3G TL (2004-2008)
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Old 11-24-2008, 10:39 PM
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TL or RL?

I've been on this board reading for months now and have been actively looking for a TL that is my exact color/option preference. Anyways, I have been noticing that the 2005 RLs are going for very close, if not the same price as many of the 2005 TLs... Aside from a slight mpg difference, can you guys tell me what the advantage to getting the TL over the RL would be? I do want to point out that I drive ALOT for work and will be putting miles on fairly quickly if that makes any difference. I appreciate the input!
Old 11-25-2008, 12:47 AM
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Originally Posted by socwrkr
I've been on this board reading for months now and have been actively looking for a TL that is my exact color/option preference. Anyways, I have been noticing that the 2005 RLs are going for very close, if not the same price as many of the 2005 TLs... Aside from a slight mpg difference, can you guys tell me what the advantage to getting the TL over the RL would be? I do want to point out that I drive ALOT for work and will be putting miles on fairly quickly if that makes any difference. I appreciate the input!
If it was just down to these two choices ('05 TL vs. '05 RL), and money is not a huge issue, I'd get the RL. It's super rare, built in Japan, has more power, SH-AWD, better interior, and I just think it looks better.

Anyway, that's just my
Old 11-25-2008, 01:00 AM
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it depends what you want to do. Are you into modding? Do you want to give up the sport sedan for the luxury sedan? If miles are a issue for you then get the TL, the RL has a bigger engine and AWD which consumes more gas. You need to sit down and weigh some pros & cons and see which one fits you the best.
Old 11-25-2008, 02:53 AM
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RL looks cleaner, I'd go that route
Old 11-25-2008, 08:25 AM
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TL all the way. The RL is a nice car and all, but look at all the sick examples of TLs out there. This car has so much potential its scary.
Old 11-25-2008, 08:38 AM
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both are great cars, but i would probably get the RL. here is a pic of of a modded version of both...

Old 11-25-2008, 08:50 AM
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^ I miss those cars.
Old 11-25-2008, 10:12 AM
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if your prices are close your not looking hard enough.
the TLs price is dropping like crazy because of new model.
The RL price should only be close to TL if its beat . I was looking myself just a few months ago at the same thing. i really wanted an rl since it had awd and more power and interior was nicer but the exterior wasnt as nice. i got my 04 TL with 83k for 11,500.
get the tl or spend the money for the rl. its up to you and what you really need and want in a car. i cant say youd be unhappy with either choice.
Old 11-25-2008, 10:53 AM
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I like the RL as well. SHAWD is nice as is the Tech package. I've seen local certified owned 05 models with mileage in the 40s for mid-twenties. Interior on the car looks more modern than on my TL. Much more exclusive as well, but they obviously don't retain their values as well as the TL. Food for thought..
Old 11-25-2008, 11:25 AM
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insurance will be more on an RL...
Old 11-25-2008, 04:43 PM
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funny. why dont they hold their values?
Old 11-25-2008, 05:51 PM
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TL, is faster, handles better in track(getting better times), and has so much more aftermarket parts.
Old 11-25-2008, 05:52 PM
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Rl
Old 11-25-2008, 06:05 PM
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As others have said, the TL and RL are very different cars. The TL is a car that is fun to drive both in a straight line and around corners, nice and fast and gets amazing fuel mileage. Downside is its smaller, has less luxury to it and its more aggressive in terms of suspension setup, road noise, etc.

The RL on the other hand is a fine piece of work. Its great around curves (got it to 60 of a curve that the TL can only handle doing about 45 before you know its loosing control, but besides that, it is simply amazing. The attention to detail is phenominal, at night it looks amazing and comforting. The inside is plush and not noisy at all, the seats are comfy and less intrusive than the TL's to some folks. Also you get the benefit of Active Cruise and Collision Mitigation System to avoid rear ending folks, Plus the turning headlights, flappy paddle gearbox and of course SH-AWD. Only downside to the RL, its slower than the TL in a straight line, it goes 0-60 a second or so slower than a TL. As well the modding scene isn't as great as it is for the TL.
Old 11-26-2008, 10:39 PM
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Thank you for all of the replies. I talked with an Acura dealer in Chicago today where I found several nice TLs for sale and a few RLs as well that were within 2-3k of eachother price wise. I asked the dealer why the two were so close in price and he replied that the TL is a higher demand/selling car and thus holds it's value better than the RL which didn't sell nearly as many. It's a tough choice, my only real concern is that with all of the tech in the RL, it's more that could go wrong (and cost and arm and a leg)... to give an idea of what i'm looking at:
05 TL black/black Navigation CPO 53k miles: $18,500
05 RL white/tan Navigation CPO 43k miles: $20,950
Old 11-26-2008, 11:26 PM
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GO FOR THE TL. Have u seen a TL-S, u check them out.
Old 11-26-2008, 11:32 PM
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Originally Posted by ebayking90
TL all the way. The RL is a nice car and all, but look at all the sick examples of TLs out there. This car has so much potential its scary.
I beg to differ:




RL all the way baby. You are hearing this from a EX TL driver.

The only downside is the after market parts: and this will only hurt you if you are a modder
The RL is a great car to own right now. Visit the RL side of the forums. Modded RLs are popping up alot more often now. TL is a awesome car too.


You cant go wrong with either choice though.
Old 11-26-2008, 11:43 PM
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WOW! This is pure sex.


Old 11-26-2008, 11:50 PM
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http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ce=&cardist=50
Old 11-27-2008, 12:04 AM
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Thanks for the link! Tempting, though i'm quite a ways from Georgia (i'm in wisconsin) but have never had a problem flying to get the right car... what's up with Georgia anyways... when i was looking at the TL, i was also thinking of getting a 2006 IS 250 or 350 which are hard to find in a similar price range to the TL but for some reason there were quite a few available in Atlanta.

