Learn me 99 Acura CL 3.0 Auto

Good friends,

An opportunity to purchase one from a family friend (more or less known pedigree - s/b well maintained) at what seems to be a good price ($1800). 160K miles.

First google search I pulled up had "auto trans problems" listed, a lot of them - bad shifting, some on their second or fourth transmission, etc...

Run for the hills? Problem is overblown? Help!

Thanks.

They are the same trans that is used in the Honda Odyssey and Accords. I have dealt with a dead trans before. If you could get some sort of Service History, it would be beneficial. I would say, more than likely, you WILL run into this problem.

It WILL (not maybe, not could, will) need a transmission. Likely needs the intake pulled and the EGR ports cleaned and at 160k if the t-belt has not been changed do it immediately.

The good news: 99 did away with the captive rotors, they engine itself will run forever and they are a decent car.

Is there an expected life on these things, and "normal" maintenance to forestall failure/prolong life on them?

Trying to find out if it's already happened or not, along with the timing belt.

They can go at any time. My Girlfriend's gearbox lasted up to 225,000 miles when it went. Her sister has a similar Accord but 2 or 3 years newer, has around 150,000 miles and it just went...

We had a 99 in here last week that had 79k and it needed one. Have had 98's with 170 before they went. Normally seen them in thee 120-150 range before taking a dump.

At 79K I would presume original type owner and good maintenance? In any case, sounds like it will go between now and the next couple years.

What's the going rate to swap out (I would think used would be better than rebuild from a $$$ standpoint?), and are there "upgrades" that will bolt in?

As always, much knowledge on this board, never ceases to amaze.

I did a trans on one of those once. Dont remember much about it, though, except the trans shop where i worked at wouldnt rebuild them, only order one from a dedicated honda rebuilder.

I do remember a rebuilt one from H and A transmission in california being expensive, like $2k.

^ Correct.... expect to spend $2500 for a good reman. Or IF you can find one used about $12-1500.

EDIT: Acura Reman lists for $2068.91 plus $108 freight. Those come with a 3/36 warranty.

DOUBLE EDIT: Nevermind.... they've been discontinued. We can no longer get them. There's a good place in So Cal...Howard Engineering.....

$2500. Ouch.

"IF you can find one..." Ouch again.

And I won't be installing it myself, so that $2K or $2500 gets another few hundred on top of that. I don't have an inate love for Acura CLs, so I'm thinking I might pass on this one.

Thanks for the input guys.

Funny thing is they never just go one day, they start slipping and it slowly gets to the point where you realize its rather dangerous to continue to drive.

If you can find a 2.3Cl 5-spd, that would bewhat I'd grab up.