Finally found a 2012 RL Elite!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 357
Likes: 42
Finally found a 2012 RL Elite!
I’ve always been interested in these RL’s and I finally found the one I’ve been looking for, a 2012 Model fully loaded with the elite package and only 131k km’s.
I’m planning on test driving it on Monday if it doesn’t get sold and I’m wondering what I’ll be getting into if I do decide to buy it. Anybody with long term feedback from the 2nd gen RL? What common issues these things have and can most of the work be done at home?
My biggest concern would be the long term reliability of the electronics, the AWD system (especially that carbon fibre drive shaft) and part availability since these things are so rare.
I’m coming from a 2000 TL with 311k but so far there isn’t anything wrong with it mechanically and it’s been a solid workhorse for the family since we got it back in 1999 and would be hard to part with.
But after Monday’s massive snow storm, I’ve been looking for an AWD car then this RL popped up as a trade in for this Toyota dealership.
Any advice on what to look for before buying?
I’m planning on test driving it on Monday if it doesn’t get sold and I’m wondering what I’ll be getting into if I do decide to buy it. Anybody with long term feedback from the 2nd gen RL? What common issues these things have and can most of the work be done at home?
My biggest concern would be the long term reliability of the electronics, the AWD system (especially that carbon fibre drive shaft) and part availability since these things are so rare.
I’m coming from a 2000 TL with 311k but so far there isn’t anything wrong with it mechanically and it’s been a solid workhorse for the family since we got it back in 1999 and would be hard to part with.
But after Monday’s massive snow storm, I’ve been looking for an AWD car then this RL popped up as a trade in for this Toyota dealership.
Any advice on what to look for before buying?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 210
Search this forum and you'll find the answers you need.
The car by then was thoroughly debugged and very reliable. The carbon fiber driveshaft is unlikely to ever give you trouble.
Parts availability should be no problem for major mechanical systems, since it shared most engine parts with other Honda and Acura models. Body and trim pieces would be the only likely issues in that regard.
The car is 9 years old, which is past the 7 year / 105,000 mile threshold for the roughly $1,000 timing belt job. If that hasn't been done, budget for it as part of the price. Honda dealers or indie shops will do ti more cheaply than Acura dealers will.
Common failure areas as the cars age include the A/C condensor, alternator and headlight bulbs. Some of the engines on these later models used oil, and RLs are notorious for eating batteries and showing weird electrical gremlins if the battery runs even a little bit low on voltage; be prepared to pay $250 for an AGM battery to remedy this set of problems.
Finally, be advised that fuel costs are high, with real-world gas mileage around 15/25 and premium absolutely required.
On the whole, these cars are remarkably solid, and if in good condition, excellent values.
The car by then was thoroughly debugged and very reliable. The carbon fiber driveshaft is unlikely to ever give you trouble.
Parts availability should be no problem for major mechanical systems, since it shared most engine parts with other Honda and Acura models. Body and trim pieces would be the only likely issues in that regard.
The car is 9 years old, which is past the 7 year / 105,000 mile threshold for the roughly $1,000 timing belt job. If that hasn't been done, budget for it as part of the price. Honda dealers or indie shops will do ti more cheaply than Acura dealers will.
Common failure areas as the cars age include the A/C condensor, alternator and headlight bulbs. Some of the engines on these later models used oil, and RLs are notorious for eating batteries and showing weird electrical gremlins if the battery runs even a little bit low on voltage; be prepared to pay $250 for an AGM battery to remedy this set of problems.
Finally, be advised that fuel costs are high, with real-world gas mileage around 15/25 and premium absolutely required.
On the whole, these cars are remarkably solid, and if in good condition, excellent values.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 357
Likes: 42
Search this forum and you'll find the answers you need.
The car by then was thoroughly debugged and very reliable. The carbon fiber driveshaft is unlikely to ever give you trouble.
Parts availability should be no problem for major mechanical systems, since it shared most engine parts with other Honda and Acura models. Body and trim pieces would be the only likely issues in that regard.
The car is 9 years old, which is past the 7 year / 105,000 mile threshold for the roughly $1,000 timing belt job. If that hasn't been done, budget for it as part of the price. Honda dealers or indie shops will do ti more cheaply than Acura dealers will.
Common failure areas as the cars age include the A/C condensor, alternator and headlight bulbs. Some of the engines on these later models used oil, and RLs are notorious for eating batteries and showing weird electrical gremlins if the battery runs even a little bit low on voltage; be prepared to pay $250 for an AGM battery to remedy this set of problems.
Finally, be advised that fuel costs are high, with real-world gas mileage around 15/25 and premium absolutely required.
On the whole, these cars are remarkably solid, and if in good condition, excellent values.
The car by then was thoroughly debugged and very reliable. The carbon fiber driveshaft is unlikely to ever give you trouble.
Parts availability should be no problem for major mechanical systems, since it shared most engine parts with other Honda and Acura models. Body and trim pieces would be the only likely issues in that regard.
The car is 9 years old, which is past the 7 year / 105,000 mile threshold for the roughly $1,000 timing belt job. If that hasn't been done, budget for it as part of the price. Honda dealers or indie shops will do ti more cheaply than Acura dealers will.
Common failure areas as the cars age include the A/C condensor, alternator and headlight bulbs. Some of the engines on these later models used oil, and RLs are notorious for eating batteries and showing weird electrical gremlins if the battery runs even a little bit low on voltage; be prepared to pay $250 for an AGM battery to remedy this set of problems.
Finally, be advised that fuel costs are high, with real-world gas mileage around 15/25 and premium absolutely required.
On the whole, these cars are remarkably solid, and if in good condition, excellent values.
I’m just worried I might not be able to get it at all as unfortunately we just became severely understaffed at work due to Omicron and I’m pulling 12hour plus shifts just to cover and the dealer selling this RL is nearly 100km away from me.
Fingers crossed it doesn’t get sold but I do want to try and negotiate a deal before the end of the month since it’s been on the lot for a while now.
As for the mileage, it is what it is since I expected around that mileage after the experience with my mom’s RDX.
Fortunately with my new afternoon shift I will be doing mostly highway driving against traffic which should yield the best mileage.
Last edited by Darksyne; Jan 27, 2022 at 02:47 PM.
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