Acura RL

mkbrown87

We have a 2000 RL, and we often hear a sloshing sound from the firewall in front of the passenger seat. It mostly occurs when the vehicle is cold, and going from a stopped position to rolling forward or turning. I'm not concerned, but don't know what it is. Any thoughts?

phil4vers4

The coolant probably has an air bubble in the line. My car did the same thing in the same area. I took it in the tech drained it down and added extra coolant. Since then, no more sloshing sound. Good luck.

bgordonr

Aloha, i'm in Honolulu-just made first acura purchase- 16 month old 2000 RL, silver, 10k miles, mint $28k from private party for wife. Thanks to all for info on this site really informative on RL. Car drives wonderfully and is a dream-in fact i'll be looking for another for myself if i can find similar deal locally. one item i did notice is car is a bit noiser than i expected. oh well we can't drive to far around island.
I shopped for new passat, toyota, TL for similar prices but dealers here just won't budget much on prices - made several serious offers above TMV but no luck locally in our capative Hawaii.

bgordonr

just bought 2000 RL non nav, 10600 miles, 2 1/2 yrs left on factory warranty. would appreciate advice about what RL owners think about how smart it would be to purchase acura care 7 yr 100k extended warranty- can purchase 0 deducatble for about $1200 from mainland dealer (local dealer quoted $1k more)-
I'm wondering about long term repairs after 50K or 4 yrs for things like electronic, AC, etc- seems like 4-5 dealer trips in 5,6 or 7th yr & warranty may be worthwhile-no considering peace of mind. What do you think?
I had 91 M5 and bought extended warranty from dealer and it paid for itself many times over. not sure about RL though., help

hownow

I would recommend it, but find out if you have to buy it now, if you can do it about 6 mos. prior to the end of the warranty period--just in case you decide to sell the car before that. In addition to my 2000 RL, I also have a 1995 Legend, and when I decided to keep it beyond the warranty period, I purchased an extended warranty. I think it was $1000 w/$50 deductible, but that was over two years ago. I've already broken even, so anything from here on in is a bonus, and it gave me the piece of mind to hold on to the car. I'll be out of warranty and the end of the summer, & then will have to decide what to do.

l943973

For $1000 I would consider it. If the amount was any higher, I may pass on it. I've owned my 99 RL for over 2.5 years now and have put 70k miles on it. (Love driving the car). These are the problems I had with the car so far.

1. Steering Wheel Nut replaced (Service Bulletin)
2. Seat Belt Recall (Service Bulletin)
3. Check engine light went on at 30k (Oxygen Sensor replaced under warranty).
4. Left passenger lock tend to stick and would not always lock. (49k) Replaced the actuator under warranty.

Thats it. I guess 4 problems isn't too bad. 3 is probably cheap to fix, but 4 required opening up the door which may be costly if you have the dealer do it.

Other than that, the car has been pretty trouble free.

jwilson1

I found something to complain about -- my dashboard thermometer for the outside temp is inaccurate, about 5 degrees warmer at 40, about 8 degrees warmer at 20. I think I'll call the president or someting.

A story: two weeks ago, I had an oil change at the dealer's. A couple days later I noticed a few drops on the ground where I park. I checked the oil, and it was okay, but drippint. I thought that, when I got a chance, I'd go back, thinking some moron had left the crush washer off, or something. Several days later, leaving work early to go to a meeting, the oil light started to blink. Fortunately, I was outside the local garage and pulled over ... NO oil.

I called the dealer. He said to add more oil, since I was at a garage, come down and they would work on it. Oil was all over the engine, like someone had sprayed a garden hose of 5W-30. There was no chance of figuring where the leak was. I put in 3 quarts then started it to see what would happen ... another spray job. There was no way I was going to make it to the dealer, but we could see that it was coming from the filter. So the garage owner had me drive it into a bay, spilling oil all over his lot as I went, and he pulled a filter to find ... you've probably guessed it: the guy who'd changed it had left the original filter gasket on and the oil was coming from between the two gaskets. He put the old gasket and filter back on, filled it with oil, collected $31.00 from me, and I drove to the dealer, not in the happiest frame of mind.

