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Acura RL

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Comments

  • goldkeygoldkey Member Posts: 36
    Normally RL with its 43K MSPR would not be on my radar. But I noticed the recent dealer incentive and carsdirect quote $34800 for RL. That immediately caught my attention. I test drove TL, (which was my primary target originally) and RL. And I absolutely love the ride of RL. The acceleration of TL and its more modern feature package still don't add up to a feel you get in RL. I almost fell in love in RL. I say almost because some things still amiss in RL. Trunk mounted CD instead of in-dash and lack of tilting rear view mirrors are the only things that are lacking to make this car perfect in my view.
    But for $35K I am quite itching to jump into buying it. The only thing is the timing. I have three more month on my lease and I have to pull my $$ together. Incentives are said to expire on 09/03. Does it mean come September 4 the car will only be available for $39K? Doesn't make sense. I hate to buy under time pressure. But would be upset to realize I might have missed a great opportunity. Does anyone know how this expiration works.
    Also any word about 2003? Is it going to be complete make over or cosmetical improvements (in-dash CD :-), etc... ). The dealer said they don't know. But got a notion that 2003RL is probably going to be complete make over - V8, AWD, etc... But he said it's gonna be a $50K car. Sheesh. I don't need V8, AWD, etc...; all I want is in-dash CD and maybe few more horses; all for under 40K would be a dream. But I suppose I want too much.
    Also what about carsdirect? Are they for real? On the surface looks like the most convenient option. Any down sides of going thru carsdirect?
    Appreciate any information, replies.
  • phild_masonphild_mason Member Posts: 99
    Goldkey, I got my RL the last time incentives hit $5k. Paid 33k at the end of 2000. I have loved every minute of it. Thought about a TL also, but just a little smaller in the cabin and not as smooth.

    Acura will keep the incentives on until the 2002's are gone and may even increase it. When I was shopping for mine it went from 3k to 5k.

    Where are you located? You need to start poking around to find a dealer near you with a bunch on inventory. They will be ready to wheel and deal.

    Acura dealers with a couple RL's can be a little more challenging. I worked with Jay Wolfe in KC, MO. They always have a large inventory and are ready to deal.
  • ecarmackecarmack Member Posts: 161
    I agree with phild. I do not see the $4,000 incentive going away after 9/3, and it may increase. Even with the incentive, the RLs are not moving off the lots in my area. So if I were you, I would wait until September, unless the selection is thin in your area.

    As far as a redesign, I have not heard of any changes for the 2003 model. Perhaps the 2004 model will be completely new, and show up somewhat early in 2003. However, Honda recently said it would not build a V8 RWD model. So unless it is really something special, I don't see the V6 FWD RL at $50,000. The dealer was probably just trying to scare you into the $35,000 car he had on the lot.
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    Well, I'm back ... surprised to see so much comment --

    The '03 is an enigma ... usually there is a leak or two about what will happen via the dealers. E.G., last year, beginning in February, everyone knew in advance that there would be an hp boost, suspension changes, and so on. The surprise would be with the release in late March.

    Come to think of it, I think this is what Honda usually does .... a month or two before release, you have everything but tires to kick.

    But on the RL: nothing.

    Which makes me hope they plan something special -- I had it figured that they would let the '02 run two model years, then come out with the new platform, but the big incentives this early surprise me. It suggests maybe an October or November release, doesn't it?

    Certainly the sytyle will be conservative -- THis is Honda after all. But if they can manage a new one with an in-dash CD changer, a sun roof that shuts quick enough to snap the heads off chickens, a parking brake that can be optioned to be placed and operate according to individual buyers' tastes, and -- in my case -- a Homelink systyem that I can get to work with my garage door ... well then I can show them a group of people who will pay something between $50,000 and $1.32.

    Oh yeah, I forgot -- if it depreciates, it has to be like the Hope diamond.

