Acura RL 2006

tamparl

Hey Golfnut5,

I am sure there will be a ton of people arguing the point, but I will share my opinion having owned both.

For me, as much as i appreciate the TLs sporty nature, it was too firm for day to day driving on crappy roads. Only on the smoothest asphalt was the ride also smooth and quiet. I am pretty anal about rattles, and the firm ride of the TL also upset the interior more than I prefer. I found myself dodging all road imperfections and slowing to dead slow for driveways and railroad crossings.

For me, the RL handles this much more to my liking. Much more refined, no creaks, pops or rattles and I cruise over roads I formally crawled by with the TL. The RL is much quieter on most roads. However, the RL is more sporting than dedicated luxury cars (read Lexus) and some tire noise is apparent on coarse, concrete or grooved roads (we have many in Tampa). I suspect this is due to the tires, and Michelins are known for it. I don't think you can totally elimate all tire noise on all road types, but I've read there are alternate tire choices to be made on the RL. Still on smoother roads, the RL is eerily silent. I think the car being much quieter makes occaisional tire noice noticable.

I tend not to crank the stereo as much in the RL, I can hold normal conversations and the voice recognition works better. I even can use voice recognition and HFL with the sunroof open cruising along at 50mph.

Ultimately, it is a matter of opinion if if you feel the RL is THAT much better than the TL. For me it is.

golfnut5

tamparl,

Thanks for the comments. I drive about 25,000 miles per year in my TL and that is on many crappy roads. I like my TL, fun to drive and awesome power, but looking for something with a softer ride, but still sporty. Sounds like the RL could be that ride. When the 07's hit my local dealer I will take a test drive.

tamparl

golfnut,

Let me know how you evaluate the RL. I have been reading a reoccurring theme on RL & TL web boards. It seems there is a trend of TL owners trading into the TL. In fact the 07 TL 'base' model has had the suspension slightly detuned for more comfort (and perhaps to lessen rattles?).

FYI there is no change in the 07 ride characteristics than the 06. The 07 is just packaging in 3 trim levels. 'Base' will be no Navi, no active front lighting and plood instead of real wood. The Technology Package and the Tech + PAX is the same as an 06 Tech + PAX. But the 06 is selling 10K below sticker. You may want to consider....

vluu

I finally pulled the trigger this afternoon for a 2006 RL non-tech package (black/black).... got it for $39,500 + TTL. This included; wheel locks and life time oil changes + Va State inspections. The dealer was Radley Acura in Va. I have to say... this was the best buying experience I have ever had. They truly have a good customer service.

A few days earlier, I went Pohanka Acura and had a terrible experience. Sales people were very pushy and agressive. In the end, Pohanka didn't even have a 2006 new RL to sell me. They keep on trying to sell me a demo and then when I agreed to look at it, they couldn't even find it. This was the 3rd time I gave Pohanka a chance to have my business.... and all 3 times... they seem to "strikeout".

Anyway... thanks for everyone's feedback and information. I have to thank everyone who posted valuable information. If it wasn't for this information, I don't think I would have gotten the offer I was looking for. Thanks!! I pick the car up tomorrow after work and I can't wait to drive it home.

tamparl

Congrats vluu! I hope you enjoy your RL as much as I am enjoying mine.

I went to the Tampa Bay Auto Show last night and I can say there was nothing that I would have purchased over the RL in the 40-45K range. Only the Lexus GS intrigued me (IS too small, ES interior does not appeal to me and LS does not look like 70k+). But the GS comparably equipped was 45k+. That trip affirmed my RL purchase. And for those who think the RLs build quality is not as good as some others, I beg to differ. I did a lot of 'door slammin' at the auto show!

vluu

Congrats vluu! I hope you enjoy your RL as much as I am enjoying mine.

Thanks tamparl! Your opinion was extremely helpful. After looking and comparing the GS350, GS300, TL, and ES350..... the RL wins hands down for luxury and price. Still can't believe I got the deal I wanted.... and I bought it! I was going to wait... but the deal was too good to pass up. Don't know if I had waited... the deal and color choice would have been possible.

I just picked up the car tonight (with 15 miles) and the drive home was fantastic. Now... I have to learn so much about how everything works. Very overwhemling... but I'm going to enjoy learning and experiencing everything.

Next week, going to consider some of the accessories for the car. My sales person is offering to buy some items at his discount cost. I'll have to compare what his cost is... compared to buying it online. Consiering the deck spoiler, wood steering wheel, wood shift knob, and color mud guards. Any recommendations?

tamparl

Accessories are a personal choice. But I highly recommend the backup cam. I got the cam thrown in the deal, and my dealer has mud guards, wheel locks, trunk tray and cargo net on all new Acuras they sell. Some dealers charge for those depending on the model. Ultimately you ARE paying for it, it just boils down to how they package the deal. As long as you are happy with the car and you feel the price you paid was fair, then no need to stress over if you could have negotiated any lower. Keep in mind there are people driving 05 RL who paid 50k and an 07 non Navi RL is 45K. Just enjoy the ride! :P

acurat

Currently drive an 04 TL non-navi; fast and fun but harsh ride. Strongly considering a move up to RL for ride characteristics and satellite traffic. Just posted in the Prices Paid forum (L.A. area fleet manager offered $40,587 + TTL for non-tech 06 RL today--basically invoice less the $4K dealer rebate). Thoughts?

