Hi folks. Looking for any advice or counsel on buying a high mileage 2000-2004 RL, other than making sure timing belt/water pump work has been done. I have a 2005 MDX I bought new that now has 130k so I know Acura makes a solid vehicle. Anything in particular I need to look for or be aware of in an RL with 125k+ miles such as transmission, a/c, etc? Thanks!

 

Nothing outside the usual. The RL is very reliable, so it's all about how the vehicle was maintained. I have an '02, feel free to ask any questions!

 

I just bought an 02 in January. It had 127K on it when I got it and it came with all maintenance records. It has 139K on it now and has been an amazing car. Just make sure it's been taken care if and you should be good! FYI 02+ has a different suspension.

We also have a 04 MDX in the family, 123K miles. I think the RL is built better than the MDX IMO.

 

hey guys yet again my rl is having problems i know i need engine mounts cuz the car shakes but the rpm dropping below 1rmp whhen starting and it goes up before 2 back down to zero on the rpm gauge does the engine mount affect the rmp or thats the tranny mount or injectors ? im so lost about this car let me know guys thanks

 

The engine mount will not affect engine rpm, unless it's jammed into the block.

 

Do you think there's a possibility that you could have a leak in the radiator or a leak in a hose? I had a split in the hose that goes from the engine to the radiator and the rpm's would go crazy on idle, specially running a little on the low side.

Things to look for in a used older rl and things to consider.
timing belt done and other belts.

vehicle is pretty reliable but it does have some parts that are more likely to fail than others and in my book they include.

Window regulator (the actual regulator does not go bad but rather a small plastic clip that moves the window, unfortunate it is not sold separate so they try to sell it as a bundle).

ball joints (what are they making them out of this days)

steering column tilt movement.

Only downside I can see is that some parts for this vehicle can be a bit expensive since it's an older car and they aren't as many in circulation. I would try to avoid an rl with higher than 135-140, at that point more things are prone to breaking and failing and repairs could slowly offset initial savings, unless you find a mint condition car that's always been serviced and taken care conservatively.

I am around 147k, the vehicle has been good to me, had it since 80k but some problems have started to show up as the miles rack up.


fixed one window regulator, then the one on the other window went, and I barely ever use the windows. Cup holder door stopped closing, but I managed to bend it back in shape and it closes again but sometimes refuses to stick. Steering wheel does not go forward and back anymore. Steering rack is leaking, replacement is expensive and I am not fond of getting that particular part re manufactured. Ball joints seem to wear out faster than normal. Some rust spots but that is due to harsh weather in northern usa states. Windshield wiper control arm (transmission) for left side fell in, was reseated and works again but enough force of snow and left side will stop working, so need to replace that.

Most of these things will happen due to wear, weather, age/mileage, and some design flaws.

 

Thanks for the feedback everybody. I had the same window problem with my MDX, bought the part on ebay and fixed myself (thanks to a thread on this site). It doesn't sound like there are any specific danger areas to be aware of that common sense and a good, thorough inspection couldn't identify. I'll let you all know when I purchase something.

 

I just had my tranny "Flushed" at my local Honda dealers recommendation, now after reading about the 3x3 drain - never flush methods in these forums - I'm worried SICK... But the one thing that puzzled me was that on the way home riding on the interstate, the car's front end BOUNCED almost like an East LA rapper's car haha! (not quite that bad, but a noticeable steady bounce...) Is there anything in changing the fluid out that would possibly affected the front end?? Axle, strut, etc??

 

Sounds like a busted shock

 

Thanks for the reply. I drove it on it's normal daily route today (100-120 miles a day) & it didn't seem as pronounced today as it was yesterday after leaving the dealership. The ro-ads are pretty crappy up there, so now I'm thinking I may have not noticed the bounce as much on the smoother roads down my way. I'm going to run that road again this weekend and see how it acts.

Is this a problem with this model? It has 89k miles...

 

Mine had 160k when I sold it and the shocks were fine.