Hi guys, looking at buying a 2007-2009 RL. Currently driving a 06 Accord v6 6 speed. Reason I am interested in the RL, is because of the sh-awd system capabilities up here in Canada, and also it's reputation for being pretty reliable. Outside of regular maintenance, what should I be looking out for in one of these vehicles to go wrong ? Understand that water pump/timing belt should be done every 100k, and generally looking for consistent records of oil/trans/diff and coolant changes were performed. Given the age, I would be looking at RL's with 100-160k miles (160,000 to 250,000 kilometers).
Lastly, despite this being a Acura/honda forum, would you guys say the 07-09 RL is as or more/less reliable than a 07-08 Lexus GS 350 AWD ?
Appreciate the replies.

 

just type in google search bar and this will come up.


https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...2g-rls-958368/

 

+1 ^
I'll add:
Warmly recommended are 2007 and 2008 (without PAX tires).
2009 has 3.7 engine which has been reported widely of 3 out of 4 engines burning oil (1qt/1000 miles).
What to look for? Service records you will sometimes find, sometimes you will have to rely on Carfax unfortunately.
It will be hard to find RL that had timing belt service done, and closer to 100k miles. Those are usually traded before the big service is needed. Advice - buy 100-110k RL and pay for timing belt service yourself; you may be able to knock down the price a bit, and you will know it was done properly.
I cannot stress enough on these two items: make sure when you test the car, take it to mechanic, and have them check suspension and engine mounts. These will be coming up soon service and only way to enjoy the ride is if you service these in timely manner before it is too late. This could cost you 2-3-4k USD (or more) depending which route you go.
Other than that, not sure there is much you should look out for lol - at least I cannot think of any bigger items than aforementioned ones.

 

Hey guys, thanks or the reply and advice . Also, yes, I would be avoiding the j37, thanks for the reminder.

 

A quick clarification on the TB/WP at 100K, albeit for our '12 RL. Should it be genuine Acura/Honda brand or is there a better compatible brand?

TIA

 

I highly recommend the Aisin TKH-002 Engine Timing Belt Kit with Water Pump from Amazon for $188. I have used this kit on my Honda Odyssey and my neighbor has using it on his Honda Pilot and Accord. All the parts are OE parts (which are the same Honda/Acura parts). The last time I priced the Honda/Acura parts it was over $400.

 

What's going on everyone, I looked at the stickied thread but it was not what I was looking for. Currently I am driving a 2009 TL and had no problems with it since I got it at 64K miles. Now I am at 82K and I want to get rid of it and there is a 2009 RL for sale at a dealership near me. The car is only $17K and it;s got about 35K miles on it!!! It's a RL tech package. Now my only worry is that it's a 2009 car and it's already 2017, I am honestly looking at buying a 2014 TL Special Ed but I love how this car looks and it's cheaper. I know that I have to take this car to get it checked out before I commit to it but what can you guys tell me?

 

Skip the 2014 SE TL and go for 2016 TLX V6, if you want the RL then get it and pretty much solid car. I would not worry too much about the oil consumption on the 09-10 3.7 motor because its not even become a real problem until Acura decide to "reduce friction" treatment.

 

What's wrong with the 2014 TL wont it just be the same as my 2009? I would love to get the TLX V6 but they are about 25K+ around here.

 

Coming back on here... Can anyone confirm from experience if the second gen RL is more/less reliable then a 07-09 Lexus gs 350 AWD ? These are the two cars I am considering . Thanks

 

I have no direct experience with the GS350. I can tell you it's a Toyota product, and in my experience they tend to be more reliable. I can also add that my dad's LS430 has been extremely reliable and relatively cheap to maintain when compared to my RL I can also tell you that I cross shopped that car when I bought my RL and the GS350 was my #2 choice. It ultimately boiled down to the driving experience for me. The 3.5 motor used in the GS was Toyota's workhorse, very similar to the J series that Honda used in many of their products...

 

Reliable? they are about the same the GS350 will a tad more reliable than the RL however you better wish thing doesn't break part is costly well about double in price compare to the RL. Toyota/Lexus weakest parts is within their suspension and the lower ball join which require attention especially they are close to 100k miles.

I have a 01 IS300 and my brother has 08 LS460, 00 and 03 GS300, 08 GS350 RWD and 01 LS430. BTW if you buying a GS350 make sure some time in the past the HID bulb got replaced since EVERY GS350 love to blow out just one bulb and they use D4S bulb.

If you are specific looking for AWD GS350 I would say go for the RL instead since the Toyota AWD can't be compare with SH-AWD, also note the interior of the RL feel more roomy than the GS350.