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Acura CL

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Comments

  • jettsonjettson Member Posts: 23
    You will love the NAV system. When my husband and I took the CL-S out for a test drive, he couldn't take his eyes off it. Fortunately, I was driving, not him :-)

    You probably already know this, but besides mapping directions, you can find places of interest, restaurants, sports complexes, etc...

    It is so cool. Once you map directions, if you take a wrong turn, it automatically re-calculates directions based upon your new location. You cannot get lost!

    I'm interested in your reference to the K&N air filter. Can you actually increase the HP with an air filter? (Obviously I am a newbee when it comes to the innards of a car.) Is there somewhere online I find out more info about this?

    Thanks,

    Jan
  • I'm familiar with the NAV. I used it on the test drive. My brother in law has an Alpine Nav in his Toyota Prada (Japanese 4x4).

    The K&N air filter is reputed to increase HP not only by the company that makes it, but by many users that I've spoken to. I have one in my Impala. It's hard to tell if it's actually adding power. It'll be more dificult when you start with 260HP! Even if it doesn't boost HP, it's still worth it. It is reusable. You won't have to buy another air filter. Just wash it off and re-oil it.

    www.knfilters.com
  • jettsonjettson Member Posts: 23
    I'm checking out the K&N website right now.
  • The K&N part number for the 2001/2002 CL/TL S-type is:

    33-2178

    Performance Int'l has it for $38 http://www.performanceintl.com/shop/products.cgi?comp=kn&make=ACURA&model=CL&year=2001
  • brucec35brucec35 Member Posts: 246
    Yeah, just let the guy who changes tires for AAA get mowed down instead of you! lol
  • tomsrtomsr Member Posts: 325
    Any towtruck driver knows you park behind the
    disabled vehicle and turn on flashing warning
    lights. This acts as a barricade.Anyhow Murphy's
    law says as long as you have insurance you won't
    need it.
  • tomsrtomsr Member Posts: 325
    I have a dashpad on my 98 CL and the velcro
    stickon pads have melted in the heat. I need to know how to make the dashpad stay in place without
    damaging the dashboard.
  • mrdeeenomrdeeeno Member Posts: 53
    i think the k&n alone won't add any noticable horsepower, but may improve mileage slightly.

    if you want hp, the best mod would be comptech headers (about 30hp @ wheels).

    a cold air intake also adds about 10hp or so @ wheels.

    but i doubt a k&n would add anything greater than 2 or 3hp, which would definately not be noticable.
  • 93fsu193fsu1 Member Posts: 97
    Unless there is a rebate or dealer incentive (not too common for Acfyra / Honda) I don't see how anyone would have gotten a car below invoice. Are you sure you don't mean MSRP?
  • cyber_xcyber_x Member Posts: 37
    Most Acura dealers I've been to here in Northern CA have been waaaaaaay overstocked with CL's and CL-S's (all 2001 model year). They typically sell a lot of TL's, but not all that many CL's. And the dealers are *very* willing to negotiate on the price. I think getting a CL or CL-S for at or below invoice is fairly realistic right now.

    The dealer loses money on the tranaction, but then again, it also costs them money to keep it on the lot, where it can sit indefinitely. Being the end of the model year, they'll want to clear out to make room for next year's cars as well as better-selling models.

    I've also heard that dealers sometimes get perks from the factory if they sell some volume of cars. Stuff like a free car for every X number sold and things of that nature. I was told this by someone, however, and don't know how true it is.
  • We paid $25,995. Invoice is currently $25, 988, according to Edmunds. I'm almost positive it was higher in April.
    However, we got several dealer options - Splash Guards, Logo Mats, Wheel Locks, at no charge.
  • jettsonjettson Member Posts: 23
    with my beautiful blue CL-S!

    I wasn't sure I was making the right decision by trading in a practically new Accord Coupe, but all doubts are gone now. What a gorgeous, fun car! (I know I'm getting a bit carried away with all the exclamation marks but I'm so psyched!!!)

    I'm driving up to Lake Tahoe in a couple of weeks...I can hardly wait. I haven't really had a chance to put it through it's paces, so I'm really looking forward to the drive.

    I'd love to hear from anyone who shares my level of enthusiasm.
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    jettson-


    I share your enthusiasm 100%!!!! I got my CL-S on 3/28/01 and already have 7,100+ miles on it! I never drive this much so soon. I think it's the BEST car I have ever owned- especially when compared to the one before this!

