The Acura RL is one of most underrated cars of all time. Even the newer RLX are overlooked. 4th gen TL's really messed up the lineup because the sh-awd was so similar to the RL.
I have an 05 RL, the quiet engine and the quiet cabin is a scary combo... I'm just casually driving at 50, don't pay attention for 2 seconds and next thing I know I'm at 70...
I owned on brand new in 05 and loved the car. I always wanted to get another but my wife prefers Audi and Mercedes. Finally, after getting rid an SL550 that was a disaster to own, I just picked up a one owner 2006 with 30k miles.
same story and year with my grandparents RL they recently gave me. 172k miles and we've NEVER had any repairs other than oil, brakes, and tires. Solid as a rock!
Mine has 130k miles still running strong. Fun fact: drive shaft is actually made of carbon fiber. The materials put in to this car would be worth 80k easy in today's currency.
I bought my 2007 RL with 145k almost 4 years ago for $9,000. I now have 215k miles on it and still rides great without any problems. Been almost all over the states. I agree with the stiff ride but I love the quietness in the cabin.
@@kaneohe115 I'd say that although according to kbb it's worth less it does not take into account the maintenance of the previous owner. It might look good but if it's not taken care of properly the money you'd save will probably go faster than you think into fixing your less pricy car. So if the car that you saw or already checked is worth the money - just give her $7500. Take it to a garage to check and if everything is all right and buy it.
Iman King I doubt that. You never had mount issues? Your head unit hasn’t failed? Your bulbs are all still functioning? No issues with the suspension? No issues with catalytic converter or gas and oxygen sensors? No issues with the rubber trim or the leather in the center console? This is a great car but it’s not trouble free. You will have all the problems a $50,000 car has. Anyone who suggests otherwise doesn’t drive the car.
@@ahf5471 Yea... Front cats are shot (4k+ RPM and you'll start smelling something funny) Nav screen works 20% of the time, suspension looks like I lowered the thing, headlights are yellow, Rt mirror works 30% of the time. Honestly though I'm still liking the thing. I can drive it like an idiot and still feel in control. It's an old car that's been in an accident so I can just beat on it and not care.
Bought mine this past summer for $3000. Always wanted one when I was in college. It has a few issues (expected for a 12 year old car) but overall a great car. I just love the shape of the car.
arlex marrero - those exact problems plus the car was overheating and the struts needed to be replaced. Fixed the overheating by replacing the thermostat, radiator cap, and flushed the coolant system. The AFS kind of fixed itself for me. As for the emissions check light, it was/is the catalytic converters. Did the lacquer thinner in the gas tank and it cleared the code for awhile but it eventually came back. Not too worried about it though since no emissions testing for me. Struts are to be replaced in the spring. A couple other minor things like the driveshaft bearing making a whistling noise and cosmetic stuff.
I have a 2006 saab 95 and I really want to get a 2006 rl I just want to know if it will be worth getting rid of the saab. The rl needs some work. What tire size are you guys using the original tire size is hard to find.
Bought my rl recently. I must say, it's an Amazing machine. Its got 202,000 km but yet this car is whisper quiet. It drives like a brand new car. I'm in love.
This is one great car made by Acura. You said it all in your review. The only thing i would say that i don't like about this 2005 model is the aux function that it is missing. Although it is available in the 2008 model and i am looking for that now in my country and no dealership has any used one for sale. I love the shape , the engine and transmission is kool, but most of all is the comfort and interior design of the car.
