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Acura RL vs. Acura TL
Sorry to seem schizophrenic - I am having trouble making up my mind about what what car to buy, but am leaning towards the Acura RL. On the plus side, my wife and I negotiated an incredible deal for the RL and an MDX (Touring w/NAV). Total price for the two comes in at under $79K, if I pull the trigger now. But I am still uncertain.
Help me decide.
I am having to give up a six-speed since my bachelor days are over and my wife doesn't like to drive an MT, so that has me looking at near-to luxury cars like the RL. I love the new 330i, but a) there's no 330xi model available yet, and b) what's the point of an AT BMW? I also like the styling and ride of the M (and, for that matter, the G), but after reading here about disenchanted owners (and seeing my friend's Infiniti inexplicably burn-up three sets of front brakes in under 20,000 miles), I am skeptical about Infiniti. And the Lexus 300AWD - hot!, but tres cher!
So now I am looking at Acura, but can't decide between the RL and the TL. Doubtless the RL is a refined (and fine!) ride, and the Formula-1-ish paddle-shifters are intriguing (might almost make up for having to drive an AT!), but the styling ... I don't know: it looks a lot like an Accord (and a comparably equipped Accord is $20K cheaper, and technically roomier). Meanwhile, the styling of the TL is great, but I would prefer AWD to FWD. Is it worth the additional $12K, though?
Give me some advice!
Help me decide.
I am having to give up a six-speed since my bachelor days are over and my wife doesn't like to drive an MT, so that has me looking at near-to luxury cars like the RL. I love the new 330i, but a) there's no 330xi model available yet, and b) what's the point of an AT BMW? I also like the styling and ride of the M (and, for that matter, the G), but after reading here about disenchanted owners (and seeing my friend's Infiniti inexplicably burn-up three sets of front brakes in under 20,000 miles), I am skeptical about Infiniti. And the Lexus 300AWD - hot!, but tres cher!
So now I am looking at Acura, but can't decide between the RL and the TL. Doubtless the RL is a refined (and fine!) ride, and the Formula-1-ish paddle-shifters are intriguing (might almost make up for having to drive an AT!), but the styling ... I don't know: it looks a lot like an Accord (and a comparably equipped Accord is $20K cheaper, and technically roomier). Meanwhile, the styling of the TL is great, but I would prefer AWD to FWD. Is it worth the additional $12K, though?
Give me some advice!
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Comments
I'm currently debating the RL vs. the M35. The M35 entered the picture several months ago due to the overpriced nature of the RL (at the time). The newer heavily discounted prices on the RL is intriguing however. Your combined total price isn't much help evaluating the deal - how much is the RL part of it? The TL is a heck of a car and a good deal in and of itself (I'm even thinling of getting a TL and saving the money); I have been struggling since March to convince myself that the RL is worth ~$10K more than the TL - I'm not sure that it is :confuse:
Your comments about disenchanted M owners is a bit puzzling; I have not gotten that impression at all here on Edmunds. Actually the RL is having a lot of QC issues that is being reported here and on other dedicated forums. The preponderance of reported issues with the RL is the Number 1 thing holding me back. I've more or less decided to forgo the '05 RL due to its problems and either get the new M35, wait on the '06 RL, or save the money and get a TL.
Both are great cars. The TL is especially great considering the price.
I prefer the TL's styling to the RL's, though the longer I drive my RL, the more I appreciate the styling.
The AWD in the RL really sells it for me.
One of my few complaints about the RL is the somewhat choppy ride. The TL's ride is even choppier - much more of a sports car feel.
I don't believe the TL is as quiet as the RL.
The nav system on the RL is the best there is. While the nav system on the TL is very similar, it isn't as easy to operate as the RL's.
Aside from those items, either car would be a great car for you.
RL vs TL. I driven both and decided on the TL. The AWD is nice, but I found enough road bite with the TL. The RL to me is trying to compete with the luxury sports sedan of Lexus LS and maybe the BMW 5...but I found the amenities of the TL to be comparable to both just mentioned. Cabin size of the RL might be roomier...but it just didn't fit the profile needs and wants I seeked.
As for the paddle shifters....I am not a big big fan....and should not be a decision maker and a novelty that the up coming Lexus IS330 is trying to push. Somewhat interesting...but you can also do the same with the TL sequential-shifter...where you can mimic manual shifting with the fine TL automatic.
Although the RL is a fine bargain at $43k...is it worth the additional $12k above the TL? You have to make that decision after multiple test drives...I selected the TL. If I was considering a mid-$40k sports sedan...I might even pony up a few additional dollars and consider the Lexus GS series. Either way...it is very difficult to beat the performance, amentities and value proposition of a TL.
RL = 44
seamusnh, "Acura RL Owners: Problems & Solutions" #275, 22 Jul 2005 10:26 am!make=Acura&model=RL&ed_makeindex=.ef4f332
Most of the problem appear to be electrical and/or software related; e.g. XM issues, NavTraffic issues, Key Fob problems (dead battery), etc. Most seem minor and somewhat typical to first model year releases; however there are too many in my opinion and I'd just as soon wait on the '06 or get something.
