ToddG

Hey guys, I recently sold my BMW 330Ci Convertible and wanted to get something a bit more practical. I have my eyes set on either a 2005 RL with 150k or a 2006 TL with 125k miles. I remember from my recent days working in the tire and auto repair business that we never saw Acura models that needed much more than regular maintenance. Is the your experience with the RL or the TL.

Thanks for your advice!

Todd

Sniffles

I got only good things to say. I have 05 and everything was just wear and tear parts that went. Gas mileage is the only con but it is an AWD so I don't mind it.
Here's a list of what I had to replace:
-battery
-alternator
-re leathered arm rest
-radiator (apparently acura said a rock hit it but labor and part was covered under goodwill)
-pads/rotors
-afs leveling sensor
-navigation
-climate control bulbs
-motor mounts/timing belt

Just wondering, where u located? Buy mine! 78k miles and timing belt done. (I plan on driving my car to the ground but I do want a suv in white lol)

oo7spy

First and foremost, the 2005 RL was rated 3rd in a "Used Mid-size Luxury Sedan Reliability Study" behind the Lexus ES and GS. It is a great car just about any way you slice it.

BUT, the 2005 RL had the most troubles of any model year. There are a slew of common issues we have seen here. There are numerous threads on these issues, so if you do look at a 2005 or 2006, please research them to know weaknesses to look for. Everything 2007+ is pretty much solid.

As far as the TL, look into what years the 5AT issue affected.

Lastly, the worst thing you can do when buying a used car is get emotionally attached. I looked for 2+ months and had to go to Montgomery, AL to get mine. If you get any negative feelings from a test drive/inspection, walk away. There are always more out there.

Good luck, and welcome to the forums!

ToddG

Thanks for your comments guys. I appreciate the advice. I'm no stranger to doing repairs at home and everything you guys listed doesn't sound too bad other than the Nav system that would have to be sent off to be fixed if it failed.

oo7spy

These days it's easier to buy it used than refurbished.

MissMyRL

2005 was the first model-year. Considering the similarity in price, you could get a 2007 or 2008 with much lower mileage for similar $. They're exactly the same, just with a couple of the bugs worked out.

TampaRLX-SH

^^^ a good point, but be cautious of trim levels. In 2005 there was one trim level. 2006 added the optional ACC/CMBS/PAX package. In 2007 they dropped NAVI, AFS, real wood trim for a BASE model.

Between model years the RL packaging got hairy and the trim package names do not include the same content between model years.

MyAcuraRL

I have a 2006 and just love it . Mine has 139000 and have replaced normal repair items. You get just about every feature that they have now. Remember this is the flag ship of Acura and The technology back then is just now getting on other manufacturers as well as Honda. Ie. Navigation, SH-AWD, GPS climate control, light weight carbin fiber drive shaft etc....

2012wagon

Slip... ?

TonyCD

Well, as all of us know, it IS the shiznit.

oo7spy

I'm guessing autocorrect. Nice edit.

MY2005RL

I love mine.
Done the arm rest as a few of you have
but FLAWLESS

Real Legend

I have an 05 as well and it's flawless!

bugeyes

Later years would be better. But basically 05 06 is still a solid car.

kei0kusanagi

I own a 2005, the very first year for the 2nd gen >_<. I love my RL, even with 158k miles...it drives smoooooth. Although the gas mileage on these cars suck. I rarely drive it anywhere but to school and work only lmao!

oo7spy

^That's where mileage is the worst. If you can get on the highway and cruise at 70 mph, 25+ mpg isn't impossible.

ToddG

I haven't made it to check out the RL yet. I'm going to try to test drive the RL, a 2005 TL auto, and a 2003 GS430 today.