Have 2005 RL with 140K miles (original owner)
Just replaced tires and brakes were done 10K miles ago
Car has been through timing belt service

Current issues:
many paint chips on front bumper and hood
minor dents (no paint issue where dented)
Headlight lens cloudy
Fog light lenses both badly cracked and lights not operable
Center arm rest leather badly torn
Low speed (30mph) whir

Would like to hold out replacing until I see the 3G RL
I put just over 20K miles per year.
Waiting till 2013, car will have 160K+ miles
Waiting until 2014, 180K+ miles (will be close to end of life on brakes and tires)

Wait and doing nothing,
Pro - no big out of pocket costs except for unexpected failures
Con – beginning to really dislike the appearance issues, risk of failures rising?

Wait and improving appearance issues
Pro – feel better about driving and waiting
Con - probably $2500 out of pocket with same risk of unexpected failures

Replace with newer used RL
Pro – feel much better about driving and could definitely hold off until 2014 and perhaps lower risk of failures
Con – mucho out of pocket, no big feature gain

 

Wait until 2014/2015 and you're all set... PS how often do you drive 30mph? I don't drive that slow quite often and would not be bothered by that whir sound

Appearance issues are easily repairable - with some money number; but first you should get fixed is arm-rest as that's the thing you see the most when you are driving...

 

I agree that the whir does not really bother me, but something in there is misbehaven.

 

Keep it. Have you seen Hondas new technology statement release from yesterday. I would put money on the 2013 RL getting a DI 3.5 V6 with 308+ HP and 280 tq all to the front wheels with electric motors pushing the rear wheels to accommodate the SH-AWD.

The MMC is not enough upgrade to justify the $$$ IMHO.

 

Yeah - I read that with great interest. That's why I want to hold out to see what it really is.