I've settled on getting a blue 2006 RL. My buying strategy is to wait about 2 months for the 2009s to fully roll out. I figure the early 2006 leasers will be returning them about this time, and I read the post about Acura offering premature returns for 2009 models. I'm thinking this would put more 2006s out in the market than there are now.

I'm inclined toward a certified pre-owned. It seems getting one at about 50k miles works well with the extended warranties. I've long been of the opinion that modern vehicles don't die at 100k, but depreciation seems to still run that way.

Any thoughts on my timing plan and commentary on the merits of certified pre-owned purchases over private sales would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Sounds like a good idea to me. I think ext warranty is a must if you run out of warranty on this techy car. I was shopping an 06 or 07 but mpg and waiting on the new TL and the impact of the 09 RL (and what new features on the 09 will be moveable to an 06-07) is making me wait.
I'd love cooled seats and the booted shifter, for starters.
3rd party vs certified would all come down to price and maintenance/condition. certified does NOT cover all the orig warranty does.

 

I think there is no question that waiting until the 09 comes out will help your cause. Considering our local dealers still have 6 of the 08 on the lots this close to 09 release, you should be able to secure a very good deal. Keep in mind that there is a $4000 cash to dealer for the 08 which means you can get the 08 for cost $41520 ($45520 invoice - $4000). My dealer offered this to me but I had 4 lease payments still outstanding and wanted to wait for the 09 anyway.

In regards to CPO vs. Private, keep in mind that it costs a dealer ~$2000 to certify a vehicle and this will be rolled into the price. Whether that compensates for the extended 1 yr warranty, hard to say. Depends on how good of a deal you can secure. KBB values are awash for the RL as it hasn't been a great seller which has dramatically increased the depreciation. I would definitely start negotiations 4-5K below their asking price. The RL is an amazing vehicle, good luck!!

 

Thanks guys. I've budgeted myself $30k for vehicle, taxes, title, etc. in San Diego, CA, placing $40k outside. I see KBB private is going for $25-27k, so it looks like I have some room for working the dealers with a CPO car. I also have no qualms about flying out of area to pick one up for a road trip home!

One thing I haven't seen sorted out yet in the forums -- Music Link for the ipod for 2006 models. Did they get it right?

Anyone not happy with the A-spec? I've gathered you can't get the tech package and full A-spec -- but what about tech package and just A-spec suspension?

Thanks!

 

I'm actually in the market for a 06 as well. So far I found one, however the dealership (Lexus) isn't too willing to go lower than $31,000. I'm not willing go higher than $30,000 so we'll see if they give in.

I think $30,000 is not bad considering the 09 are coming out and the market isn't doing that well, either.

Keep us updated!

 

I went to a different Acura/Honda dealership this week. They had 5 RLs on the lot: 4 used, 1 new. I think I'm changing my color preference to Lakeshore silver!!

None of them had the CSMP package. Does anyone know what percentage of the '06s had the tech package? How about the music link?

 

In 06, there were two choices. Standard and Tech Package.

06 Standard = 07/08 Tech Package (i.e., NAV, AFS, real wood, etc.)
06 Tech Package = 07/08 Tech Package + ACC/CMBS/PAX

Rear camera was optional in the 06. Music Link was optional. Don't get it, get something else like (in no particular order except alphabetical) Blitz, Dice, NeoAudio, USASpec

I really like Lakeshore Silver, and wish I was able to get that color. It has almost a purplish hue in some light. My Nighthawk Black is great when it is clean but what a pain to keep it clean, although the torrential rains we get recently with these pop up thunderstorms do a pretty good "power-wash" job.

 

I too like Lakeshore Silver.

As much as I like my Opulent Blue Pearl, it shows dust and dirt almost as much as black. But you will find very few Blue Pearl RLs around.

 

I am guessing from other postings, you have bought your 06. There are about 7 available in today's Washington Post, all different models and price ranges. Most expensive I saw was a 06 NBP/Ebony CMBS w/36K miles for $38K. Fat chance!

 

One would have to be REALLY uninformed to pay $38k for that.

 

With so much technology and it being a 2006 model, I would have liked to see true iPod integration (with artist and song title displayed on the nav screen). To me that would qualify as "getting it right", which they didn't.

I mounted the iPod on the side using a Proclip mount and hooked it up using a USA Spec PA11-HON2y adapter. I like seeing the Artist and song title, and with this setup I get the bonus of seeing the album cover too.

 

I haven't pulled the trigger yet. I expect to buy in August-ish timeframe . I figure the 09's will be out and maybe moving, making the 06' 3 years old.

We'll see if the one I buy has musiclink or not. If so, I'll get a "free" test ride - if not I'll start shopping. I've read through the aftermarket installs and see that as a good route.

It looks like the majority of 06' RLs were "standard." When I search on cars.com, I get 108 2006 RLs and 12 of them when I put in for "tech" search word. Not an exact science/search, but it appears that about 10% of the 06 models have the tech package.
Does anyone know the stats?

 

From what others have said, that sounds correct, but I have never seen anything from the manufacturer on production stats. As you know, you have to be careful with the "Tech" search word with an 06, because many selling are not knowledgeable of the nomenclature changes between 06 and 07-08 and mistakenly call anything with Nav "Tech". The only possible downside of an 06 Tech are the PAX tires and wheels. PAX tires will be expensive to replace, and a hassle.