Hi. I have a 05 RL with 205k miles and just found out the engine needs to be replaced. The dealer is quoting around $5k to replace with a used engine. I need to decide if it makes sense to pay this kind of money for a car with this many miles or look to buy a new car instead. I would consider replacing the engine if I can get a good 2+ years out of the car. Wondering if anyone else has replaced their engine or anyone with a high mileage RL that can offer insight on other costly issues that have come up that I need to factor into this decision. Thanks

 

$5k is ridiculous.

You can find a used motor for less than $1K with respectable mileage. Check out car-parts.com

Why does the engine need to be replaced?

 

The $5K was total cost including labor, which I believe was around $2-$3K.

Lots of leaking in engine. I believe they said head gasket and rings for multiple chambers. Didnt get the details since was focusing on the fact that the engine needed to be replaced.

 

Imagine I can get it a bit less expensive if I go somewhere besides the dealer. However, I'm still going to pay a few thousand for everything and thus need to decide if worth putting into a car that is 10+ y/o with 200K+ miles.

 

Honestly, in a 2005, no. It's probably not worth it. If your door handles still work, it's just a matter of time until they short. The propeller shaft bearing could start whining at any time. The nav unit, head unit, or A/C could go at any time. At 200k miles, your shocks are probably gone already.

If it were an '07+ which generally had fewer bugs, I would say yes, but the 2005 had to many issues to risk.

 

Thanks for the info, very helpful. Good point on the door handles. I've been replacing about one each year over the last 8 years. Also had AC issues a few times.

Do you know much about the RLX? Is it an improvement over the RL regarding all the electrical issues? Need to decide if I stick with an Acura or look at another manufacturer

 

Around my area I've been seeing used motors ranging from $500-$800 with a 90 day warranty on them. Definitely buy used and bring to a respectable indy shop for the install if you continue with this route.

In the end even if it gets fixed you still have 200k+ on everything else, e.g, bushings, shocks, belts. If it was me I would just cut my losses and move on.

You can check out the RLX forum for more information on the car. I would stay away from the first MY since I've heard of suspension problems and other minor complaints. There sure are some great deals to be had since it's a slow moving vehicle. How about a MMC 09+ RL? That would be a good move up as well.

 

You can buy a salvaged RL from copart or iaai for around $2000. Use the engine and part out the rest to recover your money back. That is what i would do.

 

I second the 2009-2012 RL idea. The RLX PAW-S is a dud. There are so many other great options in that class. The RL Hybrid (SH-AWD) is amazing, but you probably won't find many great used options out there since I think less than 1000 have been sold.