I have a 2004 TL with about 12,000 miles on it. So far the car has been great mechanically but the design and/or build quality of the interior is atrocious. From day one there have been squeaks, rattles and creaks that come and go and have been difficult to pin down. These are especially common in the A Pillar, B Pillar, headliner and door seals.

The TL is the first Acura I have owned and will probably be the last. Prior to this car I have driven Audi, BMW, MB.

Now to my question: Is the interior design/build quality any better on the RL? Is there a difference in build quality in the Japan-assembled Acuras vs the USA-assembled Acuras?

I'm pretty sure I will dump the TL in a few months. I expect I could make a very good deal for a trade for new RL, but would I just be getting another rattling squeaker of a car? (maybe a 2006 530xi, A6 or E Class with 4-matic would suit me better)

 

I traded in a 2004 tl for my now 2005RL and in my opinion theres no comparison the craftmanship is way better..

 

My Mercedes (E-Class) was a loser in every way. Squeaks, rattles, mechanical problems. (All the Mercedes horror stories rolled into one.) But my RL has been carefree and silent from day one (October 15th last year).

If you have any doubts though, be sure and drive the RL you might consider buying over some cobbled/rough pavement and make the comparison yourself.

Just a reminder: the RL is built in Japan.

 

I also agree that RL seems better than TL at this point. Test-driving 2 RLs in two different dealers already and I love it's touch and quality. My TL does have rattles and I spent ton of time to pinepoint and find the solutions. My another two cars are made in Japan, too. Much better in every way.

 

Good point, it's a AWD after all.

Another score, my first car was an Accord made in Japan, 5 yrs and 60K miles rattle free.

 

So your other two cars are better than the TL in every way just because they are made in Japan? That sounds crazy to me. I have experienced minor rattles myself but some people have more problems than others. I just say the materials issue is overplayed in every way. I was in the dealership last weekend (getting a fused changed) and I was sitting in a RL. To me the RL door handles feel cheap and the aluminum used in the TL console seems better to me than the plastic used in the RL. Just my opinion. I 'm not sugar coating the TL rattles but if you search on the second generation RL forum you'll find that people have had rattle issues with the RL already,( I think it was SoCalCarDude) and that car IS BUILT IN JAPAN. So what's the difference? Or should I say what's the RL exscuse?

 

Why do you have such a bias against the RL? There is no question the RL interior is superior to the TL. Anyone with half a brain and who isn't biased can see that. Before I even got the RL I sat in the TL right after the RL and noticed the difference and saw one of the reasons why the car costs as much as it does compared to the TL.

Man, I have no idea why you even post on this RL forum since you apparently dont like the car. WTF....

 

We have tons of debates in this thread. Majority of people do get more satisfcation from their J-made vehicles, of course, some people are so pissed their thumbsdown J vehicles. There is always the black sheep out there.

To your question, I cannot say "absolutely". But, they could be related. My TL is the early-build, which may not be as perfect as others built later. Which cars do not have rattles? 7 series and S class have issues, too. In the beginning, rattles drove me nuts, I shouldn't spend so much time to "pinepoint" issues one by one by myself. I should not visit Acura dealers 15 times for dozens of varied rattles, and my dealer told me "never heard of it" or "cannot duplicate", etc. Now, most of fixes work well, and my car has only a few (1-3) rattles, I finally could fully enjoy my car (TL).

I had never experienced the same thing while first purchasing 94Legend and 99GS300. Does the locations cars are built matter? So far, in my case, it is.

 

WTF is right! What is it with you? You seem to be one of the few people that seems to just have it out with everything that I say. I guess it is okay to say the TL is a piece of shit and the RL is faaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrr superior to it. Hell no!!!!!!!!! I dont' buy that! The RL is obviously a better all around car than the TL. That's plain to see, but some people go overboard with it. I mentioned two parts of the interior to prove a point. I said nothing about the whole car. Get a grip! I don't care if you agree with me or not. I am free to post anything I want. You have issues and you need to deal with yourself. RETS was able to give a sensible reply why couldn't you???????

And by the way I do like the RL! But liking a car and giving it absolute praise is two different things.

 

Man, no one says TL is the shit. His tone was higher and he just described his feeling. He believes RL seems to have the better interior and more comfortable setup for him. Even some TL'rs may feel the same thing when sitting inside TSX/RSX and comparing with TL. When saying that, obviously it may hurt those people, too.

