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Acura RL

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Comments

  • rlmanrlman Member Posts: 8
    You should not have to pay any more than $39000 for a n RL w/o NAV.
  • jmw4jmw4 Member Posts: 67
    I bought a used 2000 and it is a joy to drive. I just got rid of a 2001 Lexus ES300 for the RL and I find no comparison in the 2 vehicles, the RL far superior in every respect.
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Why do you think the RL is better than the ES300? What kind of gas mileage are you getting with the RL(75/25, highway/city)? What is the RPM at 70mph with the RL? How long have you had the RL? Any problems? Thanks
  • goralgoral Member Posts: 149
    We've had our '96RL for 2.5 years... The car currently has 101K miles and has been relatively problem free. When we bought ours, it had 58K miles and since then, the following non-standard maintenance items had to be replaced/fixed:

    1) Alternator - had to remanufacture the old one since NO dealer had one in stock - had to be special ordered (cost to fix - $220)
    2) AC compressor - bought a used one for $120 and had my mechanic put it in for $100
    3) Rear wheel speed sensor - cost +/- $140 and replaced it by myself
    4) Driver side window regulator - forgot the cost - replaced by myself.

    Other than that, the car has been problem free. My wife still enjoys driving it. I, on the other hand, like it only for longer highway drives. Otherwise, it's too soft for my tastes.

    Would I buy another one? For myself? No... I'm a "stick" person... :) For my wife? Yes...
  • jmw4jmw4 Member Posts: 67
    I swapped my Lexus dealer even for my 2001 ES with 8600 miles for a 2000 RL with 21,000. The ride in the ES was much like a Camry but with better sound proofing. I found the driver seat cushions too short and could not angle the seat up for a comfortable position. I find the RL driver seat much more supportive and comfortable, the car although no sports car is more responsive than the ES and just drives like a bigger more expensive car. Overall, I prefer it slightly over the 99 TL I had just before the ES. The RL is an excellent highway car, very quiet and comfortable and get about 23 mpg but with premium. As I anticipated, no problems after 2 months. Finally I get all the benefits of luxury car service, loaners, washes, etc. but I find (unlike Lexus)basic maintenance costs to be comparable to Toyota or Honda.
  • velcro69velcro69 Member Posts: 1
    My personal experience living in the northeast, I have seen several Ls400's, GS's, BMW's, and Mercedes, attempting to ascend moderate hills, in snow with difficulty to the point where I and a line of cars behind me have had to go around them. Anyone else seen this?
  • l943973l943973 Member Posts: 197
    From the recent news (autoweek), it does NOT sound like Acura will be building a V8 unless they can significantly improve the fuel economy and reduce costs. A high powered V6 with IMA is probably more realistic. (Sounds very similar to whats in the Acura DN-X).

    I think that is the way to go as well. Honda execs already mentioned that just having a V8 isn't enough. They used the Infiniti Q45 as an example.

    The plan is to create a V6 that produces the same feel as a V8. Isn't that what they tried to do with the current RL?
  • sliangsliang Member Posts: 50
    Acura needs to decide which market the RL should compete with, whether it should compete with LS430 or other models. Also they need to determine whether the targeted buyers care more about HPs or the cylinder number. No matter which way they go, they definitely need the rear wheel drive for their flagship model to compete with other luxury brands.
    The Infiniti Q45 who lost their battle with Lexus is because they didn't build up the prestige image in the past. Although the Q45 is a very good car, but not good enough to attract the potential buyers to switch from Lexus, BMW, M-B, or Jaguar.
    I hope Acura won't make the same mistake for marketing the new RL. My wife is driving a 00 RL, it has very nice build quality and affordable. I hope the new RL will have a V6 with much more HPs (320 HP maybe), rear wheel drive, and more luxury designs, and keep the price in the mid-40K.
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    I just found out, the hard way, that there is a recall on the '02 for a part that effects the circuitry from the transmission. The symptoms: the VSA and ABS warning lights go on, then you shift into park and can't shift back out. Since I was next to the highway with traffic whizzing, I forgot about the override, so called them on my cell. They helped me get started again -- off, pop opening next to shift for override, insert key and press down to shift into neutral, restart car -- and went in for service ... they showed the the recall as I arrived saying that it only arrived earlier this week. "You're the first one," they said.

    Lucky me.

    Take care.
    Joe W.
  • phild_masonphild_mason Member Posts: 99
    We just got a notice last week on a recall for the brake light switch for our 2000 RL. Basically said they put too much grease on and it was causing switches to fail early.