    Take care.
    Joe W.
  • mevandemevande Member Posts: 190
    The moonroof "annoyance" you speak of is similar to my 1998 BMW 740i. I think there is a pause for the want to be sure all "lil fingers" ect are out of the way via safety. What price did you pay (best deal of your life??)
    Thanks in Advance

    Mike
  • l943973l943973 Member Posts: 197
    Joe,

    The homelink system on the RL should be compatible with most garage door openers. I used it against a door opener with a fix code and one that use intellicode which varies the code everytime its used.

    The intellicode version isn't as easy to setup because I couldn't use the remote to program the RL. I had to have a second person active it from the actual door opener while the RL recorded it.

    William
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    for the well wishes, William. I used the owner manual with my brand new (Genie) opener and nothing happened. So we did it twice more. Maybe we're doing something wrong. One of us was up on the ladder, pushed the training button. When it flashed twice he pushed the center button on the homelink (to train it) ... and nothing happens, not then or when you try to control it. I'll have them check it if possible when I change oil.

    Seems simple enough and a minor aggravation.

    Take care.
    Joe W.
  • kiiwiikiiwii Member Posts: 318
    I'm looking for a nice quite ride btween the range of $35K to $40K. With the current incentive, RL is within my budget. After doing some research, the following cars fit my needs and budget the best:

    ES300-nice and quiet, but there is still no fix for the current transmission probs

    G35-super quick, but a bit too small

    X type-beautiful, but can only find dealers in major cities. Also, this isn't a reliable car.

    RL-comfortable, quiet, great quality, enough power for daily driving, and I got to say this is the best car for the $$ (with the rebate). The only concern I have is that the government never did any crash test on the RLs. The closest crash test data I can find is the current Honda Accord. I got to say it's not very impressive compare with the same class. Weird thing is that the Civics are rated better than Accords.

    Does anyone have any info on RL crash test?
  • coosamtncoosamtn Member Posts: 47
    Per October 02 issue of Auto World Magazine, the 03RL gets only minor changes ... new exterior colors, one new interior color and a choice of two interior wood grain hues. Outside, the only changes are to the taillights and the wheel design.
  • kennyg5kennyg5 Member Posts: 360
    For those 02 RL owners, would you please tell me whether it comes with an alarm? The 01 bronchure says that the RL comes with an alarm which you can control remotely with the key fob but the 02 brochure is silent? I like the remote alarm control feature, particularly when you look for your car in a crowded parking lot at night.

    The Maxima that I own has a remote that can honk the car horns more than a 100 feet away, which is great when you forget where you parked or your are concerned that someone might be lurking around the car. It can also lower the windows from a distance, if you want to cool down the car in the summer before you get in.

    The 02 RL has On-Star system, which I understand is free for the first year. Does anyone find the system helpful and is a subscriber to the system after the first year? Kindly advise.
  • mike734mike734 Member Posts: 128
    Well I bought it. I paid $15,200 plus tax and think I did pretty well. Time will tell. I have noticed one possible problem. The secondary fan comes on too often and too short. If I idle the warm engine, the 2nd fan comes on for about 15 seconds, turns off for about 1 min and turns on again. It is annoying. I think it is coming on while cruising too. It is louder than the other and I can hear it come on at freeway speeds. Does this happen to any one else or is it a faulty temp sensor?
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    My parents have a '99 RL (hence why I monitor this group) and I have a 2003 TL-S with Nav and OnStar.

    Regarding your alarm question. Yes, it's a standard feature, and would work like your Maxima. Except that it doesn't have the "window roll down" feature to my knowledge.

    Regarding OnStar, yes, I love it. I figure for $16.99 a month (after the 1st year) it's nice to know I can track the car if it's stolen. Have them unlock the doors for me, have them sound the alarm so I can find it in a parking lot, send help if I drive off a cliff in the middle of the night, etc.

    Your insurance company might also give you a discount for OnStar as well.
  • l943973l943973 Member Posts: 197
    Joe,

    I also have a Genie (chain model) with intellicode. My wife got on the ladder to hold down the training button on the unit until it started flashing. I think she let go of the button while I press the Homelink button for a few seconds until it starting flashing quickly. I remember reading somewhere that Homelink supports intellicode.