Btw, I will complain how bad Acura treat me in the first year, and how annoying our rattles have been, but you know I still like this car since Acura finally finds the ways to deal with them.

 

Are you replying to me or Rob L?

 

I was directly replying to you. You definitely could say whatever you want as long as it won't violate our policies, meanwhile, I don't think Rob was with the intention of hurting or bad-mouthing TL. It's just the personal preference of how to spend/save 10k+ money.

 

I understand what you are saying, however I don't tend to violate any policies but for some stange reason I feel targeted. Rob L lashed out at me after I made a simple reply. He is the one that told me he doesn't even know why I post on the RL forum and even ended it with WTF. Yet he didn't mean any harm. Come on give me a break! The bottom line is Rob L doesn't want anyone to say anything that even remotely sounds close to a negativie remark about the RL. And if he even read my comments closely it's simply critisim that could be made about any car, even the TL in other aspects. But I don't pitch a fit like a child and it's not like the comments I say are just ludacris. Just as someone that drives a Lexus ES330 could bash the TL for having a very firm ride someone that drives a Infiniti M45 could say the RL is a little weak in the performance category in comparison to those four cars. What's the point? Both the statements are true regardless to what the manufacturer intended it to be.

 

I purposely edited this quote to omit names - because I want to speak generically on this point.

First, I know this is a Acura Forum (I used to own a TL-S and still own an MDX) and therefore expect a pro-Acura slant. However within that pro-Acura slant I would hope we can be honest and open in our discussions. I too have noticed some who do not seem to tolerate any criticism toward the RL, even if true and warranted.

I am currently shopping for a sedan in this class/price range and am undecided between the RL and an M35. I am participating to learn as much as I can so I can make the best possible decision for me. I like to see, hear, and discuss these cars - warts and all.

 

I'm a die hard RL fan, bought one the day it came out, I love the car, I want it to come out on top in all of the comparos and am disappointed when it doesn't! The car, in my humble opinion, comes close to perfection - but I must admit...I'm disapointed when it comes to low-end torque (read 0-60) and top speed capability. For instance, I can't for the life of me, understand why Acura would cripple this fine automobile with a 137 mph top-speed governor. Now I spent 50 large ones on this baby, and I really, really, like it a lot, but I wish it could run with some of the "big dogs" when it comes to getting off the line and doing some serious "autobahning". Acura must fix this - wether its by adding a V8 option, offering a turbo or super charged V6, or whatever their engineers can cook up...They HAVE to do something to enhance the speed capability. As an owner...these are my

 

Do you really want to drive faster than 137 mph ??? Do you really want a Luxury Sedan that goes faster than the RL?? Why don't you buy a race car for crying out loud!! Maybe if one of my loved ones are killed by some "need-for-speed-freak" I can sue them for enough money to get whatever cars my heart desires.

Jeez "autobahnning" 150 mph in Alabama

 

Yes I do! I'm sure there are many others who have a similar ilk. There are quite a few car's out there that can best 137 mph and their owners are not necessarily "speed freaks", nor do they drive irresponsibly, and yes, perhaps they just want to know that their $50K can run like a bat out of hell... if they choose to. If I take your argument to it's logical conclusion - there's no need to own a car that can exceed 75-80 mph...the max legal speed limit. It's all about choice Msu79gt82! Perhaps that concept is foreign to you...

 

(I'm starting from the beginning because the original question is worth responding to, the flame wars aren't - sorry.)

Don't give up on the Acks because you got a USDM (US-built) that wasn't put together well. I'm on my fourth Acura, all of which were JDM (Japan-built). My Legend (God rest her) only had a rattle or two after over 200,000 hard, hard miles. The second TSX had one minor rattle in the center console, which my dealer (Falconi's/Las Vegas) was able to diagnose over the phone and fix during a routine oil change. If the RL is built at least as well as my TSXs were, you should be much happier.

In general, I've heard that USDM models from Honda, Toyota, and Nissan tend to less well-built and have more problems, mainly from Camry and Accord owners. I only buy JDM Acuras, just to be safe. I really liked the CL-S (and its 60 extra horses) and almost bought a low-miles CPO one when my first TSX got totalled, but stuck with the TSX in part because it's a JDM model. But that's just me.