When I drove in, they were all over it. I handed them the receipt and the keys, and they said they would see how much of a mess it was and let me know in just a few minutes. The sales manager came into the waiting area where I was looking over a new MDX, gave me a check for $62.56, reimbursement for the breakdown and for the oil change the week before. In 45 minutes they'd steam cleaned the engine, changed off the belt, put in a new filter (this time with o nly one gasket), and washed the car. Great service I think.

Re: extended warranties -- I'm not all that interested in them. It's why I buy reliable cars. I've had two, actually, and neither has paid for itself.

Take care.
Joe W.

korach

I am about to change the Cooling, brake and trans.
fluids in my 97 RL. The manual says to use only
Honda brand fluids. Is this true or is it BS and can
you use comparable fluids instead?

Thanks

Pat Korach
Kirkland, WA

shazde

I have owned many many Hondas and Acuras...one thing I will tell you...use only Honda ATF. As far as the coolant and brake fluid, use what you please, but only use ATF.

Bluewtr1

I have a problem with my sunroof cover and have had it since the day I bought the car. It rattles. The dealer has replaced the sunroof glass, even though I insisted it was the cover. Said that was the service bulletin they had. Rattle continues. They now have used a tape that goes around the opening. Said it was another service bulletin. Still rattles. I have another appointment next week. Any other RL owners had this problem? Please let me know. E-mail at mfaraino@home.com
Thanks

robertsmx

Does it squeak, or rattle? If it is squeak, try lubricating the rubber seals. It may even fix any rattle if you spray some inside, along the rails.

im_jonathan

I recently bought '02' Acura RL. I'm having problem with sound system. When I turn on the sound system and turn volume all the way down and keep hearing static sounds. The dealer saying it is normal but it bothers me when I listen to classical music cds. You can hear the static sound. Anyone who has similar problem?

swsms

I saw picture of what could be the next RL with a V8 and RWD on this site:

http://www.mag-x.com/scoop/legend0001/index.html.

The story is over a year old, so does anyone have the latest update?

dcwong1

This is probably the wrong forum to discuss problems from the 1st generation Legend but I need help. My '88 Legend L with the 2.7L V6 has two major problems and I was wondering if other former Legend owners have experienced this. First, the ABS unit is making a noise (you hear a rattling sound where the master cylinder is located) after start up or when the ABS is applied (my '93 Integra had the same problem too) - I believe it is the brake accumulator and it is not pressurizing after it is activated. Is this correct and, if so, how much does it cost to replace? Second, has anybody experienced having to replace the engine gaskets and is this a known problem. I smelled burning oil after I parked my car and then I noticed that the below the front cam cover, there was oil around the gasket area. My '88 is a very low mileage car, around 68K. Does anybody know how much it costs before I take it into the dealer next week? Thanks a lot!!!

phild_mason

Anyone bought used 97 or 98 RL's lately? What are the prices running like? I am looking for something with 40k or less on miles.

thanks

phild_mason

Has the rattle just started or has it always been there? Hondas/Acuras generally always pressurize the system at startup which has a slight buzz noise to it. Has the ABS light come on and stayed on? Do you have a sand road you could do a test on to see if the ABS is working?

I had a 90 that needed some brake work and it was around $800. The ABS fixes are not cheap.

As for the oil, I have no idea. Have you check the PVC breather system? Is it functioning? Otherwise use your eyes.

good luck

dcwong1

The noise on the both of my Acura's ABS system did not occur when they were brand new. On my '93 Integra, I don't think I heard it until it reached 80-90K. On the Legend, it must have been around 50K.

Within the first 5 years of owning the Legend, the master cyclinder had to be replaced. Thank god I bought the extended warranty because it would have been a fortune to replace. The braking ability is only average on the Legend - nothing to brag about. The ABS light has never gone on when it was repressurizing, but you can hear it while driving after the system has been activated. I've read a recent Road and Track mag about the history of the NSX and sure enough it mentioned about checking out the brake accumulator.

As for the PVC valve, I don't think I've even know where it is with all the wire and everything. Can you tell me where it is? Is it located on the back of the engine, on top of the rear cam cover?

