Sorry if this is too basic a question, did a search but I couldn't find the answers I needed. I'm looking at a 2004 Acura RL with 94K miles on it. Anything in particular I should be looking for? Other than the usual (oil leaks/water leaks/weird worn tires/brakes/suspension/etc.)? Thanks for your assistance.

 

Make sure the windows all work properly and the car starts without a hitch. Those are the only items that seem to come up now and then in discussion. Otherwise the '04 RL is probably one of the most reliable used cars thats 10 years old.

 

Nothing out of the ordinary as far as issues.

The tilt steering gear will probably be broken, and the rear window regulators might be on their last leg. Not many issues with these cars.

 

With it coming up on 100K miles and 10 years would I be looking at starter motor/Alternator/radiator replacement in the near future? It seems like when cars get that old/mileage that stuff is ready to be replaced. At least I know my JGC needed that. When does the belt need replacement?

 

As stated above, these are well-built cars with solid power trains, so do not let the following bits of advice deter you; this sounds completely negative, but my RL has been fantastic. I own an 2004 TL, 2014 MDX, and 2002 RL, so I have become accustomed to how they operate. My RL is basically a one owner and all I did was follow the service guide for the past twelve years. It still rides great at 155,000 miles. The best advice would be to push every button and inspect every aspect of the car before purchase so that you have the ability to plan for unforeseen expenses. This next tip is difficult to do on a ten year old car, but try to uncover as much as possible about the maintenance and ownership history. Call multiple Acura dealers, give them the VIN number, and see if they are able to dig anything up. An important aspect to consider on the RL is part cost also. I have noticed a huge difference when comparing part cost on my TL to my RL. Go to OEMAcuraparts.com and compare the cost of some parts. Yikes! In addition, attempt to find out if the timing belt, balancer belt, water pump, coolant, spark plugs, Drive belts (3) and general Honda 105K mile service has been completed. I believe the 105k service cost more on average for a first generation RL (96-04) because there are more parts to replace than say an 04 TL, but it has been a while since mine was completed. Best of luck and enjoy this well-crafted slice of 90's executive motoring!

 

Haven't had a chance to go look at the car, last weekend was a bust because of the holiday. In NJ they don't sell cars on Sunday so I will have to go on Saturday and have a look at it. Here's the link for that car
http://www.garymotors.com/2004_Acura..._234384038.veh

 

Great color combination. That interior color is gorgeous. I have not seen it in person of course, but it looks like a good catch (price/condition). Remember that 105k service would be due soon and probably has not been completed ($800+ on average). Some of that body scraping on the bumpers could possibly buff out. Definitely have it checked out by a trusted mechanic or Acura dealer. Since you are in New Jersey, look closely for rust. You may want to consider draining and refilling all of the fluids (power steering, oil/filter, coolant, transmission, and brake fluids) and changing all of the filters (cabin and engine) if you purchase it. Most of that is easy if you have some tools and knowledge. Looks solid.

 

I normally do that with all vehicles I buy used just so I have a baseline to start from. Unless you know the vehicle personally, whatever the seller tells you is usually a lie. Is there an online manual or service specs available? Thanks again.

 

You are welcome! There are factory service manuals that were composed by the engineers at Acura for the RL. Follow these specific instructions if you purchase the car and wish to invest in the manuals. These will definitely save you money. Go to www.helminc.com. Click on "For Repair Information and Owner's Manual." Select Acura. Select "service and owner information." This is where it gets tricky. I have an 02 and there is no updated complete manual for it. Same with an 04. Select 3.5RL 2001 with all document types. What you want is the $58.00 2001 3.5 RL service manual (item 61SZ3050). It is for the 1996-2001 model years, but all of the first generation RLs were basically the same with a few changes. Then go back and insert 3.5RL 2004 and select service manual supplement for $28.50 (item 61SZ308). Now you have a complete service manual set. The supplement has all of the updated capacities and some information about electronic updates. It is indeed useful to have the supplement but not necessary. Usually service manuals cost upwards of $200+, so this is a good deal. This would be a wise investment if you buy the car of course. I had to figure this out the hard way years ago so that is how I know all of this by the way.

 

I just thought of two things. The main service manual (2001) tells one how to do basically everything on the car. Oil change, brake pads, window regulator replacement, and is an incredibly thick book. I am talking two medical textbooks thick. It is the bible of the RL for sure. Secondly, if you purchase the car, register it on Acura's official website. There you can find out if it has any recalls that need to be addressed or scroll through a free pdf of the owner's manual.

 

That's funny, I'm a registered Honda mechanic on Motorcycles and Helm is the source for those manuals too. Never owned a Honda car before but I've had plenty of their motorcycles. The early Gold wings were basically Civic engines, what first tipped me off was the parts bags were clear/blue compared to the normal clear/red. When I asked the DSM, he said that's because they were car parts. I wonder if Acura parts come in the same color bags?

 

I never would have guessed. That is interesting. The parts for Acuras usually come in clear bags with red lettering that says Honda depending on what you buy. Boxes are the same deal but with cardboard. I know that the parts and accessories for Honda Motors come from the same distribution centers that are scattered across the country. Too lazy to add a blue Acura label. LOL.