Ah yes. I owned a 97 then a 2005 that recently was totaled . I mean my heart broke when the adjuster gave me the news . I am now on the hunt for an 08 or 09 with the right color and mileage , its just a great car with so many features all around I love it . Thank you for the review
Glad to see someone review this car I've been wanting someone like Doug or regular car reviews to review it its a great hidden gem in the car world and I'm a happy owner of one myself great video and happy holidays
Got my Silver Alibaster 2005 in 2010 with 55k , now has 110k I'm in Michigan so I only drive it In Winter season with Hankook snow tires. I store it in April and bring out my TL TYPE S. Yes I'd recommend these 2005 to 2008 because there reliable with lots of amenities. Back in 2010 I paid 23k from Auto Nation in Sanford Florida( It's an actual Acura Dealership). And yes I'm old but who wants to spend all their time at the mechanics. Needless to say this is money well spent because they last🤗
This is one of the best vehicle series ever made. I've been an Acura fan for many years. The lineage from the original predecessor of the Acura Legend to this third generation 2005 -2008 R,L, as video reviewed here. The second generation 96 - 2004 Acura RL 3.5 were also excellent and of high reliability. I've had all three of these vehicles as I've come to love and respect. They've always been reliable and a work of art. Beautiful, well-designed, and engineered with reliability factor of a Refined Luxury (RL) high-end upscale Honda. They're also very sophisticated and technical with state-of-the-art standard features of its time. Its fully-loaded Even today, it's still impeccable after 15-years from its debut release. The newer RLX I will buy next once the used market and demand has come down. Thanks Wheel Wells for a great video. .
Acura RL owners got shortchanged compared to Honda Legend owners. Honda owners got everything the RL had, plus some neat features like adaptive headlights, popup headlamp washers, a three bar front grille, and LEDs in the door handles. The so called leather on the door panel hand rests and centre console is actually a cheap vinyl glued onto denim backing. With time it separates and wrinkles. You can buy real leather replacement pieces from Ebay and make it correct. Another issue is the glove box external finish get soft and literally melts. Would I sell my 07 model? heck no its too good of a car, shes a keeper.
True that, my 05 legend has all the tech it can have minus the lane keep and cooled seats. I love it so much and don’t think I’ll ever be selling it...
@@andrewdmitri5821 Thank you. I agree, but I think the 2009-2010 mag wheels and front grille look better. I'll see. I still don't have one, but I'm still thinking about it.
I have an 05 with 130k miles. There's an exhaust leak in the from the front exhaust manifold. I also think it's burning an exhaust gasket. 😂 Started happening after a Z4 rear ended me. The insurance paid 4.7k and I got the car for 6.5k so no real harm done. I'm getting a new one when it fails the State Inspection.
I just bought an ‘05 with 120k miles for $2,800.. not sure how I managed to find it but it was just an old couple who didn’t need it and I loveee it, especially as my first car!
Just bought an 02 with just barley less then 100k miles for less than 5 grand and it's absolutely amazing. Definitely like said in the video, an underappreciated and underrated vehicle.
Dude I bought a 2004 rl 3.5 with the navigation system heated seats&side mirrors a couple years ago from a lady who just had it sitting in the front yard bcuz it had some electrical problems that needed fixing right, guess how much I got it for?...... 600$buckaroos.. major win if yu ask me. I took it off her hands had it dropped off at mechanic shop, paid around 500bucks to fix it and from then on this little fucker has not failed me yet. it has more than 200000thousand miles on it an its still going strong.. I constantly get compliments on it along with offers to buy it off me.. but I always turn then down since it a rare and reliable car....
My dad has a 2007 RL with the CMBS and PAX that he bought new just under 13 years ago. Like most owners, he removed the PAX runflats once they wore out because looking at $3,000 every time you need new tires is silly but otherwise, the car is stock. The SH-AWD system seems to defy the laws of physics. It has just over 92,000 miles on it and I believe it will be his last car. I'm hoping he'll leave it to me.
Best car I have ever owned, there is a small hole on top next to the interior lights that I don't know what is it for , someone told me if you cover that hole with your finger, you can hear your engine better, if you know what is that for, let me know thanx
I'm test driving on 08 with 90K this Friday. Thank you for you video, it's been a great help in deciding if I really want to buy this car and now I can't wait to test drive. I was comparing the 08-11 G37x and Lexus IS250. and the RL tends to score higher and reliability and features form what I can gather.
