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Acura RL

7385 messages,  Last post on Apr 18, 2013 at 12:02 PM

You are in the Acura RL Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura RL, Sedan

Messages Page 492 of 739

#4910 of 7385 Re: THANK YOU [josheel] by uriel

Nov 23, 2004 (2:28 pm)

Replying to: josheel (Nov 23, 2004 1:30 pm)
Purchased my 05 RL 2 weeks ago. My car is White w/Parchment interior, splash guards and deck lid spoiler. At about 500 miles, I installed RonJon 18" Inspire wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. The OEM tires generated a lot of road noise. The Goodyear tires are much quieter and much more responsive than the originals. My car handles the twisties like a slot car! My car at highway speed, is very quiet (no road or wind noise) I find it to be an excellent automobile. High quality throughout. Received several compliments regarding the exterior styling and the luxury interior. Most compliments received from younger folks (20-40 year olds, male and female). A local Mercedes Dealer had a E55 AMG in stock that I considered. Speed limit in my area is 65 MPH and is strictly enforced by the CHP! So what would I do with car a equipped with a 469-hp supercharged V-8 engine? I guess that would be great for ego, but I find that I am well past the need for ego satisfaction/expression. The only things I would get would be - CHP citations for speeding and reckless driving and much higher insurance premiums - don't need those. My RL is quick enough for ME. My previous car was a 1999 Chrysler 300M, Candy Apple Red Metallic paint and with the Performance Handling Package. I loved that car but it was no where near my RL in quality or performance. Upon close inspection I feel that the RL is a bit higher quality than the Mercedes E-Class Sedan (at a much lower price). To sum it up, the 2005 Acura RL is the best car for me. Other non-owners have their opinions and we owners have ours. What counts for more? I too am more interested in reading comments from owners (having any problems - how solved etc.)

#4911 of 7385 by tayl0rd

Nov 23, 2004 (2:31 pm)

And what does sand have to do with anything?? When I say "flexible cargo" I'm referring to things like groceries. I can't say that I've ever bought any groceries packaged in a wooden block. I can't imagine anybody would want to put sand in the back of anything but a truck.
 
Have none of you ever stocked up on groceries before?? Or gone on long trips, bearing gifts?? Those little nooks and crannies can be invaluable, and you DO "scrunch your suitcases together to maximize every square inch". I'm of the type that I don't like having "cargo" in the passenger compartment with me on long trips. It just makes me feel uncomfortable and cramped up. If I can't get it in the trunk, then it either gets shipped to the destination or it stays home.
 
And FYI, r2917, they do make flexible coolers! :p I have one in the garage now. hehe

#4912 of 7385 by adam_kelley

Nov 23, 2004 (2:37 pm)

I find this whole "rear seat" comfort issue a moot point. At least to me. 90% of the time it's only me and a passenger in the front. For those times that I do tote around an adult passenger or two in the back seat, it is mostly on short trips. And my friends/colleagues are much more refined than to make comments like, "these seats are much too uncomfortable", or, "you really got ripped off on this car; the space back here is terrible!".
 
Of course, I know I'm exaggerating a bit in rear-seat passenger reaction, but no more so than some on this board who are complaining about 3 or 4 cubic feet in space! If you really don't like the back seat, then don't buy the car. But if you're really making a purchasing decision based on the comfort of the rear-seat passengers, perhaps you should have your friends/colleagues/children, etc. pick out the car that they prefer you to chauffeur them around in.
 
Me, I'm buying this car for my comfort. If you don't like riding in the back, then don't ride with me. *smirk*

#4913 of 7385 Need More Space? by uriel

Nov 23, 2004 (3:01 pm)

Need more trunk or rear seat passenger space? Then how about a Crown Vic or a Lincoln Town Car or some other boat/barge. My RL is just fine for my purpose. More of a drivers car. If you really want to be a social driver then perhaps a Caddy or Lincoln BIG SUV.

#4914 of 7385 Re: RL vs. TL value [gogglespiasano] by shotgun

Nov 23, 2004 (3:04 pm)

Replying to: gogglespiasano (Nov 22, 2004 4:28 pm)
Au contraire Googlespiasano! I did, in fact, give proper priority and credence to the importance of braking when I stated “Not withstanding Braking distance - back seat and trunk volume are far from what I would call "key areas". The word "notwithstanding" is intended to convey "despite, nevertheless, although, against,however, etc." Now regarding your comment that I “…just quoted some vague propaganda about magazines saying the RL "leads its category…" allow me to refer you to the following articles: (Links removed)
 
Toronto Star Review
SH-AWD Toronto Star Review 09/04
Motor Trend Preview 09/04
Autoweek Preview 09/04
Edmunds Editors Review 10/04
Car & Driver Buyers Guide 10/04
Autoweek SEMA ASPEC RL review 11/04
Road and Track Preview 10/04
Car & Driver Full Review 12/04
Automobile Magazine Review 10/04
Smart Money Magazine Review (December Issue)
Popular Science Magazine Best of 2004 Award Winner
Honda Legend Japan Car of the Year Award & Most Advanced Technology Award
 
Given time I'll gladly furnish some additional vague references.
 