    No biggie, still love the car.
  • kennyg5kennyg5 Member Posts: 360
    I am surprised to learn that the 02 has a recall on transmission circuitry. I believe the 02 has the same engine and tranmission as in previous years, except for a slight boost in horse power.

    I recently noticed that a dealer in Westchester, New York is selling RLs w/o nav for $37,500 (with nav. should be no more than $39,500). I think in the next few months the price will drop more. When it is one or two thousand dollars less, I will definitely cash in for one. Although the LS and Q45 are more technologically advanced, the RL ain't bad, especially when the price is right.
  • nicke1nicke1 Member Posts: 9
    I'm surprised people compare the RL (I have a '96 and love it) with the Lexus LS, BMW, M-B or the big Jag. Seems to me the real comparison is with Volvo and Saab. I even call mine the "Japanese Volvo". I consider Lexus, M-B, Jag. and BMW a different class of car.
  • rdachillerdachille Member Posts: 3
    Does anyone have any information on what changes if any will be made to the 2003 RL?
  • kennyg5kennyg5 Member Posts: 360
    I spoke to a dealer on Saturday and was told that there would be no changes made to the 2003 RL. The guy seemed honest. However, if substantial changes were to be made to the 2003, the 2002s would have to be discounted quite drastically. Right now, they are already selling at about $1k below invoice.
  • coosamtncoosamtn Member Posts: 47
    I have heard that the RL is likely to retain the FWD V6, but does anyone think there is a chance the 3.5 will ever get VTEC? Also when should the 03's be out?
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    Well, it's a salesman's job to look honest I suppose, kennyg5. But I'm betting your right, at least that there'll be precious few changes to set up the new model year very early next year -- remember Acura introduced the '02 in March '01. I'm wondering if they might not make a similar early move on the '04 with whatever new configuration they'll have for the new 3.? or 4.? V6/8. It's time for a new body, too. A good guess might be that they'll stretch the TL platform, pop in a 3.8 vtech V6, and make a body that is pretty evolutionary ... ala Lexus and MB. For proof or credibility I offer nothing. Just recalling what they've done before. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like a V8 is to be.

    Take care.
    Joe W.
  • coosamtncoosamtn Member Posts: 47
    Joe W ... I see where Honda already has a 3.5 vtec in the oddesy, but I do not see a 3.8 anywhere on the web. Would the 3.8 vtec be a "new" banger for honda/acura? What do you know, and when did you know it? Thanks!
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    3.8 comes from the rumor that the MDX will upgrade from 3.5L to 3.8L in the next year to move it away from the Pilot/Odyssey in terms of power.
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    I checked on www.carsdirect.com today for a new RL without Nav. I used zipcode 91311 which is Chatsworth, CA north of L.A. MSRP is $43,650. Invoice is $38,920. CarsDirect.com price is $35,520. Customers must take delivery by 9/3. Sample lease payment is $449. This is the best deal I have seen for a new RL.
  • rlmanrlman Member Posts: 8
    I cannot believe that this is a 2002 RL price. When I do a compare on this car, it lists a 2001 Acura RL.
    You are correct in that the price is listed as such, but I wonder if there is some mistake.
  • autos3autos3 Member Posts: 24
    I have a relative that owns an Acura Dealership in Hartford CT, and he informed me over the 4th of July holiday that Acura has just released a $4000 incentive on the RL. So this price would be correct.
  • goralgoral Member Posts: 149
    RL is what it is... I bet all new RL owners who bought their cars before are quite thrilled. Oops, there goes $4K in future resale... Some cars are meant to be bought used, and RL is one of them.
  • rdachillerdachille Member Posts: 3
    My 1999 RL lease is about to end. A very nice car,but absolutely 0 fun to drive. I have been a loyal Honda/Acura owner for many years and cannot believe Acura has not significantly changed this car for what will soon be 7 years. I feel sorry for the dealers who have to try to persuade their customers to rebuy these cars. Goodbye Acura!
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    of the 3.5 RL. People say it is not fun to drive. Has anyone tried to duplicate the fun to drive factor of the Lexus or Infiniti sport sedans by modifying their RL with Comptech or Eibach springs, swaybars, and more aggressive tires like Michelin Pilots? The springs tend to lower the car. It may be possible to put vinyl spacers above or below the springs in order to maintain the ride height while increasing the spring rate. Has anyone tried a wider lower profile tire on the stock 16 x 7 rims? Is there any interference issue? My thoughts are to increase the fun to drive factor, but not make the car look like one of these fast and furious rockets with the coffee can for a muffler extension.
  • kennyg5kennyg5 Member Posts: 360
    The rebate is real, so I went test driving today. When I arrived at the dealership, I told the sales lady that I am aware of the rebate. She was not thrilled to hear that; I guess she wanted to charge me more had I not known about it. I told her that Acura is doing the right thing by offering a substantial rebate so that they can move the RLs. She retorted that she had moved a lot of RLs even without the rebate. I wasn't sure if she was telling the truth.

