My RL now has around 5,000 miles on it. The dealer had it for Mon-Thurs of this week. That was to do the "product updates" and also to work on my door dimple locking mechanism. It seems to work only intermittently. They finally ended up putting on a new door handle.
My dealer has been very diligent about working with me on this door handle problem. The service manager told us that once they get all the "electronic bugs" worked out the RL will be an incredible car. He also admitted that not all the service technicians have as yet had adequte training on fixing the new problems.
That being said, as the former owner of two MB E320s, I love my RL. I live in Minneapolis and that AWD is a life saver!! I also like the AWD just for general handling in cornering and rainy conditions. This car hugs the road!! It is a beautiful autmobile and in my opinion is a bargain for the price. And I love, love, love my navigation system!!!
You should note that Consumer Reports indicates for the Acura RL, Lexus GS, Cadillac STS, and Audi A6, that all are "To be tested" None of these automobiles is "Recommended". Generally, CR does not bestow a recommended rating until they publish a full test. We'll have to wait and see - certainly that will be one of the more interesting CR "comparos"!
(Disappointed to note that the reliability rating for the Acura TL was only average).
"As for the interior, they LOVE the TL interior (and the TL in general), but are negative on the RL interior?! Sorry, but this doesn't make sense. I drove the TL for 4 straight days: good car, but no where close to the RL in refinement and luxury"
First let me say I own a 04 TL and plan on ordering a new 05 RL later this month. However I must say the interior trim of the RL was a slight disapointment for me.
I have the Parchemnt with black dash and light wood trim in my 04 TL and it is stunning compared to the 05 RL Parchment,and medium brown and dark wood combination in the new 05 RL. In fact the rather drab interior color combination in the RL was almost a show stopper for me. I love my TL and it is a whole lot of car for the money. A lot of luxury for the money. Yes I do want an RL and like the idea of the techno toys it has. I think it is a super car and I dont mind paying the difference, but disagree when you say "the TL doesent come close", and I understand the rave reviews the TL interior gets and I agree 100%. Sure the RL is a little roomier and has more techno features, but they could have done a better job with colors, contrasts and materials when compared to the TL. I love my 04 TL interior but will live (put up) with the less appealing 05 RL interior because I want the other features!!!
There have been to replied to my original CR post. The first noted that they are going to do a full test. True. But, one can tell from the blurb what the outcome is going to be--the emphasis on the negatives and virtually no positives are clear indicators.
As for my "invidious" comparison to the TL, I should have been clearer: the TL has a nice, sporty interior--the strong "sporty" contrasts--appealing, I would surmise, to a younger demographic. The RL is more refined in terms of interior noise, "luxury" ride, and so on. It's color palette is more like a luxury car.
I can't help but note that Consumer Reports also tests blenders and vacuum cleaners. Personally, I would want to know what Better Homes and Gardens says about the RL.
Less sarcasm = who cares what CR thinks?
Check out Car and Driver, Road and Track, Automobile, CAR, Motor Trend, etc. As I recall the "car magazines" love the RL. The only criticism I can recall out of any of these magazines is the RL's lack of an available V8, despite the fact that the BMW 5 series and the Audi A6 both are generally (90%) sold with 6's.
An endorsement by/from CR may be a desirable footnote, but that is all that it is good for IMO.
I agree the RL is quieter and the ride is more refined than the TL and that is part of the reason I want to replace my TL. Regarding the color pallet though take a look at the Lexus GS 430/300. It would seem they like the parchemnt/black with burdseye maple combo like the Acura TL uses. I think the Lexus GS is a luxury car at almost $48 to 55k comporably equipped to the RL. I like the RL better in some ways like the exterior styling for example. But luxury color schemes don't have to be drab and without contrast. Too bad the AWD version of the Lexus only comes in a 245 HP version V6. I guess there are always short commings no mater what you are looking for. Just have to find the best overall package to suit ones taste.
While I'm listening to any one of the six pre-sets, it will suddenly be displaced by XM Preview. It will permit a minute or two on the pre=set and then jump to the XM Preview and remain there. This problem just developed. Does that sound intentional?...a means of hyping the additional programs? Anyone else experiencing this?
I've had the same problem, but only once. The next time I drove the car the problem disappeared and I haven't seen it since. If it happens again, I'll take the car in and get this repaired since it's clearly a problem with the XM unit.
I think Consumer Reports personally should stay away from the Automotive business and leave that Comparo to the experts that specialize in Automobiles period.
