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#61 of 7342 Best Car that I Have Owned by retiredagent1 Oct 25, 2000 (1:08 pm)
My 2000 3.5 RL Navi is the best & most trouble free new car that I have owned & it is #59 new car or truck that I have purchased, it is the first one that was built across the water!!
#62 of 7342 99 RL experience by l943973 Oct 26, 2000 (1:44 pm)
I purchased an RL back in 99 and have already put almost 45k miles on it. I got the non-Navi system because that year it was offered only as a CD-ROM and not a DVD system. So far, the problems I've had are: 1 oxygen sensor replaced at 30k (free under warranty) 1 Seat belt recall (did it during an oil service) 1 Steering nut recall (did it during an oil service) I've owned an Acura before so to me this list was kinda of long. Reliablity was first on my list which kept me from getting the Lexus GS and Audi A6. (A6 was my second choice) Thats about it. I drive the car pretty hard and handles fairly well for a big car. The tires seem to squeal when pulling corners hard but overall quiet on most surfaces. The brakes are excellent pulling the car to a stop very quickly. (As a comparison, my dad has a '00 TL and its brakes take more time to stop the car. When you press TL brakes, there isn't a dead pedal stop feel to it.) The stereo system is pretty good. Most of the time I listen to only news but when I listen to classical music, all instruments can be heard clearly. Initially the seats were a bit stiff, but they have broken nicely and I can drive 1hr+ without having to re-adjust the seats. The arm rest is great! It pops up so you can rest against it and the left car door rest is very soft and comfortable. Also like the auto head lights. If you forget to turn on lights in a parking garage, it does it for you. The seats must be comfortable. Everyone who sits in the front passenger seat and rear seats fall asleep. When I'm in those seats, I sleep too. The back seat headrests adjust and are a nice touch but no one really plays with it. I noticed that people mention that the RL has no dual climate controls. Not having experienced dual zone systems, I'm not sure what I'm missing so its not an issue for me. Now the nitpicks. I can't hook my cell phone adapter in the center armrest outlet because the adapter is too big causing the armrest to not close. This was fixed in the '00 model when the outlet is tilted horizontally instead of vertically. When you tilt the steering wheel too low, it blocks the top part of the odometer. This can be a real annoyance so I adjust it as low as possible without blocking it. Would have liked the 6-disc changer to be in the car and not in the trunk. At least its covered nicely in the trunk. Friend of mine just purchased a 2000 BMW 5-Series and the trunk changer is behind the panel with the wires! (very nice). Thats about it. I really like the conservative styling. Initially I didn't purchase the TL because I didn't like the styling but its growing on me. Oh one more thing, parts are more expensive than in a TL. $90 just to purchase AC filters for the car (not including labor). It looks like 2 sponges for crying out loud. -William
#63 of 7342 '96 RL Transmission Problems + by 1996acurarl Oct 29, 2000 (11:33 pm)
Does anyone know a good site that discussed problems / solutions specific to the RL? User "jccssc" (Posting in #592 in Acura 3.5 RL Part I), I'd like to hear more about your transmission symtoms. The dealer just ordered a new transmission for me. I would like to avoid getting 6 new transmissions like your dealer choose to do in attemp to solve your knocking transmission.
#64 of 7342 1996acurarl - tranny problem by jccssc Oct 30, 2000 (5:43 am)
I did not hear much about other people experiencing the same transmission problem as I did before. It all started when I heard (and felt - I am pretty picky about those "adnormal stuff") a "click/clunk" noise when the engine engaged from 1st to 2nd gear starting from stop. It never misses. After going into a local Acura Service Center 6 times (each time they have different explanation, and each time they installed a new tranny), finally they got an answer from Acura mfg rep. and determined it was a design flaw of this kind of transmission (being the first year model) in the early production units of RL's. The mfg figured a way to fix the problem permanently - make some adjustment to the tranmission assembly (I forget what it was called offically - they did it almost 2 years ago), then flush the transmission twice. They did want to check on it 500 miles afterwards. My 96'RL was fine after that "treatment". The tranny performed perfectly since then. Up to even the day I sold the car 2 months ago, the car was perfect. Hope this helps - good luck!
