fomenter

Hi All

I made the biggest mistake of my life and purchased a 2002 Acura RL!!!. Don't get me wrong, the reason that I'm saying this because I have to get rid of one my Acura RLs( no point to keep them both ). I already have 2000 Acura RL with Navigation and everything which I am/was in love with,but hey listen to this story...

Last week, my friend ( who owns a private dealer in PA ) asked me to come with him to pick up one the wholesale cars that he purchased from a honda dealer. I said fine, let's go. I had no intentions on buying another vehicle or RL at all (just helping my friend moving one of his cars). Well, we went to the dealership and I saw a black acura rl without a plate. I asked the used car manager if it was being traded in, and he said yes. I also asked for keys,again no intention to buy it,I just wanted to take look. I sat on the car and started it and felt in love in it. I felt as if I was cheating my 2000 RL for a sudden... The original owner ( an older guy ) came to the car to transfer his stuff to his brand Honda Accord (fully loaded). I asked him about the car, and he said he always serviced this car at this dealership since day 1...

After he left, I opened the hood and saw the original battery(hmm good). I also drove the car and was impressed by how it handles and drives. As i was on my way to talk to the user car manager, I intended to stop myself for refusing it...Used car manager who is superb nice guy told me that the service had all records since day 1. Then, he took me down to the service area and there was more than 40-50 records on this car!!! Almost all oil changes have been performed by the same dealer in New Jersey.New timing belt water pump and other belts were done at 108k(current mileage is 143k).Even transmission has been flushed at routine schedule I asked if he was willing to handle the records to me if i ever decide to buy it,but he came up with some privacy issues, blah blah...not a big problem since I looked over them for 20-25 mins..

I though I had a really good deal on it after the manager and i talked for 45 mins, and bought the car on spot!!! Now, I'm stuck with two identical cars. They both have 143k.I Wanna keep the new one which black(black on black), because it was serviced by a dealer since day 1. On the other hand, I had just timing belt and water pump replaced on my 2000 RL (spent $700), and it runs like champ.

What would you do if you were me? I ''ll post some pictures tomorrow

fomenter

<a href="http://s1016.photobucket.com/albums/af283/fomenter23/Acura%20RL/?action=view&current=IMG_0499.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af283/fomenter23/Acura%20RL/IMG_0499.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Ken1997TL

I'd keep the '02 myself. Tighter suspension and an extra 15 hp.

R_R4

Keep the '02.
Black on black wins. Every time.
Which color do you prefer? Black requires more upkeep to look good, but the RL is one of those cars that make it worthwhile. I'm sure you loved the black interior too!

fomenter

Well Black on black look very nice and attractive. It is a classy car. I think i keep the black one,and sell the gold one ASAP. Thanks for the advice guys

OLD_HATCH

Do they both have nav? Where are the pics? lol

fomenter

I have been trying to post pictures here but it does not let me do it so..is it because i'm a new member?

fomenter

But yes they both have the navi

Ken1997TL

Do you like the more luxurious ride of the older car or the slightly sportier '02? No preference?

silver3.5

i would keep the '02 and sell the '00....minor updates here and there and maintenance record from day 1 is always a plus.

jsilas

Here's your image link but fixed to show in-forum:

OLD_HATCH

I say keep the 02, but keep in mind black is a horrible color to maintain. Your going to have to wash it twice as much and get the paint deswirled yearly.

saying that, make sure there's not anything in better shaoe that you can swap off the 2000 to the 02.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

this is easy!
Keep the newer of the two!

dallison

keep the newer one?

vas25tl

Keep the 02.

Out of curiosity and if you don't mind, how much did you pay for the 02?

fomenter

I paid $5450 + tax....I just came from the dealership. Here is the good story: the previous owner even changed the brakes,filters,rotors at the Acura dealership in NJ.I'm amazed how it was taken care of mechanically.

Thanks for the picture by the way. I'm putting "FOR SALE" signs on my 2000 RL. Let's see how it will go...

