I pulled the trigger tonight. I traded my TL A-Spec for a 2006 Celestial Silver/Taupe RL. Had 140 miles on the odo (was apparently driven from another dealer). $42.5 with iPod. Made up for the price with an amazing deal on the TL trade in. I won't give an exact price, but let's just say it was almost $3k above the Galves value for a TL with as many miles as on mine (56k miles).

Negotiation took all of 5 minutes. They insisted on $42.5k, I insisted on iPod kit, they gave me an excellent deal on the trade WITHOUT my having to do anything. Pays to be a regular customer with good salespeople.

Just a first comment: This RL WILL have an A-Spec suspension before the winter. Loving the tech so far!

Thank you for all your assistance! No pix as it's too late and you all know what a stock RL looks like, anyway.

 

Congrats!!!

 

Bob, congrats on your new ride. I'm sure you'll enjoy it, even more than the TL! $42.5k is not bad, particularly if you got a great deal on your trade.

 

It's been fun following your posts between the TL and RL forums from thought to action!

I'll be interested to hear your continued impressions over the TL. I was all but set to go with a TL to replace my Legend before making the leap to the RL. I found it much more comfortable and interesting to drive.

I've got an run-of-the-mill '06 Celestial Silver RL with taupe. It replaced my '95 Legend L sedan. I guess great minds (and Robs) think alike!

Like I've said in the What do You Miss about Your TL thread, the RL is a subtle choice. The TL is probably the best Acura that everyone has heard of. The RL is probably the best Acura that no one can quite picture in their mind.

Welcome!

RobL

 

Congrats!

 

Way to go! I have enjoyed all your thoughts on the TL and the RL. I will continue to follow your thinking as you experience that awesome car!

 

Congrats...if you go 18"....I have the A-spec black chrome wheels....way, way, way more unique and subtle than the chrome wheels. I see chrome as past its day...the black chrome is just more "cool" and less "look at me now."

People at work just say: "those are the nicest wheels I have ever seen." Nothing like that with the chrome wheels ever came to me..... I had them for a week because the dealer ordered the wrong ones (swapped them for me, no charge, and let me drive on the wrong ones for a few days).

A-spec suspension was worth every single dime. Car out -drives a stock Audi b7 (current guppy grill) S4 (not just A4, the S4 for 56k).

I wrote Acura a letter hoping they would change the iPod software and perhaps give us a better steering wheel (more sporty). My only beefs. Not sure if I'll go wood wheel.....is it too "Jaguar/Lexus/old person" or is is sporty?....


Anyway, congrats.


Oh, I bought the RL pedals off supercomputer person on the forum...installing this weekend.

 

Congrats Bob!

Im away on a trip right now, but next week I may join you in the RL club!

 

Congrats!!

 

Thanks for all the congrats, you guys are the ones who helped my decision along. I'm already thinking of mods.

Choices:

A-Spec suspension + wheels (selling my RonJon TL wheels will net me enough for the combo sans tires--most realistic option)

An RL set of RonJon Devotions

Mugen M1 kit (wish I could find out how much this costs....)

No power mods are available except for that "intake" in another thread, likely never tested on an RL.

 

I'd look into the amuse ecu. I think it can work with our cars, but we'd have to use 93-94 octane. 94 used to be readily avail here in ny, now we only get 93.

 

Did my own second test drive of the RL today, and I was MUCH more impressed than the first time. Don't know what the difference was, but the first car felt sluggish to me, and slow to downshift when pressed, etc.

This one, though, felt more energetic and quick, and damn near as athletic as my TL. I did some fairly aggressive takeoffs, some kickdowns at various speeds and a blast or two up some freeway onramps, and the car basically hauled ass. I now feel I can live with the performance, no problem.

And this car had the proper tire pressure, as opposed to the first car, which I discovered at the end of the test drive had 42psi in the tires.

Also, I now understand the price quotes of $39,800 - 39,900. It takes a little extra doing, but suffice to say it can be done. And it helps offset the really crummy lease terms Acura is extending ... 48% residual and .00288 for tier 1 credit for a 36/15 lease.

My only problem now is disposing of my other car, as they really couldn't offer me what I need. Frankly, I think I can solve that by going to CarMax! Aura is holding my deal open for me, so I'll try to get a bid on my car in a couple days and see if I can do it. That Lakeshore/Taupe looked pretty sweet ...
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See my lakeshore taupe 06 in the photo gallery.

