Which used Acura: 1st-gen RL (2004) or 2nd-gen RL (2005)?
So, in my searching for a used 1st-gen Acura RL, I have come across a few higher mileage 2nd-gen RLs also in my price range (approx. $10k). I've pretty much eliminated the TL from my search due to higher resale value and poorer wear/condition of most used TLs I've seen. Either the owners are harder on these cars or they just don't hold up as well as the RL in my experience.
Wants/needs (in order of importance): Reliable Comfortable/roomy Relatively anonymous (this car will be parked on the street in my downtown neighborhood so I don't want anything too attention seeking or flashy) The 2nd gen is obviously superior in many areas, but I do have concerns about reliability of a 1st model year new generation RL vs. the tried and true late model 1st gen RL. So, RL owners, what say you? Between these two choices which would you get, and why? (I know we all know what RLs look like, but rule #1) :) 1st-gen 2004 RL Mileage range of cars priced @ $10k usually varies between 75-100k Specs: 225 hp & 231 lb-ft/FWD/4-speed automatic/0-60: 7.5-7.9 seconds http://cdn.hondanews.com/photos/e933...c9-500x353.jpg http://cdn.hondanews.com/photos/7347...cd-500x353.jpg http://cdn.hondanews.com/photos/01c0...cc-500x353.jpg 2nd-gen 2005 RL Mileage range of cars priced @ $10k usually varies between 110-120k Specs: 300 hp & 260 lb-ft/AWD/5-speed automatic/0-60: 6.5-7.0 seconds http://cdn.hondanews.com/photos/7cc3...3a-500x353.jpg http://cdn.hondanews.com/photos/930a...e8-500x353.jpg http://cdn.hondanews.com/photos/9012...eb-500x353.jpg |
I owned an '02. I love it. It was supremely comfortable, quiet and anonymous. And I never had a problem with it.
Having said that, I really do love the 2nd generation RL... |
2nd Generation RL for sure. Much more classier, and it's got tons of tech on it!
Yet, it still preserves anonymity, as you hardly see them at all on the street and hardly anyone knows what they are!!! |
Definitely 2nd gen for several reasons...
1) You will need the timing belt/water pump service done on the 1st gen for sure since it is below 100K miles when you buy it. At 110-120K miles, you may find a second gen with this already done. Definitely go find one that has had this done, and you instanly save around $1200 on the service. 2) Any reliability issues with the 2005 RL (1st year production issues) are convenience issues and will not leave you stranded... like A/C, door handles, etc. There have not been any known issues that cause people to be stranded somewhere waiting for a tow truck. 3) You get SO much more with the 2nd gen. SH-AWD, 5-speed instead of 4, V-TEC motor, newer gen NAV, more modern/updated look, keyless start and entry, etc. This is a no brainer to me... Definitely the 2005! |
Originally Posted by Megatron
(Post 14084787)
Definitely 2nd gen for several reasons...
1) You will need the timing belt/water pump service done on the 1st gen for sure since it is below 100K miles when you buy it. At 110-120K miles, you may find a second gen with this already done. Definitely go find one that has had this done, and you instanly save around $1200 on the service. 2) Any reliability issues with the 2005 RL (1st year production issues) are convenience issues and will not leave you stranded... like A/C, door handles, etc. There have not been any known issues that cause people to be stranded somewhere waiting for a tow truck. 3) You get SO much more with the 2nd gen. SH-AWD, 5-speed instead of 4, V-TEC motor, newer gen NAV, more modern/updated look, keyless start and entry, etc. This is a no brainer to me... Definitely the 2005! |
Originally Posted by ParaSurfer1979
(Post 14085019)
Actually the 04 RL has the newer nav interface of the 04+ TL as its the only 1st Gen'r with Voice Recognition in the navi. What the 04 doesn't get could be major for you. The 04 RL doesn't have BT nor does it have an Aux Jack/iPod interface if you use one of those. That said as far as 1st gens go, the 04 is the one to get. Acura added 2 more speakers and a more responsive suspension.
But I would agree that if you must get 1st Gen, 2004 is the only year to get! |
Originally Posted by ParaSurfer1979
(Post 14085019)
Actually the 04 RL has the newer nav interface of the 04+ TL as its the only 1st Gen'r with Voice Recognition in the navi. What the 04 doesn't get could be major for you. The 04 RL doesn't have BT nor does it have an Aux Jack/iPod interface if you use one of those. That said as far as 1st gens go, the 04 is the one to get. Acura added 2 more speakers and a more responsive suspension.
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All the extras make the 05 RL so much better, keyless entry, how the instrument console looks, all the little lights that make you fall in love with the car.
It is impossible to go wrong with either pick, either way, you are getting an Acura! And even better, an Acura RL! |
Originally Posted by MyNameIsEarl
(Post 14085260)
All the extras make the 05 RL so much better, keyless entry, how the instrument console looks, all the little lights that make you fall in love with the car.
It is impossible to go wrong with either pick, either way, you are getting an Acura! And even better, an Acura RL! |
Originally Posted by ParaSurfer1979
(Post 14085301)
You brought up another point to think about. All the added technology in the 05 will make things that more $.$$ when/if they fail.
That's what I worry about. I would like a car I can have my independent Acura mechanic work on for cheap and I'm guessing the maintenance costs are going to be a bit less on a slightly older FWD RL vs. the newer AWD RL w/ all it's luxury content (swiveling headlights, smart key, etc.). Again, reliability is an important factor for me. I'm not expecting perfection since it's a used car, but something relatively low maintenance would be nice. |
Originally Posted by jwaters943
(Post 14085486)
ech
That's what I worry about. I would like a car I can have my independent Acura mechanic work on for cheap and I'm guessing the maintenance costs are going to be a bit less on a slightly older FWD RL vs. the newer AWD RL w/ all it's luxury content (swiveling headlights, smart key, etc.). Again, reliability is an important factor for me. I'm not expecting perfection since it's a used car, but something relatively low maintenance would be nice. |
Originally Posted by ParaSurfer1979
(Post 14085301)
You brought up another point to think about. All the added technology in the 05 will make things that more $.$$ when/if they fail.
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Great feedback so far, guys. Much appreciated.
FWIW, I actually think the 1st gen has a more timeless luxury flagship sedan appearance and better proportions (same goes for the Legend before it). This is something I find lacking in the 2nd generation which never really looked like anything but a fancier Accord on the outside, at least to my eye. Just my $0.02. The inside is a somewhat different story. ;-) We all know the 2nd-gen RL is a better car in nearly every way, but I do have reservations about it's reliability after reading of C&D's 8 unscheduled service trips on their Long Term 2004 RL. |
If you want a 2nd generation RL, I'd advise getting an '06 or '07. The bugs were worked out and minor changes were made here and there to the various components.
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Sadly the 2006 RL is a no go for me. It seems like the price spikes considerably on that year. I can't find anything for under $15k. I'm looking to stay in the $10-12k price range.
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For your price then I'd stick with an '04. They tend to be in immaculate shape too.
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That 05 would be more anonymous. Most people think it is an Accord.
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So, if you don't mind me asking, which one did you get?
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I'm owning 1st gen 2004 RL about 2 years ago and I can say that it is both reliable and comfortable. That car is very special to me as I purchased it wrecked (got it cheaply at online acura salvage) it had an accident front end damage and salvage title, so I had to repair and I'm very glad I got it. So maybe I'm a bit subjective when I vote for 04 RL, but I personally don't have problems with it now.
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Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
(Post 14086411)
For your price then I'd stick with an '04. They tend to be in immaculate shape too.
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