Going from 05 TL to A RL (maybe!!)
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1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
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Going from 05 TL to A RL (maybe!!)
My wife who got used to my last two GS300 and GS430 absolutely hate the ride in the TL, so I am now looking at maybe leasing the RL. I am also considering the GS300 and the M35 as well. Do you guys have any good words on the RL or any of my other choices that you would care to mention as far as ride quality, performance, etc.
office monkey
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,052
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From: Ontario, Canada
The RL will ride stiffer than the GS sedans. The RL is a far better performer (handling wise) than the GS sedans. IMO, the RL's interior quality is superior to the GS sedans and is about on par with the LS430.
I'm a huge Lexus head but IMO the RL is a superior car to the last gen GS which BTW is a car I really like. I traded in a 2001 IS300 for my RL and honestly, I think the RL is about as good or better than the IS when it comes to aggressive driving. During every day driving the IS is a teense better handling wise but not by much. My parents own a loaded LS430 and I love the LS430 but pound for pound the RL is IMO a better car. It doesnt have as much luxury and smoothness but makes up for it in overall driving feel and satisfaction.
I'm a huge Lexus head but IMO the RL is a superior car to the last gen GS which BTW is a car I really like. I traded in a 2001 IS300 for my RL and honestly, I think the RL is about as good or better than the IS when it comes to aggressive driving. During every day driving the IS is a teense better handling wise but not by much. My parents own a loaded LS430 and I love the LS430 but pound for pound the RL is IMO a better car. It doesnt have as much luxury and smoothness but makes up for it in overall driving feel and satisfaction.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 423
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There is a good chance that your wife would hate the ride of the RL. We have a SC430, and even with the run flat tires it is more stable than the RL. My wife hates the RL's ride. I don't know if the comparison is appropriate here.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 44
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From: Detroit, MI
Originally Posted by Rob L
The RL will ride stiffer than the GS sedans. The RL is a far better performer (handling wise) than the GS sedans. IMO, the RL's interior quality is superior to the GS sedans and is about on par with the LS430.
I'm a huge Lexus head but IMO the RL is a superior car to the last gen GS which BTW is a car I really like. I traded in a 2001 IS300 for my RL and honestly, I think the RL is about as good or better than the IS when it comes to aggressive driving. During every day driving the IS is a teense better handling wise but not by much. My parents own a loaded LS430 and I love the LS430 but pound for pound the RL is IMO a better car. It doesnt have as much luxury and smoothness but makes up for it in overall driving feel and satisfaction.
I'm a huge Lexus head but IMO the RL is a superior car to the last gen GS which BTW is a car I really like. I traded in a 2001 IS300 for my RL and honestly, I think the RL is about as good or better than the IS when it comes to aggressive driving. During every day driving the IS is a teense better handling wise but not by much. My parents own a loaded LS430 and I love the LS430 but pound for pound the RL is IMO a better car. It doesnt have as much luxury and smoothness but makes up for it in overall driving feel and satisfaction.
Since when has Acura's interior quality surpassed that of Lexus? I've owned a Lexus vehicle and now am a proud owner of the RL, but I wouldn't say that the Acura RL is "Superior" to that of a Lexus.
I think you could probably compare the RL interior with that of the Toyota Avalon XLS, which I've also owned. The leather in a Lexus alone...in "my" opinion is far better than the leather used in the RL. But nonetheless, the RL is a great car, but I wouldn't go as far to say it's "superior" when compared to the Lexus.
There are some "cheap spots" in the RL...especially the rear passenger door sills, some of the materials used look rather cheap... especially with the Ebony interior.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 177
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We'll all entitled to our opinions. Someone's wife hates the way the RL rides. I love it. You think the Lexus has superior hides; I think the latest GS (not other models) is much cheaper inside than the RL. Opinions are valid, but they're still only opinions.
Advanced
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 60
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From: Powell, Ohio
Silva...I looked at the exact same cars that you are considering (and a few others).
I passed on the Infiniti due to the cheapish materials for the interior. But if I wanted a true driver, and was not concerned with the quality, it would have been the M45 or the BMW 545.
The Lexus is also a very nice car (I currently have a 2004 GX470). It was not a very inspiring car to drive and the V6 lacked the grunt for a car of it's girth. The interior was top notch and it's whisper quiet. You know it will run forever and has great dealer support. Why did I not buy? Well, I wanted AWD and the 300 was just not up to snuff power wise. In addtion, when you load it up, it pushed $55k...and like that of my GX, the dealer's do NOT budge much on price.
So that left me with 2 choices...the Rl and the Audi A6 4.2. The Audi's fit and finish and styling had me. But when it comes to reliablity, the near $60k price and the 4-year resale...I had to pass.
The RL has all the goods...and one simple package...one cost. To boot, I paid $44,700! Nothing can even touch it in price. It's a great value once you get closer to invoice.
The build quality, fit, finish, ride, handling, power and looks is the top of the food chain for this class. The only item I hated is the stock 17" wheels and that was easliy fixed with a purchase of the 18" A-Specs (so now I have a summer and winter set of wheels).
It's a crowded class to shop, but drive them all and see what appeals to you and the wife best.
I passed on the Infiniti due to the cheapish materials for the interior. But if I wanted a true driver, and was not concerned with the quality, it would have been the M45 or the BMW 545.
The Lexus is also a very nice car (I currently have a 2004 GX470). It was not a very inspiring car to drive and the V6 lacked the grunt for a car of it's girth. The interior was top notch and it's whisper quiet. You know it will run forever and has great dealer support. Why did I not buy? Well, I wanted AWD and the 300 was just not up to snuff power wise. In addtion, when you load it up, it pushed $55k...and like that of my GX, the dealer's do NOT budge much on price.
So that left me with 2 choices...the Rl and the Audi A6 4.2. The Audi's fit and finish and styling had me. But when it comes to reliablity, the near $60k price and the 4-year resale...I had to pass.
The RL has all the goods...and one simple package...one cost. To boot, I paid $44,700! Nothing can even touch it in price. It's a great value once you get closer to invoice.
The build quality, fit, finish, ride, handling, power and looks is the top of the food chain for this class. The only item I hated is the stock 17" wheels and that was easliy fixed with a purchase of the 18" A-Specs (so now I have a summer and winter set of wheels).
It's a crowded class to shop, but drive them all and see what appeals to you and the wife best.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Katy, TX
Originally Posted by SILVA1
... so I am now looking at maybe leasing the RL. I am also considering the GS300 and the M35 as well. Do you guys have any good words on the RL or any of my other choices that you would care to mention as far as ride quality, performance, etc.
e.g. see: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=529