MisterZDX

http://www.goodsonacura.com/used-Dal...KB26569C000130

I stumbled across this used 2009 RL (and it just so happens to be at my local dealer where I service my ZDX). I wasn't considering a second vehicle before, but this is rather tempting. Before I even waste my time and schedule a test drive, I need some advice. In the past all of my cars have been purchased new or used (with no more than 36,000 miles).

I am kind of skeptical of purchasing a car with such high mileage. It seems like all scheduled service has been done at the dealer and it is a one owner vehicle that was driven about 17,000 miles per year. What type of major service due should I expect on a car with 103,000 miles (in the past I've changed cars every 3 years or so and have never had one with that many miles). But I do know that Acura is known for reliability and a high mileage well maintained RL can last awhile.

This would primarily be my commuter car which eventually the high mileage wouldn't be a problem since I commute less than 5 miles one way and would probably put about 3000 miles a year on it. If I decide to pull the trigger, my ZDX would then be used for evenings, weekends, and when I take long road trips. Yes I would be financing the RL and not paying cash...another reason why I'm so skeptical of buying a 5 year old car with such high mileage. Any advice...HELP!

MisterZDX

Also, are there any problems standard on the 2009 RLs?

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Make sure that the timing belt & water pump have been replaced. Also, make sure that the spark plugs are new. Other than that, the only thing I'd verify is that the tranny fluid has been replaced regularly.

TampaRLX-SH

For that mileage, see if you can assure the timing belt and plugs / tune up was performed.

It also appears to be a BASE model which does not include Navigation, Active Front Steering or real wood. TECH models got those features and then the TECH +CMBS & ACC was the top model.

If it is a BASE with those miles I think that price is a bit high for a low selling car not optioned up.

beekermartin

Plugs are easy enough to change yourself if that haven't been done. If you don't like working on cars then I imagine you could have it done for @200 including the plugs.

Timing belt and water pump is recommended at 110k. I doubt it's been done already and it is an expensive job. @1000 done by a dealer.

In terms of the price, that is a very fair price. NADA retail is $17400 after the deduction for the mileage.

MisterZDX

http://www.davidmcdavidacuraplano.co...6615d0d809.htm

Another option would be this 2009 base TL at another local dealer.

beekermartin

Maybe post in the tl forum about that. All I can say is a tl is not an rl. They are very different cars. I like the tl but the rl is much more car. Just my $.02!

MisterZDX

I am definitely leaning more towards the RL. I've always wanted one. The only thing that attracted me to the TL I posted is the fact that it has slightly lower mileage.

beekermartin

If this makes you feel any better I work in the car business. I go to auctions every week. I paid 10k for a 2005 with 106k. I bought it for myself. After auction fees and shipping it stood me $10500. I have since spent over $3,000 on rims, tires, brakes, plugs, bulbs, etc. and I am not doing fixing it up yet. I will probably spend another $1,000 before I am done. With that said I am extremely picky and I am trying to make the car as new as possible. By the time I am done I will have close to $15k into it. If that 09 is in good shape and doesn't need much work I would say to jump on it, if you like it of course.

Terry RL

If you really wanted a commuter car, the RL certainly is nice for 15k. But 2G RLs are known to have quite a few problems. On my 11 RL I had the a problem with the backup sensors(fixed free of charge by the dealer). Make sure the timing belt has been done, it'll be 1k to do it otherwise. The RL will suck gas, on that car you'll probably get 18-19MPG 20/21 at best. Insurance costs are great, down the road, the car will most likely have so real problems with 100+k miles. But nothing too major, this is one reliable Honda. But as a commuter car, I personally wouldn't buy it even at 15k with a 5mi commute. This car is the base car, with no wood steering wheel or wood shift knob, cooled seats, or navigation. Personally, I believe you should find a high mileage 09 RL with tech or CMBS package. But just know what you're getting yourself into with a high mileage RL.

MisterZDX

Thanks for all the advice everyone . While the thought was tempting at first, I now realize that I really have no need for a second vehicle with such a short commute and a 2013 ZDX with only 11,700 miles. I may revisit the idea in another year or so because I REALLY like the RL. By then perhaps I may be able to find one with the Tech Package and fairly decent mileage.

