Hey everyone,

I am a loyal Acura owner with a '02 TL and a '04 TSX.

My TL has 174,XXX on it and I know it is only a matter of time before I need to be car shopping...

I have an extensive amount of aftermarket A/V in the TL (and TSX) and my MAJOR issue that I have with coming to grips on buying an 07/08 RL is that I am not prepared to deal with an OEM navi/audio interface.

I have a Kenwood 7100 Navi right now in the TL and it is hands down the best double-din aftermarket headunit with nav I have ever used. Garmin maps and its great reliability leave me extrememly happy and I have had them all (Pioneer, Eclipse, etc.).

I have a very serious fear that the Navi/electronic/audio interface on the RL is going to be a HUGE dissapointment for me. Since it is unchangeable (is it?) I NEED to make sure it is easy to use and an enjoyable experience!

I was hoping some of you could let me know how you like the OEM nav and also the level of extra work required to dynamat, install amps, subs, headrest tvs, DVD, etc. in the newer RLs.

I have decided that I am only going to buy AWD and my price range tops out at around 25k so if the RL doesn't work, my only real option with a changeable nav is going to be the E-class 4matic.

Reliability is a huge concern for me so I really would prefer to stick with an Acura.

Please share with me your experiences!

 

Well the best advice is to test drive one and go bonkers with the setup trying anything you'd feel the need to try, but for what it's worth ...

The RL has a great though refined system. The audio setup is Bose, which generally is a turn off (well not to target RL buyers), but it actally sounds great and has ample power. It's a very clear clean sound, with limited punch imparted tonality which can be good or bad, but everything sounds great. Your EQ options are very basic, but the 5.1 sound makes up for it. You'll likely see a benefit with the Dynamat, but less than you would on your TL, as the RL is uber refined. As for the rest TVs, amps, etc. I have no clue, but others have done some of this (search the forums, as you'll find more than can be seen via browse). In regards to Navi, the setup is top notch of OEM navi, but it has its quicks notably the inescapable need to hit OK every time you start the car (at least you can enter a new destination on the go). Again, check it out to see what you think.

In general, it's not quite the car that one sees with all these add ons, which you're certainly welcome to do, but you may have a change of heart once you give it a whirl. It has a lot to offer on its own terms, even if they're a change from your earlier preferences.