FredS

I have a 2007 with 155,000 miles and that is no typo. The only things that I have done out of the ususal brake pads, battery etc has been replacing both the drivers and passengers armrests. Now the top of my center console has begun to wear thin and get bubbles especially on the sides and a few on the top.

I have read on the forum where some have replaced with real leather and others replaced with a new console which is very expensive. It does seem strange that after 155,000 miles, the mechanics of the car are holding up and the arm rests are giving out. I am not complaining however because my guess is that these three items are alot cheaper to replace than a starter, alternator, master cylinder etc..

Two questions are those that have replaced with real leather how does it look and how much did it cost. Those that replaced the center console, did you remove just the top two hinged pads or the whole top that is hinged and tilts back. Most importantly how did you remove either of these?

Thanks,

Blazing GT

I took mine to an upholstery shop. They charged me 80$ and it was done better than OEM

FredS

How did you get the two top covers off?

Professor

You can of have to disassemble the entire unit... I remember removing the molding around the rear AC ducts in the center. It's not that hard of a job... a phillips short handle screw driver and a butter knife will do the trick.

As said the OEM is very expensive. And after I replaced it, it started to bubble again within 4 months. If and when it tears, I'l going to a shop and real leather put on.

DavNyc3

yeah i wanna replace mine as well. i got my rl with the top already bubbling but now both of them are bubbled up and the driver side actually tore. real leather would definitely be nice

rlx015

You did console only for 80$ or door arm-rests were included as well? I take it it is only console ... it seems bubbling is sun heat related since my car is not garaged and it was by 1st owner - it started bubbling more now...

23109VC

Fred-

at 155k miles - what major components have you had to replace? any big ticket items or has the car held up well?

how does she drive still? solid?

it's nice to see higher mileage RLs... gives me peace of mind I've got another 100k left in my car.. as I"m only at 55k right now!

FredS

I am the original owner and have pampered the car. I am a firm believer in the Zaino products. She gets a wax job about every three months although it does not need it. I used Zaino wax on a friends TL and we waxed it the other day after one year, it still beaded up and when I used a clay bar I was amazed how it really did not need it. I condition the leather seats about every two months. Mobil1 has been used since the first oil exchange.

Outside of routine wear items (tires, battery brake pads) I have had nothing replaced or repaired except both armrest and now the center console top. I am knocking on wood!!! The car looks and drives like the day I drove it off the dealer's lot (155,000 miles). My friend asks me routinely if you had to buy a new car what would you buy? My answer is always a 2009-2010 white RL. I have silver now and my wife has a silver car. Silver never shows dirt and really shines but would want something different.

oo7spy

23109, this is from another thread where a user was concerned about buying a high mileage used Acura.

Screw 100k! Keep changing those fluids and your car has another 250k left in it.

oo7spy

When Blazing sold his RL, his arm rests were still VERY jacked up so I assume it was just his center console.

parts-guy

Its true, common problem. And also true that these car's will keep driving trouble free, when the regular issue's have been covered.

woodek

I keep forgetting to look for an upholstery shop in my area for the same reason.

RL Chi-town

yeah i got the same issue

mine is on the center arm rest and driver door too...

i thought i read some where a member got his re-done by his dealer and it was covered by warranty... anyone wanna shed some light into this?

yue3759

i've had my center armrest replaced by the dealer when it was under warranty. dealer didn't seem to want to replace as they said it wasn't covered under the "warranty". so i pushed back and said this is unacceptable after only 35k miles. they ended up replacing it for free as a one time courtesy (whatever!). i'll take it though.

guss_90

there is a Link on How Doit your Self, Center Console removement and replacing leather made by HeavyRL.

guss_90

Link here
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/f-015-heavy-vs-arm-rest-781944/