dsneuf

Hey all, I'm new to the forum and very close to pulling the trigger on a 2008 CPO Acura RL with Tech and 62,000 miles for $20,000.

I'll need to make some upgrades, like shift knob and steering wheel (I like to wood grain), along with new wheels etc.

Does this sound like a good deal for the midwest? CPO helps ease my mind, but a still interested in perspective.

Thanks!

oo7spy

That sounds awfully cheap for an '08. What does the Carfax say? Do you have maintenance records? Did you test drive the crap out of it? CPO definitely helps b/c it extends the warranty. How much of the original warranty is left? I would just mainly want to know why it is so cheap.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

^^This... I've seen em that cheap on salvage titles.

tnobori1

Can't be CPO and salvage, unless it's some private used car lot that has its own version of "CPO". I'd jump all over it if it's from an Acura dealer!

dsneuf

Thanks for the feedback.

The car is from an Acura dealer. Carfax says everything is ok - 1 owner and plenty of typical service records at Acura dealerships. It started at $21,000K for me, and I negotiated down to $20,000K. Apparently, it has been on the lot for over 30 days and they were getting ready to sell to another dealer. Perhaps it is the right place at the right time?

Funny thing is I saw it on Autotrader last week for $21K and now they have it at $22K. Maybe dealer mistake?

Is there anything else I should look at or consider? Do Acura dealers usually try to sell high quality cars as CPO's since they have to cover the costs, warranty and inspections etc?

tnobori1

The CPO process costs the dealer some money and they recover it in the sale price. It basically ensures that there is no structural damage to the frame and that there has been a more rigorous inspection than a typical used car. It's not a guarantee for anything, other than the extra 12 month warranty. I bought a CPO MDX that had a navigation issue that we dealt with for 30 months until Honda bought the car back from us (including every single payment we made, in addition to the sale price, tax, and fees). This would not have happened if we were out of warranty or did not buy CPO. That was a rare occurrence, though.

oo7spy

There aren't a whole lot of common issues on '08s to look out for. I would take it on a decent test drive. Take it up to highway speed, make sure every gear engages smootly, and feel for a pull to either side. I would blast the A/C the whole time, even I you have to put a window down to stay warm. Also listen for any kind of noise when shifting from P to R to D. When you turn the key to II before turning it on, make sure all of the cluster lights turn off after 30 seconds. If all that checks out, I would jump on it. That is a steal of a price with a warranty to boot. Good luck, although it sounds like you are having exceptional luck already.

neuronbob

If the Carfax is clean and it's a true Acura CPO, take it, take it now. If you don't, I'll find it and buy it myself. What a steal.

BTW, welcome to AZ!

rtr

just because its CPO doesnt mean its all good so be sure to check it right out! dont trust the dealers BS

dsneuf

I pulled the trigger and purchased the 2008 RL with Tech. I feel it is a great buy, Acura CPO, ~62K miles, interior is mint, exterior is great except for a poor dent repair which I was given cash to fix. On the way home from Cleveland I averaged over 30 mpg.

Now the question, what comes first on the mods. I've reviewed many threads, but am not sure where to start.

I'd like to get a-spec wheels (or similar) and body kit, new wood knob and steering wheel, and lighting. I may start with the lights. Any advice on what I will need and where to get them?

Ballinger

Congratulations on a great car. Do the steering wheel and shifter, first. You will have a new car, all over again.

oo7spy

You need 10 T10 bulbs and 2 DE3175 (33mm?) festoon bulbs to do a full interior swap without the vanities. The vanities are 29x6 mm festoons I believe. I chose the eBay China $3/10 bulbs route with no issues, but VLED, Autoillumination, iJDMToy, and other companies are options too but much pricier. I can swap all 14 bulbs in less than 10 minutes. For me, tint was my first mod followed by interior lights. Wheels are difficult b/c or our large front rotors and 5x120 bolt pattern. However, it can be done, and it is well documented here along with all other common mods.

Congrats on the car!

DiabloSVRacer

thats a great buy. i would have brought it.