    I have been to the dealer ONCE for an oil/filter change. That's it! I think that if you drive normally, you won't have any problems like so many in the http://www.acura-cl.com site seem to have. Then again, I drove my previous car normally too and had all kinds of annoying problems! Got rid of it 3 months early so that it would not be in MY name after 36,000 miles with NO warranty!

    If you click on my name above, you can see all my previous cars. The 300M and the Acura have Zaino on them. If you haven't heard of this product, go to http://www.zainobros.com and read all about it. On your color it will be fantastic!

    There is also a topic here devoted to us "Zainoists". Just type in Zaino in the search box above and go to the topic that says Zaino car polishes/products.

    Good luck.

    fastdriver

  • bc01clsbc01cls Member Posts: 44
    I've had my CL-S for a year and a month and still enjoy this car. I only have 10,300 miles since I work at home, but I drive it every chance I get. The Gold has worn well, better in durability than my friend's black one, which just had a hood repaint due to chips. Also the color still attracts more attention than I ever thought it would. My favorite part is still the cockpit--after looking at the non-sport package BMW 3 series, I find Honda's approach to seating much more inviting and comfortable. I added Comptech sways and a K&N drop in only.
  • jettsonjettson Member Posts: 23
    Your car is absolutely gorgeous! And I thought I was a fanatic!

    I'll bet you get lots of heads turning when you cruise by.

    Thanks for the tip about Zaino. I've heard it talked about before, but I never realized what all the fuss was about.

    I have someone who details my car about 4 times a year, I'm not sure what product he uses, but I'll make sure to find out. If he doesn't use Zaino now, he will be soon!
  • jettsonjettson Member Posts: 23
    I checked out the Comptech website, turns out they are located in El Dorado Hills, CA, about 10 minutes from Folsom, the town I live in.

    I doubt if I'll be adding anything to the car, I think it has about all the power that I need, but it's fun to dream.

    I work very close to home, but I find myself taking a longer route just because it's such a blast to drive (and it gives me an excuse to use the navi system). It's also fun to watch all the BMW drivers ogle my CL-S as I pass them by!
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    jettson-

    Thanks. Once you get the initial Zaino steps done, your car will look just like mine with MINIMAL care. It's a SNAP to keep it looking the way it does.

    Despite what it looks like, I do NOT spend 24/7 polishing it. You'll see what I mean. Multiple coats do bring out the shine even more!

    I think since March 28, I have about 11 coats of Z2/Z5/Z6. I know that sounds like a lot of work, but it's not. Z2 can be applied and wiped off in less then 45 minutes. That was on my 300M. I never timed myself with the CL, but I imagine it would be even less time since it's smalller then the 300M.

    When I first read about Zaino here, I thought it sounded like an infomercial myself. I was a regular Meguiars user. That was good, but the shine didn't last as long as the Zaino does and it isn't as easy to put on or take off as the Zaino is.

    Just like I think the CL-S is the best car I have ever owned, I think Zaino is the best polish I have ever used in MANY years of keeping my cars clean.

    We want to see pics when you get the Zaino on! ;-))

    fastdriver
  • I know that everyone raves about Zaino. It sounds great. However, I was wondering about people's real-life experiences with Zymol products. They have a great rep, but the real world means more to me.
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    garypen-

    I think to get that question answered, you have to go to that OTHER topic- store bought waxes/NO Zaino posts.

    fastdriver
  • For those in Nor Cal looking to buy, Stevens Creek Acura in San Jose is advertising new 2001 CL-S's w/Nav for $29,777. That's below the invoice of $29,950.

    We got our CL base there for below what the invoice was at that time, including free splash guards, wheel locks and logo mats. So, they might be throwing those in at this time, too.

    You might be able to negotiate lower. They also gave us a much better price on our trade in than other dealers had offered.

    Good luck.
  • cgoodyearcgoodyear Member Posts: 1
    I wanted to know if anyone out there has had any problems with the paint on a 1997 3.0 CL. The paint on mine has started to crackle on the hood and I think the trunk. It is almost five years old (bought on Dec. 31, 1996) but I don't think the paint should be crackling unless there was something wrong with the paint or the paint job initially. When I'm not at work, it's in a garage so it's not like it stays out in the elements all of the time. Does anyone know if there was a recall on the paint or anything that I didn't hear about? The color is Cypress Green Pearl.

