miner

After 3.8 trouble-free years I have decided to relase my '06 RL. My shopping listed included Audi (A5, A6, S4), Infinti (M37, M37X), BMW (5 series), Jaguar, Benz and Acura. What an expereince looking at all of these models. Some of the dealers just would not budge much at all on the MSRP (Benz, Audi). I guess I was not considered a loyal return buyer. My decision was easy in the end - I purchased a 2010 RL Tech. Platinum Metallic with Taupe interior. Getting a similar equiped car with other manufacturers seemed to add $10 - $15K on top of the RL price. Not a real fan of the styling but other than that the car is great (actually will pick it up today). My '06 had 79800 miles and got $17200 trade in (lots of chips on bumper and hood - more about that later). The price I paid for the 2010 tech was $42.8 (destination included). I think I did well on both ends. I made them work for their sale even though this was the 5th car I have bought from them since May '03 ('04 TSX, '06 RSX, '06 RL, '08 TSX, '10 RL). Only add-on I bought was the protection Pkg (trunk tray, wheel locks, splash guards).

Now, looking for guidance from those who have clear bra - a yea or nay? I have made an appt to have one installed - $495 for bumper, hood, mirrors. This is with the 3M stuff. Any suggestions or pointers I should know about this product? I realize it is not bullet-proof but it will provide some form of protection. I have a few nicks on the new one on the bumper that the dealer is having their touch-up guy come in to do on Thursday. The dealer also said any chips I pick up between now and Thursday will be repaired, too.

neuronbob

Sorry to see you leave your classic RL but glad go hear you got a '10.

YES to the clear bra, do it ASAP to prevent the unavoidable small rocks and dings damaging the front bumper.

miner

Not much difference interior wise between the '06 & '10 and we all know about the exterior. With the Platinum Metallic silver the beak is not so prominent - blends well with the paint scheme. Dealer can't fix bumper chips until Thursday (their contract paint specialist only comes on Thurs & Fri). He will fix any chips that appear and when I pick car up I will take to have bra applied then. My black '06 was riddled with chips on the bumper and hood.

Bob, up to 700 WHP yet? How are the Lebron fans holding up?

getakey

I'm hoping to hold out until I see the 2011 RL, but I'm up to 115K miles on my 05. Personally not turned off by the beak, so congrats on your 2010. Seems like a great price.

Blazing GT

congrats

OLD_HATCH

Well since you got silver now the knicks will not be anywhere near as prominent like it was on the black car. Remeber these things will kinda haze afer a couple of years and need to be replaced.

I think its a good investment though.


Arent the 2011 RL's the same as the 2010?

Chas2

Congrats!

Get the Bra, and be glad for the price you pay. I had to pay $995. Now I know better and can get the same 3M product for about $650. This stuff has been a godsend on my black RL. Of course, this is Northern VA, where you pay through the nose for everything. Or at least I seem to.

kssod

VentureShield is also highly rated. Saw it on a green Gallardo and could barely tell until I was 2 feet from the car

Chas2

Yes, I know it is highly rated, I am just surprised that it is so badly beat up after 1.5 years. But it is not my car, and I think the individual does not frequently wash or wax the car.

miner

Edmunds had the dealer invoice @ $45.2 (w/o destination) but also stated a $2500 manufacturer hold back once dealer sells the car. I was first offered $14.4 for trade in and said 'no thanks' and started to walk off. They asked me to say what it would take to close the deal - I said $18 trade and $44.5 for car with destination - $17.2 and $42.8 is what was agreed upon. Tint was thrown in, whatever that is worth ($299 is advertised price). I guess Acura needs to sell these prior to end of model year - mid-Sept.

plastikman

The clear bra is a must ! And you got a good deal on it too, I would get that done ASAP

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Congrats!

miner

Why no A-spec suspension after '08?

Chas2

Did you have A-Spec suspension on your 06? It would be nice to do a comparison if you did.

The 09-10 have upgraded suspension pieces, including beefier front and rear anti roll (sway) bars, springs, bushings

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/760/releases/4413

"For 2009 the RL features higher rate coil springs, larger diameter rear stabilizer bar, stiffer subframe mount bushings and improved design steering rack components. To further improve handling and looks, new 18-inch diameter 7-spoke aluminum wheels are matched with more aggressive tires (replacing the previous 17-inch wheel/tire offering)."

Interestingly, though not mentioned in text, they did also re-engineer the front sway bar to a hollow 30 mm from a solid 29 mm. My guess is the spring stiffness is the same, but the hollow bar is lighter weight.

In addition to more engine torque in a wider band, they played with the tranny gear ratios, and as you know, the operation of the transmission itself.

Can you tell us if the tranny in the 10 is more responsive than 06, especially the paddles?

2007AcuraRL

Congrats! Yes the RL is loaded with features that cost another $10-15 on any other make.
Clear bra is a must. On my new car I also have the clear bra under each of the 4 door handles, over by the gas tank door, and on the edge of each door. Just a few extra areas to consider. Not sure the door edge or gas door areas are a must, but by each door handle is a good idea. My white RL was starting to show a lot of scuffing under there after 3 years even though I never touched the handle while holding keys or anything in my hand.
btw, why were there already chips on the front of the new car, or was it a demo vehicle?

miner

I am still in the breaking in mode so I have not pushed the RL yet. I did notice that you do not need to be in 'manual' mode on the shift lever to use the paddles - they can be used while in D mode. And, I am not convinced my ventilated seats are venting anything - should I be able to feel a breeze? The car came from another dealer about 25 miles away plus it had been on their lot since May and had 165 miles on it so I assume the few chips in the bumper (tiny) were from test drives. When looking for a certain color combo and the end of model year some concessions need to be made - like being able to find locally.

JeffS

Miner, congrats and post some pictures of the new one!