Acura RL

automophile

The car will not "ping" or "knock" when you use regular, because the engine computer retards the spark timing to prevent this. However when timing is retarded, you will not only lose power, you will decrease your gas mileage. The result may be a greater % loss of mileage than the % difference in gas cost, so you actually end up losing money by using cheaper gas. Even if you break even, it is not worth the power loss.

coosamtn

I bought my 2002 TLS 9 months ago but now wish I had gotten the RL instead. The steering on the TLS is a little to "heavy" to suit me and the ride is a bit harsh. Anyone think my TLS + $10000 is doable? I have 6000 on the dial and the car is pristine

retnav

I tried to look up on Edmunds what a 2002 TL is worth used: Can't do it, most recent data is for 2001's. I recently got a letter from my dealer saying he wanted 2000 RL's and he would give a good deal. New 2002's he said were selling at $39299. My 00 RL is of certified previous owner caliber so I took it in. Using Edmunds data and giving myself the benefit of the most advantageous allowances I proposed my car and $9000. for a new 02 RL w/o nav. I was surprised when the dealer came back listing anew RL at $41550. giving my car an allowance for a personal sale (not at the certified value rate) and asking for $15250 taxes etc included. I decided my 00 was too good a car to trade for that so I turned him down. My guess is your dealer will want more than your 10K. The RL is nifty car and the 02 has some great zip, so it will just depend on how much you want one. Wonder what the best Honda EXL or whatever costs and how it compares to your TL? Sorry, can't be of anymore help. Best regards.

jwilson1

Anyway, the RL for $41550 is at least $1550 too rich for most of the country, unless I misunderstood. Try another dealer on that one.

I don't know the value of the '02 TL-S but there is one w/nav in the paper here (15k mileage) being offered (private owner) for $25k+ ... of course it has been in the paper for two weeks.

I'll let you know if it sells, or send the ad if you want to email me: jwilson1@net1plus.com

Take care.
Joe W.

autos3

We traded our 02 TL-S in Dec 01 for an 02 Lexus ES300, which they were not discounting, but manage a very respectable $28,500 for the Non/Navi equipped TL. We also own a 00 RL, which we will keep until it dies, GREAT CAR...hope this helps

ps, what state are working your deal?

coosamtn

autos3, I live in Alabama. My TL-S is WDP Non/Nav and has been garaged since new. I think the car visually ... is a "knock out", but,I just can't seem to warm up to the stiff handleing. I love the over all looks of the car... sorta in this order - overall profile, wheels, gauges, the perforated leather seats, color, etc. But,hell... maybe I'm just too old for it(60)and would rather have a hen magnet than a chick magnet!

jwilson1

I guess that makes me a young fella. I drove the S and didn't get one because of the many compromises (typical of Acura, imo), one of which was the 'too soft' suspension and the high cost of 'fixing it,' and I'm almost sixty.

The RL of course is even softer, but at least it makes no pretenses of being anything but a nice living room. Sporty, it ain't, unless you hitch it up to a Deville.

prophet2

....... even though I'm still barely in the lower half of the 50s. I've put 23K on my pre-owned '96 RL since buying it 15 months ago. It has more than "adequate" power without a stiff "sport" suspension or noisy engine growl. It's conservative "old f**t" image may actually keep me on the good side of the traffic cops and the new "Tali-Van" speed camera operators.

I never felt the need to boost my "image" with a Benz, BMW, or Lexus LS. Paying another $15-25K for two more cylinders or the "marque" didn't make financial sense - "diminishing returns." I also didn't want my clients thinking: "HE'S DRIVING OUR MONEY." My choice of a "sensible" luxury car has invoked a different response which is much more favorable.

My 21-year-old daughter, soon to graduate from well-regarded university, scares me a little, though. She once commented, before driving off in my RL, that she liked my car because she "looked cute" in it, especially with the Pearl White finish, as opposed to the Integra she usually uses during break. Now, there's a new car in her future, probably financed by "Bank of Dad," perhaps an RSX (?) or similar style car. But, since she may well join me and eventually take over my business 10 years down, a 4-door SEDAN could be better than a COUPE.

