Greetings,

I am currently researching the Acura RL because I plan to buy one after the first of the year; I currently drive a 00 V6 accord coupe with nearly 250K miles on it but I have a 1 year old and it does not play nice with the car seat. I feel the RL would be a good fit for me because I love my Honda and how reliable it has been. I am not afraid of miles on vehicles but any information to help facilitate the buying process is welcome, what are tells to look for when buying used RL's? Are there any signs, obvious or otherwise that would frighten you away from buying a particular RL? My plan is to find an 09 (because of the horsepower) but if I could make 2005-2008 RL with the 3.5 go as fast as the 09 with little effort I wouldn't be opposed.

Anyway I look forward to updating you on my search.

Thanks

 

I think the more direct question is KB1 or KB2? I really think the style of the KB1 is great but am attracted to the extra horsepower and .6 second faster KB2 :

 

I got my 06 in 2011 (it was 5 years old and had 67k miles)... also got 48k/4yr warranty at that time. It was only used to replace both front calipers (due to one being suspected of going bad).
Car is amazing and absolutely spoiled me over the years of owning it... I am in all honesty nervous what to get next, because NOTHING will compare...

Now to answer your question, I advise you to get possibly 2006-2008 model with appropriate mileage on the odometer...
1. Reliability of engine and transmission
2. Better exterior design overall - could be subjective thought
3. Quirks worked out in 06-07-08

I would not advise KB2 (09-12) because of the engine 3.7 which is prone to burn oil excessively (google a bit on Acura 3.7L engine and all models having issues)
Also in 2011-2012 models, you get 6spd (same as in last gen TL) - while it works in TL perfectly, some ppl may say otherwise how RL is with that transmission.

Now overall what you will likely face if you find RL:
- Mileage will probably be 100k and higher so do ensure there are records of timing belt replaced when needed (7yr/100k miles)
- You will need to check also the quality of drive: this car is much different than your Accord and it will absolutely feel better, however, DO find a mechanic who can inspect the car and tell you what it is... suspension can get costly if you do not go to the right place to get it replaced, and if you do not research... One-owner RLs are really hard to come by lately (considering the age of the car)
- Any servicing documentation you can get on the car is great, keep that in mind... If someone offers lower price without documentation on service maintenance, do not take it - likely there are underlying issues...

Good luck!

 

Like the poster above, I bought my 2008 Acura RL back in 2011 with 67k miles and I still enjoy the ride very much so. I have refreshed the car as it surpassed 100k to bring it back to its glory in addition to my plan of keeping it forever or until it is no longer economical to own.

Anyhow, an 07-08 would have most of the issues worked out imo. Things to look for:

1. Check all fluids to ensure maintenance has been properly maintained. Transmission fluid, oil, power steering, radiator fluid. Ask whether the transfer case and rear diff has been changed and at what intervals. Should be every 30k.
2. If above 100k, ask whether the timing belt, spark plugs, serpentine belt and water pump has been replaced.
3. Check door panel and arm rest for vinyl tears or loosening.
4. Again, if above 100k, ask whether the motor mounts have been replaced, more than likely the front and passenger will be ripped which will reduce the quality of the ride.
5. Ensure AC is working.

 

Thanks for the reply's, I am glad you both agreed on the KB1 that car is beautiful! I will certainly keep your advice in mind, as I am not interested in replacing an engine that uses oil (got rid of a prius for this earlier this year). I am comfortable doing minor repairs and even a few major ones as my current ride is quickly approaching 250K and I am only responsible for about 35K of them (the original owners were not kind to this car). I think I have seen that certain suspension components from the KB2 will fit the KB1, I am mainly interested in the aluminum components - are these compatible ? and does the KB1 have aluminum suspension components like its younger counterpart?

 

 

I have a 2007 CMBS/ACC that I am looking to sell, fantastic condition. But I am in Houston, anywhere near TX?

 

The only negative I have heard about the KB2s is that they burn oil, other than that they seem every bit as nice as the KB1s and I rarely see them. Only thing I would say is definitely get an 06+ if you can since '05's seemed to have some quirks. All I would do is make sure everything works and that its clean and has been maintained (timing belt, regular oil changes, trans fluid, etc.). Other than that I don't think there's much to worry about. I bought my '06 with 67k last year and it has about 87 and some change on it now and I haven't had to put any money into it other than maintenance and wear and tear. These are great cars and are built very well and I think it will be a solid replacement for your Accord.

 

Check your oil now and then, add as needed. Not a huge deal. Then again, I've owned some oil-burning Hondas before.

 

My 2011 RL does not burn any oil between changes but I do check religiously as my 2003 Accord 2.4 burns it like a MOFO.

Just did the timing chain on it as my last repair as the oldest D heading to University with it this past weekend. I informed her that she needs to check the oil every fillup and make the car last until May 2020... LOL

 

I am willing to travel for a good car once I get ready to buy.

 

The suspension between two car is almost identical with exception of shocks/ struts, And yes KB1 does use aluminium suspension component.

As far as performance the RL was never make any ground breaking power either (either in KB1 and KB2) when compare to other Japanese competitor.

 

I love my '06, now at 135,000. That said, in your situation I'd probably go '09 or newer. Although the RL is one of the most reliable older luxury cars, there are a lot of problems with any car as it ages and Acura parts ain't cheap (except compared to German ones).

If acceleration is a priority, be aware the RL is not exceptionally fast in a straight line, and there's really not a lot you can do to modify it for that purpose.

Overall, if your priority is a combination of reliability, rear seat room and raw acceleration, you might be better served by a number of other cars – Honda does not have a monopoly on reliability, and you have lots of choices. A few that come to mind include the Infiniti M35, Toyota Avalon and Hyundai Genesis.

 

Hey I've been looking for a nice RL for almost a year. I've checked out the Avalon, feels kinda of cheap, same with the Genesis, and it's only RWD. The m35 is really has, has more tech than the RL but sadly it's just a Nissan Maxima, and ugly. I'm getting desperate and my only options are a 05 RL, 240kms or a 06 M35 200kms.

 

Ugly is subjective, but the Infiniti M is not a Maxima. It's a rear-drive platform modified to AWD. Honestly, by this standard, the RL is closer to being an Accord – it's a modified version of the Accord/TL platform with FWD-based AWD.

Don't get me wrong, I believe the RL is a higher-quality car than the M. Just wouldn't want to see the OP, or you, make buying decisions based on inaccurate information.

 

Hey yeah that is totally true after really digging into it the M is more like a Z than a Maxima, and the RL is closely related to the Accord. Sorry for being stupid.

 

Nah. Stupid would be to hear the facts and then argue with them, or to buy the car before checking it out. I applaud your open mind.

 

Selling mine today and literally am so sad. I loved this car. I received a company car so it has been sitting and can't justify keeping it.
Sad day for sure.
2008 Acura RL Bl/Bl

 

I suspect you'll find a ready taker for that beauty. But, I feel your feels.