As for the 2004 TL, I mentioned this before. It's interesting how we differ. We owned a 2000 TL and when the long awaited 2004 TL arrived both my wife and I were very disappointed in what they did to the car especially the interior. A year later the 2005 RL came on the scene and we we both blown away by the beautiful taupe leather interior design and how it blends perfectly with the celestial silver exterior. Again...just our opinion. And by the way ...congratulations on your decision to upgrade from the TL to the New RL. You won't be disappointed my man!
I do really like the look of my TL, but the ride is a bit harsh and I would like just a bit more space like the RL, not to mention all the tech gadegts.
I really think the Taupe color interior combination is a better match then the Parchment I want, but the outside color I want is the Redondo Red Pearl and while I like the look of the black interior, I dont like how hot it gets in the summer. The only other option is the parchment. Plus I just like lighter interiors for some personal taste issue I guess. Anyway I am looking forward to getting mine. Since the red isn't as popular on the dealers lots my dealer is ordering one from the port.
I put on a set of ROH wheels (really nice, I need to get a photo and post)....but, the only bad part is that the TPS could not fit.....so now the car's computer keeps telling me to check it. Does anyone know how to turn it off?
Acuraphile, I had exactly the same problem last Saturday (at 2500 miles). I turned off the ignition hoping to "re-boot." No luck. Started re-setting all my pre-sets. About 30 minutes later (after another stop), my original pre-sets were all back again. Weird. At the same time, I couldn't put the passenger window down from the driver's side and the driver's window auto-down and up feature doesn't work. Those problems still exist. The back windows work properly. Even more weird. Any ideas?
Overall, love the car. That's the first glitch......among many hours of having a smile on my face.
re the comparos......interesting reading about who is imitating whom. I went from Audi to Acura. Haven't regretted it a minute. Loved the Audi, too, but I think the advent of so many brands offering advanced AWD is going to challenge Audi to maintain market share.
Question for the group. I've been out purchasing the new DualDisc Music CD's. One side of the disc is a CD and the other side is a DVD. The DVD side gives you the 5.1 surround sound. The first Dualdisc I purchased, the DVD side worked (shows Audio on the screen) and the sound came out in the 5.1 surround. The last two discs I purchased yesterday did not work. Inputting the disc on the CD side worked, but when I flipped the disc over and inserted the DVD side, the system ejected the disc. Has anyone had this problem and is there a way to get around it. I'm having a hard time finding DVD music CD's that take advantage of the surround sound system.
First we need a place where you can find a good selection of the dual discs you mentioned. Second the industry that makes these discs has no uniform markings on the outside that gives us the right information on whether or not they will perform or not with our systems. I have purchased regular CD's that are read by the display but there was nothing to indicate this on the packaging. (Most do not.) We need some expertise in this area.
Two folks have written in quite critical of CR. I think CR has played an important role in emphasizing safety and value in car purchasing. I give them a lot of credit for doing this. But, I'm surprised by some inconsistencies in their reasoning.
Hello Houstonguy, My first long trip in the new RL will no doubt be to Houston (Which is 1,250 miles away). Our daughter lives on the north side of your city. We have made the trip many times in the TL. Always like to fly in the winter however.
I actually like CR but for some reason never relied a whole lot on it's automotive findings. Were you surprised by inconsistencies in CR'S reasonings or the folks that were critical of CR?
and never have been - their reporting on initial quality and long-term reliability, IMO the most important stats to look at when considering a new vehicle, is badly skewed based on the real world results I see in lemon law cases.
No, there were no other problems associated with the weird XM Radio pre-sets. Windows all working fine.
I sent them some mail as it's impossible to raise them on the phone. They promised to answer in 24 hours...I'm still waiting...it's been two days. I had no problems yesterday but, again, this morning stations in my pre-set jumped to XM Raadio promos. My wife and I have come to love XM and this is really frustrating. I'll let you know if I hear back from them. George
I think that some critics (CR, in this case) are vexed that it took nine years to bring about a model change for the RL and that their expectations for a luxo-cruiser to compete with the Lexus 430 were dashed. CR treated that small critique of the RL in a very brittle manner. I suspect that the full test of the RL will be negative judging by the "...but ride and handling are nothing special." comment.
. . .seems like it tries to be the "Vulcan" of automotive reporting. Very logical, lacking emotion (virtually). Cars, it seems to me, are very emotional and very subjective. Now, if I were buying a $10,000 riding lawn mower, well I might consult them.
