Two weeks ago I bought a 04 WDP A-spec 6MT off of a used car lot... Car had 44K miles on it and I got it for about 16K. I THOUGHT(and hope it still is) it was a good deal. I bought it in VA, but live in MD.

So yesterday I go to get it MD inspected... Needs a left link stablizer, and my resonantor is cracked. Not so bad. I can deal with that. what I CAN'T wrap my mind around is that TWO seperate mechanics told me it needs a new clutch. I'm not a moron, but I've never driven a honda manual before, so I just thought it was a long clutch. But then my friend(who is a mechanic) stomped on the case, and I watched the rpms shoot up as my clutch slipped.

So riddle me this bat-man.. How in god's green earth does an Acura with 44k miles on it need a new clutch!??!? What was the previous owner doing??

I'd also like to point out that, of course, the dealership pretty much tells me I'm SOL.

So needless to say I'm pretty pissed at this situation. Though lucky for me I have a great mechanic, and I found well priced OEM Acura parts at http://www.oemacuraparts.com/ ..

Anyone have any ideas as to why the clutch would be in such bad shape so soon?? Thanks in advance.

 

Because the clutch is weak. I have done them at 20k. Its the other items that would concern me more. Did you run a carfax on it?

 

Nope. And I'm regretting it right about now. I had my mechanic friend check out the car yesterday. He says it looks pretty striaght.

 

The previous owner doesnt have to do anything but suck and driving stick. And like racing said, they are weak. I've helped change my friends clutches 1 at 28k and the other at 44k.

 

You can still run the carfax before you start sinking money into repairs and getting too attatched. This way the car cant suck you and your wallet dry.

 

Hopefully the flywheel isn't toast.

 

Needs to be replaced as a set... you have any butter and jelly?

 

Yea, it's a throwaway item at 100K+ miles, but many will try and cut costs without replacing at 44k.

Only chunky peanut butter!

 

Sounds like an excuse to go with a lighter FW and performance clutch! I'd effin ring the neck of that dealer and recoup atleast $2k.. You paid too much for an '04. A member got theirs two weeks ago for $12k at those miles I believe. Another member paid $9k but it was an inside sale.

 

Wow you guys have got to be kidding me.

If my TL's clutch goes out at 44k, I'm never gonna buy another Acura car again.

That's just ridiculous, doesn't matter what kind of car, clutch should last at least 60k! And that's with fairly spirited driving!

Having a clutch go out at 44k is just unacceptable. I'm hoping you guys are just exaggerating about the low clutch life.

 

Reusing that thing would be similar to toast with something brown and chunky on it....but it aint peanut butter... or a snickers bar....

 

Well not commenting on driving style.. but many like to ride the clutch even on an occasion and it seems like these clutches burn out very quickly especially for those who like to ride it. The previous owner may have been the type. I would still try to recoup some money on the deal or get a refund, especially since you're only 2 weeks out.

 

all this talk about peanut butter has me hungry.. But uhh. What are the chances of me just re-surfacing the fly wheel?

 

Nooooooo. Will throw off the self adjusting clutch and I am not even sure it could be done. Since the mating surface is mounted in rubber I wonder how it would come out. Go aftermarket.

 

+1 on aftermarket FW.. You may be able to pull off a large percentage in weight reduction vs. the OE but caveat emptor.. a lightened FW may have bad consequences as well..

 

I paid 16.5k for my TL, 42k miles It was worth that when I got it... A year ago... Economy is just BAD.

 

A year ago it's a good deal.. but the market dropped on these babies.. I'm going to keep mine for as long as I can afford her.. The body style will look good for 10+ years.. guaranteed.. same goes for most Accords IMO.

 

Great. the new OEM clutch has already been shipped. Can I still do an aftermarket flywheel? And what do you all suggest as far as that goes?

 

Yeah, same here. As long as My transmission doesn't go, I'll be OK!

 

knock on wood.. It's too late for me.. My new saying is.. as long as my t/b or w/p don't fail I'll be ok!.. otherwise I'll drop a 3.5L in ..

 

...that soundz .....