VoLLy

iTrader: (8)

Hey guys,

I have parted out my TL and am considering either 05+ RL, 06+IS350 or 07+GS350. Upon my research I came across this:

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Acura/RL/...0414131123452/



Its a 2005 RL with 152,000KMs (~93,000 miles)

I know there are problems with the propeller shaft, which may not/will not be covered under acura warranty. I overlooked at how much this may cost me, someone refresh my memory?

in addition to the above, what may be other things I will have to get replaced or be worried about? I just want to know how much trouble im getting myself into buying a car with this kind of mileage on it.

Thought, comments, answers, please post below!

oo7spy

Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it ), there is no trouble you are getting yourself into because of miles. '05+ are all stout when it comes to long term reliability. The issue you will find is that the '05 has the most gremlins of any MY 2G RL. Do a search for "05 problems" and the threads, lists, and experiences will come pouring through the screen.

NOW, that is not to scare you away. It is only to make you aware. The majority of 2005 models do not experience many or any of the issues documented here. However, like most internet forums, the problems are gathered here and reflect a higher density than a real world statistic. Do your homework and GO OVER THE CAR WITH A WHITE GLOVE (of fine tooth comb depending on grooming preference). Most if not all of the issues should have arisen by now and can be found if known how to be looked for. Good luck, and let us know what happens.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

oh noes not an 05

MrKev

105k service coming up

IanVS

I have an 05 with over 160k miles and it still looks and runs pretty much like new. Previous owner took good care of it, got most of the quirks ironed out. I've seen cars with half the miles that look worse. Take a look at the maintenance records if you can, that's my suggestion.

ichi d

i notice in the pictures with the interior shot, there's a fog light button by the power mirror switch. interesting. lol. i wonder how that button got there.

Ragus

From what I understand about the prop shaft, it is more of an annoyance then a problem. I have seen no reports of them failing, but I am also new around here so my word in this case is not my bond.

I recently bought an 06, with 82K on it, and the thing runs and drives great. Couple minor things, prop shaft noise being one of them, a whining fuel pump, and cabin creeks, but all in all, this is a great car, and should last upwards to 200K+ if it is well cared for.

I would echo what was said above...see if you can get yours hands on the service records. The dealership where I bought mine had no record of them, but I found the maint. journal in the glove box secret compartment all filled out every 8000 miles with no missed services. It made me feel better about my purchase knowing the car was maintained so well.

shahram72

I have the prop shaft whine. If these guys (thanks a pantload) had never told me about it, I would never have noticed it. I have no plans to replace it.

VoLLy

iTrader: (8)

Cool, thanks for the input guys! What about the various sensors that this car has? I was reading up some of the Edmund's long term reviews and I heard parts and labor costing a lot for these things? What are the most common sensors to go out?

sleepinxlionhart

My 05's holding up pretty well, some "bugs" came up, but went away on it's own or got taken care of without having a painful experience. I do have the propeller whine, but whatever, doesn't bother me, and like someone else said, it's more of an annoyance than anything else.

And seems like the door handle sensors have the most problems, from what I've read on this forum. But I hadn't had any of those problems *knock on wood*

Blazing GT

With the RL you really have nothing to worry about

oo7spy

Do a search. The problems are all documented.

RL Chi-town

I have an 06 and i love my car...

swake457

I bought my '05 RL back in 2009 and I love it. I'm at 94K miles now. Had a '97 TL before that so it was quite an upgrade. The SH-AWD system rocks here in the northeast. I've got the whirring noise like everyone else, no biggy. It goes away after a half mile or so, even then it's not that noticeable IMHO.

Worst sensor issue I had was about two months after I got the car the "yaw rate" sensor fried. It's a critical part of the AWD system. My dealer had never seen one fail - on any SH-AWD system, not just the RL. They had the car for two days and had to get in touch with Acura corporate HQ to find out what it was. Turns out they only had three documented yaw-rate sensor failures in the states - lucky me! It's a $1,000 part, special order too. The dealer covered it, so I lucked out.

Biggest comfort gripe - no AUX connector or otherwise "built-in" method to hook in an iPhone/MP3 player. Definitely a miss by Acura - even back in '05.

Oh yeah, the electronic lock mechanism fried in my drivers door a few months back. Odd because usually the handle is what fails, but that still works. Still haven't had that replaced yet but I will soon.

CFoote

I would agree with this statement. I have a minor whine under certain acceleration conditions, but its rare and it comes and goes....its definitely not something to prevent you from buying the car, and either road noise or the radio drowns it out anyway.

Chris