Can anyone tell me why the RL is a 50K car?

My RDX is at the dealer for some fit and finish issues (Right front door handle has a bad finish, emblem fell off the motor and was on the intercooler, some plastic from shipping was not completely removed from the shifter and the black plastic up on the window frame was roughed up- it looked like black tape that had been frayed).

Well anyways I have a 2006 RL tech as a loaner and can't see why its 50K . It has a few more tech features than the RDX (all the things that many of you are complaining about that are absent from the RDX), and a bigger motor.

However when I get inside of it (after having to stoop down to get in- how quick I miss the higher entry of the RDX before it I was driving a 95 Integra ) I don't find the RL really any nicer than the RDX, in fact I think the RDX has a much better look and better controls.

 

How does an emblem fall off the motor and end up on the intercooler? Isn't the intercooler on top? Was it the other way around? Is there even an emblem on the motor?

Dang since you mention all those finish things, makes me wanna go outside and inspect a little bit. Hope you get them all fixed up nicely.

I'm sure most of the difference in cost of the RL is engine, transmission, suspension, interior finish. I guess it is whether those things are worth the 15k to you. If I was looking for that class of vehicle, large 4 door luxury sedan, I'd take a good look at the RL. Compare it to its competition at lexus or infiniti. The new Lexus LS, while an amazing vehicle, starts at 70K, and most probably sell around 80K. Ouch!

Just consider yourself lucky that your dealer gives RLs as loaners! My dealer is all TSX loaners...

 

Real wood, more leather in place of plastic, engine, transmission, little touches all throughout...

The RL does justify its price compared to its competitors. It may not to you, but that's a personal preference.

 

I'd MUCH rather be in the RL at high speeds as opposed to the RDX anyday. RL is safer also, no comparison.
I could tell you where they cut corners with the RDX but dont' have time....The RDX is a lot for the money but no comparo to the RL

 

I'm not saying that the RL is not a very nice car, it is a nice car. But what did they do to it for 13K more. It has some more features, keyless entry, auto dimming mirror, memory seats and power passenger seats - okay and real wood (if you like that kind of thing), and it may be safer at higher speed. But how does this and a 6-cylinder engine = +13K?

And it may be a good value compared to other lines, but I'm guessing the + 13k= huge profits.

 

The RL has been in production for many many years. RDX is new and has little or no credibility at this time. Uncertain whether we will see a 2009 model....The RL isn't going anywhere....The RDX isn't selling that well. It has a high price tag, a stiff ride and a noisy cabin compared to other Acura's. Honda profiles can't afford $37,000.00 plus which is why the 2005 & 2006 MDX's are in high demand. Why because those hard working families can't afford the new MDX price range $47,000.00 naked (no accessories) add those and you are in the mid 50's! I look at the RDX like a Honda S2000 on steriods.....S2000 started out at $42,000.00 wopping dollars, now is at $32,000.00 on good day....and outdated in my opinion (lack of Navi and all the bell and whistles associated with it)

 

The RL is Acura's flagship car, though I think the 07 MDX is nicer. For 13K more you get a more "plush" car, with the real wood, etc. RLs even have better paint. In terms of features, sure there are a few, active headlights, keyless go, (optional active CC and CMBS and PAX runflat system), but it is more because the overall car is somewhat upscale. Though looking at the RL, I also believe at least a little of that price goes to the RL badge.

Mike

 

My theory is the car manufacturers make the big bucks on the top luxury models.
They get brand loyalty with the lower priced models, then wait for you to upgrade where they can make real money off of you. Just my theory. Higher income car buyers just want to be in the top of the line, and are willing to pay 10-20K more for these little niceties. Its just like clothing and homes and most things you buy.

 

I love Acura, but I'd take an M over an RL. Sorry.

Mike

 

I think the RL line is floundeing a little, if you look at the latest sales numbers they are nearly down 33%. Yes it has a great ride, great technology package and the price is reasonable for what you get. But he main drawback is the size of the car. The new RL's are tiny (exterior wise) in comparrision to competitive cars, A6, BMW 530ix, Lexus GS, Mecedes E-Class. Plus Add to the fact that while the Acura brand, or any other Japanese brand, while gaining popularity as a luxury brand, the luxury car segment (RL) does not carry as much prestige as BMW, MB and Audi.

