Brewcity

Hey all..I have been reading a lot on this forum...awesome info.
Anyway...I am looking to get into a 2nd gen RL, but have reservations about a 2005.
It's a really clean 05 RL sh-awd with 125,000 miles. Dealer is willing to do the timing belt, water pump and pulley with the deal. Asking $10,000 Carfax only has 15 service records...which scares me a bit.
Should I just wait for an 06 to come along...as I have read the 05 is trouble. Or should I be OK with this 2005?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

JJones91

go to mycarfax.com and add the VIN and it'll tell you everything that's been done to it.

I have an '05 RL with 160k miles and has not a single thing wrong with it.

Brewcity

Thanks...the dealer gave me the Carfax...and it only has 15 service records...only oil changes.
So not sure if the differentials or tranny was ever done...so it makes me wonder if I should spend the money...only to have to have a lot of repairs upcoming.

JJones91

Whats the VIN?

The repairs I've had to make was the alternator and motor mounts other than that's it's been perfect. Don't let the year scare you, give me the VIN I'll see if I can dig any deeper into it and find anything.

Brewcity

Thank you...the VIN is JH4KB16595C007075

Brewcity

Actually...the Carfax doesn't even say there was oil changes...just " service performed"

oo7spy

First question to ask is why a 2005 with 125k miles hasn't had the timing belt service yet. That is a 105k or 7 year maintenance. While I know that the service can be postponed a great deal past the recommendation, it raises a red flag about what else the previous owner put off for the next guy to deal with. Also, $10k for an '05 with 100k+ is high. The fact that the dealer is willing to do the timing belt is negligible since the car is only worth $8-9k best.

That said, the best thing you can do is drive it. There are plenty of things to look for. If they all check out, and you can negotiate the price down, then it may be worthwhile. The key is to make sure you don't get ANY emotional attachment. If you can walk away from a full day of dealership BS, you have the leverage.

spheregrid

I would also check under the car and check for tranny leaks as well too.
while doing a test drive, make sure the gears are shifting up and down smoothly.

Brewcity

Thank you to all...your a HUGE help.
I will test drive it this afternoon, and report back.
Thanks again!!

JJones91

Brewcity

Yeah...that is what the dealership sent me as well...not much service at all for a 10 year old car. Makes me very concerned...but I will test drive it and see how it is.
Thanks again everyone!

Brewcity

Hey all...here is one that just arrived at a different dealer:

CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 2005 ACURA RL: JH4KB16595C015693

Much more service history, 109,000 miles, asking the same price (I should be able to talk them down), and the timing belt was done! : )
I am going to look at this afternoon as well, and will report back.
But my only question on it is this...notice the timing belt was done TWICE!???
Once at around 90,000 in 2011, and again around 105,000 in 2014.
Why would this be?

teh CL

iTrader: (1)

New owner wanted it done?

Timing belt service being done is key

Brewcity

Yeah...I was thinking that as well...it is huge that the belt, and water pump was done...totally agree. Thanks!
AND 15,000 less miles!

oo7spy

Timing belt was done twice under second owner. Kind of strange, but not an immediate deal breaker. The timing belt didn't snap because the engine would've needed replacing. Perhaps the new water pump had a leak or defect and it had to be replaced?

Be sure to watch the engine temp. Drive it at highway speeds for at least 10 min. The temperature should never get above 50%. 40% is ideal.

Brewcity

Thanks....just got back from the test drive of the 1st car.
Beautiful car....I am truly impressed with these RL's. This car was extremly clean.
The temp never got over 40%...and I took her for a 30 minute drive.
I didn't hear any issues with the tranny at 40 - 60 at all...no whine.
Everthing works...and they are going to include timing belt replacement, water pump, and pulley. They are also doing a transmission 3x3, differential change, and spark plug change for no cost...its included in the price of $9500.

I am really temped to snatch this one up.
I hope the other one is done with its safety inspection by tomorrow so I can test drive that one.
I'lol keep you all posted.
Thank you ALL for the help.

Brewcity

so here are some pic's...let me know what you guys think:

MrKev

Pretty clean, sounds like a deal if they're going to include all that service

Brewcity

Cool...thanks. I saw the other one today at lunch.
They cant get the wheel off, since the old owner never left the locks.
They found water in the trunk too!
Plus...the interior was trashed!
So I am purchasing the one above tonight!
Thank you ALL for everything!!

oo7spy

That is a very clean RL. The wood wheel and shift knob are a big plus too. Those are worth $500 at least.

Brewcity

WOW!! Thats great to know! Thanks.

JJones91

Why is it that the wood on the steering wheel never matches the rest of the wood trim? Mine is the exact same way..

Brewcity

ZFunny you should say that...I was going to ask. Lol

oo7spy

Because it's plastic. In direct sunlight, both are very close, but in the shade (as steering wheels usually are) the difference is significant.

Jazzy1999

Not sure if it's just me, or people with black or grey interior hardly sell their RL's. When I was looking for mine ,out of 10, 8 were Taupe interior.
All you Taupe interior owners are they a nightmare to keep clean?

oo7spy

Taupe is grey. The tan interior pictured above is called parchment.

I had a taupe and LSM. It was easy to keep clean, but in not a very dirty person.

Jazzy1999

Thanks oo7 yes I meant Parchment

08KBP_VA

Looks like the PO of this car thought the same and used the ebony steering wheel vs parchment one

oo7spy

I totally missed that.