    Thanks :-)
  • wree7777wree7777 Member Posts: 26
    Clarification of post 636(?): I was talking about the passenger side mirror, not the rearview mirror on the windshield. Has anyone other than me had problems with it obstructing your view toward the front right? Seems like it's right at eye level rather than below eye level so you can see over it.
  • tomsrtomsr Member Posts: 325
    Ihave a 98 CL and no paint problems but I have
    experienced cracking in the past when I was
    doing patchup work on older cars.When the
    conditions and materials are not perfect it can happen.Maybe your car was repainted before you bought it.When I bought my 2001 TL I was wondering around the back lot at the dealer and
    there was a brand new car that was in the process
    of bodywork so some poor dude is going to buy that car not knowing it has had bodywork.I once
    bought an 89 Mazda and it was not registered.I was told it was a demonstrator so I assumed it was new. One day I noticed a difference in the shape of a quarter panel. I got a magnet and
    checked it out. It had bondo on it! After threatening legal action the dealer took the car back and gave me a new one.
  • dmathewdmathew Member Posts: 2
    When is the the '02 CLS model coming out. I tried asking 4-5 different dealers in the Washington Metro area and none would tell me anything.
    Does anyone know of a site that has details on the new model. What are the major differences in the '02 CLS other than a 6-speed.

    I was given an offer for a 3.2 CLS (no navigation( for $27,220) by Pohanks Acura of greater Washington DC, and i wanted to know if i should jump on that price. Its the lowest i've found anywhere
  • mdanielmdaniel Member Posts: 47
    The 02 should be out shortly. Honda/Acura usually releases new model years in the fall. Don't expect any major changes from 01 to 02. The only thing is the 6 speed manual. A couple of members on Acura-cl.com have driven it. Acura is still doing the R&D and taking customer input through market research firms. Depending on the rumor, the 6 speed will be out either in the fall as an 02, spring as an 02, spring as an 03, or not at all. The 02 TL Type S was released a few months after the 02 TL, so there is precedence for releasing a different version later on. Acura hasn't said anything offical about the CL manual so its all speculation. Dealers are the last to know anything.
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    I actually find the left side rearview mirror obstructs my line of sight somewhat when I am making a left turn.
  • tomsrtomsr Member Posts: 325
    Is the 2.3 CL engine the same as in the Honda
    Accord? The reason I ask is my owners manual
    says to replace the timing belt at 105k miles
    but Honda dealers are recommending 60k miles.
    Is it just an attempt to make more money or is the
    timing belt on Acura better than a Honda? I have
    never heard of a Honda belt breaking.My sons have
    had belts break in a Subaru and an Escort.
  • jettsonjettson Member Posts: 23
    "Don't feel bad. The Accord V6 coupe is one fine car. Actually there are times when I wondered if I should have saved a few thousand dollars and gone for the Accord instead of the CL-S. The extra power and features of the CL-S is nice, but I mean, how often does one really fully utilize all of that? "

    You posted this after I wondered if I should have bought the Acura CL-S instead of the Accord Coupe, and I sure did appreciate your message, but guess what? I traded in my Honda, and let me tell you, the few thousand dollars more is WELL WORTH IT!!!

    I can't get over the difference in power plus just the overall enjoyment I get driving the CL-S.

    Boy do I love my Acura!
  • raaizinraaizin Member Posts: 31
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I am considering a CL-S purchase. Car will be used primarily by my wife. I am 6'2". I sat in the car in the dealer and it was a little tight.Are there any taller folks out there who have this car, if so do you find it comfortable. Also is the curb rash on rims a big problem. I am sure she will hit the curb even if I tell her to stay a foot away from the curb.
    Thanks,
    Ray
  • cyranno99cyranno99 Member Posts: 419
    Jettson - glad to hear that you love your little "upgrade" :) I've driven about 10k in my car. I really enjoy the long distance drive... 2+ hours over different surfaces, curves and inclines. Mind you, I have to constantly monitor my speed when I am not using the cruise control.
  • cyber_xcyber_x Member Posts: 37
    Looks like there's a CL body kit in the works. Don't know if it's available yet...looks sort of like it's still a prototype. Here's a link (click on the pic for more photos):


    http://www.importfan.com/cl_01_up_b.htm


    I know a lot of you guys don't like body kits, but I just thought I'd post it for reference anyway.