Thanks!

marsha7

I had an 88 Legend sedan, had to get rid of it in 98 with 165000 miles, 150000 of which were trouble free...without a doubt, it was the perfect size vehicle and the BEST car I have ever owned...I almost cried when I had to let it go, as the repairs were coming on strong after 150K...my ABS would often hum for the first 10 seconds of turning the ignition on (whether I started it or not) and then shut off, totally normal...you state that you noticed oil in front of the cam cover...but have you found where the oil actually comes from???...I ask only because part of the routine maintenance is to change the timing belt every 60K miles (mechanics will often tell you that you can stretch past 60K but do NOT go past 75K) and you have 68K...when they do the timing belt service, they also change the water pump and all the gaskets as well, plus, they remove the valve covers to adjust the valves and also add new valve cover gaskets...so if the oil is coming from any of those places, it may just be time for a timing belt overhaul anyway, and kill two birds with one stone, providing that is the source of your oil...the cost used to be about $350, but that was 4 years ago...just my 2 sheckels...

dcwong1

My timing belt and water pump was changed around the 60K mark. I think it cost around $500 ($79/hour labor rate). I smell and see oil around the engine gasket below the front cam cover. I didn't see any on the rear cam cover. Do you think that when they changed the timing belt, the front cam wasn't torque properly and then I would smell the oil oozing onto the hot engine? I don't think this was a problem before the timing belt was changed. Why hasn't Acura gone to a timing chain and saved owners some money?

One other thing on the ABS - the unit would hum when it was damp or cool outside. This was prominent on both Acuras in the winter time. I have driven other cars and have never heard of this humming when started up or when the ABS unit was activated?

BlakJack

Hi, I would like to hear all your commints on this car. Any unschedueled repairs, noises, quarkes, ... etc? Im not sure if we should get an RL or an Avalon. The reasons for these choices are:

1) My dad needs it for his daily 80 mile commute, so the maintenece has to be within reason and it must be safe and reliable.
2) He wants a large car with alot of leg room.
3) For some dumb reason, he stops under traffic lights, not in front of them, so he wants to be able to see the signal even if they are very high up in the windsheild.

Last night we took a demo 2002 RL for a test drive. For some reason, I could here the exhaust note. It was almost like a "putting" sound coming from behind me. I was sitting in the rear. The frequency increased with the revs. Is this normal? Besides that, the car ran fairly smooth.

They are offering a $6000 discount on all their 2002 RL before Jan 1. So an RL w/o the Nav Sys would be around $37500. Do you think we can talk them down another $1000?

sranger941

I have owned both of the following vehicles both of which were purchased new:

98 Avalon XLS
00 RL w/Nav

I traded in the Avalon (18k miles) for the RL due to the following reliability issues:

1. Continuous failure of A/C and heating system. Always repaired, but always continued to break (Toyota was well aware of this problem, but could never get the fix to last)
2. Void in steering (failure of steering racks is common in this model year as well as 99)
3. Replacement of various suspension parts which were back ordered for over two months to fix the well known about suspension noises from the right front of the vehicle
4. Replacement of the transmission at 10k
5. Driver seat replaced due to failuer of seat heater
Prior to the Avalon, I owned a 92 Camry V6 XLE which was absoultely bullet-proof and I expected the same from the Avalon, but it did not happen in practice. Even though the car was not reliable in Toyota fashion, the dealer was very helpful and always proided loaner cars and was honest regarding the expected time for waiting for parts to repair the car.

The RL, crrently 14k miles, is absolutely fantastic. No problems at all, good dealer ship service and the Navigation system is useful and fun at the same time.

Pluses for the Avalon:
More room in back seat
Slightly bigger trunk
8-Way power passanger seat as compared to 4-Way in the RL

Pluses for the RL
Reliability to date
Much better standard Bose sound system
Braking is excellent
Navigation system available

In know the Avalon has been changed for 2000 and forward so I can't really comment on the current model strenghs/weaknesses. If you can get 6k off of the RL, you will be getting a car that is probably one of the best values available given the levels of standard equipment.

jwilson1

Wow. Where are you, blak jak? The national site still lists a lease cap cost of $39.6+ which has been the best deal available.

Did anyone say why the deal is good till 1/1?