IMHO, the RL is too small for it's price range. It has some nice features. The Navi is noticably better, but only if you live in a city with the real-time traffic monitors (I think they are up to 25 of the largest US cities right now)
I really disagree The RL's navi has an easy to use joystick as opposed to the touch screen on the TL. Also, you can program the RL's navi while driving since it has voice feedback. The basic system is the same, but I find the RL's more refined to use.
Each to his/her own. I love my RL and wouldn't trade it for a TL for anything. A good friend has the TL and wouldn't trade it for my RL straight across. The TL is a great value, but the RL is an absolute dream to drive.
And that is the final word on all of these "mine's better, faster, prettier and a better value" ego matches on several of these boards. While it's fun to argue, you vote with your wallet. The car you buy, until you decide otherwise, is the absolute best car for you!
If I wanted to spend in the $50k range there is no doubt I would have driven the RL. And M35/45, E Class (actually I did drive the E Class a couple of times. Very nice, but I decided I didn't want to spend $50k and to be honest just couldn't see the ~$20k difference between the E and the TL) and maybe the 530 (it's just that it looks so bad on the outside and dull/downmarket on the inside. Sorry, I'm shallow and need a pretty face...) and A6. From what I're read, the RL is a strong competitior.
Anyway, Nebraska, enjoy the RL as much as I (and, if I can read between the lines, frisconick
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Kudos to Acura for two great cars.
Very well put! We go back and forth on what car is best, but these are all really great cars, and we are lucky to be able to afford them.
You can program the TLs nav while in motion, too, and it has the same voice recognition, voice prompts and feedback too.
I do believe the RLs joystick is easier to use than the TLs - I hope it is b/c the TLs is not easy to use - but I wonder why they got rid of the touchscreen. Even those who prefer to use a joystick should be able to appreciate having the option?!?
They may have gotten rid of it because the touch screen doesn't hold up well. I had the touch screen on my 99RL and after two years there were permanent spots on it at places I frequently touched the screen.
It's true ... just a few yars ago I was praying each day my '91 Explorer (190,000+ miles) wouldn't explode, since I couldn't afford anything else!
I still like the look of the TL over the RL, but the advanced AWD system of the RL is astonishing, and seems almost to justify the $12K difference I was fussing about earlier. My concern now is the mention of QC problems in the RL (as a new car line/re-design). You RL owners -- what problems have you experienced (and have any made you wish you hadn't bought it?).
Where'd you buy your RL, A of B, Clair?
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Other than a couple of very minor problems that have been fixed, my only complaint is the common one of rattles from the front brake pads. It's very annoying, but doesn't make me regret my purchase. It's only at low speeds on rough streets. At highway speeds, it's no problem.
Good job Acura.
It is on my short list for next summer when I go car shopping.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
"I don't think there's anything "wrong" with the TL style."
What I meant was I don't think there's anything "wrong" with the RL style. I find in handsome, but unfortunately a bit generic...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Nick, I know the G coupe is on your radar screen, but the thing that concerns me a bit is I don't find it as stunning as initially. From certain angles it looks heavy, slab-sided. So the question again is, will its styling stand the test of time, or will it become a self-caricature, like the FX has become, and the 350Z rapidly becoming?
By comparison, cars such as the TL, BMW M3, and MB SL in particular, are love at first sight, and the feeling never wanes. Then there are cars like the RL, and the earlier Legends, which don't knock your socks off at first glance, but the more you look, the more you like!
As for bodble2 comments...historically the Infiniti's looks are no as eternal as the other brands mentioned. Besides the FX looking odd on the road...think back in time to the "J30" with the weird rear end. Or think of how previous generation "Q" look today. Or how even the recent "I30" looks rather drab after only one year after they ended production which began I believe in 2000. "G20". "QX4". Or even the previous forgettable version of the M.
I would prefer a RL over a M....but that is my opinion.
I agree. The rear end and rear lights are especially unattractive. Nissan/Infiniti, for some reason, have had real problems with rear end styling. Think 1995+ Maxima, Altima, the J30 & M you mentioned, and even the G sedan which they had to re-do after just 1 year.
You know, I think that's how I'd describe myself !!!
Your slab-sided, is my muscular. :P
But I do think the RL is a classic looking car that will pass the test of time with ease. The TL is novel in it's look, but I also think it will pass the test of time, only other car companies will copy-cat the look.
With taxesquire's description....I don't think I will look at the "M" in the same way ever again. :surprise:
I know looks are subjective - but a hot rod :confuse: The new M styling is very similar to the new GS and hot rod don't describe it
Recognize the low, sloping hood that appears longer than the stubby, chunky rear? That's the style Porsche 911s have used for years.
But to me, Nissan/Infiniti always try to go for "Look at Me" styling, and I think a lot of times they go overboard. I liken them to the stereotypical used car salesman who wears loud clothing to stand out, but end up looking kinda tacky. :sick: