jwaters943

So, in my searching for a used 1st-gen Acura RL, I have come across a few higher mileage 2nd-gen RLs also in my price range (approx. $10k). I've pretty much eliminated the TL from my search due to higher resale value and poorer wear/condition of most used TLs I've seen. Either the owners are harder on these cars or they just don't hold up as well as the RL in my experience.

Wants/needs (in order of importance):
Reliable
Comfortable/roomy
Relatively anonymous (this car will be parked on the street in my downtown neighborhood so I don't want anything too attention seeking or flashy)

The 2nd gen is obviously superior in many areas, but I do have concerns about reliability of a 1st model year new generation RL vs. the tried and true late model 1st gen RL. So, RL owners, what say you? Between these two choices which would you get, and why?

(I know we all know what RLs look like, but rule #1)

1st-gen 2004 RL
Mileage range of cars priced @ $10k usually varies between 75-100k
Specs: 225 hp & 231 lb-ft/FWD/4-speed automatic/0-60: 7.5-7.9 seconds








2nd-gen 2005 RL
Mileage range of cars priced @ $10k usually varies between 110-120k
Specs: 300 hp & 260 lb-ft/AWD/5-speed automatic/0-60: 6.5-7.0 seconds

Ken1997TL

I owned an '02. I love it. It was supremely comfortable, quiet and anonymous. And I never had a problem with it.

Having said that, I really do love the 2nd generation RL...

MyNameIsEarl

2nd Generation RL for sure. Much more classier, and it's got tons of tech on it!
Yet, it still preserves anonymity, as you hardly see them at all on the street and hardly anyone knows what they are!!!

Megatron

Definitely 2nd gen for several reasons...

1) You will need the timing belt/water pump service done on the 1st gen for sure since it is below 100K miles when you buy it. At 110-120K miles, you may find a second gen with this already done. Definitely go find one that has had this done, and you instanly save around $1200 on the service.

2) Any reliability issues with the 2005 RL (1st year production issues) are convenience issues and will not leave you stranded... like A/C, door handles, etc. There have not been any known issues that cause people to be stranded somewhere waiting for a tow truck.

3) You get SO much more with the 2nd gen. SH-AWD, 5-speed instead of 4, V-TEC motor, newer gen NAV, more modern/updated look, keyless start and entry, etc.

This is a no brainer to me... Definitely the 2005!

ParaSurfer1979

Actually the 04 RL has the newer nav interface of the 04+ TL as its the only 1st Gen'r with Voice Recognition in the navi. What the 04 doesn't get could be major for you. The 04 RL doesn't have BT nor does it have an Aux Jack/iPod interface if you use one of those. That said as far as 1st gens go, the 04 is the one to get. Acura added 2 more speakers and a more responsive suspension.

Megatron

It does have the newer NAV interface as far as the 1st gen RL goes and yes it is the same as the NAV interface of the 04-06 TL. BUT the 2nd GEN RL has the same NAV as the 07 TL, so it's even newer. In fact, short of the latest hard drive based NAVs, the 2nd gen RL has the latest DVD NAV system in any Honda and Acura.

But I would agree that if you must get 1st Gen, 2004 is the only year to get!

Ken1997TL

Suspension on the 2002 - 2004 RL's is the same.

MyNameIsEarl

All the extras make the 05 RL so much better, keyless entry, how the instrument console looks, all the little lights that make you fall in love with the car.

It is impossible to go wrong with either pick, either way, you are getting an Acura! And even better, an Acura RL!

ParaSurfer1979

You brought up another point to think about. All the added technology in the 05 will make things that more $.$$ when/if they fail.

jwaters943

ech

That's what I worry about. I would like a car I can have my independent Acura mechanic work on for cheap and I'm guessing the maintenance costs are going to be a bit less on a slightly older FWD RL vs. the newer AWD RL w/ all it's luxury content (swiveling headlights, smart key, etc.).

Again, reliability is an important factor for me. I'm not expecting perfection since it's a used car, but something relatively low maintenance would be nice.

ParaSurfer1979

The 04 RL was around a long time. Acura just "tweaked" it as time went by. I'd be pretty confident the 04 is a tank. Solid and reliable as all the bugs had been gone from that car years ago. Not to mention a tad better on gas.

MyNameIsEarl

Yeah, but Honda/Acura is pretty reliable. It is unlikely that you will have stuff failing left and right. I mean, we are talking "Legend" reliability here. I believe Acura has held true to that over the years, especially to the RLs. I think over the long run an owner would be much happier with a 2nd Gen RL vs a 1st Gen RL because the styling holds up much better over the years. For someone who didn't know, it'd be easy enough to confuse a nice-looking 05 RL for a brand new 2012 RL, or even newer if they didn't know it was getting redesigned again. Yet an '04 RL definitely shows its pre-millenium styling, not that that's bad, in fact, I love the styling of the '96 to '04 RLs, but if you care about newer looks, go with the '05.

jwaters943

Great feedback so far, guys. Much appreciated.

FWIW, I actually think the 1st gen has a more timeless luxury flagship sedan appearance and better proportions (same goes for the Legend before it). This is something I find lacking in the 2nd generation which never really looked like anything but a fancier Accord on the outside, at least to my eye. Just my $0.02. The inside is a somewhat different story. ;-)

We all know the 2nd-gen RL is a better car in nearly every way, but I do have reservations about it's reliability after reading of C&D's 8 unscheduled service trips on their Long Term 2004 RL.

Ken1997TL

If you want a 2nd generation RL, I'd advise getting an '06 or '07. The bugs were worked out and minor changes were made here and there to the various components.

jwaters943

Sadly the 2006 RL is a no go for me. It seems like the price spikes considerably on that year. I can't find anything for under $15k. I'm looking to stay in the $10-12k price range.

Ken1997TL

For your price then I'd stick with an '04. They tend to be in immaculate shape too.

phins2rt

That 05 would be more anonymous. Most people think it is an Accord.

MyNameIsEarl

So, if you don't mind me asking, which one did you get?

Stzipper

I'm owning 1st gen 2004 RL about 2 years ago and I can say that it is both reliable and comfortable. That car is very special to me as I purchased it wrecked (got it cheaply at online acura salvage) it had an accident front end damage and salvage title, so I had to repair and I'm very glad I got it. So maybe I'm a bit subjective when I vote for 04 RL, but I personally don't have problems with it now.

ParaSurfer1979

He's right. The 05 RL had drive shaft issues and those active swivel headlights are a big problem for a lot of owners. As far as interiors go, I think the 04 RL looks more luxurious the navi/audio stack almost looks like home audio components. The stereo while not ELS, this BOSE system sound so clear and just enough bottom-end to fill the cabin with quality deep bass vers vibrating seat belt latches like us TL owners know oh too well. The cabin is so quiet for one because this 3.5L engine was the last non-VTEC motor in a Honda. It's not very high reving (6300rpm redline) so it makes a lot of its power down low unlike how VTEC/i-VTEC motors power is produced from 4500rpm to upwards near 7000rpm. Keep us posted.