    The RL alarm can be programmed to beep or not beep by holding down the "Lock" and "Trunk" buttons simultaneously for a second or two. The light on the remote will start blinking when its changed. I think this will do it, but I'll have to check my manual. I've only switched back and forth about 3 times throughtout my 3 years of ownership.

    The alarm on the RL has excellent range. It uses radio waves and has no problems going through drywall. I tested it from within my home locking the car in the garage. :-) I can beep my car from my office building a few hundred feet away in the parking lot.

    BMW uses infared so there is a red bulb on their mirrors. I guessing infared can easily be blocked so thats why its on the mirror.
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    I may be wrong, but I think the red light on BMWs is just that...a light to indicate if the alarm is on. I don't think the sensor is actually in the red light.
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    Thanks again. I agree with your description. So I tried it again. No dice. I'll stop later this week at the dealer & see what gives.

    Odd: my alarm also has very little distance, no more that 40 ft. or so. (Something else to question?)

    I'm starting to feel deprived!

    Take care.
    Joe W.
  • pwsharpepwsharpe Member Posts: 4
    My brother has a 99 RL. It is still under the original warranty. His car failed to start early Saturday, and he had it towed to the nearest Acura dealer. When he asked for a loaner, the Acura dealer told him NFW. He was "out" of loaners. And he was unable to provide him with a ride home (about 25 minutes each way). I was surprised with this level of service. We have two Pathfinders coming off of lease later in September. I was considering an RL or a Lexus. This lack of a loaner car concerns me. Did the dealer mislead him? Or, did the dealer’s employees take the loaners home for the weekend, leaving the customers to fend for them selves? I can't imagine that Lexus also follows this primitive loaner policy, but I will read the fine print. Any suggestions what he should do next time this happens?

    Thanks
  • satiresatire Member Posts: 71
    As for the 2003 RL, Motor Trend and Automobile Magazines will soon publish (if not already on the newsstands) their 2003 new car previews. Surely whatever changes, if any, that Acura has in store for the RL will be referenced. Only thing I can find out is that little will change for 2003 with some big changes coming in 2004. What those changes will be are still the subject of much speculation. Several months ago Motor Trend said a V8 w/rear wheel drive and a price in the $73K range. But as noted above, that may not happen. Regardless, Honda/Acura needs to find something that will kick start the sales of the RL.

    One note on the indash vs trunk mounted CD, the RL's stereo "has the best sound I've ever heard in a car"...so says an informed friend of mine. Me thinks he's right.

    mevande aka Mike, I feel your pain of stupid design. Imagine how difficult life would be if you had the new 740 with a little silver button that controls 90% of the car. $74K for that much trouble? Not to mention the growing number of owners tired of taking their new 740s back to the shop for numerous (and constant) "fixes". The horror!

    Not sure it will help, but www.homelink.com is a good place to start with regards to what does and does not work with your system. Some garage door openers just won't work with Homelink.

    kiiwii, I haven't heard about crash test results on the RL, but didn't the TL get a "good" rating all around? Might want to do an extensive search of the Internet. I'll bet there are details out there somewhere.

    kennyg5, yes, there is an alarm and it's most useful for finding the car in a crowded parking lot. Pity the alarm arms itself despite the trunk being opened. And Joe, my alarm has wild swings in its range. But for the most part, it usually exceeds 40ft. Perhaps a new battery?

    As for OnStar, read more about it at www.onstar.com. I like it but beyond the basic package, I find their prices a little too rich. Plus their prices for cellular phone service is just waaaaaaaaay too high.

    pwsharpe - which Acura dealer? I've never been denied a loaner while under warranty (I was even given one when I had some non-warranty work done). I think a phone call to Acura Customer Service is in order!