    We went for a drive, but the "test track" was very short -- around the block and no more than three minutes. I guess she was in a hurry and wanted to meet other customers. The test car had a lot of rattle and squeaks, and the pavement was not even rough. She jokingly said the annoying noises were free and I need not pay for them. I was not amused and was in fact disappointed with the workmanship and quality of the test car. I was also surprised that she did not know how to operate the nav. Instead of using the nav buttons, she was pushing the stereo buttons. Geeeez! The car also seemed a bit sluggish when I tried to accelerate and the gear shift was a bit awkward to use. You have to push down before you can shift back and forth.

    When we returned to the dealership, she asked if I wanted to buy or lease. I told her I would buy and pay cash. She was not happy to hear that; I suppose she wanted to make a bigger profit on finance charges. After she conferred with the manager for a while, she came back and said the price is $37,000 and it was non-negotiable. The price is around my range, but since I was not thrilled with her professionalism, I left.
  • David EhrlichmanDavid Ehrlichman Member Posts: 47
    Just leased a 2002 w/o navi for 445.00 per month, 39 months, no money down, 12k per year.
    It seems like every month a new program comes out here in NY!
    This will be my second RL...still the best car for the money.
  • jstuppyjstuppy Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone else share this bad experience? I have a '99 RL. In December the SRS light came on and stayed on. Took the car to the dealer and they replaced the OPDS (occupant detection? or something like that) board. Light came on in April, again in May, then June and a few days ago in July. That's 5 times this light has come on -- each time I take my car in and they order a part and replace it. Last time they kept my car for 8 days and replaced sensors in the seat as well as the OPDS board. They told me there was an improved/new part (OPDS board?) the last time which they presumably put in but the problem has popped up again. I am sick of this -- tired of taking my car in, tired of a problem that isn't fixed. Also worried that the dealer/Acura will be even less thrilled to see my car and this light when the warranty expires in 8k miles or 5 months. Anyone else experienced this?
  • l943973l943973 Member Posts: 197
    I own an 99 RL and never had a problem with the passenger SRS light coming on (unless the passenger is leaning against the door which is how it should work). Does this happen when someone is sitting in the seat or on its own?

    Maybe something in the seat (broken/bent part in the seat) is putting pressure on one of the sensors causing the light to go on. If that is the case, replacing the board and sensors would not fix this problem.

    I'm surprised to hear the demo RL had creaks. They are build pretty well. I would have walked away from that dealer as well if they treated me that way.
  • jstuppyjstuppy Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for your note, l943973. The light which is coming on and staying on is the red SRS light and not the yellow one. You're right...the yellow one comes on if someone sits sideways on the seat or otherwise is sensed as not being a good air bag deployee (?!). The red light though comes on and says on which means the airbag circuit is shot and will not work. Something has killed it. The dealer said today they believe the seat belt sensor (electrical connection that knows if the seat belt is in use) is the culprit. Am getting the car back tomorrow so I will see if this is the solution. The last "solution" (sensors in the seat) wasn't. Nor was the solution or two or three several times before that. Maybe this will be the one.
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    Try this:

    **Go to a different dealer.
    **Don't volunteer ANY information.
    **Just ask for a test drive. If you get a ride that is either too short or in a reclamation project of some sort, tell them that you were serious, but if they can't do better, you'll walk now. (You can be professional, but be clear.)
    **Don't ask about price until you're satisfied with the information y ou have about the car itself. If they ask you anything about money, ask them to return to selling the car.
    **When you ask about price, if the figure is much above your idea of what you'll pay, tell them that (no more, tho). Give them a number quite a bit under what you're willing to pay but still above invoice (-rebates, etc.) When they balk, tell them you're serious if they really want to sell the car.
    **If they ignore the rebate accept the number, then say something like: "You mean the $4k dealer cash will be deducted from that?" If not, walk.
    **If you still prefer the first dealer, call back (perhaps no need to go), refuse to talk to the moron you had before, prefer the sales manager, tell him of the lousy experience, tell him you have anew, good number and you're ready to buy, and ask if he's ready to beat it on a car that meets with your approval (not the rattle trap).
    **Anytime they play the "cash or credit" game, either 1) indicate credit (then change your mind when you're sitting in the finance office) or 2)say that you haven't decided and you need their best deal to decide if you want the car before y ou decide on financing.

