mraw82

Hello Forum Members,

I have greatly benefitted from all of the info you have provided about the RL. It's a great car, as I have recently test drove a 2008 Model. Therefore, I have a question since I'm in the market for one. I have been looking at the 2011 models with the upgraded 6 speed tranny, as well as the 2008 model. Therefore, for those in the know, is there a huge difference between the two that would justify paying a few thousand more for the 2011? FYI, at the specific dealership, it's about a 8,000 difference between the costs of both. Are the differences very noticeable between the two? Any honest feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Terry RL

Hey,

I own a 2011 RL Advance, bought in 2013 as CPO with 13,000 miles for $35,000. Prior, I used to own a 2005 RL(bought new). The 6 Speed transmission gives you much better fuel economy; 20MPG average, as opposed to about 18MPG on the same commute on the 2005, with the 5 speed. In 2005, the RL went from 0-60 in 6.9sec, in 2009-2010, it was 6.5, and in 2011-2012 it's 6.0sec easily. I can 5.9, no problem. The 2011 is much better to drive, than my 2005. The 6 speed transmission is a definite upgrade over the 5 speed. However, if the newer styling doesn't please you on a 2011. Save some money and go for an 08, or heck, even the 'beaky' 09.

FYI 2011 RL added: Power fold mirrors(advance package), upgraded real wood(advance package), backup sensors(tech and advance), new wheels, and new grille.

If you have any 2011 RL, related questions, ask me.

MisterZDX

Do they automatically fold when you turn the car off? One of the things I hate about my ZDX is that I have to push the button for them to fold, then push it again for them to unfold.

Terry RL

I have to push the button to fold them in. They do not fold in automatically the the RLX or TLX.

MisterZDX

Thanks. After I park, I press the button to fold them in, then turn off the ignition while they are still folding. Once the car is off, I press the button again so that when I restart it, they automatically fold back out.

NBP04TL4ME

Obviously the decision is ultimately yours, but on looks alone, I would be looking for an 08 vs. an 11. 8K is a fairly sizable difference in cost, but you didn't mention the specifics of the two cars in question. Sales tax and insurance will be less as well.

Nexx

you can have the RLX automatically fold.

mraw82

Thanks for all fo the feedback. I agree that the 8k is a very sizeable chunk of money. The 2008 is located in Ohio- 1 owner with 92k, Silver/Sea Coast leather and looks pretty good according to the Carfax. The 2011 is also a 1-owner with 92k and a clean carfax as well. I'm actually planning to get down there the upcoming weekend. However, having test drove a 2008 previously, I know I would love the extra power of the 2011. In real world driving, I wonder if the upgrades that that much of a difference? That's why as of now, I'm leaning towards the 08 strictly off of budget purposes.

oo7spy

Bigger than the upgrades (IMO) is the age difference. 3 years is a considerable span for parts wear when you consider the 2008 has been on the road twice as long as the 2011. I don't know how long you plan to keep it, but in 4 years, you would likely much rather have a 7 year old car than a 10 year old one. With that said, I don't think 3 years or the features are worth $8k for the same mileage car. I prefer the 2011 features, but I would push to get that price down.

NBP04TL4ME

I understand wanted the newer technology and upgrades but how much does age matter if the mileage is the same? Again the $8K is a big difference and at some point in the not too distant future there is a 105K service at about $1K coming up.

komplexZ

Well it's your money, and we all have different priorities and disposable income levels. I would save the $8k and get the 2008, 10hp/2mpg and other minor tech updates aren't worth it IMO.

MisterZDX

I would pass on the 2011. That's alot of miles for a 3 year old car.

mraw82

After reading all of the quotes, and thinking this thing through, I'm going to go with the 2008. Ultimately, being on a budget right now, as much as I would surely love the upgrades of the 2011, I honestly can't justify spending an extra 8 grand for the same exact mileage. Thanks everyone for the honest feedback.

oo7spy

Two ideas come to mind, but nothing is guaranteed...
- Same mileage in less time most likely means longer runs at higher average speed (hwy driving). That type of driving is much easier on a car than stop and go or lots of idling.
- Some parts age with time regardless of use. Belts, struts, fluids... all breakdown over time. Some are due to changing environmental factors, others are not.


When all is said and done, . The value of the older car will be less (assuming same condition) no matter how you slice it. Again, not worth $8k but worth something.

MisterZDX

What about looking for a 2009 or 2010? Did you consider that?

NBP04TL4ME

Interesting to think about. I'm in a similar but different situation. 18 months ago, I bought my wife an 07 Lexus ES350 with 15.5K miles on the odometer. In service date was Sept 06, so today the car is a full 8+ years old and has 33K on the odometer. Prior owner simply didn't drive it all that much. Her commute was <2 miles and walked as often and as much as she could. I put new tires on it and have been changing the oil every 5K as recommended, but that's it. In terms of other maintenance items, both the local Toyota and Lexus dealers says they aren't really sure but to follow mileage intervals.
I hear you on the environmental factors but the car was garaged at home and work by the prior owner so it spent most of it's life as a garage queen! So spend money on fluids and other maintenance items now or just wait for mileage intervals??

Sorry for the I should post this as a stand alone post in Car Talk.

oo7spy

If it's not a lifetime Toyota transmission, I would change the transmission fluid. Also check power steering and brake fluid for cleanliness and the timing belt (if not a chain) for visible deterioration. Don't be surprised if the struts go in the near future, but I wouldn't expect any issues.

To be clear, I wouldn't expect the 2008 RL in question to have issues either. My only point was that 3 years of age isn't worthless.

mraw82

Hello to you. I actually was debating on a 2010 model and after some deliberation, I decided to pull the trigger... It's a Blk/tan with 89k on the clock from Jim Ellis Audi. It had extensive maintenance records, and honestly, I felt like it was a pretty good deal for 18k out the door. As a used car, the other ones I was looking at in good condition were getting snatched up left and right. Previously, I had a 2008 RL Silver/Blk, but it was totaled a month into my job training here in San Antonio. I loved the car for the limited time that I had it and honestly wasn't considering anything but another RL. I still don't know why the car doesn't get much love... As soon as I take delivery sometime next week, I'll post some pics. Thanks.

MisterZDX

Congrats. Looking forward to seeing the pics.