupe 6 speed. Also the G35 has a lower center of gravity and larger stock wheels and tires. You would have to spend extra money on the CL on springs, wheels, tires and sways just to keep up with the G35 in terms of handling. IMO, the G35 looks slighty better than the CL. The CL has been out longer so it's getting kinda old. This is really a no brainer. Get the G35.

DO it! DO it! Comeon Do it! - Starsky

 

oops...sorry for the double post.

 

Also keep in mind you're in IL.... so depending where in the state you are, you'll be dealing with snow.... so if you get the BMW or the G35c, you may want to pick up a beater for the winter....

 

Well he wants a 6 speed CL-S so the tranny issues aren't a factor here, but I agree, I would go with a G35c. But maybe that's just b/c I've gotten tired of my CL-S. And the brakes on the CL do suck ass and you will have a huge wheel gap if left stock.

 

It all comes down to how much money you want to spend. If after you drive all 3 of them and like the G35c more and want to spend the extra money then the choice is pretty clear.

But you seriously should drive all of them before you come to a decision.

 

few things i hate about the cl-s

transmission, brakes, turning radius, and 4th gear!!!

but everything else i do love...

sidemarker

 

oh yeah the more i look at the g35 sedan or coupe it is starting to look uglier and uglier. i guess because the car is so plain looking!

sidemarker

 

I dont know about that I mean after all the infinity is pretty much a 4 dr nissan Z. Cl-S is made by honda.Both great makers but I have seen nissan lemons.Have not seen a honda lemon.
Also the maintenance cost on the infinity will be higher.CLS is more for the money.

 

What's the price difference on a used 03 G35c 6MT vs. a used 03 CL 6MT?

 

I agree with you, however, the reason you're seeing posts like that is b/c a lot of people are sour about the tranny problems. 95% of the CL/TL owners are fine.. but the 5% or so that have had problems... have had multiple tranny problems... so they're soured on Acura.

One thing to keep in mind is that he's looking at the 6-speed, and the 6-speed hasn't had any tranny issues. Goes to show how turned off some people are b/c they're posting about auto issues even though it's irrelivent.

 

Just doing a quick check on KBB in a Private Party sale situation in my area:


03 CL-S 6M/T, Nav, Spoiler 15,000 miles in Good Condition

- $22,945


03 G35c 6M/T, Nav, AeroPkg, Spoiler 15,000 in Good Condition

- $29,755



03 CL-S 6M/T 15,000 miles in Good Condition

- $22,225


03 G35c 6M/T 15,000 miles in Good Condition

- $28,620

 

Isn't still a low percentage of owners that have had tranny problems? My car is at 76000 and still on its original tranny hopefully it'll stay that way. I really...really LIKE my CL-S. Great all around car IMO. Cant beat the standard equipment for the$$$ Also had winter in mind when I bought a FWD. Only about three CL-S's around my city. No acura dealer for miles

 

I guess yes and no. It can and does become amplified on this board with a small share of CL owners posting here. However i'm sure there are people who have had trans problems that don't post on here as well.

 

Wha? The C in G35C is for coupe I've had both cars, and, although I feel BOTH could have better interior quality (i.e. rattles, squeaks, etc.) I've had less problems with the G35C.

 

If you want the performance that only a rear wheel drive car can give you, go with the G.
If you want all your neighbors to envy your car, go with the G.

If you want a car that's very understated (cops don't take a second look at it), go with the CL-S.
If you don't mind that your neighbors, you brother-in-law, and everyone else that hasn't driven one thinks it's an econo box with no real guts, go with the CL-S.

I think the CL-S overall is a better car ... but not if you're in to a showy cars. I have a 03 CL-S 6-Speed and I'm really happy with it. A guy a work has a G35c and he loves it. He also backs it into a secluded parking spot every day. Very showy, very nice ... the kind of car everyone looks at when it goes by. That's not what I'm into so I got the CL-S. I love driving it and wouldn't trade it for a G.

 

___________________________

2/4 door nissan Z Vs. better version of accord = same shit

CLS is made by honda and in OHIO and G/Z are made in Japan. you have seen nissan lemon and have not seen a Honda lemon? THERE ARE ALOT OF lemoned CLS/TLS

Why does infiniti cost more for the maintenance?
and Finally i agree with you on this (CLS Is more for the $$)

btw: IT IS INFINITI not Infinity

something ironic = window sticker on G35C says 95% japan parts & 5% US parts. VS window sticker on CLS says 95% US parts and 5% Japan Parts.

 

Tough decision. But in the end I would probably go for the G35C. I don't think the G35C is that flashy a car yet it is still very classy looking. But you had better test drive both before making your decision.

 

i also considered all 3 recently and bought a new '03 CLS 6-speed. i wasn't interested in a sedan so the g35 sedan and 325/330 sedans were out. the g35 coupe doesn't have a rear seat. its sold as a 2+2, but forget it. performs well. looks great. but no back seat. the 325/330s are nice drives as well. i thought they were very overpriced. especially with sundroof, CD changer, heated seats, etc. i went with the CLS for cost and features. i would have preferred RWD, but i couldn't justify the add'l cost of the 330.

you'll see a number of complaints on this site and others regarding quality issues. the acura quality seems inferior to honda's in my opinion. the quality isn't bad, the car just suffers from a number of quality issues. but if you go with a manual the reliabilty should be very good. i don't think you'll have the quality issues with the beemer, but i can't say for sure. the reliability should be comparable with either car. the g35 is still to new to determine its long term reliability. it also has a few quality issues, but nothing major.

happy choosing.

 

I considered the BMW 330 and G35 coupes before I bought my SECOND CLS 6 speed. Those have the cool factor but not as practical regarding reliability for the BMW and roominess, guality and in the G35. CL interior is way better than either of those too, esp the G35.
Love the looks of the other two but that's all they offer, better looks and handling. CL has too many advantges for me over the others.
got my current CLS 6 speed with Navi for $23700, with 7500 miles. That's a deal and almost $10k cheaper than new.

 

Test drive them all and figure what you are looking for. I bought my car new, don't like the surprises involved in buying used.

Myself, my CL-6 speed was the perfect compromise. Coupe, but had a backseat. Big V-6, very slick shifter, honda/acura reliability, elegant and sporty yet cops don't even give it a second look. Front wheel drive, so it will go O.K. in normal amounts of snow. Fairly good price for what you get as well.

 

a 5k price difference is quite a few amount of bucks. With the extra 5k you can prolly get a SC along with other goodies :-D

 

I bought the CLS for the understated, elegant looks (no spoiler even)...with FWD for the many, many rainy days here in texas...True go fast cars are usually RWD...but for the money I could not have done better...I really want to trade up to a 2003 W/ navi and 6spd when I'm able...but take the time to drive the cars...that's really what will sell you on the car.

 

Don't touch the first gen G35!!! It has so many TSB, it will make your hair stand up. The only real problem I had with my CL was the rotor, but it was not really a serious one. You don't want to get near the first gen G35, besides, if you live in the snow belt, forget about it, and that goes for the Bimmer also unless it is a AWD