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Congrats on keeping the newer one!

OLD_HATCH

that's great. Very similar to my story. Second owner here and first owner did all the maintenance at the dealer including the t belt, water pump, belts, coolant flush right before I bought it at about 95k

fomenter

Should i get the windows tinted?

vas25tl

That's a good price!

I also picked one up from someone that just did t-belt, water pump, brakes, brake fluid, relay, one head light bulb replaced, etc etc etc. I just put tires on it, have had it for a year now, 17K miles and all I've done is put gas and oil in it

dallison

That's an excellent price.

ParaSurfer1979

For once i agree with you . The firmer suspension to better feel the road and more power are all pluses. The navi screen is also larger if its navi.

ParaSurfer1979

Any pix of the black car?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

totally up to you, on that one.

is your state a hot state?

ParaSurfer1979

Ken has a vere good thread ove the differences from each model year of the 1st gen RL. Its a sticky on 1st gen RL forum.

2002 Changes to the Acura 3.5 RL

For 2002, the RL boasts significant enhancements in power, handling, NVH isolation, and security, allowing it to duel easily with the Mercedes E Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, and Lexus GS 300.

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine is one of the biggest engines that has ever powered an Acura sedan. Thanks in part to the addition of a new variable silencer, the engine now generates 225 horsepower, a significant improvement over the previous model's 210-hp output. At the same time, this potent powerplant delivers impressive fuel efficiency and low tailpipe emissions. The RL is classified by the EPA as a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV).

A firmer, more enthusiast-oriented suspension enhances the RL's handling responsiveness and stability for 2002. Wider wheels and tires enhance cornering grip, while a retuned, speed-sensitive, power-steering system improves handling feel. For superb control in all driving situations, the RL is equipped with Acura's highly sophisticated Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, which helps provide both traction control and stability assistance.

Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) have been significantly reduced through added insulation in the engine compartment and under the dash.

A new OnStar® system provides drivers with 24-hour voice access to a live OnStar advisor, who can help with emergency assistance. An available OnStar route guidance concierge and a Virtual Advisor feature allow the driver to obtain news updates and sports scores and even listen to e-mail using a hands-free, voice-activated Internet connection.

Outside, the 2002 Acura 3.5 RL wears subtly enhanced bodywork, including new body colored lower side sills, splash guards and roof molding as well as redesigned alloy wheels.

The 3.5 RL comes in one fully equipped trim level. Standard features include the HomeLink® remote control system, heated front seats and door mirrors, leather seating surfaces, a power moonroof, an Acura/Bose Music System with six-disc CD changer, and an Automatic Climate Control system.

Also available is the DVD-based Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System, which offers route guidance to almost any destination in the continental United States and information on more than 3.7 million points of interest.

The '02 RL has significant improvements in the following areas:

* Increased Engine Performance
- 225 hp @ 5200 rpm, up 15 hp from 2001 model
- Revised air intake improves flow
- Variable silencer reduces back pressure
- Optimized ignition timing for better combustion
* New Sport Suspension
- Firmer spring and damping rates
- Larger stabilizer bars
- Wide and low profile all-season performance tires
- Firmer front suspension bushings
* Enhanced Braking
- New dual-diaphragm master cylinder
- Greater braking with reduced pedal effort
* NVH
- Improved insulation materials
- New dual-chamber door seals
* Convenience
- OnStar Safety and Security Package added as standard equipment
- OnStar Premium Package is available
- OnStar Personal Calling and Virtual Advisor

VARIABLE-SILENCER
The 2002 RL achieves a 15-horsepower increase over the 2001 model in part thanks to a new variable silencer. A special valve in the first exhaust chamber within the muffler is able to route the exhaust as needed for quiet operation and, when applicable, reduced back pressure for improved power output. Under normal driving conditions, the valve is closed - channeling exhaust flow through the entire muffler tract for maximum noise reduction. During hard acceleration, however, at 3500 rpm the valve opens - allowing exhaust to flow directly to the muffler's dual exit chambers for improved flow and enhanced engine output.

