Hi, RLers...
I went to a Acura dealer yesterday and sat in the driver's seat of RL.
I really liked the look of ex/interior and my wife did too. (my wife wasn't sure about RL before she saw it yesterday)
It was non-tech RL and the dealer offered me that he could do better than 43k.
Now, I am wodering about the maintenance of RL because I read about changing diif fluid and stuff here and there in this forum.
So, how much is it to keep RL in shape?
How many miles do you go between service stops?
I'll really appreciate if you guys help me out here.

 

I got my RL on March 31, 2005. So far, it hasn't caused me problems. There was a technical service bulliten (TSB) a few months back for XM radio and other problems, so I had my dealer (Radley Acura) take care of all the TSBs at once. I think I've had two basic oil changes at a local service center (not the dealership) and they each cost me about $35. I've got less than 11,000 miles on the car. I'll take it to the dealership for the major oil change, etc. when the car gets closer to 15,000 miles. So far, so good!

 

I think it would take no more money to maintain than any other new car. The AWD requires a fluid change that is extra when compared to a 2WD system. I have almost 30K on my car with no failures or issues of any kind. I've chosen not to have the TSBs done because they are for trivial stuff or stuff I don't need - like XM refresh time. I have replaced the oil and filter at 1500, 6500, 11500, etc. every 5k after that. I'm getting ready for a new set of tires soon - 18" Pirellis.

Remember to check insurance rates for your particular situation before you buy it - other than that it should be as affordable as any other car.

 

I bought my RL at an Autonation dealer and paid $450 for all maintenance for the next few years. I think the first service was quoted at $139 so I'm of to a good start. Anyway, compared to the cost of buying and driving the car the service costs are minimal. If it's a deciding factor then you're cutting your budget too close and I'd recommend getting something a little less spendy. I'm driving a loaner TSX now and it has almost all the toys of the RL.

 

It's a Honda, thus regular maintenance (as long as youre somewhat mechanically inclined) isnt *that* hard. Oil changes are very easy compared to the new (used 02) A4 I picked up last week as my new station car.

My wife has had her RL for 14K miles thus far and we've had all the TSB's performed - which equated to one day at the dealership, 3 oil changes, 1 differential fluid change and we have an appointment this Wednesday to replace the 05 tips with the 06's and to swap out our winter tires for the summers.

Though the RL may advertise itself as a luxury vehicle, the maintenance costs and the cost of ownership arent what I would consider luxury prices.