I'm looking for a pick-up truck so that I can lower the mileage on the RL, currently at 59.5K.

Bluewtr1

Thanks to post 419 for advice on sunroof rattle. The dealer has not suggested either. I will try one more time, but frankly I think it is time to get rid of this car. I have a 2000 with nearly 50K miles, and with what I have seen for resale on this vehicle I should trade it in soon before I end up getting nothing for it. Overall, the RL is a good car. Best thing about it? The ride. Second best thing? The value. I have had good luck with Honda products in the past too. If you really are looking for the ultra luxury sedan though, I feel this car falls short. Does the 10-15K difference to get a Lexus or Mercedes seem worth it? Depends on how long you intend on keeping the car, but just on resale alone I would have to say yes. There is an enormous difference between a E Series Mercedes, a LS430 Lexus, and the RL. I tend to go through cars quickly and the RL seems a little too worn at the 2 year phase...and I cherry my cars. Anyway, its been fun. Hope all you RL owners have great experiences with your vehicles. Me? I'm headed to Mercedes and Lexus tomorrow!!

jwilson1

That's wonderful: 'Tali-Van' I'll be hunting for ways to use it!

As far as stealth is concerned, it really depends on the color, and your white is certainly the best. I once owned a white Olds 88 that I could go through stop signs with -- it was like the police didn't even see it. (And yes, I'm real glad those days are done.)

hey, bluewtr1, I don't want to get picky, but ... your logic is way off. You say you want to get rid of the car while you can still get something for it ... what? If there's nothing left to depreciate, you can keep the car "cherry," as you say, and get another 200k out of it, (8 years by your current pace) donate it for $5k or sell it for $3k and you'll have made out fine, averaging a cost of $3500/yr or less on depreciation and less than half of what it takes to keep German cars repaired (Intellichoice). Are you sure you're not just bored by the practicality of the car? It is one of Honda's virtues that can, depending on mood, be a vice. And when you get back from shopping for the Benz, drop by their board here to read the posts from the guys who are suffering through electrical problems and 'Gucci' treatment from the dealers.

Good luck, though, in your search.
Joe W.

19645

I have a 2002 RL navi car. It has approximately 3K miles. I recall while back a few posts discussing a mystery noise coming for the front end after the car has sat for a while. My car makes this noise. It will only do it after the car sits over night and when it just begins to approach 5 mph.

Was there any fix for this? Did anyone identify the source of the noise?

Your help is appreciated.

coolrich59

Hi, I have a '00 RL. I see from Acura's website that they have a new DVD out for the Navi system (dated 09/01) for $150.

I'm wondering if it's worth it to update the disk; and, if so, can I get it elsewhere for less than the $150 Acura is charging?

Thanks in advance for any input.

pat

A major newspaper is looking to interview folks who learned how to drive stick in their adulthood, and either fell in love or hated it. Also welcome is any input on why people love to drive stick, and any unusual anecdotes about how you learned etc.

Hope to hear from you before Feb 22 via the Talk to the Press discussion or at jfallon@edmunds.com with your thoughts and contact information.

Thanks as always,

Jeannine Fallon
PR Director, Edmunds.com

sburke7

I have heard that noise as well on my 2002,,,it is not consistent on my vehicle, but have heard it on more than one ocassion, sort of like a grinding sound heard right after putting car in gear, and then applying brakes, say at the end of my driveway.

hunter001

I have a 00 TL with Nav. I guess the version is 1.09 or something.

Recently I emailed someone who has the latest update (2.05 ??) and it was definitely not that much of an improvement over the DVD I have right now, in terms of coverage.

I am waiting for Ver.3.0 to upgrade.

Later...AH

benminer

I would re-badge 3.5 RL as a Honda, lower the price and feature content a little bit to the low 30's to start and mid 30's nicely loaded, and sell it as a step-up from the Accord. Either that or re-design it on a RWD chassis with a V8 because it will never be able to truly compete with the LS400 or Q45 with FWD and a V6.

Considering there is nothing that you can't get in a TL for less money (except for a little room), the RL the way it is doesn't seem to have a place in the Acura family.

