| Happyowner |
This is just a general idea, do u think as a acura buyer that the RL will survive much longer. Personally i think the RL's days are numbered because of A. Slow sales. B its overal size. C. its looks.
A: Slow sales- Acura wasnt ready for a 50,000 + car, i think they should have kept the old RL and just advanced it with AWD and V8.
B: Size- when they shrunk the size of the TL i was saddened i always loved the 1998-2003 it was a great car, and i loved the looks and everything about it. When they made it smaller i was rather unimpressed. They seems to try and make it better suited to the Infiniti, and BMW, which is something it will never be. The RL is the size of the old TL which personally is stupid, because all its competitiors are bigger, offer a V8 and others for around that 50,000 dollar price. I know SH awd and 300 HP but most people dont care about that.
C Looks- I find it bloated and unattractive i found the last generation much more upscale. |
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| devil421 |
Almost all the RL reviews were very positive. Having said that I think the problem is that the RL isnt in the family of cars that its price tag indicates. Alot of people look at the Acura line and basically just see a bigger version of the previous car (TL is a bigger TSX, RL is a bigger TL, etc). Theres nothing that differentiates it much from the other Acuras so the sticker price doesnt match up. 50K for a MB, BMW, etc....but a bigger TL? Yeah no wonder it doesnt sell.
Its actually a very nice car so its a shame. |
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| mdxx3 |
| If they make the current RL larger, put in a V8 motor plus other good stuff... will this RL will become... another Q45? (The Q45 can be a nice vehicle, but it just isn't selling well at all.) |
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| BigHersh |
Acura has long been a "bang for the buck" manufacturer, and the current RL simply does not embody that stance anymore.
If the RL was $40K, it would be sellign like hot cakes, but- it's $50K, and for that kind of money- it's simply out-gunned on the market. The RL used to compete (In many ways) with the LS400 and the Q45, now- both those cars (LS430 & Q45) are far superior to the RL, and the RL, truth be told, is also out-classed by the M45.
Acura is a middle of the road vehicle, If Lexus is to Mercedes what Infiniti is to BMW, then Acura needs to target Audi, and right now, the only Acura that can hold a candle to anything Audi builds is the TL (Versus the A6 & A4). The RL is completely outgunned by the A6 4.2, and dare not step into the same arena, let alone the same ring, as the A8. The RL has gotten smaller over the years; not good- not smart, especially when everyoen else is getting bigger (at least on the interior), even if overall length may have been reduced (S-class).
Not offering a V-8 was a huge mistake, making it smaller- another massive mistake, ho-hum (front end) sytling- another mistake, not knowing whether you want to be sports or luxury oriented yet another mistake. Finally, pricing it at $50K, which is clearly into 530i/base 545, A6/A6 4.2, E500 (without the prestiege), as well as base LS430 and Q45 territory (lacking the size) is akin to bringing a slingshot to a gun fight.
If Acura is bent-bound-and-determined to play in the "sports/handling" game- they need to leave that to the TSX and the TL. Let the TSX go after the 3 series (G35/IS250/350), and equip the TL to tangle with the 530 & 545. However, to invigorate RL sales, if they want $50K for the RL, the redesign needs to focus mainly on luxury, with maybe a hint of sporty. (See 750i sedan for example).
Think Big Acura (Something in perhaps the length of a 750IL, maybe an inch or two shorter), remember what Pontiac told you, wider is better. (If it works in the MDX, it'll work in the RL). A taller greenhouse would be nice, and then pack in all the same content. Repackage "super handling" as some sort of superior all-weather traction, rather than the "handling aspect", and most importantly full time AWD or RWD, with a proper V8 of at least 330 HP. Make the grill and trunk with prominent Acura badges, and let the car "ooze" luxury, even before you open the door to the cockpit.
Interior ergonimics, fit and finish are all Acura marquees; no need to change much here; just apply the same Acura formula, possibly get rid of the notched shifter, and offer a smart key like the 7 series has, and push button starting.
