You do understand that the "Post #" field to the left of each post is the relative position of that post in the thread . . . so the first post is always #1? Dseag2 is the real deal and has provided a number of quality posts here. I remember using some of his posts back when I was first researching my new car and since he was an early RL adopter he had early experience to report.

So, in answer to your musing of maybe you are missing something I'd have to say, yeah, perhaps more than you think. Feel free to "move on to a more interesting thread" but I'll continue to look for Dseag2's feedback on his M45 Sport. Living in the rustbelt my needs aren't the same as his down in Miami - AWD was a minimum for my sedan to replace my AWD Volvo - but I'm still interested in how these new models are performing. Right now Infiniti and Lexus don't offer an AWD iteration of their new models that I feel adequately matches up to the RL but that's not to say that they will stay that way. Should an M45 be offered in AWD trim, for example, having the feedback that Dseag2's given here would help me better evaluate if it's an option for me.

For all those of you who keep saying "if only the RL had a V-8" do try to keep in mind that Honda has NO V-8, period, unless you count their IRL motor. To develop a new motor is an expensive proposition and Honda would need to carefully evaluate how they would fill enough channel to warrant that cost (meaning 20K/yr units of RL alone ain't gonna cut it). Ironically the thing that might prompt such consideration is Honda's recent entry into the US truck market. Should they find success there that might warrant V-8 development as to be a "real" truck in the US a V-8 is essential. Of course the other option is sourcing V-8's from someone else but I don't see that as palatable to Honda.

 

Good to know. RL forum has been public for months and members here are always mature and reasonable to most of opinions. They usually focus on points or cool down the flamewar quickly. (we hardly cut down any fugly replies over this forum) Although here may be the Acura-bias forum, we always welcomed varied topics for all members to share and discuss. Well, it's good to talk to you. Welcome back.

 

Actually, if it was quicker than my M and handled better and they fix that dreaded Error 78 SH-AWD diagnostic I got 2 times in 10k miles with my 2005 RL, I just might. Remember I was an Acura owner 3 times over before switching to the M45 Sport. I also bought my 2005 RL after having my darn transmission replaced 4 times in my 2002 TLS and three of them were before I put the supercharger in it. I did put 130k miles on that car though and I loved it other than the transmission issue.

That being said, I've seen no issues with my M45 as of yet, but my experience with Infiniti is relatively new. We see how it stands the test of time. I am still an Acura fan though and I do believe the new RL is a fine automobile. I just feel the new Infiniti M45 Sport is better for me at this time.

To each his own as they say.

 

Actually, you may not have known I was an Acura owner 3 times over...in any case, I still own a 2004 MDX and I also have a 1998 Honda Prelude. And I have a relative who works for Honda. Not that it matters much.

 

Yes, I "lived" on acruramdx.org for a while before buying the vehicle. We loaded it up and really enjoy the suv. We have two young boys, so we can really grow into it and hopefully will keep it for a number of years. A part of me would really like to have two Acura's and my dealership up here in NY has indicated I would be treated very well. I am now living on this site before deciding what car to get.

I appreciate all the feedback and yes, if you leave one or two options out, the M35AWD will come in a touch lower than the RL. I just figured if I bought that car, I would load it up big time and found it to be $1-3k higher, granted the rear DVD is not an option on the RL.

I really loooove Infiniti's and have been close a number of times to picking up an FX35. My brother has the G35x and really likes the car. That is my fallback in case I don't want to spend the extra cash on the RL. Difference is substantial and yes, the RL is MUCH more car. That said, I think there is something very special about the M35/45, but IMHO, the M exterior is a little bit choppy with some harder angles and lines. The RL may lack the pizzazz, but that goes to the manufacturers, Infiniti and Acura could not be more different.

I am quite content with a 300hp V6 RL and in the NE, the AWD is critical versus the need for extra horses and a V8. With fuel costs where they are, again, the V6 may be a bit more attractive.

I give myself another 45 days or so and then I will visit my two local Acura dealers, check Costco and a few online sites and see what I can come up with pricing wise. I am hopeful that I can at least offset the dealer installed options I want with a price off MSRP. Looking to put the deck lid spoiler on, reverse warning, splash guards, wood steering wheel, etc.

Speaking of, can someone point me to a pic of the wood sterring wheel installed? I can't find a real life pic of it. We put it in our MDX and love the look of it.

Again, thanks for the feedback and I will keep lurking here for more info and tips.