I'm in the market for a TSX, TL, or RL. I found this and I wanted to get your opinion. I also wanted to know what should I look for when I go check it out and what kinda of questions I should ask. I also wanted to know how reliable are the O5 RLs.

http://www.triangle-motorsports.com/...5%20Acura%20RL

 

first off i love my RL dont get me wrong, i wouldnt trade it in, i realize that it has so much technology and electronics that sometimes things fail. my passanger side door sensor doesnt work the keyless on the outside on the door. and the AC went out, common issue for the 05's (you can look up the treads on it) but also its heavy, is a tank around town, it can get good highway mpg if ur nice to it. i only get about 315 miles to the tank. i would look at TL's my dad has one an 04 and he loves it he can still get 30 mpg's and it almost has 100,000 miles and its just as fast if not faster.... if that matters. just keep looking around, there was never and still isnt a good selection of Rl's here in southern california so it might be tough looking for other rl's. the one u have in the link doesnt look to bad, but i think what most people will say is look for an 06 acura ironed out some of the issues the next year. good luck!

 

Welcome to AZ!

That RL looks to be in relatively decent shape for the miles and the price is decent.

As with any used car, you'll want to look at body panels to make sure the VIN is still on them (e.g. was it in an accident?)

With the 2005 RL specifically: Has the AC condenser been replaced? This is a common issue with the 2005 MY specifically as noted above.
You'll want to know if the automated door handles work properly. This is a very common issue on all RLs 2005-08....not sure if it's a big issue afterward.
You may want to run the VIN by an Acura dealer to see if the TSBs (see the Garage thread at the top of this forum) have been done.

Otherwise, the 2005 RL is OK. We have a member with over 200k miles on his with only wear-related problems.

I'm waiting for 2G RLs to come down in price a little more so I can pick one up for winter driving. I still my my RL and it was a fine car!

 

This board is a great resource. I'd suggest you do some homework and go through it. There are several common problems that have been reported on this car, including AC as noted above, and if you don't have a warranty, they are very expensive to fix...that 18k car could easily run you in the mid-20s with repairs. As for that car itself, here is a short list of what I would check:

Tires, brakes, recent diff and trans fluid change, brake fluid change, condition of rotors, rear shade works and doesn't rattle, squeaks coming from center stack, cabin filter change, age of battery (an 05 should be changed by now), headlight flicker, does your phone work with the HF...there are probably a lot more things.

I've my 05 for almost 2 years now (bought it with 43k miles, now at 60k) and love it, but it's been to the dealer a few times with all repairs done under warranty. I also have an extended 7/100k warranty that I picked up from Acura when I bought the car...I don't think you can get this now since you are over 50k miles, I could be wrong.

 

I believe you can only buy the extended warranty if you're still within the original warranty (under 50K miles).

 

Not sure what geographic location would have on value but I picked up an 05 with 62K three weeks ago with custom paint job, tints, rims, intake, full exhaust, and I believe it has a-spec suspension for $15,500. I have to mention, however, that I purchased it from a wholesale operation (New Jersey Auto Wholesalers) "as is" and it has a crack in front headlight and rear bumper. Was in one accident with under $2,500 damage according to carfax. Really it depends if you have ability to fix the car yourself. If you don't then it makes sense to pay more for a car with a warranty or the 06 with less reported issues. I happen to live down the street from insurance company salvage yard so it is also easy and cheap for me to find almost any part.