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And I believe S60 is a compact sedan. TL interior is about the same size as 2005 Audi A6 & Mercedes E-class, and slightly smaller than RL (listed at 99.1 cu ft).
Just wanted to chime in and say thanks to all for the great info on this board prior to me test driving and buying the RL last Sunday.
The car is great so far; but, I'm still playing with all the gadgets. Took is out for a business trip to San Diego and so far logged about 500+ miles on it. I got a chance to drive in heavy rain and car handled nicely at about 80-85 mph. I'm really enjoying the quite cabin coupled with the great sound system with XM radio, the free DVD-Audio disk and MP3 create by my niece with a list of my favorite tunes. The nav system with voice activation is fairly easy to use with a female voice that reminds me about 1 mile away prior to exiting on the freeway and about 1/4 mile on local. I've been zooming out on the nav screen to see the live traffic updates prior to hitting the road to avoid heavy congestion. So far, it seem to be a valuable tool as there are many freeway options that I can take while traveling from work to home.
Since the sky clear up on the weekends, I just got my first car wash to keep it sparkling again.
Thanks again to all for great discussions!
Thanks
Sorry I can't be of further help. To my knowledge, no one on the thread has posted a picture of the Lakeshore Silver.
As for the interior, it is very nice but lacking in added wood trim on the middle console. In my opinion,it only looks good in the black interior because the light interior made the center console stand out and look cheap. There is no way an adult can ride comfortably in the middle back seat. I am 5' 10" and my head was up against the roof. BTW, Audi was the same. It is only a 4 passenger vehicle.
The only selling point was the price, since it had everything on it and some dealer added accessories such as color mud guards, spoiler (must have since it looks great with it than without), wood stearing wheel and shift nob all added up to another $2000. Making the price at $52,000. This particular dealer is adding this to all their RLs unless you ordered one without.
The dealer said MSRP, no negotiations, even though they had 3 on the lot unsold. Go figure. I think the price will drop very quickly within the next 3-6 months. I was nothing like the MDX when it debut, demand was much greater.
JMHO
On our test drive the RL had sufficient torque for me and I didn't come close to pushing the peddle to the floor. I also thought if it's torque a man wants then why stop at Audi A6.....but thats just my impression.
Unfortunately, my local dealer doesn't have any copy for testdrive. You'll drive it only after you have put in deposit and your car has arrived.
The demand is not at the level of MDX's rookie year according to the local dealer.
"low ball" - it's "floaty and sedate."
Must be like the "sleep number bed" advertised on TV. Everyone has their own preferences.
I'll make up my own mind, including the colors (I'm color-blind, BTW). I finally got the brochure in today's mail. Private viewing set for 11/01, with hors d'ouvers, cocktauls, and valet parking.
Oh, when I RSVPed, the receptionist haughtily inquired: "OH, BY WHOM WERE YOU INVITED?" And I'm a current RL owner!
Robertsmx...I don't believe anyone answered that question re: road noise and "Is there a system to be turned on..."
I am not sure of the answer but can offer this...on Motorweek I saw a review of the Honda Odyssey. There is "white noise" emitted through the speakers on the Odyssey to reduce wind noise...perhaps same deal on RL???
That's the idea, but I'm told the system counteracts noise even when the radio is turned off. That still leaves the question of which switch the salesperson toggled.
Hopefully rllover will come back and provide clarification...
Once again, I reiterate: the "free" maintenance for the first 3-4 years on some cars isn't really "free." It's factored into the price of the car.
let me preface my rebuttal to your arguments by saying I generally agree that a good dose of skepticism is very healthy.
Thats said let me tell youo why those reasoning are partially at fault IMO.
Just following the common sense that Honda/Acura have a reputation for reliability to uphold, and the lack of any desperate situation that would have them push something rush in the market (may be you should have some worries should a Ford or similarly struggling brand be the candidate), does genreally lead me to believe that the innovation introduced in the RL is going to be totaly unobstructive of your enjoying this car.
Let me up the ante with a series of fact/factoids that have come to the light as the RL release went forward.
A) many technologies represent evolutionary upgrades to technologies already available on other models previously released and not showing any sign of 'intrusion' in the vehicle reliability factor.
SH-AWD falls somewhere in between a totally innovative feature and evolutionary aspects (see talk on tranny of Prelude). Moreover, the R&D phase for SH-AWD has been quoted (Honda/acura sourcecs) to have taken 15 years, more than adequate time to completely troubleshoot problems of any kind.
So I have no doubt in my mind that this offering (namely the RL) is going to follow suit with the global Honda/Acura tradition.
Let me also share the following:
The stated time for the SH-AWD tranny is IMO a good meter to judge what happens in a strong automaker R&D.
1) Innovation is calcualted on bases of imporoved performance/reliability/efficacy/safety
2) Timing to market is based on ROI/marketability.
Well, I hope I have evinced some obvious consideration that may help some of you to overcome such reliability fears, if not my apologies for posting another lenghty opionion and please forward your own back.