Offer that at $50 - 55K, and you won't be able to build them fast enough. |
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| Happyowner |
| I couldnt agree with u more hersh....... When we went looking in 2000 for a sport luxury sedan we got a an ES300 cause we found that to the best at the time. I liked the RL my wife didnt. My sister in law and brother in law have a 2002 RL its amazing and they wont trade it in for anything. So people who have the RL (older) that i know wont trade it in.... |
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| Fabvsix |
A. POOR marketing (just as it was with the 1st generation RL. Folks still ask me if my 2004 is a MB or BMW. They never heard of the RL)
B. Looks too much like a HONDA Accord on Steroids
C. Horrible Dealership Sales approach and Service
D. NO V8
E. Too similar to the TL
MY 2004 RL is the BEST car I've owned in all my 45 years on this planet........Why did they kill it ? ? ? ? ? :confused: :confused: |
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| Happyowner |
| I agreed with whatever one here is saying! I only wish acura would listen to us! |
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| BigHersh |
quote:
Originally posted by Happyowner
I agreed with whatever one here is saying! I only wish acura would listen to us!
You'd think they'd listen to the customer...
But, they all have MBA's, so- they probably think we're too dumb to know what we really want... :rolleyes:
Whoever signed off on the smaller RL, needs their proverbial ass kicked. That was not forward thinking at all, not in a country where the averge man is 5'9", and a large majority over 6', with a wife (or significant other) and 2.3 kids.
The current RL, is sleek, and the size that an RL "Coupe" should be, if such a thing existed... Now, a coupe based on the current RL would be a healthy alternative to the 6 series, but the RL is in a class of one, and- it's lonely place to be- especially when you aren't kicking ass there, and you're alone... |
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| Happyowner |
| Exactly, i could see a RL coupe, to go up against the 650ci and M6, its just not a great place for the RL right now. When i took the MDX in for servicing the dealer couldnt get rid of the RL, there was a sea of them. Much like the R Class, either they remarket it, or i say cut your losses and move on! |
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| Fabvsix |
Nothing new. The first generation RL didn't sell well either! They also kept it in production for 8 years nearly untouched (body wise).
I think the same issue remains today:
J A P A N vs. USA counterpart.....Think about it.....Japan's RL is called a "Honda Legend" NOT an Acura or a RL for that matter. This is all about a MARKETING ISSUE within Honda corporation. The Japanese counterparts don't care about us silly Americans!!!! The RL is a HONDA in Japan and they are darn proud of it ! This is all about a marketing disaster !!!!!!
Historically Japan made Honda's are FAR better built than the OHIO built Honda's/Acura's. Hell even the Canadians build better Honda's/Acura's than the Ohio plant folks do.....
Japanese believe in "do more with less" as in "we can build a V-6 that can out perform a V-8". They see no reason to invest in the US market and give us WHAT WE WANT: An Acura Legend with a V-8 and an option of rear wheel drive. I have NO interest in SH-AWD to be quite honest. I can barely get my car to normal speeds with all the taffic these days yet alone go spirited driving to "activate" SH-AWD........What a waste.......Also bring back the reliable manual transmissions as their auto tranny absolutley SUCK !
Nuff said.....:1: :1: |
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| socalJD |
| People, remember that Honda is an ENGINE company first, and not necessarily a 'car' company. The very 1st Hondas on these shores were motorcycles ! Think about it, Honda excels at making engines (motorcycle, generator, lawnmower, Indy, Formula 1, etc) and not necessarily what's built around the engines. So asking them to be pioneers in auto design is NOT their strong suit. It's further exemplified by the Acura 'division' which does not have a strong identity or actual niche in the market place - it's just a rebadged Honda in any other country. I think Honda is perfectly content with their place in the industry and they don't have the same aspirations as Toyota to be the NO. 1 car/auto maker in the world . . . |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
I think Honda is perfectly content with their place in the industry and they don't have the same aspirations as Toyota to be the NO. 1 car/auto maker in the world . . .
