Replacement for Acura CL Type-S
08-24-2010, 04:42 PM
#1
Banned
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Johannesburg ZA/Midwest USA
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Replacement for Acura CL Type-S
Its about time. I will replace my 2001 Acura CL Type-S after all. The finishing mileage is 302K, all of which have occurred under my ownership. It has been an extremely reliable car, a stolid trooper that has brought me to almost every corner of the United States. Now, the time has come and all mechanical indicators point to its early and unfortunate demise and I shall need a new car. I am writing because I am seeking advice, and this board is a wealth of smart, car-educated people, all of which hold in high regard and respect greatly.
For my next car, I am thinking of getting something small. I have had many small cars before-Toyota MR2 Spyder/Toyota Echo/Others. I generally prefer small cars for their practicality and on the whole, really hate wasted space as most often, the rear seats in my car never get used. I also want something FWD and Automatic. Manual is generally more trouble than its worth I believe.
Currently topping my list are the 2007+ Mini Cooper S with the turbo engine. The older Mini Cooper S models with the supercharged engines are also distantly on that list. Also on the list is the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT. Other than that, cannot think of anything else.
I have done extensive research and both the R53/R56 Mini Coopers are extremely troubled vehicles. R53 models have problems with mushrooming struts, electrical faults and more problematic, ticking engines b/c bad oil pump design that starves the engine when tilted on hills. The R56 models have serious problems with their timing chain snapping due to stretching. This is also called the Mini "death rattle." However, Minis are irresistibly characterful cars, enough so for me to forgive the pimples on its innocent face.
In the meantime, I will be driving my backup car-a 2004 Subaru Forester XT. I have had that for 6 years and it has approx 8,XXX miles. I bought it with the intention of using it as a vacation car but I ended up using the spacious trunk in the Acura instead. The Subaru, as good as it is, does not make an ideal everyday car for me because it has an insatiable appetite for fuel.
My question for forum members is-does anyone own a 2007+ Mini Cooper S OR have considerable knowledge on them and if so, do you believe their potential reliability faults outweigh the positive attributes of the car itself? What have been your ownership experiences with them?
Also, if anyone else has any ideas as to what small cars may make a good choice, do feel free to chime in.
For my next car, I am thinking of getting something small. I have had many small cars before-Toyota MR2 Spyder/Toyota Echo/Others. I generally prefer small cars for their practicality and on the whole, really hate wasted space as most often, the rear seats in my car never get used. I also want something FWD and Automatic. Manual is generally more trouble than its worth I believe.
Currently topping my list are the 2007+ Mini Cooper S with the turbo engine. The older Mini Cooper S models with the supercharged engines are also distantly on that list. Also on the list is the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT. Other than that, cannot think of anything else.
I have done extensive research and both the R53/R56 Mini Coopers are extremely troubled vehicles. R53 models have problems with mushrooming struts, electrical faults and more problematic, ticking engines b/c bad oil pump design that starves the engine when tilted on hills. The R56 models have serious problems with their timing chain snapping due to stretching. This is also called the Mini "death rattle." However, Minis are irresistibly characterful cars, enough so for me to forgive the pimples on its innocent face.
In the meantime, I will be driving my backup car-a 2004 Subaru Forester XT. I have had that for 6 years and it has approx 8,XXX miles. I bought it with the intention of using it as a vacation car but I ended up using the spacious trunk in the Acura instead. The Subaru, as good as it is, does not make an ideal everyday car for me because it has an insatiable appetite for fuel.
My question for forum members is-does anyone own a 2007+ Mini Cooper S OR have considerable knowledge on them and if so, do you believe their potential reliability faults outweigh the positive attributes of the car itself? What have been your ownership experiences with them?
Also, if anyone else has any ideas as to what small cars may make a good choice, do feel free to chime in.
Last edited by newbster; 08-24-2010 at 04:46 PM.
08-24-2010, 04:51 PM
#2
Drifting
I'm pretty sure the moderator Shoofin has some knowledge on them, although he has a Clubman S. I think that if you wanted a small, quick car for daily use, a Mini Cooper S would be the way to go.
08-24-2010, 11:05 PM
#6
Senior Moderator
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-cl-2001-2003-50/how-long-will-my-car-last-265-000-miles-counting-769331/
Wow seems like he did 37k miles since march 2010!
Crazy! Then again it seems he doesnt go over 3k rpms.
Wow seems like he did 37k miles since march 2010!
Crazy! Then again it seems he doesnt go over 3k rpms.
Trending Topics
08-25-2010, 12:19 AM
#8
Banned
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Johannesburg ZA/Midwest USA
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Just one transmission...though if I were to keep it, a second one would be in the works and frankly, it would not make good financial sense. At this point, I will probably donate it rather than go though the hassle of selling it b/c I can scarcely think of a buyer who would want a car with this much mileage.
Other cars, the CRZ...heavier than the Insight (new one), slow and not particularly fuel efficient would not work. VW...never liked them and too large. The Eclipse GT is also heavy but I have had good experiences with Mitsus so they are on the very short list.
Note-who does take their car over 3K RPM, especially a V6? Some may be skeptical but in everyday driving, it is unnecessary. A majority of my driving occurs on the expressway so RPMs rarely crack 2.5K. Maybe transmissions would last longer if ppl did not race/tow with them.
Other cars, the CRZ...heavier than the Insight (new one), slow and not particularly fuel efficient would not work. VW...never liked them and too large. The Eclipse GT is also heavy but I have had good experiences with Mitsus so they are on the very short list.