Ben

jwilson1

Do you work for Edmund's? Because that is almost exactly their idea, if you read the new review posted today.

As you probably know, the rumor going around for a long time has been that a rwd V8 or awd 6 is in the works for a redesign. I think most fans hope so since it really is in a bad spot in the market and out-dated in its design.

I like your idea of moving it down to Honda -- making it sort of a competitor for the Avalon, yes? But the problem Acura has, if they come out with -- say -- a V8 is that it certainly would cost quite a bit more. And up-dated design, new platform, and all the rest and probably you have something over $50k. Right?

That's just too big of a sales gap. The TL/CL combination is effective at 30,000, but 50,000 leaves too big of a gap ... the two Acura salesmen I know hope that the RL stays around. They have, they say, a number of people who are completely satisfied with it as it is. What they need is one more step up.

Take care.
Joe W.

pat

Hi all,

A reporter is trying to find consumers who've traded up from mass-market brands (e.g. Toyota, Chevy, Ford, etc.) to luxury nameplates. He says, "I'm not looking for lottery winners, just regular folks who wanted more car." If you have a story to share, please send it to me at jfallon@edmunds.com. It is helpful for you to include your e-mail, phone number and city/state of residence when you respond. Deadline for submission to this one is March 6. Thanks as always for your input!

Very best,

Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

pat

As jwilson1 mentions, a review of the 2002 RL was just posted - you can check it out by following the link in the Helpful Links box on the left sidebar of this page.

What do you think?

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

l943973

I agree that there could be some things Acura could do to improve the RL.

1. more hp would be nice.
2. please replace the trunk hinges with shocks.
(I'll gladly pay more for the car)
3. more safety features (curtain airbags)
4. power rear sunshade
5. heated steering wheel
6. active carbon filter
7. stretch the car to 203 in long (its too small)

Please keep the styling and don't make it ugly like the new BMW 745 or Lexus models. Do people in the target demographic really like that bubble styling? Acura, just remember there are people in the 25-31 age group that also purchase RLs and like the more defined style. Also please keep the price under 60k and we'll be in line to purchase the next generation model.

If I had to do it all over again, I would have still purchased the RL over the other cars that I tested. (Audi A6, Acura TL, BMW 330, Lincoln LS V8, Mercedes E320, Lexus GS300 and Volvo S80). Out of all the designs out there, the RL is my favorite (next to my NSX).

I drive my dad's 2000 3.2TL on occasion and its not as smooth and refined as the RL. The interior isn't as nice (lower quality materials) and the engine sounds rough when accelerating.

The RL ride is excellent and the steering is light but smooth. I test drove the S430 recently and the steering felt exactly the same. The RL actually felt faster.

Occasionally I see some pretty nice looking sedans drive by in the opposite direction and it turns out to be the RL. :-) (I only like the current redesign 99+ models though).

mkbrown87

To your last post, I would add the following which are the 3 things that keep my wife from really bonding with her RL:

1) Add 1-2 gal. to the fuel capacity
2) Give it a trunk release button on the trunk (like the E320)
3) Give it better/larger map pockets/center console areas for "stuff"
4) Make the sunglass holder just a little larger

I know these are minor things, but it only takes little things to make or break it.

jwilson1

two-zone climate control
lighted steering wheel controls
a real glove compartment
more midrange

a manumatic/steptronic would sometimes be good

Don't touch the heating or A/C, or for that matter, much of anything else. Edmund's complains about the thigh support: does anyone else have trouble, or did Kareem do the test?

Take care.
Joe W.

l943973

I think the seats are fine and offer good thigh support. Could use a heated backside passenger seat though.

schollersdr

I was told that the RL was just for a poor owner fo small resturant driving, and the 300M was superior. Is it right?

jwilson1

Gosh ... well, one is made by Chrysler, the other by Honda --- that's the biggest difference. Even though the 300M is supposed to be more "sporting" I find the drive in the RL preferable. Certainly the ownership experience is. You'll have to test drive it yourself.

Hey, 194etc., what year do you have? Aren't both front seats heated in all of them? I know the backs aren't.