I believe that they are attempting to go up market with Acura, trying to be a credible BMW/Audi/Merc alternative. That's why they priced the RL so high and are rumored to be increasing the price of the MDX and adding features. The problem is that nobody I know who sets out to buy a BMW, etc, is really looking at Acura. It is more the Acura enthusiast who is comparing Acura against the luxury makes. The Acura name does not have the prestige to lure a customer who is after a "luxury" brand for the "look at what I can afford" factor. |
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| Fabvsix |
| You are correct JLSS! Marketing is the problems here, also called "branding" |
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| Fabvsix |
Also as I previously stated.....Just yesterday I brought my 2004 Acura RL to my local tire shop to rotate tires. The guy joins me and said is your car that MB? I said what MB? Oh, sorry I meant the BMW 7 series....I said no it is an Acura! He was puzzled as he said "I never knew of this model".....Come on guys this guy is in the business of dealing with automobiles on a daily basis and was CLUELESS of the RL's existance either 1st gen or current model!
HELLO ! Acura (Honda Corp) does a horrible job at marketing their products. Just look at the lame commericals we all laugh about......:rolleyes: :rolleyes: |
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| BLEXV6 |
quote:
Originally posted by Fabvsix
A. POOR marketing (just as it was with the 1st generation RL. Folks still ask me if my 2004 is a MB or BMW. They never heard of the RL)
B. Looks too much like a HONDA Accord on Steroids
C. Horrible Dealership Sales approach and Service
D. NO V8
E. Too similar to the TL
MY 2004 RL is the BEST car I've owned in all my 45 years on this planet........Why did they kill it ? ? ? ? ? :confused: :confused:
I think B and E are the main reasons. Also, the TL is such a good vehicle, and you have it in the same showroom as the RL and compare the price, it's the TL hands down. Now when I compare it to what I would buy, I think I like the M35 and GS350 better, in that price range. As for the V8, I like V6s, especially with the gas prices. |
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| teton |
I really enjoy reading your posts BigHersh. Your understanding of the car universe amazes me.
I think Honda will not make a V8 because the assembly line they use to make the V6 can not build the V8. It will require heavy investment in a new plant for Honda to go that V8 route. Additionally I believe their focus is on hybrid technology which is based largely on the V6 with electric motors.
I think overall Honda should not even go the handling route. I think they should focus on balance of content and value. You said they can let TSX take on the 3 series and I believe it can not. My other car is a 2004 Lexus IS300 and that car is much closer to the 3 series than the TSX. In fact I have driven a TSX on several times I do not feel it is a sports car by any means just comparing it to the Lexus IS300. Rear wheel drive is pretty much required for the handling category and Honda does not have that except on the S2000. Honda doesn't even have AWD so handling is pretty much an uphill battle for them. I think if they focus on content, i.e. interior luxuary, and overall price, they will do well, besides that is they current strengh as you mentioned Acura being a "bang for the buck" maker.
-Teton |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by BigHersh
If the RL was $40K, it would be sellign like hot cakes,
RLs are "selling" in the low 40's now. By May '05 (only 8 months after its debut) you could get an RL for $41 or so. According to acurazine the '06 has to be heavily discounted at about $42 to sell :rolleyes:
The problem is that the RL is a flawed car! More in the next post. :rolleyes: |
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| msu79gt82 |
When I was sedan shopping last year I really tried very hard to like the RL. I studied it very hard for several months; participated in the forums, read reviews, took many test drives, etc. My first observation was the ridiculously high price - this was NO "best-buy-for-the-buck" vehicle. For $50K buyers were forced to compare it to the competition; and it did not stack up well. By March '05 Acura had to heavily discoount it; but even at the $43 offer I got I couldn't pull the trigger. Too many flaws.
For example: no full size spare was even possible, no back-up camera (a $500 "option on '06), very small rear seat and trunk, a huge key fob, no cooled front seats, and there were several first year electrical issue problems, etc. Other than the SH-AWD its technological claim to fame is the traffic tie-in to the navi (a system w/ flaws and limited availability).
The longer I waited the more the competition appealed to me. In October (after waitng to see what Acura would do for the '06 - essentially nothing) I got an Infiniti M35. |
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| BigHersh |
quote:
Originally posted by teton
I really enjoy reading your posts BigHersh. Your understanding of the car universe amazes me.
-Teton
Thank you! :D
I take no credit, just something I picked up from havign transmission fluid in my veins, and 15 years of Motor trend Subscriptions! :D
Yeah, MSU- I had the RL on my short list-
RL, (kinda sort had the TL on the list too), MDX, 300 SRT-8, Magnum SRT-8, 2007 Tahoe, M35/M45.
