I have to say that last two years I test-drove quite an amount of cars that interest me, either because of being curious how is it to drive one, or trying to identify good enough replacement.
Most of all I go back to my RL and it surprises me each time how good it actually drives... not to make a crazy list of cars I drove, closest that it came to was 2018 GS350 F-sport... one with 7k miles, yes it was tighter inside, interior did not crackle, etc... but engine, acceleration... ummm good enough however nothing to write home about... went back to my 06 RL with 191.5k miles and I have to say, it is holding up pretty good... oh yeah, forgot to say 18 GS350 price was $47,500 or something around that price...

On the whole another level, I recently rented 2018 Highlander (AWD, base) via Hertz locally in Northern IL, and I was amazed how comfortable that car was. Spent 7 days in it, put about 3-4k miles on it (road-trip) and was really surprised how comfy it was... I have no pets, no kids, do not need an SUV but hands down, Limited Platinum 2019 was priced at 42k + tax + title in Carmax Toyota (brand new) ... for that money honestly I would not hesitate not one bit as it was super comfortable. The price will probably go down because of a soon to be released on sale 2020 Highlander which is much nicer, better inside and has all the bells and whistles current one does not (LED headlights, Infotainment system, etc.)

All in all, if I did not have RL - Toyota Highlander would be my pick... yeah I know, SUV - but I am right at the border of being too tall for mid-size sedans ... even 2016 BMW 550i Xdrive I tested was kind of tight... almost a smidge bigger than RS400 ...

Anyhow, not counting german cars which I do not plan to buy in all honesty, what other brands or different Acura models have you switched after your beloved RL was left in the past?

 

Have you test driven the new Avalon?

 

How about the RLX SH?

 

The Hybrid is the only one with SHAWD if I'm not mistaken. A more expensive car.

What I didn't like is the simulated steering. The computer is relaying the data of the driver's steering and it turns the front wheels as a consequence. I prefer when I feel total control of driving. I test drove and didn't know of this, and i asked the guy why does the steering wheel feel odd, like it's reacting and i dont feel the road? He explained how its computer managed.

Not to mention there's three different motors, two of which are electric and each does a wheel combo.... just too much automatic electronics that affect my driving experience.

 

I have too many cars... But as things stand, I would replace RL with Lexus GX/LX when time comes. To me sedan body style is too limited (utility wise).

 

Honestly I have not but then I do not really like the design of the exterior, just the whole line up like Lexus ES is lux-ed up Avalon - both models do not catch my eye... I am sure ride is super comfy, but I dunno... I do not see myself in it lol

 

I tested 2019 RLX FWD but not SH, still plan to test drive it.
I do not like interior of current RLX especially that final touches and materials are not assembled nicely, feels sort of cheap, and yeah, brand new demo w 30 miles had door rattle, sunroof squeek and drive was like driving a barrel with wooden wheels...

 

The new Avalon looks pretty sleek and it loaded with features.

As for the SH RLX, I agree with RL09. Not a great car to drive at all.

 

The grill is like talking to an adult with braces... you cannot stop wondering why.

 

What I can't understand is the report I saw that the RLX has lousy paint. It's the successor model built the same Japanese plant as the RL. Reportedly they designed it during the depths of the Great Recession, same time as the very disappointing Civic generation that required an emergency MMC facelift, and I guess they simply cheaped out on the specifications all around. A damn shame.

 

I think in this case what was missing was vision... 2005-2008 model concept was done in 2002 and even today people compliment how nice interior is in my RL - granted screen resolution cannot compete with newer cars, but still for something that vision was made reality in 2002 and finally released in 2005 - how do you top that? You really can't unless the same person shares the vision further which in this case I do not think happened. 2009-2013 was buying time and 2014+ RLX is an ultimate FAILURE...

Acura as a brand is struggling ... even with 2019 RDX, they are not out of the woods if they want to make a good profit by making good cars... Example: even RDX now is pretty expensive for it's class - low to mid 40s for fully loaded model... that pricing is for fully loaded 2019 Toyota Highlander... 2020 new model that is coming out may be more expensive, and still will be a better buy than RDX - yes two different classes but still, price tag justifies Highlander any time of the day or night...

I really hope California announcement does not bring us BS TLX V6TT but something more concrete that will replace crappy RLX line...

 

I'm not sure you can make a profit anymore by making good cars, or any kind of cars for that matter. There's a reason why every brand from Bentley to Lamborghini is bringing out an SUV: because that's all anybody wants. Nobody is investing now to develop large sedans, because nobody wants to buy one. You're the second person today that I've seen praising the Highlander to the skies. It's not that I disagree with you, but it's illustrative of a point: The Highlander isn't even from a luxury badge as the RLX is, yet its loaded version costs nearly as much, and still people love it. For an even more extreme illustration of that point, witness what people will cough up for a freakin' Chevy Suburban. That's why VW invested in the Atlas and stuck with a warmed-over facelift on the Passat, why GM killed LaCrosse/Impala/XTS while bringing out yet more midsized utes, yadda yadda yadda. Honda just stuck in the Passport betwen the Pilot and the CR-V. I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see Acura do something very much like it, although I saw an online hint they may also create some news with a Civic-size car. That would be nice.

