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Acura RL

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

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What is this discussion about? Acura RL, Sedan

Messages Page 99 of 739

#976 of 7385 Sorry for the lengthy message, but................ by satire

Oct 30, 2002 (12:22 am)

basballmom94-
I'm a little late (CONGRATS ON THE PURCHASE!), but I'd still like to share my opinion of the extended warranty issue.
 
When I purchased my 2002 RL in July I sold my 1999 TL to my best friend. A condition of his purchase was that he had to buy the Acura extended warranty for used cars (I insisted but I also gave him almost $5K off the actual cash value). For about $1,100 he got 3 more years on the transferable 4 year warranty or 75K miles (you can go to 100K but the TL only had 25K miles on it when I sold it). The warranty pretty much mimics the original factory warranty with one little, small print caveat....there will be a $50 deductible on each warranty repair after the original four year warranty expires. But still, it's from Acura and I strongly recommend it over the other warranties one can buy off the internet or other used car dealers. Stop by an Acura dealer and get the info booklet on it for those who might be interested.
 
I agree that Honda products probably don't need the extended warranty. But face it, $1,200 (plus $50K per visit) ain't a bad deal if only one major item went bad. Plus in my case, I don't want my best friend PO'd at me if something goes wrong with the car I sold him. If there's a big problem, Honda will fix it and to keep peace with him, I'd pay the $50. Don't know about him, but it's making me sleep easier at night.
 
chilly palmer-
I've no personal experience with Lexus (never much cared for Toyotas in general so don't get ME started on the ES300 vs. RL debate), I can't help but think that a $20K price difference is like comparing apples to oranges. If you can afford it, then no problem. Otherwise, is the Lexus worth the cost of a new Accord LX over that of the RL? Not IMHO.
 
Accord-
And speaking of which, please allow me a short rant. Honda needs to get their house in order. The 2003 Accord pretty much mimics to current Acura TL. Yes, we could spend days listing the differences, but the same length of time would give us a long list of similar features. And a top of the line EX V-6 is within a few dollars of the TL. With TL sales dropping fast, Honda needs to do something dramatic to the TL to once again separate it from the herd of Accords (and no fair bringing up the Type-S....it's nice but it's nothing more than a bucket full of horses in an aging car platform). Please Honda, get your butts in gear. Did the MDX & Pilot draw your attention away from all else??????
 
Stepping down off my soapbox, I'm off to bed now. Good night.
 
Relentlessly,
Lee
 
PS : Update, the more I drive my RL, the more I love it. Still hate that sunroof switch, but this car grows on you.
 
PSS : Once read that the TL was 48% Accord. FYI.

#977 of 7385 by diploid

Oct 30, 2002 (12:26 am)

Honda's butt is in gear. The TL is scheduled for a redesign next year. If you think the Accord's interior is top notch, you can only imagine what Honda has in store for the upcoming RL and TL.

#978 of 7385 Which one to get by namrok

Oct 30, 2002 (3:55 am)

Looking for some input on whether to buy a 99 RL with 16K miles, one owner, Acura certified for $27K, or a new RL for 35K. For an extra $650, the 99 will be warranted bumper to bumper 7yr/100K.
 
Are the changes significant to the 2002 vs the 99? The 99 feels and looks new.
 
Thanks in advance, D

#979 of 7385 99 vs 02 by l943973

Oct 30, 2002 (7:29 am)

The 02 has OnStar, color molding beneath the door to match the car paint, 15 additional hp with the same engine and slightly more aggresive tire specifications (225/55 16 vs 215/60 16 I believe).
 
Also the center armrest now houses a horizontal AC outlet versus a vertical outlet which prevented most cell phone adapters from fitting in the arm rest. This isn't a major problem anymore now that Belkin offers an adapter than bends an L shape which fits in the 99 RL.
 
The 99 is the last year of the Naples Gold metallic color which was replaced with a Sandstone color (darker gold).
 
Rear seat tethors (sp?) were added after 99 for child seats. Thats all I can remember for now.

#980 of 7385 1943973 by lenscap

Oct 30, 2002 (7:52 am)

Thanks for the info. As I said, a big percentage of car buying is personal. Nobody can be faulted for liking a certain car over another.
 
I for one am excited to see what Acura does with the next generation RL.

#981 of 7385 When will Honda upgrade the RL?? by msgreen

Oct 31, 2002 (6:49 pm)

I have not visited this board for a very long time, but my subject was much discussed two years ago. Then, it seemed insane for the RL to continue year after year without offering (at minimum) the engines/transmissions available elsewhere in their lines (e.g. 3.5/240hp, 5sp auto, etc). Now we are entering the 03 model year with still no significant changes (I gave up two years ago and bought a BMW 5 series which I love). What is taking Honda so long to improve the RL? Not that it is a bad car, but it is inadequate vs. nearly all of its competition. Even if they left the body the same and simply raided the parts bin, they could make the car more appealing. Car mags two years ago said that the 03 RL (Legend) would be "all new" with V8, etc. Didn't happen...too bad....

#982 of 7385 99 vs 02 by mayd

Nov 01, 2002 (6:57 am)

Just a minor correction to the statement, "The 99 is the last year of the Naples Gold metallic color which was replaced with a Sandstone color (darker gold)."
I have an 00 RL that is Naples Gold metallic....so that color was offered at least thru 00.

#983 of 7385 Hello again by satire

Nov 03, 2002 (12:23 am)

namrok-
If the additional $8K isn't going to put you in the poor house, go for new. The 2002/3 does handle better and kicks up a little more dirt when you push the pedal (hell, I noticed a ride difference just between 2001 and 2002). And please check carefully who backs that warranty. If it ain't Honda, what guarantee do you have that the warranty company will be around another three years? But the deciding factor is to take a new one for a test drive. Good luck.
 
diploid-
Thanks. I know Honda has plans but IMHO they are simply taking too long to implement them. It's beyond logic that the new Accord is so damn much like the TL. I mean, yes congrats to the new Accord buyers but it almost seems foolish to even look at a new TL unless you really want the Type-S.
 
msgreen-
Valid points all but "it is inadequate vs. nearly all of its competition" isn't quite right. The RL is selling for well under $40K. What did that 5 Series cost you? Don't get me wrong, I'm not slamming the 5. It's a great car. But for those of us less demanding, we can save a truck load of money by going with the RL. And we won't get to know our mechanic on a first name basis. But perhaps all the stories I hear are about the new 7 series (am told by several that it spends a lot of time in the shop).
 
Motorweek-
Recently reported that Honda is likely to bring their European Accord to North America and sell it as an Acura. It was implied there were some significant differences between our Accord and theirs (Europe's being a little smaller). If anyone has details, I'd love to hear 'em. I don't see where a smaller TL/larger RSX would fit in the lineup. But what do I know?
 
Relentlessly,
Lee

#984 of 7385 Stereo Code by rmnixon

Nov 03, 2002 (11:17 am)

Does anyone have any experience with getting the code for the stereo from Acura? I bought a 97 RL used back in April and the code is not in the owners manual that was with the car. Can Acura tell me what it is or am I stuck?

#985 of 7385 by diploid

Nov 03, 2002 (11:28 am)

Lee - it's inevitable for the Accord and TL to overlap at this point. Just wait a few more months until the TL redesign (I hear it's going to be based on a shortened RL platform and no longer on the Accord) comes out and the new TL owners should feel no regret on their purchase when they compare it to an Accord.

Messages Page 99 of 739

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