Another couple of little questions for RL owners: the Acura website lists 17" tires (245/50 x 17) while Edmunds claims 18" as standard (245/50 x 18). Which is correct? Also, are the directional headlamps standard on 06 RL non-tech? :confuse:

Looking at the relevant MSRPs, Acura must have deleted some goodies for 07. The 07 RL tech w/o PAX is essentially the same price as the 06 RL non-tech...just trying to get it all figured out. (No interest in PAX or OnStar.) Thanks for any help here.

vluu

acurat,

I got the deal, $39,500 the other day (Northern Va). The dealer had about 6 non-tech RL's left. I had gotten some email quotes for $40K. So, $40,587 + TTL isn't bad? I think if you wait to save $500, you might lose out if they sell off all the 2006 RL's. Then you are left with having to go with a 2007, which there is no "$4K" rebate. This is the reason I pulled the trigger. My $39,500 was the best I got thus far, so I had to jump on it. As it turns out.... 2 days later, the dealer is down to only 3 2006 non-tech RL's now.

I noticed that on Edmunds as well. It's a misprint on their specs for the RL non-tech. Yes, you get the AFS standard on the non-tech. I have them on mine and they work great. Plus they have an auto-leveling system that works well too.

Go for the 2006 RL if you can? It will be hard to get that 4K rebate for the 2007's. You would probably have to wait a while to see that again. Only real difference is the rear backup camera... 2006 don't have it. If you really want that... the dealer can install that option for about $600.

Btw.... this is by far the best car I have ever own. It's worth every penny. So much technology and gadgets! Ride is smooth and the car is solid.

Good luck!

jpenn

I'll throw this out in the RL segment.

Does anyone think that the Acura V8 Luxury Coupe seen in another blog is a real possibility or is it just a fairly good chop job. The picture looks like a Mercedes CL with a modified Acura front end. It would be real nice to see Acura return to the Luxury Coupe market, but given their conservative styling and marketing it is doubtful this will happen.

I have always felt that the Legend Coupes of the late 80's and early 90's were very classy automobiles and was sorry to see them go.

Any opinions?

cstiles

Ultimately, I think it comes down to dollars and cents. The coupe market (especially upmarket) is very small. The population is aging, so as more baby boomers retire, I suppose there is the chance that the demand for 2-door, personal luxury coupes will rise. But note that Toyota has recently decided to axe the Camry Solara coupe, and Honda is evaluating whether to continue the Accord coupe for 2008 and beyond. This is a reflection of the limited demand for such cars.

It seems to make more sense to see Lexus come out with a true 2-door coupe, since they have the resources and global focus to pull this off. The old SC300/400 coupe has been gone for many years now, and the current SC is a high end hardtop convertible with an unusable back seat. But I see Lexus focusing more on an IS coupe to better compete with the BMW 3-series coupe, before they develop a classy CL-type coupe like you asked.

Given the tepid sales of the current RL, I don't see Honda pulling the trigger on a 2-door luxury coupe, with or without a V8. I question whether there is enough sales potential to justify the design, tooling, launch, marketing, and service support that such a new model would represent. But I hope I'm wrong since I am also a fan of 2-door coupes that offer performance, panache, and a useable back seat.

jpenn

Cstiles, thanks for the response, I agree with what you're saying but also offer this as an argument for an Acura coupe. At present, by my count, there are BMW3, M/B CLK, Infiniti G35 coupes on the market. Also it is reported that Audi, Cadillac and possibly Lexus will be joining the luxury coupe market. While sales performance is the ultimate criteria I might think that Acura would give the coupe consideration simply to keep pace.

I presently have an aging but reliable 02 MDX and my next vehicle will not be an SUV. I was considering an 08 CTS until I read that they might be producing a coupe in 09 now with the 07 BMW3 being a somewhat larger model (I hate small sport coupes ie:G35) and the possibility of an Acura and Lexus coupe, I'm salivating. Let's hope that us Baby Boomers still carry enough clout to convince auto manufacturers to do it.

jeffp2

i bought mine a year ago or so. for the most part, quite pleased. one rattle ... seems to be from the sunroof area. when i close the moonroof, seems to diminsh substantially though. city mpg so so ... 15/16. hiway .. very good .. 25+. not sure why the huge variance.

be curious to hear other owners feedback or general comments.

thanks

jeffp2

vluu:

i live in the midwest but my daughter lives in arlington & bought an acura not long ago from radley & says exactly what you do ... loved the experience. her car has been great & no problems. wish there were more dealers like them around!

i've got a black/black 2006 rl myself. love the car. had a couple minor rattles but all else ok. yours still behaving properly?

badbuy

Nice to see that there is at least one acura dealer that is ok. CC Acura is a nightmare. It took Acura two months to even acknowledge the problems. The 2006 "new" acura RL now has lots of problems popping up. So sorry I bought this LEMON from a less than competent dealer.

