Ever since I saw the 2nd gen RL, I have wanted one. I finally have a garage to park it in and the funds to purchase a pre-owned one. Please advise me as to what I should look for in a pre-owned 2nd gen RL such as best years, options, miles, salvage titles, and problematic areas.

Thank you.

 

just do a quick search. this question is asked once a week.

 

The '05 seemed to have the most problems (first year model of this generation). used RLs seem to be very affordable compared to their MSRP new. I would look for an '09+ (model refresh - you may not like the beak though). I went from an '06 to an '10 and I do like the body lines of the '10 better. Both interiors we about identical. Test drive a used one on a cold morning to check for the differential whine (do a search here to understand the issue).

 

You will love the car. I have a 07 with 162,000 (not a typo) trouble free miles. The ride, technology, reliability, looks and safety are unbeatable. I am in the process of selling mine and purchasing a 09 RL. I have researched and test drove other makes and can not find another vehicle that can compare with the RL. just find one that the previous owner has done all the maintenance. With a Honda product that is all that is needed.

 

I'm selling mine. Check the link in my sig.

 

'07 or '08 if you don't like the beak..

 

+1 for 2007-08. That's what I would get if I had to replace mine. The current 2012 model has essentially the same interior as my 2006. The 2009 and newer models have the unfortunate proboscis. The 2005-08 is still a beauty IMHO. The rear end is starting to look a little curvy by current standards. You may prefer the squared-off hindquarters on a newer one, although the increase in chrome is a bit much for me.

If you drive in heavy stop-and-go traffic and can find a rare CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System) model, which is the top trim level, you will soon learn to love it. The automated warning has saved me from fender-benders--and worse--countless times. And I got 84,600 miles out of my first set of Michelin PAX run-flat tires. :-) The newer CMBS versions have conventional rubber.

 

06-08 are the best years IMHO. 2005 is OK but has more problems...that were sorted out by the 2006 MY.

2009-up if you can tolerate the Power Phlegm beak (though the rest of the car looks very good).

 

I hate the beak