Acura RL (2005-2009 gen), any known problems?

[andylawcc]

Hey guys, my buddy is in the market for one, and found a 2005 for $12k in Socal that has 120k miles. Anything he should be looking out for ? Does the SH-AWD tranny hold up well?

 

[vshah]

my dad bought a 2008 ~16 months ago, 50k miles, 22k CPO. No issues so far, but it's only driven 3-5K a year.

i believe the timing belt interval for v6 hondas is 105k miles or 7 years, make sure it has been changed or use that as a haggling point. the work can be ~1200-1800 at a dealer.

 

[andylawcc]

okay thanks!

 

[NutBucket]

Problem is they sold so few of them there aren't any owners around to tell you what could go wrong!

 

[andylawcc]

smart ass ;p

 

[exar333]

Problem is they sold so few of them there aren't any owners around to tell you what could go wrong!

LOL this!

On the positive, not a lot of these on the road, and they look pretty nice. Congrats on the new wheels.

 

[phucheneh]

It's out of the range of years with trans issues. And if it's the normal Accord/TL V6, it's a good motor. Timing belt isn't that tough; I think dealer prices are more in the 700-1000 region, but you can get an Aisin (OEM) belt kit for a couple hundred bucks and have it changed in a leisurely day.

Not much else to worry about. As always, I'd say luxury = more electronics to fail, but Acura seems to be among the best when it comes to random interior bits and whatnot not murdering themselves.

 

[andylawcc]

Congrats on the new wheels.

oh no, no, i didn't pick it up, it is my buddy who's looking for one.

and thanks for info guys, i get more responses here than honda-tech.com ;/

 

[phucheneh]

Ask about a body kit, lowering springs, cold air intakes, or cat-back exhausts. I bet you'll get plenty of replies.

 

[andylawcc]

you can get an Aisin (OEM) belt kit for a couple hundred bucks and have it changed in a leisurely day.

hey phu, where can i find an Aisin belt kit (doesn't have to be RL-specific, just for knowledge sake)

 

[andylawcc]

Ask about a body kit, lowering springs, cold air intakes, or cat-back exhausts. I bet you'll get plenty of replies.

kids.....

 

[phucheneh]

Rockauto lists TKH002 for about $195. Same kit as a TL...that was the last Honda I did (as in, previous, not in a 'never again dammit!' kinda way...Hondas are easy).

Only about 50 bucks more than a Gates or Dayco kit, and you should find that the pump is identical to the old one- 'Aisin' will be cast into it somewhere. Can't 100% guarantee...parts suppliers change. If I'm replacing a water pump as maintenance, I always try and get one made by the original supplier.

 

[Alaster123]

Hey guys, my buddy is in the market for one, and found a 2005 for $12k in Socal that has 120k miles. Anything he should be looking out for ? Does the SH-AWD tranny hold up well?

can you tell me please what is the resale value of this model

 

[Sidekicknichola]

I had an 05' RL until 135k miles and had ZERO problems.

I sold mine for 12k but had every single service record since day one, 3 sets of floor mats, and the car was literately spotless. My dad thought it was brand new when it had 120k on it.

I would make sure the 105k service was done, other than that, I have only good things to say about the car.