So I just bought a 2005 Acura RL with just under 90,000 miles. The car was really well taken care of from everything I could see. The interior is a 10/10 and the exterior is an easy 8.5/10. Few minor chips that you'd expect on a car that's been on the road since 2005.

So now, I had my brother watching as I turned the wheel and it appeared to him in front of the car that the drivers side headlamp was not turning. I also noticed last night driving around, it appeared the lights might be flickering every so slightly. Not all the time, just randomly while beginning a turn. I wasn't sure if it was my eyes or perhaps I just wasn't used to the motion of the headlamps.

I literally bought this car yesterday from a reputable, large dealer, but with it being used, there is no warranty. I'm really hoping this isn't a sign of things to come. Did I make the wrong choice going with an Acura???? Everything I've read and everyone I talked to before making this purchase had nothing but good things to say about the reliability of these cars. A quick search of another headlamp issue has me concerned that this car is going to cost me over $1000 the first day I own it? You gotta be kidding me....

 

Why blame Acura?
you should have fully inspected the car prior to purchase. After all it is a 5 year old car whose only getting older. Things do go bad.
Also, this is the risk you take when buying a used car.
always have repair money in the piggy, and read up on some issues and solutions on this forum

 

Nah, relax! Search this forum and you'll find lots of information on the headlamps. Specifically, they don't move when you first start the vehicle. You'll need to get up to around 15MPH, than things will start to work (and then even when you are stopped). The drivers side doesn't move both directions, either.

As far as the flicker of the headlamps...you may need new bulbs. This can be as big or as small of a problem as you want to make it. The bulbs are available for around $60ea (Amazon, etc.) and can be installed in less than 45min (without removing the bumper).

I have a 2005 too. You may have a few "bugs" to work out, but that's it.

 

Headlight flickering is a known issue...many here has had the same issue..the culprit is usually bulbs...Like white05rl said buy some bulbs in amazon, I did, replace yourself, if your willing, starting doing some things yourself will give you a sense of "this is my baby"...lol...on startup only the passenger side headlight moves....

 

Yep on startup only passenger light moves. And headalights only move above 15mph and left one only moves when turning left and right one only moves when turning right

 

Good advice above! No need to panic, OP. Acura is about as reliable a car as you can buy but nothing is purely problem-free.

 

First off, sorry about the over-reaction earlier. Was a lil heated when I wrote that.


We did as much of an inspection as we could on our test drive and on the lot. Actually took it out twice, once with my buddy following me and in front to see if he noticed anything.


Anyway thx for the great info everyone. I'll definitely change out the bulbs and see what happens. Glad to hear about the whole engagement of the headlights depends on the direction the car is turned.

Other than this slight annoyance, I've been incredibly impressed with the car.

 

Breathe, Search, Read... Rinse and Repeat.