WW excellent coverage of 2005 RL. I'm the original owner of 2005 RL and it has over 172k mileage. Never had a problem. It is very cost effective car. Beside oil change and brake pads I haven't spent any money on any repair. It has everything I need Blue tooth phone connection etc. The only thing I wish it had was backup camera. I love the car and plan to keep as long as possible.... Thank you Acura
Thanks boss. I ran into the RL the other day while looking for the TL. Test drove the 05 RL and 07 TL-S . 07 TL-S had a very intriguing feel to it while riding, but the RL stole the show. It's an absolute beauty and priced at a steal.
Yes. I have an RL 2005. Everything is true that you stated. I’d like to add that when you want to go home you can just push a button on the steering wheel and say home. Many other features not mentioned also . I owned a xj6 vandum plas jag before my rl. Jag drove a lot smoother but not nearly as dependable as the rl. The rl is also a ultra low emission vehicle so if you live in Southern California that’s a huge plus. Love this car. Thanks for the great tube.
Mine is the only one I have ever seen on the road that has the A-Spec package, I've seen a couple on Autotrader but never in person. Yes these are still great cars but their build quality is poor compared to the 1996-2004 RLs. I had a 1997 RL before my present 2005 RL A-Spec and that thing was a tank at 300k miles! My only real gripe with this car is that it doesn't have an aux jack to plug your phone into for music. I wish I had done my research I got the 2007 instead that includes one, I refuse to do anything aftermarket to my cars.
Great vehicle! I noticed RL back in 2005 but the price tag was more than I could afford. Now I drive 2010 RL and can easily say that these cars have most tech that I need even in 2020. Also if I need to update the maps to current year, I can get them from Acura for $99. Quick question for you: do you hear any rattles and/or creaks while traveling on not so perfect road?
Great review! After looking to get my second car after years of not owning one and driving my partners newer civic I want the honda reliability with Acura luxury, this and the TL have made my short list.
I owned a 2005 Acura RL in LA for about 1 year. Best car I've ever owned. Very dependable literally problem free. A lot faster than you would think. And the gas mileage on the highway I was able to get 28 miles per gallon driving from California to Phoenix Arizona
I have a 06 had it for 9 years now and still love it. There is many things he missed like for a 06 it has TPMS sensors in the tires so you can see air pressure and get warnings if your leaking and run flat tires, It has sensors and it will hit the brakes and stop you from rear ending someone or something and it works it has twice saved me from rear ending someone and one of those times it stopped from me going 60 plus mph to almost a complete stop truly amazing, also the headlights turn the direction you are turning the cruise control is adaptive and does everything but steer, they have Acura link and on star and on a hot day if you push the unlock button twice and hold it down the 2nd time it will roll down all the windows and it opens the sun roof to let the hot air out before you enter it just to name a few, there are several more things I could go on and on about in the upgraded tech package models. I've upgraded the sounds to a full audio control system 4 amps 3 subs and 3-way components in mine went full on SQ, I put an air ride system on it with 20" rims, Factory body kit from Japan off their Honda Legends (Same Car) and next summer I plan to have it painted and have the motor built and run a turbo on it. All I can say is this car is really one of the best cars I have drove even compared to newer 2020+ cars and it's a head turner mine is tricked out yes but even before I started doing the custom add on's I got complements everywhere I went, and no one believes me when I say it's a 06. After this it a full-on car show summer Cruser I plan to get a newer Acura for my daily.
Nice review you touched on some points that others didn't that happen to be valuable to me. I've made my decision and I can't wait to get one. I live in the north west and I am amazed that I just recently discovered this car and it's sh-awd. Stoked
I bought a 2014 RLX this year. Absolutely insane how many features this thing has. 19k for it so right around Kelly blue book range but for me personally it was worth every penny. The ANC is INSANE and riding down the road is fantastic
I own 2009 RL. Would not give it up for world. One of the best car I have ever driven. Fun and reliable. Luxury that works every time. I call it my BMW minus the headache! I would even pay $12-$15K for used one today, if it is single owner. Because I know it will last me for 300,000 miles with no problem at all. Great video review.
I had a strut mount insulator go out around 150k miles and it set me back about $1,500 because i kept replacing components trying to diagnose. Finally replaced the full strut/spring/mount assembly and that cured it. Other than that it's been standard maintenance. 187k miles no issues.
