Topic: 1997 Acura 2.2 CL for $7700

[articsteve]

I've all ways found it really odd that Chrysler from way back was the only car company to throw in a voltmeter or amp meter as  standard equipment in all or most of it's various offerings.  This dates way back to the late 50s.

Why the Germans and Japanese chose the "GM" idiot light as the only warning of  alternator output failure is frustrating.  All I'm saying is that those big subs and amps are hard on alternators because the OEM unit was never designed for that kind of output/load.  Your CL's alternator may very well last for another 100K plus km, but it would be nice to watch how it's doing from inside the car.  You can if you like rig a 15 dollar digital voltmeter to the cigarette lighter permanently and keep an eye on the charging rate which should be around 14.5 volts.

I'd definitely get the stock radio back off the PO.

[acuragirl]

Good update.  The car should have a bit better gas mileage.  Unless the engine isn't tuned properly or you've got a heavy foot.....I'm guessing the latter. 

How do you know if the engine is tuned?  Does that mean it might need a tune up?  I just had an oil change done...got synthetic, and plan to keep it that way.  I know ppl say synth has more detergents in it, and so it gets gunked up faster, but I felt it was a better choice because it doesn't break down as fast as regular oil.  The po had an oil change with the due date and mileage for the next change ..so he did do some servicing.  Do you think I should get a tune up or 'winterize' done?  Thanks

[acuragirl]

I've all ways found it really odd that Chrysler from way back was the only car company to throw in a voltmeter or amp meter as  standard equipment in all or most of it's various offerings.  This dates way back to the late 50s.

Why the Germans and Japanese chose the "GM" idiot light as the only warning of  alternator output failure is frustrating.  All I'm saying is that those big subs and amps are hard on alternators because the OEM unit was never designed for that kind of output/load.  Your CL's alternator may very well last for another 100K plus km, but it would be nice to watch how it's doing from inside the car.  You can if you like rig a 15 dollar digital voltmeter to the cigarette lighter permanently and keep an eye on the charging rate which should be around 14.5 volts.

I'd definitely get the stock radio back off the PO.

How do you know the alternator is OEM?  The cig. lighter doesn't work...I really need it to charge my cell phone because the battery doesn't last all day most of the time.  I looked in the user manual to try and figure it out, but it only explained how to use the cig. lighter...   I assumed it was a fuse that needed replacing.  I asked crappy tire to look at it and they were going to charge me shop rate, minimum $20 to just look at it..I thought I could figure it out....(they did the oil change)

BTW, why do you call yourself articsteve?

[articsteve]

Honda/Acura alternators usually last past 200k km/10 years so it's just an educated guess.  My Bimmer, Saab are original @ 220k km and 245k km and Porsche is still original and it's an 87.

The fuse would be the place to start.  You can wire the voltmeter into the cigarette lighter's wiring and still use the cigarette lighter for your phone charger.

First name is Steve. When I got out of school in the 70'sl I joined the Federal government and found myself in a hell hole called Churchill, Manitoba, which I considered the Arctic.  I changed Arctic to Artic just to annoy ppl who have fetishes over correct spelling.

[acuragirl]

Thanks for your help Steve..I'm going to save the advice you have given here..and try to fix things.  I thought artic stood for a short form of 'articulate'...as in you are articulate steve...

[mdxtasy]

Thanks for your help Steve..I'm going to save the advice you have given here..and try to fix things.  I thought artic stood for a short form of 'articulate'...as in you are articulate steve...

 

[locutusx]

Congrats on the car.  There is always something that niggles when you buy used.

Ain't that the truth! And most of the time it doesn't mean anything, too.

(or at least, that's my experience...)

[lh0628]

They are nice cars, feels very luxrious.

[wandererca]

if i were you, i would not take risk to buy an OLD car. I can't believe any RELIABLE car at high mileage and years. I prefer to invest a few money on fixing an average reputation car with 4 or 5 years old.

Anyway, wish you good luck.

[Julie]

if i were you, i would not take risk to buy an OLD car. I can't believe any RELIABLE car at high mileage and years. I prefer to invest a few money on fixing an average reputation car with 4 or 5 years old.

Anyway, wish you good luck.

She's already bought it.