Hello,

I'm trying to put together a short list of the top 10 common problems that someone could look for when buying a Gen 2 and Gen 3 RL.

What would you say are the top 10 common RL Specific problems to look for? Thanks for the help.

 

There is no gen 3. That's the first problem.

 

But for reals, are we looking for common issues that aren't really problems with the car, or problems with the car that require a mechanic to fix? I ask because the most common issue people have with the RL is a drained battery. While that seems normal or negligible to an outsider, you can't imagine the number of errors it can cause or how quickly the RL will drain a new battery. Still, that isn't an issue with the car, and a new battery will rectify the issue. Am I being too particular?

Here's what comes to mind from me for most common issues:
- Low battery causing numerous computer/system errors
- Keyless access door handle functions can short out the handles and potentially disable the car.
- Propeller shaft bearing whine
- A/C component failures (mostly confined to '05-'06)
- Factory HID bulb lifespan
- AFS stroke sensor corrosion causing AFS failure
- Arm rest and center console vinyl coming unglued from foam padding causing bubbles
- Glove box coating melting
- Moonroof drain lines clogging causing water to enter the cabin
- Factory welds/sealant along the windshield frame allowing water to enter at A-pillar

 

+ Bumper trim delamination

Not horrible interms of issues and fairly short list

 

This issue can be resolved by having the corner protectors covered with Paint Protection Film if they are still in decent shape and definitely if they are being replaced with new ones. I bought 4 new ones about 2 years ago, had them covered and they still look like new.

 

This battery drain is odd. My best guess so far is heat. The engine - or at least mine - is boiling always. Can barely touch the oil dipstick. Often i feel heat coming thru an open window. In the moning, it takes only about 500 meters to a KM for the temp gauge to reach just below the middle... While that too isn't normal, and I read other RL having the same issue. It kills batteries.

 

I'm thinking more along the lines of things that can commonly malfunction with the RL. More like the A/C componet failures or the AFS failure type issues. So I would know what to look for if I was buying one.

 

I'll add my two cents:

Loose side mirrors
torque converter
not an ash tray and cig lighter won't stay closed - needs new $3 latch
bulbs going out in hvac controls/hazard switch - replace with LED.
seat heat switch bulbs - replace with LED.
rear sunshade rattle

 

Yeah, the torque converter can be a big deal. If you hear a whine from the transmission, it very well could be the TC.