Take care.
Joe W.

prophet2

Maybe he's assuming or hoping that it's the DAIMLER side of the corporation that's involved with the 300M.

sranger941

The only advantage that I see to the 300M is that it will stay very clean as it will probably spend most of its time on the repair lift. For the money, the RL cannot be beat. Only negatives that I hear frequently is that it does not have a V-8, but truly it is not missed. Go for the RL, you will not be disappomited

coolrich59

for the feedback on the DVD. I think I'll sit tight too.

Thanks again.

diploid

Who told you that?

schollersdr

The name is 300M. I think he works for Chrysler. Thanks you guys!!!

l943973

I have a 99 RL. The front driver seat is heated on the bottom and back. The passenger side is heated on the bottom only because of the sensors placed on the backside to enable/disable the side airbags. The manual also states that the passenger side only heats the bottom part. I guess the sensors get in the way.

I'm guessing that in the 2000+ models they may have worked around the side airbag sensors.

Hmm, RL is for a poor restaurant owner?

"poor" is such a relative term. No matter how much money you make, you always feel poor. :-)

No, I'm not a restaurant owner either but still prefer the RL over the 300M.

William

jwilson1

... I think, drivers who admire value more than a badge and whose daily driving is happier with comfort than with performance.

If, otoh, the preference is for performance, I see no way around paying another $10000 for a 5 series BMW -- ill-reputed badge and all.

After all, if we don't care what people think of us and are willing to drive the RL, then we should also be willing to swallow our pride and drive a BMW.

(I wonder what would happen if Ip osted this on a BMW page:-)

Take care.
Joe W.

sjmurray2

What can I expect to pay for an RL without Nav? Do I dare try to go below invoice? Scott

jwilson1

I paid $40k (cap cost), but that was last May.

Take care.
Joe W.

sranger941

I have a 2000 RL and the passenger seat heater only heats the bottom of the seat due to the airbag sensors located in the seatback. I believe that the 2001 and 2002 are the same.

hownow

Are you sure about that? I also have a 2000, and it feels like the lower back of the seat also heats up. That's actually one of the reasons I like it so much. However, I have noticed that I have to use the low setting, because the high can really start to burn! Too bad there's no medium setting.

hownow

OK, I stand (or is that sit) corrected. It's the driver's seat that heats up on the lower back portion, and not the passenger seat. I just assumed both seats were the same, but I checked it out today and realized I was mistaken. My bad.

wreck5

Does anyone have experience with the No-Paint Dent Removal Process, how well it works, etc.? I have a 2000 RL with a few small creases in the doors. You have to look at them at a certain angle to see them. Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

sjmurray2

Can these cars still be had for 6K off MSRP? Thought I read this in an earlier post.

matt00

Check out the "Smart shopper forum" Someone recently posted that they purchased a 2002 RL non-nav for $35,000. I think they currently have a $5000 dealer incentive for the month on Feb.

Good Luck,

jwilson1

On a different car (thank god), I had occasion to use the no-paint dent removal. I tried it because it was cheap and my dent was aggravating -- a stone had dented the middle of the hood. They got it all out, but they do it a bit at a time and you could see the marks if you got it in just the right light.

I would think that the no-paint system would be exaclty what you need, assuming they can find a way to get at it easily, but it didin't sound exactly like your door was creased. Good luck.

mattt00: $35000? What a incredible bargain!!

Take care.
Joe W.

smwls8

smwls8

I have the chance to purchase a 96 RL 3.5 with low miles(31K, one owner). The car has been in storage for 2 years. When I looked at the car yesterday after work, the car appeared to be a very dark metallic charcoal grey. In fact, the flourescent lights in the garage gave the car an almost dark purple tint. I have been looking on Autotrader and ebay to comparison shop the price and i have not seen another RL this color. Is it rare? The factory paint code sticker was on the door, but I did not write the code when I was getting the VIN.

The stereo would not work and the theft deterent light was flashing, I believe it was asking for a code. Do I have to go to an Acura dealer to reprogram the stereo to get it to work?

