trevor82

Hello folks, new to the forum.

My daughter is turning 16 and I am looking for a car for her. Found a 2008 RL with a Rebuilt title due to a rear-end impact. Brought my body shop friend to inspect damage and it was only contained to the rear quarter panel, which was repaired professionally. Otherwise the vehicles carfax is 2 owners and every required maintenance was performed on schedule, including timing belt and water pump about a week before the wreck at around 90K. my questions are...

1. Nav system says door open and DVD missing. Is that remedied simply by inserting a new, current DVD? The screen and the rest of the system's work normally.
2. The paint is in great shape but all the chrome trim is peeling, is there a fix for that besides replacing it all?


I know a lot of you will scoff at the title issue, but I plan on paying cash and letting my daughter drive it until it quits. These above issues are literally all I can find wrong with the car after we went over it for more than an hour the other night. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

nole85

Before you buy a car with a salvage title, best to check with your insurance company or agent to assure they will insure it particularly with a 16 y.o.on the policy. good luck..

trevor82

My insurance agent is a personal friend who also operates a body shop. He had no concerns

duke3k

Regarding:" 1. Nav system says door open and DVD missing. Is that remedied simply by inserting a new, current DVD? The screen and the rest of the system's work normally. "

Thats all it should take - however would recommend possibly updating the firmware as well since it comes as a two disc set if you buy a legit updated set of Nav maps from Acura.

Link to Acura Updated Nav Discs: The Official Acura Map Update Site | Home | HERE

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

wow, what a safe and awesome vehicle for a 16 year old!!!!!!!!!
has enough passing power and the SHAWD is a beast!!!!!!!!
however, it doesnt get the greatest fuel mileage and for a 16 year old, that might be tough. but im sure you've thought of this already.


as for the chrome trim, you can either A) replace it all. or B) Plastidip it or Vinyl wrap it.

oo7spy

justn is right about the trim. Replace or remove and re-cover.

brinox

This would be my concern for a teenager as well. With mixed city/highway driving, I can hardly get over 300 miles on the tank. That combined with the car requiring premium gas will ultimately add up to a lot of sheer driving cost.

In contrast, the base Sonata I rented recently got between 30-40mpg and easily went 500 miles on a single tank. This comparison is apples to oranges I know, but I'm considering everything I wish my 16 year old self would have considered way back when...

oo7spy

The back seat is too large for a high school girl too. Get her a coupe 2+2. Less risk.

thoiboi

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I was always the kid in the back yelling "SLOW DOWN, I DONT WANT TO DIE TODAY!"

thoiboi

i don't think that's what he was implying....

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Hey, its some ones daughter. I didnt want to be THAT guy

thoiboi

isn't it ALWAYS someone's daughter

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

butt, that daughter's father can hear us.

thoiboi

turn up the radio

TampaRLX-SH

I believe only 2005 RLs needed the 2 disc update. One disc was to update the 2005 firmware making it compatible for 2006 and later NAVI updates. The second disc was the typical annual map updates. 2006 RLs and afterward only need the single NAVI disc update for maps. This 2 disc update was limited to the 2005 RL. The head unit was changed for the 2006 model - which is why I believe the 2005 required firmware upgrade.

TampaRLX-SH

The RL was recommended by several sources as a good choice for teen drivers (mostly on safety features and crash ratings):

The Safest Cars for Teens | Esurance Blog

IIHS releases list of safest used vehicles for teens

Consumers Reports Released List Of 10 Best Cars For Teen Drivers » AutoGuide.com News

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^I think we established that already....

the issue would be the fuel consumption for a teen without income

TampaRLX-SH

^^^ Justin, I simply was citing articles to support that. I see no references, just opinions in this thread. IMHO personal opinions posted on the internet does not 'establish' the point.

08KBP_VA

Wow now THATS an interesting arrangement

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

yes, but the OP has already thought of that. thus why he chose or is choosing an RL for his 16 year old daughter. because its safe. and wonderful!

thoiboi

What conflict of interest?




fraud

thoiboi

I think what's Justin is trying to say is that the OP had already established the premise of safety but Tampa is simply reinforcing said premise

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

to who tho?
obviously, the OP is a very smart man! and knows what he's doing

or else, we wouldnt be here discussing an RL for a 16 year old.....

thoiboi

to no one in particular because no one asked said premise to be reinforced

justnspace

iTrader: (1)