Do any LS owners have any experience with the Acura RL?

There is an 05 RL AWD with low miles for sale in my general area. Not much for LS 430 inventory.

Just curious if there is any similarities between the RL and LS 430 of a similar vintage. I havan't had time to test drive the RL.

I am shopping for our second kid who gets her license soon. Shopping in that $5 to $7k range. ES, LS or something nice but not too nice. I usually look at Acura and Infiniti to see if there is anything in the ballpark.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

I wouldn't rank Acura in the same class for reliability. The only good Acura was pre 2002.

 

And you're basing your opinion on what information???

 

I test drove a 2005 RL before I purchased my LS back in October of 2016. Before that I had owned a 2004 TL that I bought new and would have kept if it were not for a bunch of thugs running a red light in a stolen car. Didn't have a lick of trouble with that car and it was fun to drive in the 12 years that I had it.

The RL is a fine car. As you can expect, not up to the same standard as the LS but that goes without saying. The ride is sportier and it a has better road feel but of coarse you lose some of the comfort that the LS has. It only has the V6 engine in it and it doesn't really get all that great of gas mileage but I'd have no problems owning one. If I had to guess, the RL might even be about the same price as a used TL if you're going back to 2005.

 

Low mileage RLs of that vintage are nearly impossible to find. With its all wheel drive, it would be great choice (and better than the Lexus models you mentioned) given your location.

 

My uncle has a 2007 and it has been a reliable car since new, until a couple years ago, bluetooth module was draining the battery to dead. dealer couldn't find it. Indie found it, and simply disabled it...but imho it's not in the same class...

 

Any problems with RL trannys like the pilots and vans and TL's. I know early 2000's had some issues and even the rebuilds did not solve the problem.

 

I have 2006 LS430 and my wife drives 2010 RL, her car has way better handling and road holding, it's faster and has more tech stuff - like USB/Bluetooth streaming, AUX and nicer sound stereo then my ML and there a little bit more room in the driver seat (I'm 6'5"). Bottom line is RL is more sporty, Lexus is softer, quieter and more luxurious. Gas mileage isn't great 15 city mpg and maybe 25-25 highway mpg, maybe because of SH AWD. Smaller steering wheel, seat heaters warm up faster then mine. One more thing I like better, that if I don't hit that "Accept" button on GPS, screen just turns off after a minute.

 

The RL is a very, very nice car, very reliable too. All wheel drive where it snows it a big plus.
I drove several RLs before buying the LS and agree completely with your complete comparison. The RL is a lot more of luxury sports sedan . I think the TL offers almost the same car at a lower price point but the RL is more luxurious. 7 years ago I paid $ 10,000 more for an LS than an RL, not sure if that's still true but it probably is .....

 

An ES would be a better bet since there are more to choose from. A RWD V8 car in the hands of an inexperienced driver can spell trouble. That said the RL is a nice car but the LS is in a different league altogether.

 

Love that generation RL, have driven a 2005 extensively as my friends mom bought one of the first ones in the area, and kept it till 200k till replacing it with an RLX. While not a spotty car, definitely “sportier than the LS, but one thing I noticed is the interior quality isn’t as good as Lexus, but that’s pretty consistent thing be tween all lexus and acura models. Besides that they offer a great value on the used car market, the issue is finding one

 

Thank you for all the thoughts so far. Great information.

The AWD is an advantage for a new driver. Part of me wonders if there isn't something about learning on a RWD that is similar to learning on a manual transmission. Driving a RWD can be a bit trickier, but AWD and FWD compensate and can make one feel more in control when you are actually not in control. I'm sure that is another discussion in itself.

If you learn on a manual or RWD are you better prepared for "easier" other versions? My first cars/trucks were always RWD/2WD.

 

My wife drives a 2009 R, and I drive a LS 430. The RL is a ice car and quick, but much smaller inside. I hit my head and have to lean the seat back to accomodate my 6'1" body.
Lot's of high tech in the RL, most not used by my wife.
Maintenance is high, the same as the LS 430 I drive.
I'd take the Lexus!

 

Had 2 RLs in the past before the LS. RL is a very nice car but fit, finish and overall quality of materials on the LS are in a different (significantly better) league from the RL and that especially shows and becomes very evident as the cars age age.

 

When I bought my LS back in 2009, I test drove RL as well. There just wasn't any comparison with LS although I am sure it it must be a nice and reliable car. RL felt Plastic compared to LS. My wife outright rejected RL. I only test drove Ultra and Custom LS therefore that may also have contributed to larger gap. 8 years later I still have my LS. I thought of moving to LS460 but haven't made the jump yet. 460 is definitely nicer and more powerful.
If you want a Luxury car then go for LS. If you want a little sporty then go for RL.