What I want to know is what is the wood wheel like....is the width much better?

Anyone with one care to comment (please all). TIA>

Acura has a hit here...if their marketing types had a clue, the car should be 50k.


JB

 

Good stuff. Neuronbob, you were one of the reasons I decied to go for a new model 2004 TL instead of a leftover old model 2003TL. I followed a bunch of your posts and did a great deal of other research and decide to go for it. The TL is a great car and obviously the 2nd generation RL wasn't out yet. I've been very happy with my TL. My lease is up in the Spring, 2007 and I may go for the RL.

Did you like the Infinity M and the Lexus GS 350? I'll test drive those two cars and the 5 series BMW before I make a decision.

 

Do have specs/price/where to buy on this?

I am very curious.....


TIA

JB

 

I test drove the M35x and.....it's the same argument that we made in the TL vs. G35. The interior was great/less cluttered in the M, but the fit and finish was not at the same level as the RL. I liked the RL's gadgets better. I didn't test drive the Lexus as Lexi are simply too boaty in ride quality for me. The RL, while it is NO TL, is more sporty than I recall in the last Lexus I drove. The BMW 530i was the most fun on the road, but the interior is so spartan that you can't believe you're in a nearly 60k car. I also didn't want to spend more money just to show the world that I have a little roundel.

 

it's a good thing that there are acutally some RL owners willing to mod their cars. Keep it up, guys! Once I get my car back I will look into H&R springs or coilovers and a-spec wheels.

 

Hey Doc, How's the repair going on your RL. I'm interested to hear how the paint matches after the body work is complete. Keek us up to date in your thread.

 

I went through similar cars in my search, though only the RL was AWD. All were nice, but the RL had the most complete package. I drove each car at least twice (some many more times) with and without passengers (kids and/or wife).

The GS300 interior felt cramped due to the high beltline and somewhat poor outward visibility. The drive was a bit on the soft side. With all the different options, it would have been hard to decide whether to get the NAV system, or upgraded stereo, and then to find the right color and equipment level at a dealer. At the time, the GS300 was 3rd on my list, but looking back, I think it should have been the 2nd choice.

I really liked the M35 when I drove it alone. I liked the great outward visibility, and the shape of the hood from the driver's seat (which you can actually see). The interior felt roomy, and certainly had a unique style with the wood trim. And it felt like a good balance between sport and luxury. I made the mistake of driving a base model a second time with my wife, and she couldn't stand the passenger seat. The package with the air-cooled seats seemed more comfortable, but the base seats were too lumpy and hard. She openly commented that she preferred the middle seat of the RL to the passenger seat of the base M35. I didn't care for the control layout of the M, with the high dial.

I even drove an ES350, which was plenty roomy and well-equipped, but was like driving a cloud.

All these cars are extremely nice, and you could hardly go wrong with any of them. They have different strengths (and weaknesses) that a potential buyer with the means has to prioritize when making a decision.

Once we decided on the car, the RL being fully equipped made deciding which features to get easy. No chance of wondering if you should have gone for the nav system, or better stereo -- it's all there.

Rob144

 

Mike -- Was your second driver a dealer Demo car or one from the lot? I drove a "not for sale" demo RL that left the best impression on me. I wonder if the dealers have a tweak that improves responsiveness.

I've been driving mine pretty gently since I bought it to break it in, and I wonder if the computer in there has adapted throttle response to my gentle approach.

Rob144

 

http://www.webamuse.co.jp/new/20050528/rl.html

Has revised fuel and ignition maps and takes of the speed limiter. Would be nice if they posted a dyno showing the gain in power.

 

Here is what babelfish got for me....can you define the price, or if they have a USA import house.....?

