Although I've always thought my father's Acura was a really nice car...I didn't think I'd see myself in one until I got older...really older. This past summer I looked at all of the $50,000 cars including the Acura RL...I didn't think I'd see myself in an Acura until I got older...really older. Then I started reading about the RL and how well it stacked up and I looked again. Maybe it wasn't my fathers Acura.
Well it's been about 5 weeks since I got my RL...and maybe it's just that you don't see too many of them...but lots of people...different types of people notice my RL. Today the young spanish guy pumping gas couldn't stop talking about how much he loved my "super Honda."
I've been going to this website for a few weeks now and I'm really impressed with who WE are...and I wonder if Honda/Acura knows who WE are...and who are they trying to sell the RL to. They sold less than 20,000 the first year....didn't advertise it much...probably scared off my father's crowd with all of the techno stuff...BUT WHO DID THEY THINK WAS GOING TO BUY THIS CAR....AND WHO DID - WHO ARE WE?

 

acura was aiming for an older crowd....around like 35-40+ because the RL is an office family mans SEDAN but also an old mans SEDAN

 

Acura was aiming for a younger crowd than the original RL. And they got it - look at the few of us here in our 20's with it. Granted, the older crowd (no offense guys ) is still buying the car - but with us younger ones buying it, the average age of the owners drops down a lot.

 

The handling of the RL turned it from a car for the 45+ crowd to a car for the 25+ demographic. I have to believe that the soft ride was designed with an older buyer in mind which also explains the MSRP being set at a level that would scare away many younger buyers. I know when I was in my 20's, there was no way I would be seen driving a sedan - mind you back then sedans were 20 foot long boats that could sleep 12 in the trunk.

 

Exactly why I want an RL coupe

 

I considered one, I'm in my late 20's but decided on an '05 TL instead.

 

I believe Acura's stated goal was a median age of 50, down from 55 for the previous RL. However, I think the people who get this new car tend to be in their 40's or even younger. I was 35 when I got the car, but I was thinking about what car I want to still be driving well into my 40's.

 

dude, I know you're only 17 but 35-40 isnt old.

Then again, I'm 27 and think I'm old. hehe

 

I am 42 years old.

For years I drove sporty cars. First a 1997 Plymouth Laser, then a 2001
Mercury Cougar.

This past year, when considering my next car purchase I was really aiming
to get into another sporty car. I wanted a convertible as I never owned one.

A friend talked me into looking at the Acura TL. He said it had the best set
of features and performance for the buck.

I made the mistake of test driving the RL, and well, the rest is history.

I would suppose the younger age bracket would look at the RL as an
"old man's car." However, it really isn't. This is one classy automobile
and I think that it really says something about the person who is driving
it.

 

I'm 38 and just wanted to step-up from my TL. My TL was flawless so I wanted to stick with the Acura line. . . It was the electronics, dash, and seats that sold me - the nicest interior I've experienced!

 

damn, looks like the range is probably 23-45 or so for most owners. I'd think Acura would be happy about this although they are probably smirking at the fact their targeted age was way off.

I know there are many middle aged folk who are into the tech stuff but from my experience, most people 50+ are "scared" (not really scared but put off) of lots of tech type stuff so I can see many thinking this car is too advanced for them to figure out.

In the busienss I am in we have lots of clients 50+ and based on what I know of them, many wouldnt ever buy this car since they'd initially be confused on how to work it thus they would pass on buying it even though it really is quite easy to use but again, first impressions would scare them off.

 

Has anyone ever considered the possibility that the RL may appeal to all age groups? It has the looks, handling and power that would appeal to all age groups. I think the reason more older people than young ones are buying it is money. How many 20+ people have the cash available to sink into a 50K car (tax and license incl.)? Not many. My NSX - weekend fun - is more important to me than my new RL - daily driver. If I could only afford one of the two I would buy the NSX all over again and I would have a very inexpensive daily driver.

My : The RL is being bought by car enthusiasts who are very aware of the car choices available, who are smart, and who like the value, beauty, performance and reliability history that the RL has to offer.