    Don't know how this kit will come out looking, since there's no finished pics yet. In any case, for or against body kits, it's still nice that the CL is finally getting some aftermarket support.

  • mdanielmdaniel Member Posts: 47
    The headroom depends on where your waist is. People with long legs and short torsos will have no problem. But reverse it and you'll be banging your head on the headliner. If you get too close to a curb, you WILL scratch the 01 CL-S rims. The spokes stick out further than the tires. The 02 TL-S has different wheels that look very similar but don't stick out as much. I don't know which wheels the 02 CL-S has. I have 25000 miles and only one scratched rim. It happened on the front right rim as I was turning left into a parking space. I got too close to the planter and scraped about 1.5 spokes. Also, never run these wheels through an automatic car wash with the steel tray that grabs your car by the wheel. Guaranteed scratches.
  • cyranno99cyranno99 Member Posts: 419
    those are really ugly pictures for body kits... I am not sure what to think of them.

    Yeah, I do like the rims on the RSX. I wish that the 2001 CL has those....less chance of being scratch. Anyway, I am more worry about the paint damages at high speeds. I hope that someone will come up with better polymer to better protect the car paint because I don't want to use the 3M clear mask stuff for my whole car....
  • g_carg_car Member Posts: 46
    Sorry if I missed this posted somewhere else, new to the board. Does Honda have plans for a 6 Speed CL. Looking to trade in my daily driver manual Accord for a CL, really like the way it looks and I believe its a great bargain but really would like a stick. We already have a 2001 BMW 5er with a Step along with 5 speed 300ZX and I really would like to stay with a manual for my daily driver. Wife mostly drives the Bimmer and the 300 is the weekend let the hair down car. Anyway if anyone has any news on a possible 2002 6 speed CL please pass along. The other options we were looking at were to go with a 2002 6 speed Maxima SE, Audi A4 or the VW Passat. Many Thanks.
  • cyranno99cyranno99 Member Posts: 419
    daily driver? I'd suggest that you consider the RSX Type S since you can get a 6-speed. Who really knows when they will have the manual for the CL.... probably a year from now....
  • I test drove an RSX as long as I was at the dealer test driving a TL-S. The RSX is very noisy. Lots of road noise. Way more than the TL-S or my CL. Way more. The road noise was similar to my 94 Civic.
    I don't know if that would be comfortable as a daily commute car, if you're used to a high end car like the BMW. The RSX is quite an exceptional value, though.
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    I'm glad you're happy with the CL-S. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret getting the CL-S. It feels great when you get the chance to really drive it hard. It's just that I spend alot of time commuting in traffic and chauffeuring the kids and it's during those occasions when I think that an Accord would be just as good.
  • dee35dee35 Member Posts: 11
    I know I'm being overly dramatic, but that's how I feel. My 2.5 week old baby is getting the body work she needs to be beautiful again. I still can't believe I got rear-ended and owned the car for just 5 days. How unfair! Now I'm driving around in this crappy Cavalier. It doesn't even have power windows or locks! Insurance companies stink! I managed to get one upgrade just so the car would have power steering. Can you believe that?! I didn't know they made them without it! Not in this millenium!
    I can't wait until I get my car back! I love it every bit as much as you guys do! As soon as I get it back, it's getting Zaino'd, so it looks just like fastdriver's, only mine has a spoiler.
    Has anyone noticed how few Acura's there are on the road. I'm always looking for one, rarely see one though. That makes our cars that much more special, I guess. Once the word gets out, everybody will have one! Well, I'll be thinking of you all cruising around in your CL's this week, while I just putter around in this lousy Cavalier. If I can just get through this week...ho hum.

