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Acura RL

7343 messages, Last post on Dec 06, 2009 at 5:25 AM
You are in the Acura RL Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
| Just for the record, the RL model is called the Honda Legend in every country except for the U.S. and Canada where they are called Acura RL's instead. I heard that they decided to drop the name because so many uninformed people did not realize that a Legend was an Acura as opposed to perhaps Lexus or another brand. I have had no dissappointments with my '00 RL purchase. I bought it back in March of this year and could not be more pleased. By the way, I traded in a '93 Lexus LS400 for the 3.5RL and so far have received much more value for the dollars spent. I have also received many comments saying that the styling of the front grille and rear tail lights are more impressive looking than Lexus models! I especially like my Navigation system which I think might be made by Alpine. As far as a '02 RL major change I have heard that Acura was going to concentrate on the Integra replacement first before coming out with a new RL so my guess is '03 despite what the vtec.com website may say. My wife and I are already planning to sell our Mercedes M Class in 2 years and purchase the new MDX that we have been reading about. Has anyone seen one on the road yet? I heard they were just released. | |
| Acura could easily improve the power of the RL's V-6. They could add the Variable Resonance Intake System that is used in the 3.2 V-6 that powers the CL Type S. By doing so I would guess that the RL would then have about 245 horsepower and about 240 lb. ft. of torque. Then again it would probably be easier just to put in the MDX's engine which already produces 240 HP. I don't plan on owning an RL but as an Acura fan I believe they need to spice it up a little so that they don't lose all of their sales before the new model comes. | |
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I am considering buying a 1996 3.5RL from a friend. It is the standard (not premium) with 57,000 miles and it has never been wrecked or damaged. It is in beautiful condition and he will part with it for $18,800. Any opinions on the price? I have always owned Hondas and am ready for a better ride but cautious about buying the first year of a new model. Also, the owners manual says to replace the timing belt at 60,000 miles. Is this necessary so early? |
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I'm looking at several new cars, including the RL and the TL from Acura. While I've been reading this topic for awhile, I've never seen anyone discuss the two ... I realize the TL is more "fun" to drive, and the RL is more of a cruiser, but I'm wondering what you folk think -- the $10,000+ difference is quite a bit of money. And that's okay, if there's a significant difference in value ... but I don't see it ... I'm assuming you folks think the RL is the better buy, or you wouldn't have purchased one ... what factors do you think make it superior to the TL? Thanks for your opinions! Take care. Joe W. |
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Joe, I also went through the same decision process recently. My previous vehicle was a 98 Toyota Avalon XLS which I really enjoyed, but I had continuous warranty repairs which never seemed to end. The advantages that I saw in favor of the TL were: 1. More powerful engine 2. Larger trunk 3. Generally same interior dimensions as RL 4. about 10K cheaper, although it was almost imposible to negotiate any worth while discount off sticker. Advantages for RL: 1. Standard CD Changer 2. Better Stereo 3. Standard Fog Lamps 4. Auto dimming rearview miror 5. Power tilt/telescopic steering wheel 6. Larger screen for navigation system Are the advantages of the RL worth an extra 10k, probbly not, but in the end I choose the RL because I liked the overall exterior styling as compared to the TL. Some may say that 10k is a big price difference and I agree, but I plan to keep the car for about 7 years and if I enjoy the car seven years from now as much as I enjoy it today, I feel that I have got my moneys worth. Good luck, either way you will be getting a great vehicle at a very reasonable price hen compared to the competition. |
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| Said it better than I could!!! | |
| http://www.motortrend.com/news/stories/001020suv.html | |
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We decided to take the TL last year, but in retrospect, I should have bought the RL instead. Our decision at the time was because: 1. Wife thinks RL is too big (only < 4 inches longer, actually). 2. I like the TL more sporty ride. 3. I thought that RL will be replaced in January '2000. I always like the RL styling better than the TL. Plus, the TL has been having small annoying problems here and there (mostly rattle, poor fit and finish, cheap material quality, etc.). But, $ 10 K savings is a $ 10 K, so, I am okay with the decision. I treat the TL as just a car to go from A to B, and a bit step up from a Honda Accord. Now, regarding the advantages of the RL. 1. You can buy after market CD Changer for around $ 200. 2. Most likely true, but, I haven't tried the RL stereo, the TL has wimpy bass. 3. Very true, if only for aesthetic purpose only. TL needs fog lamps to complete the front look. 4. TL has an inside auto dimming rear view mirror too. 6. Really? I didn't know that. Now some more advantages to the RL: 1. Tilt adjustable front headrest. 2. Real wood interior. 3. Pull type outside door handles (I considered this type as safer, in an emergency, as paramedics get more leverage to open the stuck door). 4. VSA. 5. You see less RL on the street than TL. 6. Better fit and finish, still made in Japan. 7. Etc. |
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| I leased a 2000 RL almost exactly one month ago. My decision was partly based on the good reliability ratings the RL received in Consumers Report. In the month since I picked up my car, I've had use of a car for exactly TWO DAYS. In that month I've actually had two vehicles - the original vehicle and a replacement vehicle. Both have spent most of their time in the shop. I don't know how representative my experience if of Acura/Honda products, but I do see a lot of forums about "Honde problems, Accord problems, etc." If you read these forums, the general theme seems to be that Honda products today are not built as well as they used to be. In any case, one of the drawbacks of basing a buying decision on published reliability data is that the data describe the product of several years ago, not the product you're buying. | |
| I have said this before, but I have had absolutely no problems with my 2000 Acura RL - Sebring Silver with Navigation. I bought my new RL in April of this year based on the good reliability ratings the RL received in Consumer Reports, Edmunds, Motor Trend, Car & Driver, JD Power & Associates, etc. I have had the vehicle for 6 months and I'm so happy that I chose this vehicle. I have received so many comments on the exterior styling and the tail lights, front grille, overall appearance, etc. I would recommend this car to anyone. The only and the only problem that I have come across is that the power seat buttons are hard to use when the door is closed. Otherwise it's a great buy. I do recommend the Navigation system. | |
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