shinydogg

So I have been thinking about getting a new car but I cant seem to find anything that has similar equipment that is not $80,000.

I love all the features of the RL like the touch keyless entry, the adaptive headlights, the noise cancelling in the cabin, and even the ability to trick my friends into putting the rear headrests up just so I can put them down while they are leaning on them LOL.

I know there are many active users in this forum that have moved on to different cars. So give me your advice.

What can I buy that is not going to make me say, "I remember my RL had this and that"?

I have a 2006 RL non tech and I would be open to any car from 2010-2014 and I would like to keep the price under $50-60k.

And before anyone says it, I know I can get another RL or an RLX to keep my features but I am weighing my options here.

Thanks for your input!

shinydogg

Here is a pic of my RL since I have never posted on here.

If I get some good answers, who knows, it may be for sale soon.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

you could possibly get a used genesis sedan

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

You can get a brand new Genesis with your budget.

EL19

iTrader: (4)

Audi A8 or A8L. That will be my eventual replacement for the RL unless the Genesis comes out with AWD and looking good

BDoggPrelude

Lexus GS350.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

then this gets my vote!

kleintita

What about Beamer 5 series ?

BDoggPrelude

For those who suggest the Hyundai Genesis, I challenge you to go drive a Hyundai Genesis and a Lexus GS350 back-to-back. I'm sorry but there is no comparison between those two vehicles. The interior fit and finish of the Lexus is light years ahead of the Hyundai. The Genesis is closer to to a Honda Accord than a GS350 in terms of interior quality. Personally, if I was looking to spend $50-$60k on a new car that I was going to drive for 8-10 years I would look no further than a GS350.

And I wouldn't spend a dime on the new RLX. I honestly think Acura is testing the boundaries of brand loyalty in their customers with the RLX. It's a joke.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

^
Agreed with the fit & finish and driving dynamics of both vehicles. However, the bang for the buck is unbeatable with the Hyundai. A fully optioned Genesis with a 5.0L V8 costs $46,800, while a base GS350 with no options costs $47,250.

oo7spy

Lol at Genesis. He said he wanted features, not value. How about an Equus?

OP, are we talking new or slightly used?

BDoggPrelude

You can compare the "value" of the Genesis to all kinds of luxury vehicles from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, etc. There's a reason why it is cheaper. There are plenty of "value" comparisons that can be made across the automotive world. The Genesis might be a better value on paper but it is nowhere near the vehicle that a GS350 is.

rlx015

If I may suggest why not go all-in? Tesla S?

If I had budget of 50-60k I would not think twice; I would get Tesla S!
Plus you get 260/285 miles range on one charge (let's say overnight) as I am guessing you do not drive more than 260 miles/day

BDoggPrelude

The base model "60" only has a 208 mile range and is $62,400 after a $7,500 tax credit. There is also a waiting list of 2-3 months to get one. The Tesla Model S is probably one of the most attractive vehicles on the market right now, both in style and the vehicle itself. If I had to spend $60k right now on a car though, I would stay away from the Model S. It is a brand new model from a basically brand new car company using brand new technology. Yes, it is an amazing vehicle...probably the most amazing car on the road in terms of engineering. It is still way too early in its development to drop $60k+ on though. The Roadster had tons of issues. The Model S is going to have issues too. I will say that its introduction has been quite impressive.

NJ06RL

Yes, I am with Bdogg on this one. Test drove 2013 Genesis 5.0 R-spec and a 2013 GS 350 F-sport when I was evaluating replacements for my 06RL. Lots of value in the Genny but interior fit and finish as well as "how it feels put together" and ride/handling etc. lost out to the GS350 F-sport. In a straight line I guess the 5.0 V8 outguns a 3.5 V6 but how often do we everyday users drag race our daily drivers right ?

The Genny would appeal to the value shopper who wants a V8 with some lux touches while the GS would win over a driver who enjoys driving.

EL19

iTrader: (4)

Yea GS (and most Lexus') are extremely "tight" in their build.

06RL/NBP

Most people that I know who own new Beamers are having maintenance issues. They are not very reliable. Even though the warranty covers these problems there is the inconvenience factor.