    This way, you stay in control. The car, by the way, is a LOT better than your test experience.

    The sales person, btw, was right about one thing -- they're sold a large number of these this year and are cleaning out the overage.

    Good luck.
    Joe W.
  • kennyg5kennyg5 Member Posts: 360
    Thanks for the advice. I will definitely visit another dealer or dealers. Besides price, which is an important factor, dealership service and the attitude of its sales staff are also important to me. Also, if I have a choice, I prefer buying cars from dealerships that have Saturday service, as I work during the weekday, even if the dealership has loan-a-car programs. Do you think dealers tend to be less attentive to customers when car manufacturers give rebates? I suppose their attitude is that the car will sell itself due to the lower price and they do not need to be nice. This is unfortunate for customers because with or w/o the rebate, the dealerships will probably make just as much profit.
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    No, the rebate shouldn't effect the quality or quantity of service. In fact, dealers make a big bunch of their money on service. Quite often, however, the attitude and ability of the service personnel will be quite different from that of the sales staff. You have some specific and good ideas on what you want, so I'd suggest that before you buy spend a few minutes interviewing one of the service mgrs. Ask your questions -- see if you like their attitude. The attitude of the sales people is less important because once they get the car to you, you're done with them.

    Take care.
    Joe W.
  • coosamtncoosamtn Member Posts: 47
    Actually, the TLS (8k miles) was via a private sale for $28500. Purchased the Shoreline Mist RL with 3 miles for $35800 (+taxes) at King Acura in Birmingham AL.! With 280 miles now on the RL ... one word. WOW! The RL is absolutely FAR superior to the TLS in quality , ride, and handleing. I can't believe they are made by the same company.
  • mary623mary623 Member Posts: 1
    Okay, need some help here. Looking to trade-in my excellent condition 1999 RL with 60K mileage for a new RL. Absolutely love the car and am Acura lover for life but the resale value is making me think twice. Example: a 1997 Lexus LS400 ( NADA comparable luxery car comparable to the RL) with 57,768 mileage (dealer retail)is asking $29,500 VERSUS a 1998 Acura RL with 40K mileage (dealer retail) is ONLY asking $22,595 !! That's a whopping $6900 difference in value ! Across the board I am seeing a delta of several thousand dollars. What's going on ? This makes me sick to my stomach. I cannot believe I am actually considering a LEXUS just for resale value when I absolutely love the RL.... does anyone have comparable experience ? Really need to know asap. Thanks in advance.
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    Acura RL has only average resale value. That being said, I think it is a much more attractive car than the only front drive Lexus sedan, the ES300. I travel in the snow belt frequently, and I would not be comfortable in a rear drive Lexus. Perhaps you could take the money you save on a RL over a LS430, and put it in a new car fund to make the next buy less painful? I agree with you, I love the car, and hope to own one someday.
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    and then clicked on Comparison. I compared a 2002 RL with NAV to a 2002 Lexus LS430. RL MSRP is $45150 ($41150 if you deduct the $4,000 factory to dealer incentive). LS430 MSRP is $54,405. ALG risidual value after 36 months is 45% for the RL, and 49% for the LS430. ALG risidual value after 60 months is 34% for the RL, and 35% for the LS430. Should you keep your 99 RL for a while longer?
  • goralgoral Member Posts: 149
    I think you are comparing apples to oranges...
    Like mrrogers said, the LS400 originally cost $10K-$15K more than the RL so it's expected that it costs more few years down the road.
    Having said that, the RL's depreciation does stink, especially if you are one that bought the car without special end-of-year incentives. Because of that, the RL makes a WONDERFUL used car. Relatively low price, luxurious, very dependable, etc... Don't agree with me? Go over to Real-world trade in values forum and ask one of the resident dealers (Bill or Terry) what they think about it (from the business point of view, not driver/enthusiast's).
    We've had our '96 RL for 2.5 years. Paid for it ~$19K the door (59K miles on the odo) out, so far put 45K (relatively trouble-free) miles on it and plan on keeping it till the end. Realistically, at this point the car is worth ~$10K and it would make no sense to sell it.
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    Mileage seems to depend on your foot or, some would say, the specific car you get. I just returned from a trip of just over 1300 miles at mostly 78mph. Avg. mileage was 22.6. I'm satisfied with that.

