Just got back from the 09 TSX ride and drive yesterday in Phoenix (Scottsdale). They had an 09 RL there. I'll admit that the car looks MUCH better in person. We didn't get to drive it. It was just sitting there on display, but was open to sit in. The grill and headlights really look good to me in person. FYI this was a Silver Jade Metallic/Taupe combination.

Still not digging the new wood on the interior and the steering wheel was a little different. The old "grips at the 10 and 2 positions are now more of positions for your thumbs. Kind of different.

 

That is interesting to hear. I will be coming off an 05 lease during the summer and waiting to at least see and drive the 09 before I grab an 08 deal. I was not taken by the pictures of the 09 and was disappointed at first to say the least. Thanks for the heads up! Are you considering the 09 TSX or just testing for fun?? I also drove it while I was waiting for service on the RL. I thought it was a pretty nice ride.

 

IMO Acuras are not too photogenic. It always looks better in person. One prime example is the facelifted (02+) NSX.

 

Hey White92, please describe the Silver Jade paint? I imagine it to be a dark silver with a hint of green.

 

I wonder if they changed the grille? The reaction I have seen to it at the auto show I attended was universally negative.

 

yea but don't forget these equations which work for the majority of observers;
Different = bad
Familar = good
Over time Different ----> Familar, therefore Different = Familiar = good

Could just be the passage of time starting to work on people's perceptions.

 

Milk Mustache grill - then/now/future

 

Do NOT look into it's face.

 

I would probably describe the color as pretty close to polished metal that they've been using on the RDX and TL in 08. In fact, that's what I thought it was at first with my sunglasses on, but it does have a hint of, well....Jade green in it. It's pretty sublte though.

This always happens, to me anyway. I might not be to hip on the new styling, but after seeing it in person a few times I will love it. The same thing happened with my TSX. I have an 08 and after being around the 09 for awhile, the 08 is starting to look VERY dated more and more everyday.

 

Saying that a car "doesn't photograph well" is sort of like saying that your blind date "has a nice personality."

 

Thanks and it sounds like a nice replacement for Lakeshore Silver.

I too am finding the 09 is growing on me more and more which is making my 06 look a bit bland. I still like the first gens front end though.

 

I saw the new Rl at the new york auto show about a month ago and evan in person I do not like that car..
its just not as smooth..more boxy than anything kinda like the new accord.

 

As an RL owner I think there are better cars in the market segment now - especially compared to 4 years ago. While the RL had the innovative real-time traffic and Acuralink system, there is nothing that stands out on the new one. XM Note is a gimmick (doesn't help at all if you're listening to a DJ set on XM81/82 for example), the rear seat is small, the seat doesn't fold down, and they're still using the same piece of shit 5-speed auto that caused me grief on my 2004 TL and 2005 RL.

 

I guess that is what you consider the strongest attribute of the RL.

I think that is SHAWD. Right now the closest thing to it available with a dynamic AWD system is Saab's new X drive. A Saab 93 X is 42K and pretty darn close to real world RL numbers. But is it as much car as the RLs 5 year old design? Not in my opinion.

No other badge's AWD vehicle on the market has my attention as being much better than (or equal) the SHAWD RL. None.

Eventually BMW and AUDIs dynamic AWD will be available (gee, didn't they initially claim Honda's SHAWD was superfluous?)

If a fold down rear seat or 6 speed tranny makes the trump card, I will suggest a Chevy Malibu and a significant savings in price. The Malibu is a decent car, but I will not, however consider it better than the 5 year old RL.

The RL is more than the feature content offrings of the last 6 months. It is an amazingly well balanced vehicle, engineered and not simply packaged. And the bones of the RL's structure, composition, engine, drivetrain and craftmanship is, IMHO still well beyond what else is available in the price range.

But if features / content, styling and one upmanship metrics are what make a great car, then I suggest you buy cheap....and plan to trade frequently to satisfy that need.

 

I saw a silver '09 RL in downtown L.A. a couple weeks ago undergoing testing (it had a fifth wheel attached and various monitors and gear inside the car).

Car is not attractive.

 

Can you name some cars that are better?I have been looking for get into another brand and I can't do it. I have have found NOTHING better for 43K. Help me.

 

not comparing apples and oranges...for different reasons, and different cars, I consider the Lexus ES350 and the Infiniti M35 as considerations.

 

dwest1023:

I agree with larrynimmo. My RL’s have been really fine cars. My Infiniti M was better than the RL's. As good as these two models were, it has been my experience with my Lexus ES350 to find it superior to both the RL and the M.

IMO, the ES surpasses or at least matches every creature comfort or performance attribute of the others excepting:

it does not handle as well as the RL with its SHAWD
it does not present as good a navigation system as is found in the Infiniti.

The ES gets more mpg and also runs on 83 octane without a problem. It can be purchased for significantly less money than either the RL or the M.

Good luck with your choice.

 

Right on.. Lately I've been really impressed with the ES 350.. It out does the RL in Luxury and Quality, and gets better MPG. It's a winner in my book.. I just hope the new TL is what the ES 350 is to the ES 330 - a big upgrade from the predecessor.. Unlike the 09 TSX..