Rants & Raves
02-07-2016, 05:59 PM
#1
Fk no!TheyldstroyEvrthing
Thread Starter
Rants & Raves
So here's my RL story.
Firstly, I always likes the Honda brand. I had a ZX50 bike when i was 11 which made Honda my first gas vehicle to ever own. then i got a t shirt to go with the bike, had all brands on it, with Honda in the middle big, so i was sold.
I after that never owned a Japanese car but mainly German.
after buying this 09 RL a bit over a week ago, here are my rants and raves, which may come in many posts as i discover them, and others are invited to give theirs.
Rant:
Why on earth would a major brand make an upscale brand like acura, make a flagship car, then make the turning signal stick the same as the light switch, and make that, the same as the 1985 honda prelude?
Each time you wanna give a turn signal: tic tic tic, then u turn in the opposite direction, it breaks into neutral. I mean come on.
Rave:
In making a decision to buy a quality car, AWD, with many options, not too expensive and reliable coz that costs more than anything, the vtech and honda trannies, as well as the widely available low cost parts make this RL an excellent buy.
Firstly, I always likes the Honda brand. I had a ZX50 bike when i was 11 which made Honda my first gas vehicle to ever own. then i got a t shirt to go with the bike, had all brands on it, with Honda in the middle big, so i was sold.
I after that never owned a Japanese car but mainly German.
after buying this 09 RL a bit over a week ago, here are my rants and raves, which may come in many posts as i discover them, and others are invited to give theirs.
Rant:
Why on earth would a major brand make an upscale brand like acura, make a flagship car, then make the turning signal stick the same as the light switch, and make that, the same as the 1985 honda prelude?
Each time you wanna give a turn signal: tic tic tic, then u turn in the opposite direction, it breaks into neutral. I mean come on.
Rave:
In making a decision to buy a quality car, AWD, with many options, not too expensive and reliable coz that costs more than anything, the vtech and honda trannies, as well as the widely available low cost parts make this RL an excellent buy.
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RL09 (02-08-2016)
02-08-2016, 11:18 AM
#3
Senior Moderator
What is your blinker complaint? Sounds to me like every Japanese car I've ever driven, 7 or 8 of them. What do the silly Germans do?
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projektvertx (02-08-2016)
02-08-2016, 12:49 PM
#5
Fk no!TheyldstroyEvrthing
Thread Starter
I like the car very much. when i look forward to going out coz i wanna drive, i know i like the car.
I guess it's little things that make you go 'why'
The stick can be more up to par with the intended class. It's the same one. same feel, same characteristics. the same.
One thing is i like when i give the stick a nudge and it does three blinks then stops.
As for the rest, those who drive German cars can tell those little differences.
This car mrsp was most expensive in its class...
I guess it's little things that make you go 'why'
The stick can be more up to par with the intended class. It's the same one. same feel, same characteristics. the same.
One thing is i like when i give the stick a nudge and it does three blinks then stops.
As for the rest, those who drive German cars can tell those little differences.
This car mrsp was most expensive in its class...
02-08-2016, 03:20 PM
#6
Three Wheelin'
I know that Honda/Acura now has the 3-blink auto signal. Remember that you're driving an 11 year old design (2nd gen started in 2005). I've also extensively driven an ML-class and X3 and I didn't find the blinker to be any better. Different yes, but not better. In fact, I was cursing why they didn't put the headlight switch at the end of the stalk like Japanese cars do! My only real complaint with the RL's touchpoints is the thin steering wheel. I wish it were more beefy. The new '16 Civic's steering wheels feels great. Very thick in the right places!
02-08-2016, 05:44 PM
#7
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Some German cars and some American cars I've driven have the light switch right above the fuse box.
What you're describing is a standard Japanese car thing. I honestly hate the three blink thing in newer cars, but that's just me.
What you're describing is a standard Japanese car thing. I honestly hate the three blink thing in newer cars, but that's just me.
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02-08-2016, 05:57 PM
#8
2007 LSM KB1 Tech w/CMBS
I don't understand what your gripe is about the switchgear. I find Honda switchgear to be some of the best in the automotive world. Very solid feeling and consistent from vehicle to vehicle. At least it's logical unlike some of the others that make you think, "Why did they do that?" Try driving a GM product if you want to experience crappy, cheap-feeling turn signal stalks.
02-08-2016, 07:56 PM
#9
Senior Moderator
Wait, what?!? 
I thought you knew Germans.
Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison - Acura RL vs Audi A6 vs BMW 535i vs Cadillac CTS vs Infiniti M35 vs Jaguar XF vs Lexus GS 350 vs Mercedes-Benz E350 - Motor Trend
I thought you knew Germans. Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison - Acura RL vs Audi A6 vs BMW 535i vs Cadillac CTS vs Infiniti M35 vs Jaguar XF vs Lexus GS 350 vs Mercedes-Benz E350 - Motor Trend
02-08-2016, 08:33 PM
#11
Senior Moderator
Depends on what you compare it to. Motor Trend stuck to the mid-size luxury sedan class, and it was 4th behind the Germans. However, if you use the flagships or each maker, it easy falls to the bottom.
02-08-2016, 10:50 PM
#12
Fk no!TheyldstroyEvrthing
Thread Starter
Is it possible in Canada we got different pricing?
the article was talking of how Acura japan imposed a price of 66 Canadians on Acura Canada, which put the price at worst on par with an A4 and a 5 series.
the article was talking of how Acura japan imposed a price of 66 Canadians on Acura Canada, which put the price at worst on par with an A4 and a 5 series.
02-09-2016, 12:08 AM
#13
Three Wheelin'
At least here in the US, the RL was the value leader, albeit with conservative styling (some say boring) but that styling does up against time. The car still looks handsome 10+ years later. The level of equipment it came with was also a value leader with things like proximity key and radar-based auto-brake, which at the time was only available on the highest end German cars.
02-09-2016, 09:06 AM
#14
Fk no!TheyldstroyEvrthing
Thread Starter
I got this car car under 2 weeks still. I'm like evaluating everything about it.
One thing's for sure, mileage is no good. My A4 was more economical.
One thing's for sure, mileage is no good. My A4 was more economical.
02-09-2016, 09:07 AM
#15
Fk no!TheyldstroyEvrthing
Thread Starter
How on earth do we edit posts?
my A4 was a 6 cyl. 3.0 .
my A4 was a 6 cyl. 3.0 .
02-09-2016, 11:10 AM
#17
Wait, what?!? I thought you knew Germans.
Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison - Acura RL vs Audi A6 vs BMW 535i vs Cadillac CTS vs Infiniti M35 vs Jaguar XF vs Lexus GS 350 vs Mercedes-Benz E350 - Motor Trend
I thought you knew Germans. Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison - Acura RL vs Audi A6 vs BMW 535i vs Cadillac CTS vs Infiniti M35 vs Jaguar XF vs Lexus GS 350 vs Mercedes-Benz E350 - Motor Trend
02-09-2016, 12:03 PM
#19
Senior Moderator
Your A4 weighed 400 lbs less. RL city mileage sucks. Highway is actually pretty impressive.
Answered that in your other thread.
Answered that in your other thread.
02-09-2016, 01:38 PM
#21
Three Wheelin'
My mileage is around 18-20 mpg and it's 75% city driving. Agreed it's not great, but not unexpected as it's a 4000 lb car with always-on AWD system and 290hp.
Last edited by schen72; 02-09-2016 at 01:38 PM. Reason: fixed typo
02-09-2016, 04:04 PM
#23
Three Wheelin'
02-09-2016, 04:47 PM
#25
Senior Moderator
It also had half the displacement and a turbo. We have ventured out of apples and oranges at this point.
02-09-2016, 04:49 PM
#26
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I've seen tank numbers as low as 14 with the RL when it's all city, traffic jams and spirited driving. Hence why I get depressed by some tank numbers
02-09-2016, 04:54 PM
#27
Cruisin'
I love the RL, it trumps the audi, but you def feel the weight in the corners.
And yes it may be apples to oranges, still sedan vs sedan. i'd figure an 05 rl would def trump a 97 a4 in most categories.
And yes it may be apples to oranges, still sedan vs sedan. i'd figure an 05 rl would def trump a 97 a4 in most categories.
02-09-2016, 05:05 PM
#28
Fk no!TheyldstroyEvrthing
Thread Starter
what i mentioned so far, and the general feel of it. it doesn't tick. at least my audi, and recently the benz replacement we had, no ticking.
02-09-2016, 05:07 PM
#29
Fk no!TheyldstroyEvrthing
Thread Starter
I know that Honda/Acura now has the 3-blink auto signal. Remember that you're driving an 11 year old design (2nd gen started in 2005). I've also extensively driven an ML-class and X3 and I didn't find the blinker to be any better. Different yes, but not better. In fact, I was cursing why they didn't put the headlight switch at the end of the stalk like Japanese cars do! My only real complaint with the RL's touchpoints is the thin steering wheel. I wish it were more beefy. The new '16 Civic's steering wheels feels great. Very thick in the right places!
02-09-2016, 05:31 PM
#30
Cruisin'
02-09-2016, 07:49 PM
#31
Your biggest rant is the multi-function switch? Really?
