It's going to be time soon to pick up a car for the wife, and I was thinking about getting a 2G RL. I'll be shipping around for a used RL, but I haven't done much trolling around for information on this car. I pretty much want to spend less than 30K for the car, and it seems pretty viable based on quick searches on pricing.

Would there be a specific year model which would have all the updates?

For instance I had a 04 TSX, later models they installed Mirror warmers, memory seats, standard XM.

Also, anything to be cautious about when buying a used RL?

Hopefully if everything pans out, when my Civic's lease is up I'll get another S2000 as my car

Looks like we're staying in the honda / acura family for a while.

 

You can easily find a really nice RL for under 30k and you will love this forum for information.

Read the stickies in this forum, scroll around and etc... you'll find a lot of great reasons to buy an '06-'08 RL.

 

The 05-08 RL is a great deal, new and especially used. If the car appeals to you it is a very solid value for features, build and reliability, mostly since it is a sleeper on the market. The car is essentually unchanged from 05-08, but I will try to highlight the basic configuation issues.

Basics:

05 MY - One trim level, no options, ACC / CMBS / PAX not available yet. Some teething issues all addressed by TSBs. If you select an 05 be sure all TSBs have been applied, or be certain they will be performed as part of the sale.

06 MY - Two trim levels, one same as 05 and one with the ACC / CMBS / PAX a packaged option called "TECH" package. OEM Warranty extended one year.

07 MY - Three trim levels. A new "BASE" which deletes the formerly standard NAVI, Adaptive Headlights and real wood dash trim for plood. "TECH" trim is now the earlier standard model with all features deleted from the "BASE". Third trim is "TECH+CMBS/ACC/PAX". Same stuff, just packaged / named differently to confuse the already rare RL buyer. Also ONSTAR is dropped from all RLs (standard on 05 + 06). Some minor color changes.

08 MY - Same as 07, which everyone is still trying to figure out which model is which. Also last chance to get the elegant style before 09 RL goes HALLOWEEN.

Overall, same car throughout. 05 off lease models seemed to spur some purchases (and add a spike in membership here), and now likley 06 off lease purchases are a good buy right now. Pristine 05-06 RLs have been found <$25K which I cannot imagine anyone regretting that buy. Likley difficult to find now, but an new 08 would be a very smart buy as well for a new vehicle.

 

S2000 owner here. Big mistake for you to get rid of yours!

Seriously, though, if you're looking to spend under $30k on an RL, you're looking at 2005s and some high-mileage 2006s at this time. Either would be just fine. We original owners (e.g. bought them new) certainly love them.

 

From what I have seen if you spend 30k you can get an exceptional deal on a low mileage 06, or a high mileage 07

 

I was just at the dealer getting my annual safety inspection and bi annual emissions test. They has an 08 Tech on the floor. Was $50,300 or whatever, now $39,800

The sales floor was empty...

There are usually 10+ RL's in the Sunday paper, 05's off lease, for $25K or so.

 

def. grab one of lease. You shouldnt worry with any problems with them. Look at the people that drive them....OLD PEOPLE haha, so no worries about an abused car.

 

That's crazy how a offlease can be in the low $20K.

My Civic is leased right now and I've already gotten two offers to buy it back from the dealer due to the demand of this car. Maybe I can bring it into the Acura dealer and trade it in towards a 05 off lease RL.

 

I know!! Let's just say it wasn't by choice. My car suffered minor frame damage. I didn't want a imperfect car, so luckily carmax took it for a very very good price.

But I'll have fun when I shop again for another s2k. I think I'm going to go BB this time around... unless I can find a decently priced MY07 with GPW and Red/black interior!!