Relative maintenance costs
 

Hi everybody. I'm starting to think about replacing my 2002 TL Type S! I love the current RLX sport hybrid, but I'm wondering about maintenance costs vs. the current TLX and other cars (like say the Honda Accord Touring hybrid) given all the new technology and the RLX's luxury status. For example, is the cost to replace the RLX's lead-acid battery much more than for other cars? I ask because I know that for example to buy and install a new battery for a BMW X3 costs about $680, because the battery has to be computer-calibrated to the car or whatever. I would rather not sign up for future costs like that, as I would want to keep the car for a long time. Also, out of curiosity, does anyone know how much a new lithium-ion battery costs for the sport hybrid? Thanks for any insight on maintenance costs.

Can't speak for the battery cost for sport hybrid, but my 2014 Advance model PAWS battery replacement was $87 for an Interstate battery at Costco with three year free replacement warranty. Can't beat that ………… Demosan

Thanks Demosan! That's what I wanted to hear.

On the Acura KC2, that regulation is handled by a sensor that is on the cable near the battery. It is not on the battery itself, so replacement of the 12-volt battery will be a normal, cheap thing.

All currently available KC2 replacement 250-volt batteries are re-housed, refurbished units, so they're not as expensive as you might think, either. I'm not aware of anybody who has worn out the 250 volt battery.

Your biggest expense owning a KC2 will be the year one depreciation of about $12,500.00. But that assumes MSRP, so if like most people in 2018 you're paying in the 50's for one, it's really starting to look like it's a decent, solid long term buy.

The lack of Car Play and the sluggish infotainment and NAV systems might wear on you if you're not super awed by the powertrain. :-)

I'm on original batteries with 91,000 miles.