They are rated one of the best cars out there, along with Lexus. I think it got a few more points then Lexus cause Lexus is alittle more pricey to repair or mantinces... But they are amazing ...very reliable.. even in Consumer Reports gave it high ratings and relabilty
I had this issue too. Spent $35 per side for the new top mounts. Only real problem I have had is broken motor mounts. Having the timing belt replaced was pricey too, but all cars with belts need those.
I owned a Honda Accord Type V for 14 years and was chuffed with it, it doing everything i wanted, plus being a manual which i always preferred. That is until a month ago some twat broadsided me and it has been written off by the insurance. I could have bought it back off the insurance as it was only cosmetic damage and very nearly did but thought at my time of life i could do with something a bit more plush and comfortable, so i scoured the internet and bought one of these which in the UK are called the Legend. I travelled down by train and the seller picked me up at the station and i drove it back and it was the most relaxed drive i have had in years. It has full service history with it which always makes a car a better seller and i got it at a good price. 2006 vintage with 75K on the clock. I hope to seriously ramp up the mileage with this and i am sure i will. Great informative vid by the way.
I have a 2005 Acura Rl silver color. I have to agree with you on all of the points except for the smoothness. It’s very smooth and not stiff at all. People were surprised when I told them it’s an Acura Rl 2005. One of the best cars I ah e ever own. 174k miles and still running strong only had to replace the radiator at 158k miles. It’s a must have
My uncle had this car then gave it to my sis for 1k, who then gave it to my dad, and now I have it. I absolutely love the car, even though she needs some body and interior repairs, she runs beautifully. I plan to keep the car for many years to come.
Hey wess I took your advice and picked up a 2006 Rl for $4300.00 with 231,659 odo reading one owner who has all repair records updated with every option even back up camera. LOVE THIS CAR
i have an 05' TL and actually found out about the RL after I bought my TL and I must say this is an amazing car. I love my TL but this car is just as nice and probably a bit better.
The one thing i can say about my RL is that There may not be a lot of after market support if your trying to find body kits or other parts as from my experiences
I have one with over 200,000 miles on it. It is as solid and rattle-free now as the day I bought it. I am still blown away every time I floor the throttle entering a corner and the car literally steers itself around the corner with the torque vectoring SH-AWD system. It is truly an amazing car. I wish people wouldn't post videos like this because there won't be any good ones available when I need to replace it as they will all be snapped up.
This is an outstanding vehicle!!!! All Acura’s are underrated. They are one of the best luxury vehicles built. Acura is always ahead of the game in technology. All they need to do is add V8 engines and more functionality seating 🙃
I just bought a 05 that just hit 100K for 4k, drives like a dream and is awesome in the snow. I had to replace the vinyl on the center console and driver side armrest, replacement bought on eBay and watched a how-to on RU-vid for installation. The Bose sound system is great too!
PLEASE put the sunshades UP!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Also FOG LIGHTS ON why would you have them off?!?!?! USE THEM ALWAYS it looks way cooler and adds more light
I have a mint condition rl it was my grandmothers old car it only has 57,000 miles and no issues what so ever it is my first car and it is the most underrated car. For its size and weight it hauls ass. The only down side is the mpg.
Yes! This is car is almost a secret. 4WD , 293 horses, supremely comfortable and , best of all, ridiculously cheap. If I had the garage space (I don't) I could buy one here in the UK for £3500 in superb condition and serviced by Honda dealers. Anyone who wants a wolf in a boring sheep's clothing this is it. Oh and this is almost exotic car performance because it has outrageous handling for one so big.