:lemon: :lemon:

autoboy16

personally, i see a hardtop convertible a la c70, eos, 335i/328i on the horizon. Convertibles sell better than coupes lately. For those who want a coupe, keep the top closed...

_Cj

dvkimson

At a stop on a family trip from Atlanta to Biloxi, my brother in-law, who was driving a Lexus LS430 said:"Did you feel the wind? It kept on blowing my car away!". Supprised, my other brother in-law, who was dring my 06 RL said:"Really? I didn't feel athing". At that time, it striked me that I took everything for granted with my RL. I remember there were some sharp curves on some of Atlanta's highway/exits that scared me before are now just another curve. There were some puddles of water on the road when it rains used to lift and throws my car to the side of the road now lost their power. Couldn't do anything to my RL. So there, Acura RL owners, there are a lots going on around your drives, but you just don't know it. I guess we don't have to know it But just don't take it for granted.

vince69

I bought a 2006 RL and I am interested in pairing it with a cell phone using Verizon as my provider. My first choice is the LG VX8300. Anybody had any experience with this particular pairing?

mortal1

I am considering getting a luxury car, for the adaptive cruise control. As most RLs come with adaptive cruise control, I'd like to ask yall about your experiences with it. Does it make a great deal of difference on long highway/interstate jogs? Is it, in your opinion, a game changer?

eddieboyeddie1

We have a 2006 RL with the teck package, it been good so far, has a rattle on the right side of the dash of which Acura seems not to want to address, went in for one recall with the master cyclinder, vehicle only has 50,000 on it, my only regret is the resale, not good at all, so we'll just keep it, one thing is for sure, I will never buy a new car of this type again since you can get a used one cheap, milage is so so around town, out on the open road it pretty good but not great

michael0137

5 years and 50,000 miles later and you are complaining about a rattle that Acura "seems not to want to address"? And what is so-so mileage around town, and pretty good on the road? My son and I (2005 and 2008 RLs) get 20-22 around NYC and 29-30 on the road. This with a 300 HP V6 driving an AWD drivetrain and a 4000+ pound car? Excellent in my book. If you expected better than that, you need a Civic and not an RL.

michael0137

And with, I might add, 245-50/17 tires? 29-30 MPG at 70-75 with those steamrollers on the car? No complaints here!

bammer49

Any thoughts on whether it should be added? Just bought 06 w/56k miles in mint condition-hardly a nick or scratch. I love the car. Great ride.
Thanks

jeffp2

Bammer:

I've got a 2006 RL as well. Had it since new. Had ZERO problems with the car. Maybe wish there was a V8 option but the 6 runs fine. As far as the camera goes, I've got one on another vehicle (Lexus SUV) & do NOT miss it a bit not being on the RL. You will enjoy the RL. I can safely say the best car I've ever owned.

JP

jensad

I previously owned a 89 Acura, (C+) and then tried Lexus, mistake as to value and I then came back and drove the 08 rl and I am happy with my choices oing back to the Acuras.

I purchased an 08 rl new, and now have about 59000 miles with no repair issues other than the usualy oil change ect. We still get about 28-30 mpg at about 78 mph. Best car yet from Acura. I then went out and purchased an 2011 MDX. Wife and I drove across the USA and got the same mileage i.e. 78-80 mpg.

No issues with the 2011 Acura either. I an "sold" on Acuras and our son purchased a 2011 TL last year and he too loves his car.

Good luck to all and stay safe.

jensad

jeffp2

Jensad: As I said above, my '06 RL is great .. absolutely no complaints. The one thing have I noticed mileage wise that's a little out of the norm is that I, like you, get almost 30 mpg on the hiway. In town however just kind of average.. about 17 or so. Never have figured out why the large disparity.
All said though, very happy with the RL. Great car!

Jeff P.

michael0137

One thought about the mileage - the RL is a HEAVY car - 4400 lbs. Constant acceleration of something that heavy is a problem in the city. Once on the highway with the car in OD? 29-30 is quite reasonable to expect. My 2008 Accord EXL V6 ran at higher RPMs cruising than the Acura does. Why Honda loves high RPMs I will never understand. Got rid of 2004 S2000 - wanted it for some weekend trips but 4000 RPM at 75 MPH in 6th gear??? Too much noise - couldn't carry on a conversation with a passenger 2 feet away.

michael0137

I have the camera on our '08. IMHO it is a gimmick. And relying on it, I backed into the car behind me when parking!!! And I NEVER have done that without a camera. My son's 2005 does not have it. Enjoy your car - you aren't missing anything.