    Relentlessly,
    L
  • mike734mike734 Member Posts: 128
    Since my car is new to me, I have no frame of reference but it seems the steering is heavy at slow speeds. It feels like the steering is adjusted for freeway speeds even when tooling around the parking lot. Does anybody know if there is some info/history about the speed sensitive steering going bad?
  • whothemanwhotheman Member Posts: 169
    a new car in 2004, but no V-8 or RWD ("Market is too small"?!?)

    So get ready for more of the same! Big car, FWD, big six.

    whotheman
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
  • prophet2prophet2 Member Posts: 372
    If they produce around 270 HP with this projected 3.8L V-6, a 5-speed AT like the TL/CL, six-CD in-dash changer, along with up-dated exterior lines (especially the rear), and without losing the smooth ride, I'll open my checkbook as long as the MSRP stays under $46K for the non-NAV.
  • hsmoyershsmoyers Member Posts: 2
    The RL and other lower volume makes often do not get crash tested. There is a report from The Highway Loss Safety Institute(www.highwaysafety.org) that is entitled "Injury Collision and Theft Losses." This is based on actual loss data as I recall. The latest report says the index for Injury and Collision for a 1998-2000 Honda Civic is 125 for example. This is in a range termed "worse than average". An Accord is rated as 102 exactly the same as a Camry. An Acura RL is rated as 66(Lexus LS 400 is 55) and is in a range termed "substantially better than average." The other data from test has a disclaimer that you are to compare cars from the same weight class only. All this says to me that the RL is a very safe care indeed. I know of no other safety data on the RL maybe someone else does.
  • oceanman1oceanman1 Member Posts: 1
    I want to thank edmunds for there TMV pricing,I went to two acura dealers and after there offer said edmunds says $36,000 is a true price, one said nothing after trying to steal my trade and the other said, we can sell for less than that. They are now at $34,900 on a new 3.5RL, Boston Acura if your interested. Nice people.
  • marsha7marsha7 Member Posts: 3,703
    heck, if they just raise the V6 HP to 250 or more, and add a sport suspension option (yes, I do have a hangup on suspensions, as I believe every vehicle should handle corners well regardless of luxury or sport intention), who needs a V8???...it's just that vehicles that handle like they are driven thru molasses should handle better...handling/cornering should not be an option, it should be standard...
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    I don't think any this will turn the trick in the current market. Right now there is a V6 @ 280 hp, and though it's in a sports car (350Z) it is a mass market vehicle, not a specialty car. If Honda wants the RL to pick up market share they're going to have to offer something that's perceived as better than competitors, not just adequate for current owners.

    They will need to offer hp that is perceived as adequate for a "big" car, just for the marketing, and I think the 300 hp barrier should be in their sites. And it's not unreasonable at 3.8 liter if they apply VVTi and other Honda technology.

    They will also need electronic gadgetry. Navigation was good once upon a time. Now -- Maybe voice-activated cupholders, tire pressure monitors that tell you when you have enough air in the tires (as you fill them!), maybe a combination fridge and subwoofer in the center console?

    Well, the point is that they have to come up with something that will be perceived as worth $45,999 (prophet2's suggested number) and competitive with Lexus, MB, Infiniti, BMW and so on.

    If they bring out a car in the mid-200s in hp, with nothing very special other than "nice" to drive, we'll have another car like Infiniti's M45 -- priced at the 40s but perceived as bland and predicted to be like the current RL ... offering little buyer interest until its price descends pretty far into the $30s.

    Just speaking as a customer .....

    TAke care.
    Joe W.
  • l943973l943973 Member Posts: 197
    Like Honda says, putting in a V8 isn't going to spark off sales. The Infiniti Q45 has been selling very slowly (less than 2000 for the last 5-6 months I believe). Thats low compared to the 14,800 RLs that sold last year.

    Still though that is much less than the ~39,500 BMW 5-Series and ~49,800 E-Class sedans sold last year.

    I think some brands just don't get any recognition. Look at the Audi A8, they sell less than 2500 models a year. The Lexus LS430 only sold about 15,000 models last year. If the RL is a sales flop, so is the LS430.