I chose the MDX.
Now, if I had it all to do again, I'd either have kept my Expedition, or gotten a 2006 H2. Three weeks after I got my MDX, I rode past Sewell Hummer, and they had '06 H2's for $32,000. About $7K less than I paid for the '06 MDX!!!:3:
Oh well, 32 more payments (or less) and I'll be out of this MDX~ even though I love it- it's not big enough for my (sometimes) needs... |
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| Happyowner |
| Yesterday, i took my daughter to the doctor, and i noticed a Tan RL (2006) parked out front of his office. So i asked him whos it was, he explained his wife had bought one recently, and how much he wanted to get rid of it, but thought it was not as nearly nice as his Infiniti M35x, he let me take a look at it, i was impressed with little, i dont remember it being that bad. But needless to say its the first one i have seen outside of the dealer, up close and personal, (2005-2006). After further talking, he said he talked his wife into a Infiniti FX, and that the Acura is probably going to be gone soon. |
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| BigHersh |
quote:
Originally posted by Happyowner
Yesterday, i took my daughter to the doctor, and i noticed a Tan RL (2006) parked out front of his office. So i asked him whos it was, he explained his wife had bought one recently, and how much he wanted to get rid of it, but thought it was not as nearly nice as his Infiniti M35x, he let me take a look at it, i was impressed with little, i dont remember it being that bad. But needless to say its the first one i have seen outside of the dealer, up close and personal, (2005-2006). After further talking, he said he talked his wife into a Infiniti FX, and that the Acura is probably going to be gone soon.
I looked at the FX back when the first gen M45 hit our shores. (By default, I went to go see the M45, and ended up looking at the FX; circa July 2002).
The roofline was too low for me- I actually had to duck to get into and out of the vehicle; much more than I do with the MDX, mainly because of that grab strap right above the door.
I tell you what though- women might think it's ugly (The FX) but, when I look at it, I see a thing of beauty. It's a man's car, in the same vein as the Magnum, but- with the right attention, it could be a mean ride.
The FX45 (315 HP) was the most powerful SUV sold in America, for about 2 months; then the Escalade went to 345 HP, and the X5 4.6is went near or above that. The X5 4.8 is even more powerful. The 2007 Caddy has 400 HP, and now the gran-pappy of SUV performance is the 425 HP Grand Cherokee SRT-8. Quicker than a Cayenne Turbo and a X-5 4.8is.
SRT-8 hits 0-60 in 4.8 seconds, even on a wet road. (That's Corvette (C-5) Territory, in an SUV).
It'll be interesting to see the AMG version of the GL450; right now, the G55 is still the most powerful SUV (500 HP), but if I know MB, they're goign to retain that crown with the GL63 (I'm guessing on the displacement, but they have a 6.3L already, with over 600 SuperCharged Horses). In a package as wide and stable as the GL- that could be a beast of a highway vehicle...
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| Happyowner |
Hey Hersh:
I will post pictures of my GL as soon as i can get my lap top working again! My uncle works for consumer reports, and when the FX was new, he gave us a ride, it was nice not practical! Personally if i didnt have 5 soon to be 6 kids, i would have given one a look over. (same uncle has 2 Muranos Cooper, and Red.)
M35x is a great car, just no one seems to look at them either. Has the 40K+ Dollar luxury car market gone to the Europeans. Drive around any train stations up here, and its a sea of Audi, Mercedes,BMW,Porsche,Volvo, mixed in with a few Mini's, Saab's, Jaguar's, and Lexus's. For awhile our Acura was the only one in the purdys train station. Now i have seen 1 more, its an 06 in green. |
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| uboltpb |
I disagree with so many things said here.
Someone thinks the car looks like a Honda- of course it looks like a Honda; it's a luxury Honda; that's what the Acura brand is. It's like saying that a Lexus looks like a Toyota- of course it does. It's the same company.
I love my Acura dealer- and the 2 others I've used for service when I've been away on business. I'm sure there are some bad ones out there, but thankfully if you're not happy with yours you can probably go up the road a short way to find one that you like.
