BDoggPrelude

I would stay away from the 2005. Too many first year glitches for my liking. Probably still significantly more reliable than any European luxury vehicle though. 2008 would be perfect but I don't think you'll find one in your price range. You will be looking at a fairly high mileage RL for under $16k. I think I actually saw a 2006 with about 55k miles on it for $16k on cars.com. Doesn't really say much about its condition or title situation though. Fortunately for you, the 2G prices are coming down with the release of the RLX.

oo7spy

The '07 model year and on are solid vehicles. The '05 and '06 are reliable when compared to other cars, but not as "bulletproof" as '07+. Still, all of the common issues that we have seen documented on '05 and '06 models will not leave the car on the side of the road; they are just annoying.

the_1

Thanks all for all the helpful responses. I think I am now convinced on getting an 07 or 08. I just hope I can find the color I want too (white)

Thanks

alaxgoaly8

I bought an 06 with 84k miles on it 1 year ago. Now have 104k on it. I did the major 105k maintenance on it and changed the tires. Also had to replace the battery. All routine stuff. Cost me about 2000 for all (I'm not a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to cars. I love it. Bought it for about 17k (so I'm 19k all-in), but the car is in great shape. I would definitely have an independent Honda shop look at it. Most places charge 100 and can tell you how well it was maintained.

If you find one that was well taken care of, buy it.

oo7spy

It should be mentioned that the '06 is less prone to issues than the '05, but not as much as later years. The '06 tends to have some of the A/C, door handle, and propellor shaft issues. It's also worth noting that every year has the lemon, the flawless, and every shade of grey between. Getting a car that has been cared for is most important.

rlerman

05 is fine only if the common issues have been addressed. Mine has always been very reliable and since my warranty expired over a year ago, I've had zero issues, 92 k miles. They should run to 200k if you take care of it.

TonyCD

I think 2G prices should be going UP with the release of the RLX. :.)

TonyCD

007, I guess my post is predictable because you own a 2007 and I own a 2006.

So I took the trouble to check a couple year's Consumer Reports survey records before I typed this post.

As you would expect, the 2007 RL is more reliable than the 2006 (you would expect this, not only because of fixing bugs, but because the cars are a year newer). But the biggest difference by far was between 2005 and 2006. The first-year cars were rated a full category lower in overall reliability than the 2006, while the 2006 and 2007 models shared the same basic level on the reliability scale (above average, the second-best of the five ranks).

Again, if choosing between the 2006 or 2007 models, I would clearly say the 2007 model on average is slightly more reliable. But the key word there is "slightly." The independent data shows that the sea change took place not after the 2006 model run, but after the 2005 one.

We have to inform the noobs correctly; they assume we know.

Peace.

the_1

Great info! Now the hard part will be finding the white pearl color...

BDoggPrelude

I really wanted a white one but could not find one during my search unfortunately. Good luck.

oo7spy

Thanks for finding some data to back it up. I wasn't speaking biased because I owned an '07; I was speaking from what I have read here. I would continue the line of thought by saying that the '08s are better than all of them. What we have seen here is that the A/C problems appear to be isolated to '05 and '06, and I also don't recall many '07 with prop shaft or door handle issues. However, I am fully aware our sample size is statistically insignificant, and I definitely haven't taken the time to tally issues reported here.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

duh the newer cars will have less mileage and be more reliable.

unless, the1 cant afford it, he should be looking at low mileage 07 and 08s.
fuck the colors. they all look great and he should get one that is more mechanically sound over the other.

if he can afford it.
if not, 06 seems like a compromise.

FrankZx

Most 2006 is not out of the 7 year warranty so it is another bargain point. For 2007 wait for next year. In general the later year of the same model is the best. For value right now - 2006!