    The next RL has to really stand out in terms of value and features. The new E-Class now has 4-zone climate control. Putting in a V8 with 300 hp would make it no better than a Q45.

    Just looking at the competition, there is a lot that needs to go into the RL than just a larger engine.

    I see the next RL having a

    3.5L DOHC Hybrid V6 at 280-290 hp (can't up the NSX)
    (Fuel Economy would be best in class) (based off Acura DualNote)

    All Wheel Drive (also based off the Acura DualNote)

    Length would be 203 in long (making volume best in class)

    All the features found in the MDX and the features found in the Pilot and 03 Accord as standard equipment.

    Rear view camera (from the Pilot)

    This would include features like Side curtain airbags, XM radio, voice activated nav, and climate controls (from 03 Accord).

    A separate climate control for the rear passengers (from the MDX)

    I think that would be enough to generate good sales. (My only concerns are long term effects of sitting next to an electric engine and the possible EMF that it generates). That concern alone may be enough for me to purchase a different brand.
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    You are incorrect on sales of the LS 430. Lexus sold 31,110 in 2001, more than its two closest competitors, the S-Class and 7 Series. Clearly it is no sales flop.

    As for the first six months of this year, sales are:

    13,049 - LS 430
    10,743 - 7 Series
    9,988 - S-Class
    4,538 - RL
    1,908 - Q45
  • goldkeygoldkey Member Posts: 36
    I disagree with posters who say RL needs 300+ enhancements including RWD, V8 300+HP engine to be an the map. People who argue this should realize that such a car will be a 50K car and will alienate/price-out many potential buyers while go head-on collision against higher-end Benz, Lexus models. Well, what makes these people think that would be a winning strategy for RL. I think Acura is being very smart in tryinng to get a particualr niche. They offer a value package, done in a cost effective manner with a price tag that is affordable to people who otherwise wouldn't shop for a luxury sedan, but might be tempted to sneak-in into luxury segment thanks to RL's low price. The same goes for FWD. There are some people, who just can not and would not have a RWD vehicle. So, why jump into a field with 10 compteting models, when you can be the single player in town? If RL goes RWD (which I am sure they won't), she'd go off my list automatically.
    It is all matter of perception, RL is considered deficient in some areas only as a luxury car. Read all reviews about Toyota Avalon. They are raving saying what a great value this best-kept secret near-Lexus car is. But fully loaded Avalon will cost you 33+K, with arrogant Toyota dealers not badging at all, and it is still falls far below RL in terms of features, handling/ride, power, warranty and dealer service all for 35K these days. So, Avalon is great family sedan and RL is wallflower of luxury cars. Who cares? The way I look at it, show me a car, which offers better value within 35K, and I'll consider it seriously.
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    Maybe I'm missing something here, but the Avalon and RL are nearly $10,000 apart in price.

    $45,650 - RL w/nav
    $36,380 - Avalon loaded w/nav

    $43,650 - RL
    $34,380 - Avalon loaded

    With or without nav, you're looking at a difference of $9,270. Now, I know they discount both cars. Say you can get $2,500 off the Avalon. To make them equal, you would need to get $11,770 off the price of the RL. Maybe people get these kinds of discounts, I don't know.

    Even the invoice of the base RL is $38,920.

    I'm not saying the Avalon is good or bad, but the car is considerably cheaper than an RL. I just don't understand the comparison.

    If Acura is discounting the RL $12,000 (or even close to that), they need to reconsider their pricing. Discounts that high devalue the car and brand, as Infiniti has proven. They should just lower the price and give smaller discounts. The market is saying the car is priced too high relative to competitors.
  • l943973l943973 Member Posts: 197
    I don't think the LS430 competes against the 7-Series or S-Class. The price and outer dimensions of the LS430 puts it one class below the 745Lis and S500s.

    Even the demographics are not similar.
    Source: carpoint. I don't claim its accuracy so please don't flame me.