 

You make an absolutely 100% accurate point - and I could not agree with you more... at the end of the day, what was before considered "luxury" option, today is standard... when we start talking specs, options and prices, it's a whole different ball game. Luxury brands will have issues keeping up... they all better think of something better, something that separates them from the herd... and they better come up with it super soon!

 

I think it's been going on for awhile in some capacity.

For instance, in late 2002, the 7G Accord debuted while the 2G TL was still in it's model run.

Sure the Accord didn't have HIDs or a TypeS variant, but it had more power, daul zone climate control and fresher styling...

It's kind of funny because the Accord and TLX are once again having a similar relationship with each other right now.

This made me think of that.

 

I do wonder what does Honda / Acura strategy really is... because looking back several years, IMHO it makes NO SENSE!

 

I think Honda's strategy for Acura has remained unchanged for a long time: Repackage existing Honda models with higher price tags to earn bigger margins and give Honda customers a place to trade up. It costs so little to engineer the Acura variants, any sales are essentially gravy.

That doesn't give us, the consumers, much reason to choose an Acura. But they're not us. They're a much smaller company worldwide than Toyota, VW or even Hyundai, with limited engineering resources, and they're in business to make money.

 

I know what to replace the RL with!!! The new TLX Type S! Looks awesome! They better not water it down for production.

 

I sold my 05 RL back in March and bought a 2019 Honda Pilot ex-L. Much roomier than a highlander. The Acura suvs are awful from a practical standpoint, and over priced. The RDX, which is lot smaller than a pilot, was like $10k more and had a bump behind the second row when folded down (pilot is flat), very poor design. The mdx rear hatch opening is ridiculously narrow with a height of just 28” compared to almost 31” for the pilot. I guess most people don’t care, but I did. Very happy with the quality and ride of the pilot, I’m also averaging 23-25 mpg in mixed driving on REGULAR fuel.

 

Ummm yeah, let's wait and see what all that nice concept bring us... If it is V6TT (without shitty VCM in it) and 8-speed ZF tranmission with dual clutch of somesort and at least 400-450hp, than maaaaaybe this will be the winner ... oh yeah, let's not forget that price tag should not be higher than 50k... and I am sure it will be, but let's sit one out and see what happens


Good pick - I just do not like that Honda/Acura is putting VCM into their engines - the last car that had no VCM with 3.5L engine in it was 2012-2014 TL FWD (which my wife drives).

 

May have been covered, but have you looked at any Genesis variants?

 

There's no reason VCM should be a deal breaker. It's easily disabled.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VCMuzzler-I...-/172807770690

 

This absolutely a must in the case someone gets the car and wants to disable it. If it was me, this is a non-negotiable
Just bit bad feeling of paying for a car 30k+ and then buying some mods to disable some things --- should be ready to go without any stuff I have to do it to 30k+ car

 

Welcome to the future.

I'd just buy an older car, but, well, you're already there.

Sucks, I know. I've just decided to keep olders cars and treat them right and be happier that way.

 

I haven’t left my RL either. But it has outlasted these other cars I owned:
lx570
bmw 435x
911
c6 Corvette
ford flex
03 4runner




I traded our Ford Flex which was a great car on 16 MDX. I enjoyed driving it so much that my wife has it now. Soo I have been back driving my RL for work and the b9S4 I bought for her/us last year. So far it’s been unbelievably reliable but it’s a cpo just in case.



3 cars I would test drive before making that purchase are:
2018 S4
2016 MDX
any Jeep Wrangler JKU after 2012 with the more powerful engine - really a great fun vehicle with good power.

I like The Highlander but I thought the fun factor for me was low. I almost bought one on two separate occasions. I can’t drive our MDX enough. It’s just a great smooth driver with solid acceleration and comparable mpg to my RL. Good luck with your choice if you ever decide to make one. I still DD my RL with230k on it. It’s hard to beat and still looks good.

 

Thank you... I think rust is slowly but surely eating certain spots that in the next 2-3-4 years (or more who knows), RL will be going away. As of right now, no pressing to make a choice, find a replacement, so hoping for an easy transition into something new.

MDX I did drive but I have to say, 9speed transmission is not all there IMHO... something is missing, few times on a loaner advanced MDX I was feeling transmission was getting confused ... and it was regularly... not sure why is Acura still insisting on it, but oh well... as far as other stuff, we will see how new MDX refresh is...

I will agree with you that perhaps "fun to drive factor" is very low with the Highlander... some of the reviews on YT said it was borderline uneventful ... and while I partially sort of kind of agree, I think overall all in all Highlander is really good choice, especially 2020 model... but besides Day to day highlander, having a fun car or a fun motorcycle to take care of adrenaline thirst is sort of a must!

 

How about the new Acura Type-S concept when it becomes available? Nice looking ride....