Where is the CD changer located on this car, I did not see it in the trunk. Did I read correctly that a CD player was Standard equipment on this car in 96. The door sticker says the car was manufactured in 4/96.

Carfax shows one titled owner just as the seller represents. The seller is an automotive/body shop who handles the fleet service for the Federal Agency I work for. Million dollar plus contract to service our fleet, I have known him for over 4 years.

Thanks for the help.
Sam

prophet2

The stereo code is on a separate sheet, not in the owner's manual. An Acura dealer should be able to get the code from their database by imputing your VIN. The CD changer is located on the left side of the trunk. It may have been optional in '96, which was the first model year.

Fluorescent lights can't beat natural daylight for discerning color. There was a dark burgundy color in '96 (tan interior). The gray would have had the gray interior.

I bought a "pre-owned" '96 RL back in Oct. 2000. Pearl White, 36K mileage, CD-changer, new Turanza tires, owned by a doctor, immaculate. I've put on 24K of smooth, trouble-free miles since then. Best car I've ever owned ..........

jwilson1

As prophet (as usual) has said nearly all that needs to be said about the car itself (except it could also be black and picking up the blue hilites from the fluorescents).

But I have some experience with stored cars. Things you'll be glad you did: if the tires are spotted, buy new ones; change out all the fluids, especially the gas tank; put in a new battery (even if this one holds a charge); have your friend get the car in good light and check every belt you can find, and every seal ... several should need to be changed. Figure these things into the cost of the car.

Then you should have a really new car. Congrats on the find!

Take care.
Joe W.

smwls8

I don't think there is a cd changer in the trunk...I will look again after work(the car is literally 3 blocks away from my office in Miami...makes it hard to concentrate on work). If it does not have a factory cd player I would rather have an in-dash 6 cd changer installed by a stereo shop then have to be bothered with a trunk unit.

Points well taken about stored cars, but maybe I wasn't clear about the last 2 years of the cars life. The business owner has been driving the car home(5 miles or 20 minutes each way in Miami traffic) once or twice a week and sometimes using as a weekend car while he has had the car. It has not been on blocks with a cover over it.

The car had minor damage on the drivers door from low speed accident(all original body panels) mainly cosmetic. The drivers electric mirror does not work, and the shop owner says Acura wants $340 for a replacement. I just replaced a heated/remote control side mirror on my 2000 Lincoln LS, and the mirror was only $130. He has offered me the car with the mirror not working for $13K. For that price I will live with the car or replace the mirror after I get it.

I am going to go back by today and get the paint code off the door sill to put an end to this paint issue. If it is burgundy it will be a no go. Thanks for all the help.

Sam

hunter001

Also, appraise it through an independent body shop to make sure that the car has not had an accident and then repaired.

I bought a car (Integra) a long while back from an Acura dealer - demo with 6500 miles. 3 months later, on a trip to a body shop, to drop a friend off, the body shop owner noticed that the entire right side of the car, had been damaged and repaired. Things that I would never have noticed. I could not believe it, since it looked almost brand-new. I got it checked at another body-shop who independently agreed with everything that the first body-shop said. So be cautioned about seemingly "good deals".

Later...AH

smwls8

This gentlemen would not risk his substantial fleet service contract much less deceive a Federal Agent over a $13k car. I know who I'm dealing with, and more importantly, so does he.

Thanks
Sam

tjd2

Has anyone else had this experience? I have been traveling on two occassions at approx. 35 MPH and the car will completly die while in forward motion and accelerating.

It simulates turn the engine off while in park and then since the key is still turned allows the lights and GPS to turn back on. To restart I simply place the car in park and turn the key to off then start and everything is fine. I took it to the dealer and they found nothing wrong so I thought I would check the forum.

sliang

tjd2,
I had similar experiences with my 00 RL. The first time is when I slowed down my RL to make a left turn , the RL lost its power. The second time is when I went off the ramp and slowing down before the red light. I have to park the car and re-start the engine, and then the car just ran fine.
I sent my RL to the dealer, and their service rep. told me that this is a known problem with ECU, they replaced the ECU under warranty. I haven't experienced power lose since then. I think you should do so with your ECU.