 

Yeah it obviously does appeal to all age groups just many other cars do but I'd guess the % of younger (under 45) RL owners is far higher than what Acura was predicting...that is a GOOD thing, IMO.

 

I just traded my 04 TL for an 05 RL about two weeks ago. I am 25 and I was a bit concerned that it looked a little too old for me. However, everyday I think my RL is looking hotter, sexier, and younger, almost (I said ALMOST) as much as my TL. Although I must say that most of the people I saw driving the 3rd gen TLs were women that looked to be 45+ (moms in other words). Regardless of how the RL "appears," it is a great car IMO and I think one heck of a value.

 

Congrats on the upgrade texas_acura

 

Congrats!

See I would think driving a car that appears older is better unless a person is trying to impress other younger guys which IMO is what mnay young guys are trying to do and I dont know why. Usually cars that appear "older" cost more so if one wants their car to impress strangers then I'd think the "older" and more upscale looking car would be better...it'd make others think the person has a good chunk of money and higher class tastes and for the opposite sex, the chicks worth the time would appreciate it more than the ones who want the younger looking car. Any chick who gets wet over a guy driving a "younger" looking car is prolly too young herself or is too much of an airhead to really want to spend time around.

I personally couldn't care less what people think of my car so I'm all good no matter what the car looks like.

 

Instead of "old" it should really be more "mature" and "sophisticated"

 

And they are smarter, better looking, make more money and have a better sense of humor.

 

OK...so I'm the 54 year old guy who posted this thread...when you get to be my age you don't need to look any smarter or sophisticated...maybe a little richer helps...and having a sense of humor about your age and what life is all about keeps your feet on the ground. When I got my RL I didn't take a second to think who else was going to buy it...it just made sense to buy this car. I knew this wasn't an old mans car...but I think it is amazing that Acura was able to produce a luxury car that they did not know how to promote or who they were going to sell it to. It wasn't aimed at their current customers and they spent very little (just look at all of the Lexus IS ads all over the place) trying to impress the world with how incredible it really is. It was only when I went to this website and saw who WE are that I realized that this car does have legs...and if Acura just put together a strong push they could probably sell a lot of these cars. Word of mouth, whether it be verbal, print or on the internet is a risky way of promoting anything in this over hyped world.

 

42 yrs old. I really liked driving my CL type S. The 02' RL was too boaty. I like the new RL. It is a nice blend of the CL and the previous RL. The CL had road noise and harsh road manners. The previous RL was rock solid mechanically but very bland. The new RL does everything pretty good. I don't think there is a better value than the RL in the market, at this time. There is nothing in the low $40's that compares with the quality, technology, and drivability of this car. Why does everyone seem to discount SHAWD? I hardly hear anyone talk about it. That is way cool!!
I like the overpriced BMW 6 series. I prefer a 2 door. I would love to see an RL coupe SE . Speaking of 2 doors, why aren't their more choices?? BTW, anyone figured out how to disable the seatbelt nag?

 

You cannot disable the seatbelt warning. It would be nice to see an RL coupe

 

I believe that Acura was intending to sell these cars to the 35+ crowd, however, since the RL turned out to be such a great performing/looking car it made younger buyers take a second look at it. I myself had never owned a luxury sedan until I pruchased my RL, all I had ever owned was Mustangs(1 1989 LX 5.0, 1 1994 GT and 1 1995 Cobra which I still own)but became tired of the cramped back seat and small trunk of my Mustangs for daily driving. Plus a 75 mile per day commute isnt much fun when your car gets 8-9 MPG and runs 93 octane gas.

In light of this, I began my search for a suitable 4-Door Sedan that wouldnt leave me bored behind the wheel. As the majority of folks here did, I drove all the obligatory luxury sport sedans, BMW, MB, etc. and was pretty close to buying a 535i when I saw my first RL crusing down the interstate. The next day I took a ride to my local Acura dealer, and well, the rest is history. Mind you I'm 23 and happen to be financially blessed enough to purchase the RL. There will be the few exceptions to the rule such as myself who are young but can still afford the RL, but the majority of the buyers will be 35+ no matter how it looks or performs, because its mostly a cost issue.

I say this because I know from personal experience that alot of the younger folks my age love my car, alot of them had never thought of Acura as a luxury brand until they rode in my RL, but needless to say, they would buy one if they had the means.

 

It's quite an amazing car design...my 14 year old daughter likes it...my 76 year old mother likes it...most of my male 40-50 year old friends can't wait to test drive it...and it's a hoot to drive anytime- anyplace...now if it only had some sex appeal...it might be the perfect sedan. Well you can't have everything!

 

I'm 45 and love my 2004 BLAND RL as someone said "The previous RL was rock solid mechanically but very bland". It does everything for me and some. I don't like the look of the new RL. Reminds me of an Accord on steroids......At least the 1st gen RL had the "legend" sleek/handsome look.......And it actually bigger larger than the 05 RL......

 

ive owned 2 acuras (01 cl and 05 rl) i loved the cl and the rl is awesome. i think the styling is great. the older rl is rock solid but its styling is a bit bland. i think they hit the nail on he head with the new generation. i really like the fact that i rarely see new rl's on the roads here in philly. as mentioned above i have gotten a few compliments from older people and younger people

 

One of the reasons I bought the RL is, in fact, the high tech enhancements on the car. Reckon I march to a dif'rnt drummer. AFAIC, the more the better...and sooner, not later.
Fred

 

I think it is the generation that is 70+ that is "scared" of electronic gadgets. My folks still refuse to learn how to program the VCR that I bought them 20 years ago.

 

Remember, the internet and auto boards like this cater to the youth and younger, more computer literate people, so it LOOKS young.

But from what I've seen, the car is for people in the 50s and higher. I don't think Acura still has a clue to its direction outside value.

At 50k, its priced for older people too. This is nowhere near a young persons car. Not to mention, it hasn't been at any auto events or shows yet.

 

My wife and I are both 60 and neither of us like the "old folks" cars. Our first Acura was an 00TL, which we traded for an 04TL, which we traded for the 05RL and loved all of them. Probably would not have considered the old RL. My brother is 7 years younger than I am, has owned 2 Buick Roadmasters, and is on his 2nd Lincoln Towncar. He thinks I'm crazy because I could buy a Towncar for less money than the RL. He likes the soft, fluffy ride which I hate.

 

If they're like me, I'll be they *love* their TIVO and satellite! I programmed my old VCR once to record something and that was such a nuisance that I never bothered again. Now, the TIVO, which employs a computer (using Linux, I believe)...what a joy!

Personally, I find the RL's electronics make for a more interesting and enjoyable ride.

 

I'm going to decide on a new car in a few months, and I'm strongly considering buying the RL, regardless of who it's targeted at. I'm not even 20 years old and I'd feel more comfortable in a nice, comfortable sedan with tons of interior features than with a stupid Mustang or something along those lines that'll get me in trouble in the streets. The RL is a grown-man's car no doubt, but tons of kids my age tend to love that car. Of course I'd do it differently and spend tons of money on it on rims and cleared headlights and whatnot, but I'd love to see myself in a car like that.

 

Go for it Matt. I am just slightly older than you and I have gone through the TSX, TL, FX35 and RL now - and the RL blows them all away. While I am not one to clear the the headlights and such - I did put the 18" chrome on and I am going to put the body kit on eventually. It is a great car

 

Not too many folks I know in their late 40s or early 50s that can afford the RL are net-illiterate or technology averse (like me!), but then I am an engineer, so my mileage may vary from yours. :-)

 

It is an error in thinking to assign ownership of the Acura RL to a single age group. Acquiring an automobile that presents leading edge technology married to style and comfort is an aspiration for many in various walks of life.

I do agree that it takes financial wherewithal.to own or lease any luxury automobile. But to assign ownership of the RL to mainly those who are technologically literate is a rather lame assertion.

The appeal of the RL transcends stereotypes. A look at the makeup of this forum validates a fairly wide cross section of age, financial resources and technological acumen.

I seem to fit within all three of these criteria. I am older then most on this site, have financial stability and find great interest in leading-edge technology.