Hello All,

It has been awhile since I've been here as I turned in my '04 TL about a year ago... I am now looking for a used RL. I like the first gen better and considering a 03 or 04. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what years were better etc or if any known problems?

 

I agree on the RL's. I like the first gen but not the second which looks too much like an accord for my taste.... The early RL's had problems with window regulators and radiators. I'd go for a 2000+ rather than the 96 - 99 models...

 

I would look no farther than 2004, Thats the last year of what I believe is the best looking body style (just one mans opinion no flames please.)

 

ideally i'd like an 04... black on black... getting picky, but not in a rush... ha

thx guys for your responses

 

2004 is the best year. 10 speakers instead of 8, 6 disc in dash CD player + XM, Navi is standard and is a better/faster design. Also it has voice recognition. The LED gauges are fancier/more modern.

Definitely get at least a 2002/2003 if you can't get a 2004.

Also the 2002 - 2004 has a tighter suspension, 225 hp instead of 210. Drives more like a 2nd gen TL Type S than a Lexus.

 

You like a black on black 04? Ye ask and ye shall recieve. Right CLick and save
mines

 

thx again guys... 04 is the last 1st gen year, and was hoping for that as well... good input on model year, handling, pros etc... appreciate it... hopefully i'll be able to post some pics in the next few months once i find one now.

 

I concur that the 04 on consumer reports says it all "best made RL" out of the 8 year production 1 st gen models....
Can't go wrong with a used RL with low miles....Mine (2004) is at 20,587 and will be five years old come May......Black on Black California spotless.......
LOL

 

The accord looks like the RL.

 

that's what I'm looking for... but i guess who isn't!

 

04' all the way, I would consider swapping up to an 04' if the chance presented itself.

only bummer about the 04' is no sunglasses holder

 

That sucks!!! I keep a BUG in there.

 

04 is by far the best year. They also come with some very goofy wood colors, I even seen this weird greenish looking color.

We had a 04 RL on our lot for 2 years once, finally sold in 2006 ! I remember it was a 29,999 car and NO ONE wanted it. Bummer cause it was the last of the reliable Acuras. New RL is a complete failure. Always having electric problems.....

 

I like 1G.

 

isn't that the black burlwood sun faded to a dark green?

 

Yeah dark gray or black. It looked nice when it was brand new.

 

it looks awesome when new, I'm allways on the look out for a set of the black wood. I talked to a detailer that figured a good waxing when the trim is new would stop the fade to green look.
it's over $1600 for the three real wood pieces, and the wreckers don't see many RL's, so I don't think I'll running across some anytime soon.

 

How are the trannies on the 2004? Same transmission as the 2001-2003 TL/MDX? Considering the well-known issues with the early-2000 TL/MDX auto trannies, I was curious if there issues with the RLs...?

Although, if I recall, the RL transmission was only a 4-speed, correct?

 

Different transmission completely.

VERY reliable.

 

you got it! 04 B&B is what I'd recommend. you need to be picky. Hold out for what you want and how much you want to pay for it, if you can.