hey everyone, im a current owner of a 1998 TL 2.5 but am looking to upgrade to a 05 RL. So far i came across two in my area .. 1st option 131,xxx for 9,400 and 2nd option 175,xxx for 6,500.... which one would be a better option ( i know the mileage is high but i just looked at a 07 TL with 123,xxx and that car was rode into the ground so im not as bias as i once was)



131,xxx
Used 2005 Acura RL for Sale in Eden Prairie MN 55344 iDeal Auto Imports LLC



175,xxx
2005 Acura Rl SH-AWD 4dr Sedan In Ham Lake MN - Freedom Auto Sales llc

 

There's quite a few issues with the 05 RL, which may have been resolved since those are high mileage. I would be careful. My car had pretty much a checklist of everything that is common to the 05 RL.

• Loose sideview mirrors
• A/C switch (?) problem.
• Whining drive shaft
• Unpredictable electronic door handles
• Various dash/console lights went out

There may have been a few other things I forget. In terms of getting two and from, the car was solid and the SH-AWD made it feel a lot smaller than it is. But the misc stuff got annoying.

 

Solid car. As long as maintenance are done, you should get some good use out of it. I have a 05 and issues I had were- alternator, afs wheel sensor, nav unit had to be sent in and fixed, worn out arm rest and battery lol.

 

The 05 is a solid car, had mine since 08, 110k on the clock.

There are some common issues. Listen for any whine coming from transmission, particularly between 40 and 70 mph. All electrics work? Timing belt changed? Shocks and struts replaced, headlights working with no flickering, any message on the nav screen? Door handles work? AC working? Lights on hvac controls and hazard switch work?

I wouldn't hesitate on an 05 as long as things have been addresses.

 

My 05 RL has 154k miles and I love it. When I first got it the side mirrors were loose but was a very easy fix, just pop out the cover under the mirror and tighten the hex screws. My alternator went out recently also, and now I may be looking at the AC compressor going out.
I also have the common issue with the touch sensitive sensor on the handles. They'll unlock the car but not lock it. I have the whine from the driveshaft too but only at 30mph but goes away after driving for about 20min. Other than that car is great. I've had 15 cars in the last 9 years ranging from a Grand Am, Mustang GT, Hyundai Azera, HHR SS, Monte Carlo SS, Grand Prix GTP, F150, and this RL is at the top of my list of favorite car's I've ever owned.

 

There are lots and lots of thread on buying used 2005 RLs and the common issues associated with them. Find the "search this forum" toolbar in the RL forum. "Used 2005" and "2005 problem" would be good search criteria.

Going off of pictures, price, and mileage, I would go for the 131k mile option. However, the final call really needs to include maintenance records, vehicle inspection, and a thorough test drive.

 

These are always questions without a right answer and very subjective. There is no way for anyone on a forum to provide this decision for you to choose between 2 cars.

IMHO use this site and search for known issues and find a reputable shop to do a PPI THEN report back the findings to the group here for better direction. This is exactly what I did buying my RL.

Good luck.