Hey everyone. Been lurking around here for a bit and learning a lot about my new (for me) ride, a NBL 2006 RL. Had it for about a month now and absolutely love the car. Thought I'd share a bit on how I came to choose the RL. First, I've been an Acura owner for a decade. I bought a 2000 TL (also NBL) in 2003 and put over 130k miles on it with (181k now) with only preventative maintenance; that is, until a couple months ago. I noticed the ride was getting rough, and because it is was still in excellent condition (no rust, etc.), I decided to sink some $$$ into it and replaced the shocks, struts, strut assemblies. Rotors were getting worn/warped so replaced those and pads myself. The garage also noticed the motor mounts were going, so had all those replaced. Got the car back and what a difference. Thought I was set for another 50-100k, until a couple weeks later when the tranny started shifting very roughly between 2nd and 3rd. Oh oh. Brought it in again and yep, it was a goner with some loose metal bits tearing up the inside. Since I had just sunk some decent $$$ into it, I decided to put in a rebuilt tranny with a 3yr, 36k warranty. While that was being done, they noticed the subframe was about to rust out, so had that replaced too. Lastly, the power steering pump started making a lot of noise and had the classic "O-ring" leak, allowing air to get into the power steering fluid. Fixed. Amazing that this all happened in a 6-8 week span. After putting about $4,500 into it (more than it's worth!), I have a great TL again, but with 181k on the clock, I've lost a little confidence in using it for longer trips. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking Acura on quality. I think it's amazing my TL went as long as it did with out more being done to it. It has been the most reliable car I've ever owned. But I wasn't too keen on getting a call from a stranded wife and kids a state or two away. So, I started looking. I'm fiscally very conservative (obviously, having owned the TL for 10 years) and only pay cash for my vehicles. Even so, with some of the new stuff out there, my budget was $15-35k. Being in a northern climate, my #1 priority this time around was AWD. That eliminates a lot of cars right there. I love some of the body styles on the new cars out there. Probably a love/hate reaction, but I really like the looks of the Hyundai Azera and Kia Cadenza. But, no AWD and questionable ride quality. I also hate having a car that everyone else has, so that eliminated the new Ford Fusion (seeing them everywhere!), Taurus, Buick LaCrosse (would never get that anyway - just can't see myself in a Buick), Subaru's are gutless and ugly. Also wanted to stick with a sedan and not a crossover, so that eliminated Mazda. Seriously considered BMW 3-series and Audi A4/A6. They are great products, but just think service/parts are ridiculous. So, with the wonderful experience I've had with my TL, I found myself always coming back to Acura. In the RL, I have AWD, uniqueness (we all know how rare these things are!), reliability, everything. Opinion again, but I absolutely hate the look of the beak, even on the new RLX, so I quickly focused in on the '05-'08 models, which I think are more beautiful and modern looking than the later models. I live in a small town in the Midwest, so I was fortunate to find my RL only 2.5 hours away and got it for a great price, I think. $15k for an '06 with only 67,400 miles. Previous owner put on 5-spoke TSW 20" rims which I really like, and tinted the windows, but other than that it's stock. So far, I have added OEM color-matched splash guards (the tires are so wide the protection is needed), new floor mats (qualitycarmats.com - fit perfectly for the model with grommet openings, etc) and the USA Spec iPod interface. Maintenance wise I've replaced the cabin air filter (dirty!), ordered spare PIAA wiper blades to have on hand, spare Honda power steering fluid, replaced the left side front bumper protector due to peeling chrome and have K&N oil filter and Mobil 1 ready for the next oil change. The one thing I don't like is the DRL. I may do a Bi-Xenon retrofit at some point and also replace the fresnel lens in the lowbeam projector with a clear lens. Other than that, I like the car as is. I'm amazed how much better the ride is compared to my TL (with new shocks/struts). I think the RL has the perfect balance between comfort and sport as far as ride is concerned. It's also incredibly quiet. I've already received several unsolicited comments, ie. "nice car!". They have no clue it's already a 7-year old model and wonder what it is. And as for me, I'm happy I spent at the bottom of my budget for a vehicle that is priced at $50k new, and hopefully have a car with the reliability I experienced with the TL. Incidentally, I'm keeping the TL too. I have a 16-yr old son (nuff said). Thanks to all the contributors whom I've already learned so much from about our vehicle. Am a member of the forum from my TL days, but Acurazine seems to be a lot more active/useful. Hope I can contribute at some point!

 

Bizzare, I have a very similar story. Had a 2000 TL that I bought in 2003. Recently purchased an 06 RL with 68k miles about 5 months ago. I was going to keep the TL for at least another year but the tranny was starting to go and inspection was due in a few weeks.

I bought the TL with 18,000 miles on it and traded it in mid January with 256,000 miles. I replaced the tranny at 140,000 and didn't want to spend another $3k for a new. Plus it gave me a good excuse to buy my RL Enjoy it!

 

Welcome.

Now go take some pictures.

 

Hey, that is ironic! And wow! That's some serious mileage! Hope my son can get another 80k out of her. She still runs smooth.

 

Thanks 007spy! Don't have any pics with the splash guards on, but here's a couple I saved from the advert that at least shows the rims. Can't post pics until I get another couple posts in, but these links should work for a while:

http://clip2net.com/s/5cjXw6

http://clip2net.com/s/5cjXXK

 

Don't know why they would block you from typing "[img]link[img]".

 

nice looking car. nice wheels on it too.

 

Nice. I always liked the TSW Vortex. Simple and timeless. Congrats on the new ride.

 

Those are really sweet-looking wheels, and they do make the car look newer, since the tall-wheel/low-section-tire combination is a newer development.

Now replace that RL badge with a Japanese-issue LEGEND emblem and you'll leave everybody in your wake really confused.

 

words words words, picture... great intro.

Welcome

 

Thanks! The previous owner must have been very meticulous. The paint finish is in near mirror condition, no swirls, with the exception of a very few dings on the leading edge of the hood, which is to be expected in a car of this age/mileage. Really though, I knew I was buying it the moment I went to go see it. I about fell over with how nice it looked for a 7-yr old car.