TIA

Pasted from link above and babelfished:


High-tech ROM sale start other news release for top/new model legend: Start of high-tech ROM sale for new model legend. New model register ended high technology ROM As for corporation power house アミューズ, HONDA legend (DBK? KB1) It succeeds in the development of business high technology ROM. We start the sale from June 15th. With CAN communication the LAN construction up-to-date vehicle control technology of prerequisite. Our company succeeds in the analysis for the new model legend CP U which in the leading edge is. Sale as the tuned computer for the HONDA car where flash ROM is installed was the country first, it designated that efficiency of the advanced engine is pulled out to full as actual ones. To in addition to full titanium muffler (R1 titanium series) and private 19 inch wheel. Vis-a-vis the user which is sensitive to the new keyword where height adjustment suspension KIT (high-tech damper KIT) and you call, to high-class sedan such as sporty aero part SH-AWD which does not exist until now, high quality, it develops and sells the high functional part. Version rise computer for new model legend < High technology ROM > LAN construction inside the vehicle becomes prerequisite, the advanced vehicle of today the speed limiter cancellation one refuses very former method. (Until recently in case of the car, because wiring of vehicle speed signal as a single unit exists, the limiter cancellation with the taking attaching of that signal processed device was possible.) In case of new model legend, the control being delicate, foreward the far of 180km which is original limiter intervention speed, starts closing the electronic control throttle from the point in time when it exceeds 160km, vis-a-vis 180km the vehicle speed control which completely does not accompany the shock does. High technology ROM As for high technology ROM, as for cancellation of the vehicle speed control by the throttle of course, modification and resonance supercharging rpm modification of the VTEC point, travelling of the new model legend by the control data which can be called, special such as fuel and rationalization of the ignition timing program is offered. * High technology ROM XXYEN 138 and 000 substances (XXYEN 144 and 900 including taxes) normal turn-in value (Note 1) イモビラザーシステム which is loaded onto Note 1 legend (the robbery prevention device) in order to make effective ahead doing to send the computer unit which is removed from the vehicle of the customer it becomes turn-in value in the form which it receives. アミューズ aero dynamics * Front half spoiler XXYEN 78 and 000 substances (XXYEN 8 1,9 00 including taxes) * side step XXYEN 78 and 000 substances (XXYEN 8 1,9 00 including taxes) * rear under spoiler XXYEN 68 and 000 substances (XXYEN 71 and 400 including taxes) The above-mentioned 3 point set price XXYEN 198 and 000 substances (XXYEN 207 and 900 including taxes) Full aero (front) full aero (rear) Preponderant light weight conversion aluminum forging wheel < アミューズ CE28N > As aluminum forging wheel, in that high performance the raising corporation make CE28N which is firm ones. We sell the special setting for the new model legend where wheel PCD has become 120mm as アミューズモデル. When of body size of new model legend was thought, as for 19 inch conversion of the wheel for the user which is thought the section necessary the fact that it is setting of course is, but actualizing 8. 7kg and preponderant light weight conversion vis-a-vis the wheel weight 11. 2kg of normal 17 inches regarding the efficiency aspect. Fashion make and high travelling efficiency, it is the advanced wheel which becomes the highest selection in the new model legend which is compatible. (Reference tire weight: Normal 235? 50? 17 = 12. 4kg, ミシェラン PS2 245? 40? 19 = 10 8kg) アミューズ CE28N aluminum wheel * アミューズ CE28N 8. 5J? 19 + 41 PCD120mm Mercury silver, center cap attaching XXYEN 79 and 000 substances (82 and 950 including taxes) * アミューズ CE28N rear private SPL model 9. 5J? 19 + 27 PCD120mm Mercury silver, center cap attaching XXYEN 82 and 000 substances (86 and 100 including taxes) As for the rear private SPL model, fender processing and ローダウン conversion necessary are tuner size of the section. Usually 8. 5J? 19 it becomes the setting to which front and back 4 are the recommendation. As for new model legend wheel volt/bolt diameter has become 14mm. As for the genuine nut because the part of the washer hits, the ball head lock nut of other way 14mm becomes necessary in wheel installing. With the highest material power and volume optimum design < R1 titanium muffler > You specialized in computer setting, engine setting technology only of アミューズ. In the big part which is obtained by the feedback, there is accurate grasp of the engine output which changes with the muffler. Intake air temperature and change etc. of seal characteristic of the engine itself, occurrence of the output change with the cause other than the muffler, exists many in the vehicle of up-to-date control. With this kind of problem, presently arranging just the environment whose output measurement is possible, it has become very difficult circumstance to compare the output change of the muffler purely. The reply for power. The reply for volume. After grasping the truth accurately, pipe diameter and the silencer - deciding capacity. Engine output is caught accurately, benefit of computer setting technology, what with only the pure titanium material of the highest standard makes shape, is the R1 titanium series of アミューズ. * R1 - TITAN European W full titanium make ハイクオリティーマフラー safety standards conformity main 50 Ф サブタイコ attaching? The rear oval silencer - inside diameter 50 Ф tail 115 Ф left and right 2 Honde it does, 11. 65kg (normal weight 21 9kg) XXYEN 358 and 000 substances (XXYEN 375 and 900 including taxes) R1 titanium muffler (1) Concerning this sight of Company Information to the top of this page of the legend GT aero dynamics package site map

