Just to clarify one point in comparing the price of RL to the TL According to Edmunds a base TL with Nav runs about $35,100 compared to RL tech (the best apples to apples I could find) at $42,700. Therefore the RL is just a little over 7 grand more than the TL--that is lot less than the 15K being described here. Just the AWD feature alone is worth close to 3K more....(although I really wish the RL came with a stick!).

 

"I should take a test drive in the RL but I want to wait until the new one comes out with the V8. I notice that the RL 0-60 time is even slower than the TL."

Yes, definitely take a test drive before forming an opinion. However, if you want to for the V8, don't hold your breath, as nobody knows if and when it will arrive. RL is slower because it is a few hundred pounds heavier. If you put a couple of obese people in the TL, the same applies.

 

I traded in my 04 TL because RL>TL and the rest of this. (V6 and 290 HP is enough for me).

RL>M35X>330Xi>E320.

Note: Just ordered 18" RonJon Silver liquid Legend rims.

 

Then you're right, the RL is not a good value for you. You just can't extrapolate that that to mean it's not a good value in total. Everyone values different things.

Regarding the association that slow sales = bad value; slow sales on the RL are probably due to a lot of things, but, I was suggesting that "features value" is not one of them.

BTW, I think the TL is a great car. It's a homerun for Acura. Not trying to minimize it.

 

Sorry I won't argue with an Acura salesman

But the Acura has 10 speakers and the TL only has 8. That's gotta be worth a few grand. Also, the RL has the cool lowering sideview mirrors when in reverse. Forgot to mention that. Does the TL have that? I thought that feature was a gimmick when I first saw it, but now I like it. Keeps me from jaming the curb when I parallel park

 

There is a very realistic comparison tool in TrueDelta.

First it takes a face value comparison of the two models, which is somewhere near the cost differential mentioned. But then it actually adjusts that differential based on the feature content differences between the two. The result is more like a $7K difference all content differences equalized.

Now whether or not you see a $7K difference is a matter of personal taste. For me, I can easily justify the difference (especially in my case the savings on the RL brought the margin from my TL initial cost to the RL even smaller). The build quality, ride characteristics and total packaging was much more appealing to me than the TL I owned previously.

The biggest deficit the RL suffers from is that Acura does not define the RL for what it is, nor in comparison to it's competitors, as well as it's own stablemates. They have left that up to the consumer...and well that is not a brilliant strategy.

As many of us here have expressed. The RL experience is less on paper and more in ownership. Very few are willing to drop $40K+ to find that out.

 

Yes, TL has lowering sideview mirrors when in reverse.

 

In other words, poor marketing. Acura has essentially left the RL marketing to us, the owners, publishing positive reports online. Not a good approach if it's the only way you're marketing.

 

I don't understand your point. The Lexus Gs and Infinit M35 offer comparable features, but no on is saying those cars aren't worth it. The issue is the brand. People can't see spending $50K for an Acura.

Do a comparison between an RL, GS350 and an M35.

Just drive the RL, the workmanship alone (built in Japan) is leaps and bounds above the TL.

 

So true, so true. I loved my 2004 TL. I was iffy about the RL, since no one other than the members of AZ made any kind of compelling case for upgrading.

Five minutes after taking ownership of my 2006 RL, I had forgotten all about the TL. The RL blows the TL out of the water in appearance, amenities, build quality, features, handling and safety. The only things that are superior in the TL are acceleration and fuel economy. The RL/Legend is clearly worth the real-world delta of $8K, give or take. So glad I made the leap!

 

Yep, I forgot to mention the Build Quality . Thanks VOdoc. So let's recap the tangible differences again with the corrections;

Comparing a top end TL-S to a top end RL;
- Size: RL is 4" longer and provides extra inches of leg room in back, headroom up top, and shoulder room.
- Very different body shape. RL more of a luxury MB-E look, TL more of a Mustang look.
- Larger trunk. RL has small trunk but TL is even smaller!
- Colision Mitigation Braking System - not in the TL
- Adaptive Cruise Control - not in the TL
- Active Front Lighting System - not in the TL
- Tires: 245 18's on the RL, 235 17's on the TL-S
- PAX run flat tires - not in TL
- Keyless Entry - not in TL
- Power rear shade - not in TL
- Rear side window shades - not in TL
- Electric power steering wheel - not in TL
- SH AWD - Not in TL
- Somewhat superior 10 speaker Bose Audio system - Not in TL
- Power headrests
- Wood trim
- Generally superior build and material quality (subjective opinion but widely accepted)

It's also true -- as mentioned by several already -- that comparing MSRP is not quite accurate since Acura offers constant incentives for the RL nowadays. If you worked your best deal on both cars your more in the range of $9k difference.

Again, no one's saying the TL isn't a great car. But, the statement made about how the "cars compare so closely on paper" is way off.

 

Your list is pretty much right on but RLs do not come from the factory with 18" wheels, they come with 17" wheels the same overall size as the TL does. Also the headrests are not really 'power' as a button simply releases a latch for any rear headrests that are up. MB would have 'power' headrests that tie into the memory settings.

Also forgot to mention the extensive use of aluminium in the RL.

And here's how the "room" inside the RL and TL stack up:

Headroom:
38.7 (f) 37.2 (r) - TL
38.5 (f) 37.2 (r) - RL

Legroom:
42.8 (f) 34.9 (r) - TL
42.4 (f) 36.3 (r) - RL

I have noticed sitting in the back of a TL that, compated to an RL, there is more room for my feet to fit underneath the seat in front of me.