    Mercedes S-Class
    Average age: 52
    Income: $185,000

    Lexus LS430
    Average age: 60
    Income: $145,000

    The Audi A8 come closer at

    Average age: 62
    Income: $165,000

    I was curious to see where the RL stood.

    Acura RL
    Average age: 51
    Income: $107,000

    That sound about right. Strange, the income leve for Q45 (49, $100,000) owners is actually less than RL owners.
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    For the most part buyers do cross-shop the LS, 7 and S.

    Yes, you will get the die-hard MB, BMW and Lexus fans who will just continue to get the same car no matter what.

    But the three cars are relatively close in price, interior dimensions (not counting the long wheelbase 7) and features. Plus they are all RWD. MB, BMW and Lexus each know they compete against one another at the upper end.

    Check any magazine comparison and you'll see the three cars are direct competitors.

    Thanks for the interesting demo info.
  • goldkeygoldkey Member Posts: 36
    lenscap, you are right, you are missing something.
    You compared RL and Avalon based on their MSRPs, and you came up with 9K difference. Then you arbitrarily applied $2500 discount to Avalon (???, in my experience Toyota dealers are most difficult to bargian with, but that's besides the point) and came up with 12K difference.
    The real comparison should be based on TMVs, everyone knows MSRP could be inflated. Carsdirect shows 33+K for loaded Avalon and 34,800 for RL (including Acura's rebate). So, Avalon is not "considerably" cheaper than RL, and coming back to my original point RL does offer considerably much more.
    So, in terms of values, I think RL is much better value although the bandwagon of car reviews make the opposite impression.
    I do agree with your point, that pricing/discounting game is lame and annoying and manufacturers should get real. It's bad enough dealers show you car with custom stripes and with a sticker on it 20% higher than what you know this car's market price is.
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    Thanks for the clarification. I didn't know there was an RL rebate, among other things.

    I appreciate the response.
  • l943973l943973 Member Posts: 197
    Since the 03 accord sedan now offers a rear DVD entertainment system (with wireless headphones), I suspect the new RL will have this too.

    The accord will also offer an indash MP3/digital media player, and hands free cell phone system.

    Starting 10/1, the Accord, Pilot and MDX will offer XM radio.

    The accord sounds nice, just wish it came in 203 in sizes.
  • prophet2prophet2 Member Posts: 372
    Don't get me wrong, I love my RL. Best car I've owned and the best deal I've ever made. Great value for money paid!

    But, the sales figures don't lie. The current RL is in a "niche" that people aren't buying into. And, I think that's a shame! I'm merely looking for cachet "improvements" to enhance my driving experience, which are things already in other Acura models: in-dash CD changer; 5-speed AT; foot-release parking brake; a few more horses under the hood (270 from a V-6 sounds OK); and refreshed exterior lines. Oh, Pearl White paint. I'm not looking for RWD or a V-8 configuration. And, Joe's request of an improved suspension for cornering is "right-on."

    Remember, I hope for an improved non-NAV '04 model with an MSRP of $46K maximum. If not, the checkbook stays closed.
  • marsha7marsha7 Member Posts: 3,703
    I appreciate your earlier post #728, just please remember to make navigation an option...I just cannot understand why people pay $2000 to ruin the flowing lines of a dashboard, another toy to break, when a map and good directions will do... I will never buy a nav vehicle, but I acknowledge that people do want them...
  • prophet2prophet2 Member Posts: 372
    The Acura dealer here in "Paradise" only brings in non-NAV units. Anyone who gets lost on a 604 square mile island ought to get their license revoked!

    We have detailed map books which get revised annually. I've managed to get around whenever I've rented cars on the mainland with the help of street maps.

    Got better things to spend $2K on.
  • l943973l943973 Member Posts: 197
    Looks like there won't be any changes on the 03 RL because of the 02 increase in hp. Just some tail light changes and new wheels.

    The MDX has been upgraded to 260hp using the same 3.5L engine. It now includes Vehicle Stability Assist, new All Wheel Drive system and new 5-sp auto (possibly gear changes). Also a rear entertainment system is available with NAV (not sure if its voice activated as with the Accords). A rear view camera is also available. (Source: C&D).

