Im in the market for a 05-08, anybody can tell me what is best year to be looking for?

 

Welcome!

'07 or '08

Fewer bugs and glitches in my opinion.

Moving this to the 2nd generation RL forum

 

What about price, Im thinking 17,000-20,000.

 

Agree the later years has fewer issues, but understand the differences in trim levels so you know what you are getting. Dealers and Sellers often confuse what they mean by Tech Package especially with 2006 models. See the Wikipedia article on the RL for a brief overview, it is fairly accurate.

Also understand the numbers sold. 05 and 06 will be much easier to find than 07 and 08

Acura RL Annual Sales

YEAR SALES CUM
2010 2,037 44272
2009 2,043 42235
2008 4,517 40192
2007 6,602 35675
2006 11,501 29073
2005 17,572 this number probably has some 1G in it, but likely not many
2004 Cannot distinguish 2GRL numbers 10/14 introduction date to 12/31

 

for the price, seems like 2006 is your best bet

 

Just picked up an 06 with Nav. Loving it so far. I'm coming from a BMW 06 530I

 

I'd love to hear what you think in comparison... Power etc and why you made the change.

 

I have an '05. Great car with a few bugs. I'd buy as new as you could afford. Most people would say to avoid the first year run of any car. I'd recommend Certified Pre-Owned, or find one with some factory warranty left. They all are great cars overall.

 

i found a 07 with tech for 18,900 with 76,000 miles, no warranty

 

sounds like a good deal if the service is well kept, no accidents, no issues.

 

I do not think there is any difference between the 05 to 08 models. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend.

 

Yes there are. No ACC, CMBS and PAX available on '05. No backup camera in '05, an option in '06, standard later.

No Onstar available in the later in '07 or was it '08?

Not major differences, but there were some.

 

Mileage is too high without a warranty, IMO. I think you are pushing your luck with that car unless all of the service documents are available and the major issues are resolved. Also, in 25k miles, you will need a timing belt service, which is at least another $1000. Make sure differential and trans fluids have been changed, brake pads have proper depth, rotors don't have a lip on them and suspension feels firm. Check to make sure all electrics work, sun shade in rear doesn't rattle, and all bulbs throughout the front stack and dash work properly. Recent battery change also a plus, especially if it's never been changed. Updated NAV disk also a plus.

These are great cars, but whatever car you buy, get extended warranty as all of these cars have similar and very costly bugs. CPO highly recommended. In order for an extended warranty from Acura to work, car has to have less than 50k miles on it. I never buy extended warranties on anything, but in this case, I am very glad I did.

I just had my torque converter replaced under extended warranty, $2300 without. I had my AFS unit replaced under warranty, $1k without. Warranty was $900, do the math. Side mirrors changed, more $$$ if no warranty.

Again, great cars, but they can burn you.

 

The OnStar feature was removed starting with the '07 models.

 

Sorry for the late response. Below is my opinion on my previous BMW 530I and my current '06 Acura RL.

Handling: RL by far beats it hands-down. I did upgrade the ASpec and larger rear sway and I would have to say it's made a big difference in the handling.

Audio: RL has a cleaner crisp sound compared to my BMW. Although I didn't have the Logic 7 sound and I'm comparing it to the standard stereo system, which has a sub on the bottom of the driver and passenger seating.

Horsepower: The BMW has less horsepower at about 260, but it had a more powerful feel when you go pedal to the metal. I had several problems of Coolant leaking with only 50k miles and was fixed soon enough the radiator had a leak due to a compression check. 1 of the reasons why I got rid of the BMW.

Interior: The Interior of the BMW seems to be of better build compared to the RL.

Electronics: I had the I-Drive unit and it crapped out on me several times and the dealer was not able to diagnose the problem. Partly one of the reasons why I got rid of the car. The car additional would over crank everytime I started the car with the push button. Dealer was not able to diagnose this either.

Exterior: I was constantly getting touch-up paint even though the Paint on the BMW has a great shine to it, but when anything went against it rocks and etc. it would chip pretty easily.