 

Hi. I currently have a 2003 Acura TLS (replaced tranny prior to purchase) at 270K+ and made me an Acura loyalist. I recently discovered RL's and am looking at a 2007 RL as my next oldie but goodie used car. I will have to replace the PAX tires/wheels that are currently on it and deal with a CMBS sensor showing up. After test driving it I am thinking I should still proceed but have been interested in RL owner advice. These cars seem to have few problems I find. I find few low mileage RL's out here but do you think wondering if these two issues (de-Pax and CMBS sensor) will become headaches to deal with? How much should I ask to have price reduced to deal with these issues? The asking prices seem to be all over the board and I just missed out on a another pristine model as I was trying to learn more about these relatively rare cars. Please advise.

 

If possible go for non-PAX model and non-CMBS model... de-paxing has been mentioned on the forum here to cost around $2000 - may be bit more, bit less - but still an expense... especially for this older car.
Regarding the "what do you look for" this will help you determine if RL is really for you... after TL Type S, in RL you will notice drop in acceleration a bit, but will get more AWD grip. Second thing you will notice is more comfortable ride, not as stiff as TL Type S was.

I think you have not much to worry about if you go for 2007-2008 models, potentially one owner cars if you are able to find them...

Another piece of advice: when someone is selling a car with lights, rule of thumb is " do not buy " ... but I will leave that up to you.

Good luck!

 

I am betting that Type S concept shown will NEVER EVER make it into production... I wish it does... V6TT 3.0L with 400+hp and 400+lb ft torque would be great, paired with 8speed dual clutch, maybe ZF, or even in house 10-speed (8spd ZF preferred) - sign me up with that design... but again... they will butcher it down, call it TLX and sell 5000 units per year... until they discontinue the model...

IF all checkboxes are checked above I listed: price tag will be near 60k, I am sure of it... at that point, I will buy 2020 Corvette C8 and enjoy the BASE model with near 500hp, and have a daily driver for running errands...

 

Thank you rl015,

The seller does not like my offer that is taking into account the PAX replacement cost or the fact I am gambling on the sensor issue so I found another RL today closer to me that has already had the updates with good looking custom wheels, and seems well maintained. Pricing is still equivalent of what other vehicle is, and I don't have the headache of doing it myself. Provided it has been done correctly it is a good car, a year newer and is the color I prefer with similar low mileage anyway. Thank you for your advice. The nice thing about shopping used cars is I don't get too attached initially knowing I have a lot to learn still and typically sellers expect to bargain some.

 

Thank you rl015,

The seller does not like my offer that is taking into account the PAX replacement cost or the fact I am gambling on the sensor issue so I found another RL today closer to me that has already had the updates with good looking custom wheels, and seems well maintained. Pricing is still equivalent of what other vehicle is, and I don't have the headache of doing it myself. Provided it has been done correctly it is a good car, a year newer and is the color I prefer with similar low mileage anyway. Thank you for your advice. The nice thing about shopping used cars is I don't get too attached initially knowing I have a lot to learn still and typically sellers expect to bargain some.

 

Ahhh going to take me a little bit to figure out this site. Hopefully soon I can edit my own posts.

 

This topic has come up before, but to me, both the closest comparo and a very appealing choice is a Lexus GS. Similar in size, V6/AWD, nicely furnished and equipped, super reliable in the Lexus vein, comfortable and reportedly a good driver. And since it's an upmarket sedan, like our RLs, ridiculously cheap used compared to its value. What a great time this is to buy a car if, like me, you're one of the three people in America who actually prefer sedans.

 

If you addressed it I missed it. Have you given serious consideration to the Genesis line?

When I was looking it was down to the RLX or the G80 Sport.

 

The Audi A7 has been getting my attention. I love the exterior and how sporty it looks. So, I went and test drove a 2014 Audi A7 Prestige. The car felt heavy and not as much steering feedback as the RL. Also, the interior looks like crap in person, so bland and ancient looking. Needless to say, I would much rather drive my RL than the A7, hands down. However, for those who plan to do the same, update your RL with new shocks and struts. I have updated my RL with new suspension components since 100k, I have 156k now. Love my RL! What a gem.

 

One other thing that really surprised me about the A7: no rear seat room. MUCH less than the related A6. Rear seat passengers really pay for that sexy sloping roofline. The hatch is nifty for cargo, but forget trips of any length with more than two adults in the car.

 

It's a small thing, but what really unsettled me about the otherwise impressive G80 is the gas filler door.

You have to open it to see it. But it's a one-piece plastic molding, hinge and all. And the hinge portion looks for all the world as if the first subzero day in about the sixth year of ownership will make it snap clean off in your hands, after which you won't be able to get the same-color part to save your life and your $60,000 value buy will look like a hoopty forever after. It makes me wonder what else they cheaped out on where we can't see.

 

That does seem a bit small, especially with a 100,000 mile warranty. But I take your point.

 

Agree. I also noticed that too!

 

Yeah they really get you, A6 has a bit more room but if you want it all you have to go for the A8. All things considered I have a short commute and I am thinking about getting a 14 Sport Hybrid RLX with low miles.