Note-who does take their car over 3K RPM, especially a V6? Some may be skeptical but in everyday driving, it is unnecessary. A majority of my driving occurs on the expressway so RPMs rarely crack 2.5K. Maybe transmissions would last longer if ppl did not race/tow with them.
08-25-2010, 01:25 AM
#9
Senior Moderator
Note-who does take their car over 3K RPM, especially a V6? Some may be skeptical but in everyday driving, it is unnecessary. A majority of my driving occurs on the expressway so RPMs rarely crack 2.5K. Maybe transmissions would last longer if ppl did not race/tow with them.
I would bet more than 80% of this forum go over 3k RPMs on their daily commute. Not so much if going long distances on a highway.
Hell my 65 old father even does on a regular bases. Why bother having 260hp if you didnt plan to use it ever?
Buy something good on gas and something that is basic so you wont run into any issues. How about a Nissan Versa or a Honda Fit? Prius?
08-25-2010, 09:33 AM
#11
Note-who does take their car over 3K RPM, especially a V6? Some may be skeptical but in everyday driving, it is unnecessary. A majority of my driving occurs on the expressway so RPMs rarely crack 2.5K. Maybe transmissions would last longer if ppl did not race/tow with them.
08-25-2010, 12:56 PM
#12
fap fap fap
isnt the Mitsu Eclipse larger than a VW golf ?
08-25-2010, 01:06 PM
#14
Fahrvergnügen'd
I think the Cooper S might be too risque for the OP. He might be tempted to actually drive it 
Seriously though, I'd get a Golf/Jetta diesel and put another 300k on it and save some $$ in fuel costs.
Seriously though, I'd get a Golf/Jetta diesel and put another 300k on it and save some $$ in fuel costs.
08-25-2010, 02:53 PM
#15
The sizzle in the Steak
owned a 2004 MINI....loved it.Car was bullet-proof.
08-25-2010, 06:59 PM
#18
I like the Eclipse and test drove one before I bought my XF. The 3.8L motor is great! Has a lusty sound, but from what I'm reading you may never hear it. Overall its a pretty good package. GT Premium Pkg. gets you leather, heated seats, rear dimming mirror, and the excellent Rockford Fosgate sound system among smaller things.
It probably wont get as good of gas mileage as your CL though. I could see it going over 300K pretty easy if you keep up maintence.
It probably wont get as good of gas mileage as your CL though. I could see it going over 300K pretty easy if you keep up maintence.
08-26-2010, 12:43 AM
#20
Banned
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Johannesburg ZA/Midwest USA
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Mea culpa-Yes, the Eclipse GT is actually a rather large and porky whale. I believe the platform is actually shared with the Endeavor SUV, not good...but I like Mitsubishis and know they are reliable. Speaking of reliability, I believe there are other forum members who still have their original Acura transmission. The failure rate is probably not as high as people think. I believe it is around the teens-correct me if wrong.
I thought I would update this post. I think I am off the Mini Cooper or at least the R53 models with the supercharged engine. Many of the models I looked at had considerable signs of rust which is problematic living in a salt belt state. Also, the interiors were not impressive at all with large gaps/rattles throughout. The engine was less than impressive being loud/very rough and unfortunately, I did have to rev it pretty high to get it moving with any sign of alacrity...not good.
Well, two choices left. Mitsu and R56 Minis...
I thought I would update this post. I think I am off the Mini Cooper or at least the R53 models with the supercharged engine. Many of the models I looked at had considerable signs of rust which is problematic living in a salt belt state. Also, the interiors were not impressive at all with large gaps/rattles throughout. The engine was less than impressive being loud/very rough and unfortunately, I did have to rev it pretty high to get it moving with any sign of alacrity...not good.
Well, two choices left. Mitsu and R56 Minis...
08-26-2010, 10:49 AM
#21
The sizzle in the Steak
08-26-2010, 02:35 PM
#22
08-26-2010, 10:35 PM
#24
I would bet more than 80% of this forum go over 3k RPMs on their daily commute. Not so much if going long distances on a highway.
Hell my 65 old father even does on a regular bases. Why bother having 260hp if you didnt plan to use it ever?
Buy something good on gas and something that is basic so you wont run into any issues. How about a Nissan Versa or a Honda Fit? Prius?
09-28-2010, 05:36 PM
#31
Drifting
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Stockton, California
Age: 33
Posts: 3,301
Likes: 0
Received 22 Likes
on
11 Posts
Well since you don't take the car above 3k RPM why don't you get a C6 Z06 with its massive torque curve? That way at least you'll be driving something reasonably quick without putting too much strain on the engine.
09-28-2010, 06:33 PM
#32
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,555
Received 3,752 Likes
on
2,536 Posts
09-28-2010, 08:03 PM
#36
teh Senior Instigator
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Huntington Beach, CA -> Ashburn, VA -> Raleigh, NC -> Walnut Creek, CA
Age: 42
Posts: 44,090
Received 957 Likes
on
328 Posts
I would bet more than 80% of this forum go over 3k RPMs on their daily commute. Not so much if going long distances on a highway.
Hell my 65 old father even does on a regular bases. Why bother having 260hp if you didnt plan to use it ever?
Buy something good on gas and something that is basic so you wont run into any issues. How about a Nissan Versa or a Honda Fit? Prius?
09-28-2010, 10:46 PM
#38
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
It's no performance monster but I'm a huge fan of the 2G Honda Fit.