Frankly I enjoy and rely on the musings in Car and Driver and Autombile and CAR when I want to know about a car.
Consumer Reports writing car reviews simply lacks credibility -- I would not expect to use CR as a source of movie reviews either. They just can't seem to bring themselves to much subjectivity. Cars are hardly an objective part of our culture.
Of course, that's just my opinion, I am wrong 52% of the time based on surveys.
They (CR) do crash tests and based on some News coverage on ABC today CR is making headlines on revising previously reported results from these crash tests that involve a number of cars...one being the Civic which opened my sweeties' ears... Apparently the Civic was among those that may have been changed. I was in the other room and would have Teboed this stuff but unfortunately Karen didn't get to me in time. Will have to get the info from one of you or from a later news forecast.
Oh, and an afterthought...I can't imagine what survey would have Cincy wrong even 5% of the time! Just my Opinion.
I don't know if this can be connected to your XM Radio issues, but I received a letter from XM Satellite today outlining my subscription options. It stated that when I purchased my car I was entitled to a 3 month trial period. Wrong! I clearly remember Acura's promo of 12 months of coverage. I took delivery of my car on Dec. 13th so that's why I got the letter. I plan to call them tomorrow.
Here's another piece of the letter. It appears that XM's growing presence has caused them to raise their rates from $9.95/month to $12.95/month starting on April 2nd. However, they are now giving you their High Voltage Channel (????), a $1.99/month value and their XM Radio Online option - a $3.99/month value for the $12.99 monthly rate. I guess that should make me feel good. I'd much prefer to stay at the $9.99 level, but that's not one of the options.
They also have offered 1 to 5 year subscription plans which range from $142.45 to $599.40. XM Nav/Traffic is offered at $3.99/month if you subscribe to the radio plan.
Has anyone else received this letter? They want me to respond before April 2nd, because these new rates go into effect then.
Maybe your XM Radio is jumping to Preview channels because of these changes.
I got the same letter and called them. When they checked the account, they knew that I was entitled to one year. They say I got the wrong letter. The extension offer is legit. It lets you extend the complimentary year at the current rate ($9.99/month) rather than the rate when the Acura subscription expires ($12.99). I took them up on it.
My car was also man. in Oct, though I have it since mid-Nov, but I think it's rediculous that they have an update and, perhaps, the current deliveries are getting this new version and we early believers are left out, or need to pay. I mean, they're still in this model year!!
I can see the 2008+ auto-trader now, listing "2005 Acura RL w/2nd gereration NAV CD". Geez! Just send us the update for god's sake!
I think you need to check your sales brochure and all the other promo literature. It clearly states that the RL comes with 12 months of XM radio compliments of Acura. Don't be taken with salesman mis-information.
Great. I plan to speak with them today. If they offer extended options based on the current $9.99/month price, then I'll sign up as well. The letter I got was based on the new $12.99 price and offered 1,2,3,4,5 year plans.
Also, I agree $9.99 is a better price. I am not sure if I would even pay that much...I would like the choices of XM but with current FM radio and all the CDs I have, $10 and now $13 a month may not be worth it.
But to each his own...if you like it buy it...if you don't like it don't buy it.
But...it would not hurt to tell XM that the price increase is a bad idea (may not make them change...but let them know anyway)
Agreed. I have found very little on XM to justify the $10/mo rate, much less $13. I find the programing to be rudimentary on most stations. I have yet to find a country or rock station that is consistently as good or better than local radio. The only good stations are for the less mainstream radio station songs, such as jazz, etc...
However, if I was to get XM, the main reason would be for the "less mainstream" stations.
I would love to have access to the "blues" stations. We have one station in Hunstville Alabama that plays jazz and blues, but it is mostly jazz (WJAB).
The only other station(s) that I would like would be (i believe it is or was called deep cuts) is one that a friend told me about that plays deep cuts from classic rock artist.
There are plenty of classic rock stations around, but most seem to play "basically" a top 40. Very limited play list. The deep cuts plays many/most of the same artist, but it plays different album tracks than are normally played.
For example:
The group "Mountain" has many more great songs than just "Mississippi Queen".
and..."Steppenwolf" has more than 3 songs (Hey Lawdy Mama, Born To Be Wild, and Magic Carpet Ride).
