Hi, first time posting in here. I've got a '98 3.0 CL and I'm looking to come up to a 2nd gen, so I've been checking out the tranny issues.

From this post in the tranny section
'Summary (VERY LONG) of what's wrong with auto tranny'

The '03's are showing a range of VIN's affected:

VEHICLES AFFECTED

2001-02 3.2CL: All

2003 3.2CL (all models):
From VIN 19UYA42…3A000001 thru 19UYA42…3A005203

I'm looking at one that ends in 012181. Were the issues supposed to be fixed on ones over the 5203 VIN? This one did have a tranny replaced back in 2006. Thanks for any insight !

 

You want the truth or what Acura wants to tell you?

The truth is all of them suck. Your best bet is to get a 6MT, or if you want an automatic, save up and swap the stock tranny for an Odyssey or 3rd gen TL tranny.

 

6mt ftw

 

I guess I'm going to have to take my chances with the auto, cause I won't enjoy driving the 6MT. Of course I wouldn't enjoy the auto shifting from 5th to 2nd suddenly though.

So should I be happy this car had the tranny replaced, or is it more likely to be one of the cars that keeps going through them? Thanks guys.

 

If the tranny was replaced already, then it should be ok for now. When you test drive it, make sure it shifts GOOD, anything less like a jerky shift or slipping, then walk away. Also have 2-4k saved up for a trans replacement.

Its gonna go but it might last you a good few years before it does. I recommend replacing the fluid with a 3x3 every 30k miles or so