Side note... it cost me close to $1,000.00 to do a Radiator Flush, Power Steering Flush, and Fuel Injection Cleaning. Another reason why i opted to get a RL. All fluids are not covered under the BMW Warranty or BMW Maintenance Package.

If you have any additional question let me know.

 

Interesting read. Thanks for that.

 

I have a 06 rl and i love it. It runs and handle great. I'm a new member so you won't be able to see my proflie in about 15/17 days.

 

I hear there's a cherry PPW RL in the Black Market

 

I think you would get a lot for this price...

2006 CPO Acura RL with 47k miles on the odometer...

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

You would just need to figure how to get it - since it is northern IL where the car is located

 

Seems like we discussed this last Jan-Feb. Oh wait, WE DID!



Fawking noobs...

 

 

This is the dealership where I bought my CPO. Didn't bend much on the price, but did give a good price on the Acura factory extended warranty, and didn't do the usual dishonest garbage in the closing room. Ask for service writer Kim Burnett if you have any service issues later; she's terrific.

 

Luv my new '06. You probably know, but in case not, keep in mind original 6 yr / 70k powertrain warranty. So an 06 titled in late 05 won't have much coverage left.

 

Just bought an 06 with 73k miles. Blue with grey interior.
Had a 96 RL a few years ago and it was the most reliable car I've ever owned by far. I'm back for mainly that reason. It has a stellar one owner history and paid a fair price. Think it needs an alignment which the dealer I bought it from will cover. Any suggestions on things to look out for?

 

Congrats on the car. There isn't too much you can look out for now that you own it, but I would make sure all of your fluids are up to date. The tranny should have had a 3x3 flush by now, the transfer case should have been serviced, and the rear diff should be on its third round of fluid. Look through the service history to confirm. It is possible the MID has not signaled the tranny/transfer code yet, and it hasn't been done. I would do them if it hasn't.

Did you get a base or tech package? Any mods you want to do?

 

Its the base but it has nav, rear camera, wood wheel and knob. I'm a little disappointed in the audio sound quality so I plan to upgrade that. Would just upgrading the speakers be good enough? Also a spoiler in the back would be nice. Maybe a wheel upgrade down the line somewhere.

 

Depends on what you think is weak in the RL's audio...

 

Can't believe this car is still on sale... why no one is snatching this one!?
Better deal than what I got lol ... too bad I can't rewind the time back few months

 

^ Worst RL color ever, IMO.

 

Oh, I disagree. I like this much better than the grays.

And it has practical advantages, too: With the water-based paints they're using nowadays, Honda sites report this color chips less than my black. It also shows dirt less, which matters a lot as we head into winter in the slushy Midwest.

 

Yeah that color is the worst IMO. So plain and dull. The interior is practically the same as the exterior. Is there a white with black leather? I've always loved that color way for just about every car...

 

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

Wow! An 05 with barely 20K miles. I kinda regret not seeing it before I bought mine...

 

Yes. The RL does come in a pearl white with black interior. My favorite and best color scheme in my honest opinion but probably the rarest and hardest to find. Took me months to find mine

 

I wanted the black interior, but I just couldn't wait any longer!!

I had a gold colored civic and that stupid thing took forever to sell because almost everyone hates gold color cars.

 

No pine green for the newer RL's. I had a 96 RL in green. Kinda grew on me...

 

I'm selling mine!!

 

Sorry to revive this 2 year old thread but I have the same question today as the OP. I dont know if the answers still hold true.

Im looking for an 05 - 08 RL <$16k.

 

www.cars.com
www.autotrader.com
www.kbb.com

 

obviously the newer the better. but comes with a price.

If I were looking for an RL as a daily driver I'd snatch an 08 with as little miles as possible.


I have been non-actively looking for a high mileage RL.
I want to turbo it so bad!!!

alas, I'm not in a position to purchase a fun car at the moment.

 

Thanks, I like those sites too; I like NADA a little bit more than KBB for car values.

What about reliability. I have seen the threads on the 05 known issues. Where these issues corrected in 06 07 or 08? I could not seem to find a clear answer to that.