How's the 3.5RL?

robr

robr

Legendary Member
Joined
31 July 2001
Messages
5,201
Location
Boston, MA
Assuming my NSX sells, I plan on banking the majority of the $$$ in the hope the real estate market continues to drop so I have some $$$ in the bank ready to jump on a house.

I need a daily driver in the meantime. My requirements were 4 door, room in the back seats for 2 baby seats (one rear facing), sporty, fun to drive and manual transmission.

I started out looking at E39 540i's but then decided that it makes more sense to put more $$$ in the bank rather than throw it at a depreciating asset. That's the same reason I decided against a G35. I was then looking at 98-00 Audi A4 and A6's quattros which can be had for $5-7K. Besides, I REALLY wanted a standard transmission and the AWD is a huge plus in New England.

I was at Mechanics Direct today having a PPI done on my car and chatting with fellow prime member Mitch and he made a good case for an automatic and against Audi. His take is that an Audi costs a fortune to maintain and for similar $$$ I could pick up a used RL. While I dread the thought of an auto, he said it always come in handy for him when his wife can drive his car, if hers is in the shop for example.

I'm considering something like this but know nothing about RLs. Any thoughts? Is the NAV in a 2000 decent? Or old-school CD based?

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/car/248849988.html
 
Slightly off topic...

Just a suggestion, but what about a GS400? Rear wheel drive, powerful, looks great with the 17 sport wheels, and super reliable. I'm assuming it's going to hold it's value too since it's already taken the major hit in depreciation. My dad is out of the country, so I'm sporting his GS430 while I'm upgrading somethings on the NSX. And I love the GS. Just a thought... :wink:

Good Luck,
- Z
 
In 2000 I would have to guess it's a CD based system,, but I don't remember for sure, As for the car?..It has basically the same drive train as the 91-95 legend..so It's a solid platform..and because they are not that popular you can get one for a pretty decent price.

Just keep in mind that it is a front wheel drive car and is not going to drive like a BMW or Audi does...but also is not going to require the $$$ to keep on the road:smile:
 
I agree with Zahntech in that the RL is a solid platform and will hold its value rather well. I also agree that the GS400 would be a better buy as it has a more powerful V8 and FR. The RL however would probably be a little more roomier for the carseats in the back which is probably one of your higher priorities. Also, the Navi system in Acuras are pretty much cream of the crop. So for your priority needs, i'd go with the RL, unless you really need that FR layout and V8 for the slighly better cool and fun factor.
 
zahntech said:
In 2000 I would have to guess it's a CD based system,, but I don't remember for sure, As for the car?..It has basically the same drive train as the 91-95 legend..so It's a solid platform..and because they are not that popular you can get one for a pretty decent price.

Just keep in mind that it is a front wheel drive car and is not going to drive like a BMW or Audi does...but also is not going to require the $$$ to keep on the road:smile:
Click to expand...

Interesting, it appears to actually be DVD
from: http://www.automallusa.net/2000/acura/rl/reviews.html

Nor, with the optional navigation system, should he or she worry about finding a destination. The satellite-guided navigation system almost falls into the too-amazing-to-believe category. The menu is easy to use with a little practice. Punch in an address and in seconds the system calculates a route to get you there. Deviate from the prescribed route and it quickly recalculates. The display shows both a route map and directions for turns, with plenty of warning. The voice prompt, which can be turned on or off, has advantages, though it takes some getting used to. The system gets upgraded for 2000 with a larger, color LCD screen and a DVD player - an industry first. Detailed maps and instructions for the entire U.S. are now available on a single disk. Previously, dealers had to reprogram the system software if owners moved or wished to travel outside of their home
 
I own a 2000 3.5RL and the only things that went wrong were really those common problems with most cars. Let see,

1) The most common on the ka9, the ignition switch won't fire at times, fixed by Acura.
2) I had to take the main relay out for a refreshment job just like I did for my nsx. 15 minute fix.
3) Replaced the wiper blade inserts twice over 6 years

Other than those, its been over 6 years and 85,000km, everything else on the car works the same as when it came out of the showroom. Depending on where you take it, it is very stable in the snow, the balance is great. It has plenty of power 210-230hp, and 230lb of torque, and an engine made by HONDA! Just remember not to service it at a place you don't trust, so they won't hurt the car, I'm pretty sure I dont have to tell you that.
 
The RL is a fantastic deal! I would take a black/black NAVI every six months as a demo and it was a great road car. Navi unit is the best you'll ever find, seats are very comfy, looks is plain but pimp (kinda LS400 like), very cheap compared to other luxury, pretty good as gas, REAL WOOD interior, awesome fit and finish and one hell of an awesome high speed touring seden.:biggrin:
 
wtf?!?!?! it tells me the post has expired!!! thank you! maybe it's pulling it from a cache somewhere, i was trying to figure out how to search mine for text. whew!!!

boston craigslist > boston/camb/brook > cars & trucks >

This posting has expired.
(The title on the listings page will be removed in just a few minutes.)
 
Turns out he's selling his NSX as well. I think I'm going to pass on this one, needs some work and I don't really have the time to deal with that.
 
RL is called Legend in the rest of the world! just that you know!

Have seen a "Dutch version" at a Honda dealer it's really nice and the boot is LARGE! The seats are great! like the gadgets!

Looks cool!
Way better then the old Legend!

P.S.
Dutch versions of cars are S&@t most of the options and gadgets are gone plus they cost triple!

The best combo would be a NSX and a Legend!

I am talking about a 2006 Legend (RL) the old ones a great to!
 