Terry RL

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...79784835&Log=0

If you could spend an extra 10k and get to Miami. Just a thought.

beekermartin

Damn, that is a good deal!

beekermartin

Air conditioned seats and a six speed transmission. I've only driven one car with air conditioned seats in the summer time and I loved it. Lol

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Looks like a great RL.

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

Kinda drunk right now so I only glimpsed at the previous postss, but $15k for a used KB2 is a great deal. The savings could be used on the maintenance you should do (which has already been covered here) and you'l have a fantastic daily driver. I absolutely love my KB2 and had I have had the chance to get one at 15k, albeit with a little more miles than mine, I would jump on that in an instant.

pcloadletter

I say good deal. It might even have cooled seats. The nav is worthless, but 2009 was the first year to have bluetooth streaming, so you could use goole maps or waze for nav or music.

oo7spy

If it's not a tech, it probably doesn't have the BT stereo. I also don't know how $15k for a 5 year old $48k car is too much. That seems like a great deal. The second timing belt is the best period for a Legend.

MisterZDX

I agree. $15K for a 5 year old RL seems almost too good to be true (even if it is the base model). While it seems like the car is in good mechanical condition and all scheduled service was done primarily at the same Acura dealer, I would hope the exterior is in fairly good condition as well. Either way, I have lost interest in this vehicle and I've decided to wait a little longer before buying a commuter car. I do want something close to that $15k, but my inner voice keeps telling me to go for an Accord with much less mileage. I know the Accord is not an RL, but this will just be a commuter car. Or if I up my price range a little bit more and wait about a year or so, I may be lucky enough to find an RL Tech with decent mileage.

beekermartin

For a commuter car it is tough to beat a 4cyl Accord in terms of fuel economy, cost of ownership and reliability. They require very little maintenance and when they do they are fairly cheap to repair.

pcloadletter

Why not go electric or hybrid? There are many 2 year old Volts on cars.com under $15K. You would never have to visit a gas station again.

MisterZDX

Because I'm loyal to the Honda/Acura brand. The Accord would be the obvious choice, but I also love luxury cars and the idea of a higher mileage well maintained RL priced right is still somewhat appealing. If I find the right RL, somethings telling me I may love it more than I love my ZDX.

MisterZDX

So it seems like this vehicle has been sold. At that price I knew it wouldn't last long.

hotchi11

I am also looking into getting a 09 RL. I have always admired Acura's cars. I am planing to buy my first Acura and found one near me for $17,900. It has 70k miles and has a tech package. It's from a dealer and was wondering if it's a good price. What should I look for or ask when looking at this car. Can I make an offer or drop down the price with these people? Thanks

Terry RL

Hey,

KBB VALUE: Kelley Blue Book

I feel like an 09 RL with only 70k for 18k is a great deal. You may be able to get it off the lot for even a few hundred less; depending on how eager the dealer wants to get RL off the lot. 70k miles is very respectable, and should be problem-free. Check the Carfax and make sure all the maintenance(mentioned on posts in this thread) has been done, and it's accident free.

An 09 Tech RL is practically superior to any other 2009 vehicle. Leather, Heated and Cooled Seats, Sunshades, Power Fold Rear Headrests, Wood everywhere, Navigation, Fun-to-drive V6, SH-AWD, BT-Audio, iPod, great Bose Stereo, ANC, much more, and Honda reliability. That RL is a great price, just make sure you can live with 20MPG.

Just an FYI; I bought my 2011 RL Advance Certified Acura Pre-Owned with 13k miles for 35k in mid-2013. The dealer listed the car for 43k, and the KBB price was like 42k. I walked into the dealer and got it below the 36k invoice, I paid $35,300, and the car only had 13,000,iles(1-owner). The dealer always want to get cars off the lot.

Good luck on an RL

hotchi11

Oh man that's even a greater deal lol. I might still continue looking. Also I am going down to NC for the break. My wife's uncle goes every week to buy cars at private auctions. Do you think I can find a good deal there?? Are those places reliable??

hotchi11

Is there another year in that generation with better gas mileage or are they pretty much the same.