I agree in spades! I have a 2004 TL and when the 3 months ran out I did not sign up for any more. Ten dollars a month plus tax, no thanks. I dident listen to it that much while I did have it. I have hundreds of CD's and I much perfer listining to them. The XM idea is nice though if you live in a big city like Chicago where you get the traffic info. I live in rural Ohio though and still if I want radio I listen to FM otherwise it's my extensive CD collection. I would rather spend the now 12.99 + tax on a new cd every month. In Ohio they have to charge tax on the XM monthly fee!!!! Dennis
Let me add a couple of pennies worth to the XM radio discussion. First, let it be said I love the service. This is less because XM is divine than it is because std commercial radio has become such a hopeless pile of soundalike drivel. When I first started driving across the country, on both sides of the Mississippi, car radio was a fabulous cultural treasure. As you crossed counties and states, radio (mostly AM than) gave you a terrific impression of the regions you traveled through, their feel, their politics, their dialects and their culture. Now, tanks to the vision of the radio conglomerate Clear Channel and its ilk, what you pick up on the road is one endless, homogenous, putrid porridge. They all sound the same; they play the same, nearly indistinguishable, 40 idiotic songs; they carry the same newsfeeds, with the exception of a couple of minutes of rip-and-read that may or may not carry news of the community they serve. Radio in America is bordering on a lost art on the scale of competent shoe repair and mechanics at service stations. This is where XM and/or Sirius offer a high quality alternative. My particular choice is XM, largely because of Ch. 73, Frank's Place, which does a marvelous job presenting pop standards -- lately more often referred to as "The American Songbook." The classical side is a little too reminiscent of a college peculiarity called "music appreciation," but it isn't all bad. The news and other information channels enables me to be away from major newsmedia for extended period while keeping up-t0-date. With over 100 channels, many of them fat-free, I find myself using CD's in the car less and less. And living in NYC, the traffic channel is a treasure. And all this for 10 bux if you sign up right? Hell, I tip barkeeps 10 bux. If they're any good...
I'll have to agree to disagree. I find XM to have less commercials, but they aren't truly commercial free as they have frequent interruptions touting their "commercial free status" and advertising their stations. Kind of counter-productive IMO.
I would think XM would be beneficial for those NOT living in major metro regions who are starving for variety, rather than the other way around...
Anyway, I personally haven't found my favorite station. The decade stations are a great idea, but the programming is terrible. I find the decade station on Yahoo online much better. I like watercolors when I'm mellow, sometimes like the Hear Music station, but generally find myself flipping stations more than listening... I really like new age music and just don't like the Visions selections at all.
I Think we all need to pull together an get Acura to update the nav cd on their dime. It's not like we didn't all pay a premium price for their car haven't we. Then they pull this to get more out of us. Anyone agree?
Since I started this discussion, I wanted to update everyone on my dialogue with the XM folks today. The news is good.
However, I caution you that if you call and discuss the subscription issue with those that answer the initial calls, be prepared to ask for their supervisor. I spent too much time explaining and hearing a response not to my liking. I also had to spend up to 20 minutes on hold waiting to speak with someone, and that only got me armed for action.
I was first told that I had to renew now to lock in the current rate options and therefore forego the balance of 9 months of trial service. Wrong answer for me. That's when I wanted the supervisor. After explaining all over again in a manner in which they should want my business, they agreed that when my trial ends in December 2005, I can extend at the current $9.99 plan options.
If you enjoy this new listening media, here's the best part and action you should take. XM offers extended plans of 1,2,3,4,and 5 years. At the 5-year level, you invest $499.99, which nets out to $8.33 per month. If you cancel the service at any point during the plan, you are refunded the balance of the remaining months. Since I wanted the 5-year plan, the supervisor noted it in my profile and informed me that when my trial expires, they would bill me for the 5-year plan at that time. This is a fair deal at $8.33 with an option to cancel. Your only issue is the up-front investment of $499.99.
For those interested, I suggest you contact XM Radio and discuss your current plan and ask to be placed on one of the current extended plans when your current plan expires. Make sure you agree on the cost options. Here they are for your reference -
I would agree but you need to understand that Acura does not set the update price nor the timeframe for the updates. I accept that an annual update is something I should pay for, but not after two and a half months of use. I have had a couple of discussions with Acura Customer Service over this issue and they are due to formally respond soon. Their position has to do with an initial contract they have with Alpine (software supplier) to provide all the RL's with the software level current at release date. This means Acura more than likley received a large supply of DVDs at the 4.12 level prior to the October release and will exhaust that supply before they replenish at a later/current level.
