Have an opportunity to purchase a 1999 RL for around $5000 locally. 118k miles, service records available, excellent condition, etc.

Other opportunity is a 1993 Legend for around $2700. 107k miles, service records, 4-door, automatic, good condition. Haven't seen it yet and the car is a 6 hour drive round-trip to check it out.

I'd love to hear from owners who've had both cars.

Thanks in advance!

 

What area of the country are you from? I would personally get the 99 especially if it is in excellent condition. I never had a Legend so I can't comment on that but the RLs have been good cars.

 

Thanks for your input! Anyone else?

 

The Legend historically has headgasket issues. The RL is more reliable.

As a matter of preference I'd get the RL. If it were a '94 or '95 Legend GS with a 6 speed.. that instead

 

RL for sure. More high tech. And personally, I think it is a much classier vehicle than the legend.

Does the 99 come with navigation?

It really all boils down to what do you like most? What's going to warm your heart every time you step into the car. (May be a little dramatic, but you have to like what you drive)

 

Navigation was an option in ALL RL's, even the '96

It was a hard drive based model with different regions on the discs. I think the DVD-based system became standard in 2000 or 2001.

 

No. No navigation.

Ken/Earl. I appreciate your input. Have either of you owned a Legend?

Do you feel that $5k is a decent price for a 99 with 118000 miles?

 

I haven't owned a Legend. I owned a '97 TL which had the exact same engine but with updated headgaskets and improved cooling designs. That prevented warp-age assuming proper coolant changes. I also owned an '02 RL. So I'm familiar with all the cars quite well.

$5,000 isn't bad at all, it's ALL about condition.

 

Ken, I understand that the navigation system was an option, but what I was trying to find out was whether or not this particular '99 model came with it or not. Because if the one Jonathan may be interested in buying had it, it would be an easy choice.

And no, Jonathan, I have never owned a Legend, but I have had an RL for quite a while and have never had a problem with it so far. They are very well built cars and if you take care of it, it will take care of you. $5,000 for a car in good condition, with that sort of mileage is a good deal. The car (assuming it has been maintained properly) will go well over 200,000 miles, so it has a lot of life on it. But, no matter which car you are buying you do need to find out if the timing belt/water pump have been replaced or not. This may be the selling point for you because unless you are car-worker savvy, it's an expensive job to get done.

 

I paid $7K for my 2005 with 115,xxx miles... so i thin that $5K is a decent price, but always negotiate for a lower price of course if you can. But personal preference with all these guys as well... RL > Legend. more reliable, more creature features.and you also mentioned a hell of a drive to check out the Legend. Save the cash you'd spend just to go look at it and just get the RL

 

Was thinking the same thing.


Basicly the RL is a revised Legend. Many of the same parts used just redesigned to get the bugs out.

 

Test drive them both and let that decide. I have driven a Acura Legend on many occasions. Great car. It is half the price of the RL which is nice, but the RL will be more refined and safer, the legend will be more fun to drive and have that old honda/acura excellence that made them who they are today! either way you will be happy!

 

RL for sure. 5k is not bad.

 

Not being a very big fan of honda products, I have always liked the look of the Legend. A long time ago I had a '94 legend because I had always wanted one. After I got it I really didn't like it and my x-girlfriend drove it for about six months before I got tired of it taking up space in the driveway., I currently have an '02 RL and I have to say it is strongly growing on me. There is really only one gripe I have about the RL and that would be its lack of power. I do realize the Legend has tons of aftermarket support, I would rather have an RL all day. In my opinion, it has much better ride, style, and comfort.

Good luck with your acquisition, and don't forget to share what you decide!