I won't consider the RLX until the new AWD system has been out and tested for at least a season (2016? maybe) and it seems that the 2011s can be had at a substantial discount (just saw a 2011 Advance with 12,125 miles leave the dealers lot for less than $34,000 or basically $20K off MSRP for one years use), so a low mileage 2011 seems like a decent stop gap / hedge until then.

As I started searching I thought I'd see if there was a simple method to differentiate the Tech from Advance models. They seem (at least to me) to have the same VIN beginnings, JH4KB2F6*BCxxxxxx. I had hoped that maybe the check digit might hold a clue, but no such luck. I did not check to see if models within a certain range or odd or even numbers held the answer. Is that a possibility?

Dealer descriptions are less then reliable. One dealer advertised one as Advance and it clearly wasn't and a number of them advertise as Tech but when looking at the photographs, the steering wheel clearly shows the Adaptive Cruise buttons.

Since running a search using 'Advance' does not generate accurate results, does anyone know (other than pulling up each vehicle listed and checking a picture of the steering wheel for the ACC button) some way to run a search that will give me reasonably accurate list?

Thanks,
Ben

 

I took a picture from my 2009 Acura RL service manual book. I hope this may give some insight to what they might mean.

From looking at the attached picture, it doesn't differentiate between Tech and "Advance"

The way I will know that it has CMBS, is..
1) Steering wheel (like you said)
2) Front grill, the sensor is located below the Acura's shield. It will show a shiny/glossy black panel. This is the CMBS sensor.

Other than that, I do not know. Here is a link to the 2011 Brochure. http://www.slideshare.net/2010AcuraR...ark-nj#btnNext

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the information.

I guess I can think of worse things to do than look through the pictures of the ads for the RL The front piece may make it quicker since the first picture on the sites is usually of the front.

Thanks again.

 

Where is that RL at? I've been looking for one.

 

I have no clue.

It WAS at Concord Acura in California. But as I said above, "it left the dealers lot".

Where it is now, I have no idea.

 

The ACC shield is the fastest way to spot an Advance package.

 

It does make it a bit easier especially if the first picture is front facing.

Trying to not buy in California since they require sales tax of some form and won't waive it for out of state buyers (none here so not interested in paying even a portion). If I do, that means trying to get a dealership to drive to the Nevada border to get a legal title transfer OR just have it shipped. If I am THAT close to Nevada I'd rather drive to Las Vegas for a few days rather than drive all the way back to wherever and then retrace the path. yes, I am getting picky in my old age.

The with Advance selling for 34 and the one with Tech selling for 31, that has given me great leverage since I can say "Meet that price or I look elsewhere", The closest is 800 miles so whats a few more minutes on a plane one way or another.

Thanks again,

Ben