Given such a short period of time from delivery to this update, I would agree that Acura should make some accomodation for updating all owners within a certain timeframe. The majority of these initial cars have been sold at list yielding significant profits for dealers and Acura. The issue is whether dealers would share in the cost of upgrading this software.
George, You won me over on "Frank's Place" long ago. It is one of my presets along with Watercolors, and I also flip through sports news and talk all the time. We have 12 months to make up our minds...so far I'm enjoying it and think it will be worth it.
Is it me or does anyone else like the old RL better vs the new one? I know the new one has all the tech gizmos on it, but overall it looks like a stretched and widened Accord, which I think it's based off anyhow. The V6 in the old version was north/south in the engine bay, and now it's mounted in an east/west configuration, placing more of the weight up front. I suspect that why Acura went with AWD to improve the handling characteristics. I'm sure I would like the new one if I sat in one, but I'm wondering why the RL makes sense if I can get almost everything it has in a TL. The old RL has understated air of a luxury sedan while the new one looks too Honda'ish. I would have liked to see Acura keep the '96-'04 wheelbase, but improve the styling, power, and interior room. It wouldn't have been a stretch to convert it RWD either.
I think Acura took the wrong direction with the new RL, albeit to save development cost by basing it on the Accord/TL platform, which it was designed to accomodate from the beginning. When comparing the Accord vs RL, you'll find that the RL's overall length is less than 4" longer, wheelbase is only 2" longer, but the trunk capacity is smaller and rear seat legroom is slightly less. It just seems to me the price Acura is wanting for it can't be justified solely by the increased tech content.
Well, after driving my 99 RL for 5 1/2 years and my 05 RL for 5 months, I can honestly say there is absolutely nothing I preferred about my old RL. Not the styling, the handling, the ride, or anything.
I've test driven a TL and ridden extensively in a friend's Accord. In my opinion, the RL beats both hands down, though I do slightly prefer the styling of the TL to the RL. However, if you should ask whether the RL is worth the extra money over either one, it's all subjective. In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes.
In a march 6th article entitled : "Driving Past Europe," the writer states: "But what the Acura RL doesn't do in the short run (compared to the BMW M3), it more than makes up for in the long haul. It'll catch up with almost anything that leaves it at the starting line, and will take and maintain that lead without once gasping for air. No European badge is needed on the RL."
I'm not a shill for XM Radio. I'm a semi-retired investigative journalist. I have studied Sirius too. But this summer, XM will have a baseball channel. Now, the sound of baseball om radio is a thing of beauty. Baseball on radio is, IMHO, better than baseball on TV. Although I have spent more time in NYC than in any other part of the world, I am tired to the death of the NY Yankees and the Nets. My favorite baseball team on radio is the Cincinnati Reds. And this summer I'll get a number of their games. Sirius, meanwhile, will have football games in the fall. On radio, football is not very interresting. Baseball is music. I'm a football fan too, purely for the love of the game. Proof of that is that I'm a Minnesota Viking fan (having lived in that miserable place for a few years too. We all have our crosses to bear). But football is not a radio sport. Baseball is. Finally, Sirius just spent something on the order of a Pentagon budget to sign up that swine Howard Stern. 'nuff said. Appreciate your XM gift with purchase, folks. It's art. Pure art.
I recently had the product updates done to my RL and on a few occasions since, the door locks randomly actuate while I'm driving, thankfully in a locking manner. Has anyone else experienced this behavior? There's no set pattern to when this will happen.
"In my opinion, the NEW RL beats both hands down" Sometimes you read posts that tell you what you want to say and feel in your gut, and this is one. ***************************************************** also after reading:"More on XM by mungoac... I'm a semi-retired investigative journalist"... "Appreciate your XM gift with purchase, folks. It's art. Pure art." I enjoyed reading your reasons for enjoying XM...I can't help but remembering one of the Canadian's comments that they get the RL with the ventillated seats but not the XM satellite radio and thinking that trade off isn't even something I would want as a Canadian much less a mid-westerner in the USA.
Yes--the random door locking while driving has been happening to me since the update as well. I would say it happens at least once on any drive of over 10-15 minutes. A second thing that is happening involves the downturn of the side mirror when the car is put in reverse. Since the update the mirror turns down fine while backing, but about 15-20% of the time does not return to its normal position once the car is taken out of reverse. This one is much more annoying than the door lock as the mirror has to be manually returned to the correct position!
