Hey guys i'm new to this forum. Just recently sold my RSX-S and looking into something new. I was looking at a 2005 RL with 100k miles. Is there anything i should know about this car and how long do you think this car will last if maintained?

 

Well at 100k you do know you will have a couple thousand dollars in maintanence coming.. Actually 105k. Timing belt is the biggest, along with water pump, then some other stuff that adds up quick.

I would say you could take the RL to 200k easily, and there's another Azine member with like kover 150k I'm pretty sure, but with this car being a 50 thousand dollar car brand new you need to watch out for expensive and costly repairs... Like electrical crap.

I wouldn't do it personally, and actually think about waiting, or getting something a little cheaper. Get a RL with under 50k miles if you can then buy extended warranty for a grand and you will be great til 100k...

 

afjock21 how much miles do you have on ur RL? and have you had any problems with it? like just watching this cars options makes me wanna go out and buy one right away haha

 

With proper maintenances any Honda/Acura can go 200k easy! However, being the first year model of the 2 generation RL’s (05), there tends to be a bit more problems that may persist then later year models (06-08). But if the RL you are looking at currently have been well cared for and all TBS/warranty, and maintenance services have been upheld I see no major problems with the high mileage.

 

well i was reading in this forum a little bit how come alot of people are having problems with the a/c hot air blowing. is that suppose to be a common problem?

 

Like with any car forums, you will find tons of threads about people discussing “problems” rather then enjoyment / performance/ built quality of their cars, simply because they want to find the answer to their issues. However, by no means does that make the RL an unreliable car, in fact if my memory serves correct Consumer Reports rated the 05-08 RL’s on their “best” luxury car list.

 

I got 55k no probs but then again just bought it last year with 44 k. And it a 2006.

In general stay away from 1st year production cars unless a lease or somethin.. but that's just one of my rules.

 

I think there is plenty of confidence with a high mileage RL provided the car has been cared for, routine service performed and TSBs have been applied.

That said, a 2005 RL is as solid as later models, but there were some 1st year issues that were either addressed by TSBs (listed on this site) and / or warranty work. You can search this forum and compile a checklist, then validate them with any RL you are considering. The primary risk is with issues out of warranty as with most new technology laden vehicle, repairs are expensive when not under warranty.

Some early RL issues include:

- Propellor Shaft bearing whine
- A/C clutch failure
- Squeeling brakes / rattle
- Software updates / battery drain
- Power steering hose (recall)

I am sure some of the old timers (and newer 05RL owners) can chime in to this checklist.

On the other hand, it seems most all of these were resolved by 2006 models and may be worth shopping an 06 RL?

 

Other problems on my 05 RL that wasn't on Mike's list are:

- Door handle sensers
- Replacing 05 exhaust tips with the 06 model
- Flickering headlights (replacment bulbs)


With a semi lengthy list, I would suggest you get a service history report before considering the RL. Some of these repair via dealership will be SHOCKINGLY costly!

 

I bought an 05 a year ago with 43k on it, now have 52k. It's been virtually trouble free. Very recently and under 1st year CPO warranty, had the propeller shaft bearing replaced, one headlight replaced that was flickering, a loose side mirror housing replaced, exhaust tips replaced. I have an extended warranty to 7yr/100k that should cover anything else major like AC or transmission.

You could go with an 06, but an 05 should be just fine, it's been around long enough and the problems are well known and common. If you can get a good deal on an 05, preferably with a warranty, I'd take it...virtually no difference between 05, 06, 07 and 08, just some options not available on the 05 like ipod control, rear view camera, and CMBS...engines and tranny's are all the same.

If you don't get the 05, I'd still look for a warranty as these cars are known for electrical gremlins and repairs can be pricey. Good luck!

 

Agree. Just try for 06, or 05 but WITH warranty by Acura.. At least with an 06 there will be less need for a warranty..... cuz it's not the first year production of a model!

I would be stressin if I just financed a first year model car, and it didn't have warrantys.

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/200-000-miles-501140/

 

i had my 05 for almost 5 months now. I bought it with the miles over 100k but the dealer had maintained it well. The price is also good too (below 13000). I love it and must say that it is much much better than my 2004 Lexus SC430.

 

Knock on wood, my '05 has 90K and primarly problem free. I had all of the necessary recalls performed. My only complaint is the paint. It seems to chip pretty easy (but I think all cars are subject to less lead in the paint) and swirls in the black paint. The swirls are my fault as the car has never been waxed or detailed.

 

Did you get the recalls done under warranty. because i think im buying a 2005 RL with 100k miles and wonder if it would cost a fortune to get them done? What is the main problem causing the AC problem?

 

I sold my 2005 RL with 96K a month or two ago and had a lot of paint chips on the hood as well. Was a problem free car except for the hassle of getting the TSBs done and the A/C did fail, but was covered under warranty. I recall that if I had had to pay for the A/C fix, it would have been >$1500. The major reason I sold the car was not reliability though. That was superb. The extended warranty was going to be up at 98K miles, and also, the 105K mile service was $1200 minimum. I got $13500 for the car from CarMax in MD, they sold it for $18995 in about a week. Fair enough, I didn't expect to get much with that many miles, despite the A-spec rims, wood steering wheel, etc. These cars depreciate like crazy, which is why I plan to keep my new Audi A8L for a very long time...

 

Used RLs have most of the depreciation already. If you bought a new RL then you ate a lot of money up front, in most cases.

Congrats on the Audi A8L!

 

I bought an 05 RL with 60k miles in December.. I now have 75k. Great car with excellent reliability. I was hesistant to buy the 05 becuase of the first year of production. Previously, I had an 04 RL (last model year= super reliable) with 125k miles and ran like new.
I had the exhaust tips replaced and the propellar shaft replaced under warranty; warranty paid for itself x2. If the car was maintained well, I wouldn't worry too much. When negotiating price, I would take into account the cost of timing belt/ water pump service.... or have the dealer do it before you buy it : )