There is no V8 engine that Honda makes for it's regular production vehicles- I'm sure there's some race cars that have it or some prototype. It would be a huge change in philosophy to start mass producing V8 engine vehicles. Honda is about kicking the competetion's butt for a heck of a lot less money- and plenty of toys included!
I was in my friend's V10 7 series BMW- wow, what a car! Awesome luxury, very fast- many toys. It's a $130K freeking car! For $43-$50K the RL has almost all the same toys and a ride that's almost as luxurious. Yes, the Beemer is faster, has richer leather and bigger, but it should have those things for $80K more. It also drinks gas like my old Land Cruiser. Please, don't you people understand value?
I can't comment on the Infinity M-35, I still need to test drive it. I can comment about the G-35- what a rattling and uncomfortable ride, and cheezy looking interior. My TL blows that car away in every way with one exception- the G has better handling on winding turns; I could care less about that. It's interior is made with the same materials that some of it's much cheaper cars are. It is ugly on the inside- I do like the outside of the car. Toys are much better in the TL.
Some of you are comparing the RL to the Q-45 and the LS-470? series cars. People, those cars cost more than $10K and probably closer to $25K more than the RL.
I came here tonight because I test drove the RL today. It was an awesome experience. It has a nicer ride, better paint job, and more luxurious than my TL. It may be my next car. The sound system was incredible- and the radio picked up stations I've never been able to pick up before. The leather was buttery soft. and the interior is beautiful.
Yes, it looks a lot like my TL from the outside- and it does like a Honda on steroids. People, if you need snob apppeal buy a MB or BMW. The Acura series has always been understated- that's the appeal for many of us, and saving thousands of dollars. The Japanese do build cars that are very much like other models. They just aren't that creative. They have the best gadgets in their cars though! They build cars that don't require frequent trips for service. Gee, what a concept; make a product that is most people's second largest financial investment that doesn't break easily! Hey Detroit car manufactures, are you going to learn this lesson before you all go bankrupt? Here's a concept, stop paying crack addict Union laborers tons of money to make lousy cars.
Infinity FX may be the ugliest mid-luxury car on the planet.
People are talking about Cadillacs and Jeeps. Everyone I know that has these cars complain about their poor build quality.
I will concede that Acura needs to market the car better. Poor marketing isn't the reason not to buy a car. If you want it short term you should lease if you're concerned about resale value. If you're buying for long term- who cares what'll it be worth in 7-8 years. You'll have 7-8 years of fun driving, major service free, great years of driving. Then you can trade it in for the 2014 hydrid version.
I'll await my check from Honda for my defense of their products, and will continue enjoying problem free MDX and TL driivng experiences. Okay, I need help down from my very high horse. |
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| SuperTech |
quote:
Originally posted by uboltpb
I was in my friend's V10 7 series BMW- wow, what a car!
The Japanese do build cars that are very much like other models. They just aren't that creative. They have the best gadgets in their cars though! They build cars that don't require frequent trips for service. Gee, what a concept; make a product that is most people's second largest financial investment that doesn't break easily! Hey Detroit car manufactures, are you going to learn this lesson before you all go bankrupt? Here's a concept, stop paying crack addict Union laborers tons of money to make lousy cars.
I could honestly shoot your entire post down in flames, but I'll just address these two parts because they are the parts that require you to open your mouth the widest to fit your foot in.
Your friend's Bimmer must have been a helluva a car since it's either a prototype M7 that nobody knew about, it doesn't exist, or neither you or the owner of the car can see that if it were a 760, it would have "V12" badged on it.
As for Japanese having the best gadgets? Uhhh, no. They've always been late to the party. Even the flagship RL's multitude of what seems to be new technology for Honda has been around for many years in other brands. Low tire pressure warning systems have been coming on cars for over 15 years now. Run flat tires are over 10 years old. AWD systems that sends more torque to the wheel with the most traction has been around for two decades. Even the nightvision system that will be in the '07 RL is something Cadillac has had for almost a decade. And the two gadgets that the RL has that are actually state of the art? Bluetooth and XM NavTraffic have more glitches than I can even count right now.