 

This is all I ever said but I guess I was being just plain negative and stating I don't like the RL because I'm not an owner. Jeeeez. As I stated a thousand times before I think the RL is a fine automobile and it probally will be my next car but honestly I probally will keep my TL also. I just think as a sports sedan for $50,000 it should be a little more aggressive in the performance category. Even the GS430 let's it's hair hang loose when it's time to get down. So Acura can not use the excuse of this is a only luxury automobile. We all know that Acura made the RL more sporty after it's bland predesesor. They have done an excellent job but it's just one category that they could step it up a bit. For 50 large you shouldn't have to want to run with the "big dogs" You should be running with the "big dogs". But I think Acura will change some of this in the future. At least I hope. Just my

 

I tell people all the time , theres a difference from driving wreckless and driving fast. 95% of the time I open my car up it is a clear stretch. Why even let the car go 137 if it's dangerous and against the law. Going 137 and going 160 is no difference to the law. They both are braking the law. It's almost like saying I'll let you be bad but not that bad.

 

Its all about choice? What a joke! You have NO choice regarding seat belts, air bags, unleaded gas (vs. leaded), lights, etc. In this country (including Alabama) you do NOT get unlimited choice in how cars are designed and built. I have no problem with acceleration; improved low-end torque for passing acceleration is not an issue with me. But there is NO valid reason to drive faster that 140 mph - I do not see where that should be a choice.

There is not a court in this country that would separate driving 100+ mph with reckless driving. By definition driving 100+ mph = reckless driving.

 

Juvenile discussion about being disappointed at only 137 MPH. Grow up.

 

You are free to call the discussion whatever you like. That is your right. The only thing I'm saying is that if you are driving 100+ no matter if it's 110, 120, 130, 150, 170 it's all breaking the law. So if you ever tipped over the scale you are just as at fault as the next person. Including myself.

 

Driving over 100 mph is not reckless it's what you do at over 100 mph. These days the way cars are built a 100 mph seems like nothing on an open highway. The car is just as smooth and and in control at 100 mph. I know the TL is and I know good and well the RL is.

 

Driving over 100 is NOT recless IF you are in a car resigned and built for it AND IF you are on a road/track designed/built for such speeds AND EVERYONE else on the road at the same time has a similar car AND all drivers are properly trained.

The only place I am aware that all these necessary conditions are met is a race track. While not calling this discussion "juvenile" I will probably leave it at we'll just have to agree to disagree.

 

"Driving over 130mph is not reckless". Sounds like an epitaph. If you choose to kill yourself, that is your choice. The innocent family that you take with you don't get the same choice. I agree that there are some highways that it is possible to drive at very high speeds. However, it is the innocent driver who is not expecting another car on the same highway to be going twice the speed limit that suddenly appears when you least expect it that makes any driving at such speeds dangerous. There is a fundamental difference between the autobahn and North American highways. In Europe, all drivers using the speed-limit-free superhighways are fully expecting that the far left lane will be buzzing with vehicles travelling in excess of 100mph and drive accordingly. In North America, drivers have not been trained for, nor are they accustomed to vehicles travelling at such speeds and it is this lack of preparedness which make such speeds dangerous, regardless of how alone you feel on that particular stretch of highway. We don't wear seat belts because we expect to crash, we wear them for the time that some moron does something unexpected and causes an accident that is beyond our control. Trust me, with maturity (not age but maturity) comes an understanding of this concept and some day you will shake your head at your current driving habits - assuming you live that long.

 

if you're one of those 'german or nothing' types, then leave. thanks for stopping by. german cars IMO have too many problems.

 

After owning my 01 3.2CL for four years, I have a conclusion for myself: I will never buy or tell my family to buy any Japanese car built in U.S.A. Comparing it to my 03 G35 sedan and 04 RX330, the CL sounds very noisy due to all the rattles that I don't even know where THEY came from, sounds like they came from the front and the back and ....... many places. And that is one of the reasons I wouldn't consider TL for the future trade-in replacement for my CL.

 

I don't know if the Lexus ES 330 is made in the US or not but I drove my sister in law car last night and over bumpy surfaces I noticed some minor rattles. So I turned on the stereo and even when certain bass notes hit, there were minor rattles in the front doors. I drove her car once before when it was brand new and I didn't notice it. But I guess 6 months later and it's broken in now. I started to tell her she needs to get it checked out but those type of things doesn't bother her.

 

Agreed.

