n_longmeadow

I thought I was in the market for a 2005 RL with just under 120,000 miles. I called a local Acura dealer service department to see if the car had a timing belt done. Good news to me, it was performed at 104,000, right on time. I asked the writer if there was anthing else I should be concerned with on the 2005, and he informed me that repairs could be very costly to electrical components and advised me that unless I had "DEEP POCKETS" I should avoid the '05. He went on to explain that the 2005 has frequent issues with electrical components and that I would be better if I could afford a 2006 or 07 since the problems were worked out by then.

Can anyone coment on the legitimacy of his opinions?

I was an owner to a 2004 TL with 90K and a 6sp until it was totaled last week. I had no problems with the car the writed confimed that it is a more reliable car than the '05 RL.

getakey

I have over 112K miles. The primary electrical problems were the door handles which anyone who had the problem should have had replaced. There was an AC problem and was repaired under warranty. I don't know of any other systemic electrical problems although there were some sporadic parasitic battery drains reported.
That said, always better to get the newest model you can afford.

Chas2

I think many will share your dealer's opinion based on the experiences archived in this forum. It is actually rather refreshing that he gave you good practical advice...

christopher1

PROBLEMS since 25miles on 2005. But the dealer was right do not get the first year get 2007-08 because it will have lets bugs. then you have to keep on top of any issues with it. buy certified RL.

white05rl

i agree with GETAKEY. most of the "bugs" should already be fixed (i, too, had many problems initially) and once they are they don't seem to come back. but if you can get an 06 or later, that would be the best way to go.

Ken1997TL

I'd get an '06 or newer if I were you.

Blazing GT

i have a 2005 and if you can afford a 2006 and newer go for it.

The electrical problems in this car is a serious nightmare

TampaRLX-SH

The 2005 RL is as bulletproof as 2006+ MYs. That is IF (and a big IF) all the TSBs have been applied. Even CPOs do not guarantee all the TSBs have been done, as some here have been reported. That puts the burden on you to do the research and negotiate with a dealer to diligently inspect the vehicle and perform all the TSBs. That effort and dealership experience is likely to lower the margin of worth for most buyers. Getting these TSBs done on out of warranty cars will prove expensive and frustrating.

Many of these cars were leased...and we can imagine the diligence of maintenance from a leasee. Then dealers are looking to turn over the car with as little intervention as possible.

A 2006+ will likely have less issues. Further the factory warranty was extended in 2006 and you have a better chance to find one still under OEM warranty and an option to obtain an AcuraCare extended warranty (which must be acquired before the OEM warranty expires and the car has < 50K miles).

Considering all that....a few hundred bucks for an 06 RL may be well worth it.

white05rl

How much were you planning on spending? All of a sudden I'm getting the itch to get a new car. My 05 has had all the TSBs done and ONLY has 39K miles. Maybe we can work a deal...?

ReverendOlaf

I had a couple issues with the doors, but otherwise my CPO 2005 has been fine for me. Mine is a late '05 (built in July of 2005), which may/may not matter. 2006+ does add the possibility of the Pax issue (more of a cut and dry one and easier to spot when shopping), and if the price is comparable, I'd go with a 2006+, if not, I'd consider 2005 models--but I wouldn't suggest looking at cars with 120,000 miles.

50k-70k miles max for me. The RL can be a great car for a salesman, but I'd rather find one used by a grandpa to and from church, the early bird special at the buffet, and on occasion, the elk's lodge.

Ken1997TL

Hmm.. and its a white RL too

n_longmeadow

the RL I was looking at had 119K mi and I figured I could pick it up for $13,000. The car rode amazing and it seemed that everything worked. Not that I tested it all since I had no clue what half the buttons did. It seemed like a decent price and I'm not afraid of miles on a Honda/Acura product. After I heard the feedback from the Acura Service Dept, there will be no way I'm picking it up.

I'm looking to stay around the $15K mark, so it'll be back to a TL or maybe a TSX...

rtr

the dealer is stupid. Im sure a thousand people will tell you that. I have 2 2005 rl's and they have been great just like i would expect from the flagship Acura.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

To each his own, I dont try to convince people to get something that they are already talking themselves out of.

I have 85k on my o5 and all I've had issues with was a door handle which they replaced under warranty.

Good luck with your purchase.

tlmaster1

you will be sorry for walking away from that deal 05 rl for 13k and the 105k service done at the dealer u got ur self a new car for 13k buddy.

getakey

IMHO, its not a 2005 versus 2006 issue. Its whether you want to buy a used car with that many miles. I doubt if you can find any RL for less than $15K with less than 100K miles. I suspect any with less than 80K are going to be $18K plus. So, I guess the choice is lower miles, less car (TL) versus more miles, more car (RL).