Anyways, between the TL and RL, it's a very difficult decision but what i'm hearing here is that there have not been known technical issues with the RL that would weed it out against the TL>?
Old 11-27-2008, 12:07 AM
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.....both are great in reliability.
OP the 05 RL had minor technical issues. So make sure you purchase an extended warranty.
Old 11-27-2008, 12:12 AM
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Good Topic bro.

I'm also in the market for a new vehicle, and I've also noticed how the low the 05 RLs are selling for. Now as much as I love the TL, I think an 05 RL will be more bang for your buck; AWD, Fog Lights, Luxury, granted its slower than the TL, but I'm not into speed.

Enh, I still have a few more months to think about, so I'm far from making my final decision. But any help, and/or advice will be greatly appreciated.
Old 11-27-2008, 02:04 AM
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i thought the RL would have more aftermarket support then the TL since the RL is available in Japan. At least the RL Mugen parts are available!

I wish I wouldve saved up for an RL instead.. but i still love my TL ..
Old 11-27-2008, 02:09 AM
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RL.

no question if you ask me.
hands down.

not even a comparison in my mind.
Japan and SH-AWD for the win!
Old 11-27-2008, 08:23 AM
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i think the rl has one of the nicest interiors out there!....second to my tl
Old 11-27-2008, 08:29 AM
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Originally Posted by blkaspec
both are great cars, but i would probably get the RL. here is a pic of of a modded version of both...

yeah this is the one pic that i've seen of the RL that made me think damn what a nice looking couple here. but i went and got a TL-S anyway

edit: i think the TL is the best looking stock car. if you have the money to throw some nice mods, maybe you should more so consider the RL. i'm not trying to spend too much on my ride though.
Old 11-27-2008, 08:31 AM
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Originally Posted by socwrkr
Thanks for the link! Tempting, though i'm quite a ways from Georgia (i'm in wisconsin) but have never had a problem flying to get the right car... what's up with Georgia anyways... when i was looking at the TL, i was also thinking of getting a 2006 IS 250 or 350 which are hard to find in a similar price range to the TL but for some reason there were quite a few available in Atlanta.

Atlanta is flooded with higher end cars, they tend to sale for less in down town and the north side for this reason.
Old 11-27-2008, 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by blkaspec
both are great cars, but i would probably get the RL. here is a pic of of a modded version of both...

What rims the RL has? They are super hot..
Old 11-27-2008, 02:04 PM
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Originally Posted by bimmerman
WOW! This is pure sex.


usually not a big fan of chrome......but that looks sexy as hell
Old 11-27-2008, 04:21 PM
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Originally Posted by SelimUniNoLimit
What rims the RL has? They are super hot..
AME FS-01 Concept in gunmetal, 19 inch
Old 11-28-2008, 11:19 AM
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^^ Thanks, csmeance.
Old 11-28-2008, 03:51 PM
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I think that depending on your mindset, the RL FTW. It was lower volume and sales have been disappointing because of V6 vs V8 for most competitors. You will get more car for your money. Everyone admits it's a great car, not well marketed. I do love my TL but think the used RL is a better option given the pricing.
Old 11-28-2008, 04:07 PM
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This thread makes me want an RL...
Old 11-28-2008, 04:33 PM
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I think RL suits better for older person. Let say 30+

It looks more luxury than TL
Old 11-28-2008, 06:00 PM
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Originally Posted by SelimUniNoLimit
I think RL suits better for older person. Let say 30+

It looks more luxury than TL


I am 26 and if I could afford the black one I posted and to be able to make it look similar to the black on posted above I would out my TL up for sale tomorrow.

I love my TL, and with the 6 spd it is awesome but that RL is so damn sexy.
Old 11-28-2008, 06:57 PM
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get the rl... more wheel choices... and damn near all the parts from the tl will fit in there...

ie. intake... and there are a few parts from japan which the 3rd gen tl will never be able to have
Old 11-28-2008, 11:28 PM
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I'm going to look at both of them hopefully tomorrow. I'm 32 so i guess i fit into the "old" guy category, though that thought is a bit depressing. I admit, i like the looks of the stock TL exterior better than the RL but like the RL interior better than the TL. It'll be a close call i'm sure.
Old 11-29-2008, 08:40 AM
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Originally Posted by socwrkr
Thanks for the link! Tempting, though i'm quite a ways from Georgia (i'm in wisconsin) but have never had a problem flying to get the right car... what's up with Georgia anyways... when i was looking at the TL, i was also thinking of getting a 2006 IS 250 or 350 which are hard to find in a similar price range to the TL but for some reason there were quite a few available in Atlanta.

Anyways, between the TL and RL, it's a very difficult decision but what i'm hearing here is that there have not been known technical issues with the RL that would weed it out against the TL>?

It is not just Atlanta but most everywhere else. Prices are highest in the Midwest (except for CA) and particularly Wisconsin because the culture is that most folks are very tight with their money. Wisconsin has some of the highest used car prices around. When I look for used cars I look down south because they are cheaper and they aren't completely destroyed by the salt after a few years.
Old 11-29-2008, 07:48 PM
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RL = 25 year old person
TL= 50 year old person



its great when modders have the RL, it shows alot of potential in the car. I can't wait till mine is finish.
Old 11-29-2008, 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Blazing GT
RL = 25 year old person
TL= 50 year old person

I think stereotypically it would be the other way around, but I am 26 and wish I could afford to sale my TL for a nice black RL.



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