Truly,
Steve
Also nice would have been Intellicruise and cooling seats.
Well, I guess on a fully optioned car like the RL, they have to leave some things out to "upgrade" the car over the years.
A great, specific deconstruction!
Why, after nine redundant model/years, would Acura toss a coin and submit an RL unfaithful to its tradition of reliability? It would not! There are no absolutes in this world and anything complex can fall prey to human error. However, based upon trailing years, the odds, and gods, are in favor of continued outstanding construction and reliability. I just glanced at my maintenance records: my '96 RL, with 105K on the Odo, is virtually intact since purchase. I replaced an oxygen sensor, upper ball joint and master brake cylinder in my nine year ownership! I still have the original exhaust system, as well, a feat in itself.
If one considers the outrageous frequency- of- repair records of almost every other marque, save Lexus, why struggle with reliability hypotheticals when Acura has shone so brightly in this area?
Only a pessimist/cynic would require a new litmus test.
However, there is no switch to activate or deactivate ANC. It runs continuously through audio speakers, even when the audio system is off.
Among automakers, Honda and Toyota would be the last for me to worry about technological issues.
It's basically a Japanese versus non-Japanese divide when it comes to reliability among the luxury brands.
Overall, I think the Asian imports do better, but I am impressed with what Cadillac has done in recent years. Their revival has been more than sheetmetal deep. Recent products off their lines have been a close match for the imports.
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Depending on your point of view that is either a good thing or a bit of a disappoint. . .
I'm in the latter camp.
Still worth the drive, tho, I'm thinking!
JM2C
I forgot that the Japanese manufacturers incorporate the latest technologies into their domestic cars first -- and in the Japanese market, there better not be any big problems or the customers will require the manufacturers' executives to commit hari kiri!
We drove the new version on two different occassions...and today I pushed the car into some very sharp turns at a good rate of speed -- and I can only tell you that it was remarkable how well the RL held it's own without even suggesting that it couldn't handle the forces impinging on it. There wasn't much body lean at all and the ride was secure - in this outstanding auto (something I felt was very pronounced when we drove a Lexus 330ES last year on a similar drive). Further, the brakes are superb and there was plenty of power, at least for our taste. I suspect that we will have some difficulty mastering all the technology given that we are just getting the hang of our VCR ... but at least there is hope..... and Acura's well deserved reputation for reliability (plus our personal experience) and the performance of this outstanding vehicle provides the confidence necessary for us to make such a purchase.
Acuraphile, my '96 RL has a similar record as yours. 102K miles; one oxygen sensor replaced; radiator replaced; rear power window motors replaced. No other issues. I consider the water pump and timing belt as normal service items.
larry, what is a VCR?
On cars whose design intention has little to do with achieving "low-six" 0-60 plaudits, what IS the net effect of the Cd? Those big distinctive grills of the past were not only big, but truly distinctive and encouraged aesthetic competition. The current preoccupation with ovid styling and elevated rear ends, passively duplicated by most marques, has created a stultifying sameness that makes styling comparisons academic, just about.
Why should the RL even be THOUGHT to resemble an Accord? The answer: because there IS commonality enough to provoke that somewhat pejorative comment. I agree that it can't pass for an Accord, but I still understand the genesis of Mark's comment.
I'm not suggesting that it would be in the best interest of any manufacturer to suddenly present the "face" of a 1928 Packard but, oh, one can dream! My dad didn't have to dream. THAT was his ride!
Acuraphile, but I'm not sure if old things don't get older quickly. Perhaps a reason, retro styling comes and goes. I do admit though, that Acura should have followed the design principles of TSX and TL more into the new RL.
Now we even burn audio DVD'S to enjoy on our Acura/Bose 10 speaker surround-sound RL system some day. (Can't wait to hear those!)
Frankly this is the best car I have ever owned. I live in the mountains and I can tell you the The car handles like it's on tracks! You simply can't lose it a dry road. A BMW M5 although fast could not stay with me on the curves. So much for $80,000 German Cars. The sound system is amazing, the Navigation is a wonder and easy to use, the keyless entry and start are a great convenience. The seats are comfortable and the interior looks like a jet! The body is sleek if not high style but I'll trade that for the afformentioned any day.
Put it all together and it's a blast to drive while you listen to your 5.1 Surround DVD in complete comfort and quiet (except for the engine tuned deep throttle)and talk on you hands free blue tooth phone and shift with your paddle shifters!!!!!
Stop your whining. This is a helluva car!
Just buy the Audi ............
Wow, that is a big statement??? Did you buy an Audi? If so what made the choice for you? I am caught between the Audi A6 and Acura RL.......
Mark's the guy who seems "critical" of the RL (e.g. saying it looks like the Accord) and seems to prefer the European marquees (BMW, Audi). It's evident everytime he puts his $0.02 in.
So, I say to him: "Just buy the Audi" and stop trying to "rain on our parade."