Here’s the latest reader question, along with my reply!
Rain asks: I need a new project car. What do you know about the 2003 Acura CL Type-S w/6 speed manual? I somewhat recall this model having a particular known “issue” but I don’t recall the specific. Am I just being paranoid ? I already love the thing cuz its alternator is a simple hour swap and rewire.
My reply: Acura used to offer great enthusiast’s cars; back in the ’90s especially – when lots of enthusiasts were enthusiastically hopping up VTEC Integras (or putting Integra engines into their Hondas).
That said, the main issue here is age. That ’03 CL is 22 years old and so is apt to have or will have the issues that vehicles that old tend to have, among them such things as the heater core debacle I’m dealing with in my 23-year-old truck. This stuff just happens, eventually. That said, what is the overall condition of the car? Has it been well-maintained over the past 22 years? Are there records? How many owners has it had? I would do the usual checks for basic soundness such as a compression/vacuum test of the engine, along with checking the clutch for good bite (even if it has been replaced) as well as have a look at all vital fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid, clutch slave cylinder fluid) for signs of poor maintenance.
There’s also the intangible way the car feels to you. Does it feel good – or tired? I’d want a 30 minute test drive as well as put it on a lift to see the underside. Due diligence and skepticism are your best friends when shopping for any used car.
Hope this helps – and keep us posted!
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