 

the amuse ecu is $1210

 

Rob, the one I drove was apparently just a car from stock. It did have 110 miles on it, but I don't think my dealer has "dedicated" demo cars ... they just spread the miles over several cars and then sell them before the mileage gets high. Everytime I drive a car there - TL or RL - it's a different one.

I sincerely doubt the dealers tweak the cars. It's not that easy a job. The day I drove the first one it was 104 degrees (really), the car had been sitting outside on the lot, and the A/C was having to really blow to keep us from cooking. My wife was also along, as was the salesguy, and I was probably distracted from everything going on. I just need to drive a car at least 2 or 3 times to really get a feel for it.

So I think it was just my impresssion the first car was more sluggish, not that it really was. BTW, I also drove it back-to-back with a TL and those two cars have such a different feel that that was a factor as well. In short, I think this second test drive gave me a more accurate impression than the first one.
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While I am sure that is a nice unit, that is a bit high.....curious on HP and torque curves.....installation, warranty.

In a nutshell, Spoon raced a care (see many articles via a google search on spoon and such)....and only got to 320hp (probably with race fuel.

I suspect Honda has the engine pretty tweaked at baseline.

Exhaust and intake might be better.....and cheaper...options.

Anyone know of good ones out there they have used/installed (even tested?)?


JB

 

are you going to try the intake that I found in a different post? I wanted a shop to custom make a cold air intake for my RL though. That would be neat.

 

Posted a few pix....

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2698

Totally loving the car so far.

 

Bob, hope that you are not working the weekend and get to enjoy your new ride. Pls post a more detailed synopsis of the RL if you have a chance. Thx.

 

Pics look great Bob. I wanted the silver when we bought my wifes RL but she went for the WDP/parchment. Are you going to put a spoiler on the back? I had the lip spoiler put on wifes 05 RL and it makes the back look less round. We both really like it because most 2nd gen RLs around here don't have the spoiler. Hope to follow your progress on the mods, I know you'll post lots of pics.

 

I am working this weekend but it's been light. The weather was also not as bad as advertised, so I've been out driving.

No lip spoiler for me yet, but we'll see, I did change my mind about the TL A-Spec body kit after two years with the car, after all!

Still reading through the (thick) owner's manual and am customizing the electronics to my preferences....I expect to post the usual thorough neuronbob™ review next week sometime, with more pics if I get the time.

By the way, does anyone hardwire their radar detector? I haven't attached my V1 because of the location of the outlet. The location on the center console isn't amenable to unobtrusively stringing the wire like in my TL, which I didn't have to hardwire.

 

Do you plan to remove the "RL" emblem and replace it with the "Legend" emblem?

 

Not sure if this is the right place for this observation, but I hate to dedicate a whole thread to it ...

Although the RL is heavily discounted (as we all know), it still leases at the same price as if it were full MSRP when you compare it to some other cars out there. As an example, I "paid" $50,000 for my '06 infiniti M45, but the 36 mo./15,000 mile per year lease payment was $732. I've worked the RL down to $42,500 incl. tax (or about $39,800 before tax), but the 36/15 lease payment is still almost $750.

The difference, of course, is the residual and money factors Honda Financial is allowing. So, they ain't exacty stupid ... cut the price to the bone, but sneak it back in in the factors. It's amazin' what you can do with math.

But IMO the only way to buy an RL is through a lease, since the trade-in value isn't the best. I guess you pays them now or you pays them later, but at least I won't have to endure the indignity of being offered a pittance for my car in 3 years! (All this assumes I go ahead and get me an RL next week. And those turkeys already sold the Lakeshore/Taupe I had my eye on. Dang.)
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I have to disagree a little. In my opinion, the best way to buy the RL is to buy it (not lease), pay it off as soon as possible, and keep the car as long as you can. Get as many years of no car payment as you can. The money you save driving a paid-for car will offset the depreciation eventually. Trade-in value isn't "real" until you actually trade it in.

