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Comments
I have always owned Hondas and am ready for a better ride but cautious about buying the first year of a new model. Also, the owners manual says to replace the timing belt at 60,000 miles. Is this necessary so early?
I realize the TL is more "fun" to drive, and the RL is more of a cruiser, but I'm wondering what you folk think -- the $10,000+ difference is quite a bit of money. And that's okay, if there's a significant difference in value ... but I don't see it ... I'm assuming you folks think the RL is the better buy, or you wouldn't have purchased one ... what factors do you think make it superior to the TL?
Thanks for your opinions!
Take care.
Joe W.
I also went through the same decision process recently. My previous vehicle was a 98 Toyota Avalon XLS which I really enjoyed, but I had continuous warranty repairs which never seemed to end.
The advantages that I saw in favor of the TL were:
1. More powerful engine
2. Larger trunk
3. Generally same interior dimensions as RL
4. about 10K cheaper, although it was almost imposible to negotiate any worth while discount off sticker.
Advantages for RL:
1. Standard CD Changer
2. Better Stereo
3. Standard Fog Lamps
4. Auto dimming rearview miror
5. Power tilt/telescopic steering wheel
6. Larger screen for navigation system
Are the advantages of the RL worth an extra 10k, probbly not, but in the end I choose the RL because I liked the overall exterior styling as compared to the TL. Some may say that 10k is a big price difference and I agree, but I plan to keep the car for about 7 years and if I enjoy the car seven years from now as much as I enjoy it today, I feel that I have got my moneys worth. Good luck, either way you will be getting a great vehicle at a very reasonable price hen compared to the competition.
Our decision at the time was because:
1. Wife thinks RL is too big (only < 4 inches longer, actually).
2. I like the TL more sporty ride.
3. I thought that RL will be replaced in January '2000.
I always like the RL styling better than the TL. Plus, the TL has been having small annoying problems here and there (mostly rattle, poor fit and finish, cheap material quality, etc.). But, $ 10 K savings is a $ 10 K, so, I am okay with the decision. I treat the TL as just a car to go from A to B, and a bit step up from a Honda Accord.
Now, regarding the advantages of the RL.
1. You can buy after market CD Changer for around $ 200.
2. Most likely true, but, I haven't tried the RL stereo, the TL has wimpy bass.
3. Very true, if only for aesthetic purpose only. TL needs fog lamps to complete the front look.
4. TL has an inside auto dimming rear view mirror too.
6. Really? I didn't know that.
Now some more advantages to the RL:
1. Tilt adjustable front headrest.
2. Real wood interior.
3. Pull type outside door handles (I considered this type as safer, in an emergency, as paramedics get more leverage to open the stuck door).
4. VSA.
5. You see less RL on the street than TL.
6. Better fit and finish, still made in Japan.
7. Etc.
1 oxygen sensor replaced at 30k (free under warranty)
1 Seat belt recall (did it during an oil service)
1 Steering nut recall (did it during an oil service)
I've owned an Acura before so to me this list was kinda of long. :-) Reliablity was first on my list which kept me from getting the Lexus GS and Audi A6. (A6 was my second choice)
Thats about it. I drive the car pretty hard and handles fairly well for a big car. The tires seem to squeal when pulling corners hard but overall quiet on most surfaces.
The brakes are excellent pulling the car to a stop very quickly.
(As a comparison, my dad has a '00 TL and its brakes take more time to stop the car. When you press TL brakes, there isn't a dead pedal stop feel to it.)
The stereo system is pretty good. Most of the time I listen to only news but when I listen to classical music, all instruments can be heard clearly.
Initially the seats were a bit stiff, but they have broken nicely and I can drive 1hr+ without having to re-adjust the seats.
The arm rest is great! It pops up so you can rest against it and the left car door rest is very soft and comfortable. Also like the auto head lights. If you forget to turn on lights in a parking garage, it does it for you.
The seats must be comfortable. Everyone who sits in the front passenger seat and rear seats fall asleep. When I'm in those seats, I sleep too. :-)
The back seat headrests adjust and are a nice touch but no one really plays with it.
I noticed that people mention that the RL has no dual climate controls. Not having experienced dual zone systems, I'm not sure what I'm missing so its not an issue for me.
Now the nitpicks.