But easily the funniest part of your post was you telling Detroit to stop relying on American union workers to assemble their cars...when in reality the big three are outsourcing as much as they possibly can these days all the while you drive an Acura TL that was assembled in Marysville, Ohio by "crack addict union laborers." |
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| pdd |
| What’s up with the RL bashing? There is an RL forum, which I review regularly and these Posts are more appropriate there! I have a 2005 RL and a 2005 MDX and love them both. In fact I have owned three MDX starting with the 2001 and I obviously like them. That said, I like the RL best. It is superior in a number of ways if you can compare the two different vehicles (far superior to the 2004 TL that it replaced). Never had any service issues in any Acura that I have owned, and can’t understand all the so-called problems listed by you non-RL owners. THE RL IS AN OUTSTANDING VEHICLE. I’m glad I don’t see it everywhere like my 2004 TL. I would certainly buy another RL and do agree that it needs the rear view camera as I’m sure will become standard in 2007. |
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| SuperTech |
quote:
Originally posted by pdd
I would certainly buy another RL and do agree that it needs the rear view camera as I’m sure will become standard in 2007.
No it won't. Nightvision is the new thing for '07. Rear view camera will still continue to be a dealer installed accessory. |
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| uboltpb |
quote:
Originally posted by pdd
What’s up with the RL bashing? There is an RL forum, which I review regularly and these Posts are more appropriate there! I have a 2005 RL and a 2005 MDX and love them both. In fact I have owned three MDX starting with the 2001 and I obviously like them. That said, I like the RL best. It is superior in a number of ways if you can compare the two different vehicles (far superior to the 2004 TL that it replaced). Never had any service issues in any Acura that I have owned, and can’t understand all the so-called problems listed by you non-RL owners. THE RL IS AN OUTSTANDING VEHICLE. I’m glad I don’t see it everywhere like my 2004 TL. I would certainly buy another RL and do agree that it needs the rear view camera as I’m sure will become standard in 2007.
Amen, brother! |
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| uboltpb |
quote:
Originally posted by SuperTech
I could honestly shoot your entire post down in flames, but I'll just address these two parts because they are the parts that require you to open your mouth the widest to fit your foot in.
Your friend's Bimmer must have been a helluva a car since it's either a prototype M7 that nobody knew about, it doesn't exist, or neither you or the owner of the car can see that if it were a 760, it would have "V12" badged on it.
As for Japanese having the best gadgets? Uhhh, no. They've always been late to the party. Even the flagship RL's multitude of what seems to be new technology for Honda has been around for many years in other brands. Low tire pressure warning systems have been coming on cars for over 15 years now. Run flat tires are over 10 years old. AWD systems that sends more torque to the wheel with the most traction has been around for two decades. Even the nightvision system that will be in the '07 RL is something Cadillac has had for almost a decade. And the two gadgets that the RL has that are actually state of the art? Bluetooth and XM NavTraffic have more glitches than I can even count right now.
But easily the funniest part of your post was you telling Detroit to stop relying on American union workers to assemble their cars...when in reality the big three are outsourcing as much as they possibly can these days all the while you drive an Acura TL that was assembled in Marysville, Ohio by "crack addict union laborers."
My friend's car is in fact a BMW 760 with a V12. Supertech, give me a break- an obvious typographical error in my posting. Please go through my post again- you may find some spelling mistakes.
I stand by my Best Gadgets comment. The TL and now the RL were the first cars to use DVD-A 5.1 surround in their vehicles. People, the sound system is nothing short of awesome. For those of you that have a 5.1 home theater in your home- think of it as the same audio experience in your car. My only complaint is that I wish there was more inventory of DVD-A out there.
Honda was the first company to come out with an under $35,000 car- the TL, an under $40,000- the MDX and one of the first with an under $50,000 car; sells for under $45,000 remember- the RL, to have bluetooth in their vehicles. It works flawlessly! I have bluetoooth in my TL and MDX. If someone is having trouble they should probably get their bluetooth module replaced. This technology has been primarily available only in vehicles that are much more expensive. Remember, Value was the focus of my post.
Without argument the navigation system employed in the MDX, TL and RL is THE most state of art available in the market for a regular production vehicle. Yep, the military may use a more sophisticated version for it's vehicles.
I can't commment on XM NavTraffic- haven't seen it in action. It's brand new technology so naturally they'll be some glitches. It's a great concept and Honda will work it out.