MODEL BREAKOUTS (OCT '06)
BY DIVISION
Acura Division
Total 15,877 16,398 0.7% 164,967 177,107 -6.9%
RSX 761 1,488 -46.8% 16,158 17,775 -9.1%
CL * 0 0 0 1
TL * 5,790 6,279 -4.1% 60,064 64,809 -7.3%
TSX 2,209 2,742 -16.2% 32,046 30,559 4.9%
RL 987 1,550 -33.8% 10,068 14,996 -32.9%
NSX 0 8 57 189 -69.8%
MDX * 4,429 4,331 6.4% 41,808 48,778 -14.3%
RDX * 1,701 4,766

 

Why does the RL ($50K version) cost more than the RDX? Here are some reasons:

- The RL is manufactured in Japan,while the RDX is manufactured in North America. Consider exchange rates and tariffs if in Canada.
- The RL has a bigger engine.
- The RL has Active Noise Cancellation
- The RL has headlights that move with the steering wheel.
- The RL has power seats for driver and passenger.
- The RL has memory seats.
- The RL has a better standard audio system.
- The RL has lighted door handles.
- The RL has a telescoping steering wheel.
- The RL has real wood (the only Acura that offers it, by the way).
- The RL has lighted seat pockets.
- The RL has headrests you can lower with a remote control.
- The RL has a rear sunshade.
- The RL uses more LED lights for the real lights than any other Acura.
- The RL has aluminum allow sub-frames and hood.

I'm sure there are myriad other reasons why the RL costs more than the RDX, but those are the only items I can think of right now.

 

Regarding RL sales, they are substantially lower than last year's sales. However, one looks at a 5-year trendline, 2005 was a bit of an outlier. That's probably because of it took so long for the new generation of RL to be released that there was some pent-up demand. 2006 seems to be more in line with the other years.

Also, take into account the RL is the Legend in Japan. Unlike most Acuras, the RL/Legend was designed in Japan, built in Japan and more reflects Japanese sensibilities. It makes sense that the RL would have less appeal in the USA and Canada. That's also the reason why the North American Honda Accord is different from Japanese Honda Accord: because our tastes are different.

The RDX, on the other hand, was designed in California with North America in mind and was also built in North America. The RDX was designed based on extensive marketing reseach in the US. So why are sales of the RDX so diappointing, when it was designed and made specificially for us?

 

Guess again on the RL safety being better than the RDX

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/head_res...nts.aspx?acura

 

This is a test of head restraints, NOT overall safety. It does not test other safety factors such as the likelihood of the vehicle rolling over or the number of airbags. In addition, the IIHS did not dynically test the "[s]eat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes." Did they bother to manually lift the rear seat headrests, or did they assume that because they were down by default that they could not be lifted?

 

the RL got all top marks in safety for frontal tests.

Its no wonder the RDX got better marks for head restraints since it is the first model to use AHR. The only other model to have it is the 07 MDX. Not sure why they haven't incorporated it into the 07 RL, TL or TSX. I guess it is an SUV thing for Acura.

 

id take a RL over my RDX any day. i still love you RDX.

 

The things I can think of are

-V6
-Real wood
-memory seats
-run flats
-auto review mirror
-all power seats
-auto headlights
-on star
-sunshades

Im sure its also got tons of other stuff I do not know about.

 

What is AHR?

 

RL is better in many ways,

superior fit & Finish, better build quality, higher grade materials used on the interior

bigger more powerfull 3.5L 290HP V6 engine

active noise cancelation

better sound system (they should be equal, but the sound quality and volume are by far better in the RL, perhaps due to better acoustics)

power driver side seat, memory presets for the drivers side seat, side view mirrors, electronic tilt and telescoping steering wheel, radio, climate control, and navigation presets.

its wet sanded before paint is applied..7 layers of it...orange peel on the paint is extremly uncommon by comparisson and so are stone chips

led tailights

a lot more sound proofing (Roof & firewall have high tech sound proofing, all doors have rubber seals on the bottom edge not present in other Acuras to help prevent wind noise).

