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Acura RL - would you purchase it again?

39 messages,  Last post on Apr 10, 2012 at 10:02 AM

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What is this discussion about? Acura RL, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 5

#6 of 39 Re: So would you do it again? [ross16] by dano4

Apr 11, 2007 (11:43 am)

Replying to: ross16 (Apr 09, 2007 5:33 pm)
I owned a 2005 Acura RL and now have a 2007 Infiniti M35x. Both are very good cars and both have pluses and minuses.
The RL annoyances:
--Looks like an Accord
--Technology overkill
--Cramped rear seat and tight trunk
--Grossly excessive "lawyer warnings" in the NAV system and too many other warnings that have to be deleted.
--Excessive recalls on the 2005 models.
 
The M annoyances:
--Mediocre gas mileage
--Needs enhancements to NAV system
--More road and engine noise than the RL
 
I would urge you to drive them both and see which fits your needs and driving style. While they are both in the same class, they are somewhat different cars in feel and personality. My major reason for buying the M is personal comfort. I am 6'3" and the car just fits me better. It also has much more of a performance feel than the RL.

#7 of 39 Re: So would you do it again? [dano4] by pat

Apr 11, 2007 (1:50 pm)

Replying to: dano4 (Apr 11, 2007 11:43 am)
You know, people say that the RL looks like an Accord, but I really don't see it. Maybe that just makes me wrong. I don't see very many, but when I do they always make me look and say to myself what is that? If it looked like an Accord to me, I wouldn't get there.
 
I do think that the look is subdued and maybe a little too pay-no-attention-to-me-ish. But that might be attractive to some - honestly, I can see it being attractive to me.
 
I just don't think of an Accord when I see one. JMHO, of course.

#8 of 39 Re: So would you do it again? [dano4] by garnet

Apr 12, 2007 (5:31 am)

Replying to: dano4 (Apr 11, 2007 11:43 am)
"Personal comfort" for driver, perhaps, but front-seat passenger (usely an endearing mate) is dis-comforted with thigh-less seats on a tiring, seemingly endless trip; which, apparently hasn't been addressed even in '07. "Personal comfort" with "more engine noise" an annoying dis-comfort for driver and passengers front and back. As for Accord look- alike, that's a judgement call of many opinions. Face it, NOT buying an all-wheel-drive RL for a far-less discounted price, gives one "personal comfort" overload to the extreme. Yeah, RL!

#9 of 39 Re: So would you do it again? [dano4] by carfan28

Apr 15, 2007 (7:01 am)

Replying to: dano4 (Apr 11, 2007 11:43 am)
I think this a very objective ad fair post. I bought the RL because I happened to like it more. I love the technology and others may think it's "overkill". The quiet cabin is a huge plus for me- I don't like the noisy ride that the M has. The M is more an enthusiasts car- the RL is more refined.
 
Price: the RL can be bought for about $6-7K less than the M.
 
M has much better lease rates.

#10 of 39 Re: So would you do it again? [ross16] by acurat

Apr 28, 2007 (11:04 am)

Replying to: ross16 (Apr 09, 2007 5:33 pm)
In a New York minute.
 
The RL should actually be known as the 4th generation Acura Legend--it's called the Honda Legend in Japan and most of the world. It would sell a lot better with the proper moniker.
 
I bought a 2006 RL Tech (CMBS/PAX) in December 2006 for $11,500 off list price. I traded up from a US-built 2004 TL which was sweet but squeaky, not to mention a little cramped for my 6'1" frame.
 
My wife calls the RL a "grown-up car." It's that and much more. The styling is elegant and understated. The refined driving experience and thoughtfully designed creature comforts really take time to seduce you.
 
The RL may not be quite as peppy and tossable as the TL, yet the serene cabin makes me less concerned about dueling with other drivers. When you stomp on it and the VTEC kicks in, this big dog can haul. SH-AWD makes the car go precisely where you point it. NavTraffic is essential in Los Angeles. The ACC/CMBS system is an unexpected delight and occasional lifesaver. The 18" PAX tires handle more crisply than the stock 17s, though having the CMBS trim means you give up the option to upgrade to A-Spec suspension, body kit, tires and wheels--something to consider if you really like the excitement of the M. Oh, and the tranny learns from your driving style so if you like higher shiftpoints, just push it harder.
 
I rarely see another RL but when I do, I find myself thinking, "Wow! What's that!?" Then realizing, "Duh, that's MY car!"
 
I have tried very hard to like the styling of the Infiniti M since Consumer Reports lavished so much praise, but to me it looks exactly like a bloated G35 with blingier taillights. I never considered BMW as I find the 5-series to be ubiquitous, unbearably ugly and grossly overpriced for a car that comes with vinyl seats. Never even thought about Mercedes (Chrysler quality), Audi (nice Volkswagen, not too reliable) or Lexus (overpriced Toyota with a floaty ride). Opinionated enough for ya?
 
So yeah, I'm delighted with the RL/Legend and would do it all over again. Acura really needs to market this car--it seems only the thoughtful and analytical types (like us) are attracted to it.

#11 of 39 Re: So would you do it again? [acurat] by carfan28

Apr 29, 2007 (6:22 pm)

Replying to: acurat (Apr 28, 2007 11:04 am)
I'm okay with being part of a relatively small group of people that own of this great car.
 
I bought the '07 recently and love the car.

#12 of 39 Re: So would you do it again? [carfan28] by gcook

Apr 29, 2007 (8:56 pm)

Replying to: carfan28 (Apr 29, 2007 6:22 pm)
I would do it again, so far. I have had the car an 07 rl cmbs/pas for 1 month, and it is pretty cool. I had an 03 cls and 05 TL and this one has so much more, and I love the everything in it. Even if you think it looks like an accord, which may be true from certain angles, but not the front or the rear, it is far superior to an accord or other acura I have had. You can't go wrong with the price vs all of the included options. If you order the same options on any other car, like as an Infinit M35 or 5 bmw, you will see the price skyrocket. It definitely isn't cheap, but it isn't overprice either.

#13 of 39 Re: So would you do it again? [gcook] by carfan28

Apr 30, 2007 (7:21 pm)

Replying to: gcook (Apr 29, 2007 8:56 pm)
I agree with everythng you said.

#14 of 39 Re: So would you do it again? [gcook] by cstiles

Apr 30, 2007 (8:01 pm)

Replying to: gcook (Apr 29, 2007 8:56 pm)
The wife and I blasted down to Nashville and back (900 miles) this past weekend and I was reminded about how good this car can be. The RL is rock solid stable at 85-90 mph, secure in handling, and very quiet. We made amazing time and I just felt good driving it after nearly 6 hours. Got 25 mpg, which is decent given the indecent speeds we hit. I am hard pressed to find a better value in the $40K to $45K range. The styling is understated, for sure, but I feel it will age well and still look classy in a decade. The interior is unique and of high quality, and once you get used to the ergonomics and technology, the car is very easy to live with. Our's has been trouble free and mechanically sound as we approach 30K miles and 3 yrs of ownership. For us, the car is a keeper.

#15 of 39 Re: So would you do it again? [pat] by nebraskaguy

May 07, 2007 (3:49 am)

Replying to: pat (Apr 11, 2007 1:50 pm)
You know, people say that the RL looks like an Accord, but I really don't see it. Maybe that just makes me wrong. I don't see very many, but when I do they always make me look and say to myself what is that? If it looked like an Accord to me, I wouldn't get there.
 
I agree. As I'm driving, I've never made the mistake of confusing one for the other. There are similarities, but that's as far as it goes, in my opinion.

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