Take care.
Joe W.

BlakJack

MY friend had a 98 Avalon XLS and we took a couple of drives in it. I thought it was a great riding car. Quiet and smooth. But they got rid of it too because of the A/C. Thats weird, I thought Toyota would never have something as faulty as a bad A/C or replacing a tranny at 10k !!!

Well I sure will go back and look at the RL. But only after a look at the 2002 Avalon.

jwilson1 ... I live in Houston Texas, My profile is public. The Dealer was John Eagle Acura. The discount ends Dec 31, my bad, probably because of quotas and taxes for cars still on their lot at the end of the year. They rather pass the savings to customers then pay extra taxes.

jwilson1

Yeah, that makes sense but maybe it's a regional program. Dealers usually take the tax hit rather than a big loss like that. I know that up here (NE) the dealers say they have enough cars for three or four weeks and seem happy with that. But at that much of a price difference it would be well worth the cost of a flight down to drive a new one back.

Take care.
Joe W.

retnav

I have a 2000 RL w/o nav. Got it in Feb 00. Twice I have had sunroof noises. First time I had to tape record it for tech to hear it(it never made the noise when I took it in) They retorqued the roof (??) noise stopped. Three months ago it fired up again. This time they put in shims; noise has stopped again. We'll see for how long. The dealer has been very responsive each time. Hope this helps.
New subj: My dealer sent me a letter saying he needed 2000 RL's and he could make a good deal for a new 2002. I have been well satisfied with the 2000; Looking at the Edmunds trade ins and new car costs, it appears it would take about $11K to trade mine for a new 02. I am reluctant to trade a known good car for an unknown, but the 02's are upgraded. Anyone compared 00's with 02's and have any good ideas?? I haven't checked with the dealer to see what kind of a deal is possible: I don't want to find that 00's are great cars and 02's aren't working out to be as good as advertised. Many thanks.

phild_mason

It looks like the dealers are trying to snooker some people to help them get rid of inventory. Granted they tuned the 2002 for a few more ponies, but otherwise I think they are pretty much the same. oh yea On-Star, woo hoo....

Last year they got stuck with 2000's and had to dump them at dealer less $5000 dealer incentive. I think they want to avoid that and get rid of the new and get good used vehicles to sell. I think sales are likely down because of the economy and the coming '03. whatever that holds...

Frankly, used is about the only place car dealers are assured of making money.

Bottom line, keep your 2000 if it does all you want.

jwilson1

I like my '02 a lot, but as phil points out, the changes are not that substantial. The extra hp is noticeable but it's a minor boost. The biggest change in my mind is in the suspension, steering, and tires -- these are what made the extra cost (at the time, vs. an '01 or '00) worth it to me.

I dunno. Lots of people don't seem to find the difference significant. I did. You'd have to drive it to find out, but to answer your question: no, there's no problem with the '02. But if your dealer told you that, I'd want one heck of a deal -- perhaps like the one described about 10 posts ago, above -- to make me switch if you truly like your '00. Why should you pick up the depreciation to save his sorry .....

Take care.
Joe w.

sburke7

I traded my 2000 in May, with 50000 miles on it, for the 2002 rl. I shopped 3 dealers before finding the "deal" I was looking for,,,that said,,,

I travel alot, both great cars for the road, so I wanted what the '02 offered,,,more hp, torque, firmer suspension. There is a difference in the handling,and the ride (to me) is quieter. I have no complaints for this auto, as it serves the purpose I bought it for,,,quality, dependability, elegance. This car has no "bells and whistles"- another feature I like, you get what you pay for.

rxke

The Acrua dealers in the NY area are advertising 3.5RLs for $479-$499 per month with no money down. It sounds like a good deal for a $44,000 car if you like the car. Supposedly the 2003 RLs with have a V8, be rear wheel drive and cost around $60,000. Time will tell.

jwilson1

The V8 notion has been around for a couple of years. May I ask where you heard it this time, especially as in '03?

Take care.
Joe W.

diploid

What were they thinking??