#65 of 7342 2000 RL by l20837 Nov 04, 2000 (6:32 pm)
Just gave up my 98 Lexus ES 300 for a 2000 RL with Navi. Loved my Lexus but was looking for something different and little larger and I loved the DVD navigational system since I hate driving and reading a map at the same time! The Lexus experience was excellent and the technicians on duty with their roadside assurance was great. Acura's roadside assistance is really nothing more than a built in AAA. They do not have technicians on duty. The Acura RL is not fun to drive and is also a bit of gas pig. However, it's extremely luxurious, very comfortable for back seat riders, has a wonderful sound system and for long drives, it's a pleasure. I think there's way to much roll on the curves which takes a little getting used to after the road hugging ES 300. The price, however, was really right. I used www.fightingchance.com to research the car. I couldn't afford a Lexus LS400 and after doing my research, I got a $44,500 demo car with 3,000 miles for $39,000 which included some extras (floor mats, burled shift knob) Acura is begging you to take this car off their lot. I leased the car for 39 months. Honda is offering exceptional leasing deals on this vehicle with extraordinary subsized leasing (the only reason to do a lease). Again, do your homework. I made sure I understood every aspect of leasing. The book Look Before You Lease helped me immeasurably in this regard. I'm hoping that Honda reliability will hold for this car. Otherwise, in 3 years, I'll try something new. UPDATE: I first posted this message about a month ago. Still love my RL, but have two problems: 1. It stalled at an intersection after moving in stop and go traffic. Haven't had a chance to check with dealership and it only happened once but would like to know if anyone has had the same problem. 2. The rear window de-icer doesn't seem to work on mist. I had it on for over 10 minutes in the mornings and got no de-misting. The dealer said it works as designed. Haven't had ice yet, but has anyone had this problem? I'm falling in love with this car more each day. It's really grown on me. The sound system is awesome and the navigational system a huge help. I love the fact that it includes telephone numbers of places so I can call to check addresses and make reservations.
#66 of 7342 just saw an MDX today by jeff88 Nov 06, 2000 (11:02 pm)
and it looks really good! seems a bit wider than the rl which could be a problem for my garage opening. BTW, to get rid of tire squeal and enhance handling on the rl - get rid of the michelins and put dunlop sp 5000's on. Have 5k miles on the dunlops and the handling is much improved on my '96.
#67 of 7342 Truth about the RL 3.5 by joelraab Nov 07, 2000 (2:56 am)
I've had a 1999 RL for 1 1/2 years. The car is a gas pig (PS: You'll get better mileage if you keep the auto temperature system off). 15 MPG. Steering is loose compared to Lexus, Volvo. It's actually a little tighter when you turn off the traction control. Sound system is inferior compared to other luxury cars. I just replaced rear speakers. They have no tweeters. Engine trouble light comes on if you don't tightly screw on the gas cap. On the positive side, it looks nice and it's comfortable on long drives which I do a lot of. It's cheaper than a Lexus. You get what you pay for, and frankly, driving this car makes me miss my Camry.
#68 of 7342 truth about the 3.5RL by prophet2 Nov 07, 2000 (11:10 am)
On the other hand, I've had my pre-owned '96 for only 2-1/2 weeks. I'm getting 18.5 mpg, not bad since our freeways here gets jammed both AM & PM. No traction control, so the steering feels fine. I'll try not using the climate control, though. Don't need a V-8 on a 604 sq. mile island; the two extra cylinders really burn the petrol. Premium is over $2.00/gallon at most places, although I pump my own at Costco for $1.919. Driving the 3.5RL makes me glad I didn't get a new 2000 Camry XLE V-6 at $26.8K OTD. Saved myself $4.6K, which is now safely invested. I'd love to have a Lexus LS400/430. But, it's a case of diminishing returns!
#69 of 7342 I love my 2000 3.5 RL Navi by retiredagent1 Nov 07, 2000 (3:31 pm)
Sounds like post #67 may have a lemon, I have bought 58 new cars & trucks in my life & the RL exceeds my expectations in all areas, I have owned new Cadillacs & Lincolns which pale in comparison. As for the gas mileage, town & highway I average 20 MPG & highway the average is 23 MPG on 87 Octane fuel, it gives me plenty of power, I would not want a V-8 or RWD in an RL. Maybe joelraab should avoid jack rabbit starts & heavy braking at traffic lights, also, run the air conditioning on economy mode!!
#70 of 7342 2000 RL by rumor Nov 07, 2000 (5:30 pm)
yep, the RL is cheaper than LS400-to the tune of about $15 grand cheaper! The LS is a great car, trust me, I've owned one, but this car was not made with real winter driving in mind. Add the fact most, not all, Toyota/Lexus dealerships are cheesier than kraft macaroni and cheese converted me to Acura, and I haven't looked back yet. Oh yeah, also, the $15 grand I saved buying the RL in about 5 years will have made enough money with good investments to pay for my next RL. A BONAFIDE BARGAIN INDEED!

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