 

Here in Los Angeles it has been scientifically proven that to get the throughput on the freeways we must either double the size of the freeways or double the speed. Doubling the speed would also allow for the gradual increase in the number of drivers by killing a similar quantity of existing ones due to carnage.
It is just a proposal at this time, there is not a date set for implementation.

 

I'd like that if it were here.

But isn't the flow of traffic already between 80 and 90 mph. I was there last May and I love the flow of traffic. I really don't like doing 60 mph when you are trying to get somewhere.

 

/interjection

Just so you know, the VAST MAJORITY of the TL "rattles" were from the '04s, especially the early '04s. That was to be expected in a totally redesigned car. I own an '05 and don't have a single rattle.

/end interjection

Carry on, it's an interesting debate. I tend to agree wholeheartedly with Hondamore though...

 

Hi Guys:

I find this thread very interesting and needs some help/advice

I used to own a 1990 GS Special Edition Acura...they only made 500 and i loved it
It black and loaded with features that are now common place but it was cooooool

Anyways I'm seriously looking at the RL or TL . I am leaning to the RL yet my freind, who is a senior guy at Acura in Canada, basically said the $20K difference in price is too much for the slight differences. He himself drives ther TL and I was wondering what your thoughts are on this?

I have not test driven either but he is going to set this up for me. Money is not the issue but I dont want to be the guy that simply paid for the higher price and didnt get the equivalent extra value++

Thanks

Gman66

 

I traded in my '05 TL because it rattled like crazy. The interior on the RL is light years ahead of the TL in terms of fit, finish and IMHO, styling.

 

After owning an 04' TSX 05' TL and now the 05' RL I can tell you that the RL is lightyears ahead of the TL in terms of quality. The TL is a rattle box - if you can deal with it - you can't beat the price. The RL's navigation is better in the fact that you can talk to it and tell it street names instead of having to type it in. I make the assumption you are in canada so you don't get the navtraffic. The sound system IMO is better than the TL. The RL does not rattle - the quality of the materials is top notch. Active noise cancelling really cuts down on outside noises. The keyless entry and keyless start is one of my favorite features - no fumblign around with keys. The cooled seats that you would get in canada must be awesome. Then the biggest feature of all is the sh-awd. It blows away the TL in handling. I have been able to push my TL to such lengths that I knew I had to relax a bit or I would lose control of the car. I don't have the balls to push the RL that far - I can't seem to reach the limit of the RL. It goes through turns with ease. Safety wise - the RL is the 2nd or 3rd in history to have 5 star crash test ratings all around. The TL did a damn good job keeping me alive - but I wanted something even safer and the RL happens to be that vehicle.

 

I've owned both... an '04 TL and an '05 RL ...and since I no longer own either I'm not biased toward one or the other. The best way I can sum it up is by saying the TL is much more fun to drive but the RL is much more refined and hangs better in corners because of SH-AWD. I wouldn't call the interior of the TL a "rattle box", but it definitely doesn't look as upscale as the RL. The guages and displays in the RL have a much more expensive look, as do the leather and plastics. IMO, the sound system is also better. The RL is close to Lexus-quiet as well. Can't say that about the TL. I've always said the RL is one of the most well-finished cars I've ever seen, and I haven't changed my opinion.

As for the difference in price, I thought the RL was good enough to trade my TL after 5 months and pay the $20k extra. Now I understand you can purchase an RL for much less than that. That makes it even more of a great value.

 

Wow - going back to the original thread. I had a 2004 TL which I traded for a 2005 RL. Really enjoyed the TL, with the exceptions of the squeaks and rattles. My dealer fixed most of he problems but the car always reminded me of how annoying squeaks are with new ones poping up. I really love the RL. Had a slight squeaking sound from the moon roof which they fixed and now have no complaints/problems. Absolutely luv the car. Yep, would like a V8 for low end oump, but I knew the strenghts and weaknesses of the car before I got the keys.
I look foward to going any where anytime.
Something tells me anyone on this web site would research and know the "car" before they got involved.

 

I have to agree with dseag2 about the fun to drive factor. Until he said it just now, I didn't really think of it that way. I was always more agressive and had more fun driving the TL. Now with the RL I am more relaxed and less agressive when I drive. Although, in my case, it is a very good possibility that I am still somewhat edgy about driving. After the accident with the TL (not at fault - so can't blame my agressiveness) I have been more worried about driving - more conservative. So perhaps that is why I feel the RL is not as fun to drive.