The tv ad has a couple driving in their RL while a maintenance man waits outside their house's front door. Basically it's advertising GM's Northstar GP system more than it does the car. Very few clear shots of the actual car.

iwin611

I'm planning to buy an RL before the end of the year. Can recent Acura purchasers tell me the best deal they were able to get for a non-navigation equipped RL? I'm in the Baltimore Maryland, Washington DC area.

Thanks

rxke

Hi

I think I read in Automotive News that it is suppose to come out in 2003 and that is why they are having great deals on the 2002s. Automotive News has special issues that discuss what the different automakers will be doing over the next few years. The magazine comes out weekly. Please keep in mind that just because the magazine said it doesn't mean it will happen. Good luck. The RL sounds like a very nice car. Too bad it is not all wheel drive. I was tempted but wound up getting a 2002 E320 4matic because I needed all wheel drive and the leasing on the Mercedes was very inviting(only $120 more per month than an Audi A6 3.0 quattro).

phild_mason

I would like opinions on high mileage RL's and what should be the penalty in pricing.

I have a 2000 which I love, but the wife drives it mainly. I drive a 99 Accord Cpe, but need 4 doors. I do a fair amount of highway driving.

So, I am considering a late 90's TL or perhaps an RL. I came across a 98 RL with 113k on it. It is cheap, relatively....

What do you all think one gives up getting a machine like this that the $$'s don't comp for?

joelraab

I have a '99 RL. Anyone know, can you get away with 89 octane or even regular without harming the car?

jwilson1

joelraab, the consensus when we've talked about this in the past seems to be that you should be able to use regular with no effect on anything but your performance, which will diminish.

Take care.
Joe W,

ccgordo13

The logical consistency of driving a 43000 dollar car, and being concerned with the 9C/gal differential, escapes me.

Regards,

CC

sburke7

I agree with CC, why would you want to lessen performance in this automobile by running a lesser grade of petro in it?

CC,,,did you grow up in MANC, as I did??

ccgordo13

To sburke7

If MANC stands for Mid-Anchorage, no; too cold.
If Manitoba, Canada: ditto.
If Manchester, England: been there, but not a native.
If Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass, lived there in the early 80's, but not a native.
If a small town in NC, lived there from '57 to '61
drove newly acquired '98 RL on its maiden voyage to 40th HS reunion last Sept.

Best regards,

CC

sburke7

Mt. Airy, NC (Mayberry),

I drove my new 2002 RL to this small town in the mtns. during the holidays,,,the handling of this auto on Fancy Gap, as well as Wards Gap, was phenominal,,,the new suspension, along with the new tires, hugged the curves like a tight silky skirt on a 22 year old. Interstate driving was so quiet, had the Bose turned up listening to Sam Cooke, the Drifters, and the King Bees playing wonderful Christmas music, which reminded me of rides going to the First Presbyerian Church each holiday, riding in the back seat of a '49 Willis Jeepster,freezing, and praying for snow-while my brothers argued over who was going to pay for gas.

This new Acrua is fun to drive back to that town I grew up in!! Heads turn when I park in front of the Snappy Lunch,,,sort of like the fat cat out of Raleigh paying a visit,,,hope I do not get a parking ticket!!

pat

I ate lunch at the Snappy Lunch once - what a cool place! Is that the right name? I know Snappy is right, but seems like there was more to it than Snappy Lunch? Anyway, did you know they were written up in Gourmet Magazine a few years ago? That's what got a friend and me to go out of our way to find it on a trip to Asheville once. We were very glad we did, what a fun experience! As is Mt. Airy, aka "Mayberry" N.C.!

And, ahem, to try to stay on topic, that area is certainly a decent place to check out the handling of one's vehicle, no doubt about that. Especially as you go on to Asheville.

:-)

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

ajulius

Hello. I was looking on edmunds, and am confused about whether the 3.5RL suspension was modified for the 1998 or 1999 model year or whether both were modified? I thought the handling of the 1997 3.5RL was very ponderous and the turning radius could have been vastly improved. Is this a non issue on the 1998's or 1999's?

jwilson1

Most non-owners of the RL all the way up to the '02 would describe steering, suspension, etc. as numb, if not "ponderous." But to check for changes I'd suggest you go to the "Used" section and look up each of the models here at Edmund's. If you look at the "Reviews" for each year, the description will explain the changes made for that model year.