Comments
My dealer has been very diligent about working with me on this door handle problem. The service manager told us that once they get all the "electronic bugs" worked out the RL will be an incredible car. He also admitted that not all the service technicians have as yet had adequte training on fixing the new problems.
That being said, as the former owner of two MB E320s, I love my RL. I live in Minneapolis and that AWD is a life saver!! I also like the AWD just for general handling in cornering and rainy conditions. This car hugs the road!! It is a beautiful autmobile and in my opinion is a bargain for the price. And I love, love, love my navigation system!!!
Lynnminny
(Disappointed to note that the reliability rating for the Acura TL was only average).
LIY
I don't think the RL exceeds the performance of the M35; actually I think the M35 somewhat exceeds the RL's performance.
First let me say I own a 04 TL and plan on ordering a new 05 RL later this month. However I must say the interior trim of the RL was a slight disapointment for me.
I have the Parchemnt with black dash and light wood trim in my 04 TL and it is stunning compared to the 05 RL Parchment,and medium brown and dark wood combination in the new 05 RL. In fact the rather drab interior color combination in the RL was almost a show stopper for me. I love my TL and it is a whole lot of car for the money. A lot of luxury for the money. Yes I do want an RL and like the idea of the techno toys it has. I think it is a super car and I dont mind paying the difference, but disagree when you say "the TL doesent come close", and I understand the rave reviews the TL interior gets and I agree 100%. Sure the RL is a little roomier and has more techno features, but they could have done a better job with colors, contrasts and materials when compared to the TL. I love my 04 TL interior but will live (put up) with the less appealing 05 RL interior because I want the other features!!!
As for my "invidious" comparison to the TL, I should have been clearer: the TL has a nice, sporty interior--the strong "sporty" contrasts--appealing, I would surmise, to a younger demographic. The RL is more refined in terms of interior noise, "luxury" ride, and so on. It's color palette is more like a luxury car.
Less sarcasm = who cares what CR thinks?
Check out Car and Driver, Road and Track, Automobile, CAR, Motor Trend, etc. As I recall the "car magazines" love the RL. The only criticism I can recall out of any of these magazines is the RL's lack of an available V8, despite the fact that the BMW 5 series and the Audi A6 both are generally (90%) sold with 6's.
An endorsement by/from CR may be a desirable footnote, but that is all that it is good for IMO.
Regarding the color pallet though take a look at the Lexus GS 430/300. It would seem they like the parchemnt/black with burdseye maple combo like the Acura TL uses. I think the Lexus GS is a luxury car at almost $48 to 55k comporably equipped to the RL.
I like the RL better in some ways like the exterior styling for example. But luxury color schemes don't have to be drab and without contrast. Too bad the AWD version of the Lexus only comes in a 245 HP version V6.
I guess there are always short commings no mater what you are looking for. Just have to find the best overall package to suit ones taste.
This problem just developed. Does that sound intentional?...a means of hyping the additional programs? Anyone else experiencing this?
As for the 2004 TL, I mentioned this before. It's interesting how we differ. We owned a 2000 TL and when the long awaited 2004 TL arrived both my wife and I were very disappointed in what they did to the car especially the interior. A year later the 2005 RL came on the scene and we we both blown away by the beautiful taupe leather interior design and how it blends perfectly with the celestial silver exterior. Again...just our opinion. And by the way ...congratulations on your decision to upgrade from the TL to the New RL. You won't be disappointed my man!
I do really like the look of my TL, but the ride is a bit harsh and I would like just a bit more space like the RL, not to mention all the tech gadegts.
I really think the Taupe color interior combination is a better match then the Parchment I want, but the outside color I want is the Redondo Red Pearl and while I like the look of the black interior, I dont like how hot it gets in the summer. The only other option is the parchment. Plus I just like lighter interiors for some personal taste issue I guess. Anyway I am looking forward to getting mine. Since the red isn't as popular on the dealers lots my dealer is ordering one from the port.
Thanks!
Overall, love the car. That's the first glitch......among many hours of having a smile on my face.
re the comparos......interesting reading about who is imitating whom. I went from Audi to Acura. Haven't regretted it a minute. Loved the Audi, too, but I think the advent of so many brands offering advanced AWD is going to challenge Audi to maintain market share.
Thanks!
We need some expertise in this area.
I actually like CR but for some reason never relied a whole lot on it's automotive findings. Were you surprised by inconsistencies in CR'S reasonings or the folks that were critical of CR?
