1998 Acura CL

ROBERT STONE

MEMBER
1998 ACURA CL

1998 Acura CL Two Wheel Drive Automatic 15000 miles

We have a chance to buy a lightly used (15K miles )1998 Acura CL. Given the age of the vehicle, would it be recommended to replace the timing belt now? If not, when should it be changed? Same questions with respect to the water pump.

The car has been regularly serviced (oil changes, etc.) And seems to be running very nice. All original equipment in the car, including tires which will be replaced due to observable cracking. The car would be driven from Florida to the DC area to be used in DC by my daughter. Anything else you would check for?

Thanks.
R. Stone

Robert Stone

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Hi:
Actually, based on the age of the vehicle, it would be a good idea to replace the belt. Also, because of the labor involved, I would recommend replacing the pump too. I realize that the car has very low mileage, but the hardest thing there is on a car is letting it sit. Check for oil leaks, steel brake lines under the vehicle, and I would recommend flushing the cooling system, and servicing anything that has not been done to date like the transmission. Also, with it sitting so much, replace the fuel filter.

Regardless, it should be a good vehicle. My only concern is the chance of oil leaks after she starts using it on a regular basis. Seals and gaskets dry out when they sit and when you start using them, they sometimes start to leak.

If you have other questions, let me know.

Joe