aluminum trunk, hood & front fenders

Carbon fiber drive shaft

active front headlights

woodgrain interior finish

the rear doors swing open to a 90 degree angle for easy entry/exit

auto rear sunshade & manual rear door sunshades,

Electronically controlled, speed-sensing, variable power-assist rack-and-pinion steering

Flush junction between side glass and B-pillars

electronic rear retractable headrests

leather shift knob

reverse tilt down side view mirros

you dont need to unlock the door with a key or remote, just touch the inside of the door handle if the remote is on your person and the car will unlock. to lock it, all u need to do is touch the raised dimple on the outside of the door handle.

auto dimming rearview mirror

the top of the line RL also has

Run Flat Tires

Collision Mitigation Braking System

Adaptive Cruise Control


im sure im forgetting some things.


essentially, the RL is well worth the premium you pay for it imo, on the other hand...some people dont see the value in all this technology...which is why Acura is now offering 3 diff Trim levels for 2007. the Base model will start @ 45,780 with the top of the line model costing 53,200.

 

there is no BMW M(i assume you are reffering to BMW) thats compares to the RL. the 5 & 6 cost way more money, and the 3 is a 2-door coupe. the BMW 530Xi is the RL's direct competitor and costs thousands more when comparably equip.

 

Active Head Restraints

Isn't that why we all bought RDXs?

 

Well, I think the AHRs are pretty important. I'd prefer a vehicle that exceeds expectations in preventing head injuries in a crash. The rear crash tests for the RL weren't the greatest either in looking at some of the other ratings, although I agree the RL ratings are very good over all.

I think most of the reasons posted here are valid as to why the RL is superior to the RDX, which it should be since it costs 15K more. I'm not saying the RDX is better. I just don't agree with the blanket statement that the RL is safer.

 

why is real wood a selling feature? Might be a generational thing, but I would take futeristic metal/plastic as long as it is clean and sharp looking over wood interior anyday. Reminds me of those Jeeps in the 80s with the wood paneling (ick) or a snobby old brit driving a bentley or Rolls asking for Grey Poupon.

Anyways, just my humble opinion. Wood is for the cottage. Metal, leather and modern plastics are for a car.

 

Yeah I know I posted that but for me im with you its not that big of a deal for me I was just listening what else the RL has that I know off the top of my head.

 

I was referring to the Infiniti M35/45, sorry.

Mike

 

Because he didn't say it was a selling feature, he was simply answering the posted question of why the RL costs more.

 

I actually came close to buying the Infiniti M35. It is an excellent car, and I think it rivals the BMW 5-Series. However, I like the RL's navigation system better (NavTraffic is a plus), I like the voice commands better (more extensive and useful than the M's), but most of all, I like the RL's price better. In addition, I got more money trading in my old Acura CL Type S at the Acura dealership than I would have at the Infiniti dealership.

I'm looking forward to test-driving the RDX. Seems like a fun vehicle.

 

I know, just don't fully understand why people like it is all.

 

The S2000 did not "start" at $42K.....the MSRP has always been ~$32k, it's the scumbag dealers that marked up the price when it first came out. I had deposits on 2 S2000s when they first came out, and I would have paid $32k if I had puchased either.(didn't because I'm 6'8" and couldn't fit ) Not all dealers marked the price up.

You miss the point if you think the S2000 needs Navi....It's a toy to play with in the twisties, not "find nearest Chinese Restaurant"

 

Actually, the RL got 5 stars..

http://www.safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/3651.html

Another site and test.

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=239 Good on everything

The RDX did well, but not as good.

http://www.safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/4111.html

Rear is less important than frontal collision. The RL is a safer car, but not by much.

 

huh? The RDX has better scores on 8 of 12 of the quantitative criterion?

 

Look again. RL overall got better scores. It had 5 stars on roll-over and the RDX had 4.

But still, 5 stars is 5 starts for both vehicles with or without AHR.

 

Rear is less important than frontal? Not sure you can compare the two. You could also say that you are more likely to get hit from behind than you are to run into something or have someone run in to your front. Remember everybody here is a perfect driver, it's the other people wehave to worry about....

 

When you have a ton of space (Trunk) and rear seat space to protect you, yes its less space. Frontal is more important because the engine, etc can all cram into the occupants.

