I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on an 06 RL with 65k miles, all the usual due diligence stuff checks out, good carfax (that actually shows the single owner did some regular maintenance), and I of course will be getting it checked out by a competent service shop before making the buy. And a test drive LOL

Couple of questions:

-are there any major scheduled maintenances for the 60-70k miles mark that I should be aware of and check to see if they have been done already, or plan on having to get done shortly?

-the car has the cruise/CMBS package and backup camera, but none of the appearance options (just the plain leather wheel and shiftknob, no spoiler, no trunk liner mat just plain carpet). I know the wood knobs you can find on ebay, but is the factory spoiler still available if I want to add that -what sort of price? and does it come prepainted or would I need a bodyshop to paint it as well? Is the trunk liner mat still available and what sort of $$$ ?

Am I correct that the wood trim wheel was not offered with the CMBS package? I am guessing it would NOT be cheap for one of these since it likely means whole new wheel/airbag, etc...

 

Wood-look wheel, backup cam, wood shift knob, trunk tray, etc were all dealer offered accessories in 06.

Wood-look wheels are usually online around $400-$475. Less is a good deal. It is just the wheel rim, the airbag module and wheel control buttons all remount onto the new wheel rim. Shift knobs are usually online just under $100.

In 2006 the only upgrade package to the RL was called 'TECH'...which included CMBS, ACC and PAX tires/wheels. The 'TECH' package changed for subsequent model years when a new non-navi 'BASE' was offered.

Check to see if this car has the PAX wheels still. They may have been removed (often referred to as De-PAXing on this forum). It does introduce some issues with the TPMS on the MID and possible suspension and ACC/CMBS issues (which no one here has reported to my knowledge).

It is wise to research the TSBs on this forum, and also verify the PS hose recall has been performed on this particular RL. 2006 models included some software and component changes that have bugged some 2005 owners (all rectified with TSBs and warranty coverage).

Best if it is CPO, but still be diligent with TSBs and good dialog with the dealer / service center. The service is determined by the MID, but who knows if it was performed correctly by the previous owner. Aside from MID alerts for service, it is recommended in the manual to have brake fluid changed every 3 years.

If the dealer cannot offer service records, a full maintenance should include fluids, inspect belts hoses, brakes, and tranny fluids (front and rear diffs).

Also check the software version of the NAVI DVD, and verify it is correct for the RL. Many used cars get mismatched DVDs in used car transactions. Perhaps negotiate a current DVD version in the sale (along with trunk tray, mud guards, wheel locks, etc.) Perhaps even an XM subsciption and ONSTAR subscription to sweeten the deal.

Last, negotiate an extended warranty. The RL is loaded with technology and it is not cheap to repair if faulty.

 

Yeah the XM is still active from the previous owner, however I can add it easily to another package a friend has when the previous owner finally gets around to cancelling it.

The navi disc is working, complete with traffic info, so I believe it's the correct one for the car although it may be an out of date edition I suppose. How do I check the version - can this be retrieved from the nav unit menus or do I physically check the disc in the trunk unit?

The hose recall has been done according to the VIN lookup on the Acura website.

How do I verify the PAX wheels? It has matching Michelins (all still about 1/2 to 3/4 treadlife remaining, no uneven wear) but I am not sure if they are runflats. I plan on getting a separate set of winter wheels/tires, although the OEM wheels may wind up being the winter set if I get something a bit flashier for the summer.

Extended warranty is a nice thing but tricky where this is a US car I am taking back to Canada. I'd be looking at an aftermarket warranty like Lubrico, etc and for the amount of driving the car will see (less than 10K miles per year) and the excellent relationship I have with an independent Honda/Acura specialty shop here I am OK with the risk of no warranty, recognizing that repairs will of course be more $$$ than my old Corolla LOL

Is the spoiler much $$$ from a dealer? Basically I plan to load up on whatever OEM accessories I want that are available for less in the states while I am there buying the car (incl perhaps an updated nav disc).

 

For myself, I wouldn't buy any RL without a few years of warranty on it, be it an extended or a newer one with some original warranty (unless it s a Killer price.)
I don't think you can get an extended if it's got over 51k miles, or 4 years old. was 50k but there was a recall on incorrect odometer readings. good luck

 

I don't think that the lack of a warranty would be a dealbreaker for an RL. I have owned 5 Acuras from 1989 to this day and they have been mechanically outstanding. Other than routine maintenance and replacement of typical wear items I have nothing to complain about.