I can't hook my cell phone adapter in the center armrest outlet because the adapter is too big causing the armrest to not close. This was fixed in the '00 model when the outlet is tilted horizontally instead of vertically.
When you tilt the steering wheel too low, it blocks the top part of the odometer. This can be a real annoyance so I adjust it as low as possible without blocking it.
Would have liked the 6-disc changer to be in the car and not in the trunk. At least its covered nicely in the trunk. Friend of mine just purchased a 2000 BMW 5-Series and the trunk changer is behind the panel with the wires! (very nice).
Thats about it. I really like the conservative styling. Initially I didn't purchase the TL because I didn't like the styling but its growing on me.
Oh one more thing, parts are more expensive than in a TL. $90 just to purchase AC filters for the car (not including labor). It looks like 2 sponges for crying out loud.
-William
problems / solutions specific to the RL?
User "jccssc" (Posting in #592 in Acura 3.5
RL Part I), I'd like to hear more about your
transmission symtoms. The dealer just ordered
a new transmission for me. I would like to
avoid getting 6 new transmissions like your
dealer choose to do in attemp to solve your knocking transmission.
Navi. Loved my Lexus but was looking for
something different and little larger and I loved
the DVD navigational system since I hate driving
and reading a map at the same time! The Lexus
experience was excellent and the technicians on
duty with their roadside assurance was great.
Acura's roadside assistance is really nothing more
than a built in AAA. They do not have technicians
on duty.
The Acura RL is not fun to drive and is also a bit
of gas pig. However, it's extremely luxurious,
very comfortable for back seat riders, has a
wonderful sound system and for long drives, it's a
pleasure. I think there's way to much roll on the
curves which takes a little getting used to after
the road hugging ES 300.
The price, however, was really right. I used
www.fightingchance.com to research the car. I
couldn't afford a Lexus LS400 and after doing my
research, I got a $44,500 demo car with 3,000 miles
for $39,000 which included some extras (floor
mats, burled shift knob) Acura is begging you to
take this car off their lot. I leased the car for
39 months. Honda is offering exceptional leasing
deals on this vehicle with extraordinary subsized
leasing (the only reason to do a lease). Again, do
your homework. I made sure I understood every
aspect of leasing. The book Look Before You Lease
helped me immeasurably in this regard. I'm hoping
that Honda reliability will hold for this car.
Otherwise, in 3 years, I'll try something new.
UPDATE: I first posted this message about a month ago. Still love my RL, but have two problems:
1. It stalled at an intersection after moving in stop and go traffic. Haven't had a chance to check with dealership and it only happened once but would like to know if anyone has had the same problem.
2. The rear window de-icer doesn't seem to work on mist. I had it on for over 10 minutes in the mornings and got no de-misting. The dealer said it works as designed. Haven't had ice yet, but has anyone had this problem?
I'm falling in love with this car more each day. It's really grown on me. The sound system is awesome and the navigational system a huge help. I love the fact that it includes telephone numbers of places so I can call to check addresses and make reservations.
BTW, to get rid of tire squeal and enhance handling on the rl - get rid of the michelins and put dunlop sp 5000's on. Have 5k miles on the dunlops and the handling is much improved on my '96.
Steering is loose compared to Lexus, Volvo. It's actually a little tighter when you turn off the traction control.
Sound system is inferior compared to other luxury cars. I just replaced rear speakers. They have no tweeters.
Engine trouble light comes on if you don't tightly screw on the gas cap.
On the positive side, it looks nice and it's comfortable on long drives which I do a lot of.
It's cheaper than a Lexus. You get what you pay for, and frankly, driving this car makes me miss my Camry.
Don't need a V-8 on a 604 sq. mile island; the two extra cylinders really burn the petrol. Premium is over $2.00/gallon at most places, although I pump my own at Costco for $1.919.
Driving the 3.5RL makes me glad I didn't get a new 2000 Camry XLE V-6 at $26.8K OTD. Saved myself $4.6K, which is now safely invested.
I'd love to have a Lexus LS400/430. But, it's a case of diminishing returns!
Maybe joelraab should avoid jack rabbit starts & heavy braking at traffic lights, also, run the air conditioning on economy mode!!
trust me, I've owned one, but this car was not
made with real winter driving in mind. Add the
fact most, not all, Toyota/Lexus dealerships are
cheesier than kraft macaroni and cheese converted me to Acura, and I haven't looked back yet. Oh yeah, also, the $15 grand I saved buying the RL
in about 5 years will have made enough money with good investments to pay for my next RL.