DanL07RL

I have compared Acura to LEXUS twice now, and Acura has come out ahead both times. Similarly equipped models and the LEXUS is thousands more and the fit and finish is just fine thanks. I'll stay with Acura....although Hyundai is starting to get my attention. Will look hard at them next time too.

oo7spy

You can find a comparably equipped car (powertrain aside) to Acura if you are willing to spend a few thousand more. Lexus and the Germans have all the same stuff (sometimes more), but you have to step up a rung on the price ladder. That is the exact reason why Acura is an entry luxury make that banks on value as its selling point. Hyundai is close behind, but you won't be getting more for less.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

If I were forced to replace mine tomorrow, that AWD CTS or a CTSv would be a strong contender.

shinydogg

Thanks for all the replies!

I absolutely love the A8 but I dont think I could buy anything but the new body style because it is so sexy, therefore I think that might be out of my price range.

As far as the other German cars, I just have never been a fan of the interior design of BMWs and most Mercs. Not to mention the friends I have that I see driving loaners all the time because the Beemer is getting repaired.

I have researched the Genesis and the R-Spec sounds like a bargain with all the features (and 427 HP) but I have not had a chance to test drive one. I hear the build quality is good initially but the squeaks and rattles rear their ugly head soon after. I may test drive a new one and then one that is a couple years old to compare.

The Tesla is a sweet car but I frequently drive interstate to attend meeting and the whole electric charging station phenomenon has not quite made its way to North Carolina.


Now to the GS. I really like the current GS with the F-Sport package and this is definitely a contender. I guess I am spoiled with all the standard features of the RL and it burns me up to get price raped by option packages that can quickly bump the price by 10k.

Now for the Heavy suggested CTS. This car could make me go to a coupe. There was a matte silver CTS-V coupe parked at my office the other day and I would have whipped the checkbook out right there. Just a modern day Batmobile. I have driven a CTS a couple of years ago and was not blown away by anything in the car. Just didn't have the WOW factor in the base model.

And the RLX *sigh*.
I just cant fall in love with it. I signed up and the dealer called me as soon as they got one in. It didn't feel like the RL I had wanted it to be. I expected in 8 years they would release another revolutionary vehicle, but it wasn't IMO. The headlights were cool and the touchscreen was neat. I passed on the 4 wheel steering when I bought my 93 Prelude VTEC, why are you trying to sell it to me again in 2013? The interior was just okay and the exterior styling was, well, very forgettable. Maybe I was expecting a Acura Spaceship to blow me away like it did in 2005 with features that made you say "it does WHAT?!?!?"

I guess I have always had incredibly reliable Hondas and Acuras over the years. Its hard to "jump ship" to a competitor. Not to mention I have friends that work at Honda shops so all my parts and service was a fraction of the price. The reason for the car hunt is that my RL is getting up around 150k miles and I dont want to have to replace a engine or tranny that will cost me nearly half the value of the car.

I think I will drive a few Genesis examples and maybe stop by the Lexus dealership and give the GS a spin. I might even stop in to the Caddy dealership but I am afraid if I get in a CTS-V, I might make a decision that would make my insurance company celebrate.

Thanks for the advice, I knew you guys would help out!

oo7spy

CTS-V = $70k. The F-sport is a poor excuse for getting money on what should be standard features without performance increase.

Why not see what the AWD RLX does for you?

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

Used market man... I never buy new.

The CTS-AWD is in the range of the others... mid 40's I believe.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

If you are any kind of car enthusiest and you dont fall for the V car then you might be dead.
That is just a great car, now the CTS-AWD has potential with a few mods

The GS-F is just bad ass, I'm not totally in love but they have really put 100% into those cars.

The RLX... meh, styling is weak, upgrades are weak, and the price is to high IMO.

titomang

I would love to pick up a used RLX Hybrid down the line but I really can't stand the bland styling of the PAWS version. I'm afraid the hybrid version will look very similiar from the very few pictures I've seen.

That being said, after purchasing my wife's Lexus RX I've grown to love Lexus's superior customer service. I have had nothing but great service with them and my next vehicle will most likely be the 2013+ LS w/ F sport package. I'm letting someone take the depreciation hit then I'll purchase it CPO in a year or so. I love the GS F sport though but I've always wanted a "big body" V-8.

oo7spy

One thing that sets apart a luxury brand and an entry luxury brand is how they treat the customers. Tier one brands make you feel as though your money is appreciated.


...as vain and idiotic as that sounds.

BDoggPrelude

If you can't stand the FWD RLX styling you won't be won over by the RLX Hybrid's styling either. It is going to be basically the same thing but with fog lights and different wheels.

I would say it may be worth it to stick it out just a little longer to see what Acura has in store with the new TLX but you know it's going to be more of the same. Bland styling, under-powered, softly sprung, etc.

jime

I was in the same quandary 20 months ago when looking for a larger car to replace my 2004 TL and set up a spreadsheet to compare specifications and features of all vehicles that I thought might meet my needs. The finalists were a used RL, used Lexus GS and a new Genesis 3.8.

I ended up with the Genesis and have had no problems in over 20,000 miles of driving. I love the “active cruise” and big car ride (much better than my wife’s 2009 RL). My 2012 Genesis has absolutely no rattles and is quieter than our RL.

oo7spy

I don't follow. Can you elaborate?

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

Big body mang...

Most commonly cars from the late 70s and Early 80s.
Like a 1979 Mercury Marquis Brougham, the Lexus GS is a modern day big body.

Wide stance.

jime

Quote:
Originally Posted by jime View Post
I love the ... big car ride (much better than my wife’s 2009 RL).

I don't follow. Can you elaborate?

Per 007spy's request - I elaborate:
My one complaint about my wife's 2009 RL/advance is that the ride is too stiff. It is stiffer than my 2004 Manual Transmission "Sport" TL was and is much stiffer than my 2012 Genesis. I think the Genesis handles better so can see no advantage in Acura's decision to have such a stiff suspension in the RL. I would not purchase another RL (RLX) unless Acura adds a suspension selection feature where the driver could choose from multiple suspension settings (like Lexus has).

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

indeed, or just put it on a full air ride.

be like "pssst" haha

oo7spy

Interesting. So many people complained about the 2G being too soft but it at least had the Aspec option. They changed the MMC and I suppose split the difference. I enjoyed the original 2G ride. The better handling is due to the RWD platform in the Genny.

white05rl

I just switched from my 2G RL which I owned for ~4 years to a 2011 BMW 550i. Although the BMW is not AWD, it's awesome. It has more features that my RL...but that damn reliability issue. I've had it for three months and it's been in the shop twice already. Once for almost ten days! It's such a great car (the BMW) but I'm not sure if I'll be able to take much more service BS. BTW, the pre-owned 550 (with HUD, adaptive cruise, dynamic suspension, etc, etc) was less than $50k.

BDoggPrelude

That is why BMW's don't hold their value in the secondhand market. It's all fine and dandy for the first owner who is driving a brand new car that is covered under warranties. For the second owner it will be a much more expensive undertaking.

When we bought our TL I could have purchased a similar year/mileage 335, (a much more expensive car new), for the same price. When I bought my RL I could have purchased a similar year/mileage 550. While I would much prefer the performance of a BMW to either one of our Acura's, I like not having to fork over all the dough on maintenance costs.

Yes, there are people that have had general worry free experiences with used BMW's and people that have had nothing but problems with their used Acura. Statistically though, an BMW is going to require a significant amount more maintenance through its life than an Acura and it shows in residual value.

oo7spy

white05, may I ask what it was in the shop for?

white05rl

The first visit was for a battery/charging system error - it took only a couple of days for the service AND it included a brake system flush, oil change, etc.

The second visit was just a few weeks later for "reduced power - failure". It turned out to be the fuel injectors (apparently this is a problem area). They were replaced (although just one bank) plus spark plugs.

The idle still doesn't seem as smooth as it should be, but it's only noticeable to me.

s2gordon

Although it's in a different class, I got my wife a 2010 Lincoln MKT fully loaded with AWD, 3.5L V6 ecoboost, keyless entry, Panoramic Vista Roof, Blind Spot monitor, Rain sensing wipers, Auto High beams, collision mitigation, Auto cruise, 2nd row captain chairs, rear fridge, Bluetooth streaming, Sirius/Xm, Navigation and power liftgate for under 30K.


Some may want to knock it because it's a domestic and a Lincoln but we've been very pleased with it. No issues at all and the power from the ecoboost V6 is awesome.

oo7spy

Tune it. http://www.hennesseyperformance.com/maxboost435.html

I am aware that Hennessey is a total douche and you don't have the MKS, but the Ecoboost has a huge untapped potential waiting in your ecu. They are pumping 445 HP out of the Taurus and 435 out of the MKS.

s2gordon

I've been on the flex/MKT forums and there are a few owners that have done the tune, intake, exhaust and are pushing over 400 hp. I've thought of at least getting the tune done, perhaps when my wife goes out of town for a week. I'll get it tuned and just not 'mention' it to her.