Personally I like the headlight control within the same switch. The interior already has enough buttons as it is.
Why not rant about the poor arm rest quality or the bubbling glove box, or the keyfob buttons, or the lack of an aux, or the useless OnStar? You could complain about many other things but instead complain about the multi-function switch? Really... Many other manufacturers use them. GM used them until recently around 2014 when they started using a physical dial on the dash to control the lights.
Personally I like the headlight control within the same switch. The interior already has enough buttons as it is.
Why not rant about the poor arm rest quality or the bubbling glove box, or the keyfob buttons, or the lack of an aux, or the useless OnStar? You could complain about many other things but instead complain about the multi-function switch? Really... Many other manufacturers use them. GM used them until recently around 2014 when they started using a physical dial on the dash to control the lights.
02-09-2016, 09:22 PM
#32
Fk no!TheyldstroyEvrthing
Thread Starter
02-09-2016, 09:27 PM
#33
Fk no!TheyldstroyEvrthing
Thread Starter
Your biggest rant is the multi-function switch? Really?
Personally I like the headlight control within the same switch. The interior already has enough buttons as it is.
Why not rant about the poor arm rest quality or the bubbling glove box, or the keyfob buttons, or the lack of an aux, or the useless OnStar? You could complain about many other things but instead complain about the multi-function switch? Really... Many other manufacturers use them. GM used them until recently around 2014 when they started using a physical dial on the dash to control the lights.
Personally I like the headlight control within the same switch. The interior already has enough buttons as it is.
Why not rant about the poor arm rest quality or the bubbling glove box, or the keyfob buttons, or the lack of an aux, or the useless OnStar? You could complain about many other things but instead complain about the multi-function switch? Really... Many other manufacturers use them. GM used them until recently around 2014 when they started using a physical dial on the dash to control the lights.
Arm rest is kinda awkward.
By box is bubbled I'm afraid
I got an aux tho.
Don't have onstar.
My complaint about the stick is a general one nonetheless., if i list the little things that project to you "i am a buffed up honda accrod" they'd be many. I merely used to stick to say: When you make a luxury brand, then make it's "flagship", for the love of God these little honda prelude options... upgrade them. Do it right. That's all.
02-09-2016, 09:56 PM
#34
Oh that's right the later year 2nd gen got aux, my 05 doesn't, and has the completely useless OnStar. Look up at the domelights where the sunroof buttons are. You'll see to the left is where OnStar use to be and Acura just capped off that portion.
The arm rest will rip and the foam will go flat, don't go to the dealer it costs $640, you can buy the leather covers for $35 and get the foam for like $5-10 and do it yourself in an hour. I just haven't done mine yet.
Also did the alternator too recently. Also the sensors on the door handles will stop working if you like locking the car without the keyfob.
The arm rest will rip and the foam will go flat, don't go to the dealer it costs $640, you can buy the leather covers for $35 and get the foam for like $5-10 and do it yourself in an hour. I just haven't done mine yet.
Also did the alternator too recently. Also the sensors on the door handles will stop working if you like locking the car without the keyfob.
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RL09 (02-10-2016)
02-09-2016, 10:57 PM
#35
Senior Moderator
Why are you putting on your right blinker and turning left? Or conversely, your left blinker and turning right? The Japanese are right; your logic is flawed. The silly Germans may have mastered the art of mechanical engineering for impractical or trivial situations, but I guarantee you the Japanese have mastered the art of electronics far beyond the Germans. Your complaint is almost entirely moot.
02-10-2016, 07:29 AM
#36
Fk no!TheyldstroyEvrthing
Thread Starter
Why are you putting on your right blinker and turning left? Or conversely, your left blinker and turning right? The Japanese are right; your logic is flawed. The silly Germans may have mastered the art of mechanical engineering for impractical or trivial situations, but I guarantee you the Japanese have mastered the art of electronics far beyond the Germans. Your complaint is almost entirely moot.
02-10-2016, 07:33 AM
#37
Coming from a guy who personally owned a 2010 VW GTI in the last year I can speak for myself when I say they will drive you crazy when it comes to the electronics. You have to use special LED bulbs on the exterior if you convert from the regular bulbs because if you don't then the dash will light up like a Christmas tree. That's just the tip of the iceberg. I personally won't own another German car. GTI was a fun cat but couldn't stand the electrical headache.
02-10-2016, 09:27 AM
#38
Cruisin'
02-10-2016, 09:50 AM
#40
Senior Moderator
I am still unsure what your complaint is. I thought it was the turn signal returning to neutral upon the wheel turning the opposite direction. Now I'm guessing that's not it. Are you talking about the steering column ticking as you turn the wheel in the direction of your blinker while it is on?