    I expect the next RL will have many of these features as standard equipment. With the introduction of the 340 hp Infiniti M45 V8 in the RL price range, Acura will need to bump their hp up to about 350 to be best in class. (Possibly a 290 hp 3.5L V6 and a 60hp IMA). Still see AWD as an option since its in the Acura DNX prototype.
  • goldkeygoldkey Member Posts: 36
    The maker-to-dealer incentive for RL is gone and so is the great bargain it presented. Does anyone know the history of incentives for RL, is it likely to come back and if so when? It just doesn't make sense for me to pay 4 grand more for a car than what I could buy it for yesterday. The only reason I didn't buy during this promotional period is because I still have three more month on my lease. I'd hate to pay for two cars at the same time, while needed only one. When you are forking out such an amount of money, it should be in a way convenient for the you, not under the gun. Hope, incentive will return, otherwise, no way I'll open my vallet for RL.
  • ecarmackecarmack Member Posts: 161
    I called an Acura dealer, and he said the incentive has been extended, but not increased. He said he only had one 2002 RL left, but I would think the incentive would reappear pretty quickly on the 2003s.
  • goldkeygoldkey Member Posts: 36
    Thanks for response. I still haven't seen anywhere any indication about extended incentive. The line from your dealer sounds fishy. Could be a baiting trick. One RL left!? I've seen dozens RLs on the lots here in Central NJ, where market for upscales is still quite active.
    I suspect your dealer might have had one demo version with 5K on odometer, which he wanted to push to you with a made up "dealer incentive".
    By the way, do you know when they start rolling out 03s, (which by all accounts is unchanged car) and when incentive for those might kick in?
    Thanks.
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    I haven't done any searching to find out, goldkey, but Acura often runs incentives by region. So I don't know if that may be the problem. I just gave the dealer I use a call and he says the incentive is still on (I didn't get specific) and he has two on the lot (outside Boston). I'm sure, like your experience indicates, that there are plenty available through a search. Finally, Acura uses incentives to diminish excess supply (obvious, I knwo) -- I suppose if they sold them faster than they anticipated they could put the brakes on by removing the incentive.

    If you're worried, could you buy out of your lease for the balance and sell the car for more than the residual on your own early? Also, some have claimed good success at swapalease.com.

    Just curious: if you opt out of the RL because the incentive goes, what do you plan to go to instead?

    Go Bluejays.
    Joe W.
  • ecarmackecarmack Member Posts: 161
    Actually, I do believe this dealer only has one left. I'm in the Midwest, and I don't think there is a dealer around here that would ever have a dozen RLs on the lot. However, there were quite a few earlier in the month, and when I drove through this past weekend there were only three left, and one had "sold" on it. But yes, you do have to watch for the demo trick.

    It sometimes takes Edmunds awhile to update the incentive information, and many sites do not list dealer incentives, so its usually better to just call.
  • goldkeygoldkey Member Posts: 36
    Hey jwilson, thanks a lot for the swaplease site. I just peeked thru. Seems like great thing with a great idea behind it. I don't think I could buy out my lease (with only few months left) and dealer's "buy-out" price is too high to be worth it. This is a freaking 99 Camry with high residual value, but the worst among recent Camry generations, in my opinion. I can't stand the car; can't wait to dispose of it. 'Sides it has dents.
    Anyway, if RL doesn't come thru, I am really not sure what alternatives to go for. On one hand there are so many out there, on the other hand RL is the only one that kinda fits my requirements: FWD, level of luxury and size-wise for a reasonable price. If you look around there aren't that many around like it. Lexuses are either too crumy or too pricey. I kinda like Lincoln LS V8, which also sold with big discounts, but it's RWD, and they say '03 will have 300 improvements. So, makes me wonder: should I wait for the new issue? because how bad a 40K car has to be to need 300 improvements? I also think about Avalon. But I can't stand Toyota, and if they say RL with 225HP is sluggish, then what about Avalon with 210HP!?
    Do you have suggestions? I'll appreciate.
    Hey, if RL doesn't come thru this year by the time I return my car, I might use your swaplease option after all.
  • kennyg5kennyg5 Member Posts: 360
    I agree that whether the incentives will be extended is primarily a function of supply and demand. If there are plenty of RLs left, Acura may even have to increase the $4000 incentive. On the other hand, if the RLs are moving rapidly out of the lots, the dealers may keep part of the incentives to increase their profits.

