My mom is out of town for a while (until August), leaving me with her 2004 Acura 3.5RL for safekeeping. Cars in storage need to be driven periodically. Naturally, I'm making sure this happens .

Ok so some thoughts. I know that Ken has one (I think). But I haven't seen a comparison with our gen TL. This is kind of a pointless comparison since they don't make either of these cars anymore, but I know I always used to wonder what it was like. Without more ado:

Exterior, the car looks classy. Possibly the classiest Acura (aside from the 2ng gen Legend) ever made. It looks expensive, as opposed to the current model RL which looks strikingly like a fancy Accord. Apparently, the 3.5RL wasn't a very common car. In the week I've driven it, I've gotten quite a few compliments in parking lots, gas stations, etc. My mom takes it to the dealer regularly for detailing so it looks new.

It sits on 16" 225/50 Michelin tires. The tires are OE. I know this isn't a tire review, but I'd like to say that these MXM4 tires suck tremendously. I was surprised by the 225. I figured Acura would shoe them with 215's. I always thought factory 2G TL's had tires that looked too skinny (215). The 225 fit the RL's look pretty well.

This is not exactly an agile car. I can't tell if its the tires (probably some of it) or the car itself but pushing the car doesn't instill as much confidence as the TL does. There's some significant body lean and I think I was getting some sidewall flex. The rear end had a tendency to step out briefly after I straightened the wheel.

However, I was travelling at 75ish MPH on the freeway at night when a dog appeared out of nowhere. I was alone so I took some evasive maneuvers and the car got through that predictably. I guess the conclusion is that the car handles well, but its not as fun as the TL.

The steering is light. Very light. It contributes to a sense of disconnect from the road. The cabin and ride is smooth. I do get some chatter at high speeds, but I think its the tires. There's no wind noise. Probably because the windows actually have frames. The car is heavy and tracks well. Even in strong crosswinds that was pushing my Toyota Tacoma around, the RL went through like a rock. At high speeds, the TL's steering feels a little too loose. The RL has light steering, but it never gets loose. I attribute this to the extra mass.

Gadget wise, the RL spots the TL and adds the following: Better leather (I think its real), a moonroof with a tilt option, steering mounted audio controls, memory seats, built in programmable remote control (for garages and such), high intensity discharge lamps, and power lumbar adjustment. Also, this RL has navigation, which is cool but nothing different from other navigation systems. It has uglier (IMO) fake wood trim than the TL. Also gone are the thumb operated horn buttons. Instead, you have to press the center mass of the steering wheel. I personally prefer the thumb horns myself.

I could not get comfortable in the RL for the first two days. Later, I re-adjusted my seating position and got somewhat more comfortable, but it still doesn't feel glove like. I prefer the more snug feel of the TL. The RL's extensively padded seats might be soft to sleep in, but I don't like that for driving. The RL does have a steering column that retracts when you take the key out. Nifty and it wows passengers, but not a necessity.

The factory sound system is pretty good. I'd say its 75% of my upgraded sound system (I don't have subs. I go more for sound clarity than hard hitting bass and loud noise). For reference, the RL has a Bose system and I have Diamond Audio D650 components.

Ok so the powerplant. First of all, I'm getting lower mileage than expected. Somewhere around 18-19 mpg. I suspect the highly restrictive air filter and intake resonator is a big factor. The 3.5 definitely has more torque and its available fairly low. From a stop, it doesn't take as much pedal to get it moving briskly.

After the initial rush though, the engine is slow to build revs. While the TL comes alive after 4500, the RL lacks this top end surge. Right when it feels like it might be getting a second wind, it hits the low 5900 redline.

But in day to day motoring, its very possible to never go above 3500 in the RL. In the TL, you'd be moving painfully slowly.

This fosters a very relaxed driving approach. Personally, it makes me feel 100 years old.


Pics to come soon.

 

I dont have a 2004 RL or any RL, though I've driven them quite a bit

Your views really mirror my own. Its partly the tires.. with 17 inch wheels and decent tires, it handles better.

Its definitely a cruiser and I wouldnt recommend it to someone who wants steering feedback. Ideally, I would take the steering out of a Legend or 3.2 TL and swap it with the RL, use stiffer anti-sway bars and the wheel/tire swap. It would totally change the boring driving experience.

 

A few months ago, I got a chance to drive a 1997 3.5RL and I must say, I was somewhat disappointment. Comparing it directly with the TL, I felt as if in certain areas (door panels for example) the RL used cheaper quality, harder plastics, than the soft leather that abounds in 1st gens.

The car did however feel supremely solid - strcuture was a more stiffer than that of TL's, and the increased torque from the C35 was easily felt. Steering wasn't sloppy or loose like a Lexus (which was what I was expecting) but the damn thing was just lifeless with no feedback. Overall, I was kinda disappointed and had expected more, but maybe I need to look at a 1999+ RL when they updated theinterior and exterior slightly.

 

I don't know about the 1997 RL, but the 2004 RL doesn't disappoint in the interior. Maybe the RL you drove was the base model. They had the Premium and Base trim back then. After the mild redesign, they dropped the base model.

 

The 99+ RL's are almost a totally different car. A bit less lifeless and better interior materials.

 

So yeah... Here's the pics I promised...

I was rear ended at a light today by a F350. Actually it was another F series truck that hit him and pushed him at an angle into me. That's my TL next to it.





Time to write an email to my mom and tell her how I've been taking care of her car. Hehe.

 

ouchie

 

damn... well insurance will be taking care of that... clearly not your fault, so she will be all fixed up when your mom returns...

 

Yeah I got their insurance. Lucky they had it. Several times I've been SOL.

I wonder if I should take it to the dealer to get it fixed or some private shop. Who do you think would most likely do the best job? Since price isn't really an issue.

 

Ken: I'll defintely DEFINTELY have to take a look at a 99+ premium model. I was midly disappointed by the 97 (it was not a premium), especially cause I have a soft spot for the RL - I love the looks and the majestic(ness).

Wackjum: OUCH! momma gonna kick ur ass ...j/k. IMO, take it to the dealer, IF the dealer has their own in house body shop. For example, over here in Lexington, our local Honda dealer has their own in house bodyshop and thus obviously are very familar with Honda/Acuras. My friend's mom got some work done there on her 05 Accord and it turned out brilliant.

If however, your dealer doesn't have their own "in house" bodyshop, then they'll probably just contract it out to some other place. Your better of researching and looking for some real good bodyshops in your area, so that you can get your mom's car fixed back 2 new. As you said, money is no object.

Also, would greatly appreciate some nice pics of the interior.

 

Sure I will take some pics of the interior for you. It might have to wait until Sunday. I think my friends are planning something for my birthday tomorrow.

And thanks for the advice on the bodyshop. I didn't think dealers would subcontract that stuff. I always assumed they were in house.