    I don't know the rpm at 70 but I know I get over 23 mpg running at that speed.

    There was a recent recall for a brake light switch. Make sure they do that fix when you buy.

    Take care.
    Joe W.
  • prophet2prophet2 Member Posts: 372
    I agree that the RL is a great buy, especially after someone else has taken the major hit on depreciation. Bought my '96 for $20K with 36.8K miles. Have 67.4K miles now, with front brake pads at 45K and rear pads at 67K being the only expenses beyond normal servicing. Check engine light went on at 67K - oxygen sensor replaced at no charge under an existing extended warranty.

    Styling is conservative and bland, but inoffensive. Even my 21-year-old daughter likes to drive it, even though she's still in the 2-door coupe stage. I may spring the bucks for an RSX for her next month, even though they sell like hotcakes here @ MSRP + ADM + fees. I'll probably get MSRP + fees, based on my long relationship with the dealer.
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Could any of the RL owners help me out and answer a few questions on their RL? I would like to know the RPM at exactly 70 mph. I would also like to know if you had the same chance would you buy the RL again? I see they are going around 35-37K at this time. Are there any problem areas?
    What kind of gas mileage can I expect with mostly highway miles? I have heard that this model is poor on gas mileage. Thanks in advance for your help.
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    I appreciate the eagerness of your follow up post, so:

    1. I went out special so I could answer you: the rpm at 70 on mine is at 2600.

    2. Mileage, see above. Some have complained, if you want to read up quite a few messages where there was a prolonged discussion of the issue, that they were getting only 18-20. I get 20 in town, 23-24 highway. The car seems sensitive to tuning and to individual driving styles.

    3. Problem areas. The car is pretty much bullet-proof: see Consumer Reports. cf: Lexus. But there is the brake light switch recall. And every time a mechanic messes with the car you risk needing a return visit to straighten out some careless mistake he made: for example, after I had the brake light switch repaired, the cruise control wouldn't work -- there was nothing wrong with it but the mechanic didn't hook it back up. Aggravating, but not the car's fault.

    4. Would I buy it again? Sure. As a cruiser, it's the best car (for the money) I've owned, including a MB E series. My mistake was in selling my Miata when I got the RL, thinking I wasn't going to have time for it -- I don't, but I need it all the same. I can be eternally comfortable when I'm dead; sometimes I need some fun. Currently looking, not to sell, but to add something with the money I saved in getting the RL.

    Let me note that I don't feel the depreciation is as outlandish as many here say; compare it to many luxury cars, especially those that aren't BMW or Lexus or MB, and it is very similar. It's bad (for all of those remaining, including Jag, Infiniti, Cadillac, etc.), and in the Acura's case there is NOTHING wrong with the car -- it lacks 1) prestige (no hood ornament, V8, rwd, reputation with the reviewers, etc.) and 2) popularity (flashiness). My own review would stress that it is conservative, with elegant style and efficient engineering -- all qualities that are not very American. Good. The country needs to be more conservative (small "c"), dignified, efficient ... among other things.

    If you want something else, y ou need another car.

    Good luck in your choice.
    Take care.
    Joe W.
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Thanks for taking the time to get the information for me. I will keep these things in mind.
  • prophet2prophet2 Member Posts: 372
    I reiterate Joe W.'s conclusions. I went out on a lonely stretch of the freeway to see what the RPMs were at 70 mph. Came out at 2600. Normally, I don't reach that speed as we have a top limit of 60 mph here in Paradise and I don't want to risk a citation. I already escaped the Van Cam's clutches for my car doing 58 mph in a 50 zone - I successfully argued that the photo could not identify the driver of the vehicle, whether male, female, or animal. Also, the judges were dismissing cases in which the cars were not exceeding the posted limit by at least 10 mph.

    The morning and afternoon traffic jams here are hideous, so I avoid them as much as possible. I get anywhere from 18.5 - 23 mpg, which I'm satisfied with. My '01 Odyssey EX has done better at 21 - 24 mpg.