A BONAFIDE BARGAIN INDEED!
JPOG
Great to hear you're enjoying yours. Probably as much as I enjoy cruising around in my '96.
Take care.
Joe W.
Does that even make sense? Maybe not, but coupled with the rumors of the new RL, I think Acura had to soften up a bit.
Any thoughts?
I currently own a 1995 Acura Legend Coupe with a six speed manual transmission. I intend to keep this car forever. Everyone who has been complaining about Acura not providing an 8 cylinder engine is missing the real point: Acura engines demand the freedom from a stick shift. Since 1986, I have owned three Honda Preludes prior to my Legend, all sticks. Every engine has a magnificent ability to climb RPMs in any gear without fatigue. When I am pushing the legend, I have to be careful or I will redline in first and second gears (6600 RPm).
You can imagine my disappointment when the new versions of the Acura lineup debuted in 1996. The suspensions were soft, engines weak and the only stick model was a rollover prone CL. Not what you expected from a company that won the manufacturer's championship in 6 years out of 10 in Formula 1 racing.
Thus, my hope is that Acura will return to offering sticks in their premier models so that enthusiasts like myself can drive the engines as they were meant to be driven.
When you read the brochures on honda automobiles about racing innovations in their automobiles, keep in mind that the racing innovations are winning innovations.
No, i do not sell Hondas for a living.
anyone know if the new rl (pretty sure rwd/awd, v8) is competing with the larger crowd (ls, s-series, 7 series) or the one down from that (e-class, gs series, etc.)?
For the folks with 3.5RL problems. Take these cars back to your dealers, push them to make them right. These vehicles are cars after all and problems seem to be endemic, but my experience has been that Acura dealers are pretty good in trying to make things right. I have driven nothing but Hondas and Acuras since 1979 and have had tremendous performance. My wife drives a 1989 Toyota wagon LE, which she loves and doesn't want to give up. We have had good service from Toyota people, but it doesn't match Acura. Best of luck.
Anyone have experience with these "new" 5 year paint sealant/waxes? Is there anything to their claims for a 5 year finish which is perfect?
Acura has succeeded and survived with 6 cylinders. i bet that the next RL will have a 6 cylinder with plenty of torque and horsepower. They created the econo-luxury marquee in 1986 with a V-6 and there is no reason to leave.
The V-6 has served Acura well, but I'm surprised that a V-8 hasn't made an appearance after nearly 15 years. Particularly since Lexus and Infiniti had them coming out of the blocks in 1990.
Take care.
Joe W>
Hey JPOG!
The BEST thing you can do for your new car is to order a set of Zaino polymer products to maintain it. It can look fantastic in normal use with twice a year polishing! Check out the Zaino forum here and go to www.zainobros.com for the details. I was a wax fanatic for the last 40 years, and was convinced to try it by the active forum here. I will never go back, and neither will anyone else that has tried it. Have Fun!
My local salesman said that the 2002 RL won't be a V8 nor RWD. This info somewhat confirmed the Automotive News article a couple months back about Honda making decision about whether the next RL will be FWD or RWD this year.
I am really confused too. Temple of VTEC web site won't reply to my e-mail. So, I guess they don't know either.
Another source mentioned that it will be based on a stretched TL.
In post 86, I erred. The $1,200 in dealer profit is not over invoice but includes $900 of holdback.
Is anyone taking the RL manual at its word and driving the automatic as a manual? Also, has anyone shut off the traction control for better performance?
Also, from which dealer did you buy the car?
Dealer is Connolly Acura in Framingham, MA on Route 9. I've had my Legend service there for many years. Keep in mind, i was also negotiating with another dealership as well, Clair Acura in Walpole. On Saturday, I basically told each dealer to come closest to my number ($36,200 with NAv but without other options).
Hope that helps.
Few Comments after the test driving a 3.5RL:
1. The interior is really cool. Great value for the price. Its really roomy and luxurious.
2. The engine is a little loud.
3. Not too impressed with the sound system. Was playing FM radio though.
4. I like the fact that all features are std. I really don't care for the Navigation system.
labor required upfront but the results pay dividends for a long time. Look into it Sharkwalk.
Take care.
Joe W>
Thanks for the tip on Zaino. I am off to the discussion group and website.