Hey everyone. I've been lurking for quite a while now, reading threads, researching, etc. I currently own a 99 GS400 with 136,000 miles. It's a great car, but it's time to move on. I previously owned a 2002 MDX, which we traded in for a Sienna back in 2007. To this day, the MDX is one of the best vehicles we've ever owned.

Over the past few weeks, I've been searching for a CPO RL tech. I've driven a few and I'm really impressed with the car. It seems to have flown under the radar for the past few years, although I'm not sure why.

I'm sure some or all of these questions have been asked and answered, but here goes it. Between 2005-2008, it seems that one of the primary differences involves the back up camera -- it was not available in 2005, a dealer installed option in 2006, and standard from the factory in 2007+ with the tech package. Aside from this difference, are there any other major differences?

Also, with respect to the CPO warranty, is it really only 12 months/12,000 miles from the date of purchase? What if the car is still under factory warranty? Does the CPO warranty tack onto the end of the factory warranty or does it run at the same time? Are most CPO buyers purchasing a 7-year/100,000 mile extended warranty? How much does that typically cost?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

e

 

In my original search for a CPO, the dealers told me the 12K added to the existing factory warranty. So a car with say 20,000 miles on it would be good to 62,000 miles bumper to bumper and the powertrain extends to 7/100,000 miles. If say it had 60,000 miles, then you would only get the 12,000 miles. Below is a link to the Acura CPO warranty info.

http://www.acura.com/content/pdf/Warranty.pdf

They actually do a good job on the website explaining the CPO. You can extend this, of course, for a price. A low mileage Acura gets a better warranty than a new, but the extended warranties cost about the same. Good luck on your search!

 

another difference in the earlier models from the later ones is that the 05's had ON-STAR. now i'm not sure if that service still works if you have a car with ON-STAR on it but that is another difference. Other than that, the little shark fin on the roof is only for the 05 and 06 models, and some of the trim levels (base, tech, tech+cbms) have changed on the RL during those years. But those really arent major difference. hope that helps. and i'm sure someone else can elaborate on on-star.

 

^^^
Actually, 2005 and 2006 have OnStar, and since both years have digital equipment, OnStar actually works. I kept it on my 2006 RL purely for my wife's peace of mind that if I was in an accident, OnStar would potentially get help faster. In addition, if your car is stolen, OnStar will track the vehicle (with the only fly in the ointment there that if the car goes someplace with no cell signal, the tracking stops).

I'll have to find my thread with differences between 2005-08 and post here, but there are very few diffs other than noted above.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

Neuronbob -- that would be great if you could post that thread regarding the differences between the years.

One other question -- why is it that there is special financing for basically all models except the RL? Has anyone kept track the past few years of when special financing has come out for CPO RLs?

e

 

It has flown under the radar for years because it was not considered competitive. You did notice how slow the car is compared to the GS, right? In case that is important to you. The lack of torque in the wrong gear will have you screaming for a V8. Coming from a line of V8 Lexus's I miss the build quality and power vs my current RL which in itself is a nice car if not bulletproof and could use some more quality interior components. The RL does have a very impressive frame structure though which contributes I'm sure to the safety ratings the car is known for.

2007 models and up are the best RL's to get as they worked out the considerable issues that plagued 05 models and to a lesser degree 06.

It is a nice car, just make sure you can live with the lack of torque or perhaps you feel the great interior appointments will make up for the drivetrain and overwhelmed brakes. Good luck on you search.

 

I got 3.9% financing last year through Acura CPO on my 2006 CPO RL.

I believe the 3.9 was good for 36-60 month loan terms.

The car had 4k mikes when I purchased in March 2008 and now has 65k miles, trouble free and very enjoyable. Just got back from a business trip this week from DC Metro to Detroit, Toledo, Pittsburgh Pa, Harrisonburg Va and back. I am taking it in tomorrow to Acura for new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires.

Got 29.3 mpg going, and 28.5 returning. Of course this is mostly all highway. About 1200 miles round-trip. Premium fuel.

 

Congrats. it is tried and true that you get higher MPG #'s on the high grade.

 

I guess I can live with the lack of torque in exchange for AWD in the winter and more modern, nicer interior appointments. The GS4 is great, but it's 10 years old and has become somewhat of a rattle box. Also, although the snow tires work great in the winter, it's kind of a pain to have to switch them back and forth twice a year.

 

Ask and ye shall receive.

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/official-2008-rl-trim-levels-prices-498250/

 

Thanks neuronbob.

e