Hey everyone,

I was just kicking around the idea of trading in my 03 CL S for a 04 RL. I saw one at the Acura dealer with 91k for under $20,000. How are these cars with high mileage? Anything to be aware of other than normal maintenance? Thanks for your help.

 

Just hit 60K in my 04. So far no repairs, just maint. I have seen quite a few 04s on ebay selling in the mid 20 range with really low miles, I would shop hard.

 

Thanks. I'm about to look on ebay right now.

I was reading your prior post (confused 04RL owner) and have wondered about the engine HP as well.

 

Just make sure the belts have been changed and look for torn CV boots

The only other thing that really wears out is the rear transmission mount.

 

I went from a 2001 CLS to a brand new 2004 RL. BEST move I made. Happy as horse doo! While its NOT perfect, its one of the best car's I've owned......I watch ebay everyday for many items. 2004 RL's is one of them. If you like black on black it is the most difficult combo to find on espray (ebay). They are selling with low mileage in the Mid to upper 20's. What you were quoted with that amount of miles is TOO much in my opinion unless it was owned by ONE owner and they have all the service records......otherwise "EL PASO" and look further.......Keep us posted !

 

HP is rated at 225. I traded in a 03 accord coupe with more HP, and as I stated in my post, I am a bit disappointed in a lack of upgrades on the 04. It is mostly little things, like the navigation system does not control the XM, less power than the TL, no dual zone AC, no vtech, and gas mileage (about 20 mpg mixed driving). I bought the car in December of last year, and with all the deficiencies on paper, the car is impressively good. The low HP engine is just a tick in performance behind the Lexus LS, with 8 cylinders and 290HP. You don't get the bragging rights, but in reality you can't really tell the difference between a car that hits 60 in just under 8 seconds, vs. one that does it in 7 seconds. It is near the same size as the big Lexus, bigger than the 5 series and it feels very close in ride. The materials feel as good as any luxury car I have been in, and trips to the mechanic are very rare. I pulled the service records on my car, and it has never been repaired. My family car is an MDX, and the way the budget works, my wife gets the good car and I use the commuter. A low mile 04 is in the same price range as a mid level Accord or Camry new. Buying the car a year old for less than half of new, means for the first time, I get a good car too. Can't beat the deal. My thoughts on eBay are if you negotiate you could probably get an 04 with less than 30K for about 24. Acura sold me a 7 year 120,000 bumper to bumper warranty for 1,400. (find Curry Honda online, they discount the factory warranty tremendously). Good Luck!!