LONG POST BUT I NEED HELP.

I currently have an 04 TSX w/ 80k mi on it. I have been thinking a G35 would be a good upgrade for me but I'm more of an acura guy (I've only owned hondas and acuras). I just learned my dad's friend is selling his 05 RL w/ 49k mi. While, I think I'm a little to young for an RL, I need my car to be: the safest most reliable family that will look good when I pull up to work, and is comfortable on long road trips. I think the RL fits the bill except for most reliable.

My dad's friend bought the car used with 38k from a lexus dealer last year. He has done only basic oil and tire rotations so the car is a little bit behind on maintenance. I called the dealer ship the car was original bought from and they told me the original owner was up to date on all services up until 31k. So it needs a 45k mi service, two new tires (at least), and rear brakes.

I have negotiated a price of $2800 minus $500 to go towards the maintenance and brakes.
So that leaves me with the following bill:
$500 - for two new tires.
$120 - floor mats.
$185 updated navi disc.
$100 - full detailing.
$1250 - 4yr/48k mi warranty.
$500 - to possibly repaint the hood to get rid of rock chips.
Total $2655.

So that brings the car up to $30,655 but it would be in excellent condition and just the way I want it, except for the miles.

I really like the car so I think I'm going to do it but my good deal becomes a not so good deal when adding in the cost to bring it to like new condition. The miles are a concern and so are all the electronic issues I've read about.

What do you guys think?

 

If cost is a main concern don't forget about increased gas use and maybe insurance. If you like it get it, but the RL seems to appeal to the over 40 crowd, you seem much younger.

 

Some random thoughts:

Actually, some of us under-40s appreciate the RL too. Plenty of those here in RL.

I think you've negotiated a fair deal at $28k prior to your maintenance items. I put this car through the "condition quiz" at KBB and this RL popped out with a value of around $27.5k. I think you're very smart to budget for expected maintenance.

You should also make sure the car has gone through its TSBs, of which there are some on the 2005.

You should be able to buy a warranty of the type you describe for around $1250, maybe a little more. Just make sure you get it before the car ticks over 50k miles if you want a genuine Acura warranty.

Playing devil's advocate: If you were considering moving up, why not a nice, used TL? There are plenty in the price range you're negotiating for the RL in, and with lots fewer miles.

 

too many miles for 30k. You can probably get one for lower miles, for 32k.

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4268

 

The RL is a good SAFE, reliable car. Just what you're looking for. See if he'll lower the price by the $2655 (or perhaps meet you half way) you need to spend to bring it up to snuff and you'll have a good deal.

LL

 

Thanks for the replies.


123456SPEED: I had already factored the extra $50 per month in gas and extra $30 for ins. Yeah I'm much younger, 23. But I have a family so I could use some thing a little larger and safer for my daughter, I also won't mind more room for when it's my turn to drive to lunch, plus I love toys. From the nav traffic to the rear shade I love toys. But I will miss the sportiness and handling of my TSX.

neuronbob: How did you check kbb? I've gotten the page can't be displayed all day when I try to check the 05 rl. As of last week it listed it as $30+ for good cond private sale. Yes I will buy the warranty before it hits 50k. I'm not really into the TL. It is being redesigned in 13mons, it's got major torque steer issues, it's only a little nicer than my TSX. But it is on my shopping list. RL is on the top TL is middle.

synth19:
Keep in mind it's not really $30k, even a car from a dealer I will need to buy an extended warranty, nav disc, service, and possibly paint the front to look like new.

 

I'm going to try. The cost of extras was $3155 but he agreed to pay 500 for service. The rest is just optional stuff that I want to make the car more like new except for the tires that's more of a must.

 

briny:

Click HERE and scroll down the page for KBB condition quiz on RL.

 

Thanks, the linked worked. I don't know why I couldn't get to it. I tried from work and from home... I did the condition quiz, dings dents, less than 3k body work, brakes more than half warn, tires visible wear, some records available. And I got good condition $30,055

 

Everything else is I picked perfect. By the way, we have good taste in cars. My wife also drives a pilot (06 ex). It was the safest thing I could find for my daughter to be driven around in.

 

Thanks for reminding me

 

Good points raised by the members. Seems like a reasonable deal and a big upgrade from a TSX.

BTW there is no such thing as a 45K service on the RL. You just do what the MID tells you. So the RL probably is up to date on maintenance...if not it will let you know!

 

I am aware of this, the dealer suggests a 45k service. The car is saying it needs anything, but I know it does. The tranny fluid looks brown (should be more pink) the coolant is low. I'm not sure how to get under the plastic cover to see if the engine filter is clean, does anyone know how? And how to check the ac pollen filter?

 

Of course the dealer "suggests" a 45K service, because if they didn't "suggest" service they wouldn't be able to profit off of you quite so much.

The transmission fluid service shouldn't be necessary until 60K miles or so... that's a "3" code. Unless you live in San Francisco and/or tow trailers, it shouldn't be an issue.

Do a search on the site for how to replace the pollen filter. That's easy, it's velcro'd in right behind the glovebox, and you can get them cheap.

I can't imagine the air filter is hard to replace (the airbox is obvious in the car) and you can get them online for $24.95 (that's a quick google search)

Good luck, and welcome to the fold.

 

Insurance might be cheaper if your TSX is classified as a sports sedan. I drove a 2000 Nissan Maxima SE before getting my 2006 RL and my insurance actually went down $3.00 a month. Go figure? In turns out my Maxima is classified as a sports sedan and the RL is not.

Although, you will definitely spend more $$ for gas. Expect that!

 

Insurance will be about $30 more per month and gas will be $50 more.