I need help making a decision, I'm about to go buy a 2006 RL with 35000 miles; but now I'm having second thoughts because my 2004 rl with 131000 miles is at the dealership and I just got a call saying that it needs a $2800 vsa control board replaced. So I'm just wondering do you guys think something like this is an age thing or mileage thing? Would you guys recommend I look at a TL instead since I can get a newer one? I've never driven one but I just want something that's really quiet, handles really well like the rl and has a good amount of power. Plus all the luxuries are really nice too. Lexus is out of the question, they are too expensive. Or do you guys think the RL is a safe purchase? Carfax is one owner and all scheduled maintenance has been done.

 

it's Both. AGE and mileage....
10+ year old cars ARE NEEDY.

if you dont have $2800, how can you afford the 2006 RL?

 

I can afford it, it's just not worth to me because I could maybe sell it for the cost of the part alone. And it doesn't seem to drive any worse, the vsa light is just always on and I tested the abs to make sure it's still working so i don't think 2600 is worth it to turn off a light.

 

you do know ABS = Brakes?
you're chancing safety!

 

I don't think I'd upgrade from a 2004 to a 2006. If you're going to upgrade, push it a little further to the next gen or switch platforms to either the TL or another make of car like a Lexus or Infinity.

I test drove a 2006 RL with 84K which was owned by this old geezer that kept it in nearly immaculate condition. Brand new Conti DWS tires too. Great car. But too floaty for me. I like the luxury and comfort of the Acura brand but I think the TL is a better combo of luxury and performance.

 

The brakes and abs both are working fine, the mechanic told me that to. It's just malfunctioning and throwing the same code that for the wheel sensors which were just replaced by the same guy. The car is fine and safe to drive according to him. But to get back to the topic at hand what do you think would be a good replacement on an $18000 budget?

 

I really appreciate that answer. I might go with a to. I've just never driven one so I have to get inside one. Anyone had experience with a Genesis? I've owned a Hyundai before and it was a pos so buying another Hyundai makes me nervous.

 

I would agree, the TL, while still very comfortable, has a much firmer ride than the RL. One of the side benefits of the TL is you can find them with manual transmissions if that's your thing.

 

I test drove a Genesis with the 3.8L when I was shopping around last year. It was in my top 3 along with the Lexus IS350 and TL Tech FWD. It was definitely faster but less "refined" than the other two. You can tell that Lexus and Acura have been making luxury cars for a while when you drive something like a Hyundai.

It really depends on your priorities though. As I've gotten older, I appreciate the amenities and refinement in cars compared to raw power. I found that Lexus and Acura has more of that than the Hyundai.

I eventually decided on the Acura since I'm familiar with the J-series V6 from my 2006 TL and 2009 Pilot. Lexus has really high resale as well which meant I'd have to go with an older, higher mileage Lexus for the price of a newer, lower mileage Acura. Just felt like I was getting more car going with the Acura. I'm not an Acura fanboy necessarily. They just seem to have the balance of what I'm looking for.

 

I have around 68k on my 06 RL, bought it with 66k about a month and a half ago, haven't had any mechanical or electrical issues, love the car. The only TL's I'd buy over it would be the Type S or one of the newer SH-AWD TL's. Just to put the mileage/age thing in perspective I own an '02 Camaro SS with about 31k miles, car is a pampered garage queen and always has been. No issues with that car either, I think it just depends on how it's been cared for, just my .02

 

I am not sure that model of 2 years newer would satisfy you, but then on a second thought, you will definitely love 05-08 RL (2nd gen).
Honestly, 35k on 2006 RL will have quirks in the near/far future since the car was not driven a lot, but if I was you, I would go for 2006 RL with 35k and be ready to invest some money if you want RL that desperately.

My story with RL: got it in 2011 with 67k, 4yr/48k warranty, currently have 153500 miles on it... in the last 8-9 months I invested about 4-4.5 thou for the following:
- struts, shocks, steering rack, some links lol, inner and outer tie-rods, both upper and lower control arms, rear left axle (boot started to leak so I found used part to replace it)...
- new tires (Pirelli cinturato p7 all season plus),
- z23 breaks and rotors kit from rock auto (love it),
- reupholstered torn/ripped/aged driver and passenger seats and backs, arm-rest, front door inserts, fixed some minor body rust that started showing, fixed passenger rust that developed pretty quick
- installed BT45-ACU, tinted all around windows, .. finally detailed the car...

NOW: was it worth it? Honestly, I feel it was because I am looking to keep the car for another 3-4 years...

Since 3-4 years from now Acura will not have a good full size sedan with sh-awd, good engine and good transmission all in one nicely packaged car - I am already ready to bounce into another brand name (unfortunately, but very honestly and truthfully). I thought '14 TL sh-awd would be my next car, when I found out about oil burning crap...

 

I bought my RL with 114k miles on the clock and the issues I ran into are

1. bubble glove box because Texas hot sun
2. one TPMS is out (I swap Aspec wheels from a car that has 180k miles on original sensors)


TL ride better but be warn of the rattle in the TL especially rear deck. I own both model (one RL and two TL) and I can tell you that the interior built quality on the RL is a step better than the TL. RL does feel float but with Aspec wheel it will transform your ride.