But your right, it is the other people.

 

From the original link:

"For each seat/head restraint, rear-end crash protection is an assessment of occupant protection against neck injury in rear impacts at low to moderate speeds. Although such injuries usually aren't serious, they occur frequently."

So basically, the RDX excels at protecting passengers from neck injuries in rear impacts, injuries that "usually aren't serious." Way to go, RDX!

 

yeah, the fuel tank in the rear will help with a rear collision ;-) And how can you say rear seat space? That would imply that cars should be designed to protect the front seat occupants and that it's okay if we kill the rear seat occupants to save the driver. Front is more important only if you're a speeder or tend to hit people. Japanese cars are designed with crumple zones. Your engine bay will absorb as much damage as possible. On the other hand, american cars are built like a tank (well I don't know about now, but the older ones). They won't give, but their occupants will experience alot more stress.

 

Uncertain is a bit strong. I SERIOUSLY doubt they would can this vehicle. If anything, in typical Honda/Acura fashion, they'll make some improvements, add some features and perhaps make it more of a value.


What? You totally lost me here. Honda profiles? You mean Honda buyers? What Honda is priced at 37k? Pilot I believe tops out perhaps near there, but if you're buying a high-end Pilot, you can afford an RDX...or even as you apparently suggest, in some cases an '06 or older MDX. But Acura does not target Honda, per se. It targets the buyer who wants a value-luxury equation. And what's that got to do with the new MDX? Not a lot, really, other than YOUNGER Honda buyers probably are not usually MDX buyers. But 40+-year-olds who bring in the dough are the target for the new MDX. Yes, it's a costly vehicle. But that's the next level they wanted to take with it. Hence, RDX comes in somewhat near where MDX was.

This targeting progression is nothing new: start on Honda (or another value leader), then move up to Acura. Or move over to Acura from another lux brand. And somewhere in between you'll find some overlap like the affordablility of the Pilot/RDX. Look at GM's model...start at Chevy, move up to Pontiac, then Olds (RIP), then Caddy...or Buick if you can't afford Caddy. Again, all this is nothing new.

You are simply mistaken here on so many levels; the S2K (I have an '03, and a few others here own S2Ks as well) is not at all comparable to RDX other than they both handle extremely well, have great acceleration and are in the Honda/Acura family. The S2K did NOT EVER retail for $42k, the '99 model started in fact as a Boxster beater value-priced at $30k. The price has risen steadily since then to its current $34,250 retail.

Furthermore, what EVER gave you the idea that the S2K is a luxury automobile? Do you see an Acura badge on it? Do you see fur coats and yachts in S2000 ads? It was concepted, designed, built, marketed and sold -- and always HAS been -- as a PURE sports car. A pure sports car is defined as a two-seater convertible and is built for speed and precision handling; as such, you will find very few if any creature comforts on a true roadster. It's simply a hardcore driving enthusiast's car. Nothing more and nothing less. And that is the magic of a pure sports car.

The S2000 is also in many ways a form of bait to entice customers into the dealership just to see it...and say "Wouldn't that be fun, honey?" and then buy an Accord or Pilot, etc. No, it's not a volume automobile. It's a statement.

"Wow" is about all I can say here.

 

Hey, Fab and all....very sorry I was a bit harsh in my post above! My apologies.

 

These are all very interesting insights. I think the RDX will eventually be a strong seller. I predict that the RDX's niche will be relatively young, affluent people in urban environments. These people will have hobbies and pets, but not necessarily have children (although some will). The RDX is small enough to parallel park in the city, but offers enough interior room for you to put your bike for weekend riding or to put stuff you bought at Ikea. I expect the RDX to sell well in places like the Bay Area, the Washington DC area, Chicago area, and the NYC area. It's just going to take some time and a lot of promotion to increase RDX awareness among the masses.

 

Pacer, NO problem! We are all entitled to our own opinion....

What I meant was motor wise the RDX and the S2000 have similar motors....My neighbor's garage opens directly across from mine. Stored is a sweet silver 2003 S2000 which I've drove. Very nice SPORT car indeed....I think JHR hit the nail in the wall market wise....

I just picked up my 2007 Acura MDX "Sport" model........OH MY....... Have you driven one lately? ? ?