The same cannot be said about my Infinitis...

The only annoying issues that I have had with my RL were easily fixed using instructions from this site. First was the multiple burnt out dash bulbs on the AC controls and seat heater switches. Next was the "resetting" of the rear window controls.

Obviously if there are two identical cars with good service records being sold at the same price I would choose one with a warranty. Otherwise I would go with the one with a complete service history over one without.

Another relatively inexpensive way to get some peace of mind would be to have an Acura dealer perform a "Pre Purchase Inspection". It doesn't cost too much and you'll be surprised at what they might find.

As for the spoiler I just purchased an OEM Acura pre-painted spoiler for my RL last week for about $275.

P.S. Per the other members posts be sure to look into the PAX tire issue as they tend to be VERY $$$$ to replace.

 

BluNosr2, I am just starting to look at buying my next car, a 2006 RL or a LS430 in the USA and bringing it back into Canada.

How much is the US RL you are looking at ? I found one here with 42,000 kms for $25K plus tax .... I am wondering if the savings on a US RL are worth the extra time and effort.

 

WRT to PAX, it is a Michelin run flat tire system.

Look at the Wikipedia article on the Michelin PAX system....it is fairly up to date.

Look for this logo on the tire sidewall


Look at the size of the tires on the sidewall...If it is standard nomenclature such as 245/50-17, no PAX. If it is 245-680R460A, you have PAX

 

The 2G RL electronics, AWD system, and technologies were unprecedented on previous Acuras. So in some ways I do not think it can compare with 'simpler' Acuras before it.
For me, I'd have to have some warranty.

 

I beg to differ my G1 and two G2 Legends each had their share of new technologies and electronics for the era. My NSX was groundbreaking for Acura in many very radical ways. The bottom line is that the flagship Acuras have always been at the cutting edge for Honda.

With any pre-owned car there is an inherent risk of mechanical problems due to inadequate maintenance. An extended warranty is basically an insurance policy. Most importantly, a bad car will be a bad car whether it has an extended warranty or not. Above all else it is really vital to have any pre-owned car thoroughly inspected prior to purchase.

All but 1 of my prior Acuras were purchased "pre-owned" and only 1 of those came with an extended warranty. I had a couple of small things done under the extended waranty but they didn't add up to the additional cost of purchasing the warranty itself. The warranty companies know this... that is why they pay their Actuaries the big bucks and how they can afford to keep selling extended policies. If all 2nd gen RLs were destined to break down frequently then the extended warranty companies wouldn't even sell a policy for them. They certainly aren't stupid and are in the business to make $$$.

Keep in mind that "wear and tear" items such as wiper blades, brake pads/rotors, batteries, CV joint boots, brake/tranny fluid changes, timing belt, etc are NOT covered under any extended warranties. These have been the major maintenance and repair costs for my Acuras.

Just like the NSX owners tell prospective buyers: it's quite reliable even as a daily driver but even the standard maintenance can be pricey. Therefore any buyer should factor these things in as being a part of the cost of ownership. If you can't afford to maintain it then you probably aren't ready to own one. (Of course, it's still much cheaper per mile than a Porsche or Ferrari!)

 

my 06 has 60k, and has had only one problem; the check engine light,along with sh-awd error. Some emissions error,that required the fuel injectors to be replaced. I have not had any major service other than the rear dif fluid, and my next service looks like just an oil change. Although, I am noticing the brake pedal seems a little soft compared to several TL loaners I have driven, and the tranny seems to be a little less smooth. I think there is a TSB for the brake pedal, need to bleed the lines, and I probably will have the tranny fluid changed soon. The maintenance minder determines when to change, on my MDX it was done at 30k, it is driven mostly short stops, vs highway for my RL.
I would ask that the dealer do a B16 service to seal the deal, that way you should not have any major services for awhile.

what price are they charging if I may ask.

 

Most definitely agree

I spent the extra $ to buy a factory certified RL for that peace of mind. I'm around 60K miles now and just need to change that trans fluid because the shifts are getting rough.

 

I bought my '06 March of '09 with 60k miles on it. got a great price on it so no extended warranty. Car has original brakes & tires on it
but tires are due now (65K) but I am waiting for Continental DWS to become available again. Just got a new battery for free from dealer. only problem is driver outside door handle has a mind of its own...the one feature I really enjoy, touch to lock/un-lock doesn't always work. I keep waiting for someone to discover a DIY fix for it but haven't seen anything yet. Overall..a great car with nice toys.