I'm active on the 2nd Gen. TL thread, but after surfing the web a bit, I really really like the RL and had planned on upgrading to one for my next car. I wanted to wait until a used 05 model was within price range; however, I briefly drove a Gen 1 (00 or 02 can't remember) RL when I worked at the dealership (we also had an Acura franchise). I was amazed at how comfortable and smooth the car drove compared to mine.

I am leery about keeping my car past 110k due to the known tranny flaw with the TL's and I'd hate to drop 3 grand into a car worth 8 grand or so. The positive with my car is that it's paid off.....or I could upgrade to an older 04 RL and use the equity in my car and get a payment of around $270.

I've been very pleased with the TL and minimal issues so far. My question is....how is the 04 RL compared to my car? I don't have to have a sports car and I like the plush comfortable ride. (Plus I'm only 25 and I admit, that RL makes one look like a well off middle aged businessman; its a very classy ride----fine with me!) Are there any known problems with these cars? I seem to think they are far better build quality than the TL, especially since they are made in Japan.

I may hold off and enjoy the no car payment life for awhile.....but in case I change my mind within the next year, I'd like some info on the 04 models since the 05 is still out of reach $ wise. I don't know too much about the RLs.

 

1st generation RL's are the most reliable vehicle Acura has ever sold.

The only things you need to keep in mind are coolant flushes and transmission flushes. They will make sure you drive trouble free for many years. The rear transmission mount may need to be replaced after 100,000 to 120,000 miles. Other than that... they're solid.

And yes, I too really like the '04 RL. It'll be replacing my '97 TL someday.

 

I traded an 03 accord v6 coupe for my 04 RL. Truth is I miss my accord. The RL is smooth, but just not any fun. On more than a few occassions I have considered trading my RL for a TL of the same year. It is not a slow car. I have a friend with a portable GPS timer, and I was consistently hitting 7.7 seconds to 60. His LS430 with an 8 was only half a second faster. The car is just a bit boring. Nothing breaks, it is quiet, handles well, but boring. I was given an 06TL loaner when I had my brakes done, and it was much more fun. I don't know how they sold this thing against the TL in 04 for 15 grand more. Resale of the 04 RL is now less than the 04 TL...

 

I bought the 04 brand spanking new right before the all new RL's hit the lot. BEST car I've bought. BEST kept secret too ! Don't buy into all the TL haters as the RL IS top of the line and MADE IN JAPAN! Build quality, Fit and finish far exceeds the TL......
No pun, just a fact!

 

I put 103,000 miles on mine in the 4 years I have been stateside with it, only problem was the brakes, which is reasonable.

 

What year is yours Big Green? Anyway I've not had to go back since I bought the car in November of 04 (knock on wood). Note that change my own oil, rotate tires and so forth so everytime I call my service rep, he questions that I still do "my own service" I say yes, and he says I'm good to go. I only have 18,800 miles however.....

 

I have a 00" RL. I really drive it hard. It gets alot of miles traveling to school and back (college). I didn't drive it much while I was in the Army so most of the miles are very recent.

 

Just for stats.
04 RL bought in 11.05, with 44K miles, prior owner had no repairs, paid $22000. MSRP 47
Currently 70,000 miles, only repair to date is brake job. Needs to go in for air bag light. MPG 16-17, driven hard and fast. Pemium Fuel
Upgrades 2006 TL Wheels / Tires New take offs bought on ebay $200, significantly better handling
K&N air filter
NOS "baby boost"
Rockford Fosgate powered sub in trunk

 

Why 04 RL? Why not push for the 2005 body?

 

Because the '05 RL looks like an Accord on the outside?

I love the 2nd gen RL, don't get me wrong. But the exterior is definitely downmarket compared to the Legend and 1st gen RL. The interior is easily one of the nicest below $60,000 today.

 

first of all the RL is not boring!!!! I have a 96 RL with 143k still going strong. I put a custom intake and hi-flow cat exshuat system, its ride like a dream. Man my RL is better than my bro 2004 BMW 3seris. His car just got overheated last week with only 75k miles thats sux!!!!

 

For the stats, I bought a '96 RL in '00 with 46k on it. Kept it for 8 years and 205k miles until retiring it (and parting it out) in April of this year. The car let me down only once and that was the notorious main relay problem. Best car I have ever owned....

 

TSX owner here. I like the First Generation Body Style. Good luck with 04 RL, very nice car.