I am the type of guy that buys a car and then buys another one in a year or so. Just fickle like that with cars, shoes and electronics. I keep looking at the MDX, a 5-Series, the newly designed 3-Series and even (slap me) considered a new Yukon XL. I owned a sweet Land Cruiser for 2 months before realizing that I'm not a big car guy. I like to drive too much - and like to feel the responsiveness of what I'm driving.

I stood outside of my garage in the moonlight the other night and just stared at it. I love the lines on the RL. I love the pearl white. I love the headlights, the NAV system, the stock wheels, the aggressive front end, the stock audio system and so much more. This is my 4th Acura (all white, no less - TL Type S, TL, TSX and RL) and I think I'll keep her a little longer.

 

Great post. I am similarly fickle, trading in my cars at 2 years on average. You only live once, after all! I am hoping that the RL will be the car to make me stop that pattern, now that I've moved up to real luxury. Knowing I'll take a bath on a trade with the RL will certainly help me in that regard.

 

I usually keep a car for about 10 years, and typically buy used. The RL was on my wish list since it appeared as a 2005 model.

When it came time to replace our '95 Legend in the middle of 2006, the RL was a natural choice. After all it is a "Legend" to the rest of the world. This was the first showroom-new car I'd bought for myself to drive. The incentives at the time made pulling the trigger easy.

One of the fascinating things about driving the RL is how the car magically "shrinks" the faster it goes! When I drive around town in the daily commute, the car feels kind of wide (probably because it still feels new, and I'm sensitive to people drifting about in their lane). Once on the highway, the car settles into its own and feels "smaller" in a very good way.

Rob144

 

I'm also a "new every two" kind of guy, or usually when the tires need replacing.
If Acura comes out with a replacement for the RSX that has AWD and more power, I will probably get it, if not, I'll keep the RL for a while longer.

 

I agree with you except the stock wheels. The RL should have been sold with the optional wheels, wood steering wheel and shifter. Then we could truly say that this car has no options.

 

I too agree except for the stock wheels. I think they could have done a little better. Also, I agree with the "magically shrinks" comment. It's a perfect description. The RL is a big car, but doesn't feel as such if you get a little aggressive.

8 months later/12K miles and I love my car.

 

I agree totally with this comment. This car feels best at about 70-80 mph on the freeway, in some mild twisties.

 

My plan is to keep this one. That's not to say that I won't buy another car in a year or two, that just means whatever I might end up buying will be sharing garage space with the RL. That's the plan...

 

Amen! I've had it just as bad getting a new toy every year since 2004. Not so for 2007, I've gotta curb the addiction to reorganize and line up my finances this year. That way I can get a new toy in 2008!

Anyhow, I did feel the same way about the RL during the first year. I used to stand in the garage and admire it, from head to tail. Coming into the end of my second year, the feeling's diminished greatly. In 2008, I'm aiming for either a true large luxury sedan (A8L, 750L, LS460L) or a german sports car (M3, RS4). The RL though, will be going bye bye.

 

My RL is paid off, so I hope to keep it, unless Acura releases that new Advanced Sports Car. If that car is going to be what I think it is going to be, a hot GT, then I'm going to have to use a LOT of willpower.

 

my "plan" is to keep the car for about 5-7 years.. who knows. heh

 

Don't write off the RL for 08 - 325 HP, 3.7 liter, and all the things we have been recommending have been fixed. Just Dreaming but it might make me trade for a new one.

 

Coming from a car guy (nut) who has owned 19 cars in 15 years, I can say that I absolutely love this car. It's not only me, but the same sentiment comes from the wife as well.

We're quickly approaching the 30k mile mark and our second anniversary with the RL - also have purchased a lexus and a m3 since, and I still love the RL more than the others.

Yep, this one's a keeper.

 

2006 Acura RL ,tighten fuel cap message comes on and won't go away, 2 days now. Does this mean anything ?

 

Here is what I would do......

Put you beer down, pause your DVR, tie your shoes and walk outside and tighten your fuel cap.

 

I'll be go straight to hell, you might be on to something.

 

I am guessing this is a evaporative emissions system warning caused by a loose fuel cap.

The manual has several conditions (see p 299 in the 06 manual), and this description sounds as if it might best apply to yours:

The CHECK FUEL CAP message, displayed after you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position or start the engine, should go off after tightening the fuel cap, turning the ignition switch off and on, then driving over 12 mph (US) or 20 km/h (Canada) for at least 10 minutes. Due to different driving conditions, it may take a few drive trips to make the message go off.

This info and a lot more is under the thread "Sudden Warning" Do a search on "tighten fuel cap"

 

In some cases you may need to rest the light by using the diagnostic computer(OBD, OBD II devices). In the RL I did not check my manual yet to see what is the procedure to reset the light. But probably Chas2 is right and need to give the car a chance to recover.

 

In about a year or so I am going to be in the market for another Acura so give me a shout before you sell it or trade it. I like buying used... I just bought a TSX as our commuter and my daughter will get that in 18 months. Then its time for a new car for me... I'm serious - brandtw@pacbell.net - I'm in Northern Cal