In addition, if you live in a state that has a car tax like VA, and that car tax is based on the market value of the car, then the RL's rapid depreciation can be advantageous.

 

No. I'm something of a Japanophile, but not THAT much of one.

Mike, I had no choice but to buy since I put 18k-20k miles on my car every year. I realize that this wasn't the best "investment" out there, but life is short and the deal was good. I've purchased poor "investments" in cars before. A good example was my old Dodge Intrepid, which I traded for a 2G TL five years ago. I traded at a time just after 9/11, when the first "0%" load offers were being made by the domestics, decreasing the value of those cars already out there. Luckily, I was jst $200 upside down and I took the deal.

I'll have to keep this car a long time (e.g. 3 years + ). The plan is to wait until the 4G TL comes out and has its growing pains sorted out before I start thinking about something new again (2009-2010). At that point, I'll have paid off most of the principal of my loan and if I decide to trade "down" to a TL, I'll do so without that much of a loss. We'll see....

 

Wow! Acura must not be subsidizing the leases like it was back in '05. Got my 2005 with almost every option, with nothing down and monthly payment at 586.

 

Yep, if you keep your cars long, my theory doesn't apply. But I trade every 3 years - or less - so leasing is the best deal for me.

Neuronbob - I understand your situation on the mileage. I drive an average of 30,000 miles a year and my wife does 12,000 or more. That's why we keep 3 cars. . I spread my miles over 2 of them and she has her own. And I agree if you go over 15,000 miles a year, leasing doesn't work out well.
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Noooo. Not hardly. The residual for 36/15 is a whopping 48% , and the money factor for Tier 1 credit is .00288. The GM at my dealer showed me the factors right out of the "manual". A little over a year ago, I got my M45 at 70% residual and .00175 MF.

What they must have decided is that it is more enticing to offer mouth-watering discounts off MSRP, and hope the leasor doesn't pay too much attention to the factors. (Although I have to admit leasecompare, edmunds and similar internet sites didn't have much better factors from their bank sources, either!)

At about $30 per month per thousand, that effectively makes my screaming good deal about $5,500 higher than yours! It's a shell game, but what can you do? If you want the car, you pay it, and frankly it's still not a bad deal. And they have some other "incentives" I won't mention that sweeten the deal, too ...
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My plan...drive it into the ground...so I bought it. Probably will get the 8yr/120k warranty.

JB

 

My plan...drive it into the ground...so I bought it. Probably will get the 8yr/120k warranty.

But, you never know. I just hope I can see a Mugen body kit...anyone have a good picture and a USA dealer from whom to buy/purchase?

TIA

JB

 

Mugen M1 concept. Click on "M1 Gallery" for some still pics. Much of this part of their site has English translations.

Mugen Legend/M1 start site. This area has parts and pricing.

This is my dream......very expensive, though: ¥236,250 ($2028) for the front/rear/side spoilers......¥78,750 ($676) for the rear spoiler.....¥210,000 ($1803) for the exhaust....$4507 total.....and that doesn't even include finding a middleman here in the US, shipping if you want to get it straight from Japan, and then....install....$$$$$$$. And don't forget the all important Mugen M1 badge for the rear of your ride....¥7140 ($61) and, should you choose to use the Mugen suspension kit instead of the Acura A-Spec....¥126000 ($1081).....and those gorgeous wheels.....¥55650 ($477) each.

Grand total: $7557 not including shipping, middleman's profit, and install.

Hmmm......group buy? Anyone here speak Japanese and can arrange a better price for some mod-happy RL owners?

I'm going to be sticking with the A-Spec suspension and wheels unless a rich uncle dies.

EDIT: I'm planning on calling Tim at Hondacuraworld about the A-Spec suspension and wheels as he offers competitive prices. Would anyone be interested in a group buy for this? Typically it takes 3-4 SERIOUS buyers to trigger group buy pricing. Most dealers don't like to separate the wheels and suspension, so if you wanted only part of the suspension/wheel setup, you'd have to arrange with someone to get the part you don't want.

We've done this on the TL side a couple of times. Anyone game?