I sent them some mail as it's impossible to raise them on the phone. They promised to answer in 24 hours...I'm still waiting...it's been two days. I had no problems yesterday but, again, this morning stations in my pre-set jumped to XM Raadio promos.
My wife and I have come to love XM and this is really frustrating. I'll let you know if I hear back from them.
George
I think that some critics (CR, in this case) are vexed that it took nine years to bring about a model change for the RL and that their expectations for a luxo-cruiser to compete with the Lexus 430 were dashed. CR treated that small critique of the RL in a very brittle manner. I suspect that the full test of the RL will be negative judging by the "...but ride and handling are nothing special." comment.
Frankly I enjoy and rely on the musings in Car and Driver and Autombile and CAR when I want to know about a car.
Consumer Reports writing car reviews simply lacks credibility -- I would not expect to use CR as a source of movie reviews either. They just can't seem to bring themselves to much subjectivity. Cars are hardly an objective part of our culture.
Of course, that's just my opinion, I am wrong 52% of the time based on surveys.
Oh, and an afterthought...I can't imagine what survey would have Cincy wrong even 5% of the time!
Just my Opinion.
Here's another piece of the letter. It appears that XM's growing presence has caused them to raise their rates from $9.95/month to $12.95/month starting on April 2nd. However, they are now giving you their High Voltage Channel (????), a $1.99/month value and their XM Radio Online option - a $3.99/month value for the $12.99 monthly rate. I guess that should make me feel good. I'd much prefer to stay at the $9.99 level, but that's not one of the options.
They also have offered 1 to 5 year subscription plans which range from $142.45 to $599.40. XM Nav/Traffic is offered at $3.99/month if you subscribe to the radio plan.
Has anyone else received this letter? They want me to respond before April 2nd, because these new rates go into effect then.
Maybe your XM Radio is jumping to Preview channels because of these changes.
I can see the 2008+ auto-trader now, listing "2005 Acura RL w/2nd gereration NAV CD". Geez! Just send us the update for god's sake!
Just my thoughts.
Thanks for the reply and update.
3 months subscription free on the Acura TL
It is stated in the brochures.
Also,
I agree $9.99 is a better price. I am not sure if I would even pay that much...I would like the choices of XM but with current FM radio and all the CDs I have, $10 and now $13 a month may not be worth it.
But to each his own...if you like it buy it...if you don't like it don't buy it.
But...it would not hurt to tell XM that the price increase is a bad idea (may not make them change...but let them know anyway)
I will certainly not renew my XM when it expires.
I know some people that really love it..but...
However, if I was to get XM, the main reason would be for the "less mainstream" stations.
I would love to have access to the "blues" stations. We have one station in Hunstville Alabama that plays jazz and blues, but it is mostly jazz (WJAB).
The only other station(s) that I would like would be (i believe it is or was called deep cuts) is one that a friend told me about that plays deep cuts from classic rock artist.
There are plenty of classic rock stations around, but most seem to play "basically" a top 40. Very limited play list. The deep cuts plays many/most of the same artist, but it plays different album tracks than are normally played.
For example:
The group "Mountain" has many more great songs than just "Mississippi Queen".
and..."Steppenwolf" has more than 3 songs (Hey Lawdy Mama, Born To Be Wild, and Magic Carpet Ride).
Dennis
This is less because XM is divine than it is because std commercial radio has become such a hopeless pile of soundalike drivel.
When I first started driving across the country, on both sides of the Mississippi, car radio was a fabulous cultural treasure. As you crossed counties and states, radio (mostly AM than) gave you a terrific impression of the regions you traveled through, their feel, their politics, their dialects and their culture.
Now, tanks to the vision of the radio conglomerate Clear Channel and its ilk, what you pick up on the road is one endless, homogenous, putrid porridge. They all sound the same; they play the same, nearly indistinguishable, 40 idiotic songs; they carry the same newsfeeds, with the exception of a couple of minutes of rip-and-read that may or may not carry news of the community they serve. Radio in America is bordering on a lost art on the scale of competent shoe repair and mechanics at service stations.
This is where XM and/or Sirius offer a high quality alternative. My particular choice is XM, largely because of Ch. 73, Frank's Place, which does a marvelous job presenting pop standards -- lately more often referred to as "The American Songbook." The classical side is a little too reminiscent of a college peculiarity called "music appreciation," but it isn't all bad. The news and other information channels enables me to be away from major newsmedia for extended period while keeping up-t0-date. With over 100 channels, many of them fat-free, I find myself using CD's in the car less and less. And living in NYC, the traffic channel is a treasure.
