Decisions, decisions. So as my search for the right price & color for my RL continues, I have come to another stumbling block. But worry, I will not for I have faith that my questions will be adequately answered. Here goes:

I've noticed that the prices for the 06 RLs & 07 RLs are pretty close. I've also noticed that the AZ community seems to favor the 06 in terms of both the number of members that own that particular MY as well as the frequency with which the 06 is recommended to potential buyers. If I'm not mistaken, the only major difference between the two is that the 07 lacks OnStar which I really do not want anyway. Are there any other major differences between the 06 & 07? Warranty differences? Problems that exist with one and not the other? Additional/deleted features? Differences in OEM parts? Please share.

I'm inching closer to a purchase and I need yall's support and input. Thanks in advance for your patience folks!

 

OK...this is commonly confusing as they are essentially the same cars, but packaged and LABLED differently between 2006 and 2007.

In 2006 the RL was the same as 2005...all factory options included, except a package of CMBS+ACC+PAX. This additional package was called TECH in 2006.

In 2007 Acura broke up the packaging to introduce a new BASE model. This BASE model removed the NAVI, AFS Headlights and real wood trim was replaced by plood. The next model was called TECH which was the same as the 2006 (and 2005)...which had the NAVI, AFS and wood. Then the package that included CMBS+ACC+PAX was no longer called TECH, just the CMBX/PAX packages. Geez.

So,,,,apples to apples a 2007 RL TECH was the equivalent to a 2006 or 2005. Or a 2006 TECH = 2007 CMBS/PAX. The only feature changed, as you mentioned was ONSTAR ceased after 2006. Also some color changes were made, dropped or added.

Now, the likely reason there are many 06 members is that in volume, 06 was the last year of significant production AND exquisite deals (typically near $10K off sticker). Volume on 07s forward significantly waned, as did the deals (volume controlled).

Likely you will find better volume and deals on 06 as many are now off lease. If you find an 07 be certain it is the package you seek before assuming apples to apples.

2005 (base) = 2006 (base) = 2007 TECH = 2008 TECH

2006 TECH = 2007 CMBS/PAX = 2008 CMBS/PAX

Warranty is the same for 2006 forward.

The sad part about all the convalutions Acura made is it really did nothing for the sales volume of the car.

Kabish?

 

The other feature differences between the 06 and 07 aside from dropping the OnStar is adding of a 3 mm audio jack so you can connect an MP3 device via headphone jack, and the rear view camera, in the now traditional position, on the driver's side of the trunk release.

Tampa is very observant about 06 being the last significant production run.

There is a relatively decent article on the RL in Wikipedia that recapitulates what Tampa said and gives additional details such as color changes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acura_rl

 

The 06 RL also had the rear view camera, but as an optional dealer-installed accessory instead of direct from the factory like the 07 model.

 

Thanks for the break down of the 07-08 packing! To my knowledge I always thought it was either a Tech package or the CMBS/PAX package. Who in their right mind would settle for a RL BASE package with NO Navigation, AFS, or curly maple wood trimming? I wonder what the sales number for the Base model was (my guess would be in the single digits)? I’m also curious to see what the dash would look like with out the navi screen? Anyone brave enough to admit they bought the base model and take a snap shot?

 

The screen is actually the same (functions as a compass or something like that) and if memory serves, somebody here hacked the non-nav to become a nav system. Don't ask for details...it was so long ago you're lucky I remembered at all.

 

^^

So are you saying the "base" RL model still has the navi screen but only shows a arrow pointing due North?

 

Something like that. I'm so out of my mind right now I couldn't find north if you handed me a compass.

 

More that that. Go through the thread to see screen shots, albeit low quality ones of the screen display itself, due to the flash.

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/does-anyone-have-2007-base-rl-498907/

And the conversion was to remove the CD player based unit in the rear and replace it with the DVD based nav unit from a junk yard. The person that did this was highly skilled. I think he also installed a rear view camera which involved new trunk parts and some cutting.

 

There are at least 2 of us who have done this....to change the cd compass, to DVD Nav takes very little skill and can be done in 1/2 hr.

the installation of the rear camera takes moderate skill and to accomplish

i will give anyone the technical info needed to install the factory DVD Nav, and will help you get a unit if you need it.

 

Thanks for the link Chas (I swear i would have "search", but i just doubted anyone would have gotten a RL base model)

Larryimmo - Do you mind if i ask why you got a RL in the "base" version inside of the "tech"? Since you end up upgrading to the 06 Navi replacment, it wasn't the fear of all the gadgets so was it the pricing?