@@josephcazzuto7198 i fixed this by re-soldering four contacts in the clock. You can easily remove it by lifting it straight up and disconnect the wires. I don’t remember which contacts I soldered. But there are 4 in a row, closely spaced together
Thanx for showcasing Honda's Road Luxury. I had the 1st & 2nd Gen Legend '90 & '95, I skipped the 1st Gen RL now rolling In 2nd Gen '08 Road Luxury. Only Honda / Acura drivers knows what they really have especially when you join some clubs. Oh, the area dealerships constantly offer me trade-in deals due to my low miles and it's high demand. Check out my RL ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zEqzH1zey8A.html
September 2020 it got totaled by a stupid driver trying to run a red-light. Had it since December 2019. I mourn the days when my recent cars break down and ever since then I haven't been able to find a vehicle as bulletproof as this car was. Started everyday, never leaked, never stopped running after endless hours, hell it was so reliable I would just do preventative maintenance just because I would be bored not working on it for awhile. Nonetheless, enjoy what you have while it's yours because you never know what driver is out there to take it away from you. Haven't been able to find one like it since (especially in this used car market now)
RL>TL. People always mistake my 2011 for a tl. But this is true, rl are real cheap and not many around.. which can also suck because if you need parts. It’s not readily available(body and interior parts) the more rare rl is the gen I have(kb2 09-12) which they made even less than the kb1(05-08)
i have a RL with K&N intake, some comp mods & Borla exhaust and let me tell u it moves. If u know how to drive and actually use the SH All wheel drive u can pull some Gs in this car. It actually starts to feel and handle like a much smaller car. But u really have to get use to gassing through a turn especially when u feel like braking. Thats when the all wheel drive kicks in and really pulls u through the turn. u will actually feel the back end come around. I suggest trying this on a closed road or a very large parking lot at first. I also suggest doing the sam if u live where it snows, this car is unbelievable in the snow and on ice. Take it to a large parking lot and u will be surprised.
Your second display is very easy fixe. I fixed mine no issues after I resolder that pc board. Cold solder inside PCB, you need to resolder. I bought my 2006RL last month 128078 miles cost me 4g.
Yes these cars are a great value right now......and they are very nice cars. If you are going to purchase one with higher mileage be sure to have a local shop check the engine for oil leaks. Oil pump seal....rear main seal....valve cover gasket. These are expensive repairs and too difficult for the average DIY owner. You want the bottom of that engine to be dry as a bone! u can thank me later.......i am headed to the shop right now to pick mine up....I knew better and still screwed up. But still a nice car...just get it checked!!!!!
I have the radio display screen that does not work on yours. I have 2 of them working condition. If you are interested let me know. I have a 2006 of the same model and has been a really nice car to own. Easy to maintain and the only bad thing is actually the leather quality Inside. I have had mine for almost 10 years. And have outgrown it with my family. But I still use it as a daily. On the freeway gets 588 miles with a full tank. And probably more but I didn't push it to the end. But cool car. I recommend it .shocks and motor mounts will be your most expensive items to change.
My 2005 tsx is still looking like new and can keep up with today's cars and for me this car are way ahead of the time bc all first generation tsx are type r k24 dtune from factory Honda dirty little secret
Sadly most of the 05 rl center entertainment console goes out. The entire navigation system breaks. "Disc error" won't even allow you to listen to the radio.
I brought mine in Oregon (my pic is me coming back from there in my RL) at the end of 2014 with 145k and drove it back cross country to PA. Car has only had wear and tear problems, never breaks down on me and almost at 202k. I had a 2002 acura cl type-s as my last car which was much faster than this but the rl is a heavy solid car at almost 4000 pounds. And that sh awd is nothing but piece of mind behind the wheel. Oh and part where the clock doesn't work has to do with a gel that connects to the harness. It shouldn't be that much to get fixed. Gotta get my timing belt replaces in the next 10k here.... Nice car though bud
I loved the way my RL drove. She was a trooper but had so many electrical issues. Too many to list. Put in so much money for repairs. The thin leather interior kept ripping all over. Windows too turns not working. Rear view Mirror just broke on its own. Door handle in the inside broke off. Glove compartment broke on its own. The door handle that drive side had a blown circuit which shut the whole car off. Lights kept flickering when I turned left or right. I replaced both lights and was so expensive. There’s more but too tired to list. Just be careful with buying these cars. I loved mine that’s why I kept fixing it.
Hey has anyone had issues with the auto cruise and CMS system light coming on and disabling it until the car is turned off and on again. on mine it still works but it comes up periodically and its annoying, its a 2006 honda legend - basically an RL