And all this for 10 bux if you sign up right? Hell, I tip barkeeps 10 bux. If they're any good...
Our crass culture, spouting 23 minutes of commercials every hour, has been shown the door!
I would think XM would be beneficial for those NOT living in major metro regions who are starving for variety, rather than the other way around...
Anyway, I personally haven't found my favorite station. The decade stations are a great idea, but the programming is terrible. I find the decade station on Yahoo online much better. I like watercolors when I'm mellow, sometimes like the Hear Music station, but generally find myself flipping stations more than listening... I really like new age music and just don't like the Visions selections at all.
However, I caution you that if you call and discuss the subscription issue with those that answer the initial calls, be prepared to ask for their supervisor. I spent too much time explaining and hearing a response not to my liking. I also had to spend up to 20 minutes on hold waiting to speak with someone, and that only got me armed for action.
I was first told that I had to renew now to lock in the current rate options and therefore forego the balance of 9 months of trial service. Wrong answer for me. That's when I wanted the supervisor. After explaining all over again in a manner in which they should want my business, they agreed that when my trial ends in December 2005, I can extend at the current $9.99 plan options.
If you enjoy this new listening media, here's the best part and action you should take. XM offers extended plans of 1,2,3,4,and 5 years. At the 5-year level, you invest $499.99, which nets out to $8.33 per month. If you cancel the service at any point during the plan, you are refunded the balance of the remaining months. Since I wanted the 5-year plan, the supervisor noted it in my profile and informed me that when my trial expires, they would bill me for the 5-year plan at that time. This is a fair deal at $8.33 with an option to cancel. Your only issue is the up-front investment of $499.99.
For those interested, I suggest you contact XM Radio and discuss your current plan and ask to be placed on one of the current extended plans when your current plan expires. Make sure you agree on the cost options. Here they are for your reference -
1-year $119.88 = $9.99/month
2-year 214.99 = 8.96/month
3-year 314.99 = 8.75/month
4-year 410.99 = 8.56/month
5-year 499.99 = 8.33/month
Challenge them and lock in the savings if your enjoy XM Radio.
Rich
Given such a short period of time from delivery to this update, I would agree that Acura should make some accomodation for updating all owners within a certain timeframe. The majority of these initial cars have been sold at list yielding significant profits for dealers and Acura. The issue is whether dealers would share in the cost of upgrading this software.
Stay tuned....
I think Acura took the wrong direction with the new RL, albeit to save development cost by basing it on the Accord/TL platform, which it was designed to accomodate from the beginning. When comparing the Accord vs RL, you'll find that the RL's overall length is less than 4" longer, wheelbase is only 2" longer, but the trunk capacity is smaller and rear seat legroom is slightly less. It just seems to me the price Acura is wanting for it can't be justified solely by the increased tech content.
Is it just me or am I missing something?
I've test driven a TL and ridden extensively in a friend's Accord. In my opinion, the RL beats both hands down, though I do slightly prefer the styling of the TL to the RL. However, if you should ask whether the RL is worth the extra money over either one, it's all subjective. In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes.
But this summer, XM will have a baseball channel. Now, the sound of baseball om radio is a thing of beauty. Baseball on radio is, IMHO, better than baseball on TV. Although I have spent more time in NYC than in any other part of the world, I am tired to the death of the NY Yankees and the Nets.
My favorite baseball team on radio is the Cincinnati Reds. And this summer I'll get a number of their games. Sirius, meanwhile, will have football games in the fall.
On radio, football is not very interresting. Baseball is music. I'm a football fan too, purely for the love of the game. Proof of that is that I'm a Minnesota Viking fan (having lived in that miserable place for a few years too. We all have our crosses to bear). But football is not a radio sport. Baseball is.
Finally, Sirius just spent something on the order of a Pentagon budget to sign up that swine Howard Stern. 'nuff said. Appreciate your XM gift with purchase, folks. It's art. Pure art.
Sometimes you read posts that tell you what you want to say and feel in your gut, and this is one.
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also after reading:"More on XM by mungoac... I'm a semi-retired investigative journalist"... "Appreciate your XM gift with purchase, folks. It's art. Pure art."
I enjoyed reading your reasons for enjoying XM...I can't help but remembering one of the Canadian's comments that they get the RL with the ventillated seats but not the XM satellite radio and thinking that trade off isn't even something I would want as a Canadian much less a mid-westerner in the USA.