Are u guys having any common issues and how is it for repairs? Are they all AWS?

 

It's great! You should take one for a test drive. If you mean all wheel steering no the back wheel doesn't move but it uses the rear diff to help rotate the car creating steering.

 

One of the nicest pleasures is to come back from a business trip and have the RL waiting for you at the airport. It just feels good.

 

I've had my 2005 RL for five years. I realized that I was taking a risk by buying it in its first model year, but I had to have it. I have to say, this is still the most perfect car I've ever owned. I fall in love with it all over again each time I get behind the wheel, in any traffic conditions and any weather conditions. It's also the first time I haven't felt compelled to run out and get a new car after four years, I see no reason why I won't be happy with this one for another few years. Each time I think about replacing it (with a Lexus, a BMW, an Infiniti, a Mercedes) I just think about how much I like this car.

 

what are the common problems or repairs u have done?

 

My sentiments exactly.

 

Ditto here. Even with 200k miles and a little worn out seats etc.... it still feels good. There are quirks, especially with 05's (mine), but it's a great car.

 

Bought my 06 new.

Recall work: Power Steering Hose recall that affected many Acuras.

Warranty work: Adjusted windshield wiper tension (not getting a clean wipe in the center), NC; Replaced steering wheel control buttons (because I literally said, "What's the deal with these buttons, it looks like there is some coating coming off" and Service writer said, "I'll look at it, probably just wear and tear"), NC; Replaced battery after 3.5 years (did not ask for that either), NC

Scheduled Maintenance per MID: Oil changes, differential fluid changes, filters, tire rotations and inspections

Preventative Maintenance: Brake fluid change, tranny fluid drain and fill

No issues with this car, very reliable.

 

Bought new in 2006. Still loving the car immensely! Of the cars that I have owned to date, this is probably my favorite. Issues to date have been the replacement of the front door handles, new radio head unit (lost XM radio), Power steering hose recall. Other than that, just the normal scheduled maintenance routine.

 

what are the quirks?
do they all come fully loaded or was there certain options u could choose?
Is suspension the only difference with the a spec i assume they are rare?

 

I can tell you that the RL is an amazing car you will love. I have test driven a lot of cars, including the 5 series, E class, TL (3rd gen and 4th gen) TSX, G8 GT, quite a few others..

the RL is not the fastest, not the one with the most "curb/valet" appeal, not the best handling..... BUT.. when you analyze ALL that the RL has to offer, and look at what it costs - it's a STEAL.

I bought my RL with only 29k miles, certified...i twas IMMACULATE.. for 26.5. to get a stripped crappy 5 series or E350 woudl have cost tons more for less car...

every time I drive my RL I find myself thinking what a nice car it is. SH-AWD is amazing too. I'm guessing that probably 90% of RL owners hae NO clue how to drive their cars.. Acura shoudl have mandated they show you how to use it once you bought it.. but they don't.

take your 4000lb RL and go into a turn... 10mph slower than you think you ant to go and then just flat out nail the gas as you begin to enter the turn and watch the magic... the car will just stick like glue and absolutely rip through teh turn with no tire squeel... it's amazing. even on my stock nonaspec suspension with worn out MXM4s with 45k miles on them..it still handles like nuts...

then on the freeway.. when you crruise, it's rock solid, quiet, and stable. the stereo rocks, the leather is soft and plush, the headrest are like pillows, the nav is amazing... for what you pay you get a car that makes the average 5 series seem like a piece of crap...

i'm not saying a 550i is a bad car... i'd love one.. but compared to the average snob who thinks their 525/530 is the "best car on the road" they are sorely mistaken as the RL woudl hand it it's a$$... in every category for less money.. (minus the snob appeal)...

the RL is a sweet ride that the automotive press wrote off and Acura failed to properly market... it is one of the "best kept secrets" out there and you can take advantage of that and snatch one up for a ffraction of what they cost new..


good luck.

 

Spectacular.....yes!!!

 

Look at wikipedia, it is reasonably accurate.

2005 was fully loaded.

2006 base was fully loaded
2006 tech package added CMBS/ACC/PAX

2007 and up they went to the three trim levels
Base (stripper, no nav, no AFS)
Tech (equivalent to 2005 and 2006 base with some added stuff like back up camera and 3.5 mm audio input)
Tech + ACC/CMBS/PAX

A-spec suspension and appearance packages were dealer installed options from 2005-2008

 

I love my RL. I have had it since 2007 and it's been great but i can honestly say i have had every problem that i think has been mentioned on this site. Some while i was under warranty and some outside of my warranty which weren't cheap to fix. I can't complain because the car is a great car. I haven't had any major problems that has caused me to not be able to operate the car. Most annoying was the A/C going out. My most recent problem(not really a problem) is my battery is basically dead now. Today while trying to get to school the car struggled to start and then the check oil levels indication came on. After leaving it running for a while i turned it off and back on and the warning went away but it still struggled a bit and my memory settings aren't working anymore but i will just buy a battery tomorrow. I am thinking about buying a new car next summer but I don't think i will find anything that will appeal to me like this car has. I have thought about an Audi A5 but i just don't think i will be as happy with it. The RL is so fun to drive the problems don't bother me.

 

Our '06 is our second RL. I loved our '97 but the '06 is sooo much more car. I really enjoy driving this car on long trips. We purchased the car in late June and now we have put 8,000 miles on the car. The only issue has been the cruise control switch stopped working. The car offers alot of value for the dollar and a whole lot of "smiles for the miles". Will we buy another? DEFINITELY!

 

After BMW it is relief, no need to go to service on regular basis.

 

Quirks I recall from owning my RL:

OEM battery sucks and dies early. Luckily, easily replaced under warranty.
Door handles suck and will almost certainly fail at some point during ownership.
Had propeller shaft replaced.

That's pretty much it!

More quirks on the 2005 including ACs at risk for going out and some software issues easily rectified by having the dealer perform TSBs.

The RL is pretty reliable and I absolutely loved mine. I only moved on to the the CTS-V because I got a super deal that I couldn't resist as GM was mulling bankruptcy. I would not hesitate to buy another one and in fact when used prices come down more I plan to buy a used 2005 or 2006 for winter luxury duty.

 

rougher ride than the 1995 Legend it replaced.