American labor unions is the main reason that Toyota is now the largest car manufacturer in the world. USA car companies couldn't remain competetive. |
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| BigHersh |
Yeah, the bluetooth chick in my MDX, must be on crack sometimes.
I can tell her to dial 972-712-****, and she'll say, 842-742...
No B***h!, I said 972-712-****!
842-742
I pronounce my words clearly, and if I hang up, and try again a few minutes later, she'll get it right... |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by pdd
What’s up with the RL bashing? There is an RL forum, which I review regularly and these Posts are more appropriate there! I have a 2005 RL and a 2005 MDX and love them both. In fact I have owned three MDX starting with the 2001 and I obviously like them. That said, I like the RL best. It is superior in a number of ways if you can compare the two different vehicles (far superior to the 2004 TL that it replaced). Never had any service issues in any Acura that I have owned, and can’t understand all the so-called problems listed by you non-RL owners. THE RL IS AN OUTSTANDING VEHICLE. I’m glad I don’t see it everywhere like my 2004 TL. I would certainly buy another RL and do agree that it needs the rear view camera as I’m sure will become standard in 2007.
The only problem is that it is overpriced compared to the competition. The proof of that is that Acura has had to offer substantial rebates to move them. |
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| SRSEN1999 |
quote:
Originally posted by BigHersh
Yeah, the bluetooth chick in my MDX, must be on crack sometimes.
I can tell her to dial 972-712-****, and she'll say, 842-742...
No B***h!, I said 972-712-****!
842-742
I pronounce my words clearly, and if I hang up, and try again a few minutes later, she'll get it right...
Haha, same thing to my cell phone's voice dial. |
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| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by BigHersh
Yeah, the bluetooth chick in my MDX, must be on crack sometimes.
I can tell her to dial 972-712-****, and she'll say, 842-742...
No B***h!, I said 972-712-****!
842-742
I pronounce my words clearly, and if I hang up, and try again a few minutes later, she'll get it right...
Is this before or after you spit out the skoal juice . . . (j/k) :D |
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| BigHersh |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
Is this before or after you spit out the skoal juice . . . (j/k) :D
Brother's don't do the worm-dirt (skoal).:D |
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| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
The only problem is that it is overpriced compared to the competition. The proof of that is that Acura has had to offer substantial rebates to move them.
Problem is that it's a tweener - just slightly bigger than a TL, but not quite in the same class as an LS4x0, BMW 7 series, MB S class. Lexus is about to launch a redesigned LS that will further the gap, which means you can p/up a '06 LS430 for about the same price as the RL. IMHO, they will need to throw more $ incentives on the RL to get the 'selling' price under $40k to move out inventory. The last I checked, my local dealer had 70 TLs on the lot, so if they can't sell TL's, the RL ain't going no where for $45k. I'd seriously look at a new RL if it could be had for under 40k. . . |
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| BigHersh |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
Problem is that it's a tweener - just slightly bigger than a TL, but not quite in the same class as an LS4x0, BMW 7 series, MB S class. Lexus is about to launch a redesigned LS that will further the gap, which means you can p/up a '06 LS430 for about the same price as the RL. IMHO, they will need to throw more $ incentives on the RL to get the 'selling' price under $40k to move out inventory. The last I checked, my local dealer had 70 TLs on the lot, so if they can't sell TL's, the RL ain't going no where for $45k. I'd seriously look at a new RL if it could be had for under 40k. . .
When I looked at the RL, it was $51 - $52K... It was loaded at that price, but still...
I'd rather have a base-model LS430 ($54,000) than a stacked RL...
But, that's just me...
Don't get me wrong, the RL is a superb vehcile; but, to me- it's just not worth $50,000.00, not in a "Luxury car" market, and not at that size... I thought my friend was gonna buy another one- but, when he traded his 2002 RL/Navi- he went upscale to the 7-series (745Li) after seeing the new RL, and not liking what he saw. He called it (and the one he was drivign already) a "b***h car", and he always said he should have never gotten the RL (I'd tried to get him to buy a "7" in 2002, after he got that big "promo$ion"), but being a 2-time Acura owner, he stayed with Acura.