I have a '97 RL. Personally, I find cars that have a back seat to be quite boring, so to pay extra money for a high end car when you can just tool around in a Toyota Camary for about 200K miles doesn't appeal to me. I bought the RL with about 75K miles 2 years ago. So far, it's been a great car and all the little gadgets work just fine (heated/power seats window, autoclimate, heated rearveiws, etc...).

I call it my old man's car. I think most sedan's (not all) fit that category. If you want a car that will spoil you, but still be affordable.....the RL is a pretty good buy. I paid $8,000 for mine. You can probably pick up a 2002 for $15,000+ and feel pretty good about the purchase.

Good luck!
 
AdnanVCS said:
RL is called Legend in the rest of the world! just that you know!
!
Click to expand...
Yeah dropping the Legend and Integra names was one of the dumbest marketing moves in the history the automotive industry.

they spent 10 years building their product/brand and names then they flush it all down the crapper and give their cars # and letter names that just blend into the market with all the other # and letter cars...totally stupid IMO
 
zahntech said:
Yeah dropping the Legend and Integra names was one of the dumbest marketing moves in the history the automotive industry.

they spent 10 years building their product/brand and names then they flush it all down the crapper and give their cars # and letter names that just blend into the market with all the other # and letter cars...totally stupid IMO
Click to expand...

Totally agree. The Legends were very highly regarded and had a great name. Integra too.
 
The 3.5 RL is anything but sporty and is a slow pig.... other than that, the car is absolutley spectacular... We've owned an 03 3.5 and the navigation on that thing was phenomenal.

Yes the navigation is DVD based... the car is very luxurious (onstar is great) VERY smooth, you can't even feel the tranny shift, the layout is awesome.. Big buttons and everything is in reach. The car does turn heads. Ive got some pics.

8756vj6.jpg

r45dr4wv0.jpg

5rfgy3up7.jpg

475tg1.jpg

75iygh9.jpg

sdgej3.jpg


Sorry about the pics being SO random and poor quality.. I have a crappy camera.





I think that the 94-95 Acura Legend 4dr 6 spd is what you want.
 
Last edited:
Actually that speedo pic is very artistic :).

I think (at least this evening) I'm leaning toward a 2000 Audi A6 2.7T or 2000 A6 4.2 -
tomorrow may be a different story but I just keep coming back to 250hp, AWD, 6sp (though I'm still considering an auto tiptronic for the wife factor). I'm also debating an A8. Either of these can be had for under $10K.

At this point I think the NSX sale is pretty much a done deal :( :( :(. The buyer is planning on being here by the end of the first week in Jan :(. That will be one of the saddest days I've had in a long time.
 
Last edited:
robr said:
Actually that speedo pic is very artistic :).

I think (at least this evening) I'm leaning toward a 2000 Audi A6 2.7T or 2000 A6 4.2 -
tomorrow may be a different story but I just keep coming back to 250hp, AWD, 6sp (though I'm still considering an auto tiptronic for the wife factor). I'm also debating an A8. Either of these can be had for under $10K.

At this point I think the NSX sale is pretty much a done deal :( :( :(. The buyer is planning on being here by the end of the first week in Jan :(. That will be one of the saddest days I've had in a long time.
Click to expand...
Don't get German car's there seats are way to hard for a luxery car (don't mind hard seats in a sports car)
 
My brother actually has a 96 RL, and myself I have a E39 528i. Definetly different cars, the bmw is much more a sports sedan and the RL is definetly more aimed at a comfy luxury ride.
His RL just now has about 100K on it and for the most part has been a really reliable car. I really enjoy driving it myself, really nice ride, pleanty of power. Really nice cruiser.
 
i dont know where im at today. lots of PMs to talk me out of a used Audi because of maintenance nightmares. i'm looking at the current lease deals on a new A4... i'm not really into that because a lease is a waste of money, but i'm stumped at this point. there's nothing out there i'm interested in that can be had for <$10K. i've even given up on the whole manual transmission requirement. im starting to look at SUVs and trucks now :(. sigh..........
 
I had a 97 A4 before my BMW, it was fine for a while, but I also got rid of it because of electrical issues it started having with the climate control that everyone warned me it would have.
Maybe I am biased, but you can pick up a late 90's E39 like mine for around 10G and they are fantastic cars. Mine now has 122.5K on it and everything works as it should, its extremely smooth on the freeway and has never had any real issues. My dad bought it new and I bought it from him about a year and a half ago and I can say its probably been the most reliable car I have had. If reliablity is your main concern over performance, I would say look more at the 528 over a 540 as the V8's typically have more issues with them. Not a power house, but good reliablity and really great milage for the size of the car. And you can get them as a manual with would definetly help the performance, mine is an auto:rolleyes:
Hope some of that helps, but probably just confusing you more.
 
that takes me full circle. i started with E39s but they seemed to be running more in the $15K range if they had the normal issues taken care of (cooling system, pixel outage, etc). im waiting for montclair acura to call me back to see what they can do with a TL lease (im sure it will be too much compared to the current A4 deal, but worth a shot - you can currently get a 2 year/30k lease on a 2007 A4 2.0T for under $400/mo with 0 down). doesn't exactly give me the back seat room i was hoping for either.
 

Similar threads

comtec
Garage door seal
Replies
1
Views
219
centerpunch
centerpunch
S
‘01 Automatic Transmission question
Replies
8
Views
289
alum04org
alum04org
TooTallForAnNSX
1999 NSX C32B Core Engine & 6-Speed Transmission
Replies
6
Views
357
TooTallForAnNSX
TooTallForAnNSX
W
Amsoil MTF
Replies
2
Views
216
Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey
D
Learn about the NC1 Transmisson :)
Replies
1
Views
236
SUNLINE
SUNLINE
Back
Top