    Joe W. and I seem to be the ones most satisfied our 3.5RLs and appreciative of the attributes of the vehicle instead of complaining about the FWD platform, lack of V-8, conservative styling, four-speed AT, etc. The only item I've had to repair other than "wear-and-tear" is an oxygen sensor at 67K miles ...... and that was at "no-cost" under an extended warranty purchased by the former owner and transferred to me.
  • vaacuradrivervaacuradriver Member Posts: 3
    I have an '02 RL and I love the car. In town and on the highway it is smooth as silk. I get jealous window looking from the Integra/Accord crowd and "niiiccceee car" comments from my co-workers who seem to be forced to drive Explorers and Expeditions. The car is rock solid at 100+, has great paint, comfortable seats, is the only car I have ever owned in which I can enjoy having the windows down and not have the wind blow me out of the seat. I am 6'1" and have plenty of room. I knew when I bought the car that it doesn't have a V-8, isn't rear-wheel drive and has a four speed automatic. I live in the Washington, DC area so I appreciate not having to manually shift - although I'd love a 6-speed stick (but not living with the traffic I fight through). My 225hp 6 allows me more power than most, and not as much as some. Rear wheel drive is great if you live in Florida or California, but here where we have 4 seasons, I appreciate being able to drive to the store in a couple of inches of snow without taking out every mail box on my way. Whatever, the point is I bought the rather expensive car knowing these "shortcomings" and so I don't see the point in complaining about them.

    The one complaint I have is the mileage - freakin' horrible. I owned a Crown Vic and got the same mileage as I get on the RL. Granted I have a bit of a heavy foot, but man you'd think this car was drinking beer.
  • l943973l943973 Member Posts: 197
    I'm also very happy with my RL. Its been very reliable and the ride is excellent.

    Joe, I would have kept the miata. I made the mistake of selling my integra after getting the RL thinking that I wouldn't need it.

    I think you need both. The RL is extremely comfortable, but sometimes I just want to get into a sporty car and row my own gears.

    Looked at a bunch of cars for my weekend trips including the miata (its a beautiful car). I finally have my weekend car, but I still drive the RL most of the time even on weekends. Going from my weekend car to my RL is like going from a soapbox car to riding on a cloud of air. You never realize how nice the RL ride is until you ride in another car for sometime. :)
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    So, what's the weekend car? Do you ever autocross? How far do you have to go to find "fun"?

    I've been thinking of the new 350Z (after the dust settles a bit), drove the WRX and liked it a lot, and there's an actual 356 Porsche available (I don't know your age -- they were new in the '50s, look like an inverted bathtub) for a little over $18k. Now, on that one I could even dig my wrenches out -- which I haven't used since electronics took over.

    I agree that the RL is smooth, solid (especially the '02), a pleasure for the eye, and makes me regret losing my Miata.

    Welcome vaacura! Hope you enjoy yourself ... you don't say what your mileage is & what you think of as bad. Could there be something wrong in the car's tuning? That combined with a lot of traffic, like you mention, could drop it of course.

    Take care.
    Joe W.
  • snowdonsnowdon Member Posts: 38
    Hello,

    Was thinking of going back to an acura, was wondering what deals they are making out there?

    Michael
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    posts a while back on this site, and one mentioned that tire pressure was critical. With the soft suspension, evidently you can get away with higher tire pressures. I recall some people were going to 35 psi.
  • vaacuradrivervaacuradriver Member Posts: 3
    10,000 miles on my car and no problems. Re the mileage - I'm sure it's all relative. When I was driving a full-size Ford with a V-8 I didn't expect to get above 20 mpg. With a mid-size/6 I expect to average around 24-25 and I seem to averaging somewhere around 17-18. Honestly, I don't really care that much about the poor mileage as it is still better than my last two vehicles.

    Speaking of tires, I had my RL in for service yesterday and had to have a tire replaced (nail in the sidewall) and GEEZ who knew these Michelins cost so much?

    I had the brake light recall fixed at the same time (total time on that about 10 minutes). Acura really does kiss your butt at the dealership - and I like that:) I was hanging out with one of the sales guys in the service bay area (it was raining outside so he had no customers) and he tells me to look for a complete redesign of the RL in '03? I hope they don't screw it up as I really like the shape of the current model. Honda did this to me with the Accord when they went from the 90-93/94 series to the bland model they run now. I had a '92 Accord EX Coupe which I loved. Put 140,000 miles on it.
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    I have seen for a new 2002 RL with NAV. I found that price at www.carsdirect.com. I used zipcode 91311 which is Chatsworth, CA north of LA. I understand there is a $4,000 factory to dealer incentive. I heard prices are competitive in Alabama also.
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