MattB

I'm considering a 2002-2004 3.5RL Navi as my next car, and would like to know before I make the switch from Infiniti if there are any issues with the 99-2004 RLs similar to the nightmare issues I hear about from TL owners (bad paint, bad transmissions, bad ride, basically a lot of lemon problems).

Ken1997TL

Bad transmissions? No, the engine and transmission are COMPLETELY different from anything in the 2nd/3rd generation TL's

Paint? No, the paint techniques are of the older (some say better) kind that are not as environmentally friendly. 4 coats are used.

Bad ride? The RL is a SMOOTH SMOOTH ride.

In fact, the 96 -04 RL is probably the MOST reliable Acura ever built, including build quality/fit finish

MattB

That's great to hear that about the paint...I've been unimpressed with the paint on the new TLs, especially in the darker colors.

With the nav system do updated disks also update the user interface or do they just provide new maps? The '04 Navi is much better than the previous versions IMO.

Ken1997TL

The new Navi DVD's do improve maps, user interface AND content from my understanding.

MattB

I worked for an Acura dealer one summer during high school and I've wanted an RL ever since I first got behind the wheel of one. What was the first year the carbon grey color was offered? The '04 RL that I drove the most when I worked for Acura was carbon grey with a black interior, and that's ideally the color combination I want.

Fabvsix

I bought a 2004 Acura RL Black/Ebony/Navi/On-Star/XM satellite (only 8 were left on my stealership lot, they marked them down to $36,000.00, they sold all of them by the end of that weekend)......It IS the BEST made Acura that was left in the line up ! Its rock solid. Since I bought it 11 months ago, I've not had to return to the stealership since. They keep calling me to ask when I am going to bring the car in for service. I only have 6000 miles and NOT ONE ISSUE.....NOT ONE I CAN THINK OF LMFAO ! I change my own oil and rotate tires....so so much for service and issues !

NO Paint chips, no tranny issues, no door handles not working, no rebooting "the system like on the 2005's, NO rattles, NO GRINDING NOISES from SH-AWD, no electronic failures AND NO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIONS (on the 04's) !!!!!!!!......100 % JAPAN MADE BABY !

MattB

What are some common problem areas on these cars? I'm very seriously starting to think about a 2002+ RL Navi if a 2003-04 Infiniti M45 isn't in my price range by the time I'm ready to buy.

Ken1997TL

None really. For example, the engine is a very refined (read: older) design that was used in the Legend (in 3.2 liter form) and in addition, so is the transmission which was shared with the 1st generation 3.2 TL. (NOT the 2nd or 3rd generation TL's which use a TOTALLY different unit)

The 8 year run of the 1st generation RL is in your favor

MattB

Think a 2004 in good shape will be available around $20k by August 2006? I'm thinking maybe an off-lease car from AFS purchased through the dealer I used to work for (coolest high school summer job ever).

Crazy Bimmer

I agree.

My old man had a 96,99 and now a 02. Only one trip to the dealer for a SRS light in the 99. Thats it and my dad beats on his cars.

All acuras should be built like the RL!

MattB

Seems like it...I've read far fewer complaints here and at Acura-Legend.com about the RL than I have about the TL on TL boards. I think it's inexcusable that Honda uses a cheaper paint process on the TL than RL...Infiniti used the same paint on my G20 as they did on the Q45.

Other than 2004 is there a "best" year to look for among RLs or are they all going to be equally good?

Ken1997TL

Definitely get a 2000 or newer RL. It has the DVD based Navi, increased safety features (such as stability assist), improved handling/steering response.

2002+ RL's have an extra 15 hp, more roadfeel/steering feel, wider tires and Onstar

To me though, a 2004 RL would be a must. It has 10 speakers instead of 8, the INDASH Cd player/XM and even nicer gauges


As for paint I agree. I am fortunate that my '97 TL has the "older" type of paint process and FOUR coats due to its pearlescent paint. My '03 TL has nice paint but just isnt quite the same.

MattB

This may be odd, but one thing that I strongly prefer about the 2004 is the redesigned steering wheel. It has a thicker rim than the previous models which all felt kind of thin to me. And I agree the upgraded guages look SO much better than the pre-04 ones. If a 2003-2004 Infiniti M45 (there's something about 340hp in a sedan that appeals to me, and I unlike the majority of people like its styling) with reasonable miles is not in my price range, I want a 2004 Carbon Grey 3.5RL. Do you think it would be reasonable to say that I could probably get one with ~50K on it for around $20000 (give or take about $2000) by August 2006?

Ken1997TL

Your price sounds very reasonable Just hold out until then.

Regarding the older M45, I love its styling too. I guess we're just rare

MattB

August '06 is pretty much my firm purchase date, right before the start of my junior year of college when I will be able to have a car on campus.

I love my 1995 Infiniti G20tA but by that time it will have around 165-170K on it. I have no doubts that it would hold up fine driving from the Boston, MA suburbs to Williamsburg, VA a few times a year, but at that age and mileage wear items are just going to start piling up so it makes more sense for me to get something new.

I'm also going to need until August '06 to save up $20K (working summers at a Honda dealer) to be able to afford an RL or M45 assuming I can get $2000 in trade for my G20tA.

Do Acura dealers seem to treat RL owners any better because they own the flagship model? From what I've read VW dealers tend to give preferential treatment to Phaeton owners...