    Dee
  • jrentjrent Member Posts: 15
    I can't image how inconsiderate some people can be. I've had my CL/S for 5 months and I don't mean to get to carried away but I haven't let the kids in it yet or my wife drive it . The cars show room new and I take great pains to keep it that way. I'm sure you'll be overjoyed when you get your "Baby" back on the road.
  • tomsrtomsr Member Posts: 325
    Shortly after getting my new CL some bozo used some sharp object and put a long scratch on the passengers side.Lucky for me my son works for a
    big dealership that has an excellent body shop.
    The insurance estimate was $900.My deductible was
    $250.The actual cost of the repair was $500 so I made out.I now have various dings from people
    opening their car doors into my car.Just glad it is not leased so I don't have to worry about it.
    If you have a heart attack over little dings you
    should leave the car in the garage and don't drive it.
  • You haven't let your kids in it? Or your wife drive it? Dude. It's a car.
  • g_carg_car Member Posts: 46
    The reason I want a manual I have a great commute, 10 miles of 2 lane twisting back roads no traffic,great scenery. Its my therapy session after a s*%^$! day at work :-)
    Would be a shame to "waste" it with a auto. I really do like the CL-S. I was suprised that it has 260hp, really doesn't feel that strong coming off the line, but it is a very smooth driving car. Maybe its the gearing. The car would be really great with a stick. RSX is a little too boy racer for me. I would get a Toyota Celica if I was going that route. Thanks for the comments.
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    dee35-

    Hang in there! Just think how much MORE you'll appreciate the CL-S when you do get it back! LOL... Yes, use that Zaino and that red beauty will look like it was polyurethaned! ;-))

    I now have 7,500+ miles on my car and it's just 5 months old today! I love it! I never drive this much this soon. After this Labor Day weekend trip to Keene, NH, I'll have even MORE miles on it! Yikes! I'm going to have to buy an old shebang to drive for everyday use and keep the mileage down on this leased baby or else buy it at the end of the lease if I go over my limit. Time to get my oil changed and the tires rotated! I'll see if I can do that tomorrow before leaving for NH on Friday.

    fastdriver
  • joeandcarol2joeandcarol2 Member Posts: 152
    I also am waiting for the 6 speed. I drive manuals all the time. Even for commutes. If the tranmission is well made with smooth shifts and a smooth clutch, its not a chore. Auotmatics are too boring. On the same subject, I don't understand why Acura is recruiting current CL owner's to test drive the new 6 speed at Honda R&D. No offense, but these are the drivers that bought automatics. They should ask manual transmission drivers who would otherwise not purchase a CL.
  • mdanielmdaniel Member Posts: 47
    But a lot of us would have picked the manual had it been available. I really liked the CL-S, but wan't going to hold my breath for a manual to appear given that they haven't had a manual V6 since 1995. Now I'd love to trade by CL-S for a 6 speed version of the same car, but I don't think I want to take the big loss.
  • jrentjrent Member Posts: 15
    At my age the CL/S is more of a statement than a car (mid life crisis). Besides I bought her a 2001 Cabrio GLX because she wanted something youthful, so let her enjoy the 4 banger (by the way in a year of ownership of the GLX the top hasn't been down more than 3 X, we live in Southern CA !).
  • My wife also wanted a convertible. She test drove the Cabrio, but found it too weak. The CL is actually her car!
    After almost getting a Sebring convertible, but running screaming from the Chrysler dealer due to the horrible sales experience, we ended up at the Acura dealer.
    In retrospect, she's glad she got a coupe instead of a rag top, as "the sun gives her wrinkles". She loves her CL, but I like it too! (as they used to say in those Irish Spring commercials.)
    I have a 5 month old Impala, but am seriously considering getting out of the lease, so I can get a TL-S Navi. That's how much I like the CL. I've even posted the Impala on Swapalease.com. Tick tick tick.
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    what made you go for the Impala. I'm not saying it's a bad car, but it's just so different from all the other cars you've mentioned. (In fact, I thought Impalas have been discontinued, or limited to police fleets)
  • cyranno99cyranno99 Member Posts: 419
    dee - I am sure that you will enjoy your CL thoroughly after you are done with the break-in period. I was really annoyed when I discovered a recent scratch to my car.... it was deep. Probably due to an object on the road since my tire has a similar mark.

    tomsr - you are pretty lucky dude. I wish that I had someone to do a good job repainting some scratches that my car has.
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    dee35-

    Took a chance and stopped by the dealer today to get the oil changed and the tires rotated. NO problem. Tires switched from front to back- same side and the front ones were balanced. Took no time at all and only cost about $26.00 with the tax! This is the second time that I have been surprised by the prices at this dealer. The first oil/filter change and this one was only $9.99.

    My experience with this car FAR exceeds the experience with the one before this. If you clicked on my profile and read about "Christine", then you know what I'm talking about.

    I wish you the same luck with you CL-S!

    fastdriver
This discussion has been closed.