    IMO, RLs selling at mid-thirties provide good value. This is so because many entry-level luxury cars are selling at much lower prices, including the TL, Avalon, I35 and Maxima, and they provide comfort and technology that are close or comparable to the RL. Unless RL makes substantial improvements, it is difficult for Acura to justify a much higher price, much less the MSRP, which Acura knows is unrealistic.

    As there will be little or no change to the 03 RLs, I think they will be sold, initially, close to or slightly below invoice. As time passes, they will have to be sold again with incentives or rebates, in light of past and current sale records. The 04s will be anyone's guess, since Acura has not let anyone know about them; although it has been rumored that they will be completely different or significantly upgraded.
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    I sure don't find the 225hp 'sluggish' -- perhaps if I were a driver who liked to "light up" the tires, I'd find it too weak. Of course it won't win a drag with the "big names," but that's what you get with a 6cyl. fwd.

    I still drive auto-X on the weekends, goldkey, and I've owned cars with much greater hp (and much greater $$$), and I'm totally satisfied. To me, value isn't a dirty word; it's a car that's comfortable on the road and always always runs. So far as acceleration is concerned, I'm less inclined to worry about 0-60 than I am, say, 30-80 (for driving in traffic) and as someone who has to drive behind slow-moving cars on a two-lane road for 30 miles each morning, I'm satisfied ... not blown away, but satisfied.

    Suggestions: well, what about the TL? or the G35? smaller, but very nice cars.

    Go Bluejays.
    Joe W.
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    I checked out www.carsdirect.com earlier this week, and the 2002 RL's without Nav were in the $39,500 range. This afternoon they are back down in the $35,500 range so I beleve Acura is continuing the $4K incentive.
  • goldkeygoldkey Member Posts: 36
    Hey, thanks for the update, Actually, I didn't even hope it'd come back again. You are right the incentive is back. In my zip area that price actually shows $34,800. O'K, I think, I am going to try to get this deal. All in all, I think one can't go wrong with such a fine car for 35K, if you are looking for something plusher that Camry/Accord fair.
    I followed jwilson's suggestion to take another look at TL. And my heart still is not there. Feature by feature and on paper TL looks like a better deal. TL has more advanced modern features not present at RL, which is a tad old-fashioned in comparisson. TL is faster and corners like a rock. But something is missing for my taste. I think ride and cabin feel. Driving TL might keep you exhilarated and on your toes looking for the next traffic light to beat the crowd on the punch.
    But that's not what I am looking for. I felt tense and jittery in TL and conscious of that low headroom all the time. (later I figured that it is not the low roof that bothered me, but very close point of where windsheild and roof meet). RL, on the other hand gave me complete relaxation, and I guess that's what I need in a car. Hope, the deal will come true. If not, not big deal, I am not going to cry over it. Spending that much money another day on another car is never going to be a problem.
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    I'm glad you were able to get what you want.

    Just as a point of info -- the interior measurements of the RL and the TL are VERY similar, almost exact. The difference, as you point out, is the rake of the windshield.

    Enjoy.
    Joe W.
  • kennyg5kennyg5 Member Posts: 360
    I went to a bookstore today at lunchtime and flipped through a couple of magazines. The October issue of Motor Trend says the price of the 03 RL is from 29k to 35k. I think it is a typo; however, a quick glance at other car prices appear ok. Did MT misprint the RL price or does the listed price has some validity? Check it out. In any event, please let us know how you fair at the dealer with your prospective purchase.
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