I am thinking about buying a pre-owned 2002 Acura RL 3.5 and is there any common problems or issues with the model? How is the engine and transmission? Are they reliable?
Any response is appreciated.

 

Should be very reliable if it was maintained well from the beginning (much more reliable that newer models > 2005). I have had mine since 85,000 miles and it is now almost at 100,000 miles (1.5 yrs) and the only dealer visit required was for the SRS sensor and control module.

2001-2003 TLs had a lot of auto transmission problems and I am glad this line of car stayed with the 4 speed and is reliable.

 

Sounds good. This car is from 2002 and has only a little more than 60,000 miles. one-owner always. Carfax shows no accident or any problem. Is it buyable? Thanks.

 

Wow! Really low miles. Drive it and then have it inspected by a mechanic. Then ask for service records. If all come out good, you have a winner.

 

Yes it is. Mine is an '02 with 66,000 miles, I've had ZERO issues. Just make sure it was maintained.

 

I have an 02 with 146K on it. Bought last January with 127K. It's a great car. I have all the service records and it's been very good to me thus far.

 

I just picked up an 2002 RL with 156k. High miles but they appear to be highway miles as the car is in great shape. I just bought tires for it. There are a few minor things I still need to do but nothing big. The sway bar links need replacing and some of the dash lights are out. But from what I've heard, mechanically speaking, these cars are the best. As long as the price is right, I say go for it.

 

Just curious and if you don't mind, how much did you pay for it?

 

I don't mind at all, I paid $5100. I made an offer of $5k to his asking price of $5900 lowered from $6500. I low balled him and after some haggling, we settled on $5100 knowing it would need a few things. I just put new tires on it ($500) and have a couple hundred more dollars worth of maintenance still to do. I figure I'll have about $6k into it.

I feel like I got the best possible deal on this car. In San Diego, these RLs go for $7k-$10k depending on the mileage and condition. My car is great other than the high miles. Oh yeah, will need sway bar links soon. Got some creaks and knocks.