Mt. Airy -- I like the poetry, sburke, so much that you make we want to go for a long drive ... of course it really doesn't take that much. Maybe wait for May and take a ride down the Blue Ridge ... ahhhh.

Take care.
Joe W.

hunter001

The 99 RL's suspension was refined a lot over the years before it, and the next refinement happened in 2002.

Later...AH

jwacura

Hi All,

I've just completed Acura sales training and will began at the dealership tomorrow. It's a career change for me (20+ years as a mechanical engineer)and I'm excited about it.

If anyone has a question or more information they'd like from the dealer, I'll be happy to look into it for them. Of course, it may take a few days for me to get back, but I'll do my best to supply the most accurate info I can.

Also I'll try to post RL relevant info as I find out about it.

The training showed me what engineering marvels these cars really are.

BTW, I'm in the SF Bay Area.

Merry Motoring,
John W.

jwilson1

Good luck in your new career! The RL doesn't seem to get a lot of respect here, except from the few of us who own them. But there does seem to be a lot of pent up interest in the rumored V8 package in the next year or so. Obviously, any specifics you are able to pick up on that will get a lot of attention.

Welcome.
Joe W.

txavier

Since buying my 00 RL new in Dec 00 ($35K w/NAV, wow what a deal!), I have been getting Acura's quarterly magazine called AcuraStyle. In the Winter 2002 issue that just came recently, there is a section on page 62 called "Ask the Experts", where readers write in with questions that are presumably answered by Acura "experts".

Two readers asked about using premium fuel. The answer given was that premium fuel is recommended because it is anticipated that "maximum performance conditions" are going to be encountered. These conditions exist when the engine is under a "heavy load", such as "pedal to the metal", "accelerating from a stop with a wide-open throttle", or "passing while climbing hills". The experts go on to say that if an engine is not subject to these conditions, premium fuel "may not be required all the time."

I have thus far used only premium fuel because this answer is the first official Acura approved (my assumption) admission that some of us may in fact not need to be using premium fuel. I have not, do not, and do not expect to place my car under "heavy load, maximum performance conditions" as described above. I drive like the proverbial little old lady from Pasadena, and despite the fact that I have a $45K (sticker price) car, I am loath to spend a cent more than I have to on ANYTHING (gas included), especially if it isn't necessary. If I wasn't frugal, I'd still be driving a Honda!

I'm going to step down a grade to 89 octane and see if there's any difference, and if not I'll probably go to 87 octane eventually. I plan to continue measuring MPG as well. Just wanted to let others know what I had read, since it was interesting and relevant to some of the discussions here.

TX

alexalee1

Like what Joe said above, if you hear any specifics about V8, I'll be interested.

It's seems that Honda/Acura has been very quiet lately (other than the Pilot, which is an SUV).

Infiniti has the new G35. Acura needs to wake up.

That is, unless their strategy is only make things that is in high demand, and contributes to the bottom line (therefore, Honda Pilot, and Acura MDX).

jwilson1

tx, while I recognize your right to experiment with any combination of fluids in your tank that you wish, I just can't see the point of taking an engine that is already 'muted' in the performance department and take even more away. I wonder if you would you be happier in a fully optioned 4-cyl Camry?

Again, I recognize it is your right, and you certainly are not alone as there are a number of posts that seem to imply the same idea...lower the octane to save a buck on a tank and ignore the performance of the car. Witness the number of posters who are less interested in the car than in the discount they picked up.

I often wonder if the conservative track that Acura set with its designs in the mid-90s has doubled back on it and hit it over the head. It often seems to me -- and again this is only my perception -- that some buyers think Acura is competing with the larger GM products. And, really, if a dollar or two a tank, a hundred or so dollars a year, is such an important factor, I wonder why people choose a luxury car -- value or not.

Indeed, there will be a time when we all will be glad to drive a Tercel, but I don't really look forward to it. Sorry if I offended. Really.

Take care.
Joe W.

l943973

Acura is now putting quotes from Edmunds reviews on their website. It describes the results of the RSX. It make you wonder if the folks at Acura occasionally check town hall to hear what Acura owners have to say about their cars.