Can anyone tell me the major differences between the 2005 and 2008 rl, i mean does it have back-up camera keyless access etc...?

 

it is almost the same car, this is what is has over the new one:
Onstar, may be able to switch over
Shark Fin anntenna
Backup camera was optional


things the 08
No sharkfin
No onstar
backup camera standard
better Air conditioner unit
Less problems as its 4 years in, not the first year of production.

 

Thank you, I was thinking about trading im my 07 tl-s for an 08 rl, but the price! so i'm thinking about a pre-owned rl maybe 05

 

I think you get better bang for the buck on an 06 or 07.
the 05 had more problems than other years, but not that bad by any means.

 

The 05 did not have a backup camera option. Only the 06 and above. The Acura backup camera will not work with an 05 RL. An aftermarket camera with something like a TVandNav2Go unit will work.

 

go with 06+. Get the tl if you want torque steer. You can run a search on this forum for other comparisons between the tl, tls and the rl.

 

a lot of the pictures on the Acura website for the 2008 still show the "useless" shark fin...I guess it is now a status symbol.

 

The 08 also has an extra trim package which offers the CMBS system, Adaptive Cruise control, and PAX tires. If you are looking at that trim then there is a large difference compared to theh 05's. That aside, I agree with the other comments.

 

Official 2008 RL Trim Levels and Prices has a listing of the major differences.

 

I agree with all the comments here. Avoid the '05 and go for the '06.

 

why do you all say avoid the 05. To the best of my knowledge, Acura has fixed all the problems(except some longterm AC issues) and the 05 is almost as reliable as the 07's & 08's. Now if you want to say the 05's would have been a good car to avoid in its model year, I'd agree.

 

My 2005 RL has had very few problems. AC works fine in 100 degree + weather. Only one software problem and dealer took care of it ASAP. Check the TSBs, most are for 05-07 RLs. There are a lot of happy 05 RL owners out there that haven't posted on Acurzine. Don't knock the 05 unless you have had one.

 

I had one and traded up to an 06. I'll knock it if I feel like it. My 05 had every RL rattle, some weird audio feedback/speaker crackling, and really loud engine whine that a new differential, transmission, and drive shaft didn't fix. The 06 is light years better.

 

If you had so many problems with your 05, why did you trade for an 06 RL? Why didn't you trade for an Infinity, MB, or BMW? I would have gone another way and bought a different vehicle. Like I side, my 05 is fine and your 05 must have fallen off the boat coming over from Japan.
I guess the 05 had some redeeming qualities for you to buy another RL.

 

Don't really understand your attitude here. I loved the driving dynamics of the RL but was annoyed with the 05 issues that seemed to be fixed on the 06. That's why I traded up to the 06. Got it?

 

No attitude here, Just defending 05 RL owners from general remarks that aren't true of all 05 RLs. It is true that some 05 RLs had issues, but the majority didn't. That is all I'm saying. Just like the TL issue with rattles. My 06 TL has no rattles. Am I in the minority or the majority? Maybe I'm just luckly with my Acura purchases or most Acuras don't have repair issues.

 

What's better about the airconditioner unit in the '08 version?

 

I beleive it was revised in either 07 or 06 because alot of RL owners were having problems with it.

 

Where have you read this? I would like to know.
thanks

 

Another '05 owner chiming in here. I've had all the problems mentioned by others i.e. brake squeal, rattle in cabin, AFS error, in addition to TSBs Hose Leak, windshield wiper, etc... They're annoying as hell, but not a show stopper that will leave you stranded. Unless you know all the warranty work and TSBs have been performed, I say go with an '06 or higher if you're looking to buy used. My RL runs great now, but I'll probably never buy a 1st year model car again.

 

What type of wheels do you have on your car? Are those the a-spec rims? Couldn't tell from your pic - look good though!

 

I've chimed in already, my 05 RL is just fine. No problems here.

 

05 - 61K miles, software updates that were performed in 05 fixed everything that I know of. I've had no problems or rattles. Great car. Host code in the 05 is what bugs me - I get a chime when I open the door, my MID is wasted on Cruise indication, cannot check tire pressures in cruise control, have to put the rear shade up after coming out of reverse, cannot select memories if not in Park. Typical issues of software geeks who have never driven a car because they work from home and VPN their days work to the factory!

 

Not being able to make you driver memory selection is still not possible in '06 through '08. My guess is that it's a safety/litigation avoidance issue in that you really don't want the seat, mirrors and steering column moving while cruising down the highway.

You know someone would end up suing.

The sunshade does not return up for me in my '06 either.

 

The only problem I still have with my 05 RL with 40k miles is a dash rattle during the winter. When the temp. goes up, the rattle goes away. I would think that most of the 05's out there would have most, if not all of the problems taken care of by now.

 

Is the memory lockout a Honda policy or do other cars have it? I have had 2 other cars with seat memory and both could be accessed while driving.

 

I have an 05 with about 32k on it. No problems to speak of, no rattles. They did replace the rear sunshade the last time I had it in for an oil change as sometimes it did not reel all the way back in to the rear shelf. I wish there was a way to disable the auto retraction when you put it in reverse.

I drive the car on a lot of mountain roads and did have to have the brakes done at about 30k, but I would consider that normal maintenance based on how much I use them. I also have the A-Spec rims with the michelins and will be replacing them in the next few weeks.

Many of the 05's should still be under warranty, so you have a bit of time to have any problems you find taken care of. I would drive both the 06 and 05. I doubt if you can tell a difference but it you do that will answer your questions. It seems like many of the issues people here had would be noticable when you drive the car, especially if you can drive a newer model right before or after.

Good luck!

 

Just another 05 owner who has had no, I repeat no problems period. This is a great car and as many of you have remarked it grows on you the longer you have it.