Personally, I don't think it's a "b" car, but- it's certainly not on par with a "7". I'd drive an RL, in a heart beat, and love every minute of it; but- not on my dime(s)...
I'm not saying it needs to be the size of a Crown Victoria, but being at least as large as a Maxima, or Avalon- wouldn't hurt. |
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| SuperTech |
quote:
Originally posted by uboltpb
I stand by my Best Gadgets comment. The TL and now the RL were the first cars to use DVD-A 5.1 surround in their vehicles. People, the sound system is nothing short of awesome. For those of you that have a 5.1 home theater in your home- think of it as the same audio experience in your car. My only complaint is that I wish there was more inventory of DVD-A out there.
Honda was the first company to come out with an under $35,000 car- the TL, an under $40,000- the MDX and one of the first with an under $50,000 car; sells for under $45,000 remember- the RL, to have bluetooth in their vehicles. It works flawlessly! I have bluetoooth in my TL and MDX. If someone is having trouble they should probably get their bluetooth module replaced. This technology has been primarily available only in vehicles that are much more expensive. Remember, Value was the focus of my post.
Without argument the navigation system employed in the MDX, TL and RL is THE most state of art available in the market for a regular production vehicle. Yep, the military may use a more sophisticated version for it's vehicles.
I can't commment on XM NavTraffic- haven't seen it in action. It's brand new technology so naturally they'll be some glitches. It's a great concept and Honda will work it out.
American labor unions is the main reason that Toyota is now the largest car manufacturer in the world. USA car companies couldn't remain competetive.
As I said, there are two things that it has that are state of the art. And while your Bluetooth may be working fine...I assure you, in the bigger picture, it's not. I've replaced MANY Bluetooth modules in addition to another type of update to get the HFL system working for my customers. I guess since Honda didn't have anyone to copy in this case, they're having so many glitches since they had to actually come up with an idea from scratch for a change. And the NavTraffic? It's only useful if you actually live in the selected coverage areas! I'f you're on US 50 and there's a huge accident in the middle of nowhere that closes the freeway for miles and miles on end...it would be a great time to see that little "incident" icon on the map so you could route around it. But alas, you're not in a high population area. So you get to blindly go right into the dead stop traffic. From what I've been seeing on many of my customer's 2005-06 RL's...nobody's really using the traffic feature since their maps are zoomed in too much. And what a feeling it must be to have a 2005 RL, not even use the traffic feature, yet have to return to the dealer not once, but twice to replace the XM NavTraffic unit with a "fixed" updated design.
And Toyota may have become #1...but they rely on probably just as many UAW workers to assemble their vehicles now as Detroit does. I'ts only a matter of time before they get bogged down having to pay out absurd benefits like GM is right now.
If you want to expand your selection for your 5.1 audio...go buy some DTS cds. They will also play in your system. |
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| uboltpb |
quote:
Originally posted by SuperTech
As I said, there are two things that it has that are state of the art. And while your Bluetooth may be working fine...I assure you, in the bigger picture, it's not. I've replaced MANY Bluetooth modules in addition to another type of update to get the HFL system working for my customers. I guess since Honda didn't have anyone to copy in this case, they're having so many glitches since they had to actually come up with an idea from scratch for a change. And the NavTraffic? It's only useful if you actually live in the selected coverage areas! I'f you're on US 50 and there's a huge accident in the middle of nowhere that closes the freeway for miles and miles on end...it would be a great time to see that little "incident" icon on the map so you could route around it. But alas, you're not in a high population area. So you get to blindly go right into the dead stop traffic. From what I've been seeing on many of my customer's 2005-06 RL's...nobody's really using the traffic feature since their maps are zoomed in too much. And what a feeling it must be to have a 2005 RL, not even use the traffic feature, yet have to return to the dealer not once, but twice to replace the XM NavTraffic unit with a "fixed" updated design.
And Toyota may have become #1...but they rely on probably just as many UAW workers to assemble their vehicles now as Detroit does. I'ts only a matter of time before they get bogged down having to pay out absurd benefits like GM is right now.
If you want to expand your selection for your 5.1 audio...go buy some DTS cds. They will also play in your system.
Thanks for the tip on the DTS cds. I do have a couple of those. |
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