Your impression that the A6 and E320 have more rear space "may" be true but, frankly, I don't care because rear seat spaciousness it not an overriding concern of mine - rarely, if ever, do I have rear seat passengers - but I can see the importance of rear seat space if you haul around a lot of people.
 
I will acquiesce to your notion that acceleration and braking are very important performance specs but I will counter that an EVO, WRX, RSX and some other pocket rockets not only outclass the RL in that category - they also, clearly outclass many, many other vehicles in the + $50k range...so whats your point? (Although I must sheepishly admit that, deep down inside, I think the RL should outclass the Acura TL and the new hybrid Honda Accord, in every performance category - smile)
 
I respect your views and you make some good, salient points - but to bring this discussion full circle and avoid, as you state, "vague assertions" what vehicles do you consider to be in the RL's peer category and how, when it comes to HP, torque, acceleration, braking, skidpad, fit & finish, quality of materials used, and safety engineering features, are they superior to the RL? Back to you...

#4915 of 7385 Re: robertsmx [tayl0rd] by acuraphile

Nov 23, 2004 (3:08 pm)

Replying to: tayl0rd (Nov 23, 2004 2:17 pm)
Non-owners and one-time test drivers seem to have found a home away from home in this forum. Is it a test drive that gives you "passage" and permits you to participate here on a regular basis? Is the test-drive your "introduction" that will allow your name to become familiar enough so that your criticisms have more validity?
 
If you don't own an RL, don't want to own one, have just test driven one or just want to exercise your syntax and see your name in lights, then undertake a life of self-examination and try to understand exactly why you're posting in this forum. It's unclear to me why you're here, posting criticisms that may or may not be valid but certainly, deliberately, causing apprehension among those coming to know their new, complex cars. This goes to motive, so what is your motive and what keeps you here? Why the persistent interest in this car, one that you don't intend to own? Further, once you've posted, why the need to reply to so many other posts? It certainly smacks of ego. Now that you're a "published" author, feed off that for a while and permit us to have an honest discussion that's relevant to our new experience with the RL. Though you have every right to be here, you seem to be an alien presence.
 
On the brighter side: my Lakeshore Silver RL is due to arrive tomorrow. Are there any positive comments about the back-up sensors?

#4916 of 7385 Feedback Coming... by shotgun

Nov 23, 2004 (3:26 pm)

I took delivery of an 05' Opulent Blue Pearl RL on October 14th - the first day of release/availability. As of today I have 2000 city miles on it. Tomorrow I go on a 2000 mile round trip to Kansas with two passengers (Wife and adult daughter) if there are no objections, I would like to share with you, my impression of the RL upon my return..."Stay tuned, the news contiues (CNN)"

#4917 of 7385 Re: [tayl0rd] by robertsmx

Nov 23, 2004 (3:48 pm)

Replying to: tayl0rd (Nov 23, 2004 2:31 pm)
I doubt you’re getting the point about differences between VDA and SAE standards. Measurements are one thing, and using the available space is another. Quoting VDA will not take away space that is available for your “flexible storage”. It still sits there (but goes unaccounted for in the spec sheet)! Just because it doesn’t exist on the spec sheet does not mean you cannot use it. This is also true in Accord Hybrid where the on-paper trunk space looks small, but the whole area where the spare tire used to sit isn’t added to the trunk space. You have that space available for your flex stuff.
 
The point is that VDA provides for a conservative estimate. So, when you choose to compare measurements, make sure you understand the process involved. It is bound to make a difference.
 
PS. This would be my last post on trunk space. I chimed into this debate noticing some misinformation floating around that I could help alleviate with my understanding.

#4918 of 7385 Re: robertsmx [acuraphile] by habitat1

Nov 23, 2004 (4:25 pm)

Replying to: acuraphile (Nov 23, 2004 3:08 pm)
With all due respect, I think you need to follow your own advice and undertake a little self examination if you feel compelled to discourage debate or an exchange of personal opinions because of your fear of apprehension about your purchase decision.
 
This is not the Edmunds "owners" forum; nor is it the Acura RL fan club. The exchange of information and opinions here has been rather civil. If you find your apprehension level rising, skip the posts that bother you.
 
We are in the process of shopping for an SUV. The MDX, GX470, LR3 and XC90 are the major contenders. I have gone into each forum and appreciated the different perspectives from both owners and non-owners of each. Sure, there are the occassional "trash talkers" who seem intent on promoting a negative agenda, but they are pretty easy to identify and ignore. But, in trying to decide how to spend my $40-$60k, I actually want to hear from people that have opposing views of the various vehicles we are considering, as well as happy owners.
   

#4919 of 7385 Re: [tayl0rd] by somno

Nov 23, 2004 (4:30 pm)

Replying to: tayl0rd (Nov 23, 2004 12:08 pm)
Both mirrors in my RL also tilt down with my car in reverse. What's going on here?

Messages Page 492 of 739

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