Shoulder Room:
58.3 (f) 55.7 (r) - TL
58.5 (f) 56.1 (r) - RL

Hiproom:
55.6 (f) 53.8 (r) - TL
55.1 (f) 54.0 (r) - RL

Passenger Volume:
97.9 cu ft - TL
99.1 cu ft - RL

Cargo Volume:
12.5 cu ft - TL
13.1 cu ft - RL

But remember the AWD system makes the RL's trunk oddly shaped.

Really, one shouldn't have to compare an RL to a TL... it should be like a 3-series and a 5-series.

 

I was trying to compare the top priced TL to the top priced RL. That RL comes with PAX tires. The wheel style is the same but they are bigger. Wheels are 18x9 while the other versions come with 17x8. Those who have driven both say the ride, performance, and road noise is superior on the PAX tire and wheels so I listed it as a plus in the list

 

So what kind of deals are people scoring on the RL in Orange County, CA?

 

Got ya. I did not actually know, until now, that the PAX were 18". Thanks for letting me know!

 

Power headrest? Mine doesn't have them?!

 

Wrong analogy. Acura TL/RL is more similar to Lexus ES/GS. Both cars are roughly the same size (I believe the less expensive ES is slightly bigger) but they serve different markets.

The problem is that, unlike Lexus, Acura does NOT know how to market two models that are similar sizes. I think part of that is because Acura didn't want the RL in the first place.

 

He's talking about the rear headrests. You put them up manually and push a button to release them. Neat feature that comes in handy after you've had guests in your car.

 

Yes, the wheels are definitely different for the PAX. That's actually one of the negatives -- as I see them. They cannot be used with "regular" tires. In fact, the nomenclature used to describe these wheels is completely different then others. My wheels are labeled as 245-680/460 R 102V. What the hell does 680/460 mean?

Well, with a little googling, I found it defines the wheels inside and outside diameters. No sidewall ratios are given using this convention;
Outside Tire Diameter: 680mm (26.5in)
Inside Tire/Wheel diameter: 460mm (18.11in )

They look about the same but a good eye can pickup that they are indeed a bit bigger. Technically, the Acura PAX wheels measure a very strange: 18.11 x 9.3 to fit these Michelin Pilot MXM4 PAX tires.

 

Yes, as Bob said, it's for detracting the rear headrests. You should have a button on your overhead controls that looks like a seat. if the headrests are up and you push that button they will detract for you to provide a clearer view out the back window.

 

It's also a neat way to scare the poo out of rear seat occupants!

"Now don't make me pust THIS button!"

 

That too

 

I did not know about this website. Very innovative. Thanks much. I will have to see what kind of deals Acura is offering for RL.

 

Yeah I looked at an RL with PAX and couldn't make out the numbers on the sidewall. Looking at the use of the Metric System I suppose these were used in Europe first before coming to the States. Are there more models with PAX on them overseas?

Arrogant name, PAX...

 

Oh Those, yes I know, but I didn't really consider those power headrests. Power headrests to me are when you can raise and lower them electrically.

 

I am thinking about joining the elite RL club with the 2007 RL Tech Package.

I was wondering what kind of price should I expect around the Washington DC area? I saw a couple of price quote of around $41K. Is that a good price or can it be possible quoted for $40,500 - since the 2006 RL has the $4000 marketing support and it can be had for typically around $40K?

Thanks...

 

That is a pretty good price for an 07 Tech, no matter what market you are in. But it will vary depending on your region.

Keep in mind, there was surplus inventory on the 06s which gave the consumer bargaining power over already great deals. 07 inventory is slim, as production was cut back and 07 new production may be already winding down with 08 model introduction made this summer. If you want a specific color combo, you have less bargaining power, so keep that in mind. Unless you are willing to travel to a dealer out of your area, compare prices with 2 or 3 in your region.

 

I sold my very first redesigned RL for MSRP. That lasted for about 10 days. Those were the days!

 

Yes ......

Those were the days, my friend
You thought they'd never end
You'd sing and dance when you sold RLs at MSRP
You'd live the life you'd choose
You'd bargain and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days

Just to add a bit of levity to cheer you up

 

Has mom forgiven you yet?

*ducking*

 

OK, I think I have some general idea on how to handle the price.

Thanks.

 

Geez the guy who bought it was so nice but that was when the trunk was causing the battery to die and his battery died so many times AAA refused to come out any more! I even went to his garage once to jump start his car. Man I felt SO BADLY about it. Of course we finally learned what it was but imagine paying MSRP for a new car and have your battery die so often?

 

I've been pricing RLs, and have worked out a good deal, but I may not be able to wrap up my current situation by July 2. Any thoughts on whether the marketting incentive will continue?

 

I would think we will see support from Acura tell all the units are sold.

 

Given that the incentive has been there for most of the last year, and sales continue to be sluggish, I am very confident that the incentive will continue. You should have no worries as Acura cleans out its 2007 models for that presumed early launch of the 2008 RL.

 

Thanks!

 

I was not tracking marketing support until October November 2006 and for those models they were $4K. I wonder if they will increase the support as the 2008 model year overlaps the 2007 as they did last year.

 

Checked on Edmunds & it appears that it has not been renewed. It will be interesting to see how far sales will fall in July.

 

There really is no need to. Production of 07 models is likely done and already 08 models are being prepped (though apparently a carryover). No need to promote something in closeout when inventory is scarce. But I am sure dealers will offer the same deals. Who would pay MORE for a model year closeout than it sold for the entire calendar year?

 

Yeah TampaRL is right just because that stopped doesnt mean they are going to start jacking up the price of the car. Its not a great seller which means bigger discounts.