Concerns for 2008 RL- should I steer away?

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Old 04-19-2018, 02:59 PM
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Concerns for 2008 RL- should I steer away?

I finally found an 08 base with the black/black combo that i always wanted. The car has 85K, owned by an old man and it appears to be in great condition. The car was recently traded to my local acura dealership and they did the following items: 4 brand new Perelli all seaon tires, replaced timing belt tensioners (no water pump), replaced new battery, and replace brand new right tailight assembly. The price is just a tad under market value in my area but it's hard to find the car at this age in its condition w/no accident history and 1 owner obviously so it's a major plus. I also contacted his favorite local mechanic shop (found from car fax) and it appears that no major items were done beside the typical oil changes.

Given it's a 10 years old, any big items i should be concerned and gotta take care right away? I'm weighing option whether i should buy this car or a much younger year TL.
Thanks for any input!
Old 04-19-2018, 03:57 PM
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There are a few documented issues on here with A/C and prop shaft issues, but many were confined to early years. There are a few minor issues like flickering too displays, and other minor inconveniences. With it being 10 years old, I would have been worried about the timing belt and tires needing replacement. Those have already been addressed which is great. I’m shocked the water pump wasn’t changed.
Old 04-19-2018, 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by projektvertx
There are a few documented issues on here with A/C and prop shaft issues, but many were confined to early years. There are a few minor issues like flickering too displays, and other minor inconveniences. With it being 10 years old, I would have been worried about the timing belt and tires needing replacement. Those have already been addressed which is great. I’m shocked the water pump wasn’t changed.
i thought the same thing about the water pump. The dealer performed these items so i guess they didnt' care if they didn't find it needs to be replaced yet. Any known issue on the tranny for this generation? i had a bad tranny on an 07 TL so i'm still somewhat scared on these production years.
Old 04-19-2018, 10:21 PM
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The 2G RL's are Japanese built, build quality is superb, go for it and post pictures when you get it!
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Old 04-19-2018, 11:06 PM
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I have a 2008 and it has been very reliable. However I am on top of my maintenance. You will need to change timing belt and water pump, front and side engine mounts, and shocks probably in the next couple of years if you want to maintain the ride quality and reliability.
Old 04-19-2018, 11:21 PM
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I’ve heard ads of some very rare case reports of transmission failures on these cars, but it’s definitely not a problem that’s plagued this car like the 2G and 3G TL. Very rare problem here.
Old 04-20-2018, 07:32 AM
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Originally Posted by digitaltypeS
i thought the same thing about the water pump. The dealer performed these items so i guess they didnt' care if they didn't find it needs to be replaced yet. Any known issue on the tranny for this generation? i had a bad tranny on an 07 TL so i'm still somewhat scared on these production years.
Most times when the timing and pump are done, the parts removed are still new. But, who'd take the risk right? The pump is invincible. Only it's 1$ gasket maybe needs change...

Nothing on the tranny. Again, what's important here is her history. Does she come from a good family, has she been divorced and remarried often? Was she being slutted around? Was she well fed and dressed?

Those are really your main indicators.

Originally Posted by Drei
The 2G RL's are Japanese built, build quality is superb, go for it and post pictures when you get it!
Very much this. A very important point. There is no more but one factory in the world to make an RL. It's indeed in Japan. Build quality is indeed relatively very good.
Old 04-20-2018, 08:23 AM
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Thank you for the inputs all. Anyone know what are the estimated costs for shock replacement and engine mount?
Old 04-21-2018, 12:15 AM
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Originally Posted by digitaltypeS
Thank you for the inputs all. Anyone know what are the estimated costs for shock replacement and engine mount?
If you do the work yourself, you're looking at about 800$ in shocks for OE. I'm not sure on the cost of the motor mounts.
Old 04-21-2018, 05:35 PM
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I swear there aren't any good deals on RL's on the west coast. If you don't end up buying it, shoot me the details! I've been looking for black/black under 100k miles. If you do buy, post pics! haha
Old 04-21-2018, 05:53 PM
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Originally Posted by digitaltypeS
Thank you for the inputs all. Anyone know what are the estimated costs for shock replacement and engine mount?
I have an excellent mechanic on the RI border who has saved me a ton of $$. He works at a Honda dealership and does work on the side in his driveway. Let me know if you want his info.
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Old 04-22-2018, 08:23 AM
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Originally Posted by pewpew
I swear there aren't any good deals on RL's on the west coast. If you don't end up buying it, shoot me the details! I've been looking for black/black under 100k miles. If you do buy, post pics! haha
I think the North East and upper Midwest was a huge sales area for these cars lol
Old 04-23-2018, 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by digitaltypeS
i thought the same thing about the water pump. The dealer performed these items so i guess they didnt' care if they didn't find it needs to be replaced yet. Any known issue on the tranny for this generation? i had a bad tranny on an 07 TL so i'm still somewhat scared on these production years.
There are no transmission issues with this generation of RL. The TL and Accord had chronic transmission failures, but they used a different transmission. The RL uses the same one as the Odyssey, and it's not a problem area.

Overall, my reaction to your description of this particular car is: What's not to like? If you like the price, I'd go for it.
Old 04-24-2018, 09:30 AM
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no major issues with the 2g RL, E.G transmission or motor. You just have to keep an eye out for suspension parts, how many miles on your 07 TL? I has 3 and none of them have issue with the AT.
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