The 3.5 RL is equipped with 4-wheel, independent double-wishbone suspension with coil springs, 4-wheel disc brakes with ventilated front rotors, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and stabilizer bars at both front and rear. For 2002, the suspension has been made firmer, using stiffer springs and firmer shock absorber damping rates that help increase overall cornering ability. Coupled with the 2002 RL's added power and improved braking, the firmer suspension further enhances the vehicle's performance.

LOW-FRICTION DOUBLE-WISHBONE SUSPENSION
The RL's double-wishbone suspension layout has been carefully revised for 2002 to optimize handling quickness and stability without sacrificing ride quality. Increasing the spring and damping rates and utilizing larger front and rear stabilizer bars and firmer front suspension bushings gives the car a sporty feel. The front suspension uses unequal-length upper and lower control arms and a tubular stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension combines a longitudinal trailing arm, three lateral links and a tubular stabilizer. For excellent stability and improved ride quality, added anti-squat and anti-dive geometries were built into the RL suspension.

To achieve a compliant ride without compromising handling response or cornering capability, the RL suspension also uses a number of innovations to reduce friction throughout suspension travel. The stabilizer bars use highly efficient ball joints at either end, as well as self-lubricating bushings at the sub-frame mounts. The upper arms of both the front and rear suspension have low-friction ball-joint bushings where they attach to the main structure, reducing overall friction while enhancing rigidity of the suspension assembly. Dampers have an advanced Progressive Valve design for increased damping control at low damper speeds while retaining quick, fluid response to large impacts. Special Teflon seals within all four damper units reduce friction even further for improved ride quality.

BRAKING SYSTEM
Large, power-assisted, 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, with ventilated rotors in front for minimal fade and excellent heat dissipation. By fine-tuning the leverage ratio of the brake pedal and the response characteristics of the power-brake vacuum diaphragm for 2002, the RL engineering team achieved reduced stopping distances while making brake response more linear and intuitive. Combined with the "low-creep" torque converter, these refinements also help make it easier to hold the RL at a stop.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
The 3.5 RL has a 4-wheel, 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that works independently of and in concert with the VSA system as needed. The ABS system operates in 3-channel mode during straight-line braking (apportioning braking power to the front wheels independently and the rear wheels in tandem), but automatically switches to 4-channel mode when the VSA system senses high cornering forces. This allows the ABS system to take advantage of weight transfer to the outside of the turn during cornering and apply higher brake pressure to the outer rear wheel for enhanced braking performance.

The ABS enhances steering control during hard braking. Speed sensors at each wheel send signals to the ABS control module; if the system detects impending wheel lockup, it first holds, then reduces hydraulic pressure to the affected wheel, letting it regain traction before full braking resumes. The ABS function is also highly effective on split-friction surfaces, in which one side of the vehicle has significantly less traction than the other.

ROTARY-VALVE, VARIABLE POWER-ASSISTED, RACK-AND-PINION POWER STEERING
The speed-sensitive, variable power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering uses a rotary valve that senses torque applied to the steering wheel and a vehicle speed sensor to vary power assist accordingly. The system adjusts steering assist for easy steering at low speeds and quick, precise steering at high speeds. For 2002, the system has been tuned for enhanced road feel at cruising speeds and during cornering maneuvers. The RL utilizes a cast-magnesium steering wheel for lighter steering feel, and a dynamic damper in the steering shaft for reduced wheel vibration.

WHEELS AND TIRES
The 2002 Acura 3.5 RL is equipped with wide P225/55R16 Michelin tires (up from 215/60R16 Michelin in 2001) on newly designed aluminum alloy wheels. The wider tires help provide outstanding all-season grip and performance, while maintaining outstanding ride characteristics and helping achieve optimal fuel mileage. The tires are an all-season design for enhanced traction on wet roads as well as on dry pavement.