Ken1997TL

RL owners definitely get the royal treatment.

MattB

What are big wear items on these cars that will come up between 50 and 100k?

Ken1997TL

Nothing, its AFTER 105,000 that you have to deal with timing belt, water pump and maybe (just maybe) the starter.

youngTL

You'd trade a car in for that low? I got that much money for a 93 suzuki sidekick I traded in! Two words for you. PRIVATE SALE. Sell the G20tA on your own, you can probably get a couple more thousand for it.

Fabvsix

Well my 2004 RL only has 6,500 miles 11 months after I purchased it new, so I doublt you'll see mine for sale in 2006 with 50K miles. Its paid for too, so that also keeps a big smile on it in the garage........

dallison

what does that typically run??

Ken1997TL

$600 more or less.

Fabvsix

$600.00 more or less at SmoJoes shop...

Acura dealership: $900.00 - 1,100.00 with a peace of mind......

dallison

thats why i may trade mine in before 100k if i ever get there. i only have 46k on my 2000, so the chances are that i will trade it before then

saunders01

I just purchased an '02 RL w/ 50K miles from the auto auction through a local dealer. Car looks mint from the outside. Inside looks great also.

After about a month now i've noticed a slight squeek/squeel that sounds like a belt from the engine. It usually occurs after the car is warmed up a little and only when in drive. In Neutral it does not make the noise.

I was told this car came off a lease and sat for about 4-5 months. I'm thinking perhaps a belt? Although a post earlier suggests that timing belts last about 100K miles?

Any thoughts what this might be? Should I brace for a 60K mile MAJOR repair at a dealer?

Ken1997TL

I'd check the belt tensioner, the belt is most likely fine. It may just need to be tightened or loosened slightly. Its a relatively simple job as well.

saunders01

Thanks Ken.
I love this car. It's black on black and drives great. It's nearly perfect in every way imaginable from a cosmetic point of view. However there are a couple small items that I'm wondering about, maybe you can help.
#1 - Change tray. There is a small tray/drawer just to left of the steering wheel above the cruise control that ejects when pushed and should lock in place when closed. Mine will not catch, it stays open all the time. Any idea?
#2 - Floor mats. I've looked everywhere. Even checked one of the sponsors on this site. Nothing for an '02. Would just like a set of black OEM front and rear floor mats. And ideas?
#3 - Wheels. Two of them are pretty chewed up. The crome seems to have come off in several spots. WOuld it be best to look for parts on ebay, have them refinished (is that possible) or just order new ones from a parts dealer like Pep Boys?

As i said the car is an '02 w/ 50K miles so I believe the warranty for these things should be long gone.

Engine/Drive-train-wise, with the exception of that squeek I mentioned earlier, everything seems to working just fine. I'd like to take it for a long road trip next month and i'm wondering if I should take it to the dealer to ask if they could take a look at it. I don;t want to waste money, but I'm thinking they could run some diagnostics on it or perform some routine maintenance that might save me some money over time and would certinly provide some peace of mind.

An interesting factoid. In the sales process I noticed that an air bag light came on unexpectedly. The dealer took the car to the Acura dealer who replaced the part "under warranty" even though it was past the 3yr/50K. I was encouraged by that. Is that normal? Would they perform other maintenance "under warranty"?

Thanks!
Bill

Ken1997TL

Yes, some maintainence will be covered past warranty. This applies mostly to safety and emissions equipment however, so keep that in mind.

As for your other concerns:

#1) I dont know what would cause the coin try to do that.

#2) Floormats... you could try www.acuraparts247.com I've had good luck with them in the past. A set of graphite floor mats from them is $136.34 http://www.acuraparts247.com/sunnysi...All&vinsrch=no

Check under illustration #22

#3) I'd have to see the wheels for myself, but it IS possible for them to be repaired for far less than new wheels. I'd ask a detail/wheel expert on this.

acu96RL

this is for the conversation going earlier on timing belts etc. i recently brought my car in for a 127,000 mile check up and they said:

i needed a very important 120,000 mile check up ($575)

also they told me that i needed my timing belt looked at, didni't mention as to whether it needed to be replaced and estimated that at ($760)

Grand Total : $1515

also a $180 fuel system clean. anyone know anything about this, similar situations or can help me out as to whether i need or am getting ripped off with all of this.

thanks.

(the car is a 96 RL 3.5 Tan/Champagne ~129,000 mi)

Fabvsix

Always ask if the "timing belt/Water Pump/Thermostate" was changed if any Acura or Honda mileage exceeds 90,000 otherwise you have a nice bill upon you when you buy that used car !

saunders01

Ken1997RL, I've looked a little closer and this noise appears to be coming from somewhere near or in the transmission. It's barely perceptable when standing outside the car, but I can hear it inside. Hopefully it's just a loose screw... anything I should be concerned about? Are the transmissions in these pretty reliable assuming it's is not from abuse?

Ken1997TL

Yes they are quite reliable. They might be 4 speed, slow to downshift and not terribly sporty.. but they are smooth and reliable.

saunders01

Thanks. FYI. I'm coming up to play a golf course in your area in the fall. Place called Bandon Dunes. Reported to be a pretty sweet place. Know anything about it?

Ken1997TL

I just know that it overlooks the Pacific ocean and that its supposed to be top rated