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Is an Acura 3.5 RL a good car?

The Acura 3.5 RL is a luxury sedan that was produced by Honda's premium brand Acura from 1996 to 2012. While it was once a popular and well-regarded vehicle, the 3.5 RL has faced some criticisms over the years. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the pros and cons of owning an Acura 3.5 RL to help you determine if it's a good car for your needs.


Pros of the Acura 3.5 RL



  • Reliable and Durable: As a Honda-engineered vehicle, the Acura 3.5 RL is known for its reliability and durability. Many owners report their 3.5 RLs lasting well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.

  • Comfortable and Luxurious: The 3.5 RL was designed to provide a smooth, comfortable ride with a well-appointed interior that includes premium materials and features.

  • Powerful Engine: The 3.5-liter V6 engine in the 3.5 RL provides ample power and acceleration, making it a satisfying car to drive.

  • Resale Value: Acura vehicles, including the 3.5 RL, tend to hold their value well compared to other luxury brands. This can make the 3.5 RL a good long-term investment.li>

Overall, the Acura 3.5 RL's reliability, comfort, and performance make it a solid choice for those seeking a used luxury sedan. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.


Cons of the Acura 3.5 RL



  • Dated Design: The 3.5 RL's design was last updated in 2005, so it may appear outdated compared to more modern luxury sedans.

  • Fuel Economy: The 3.5 RL's V6 engine delivers decent power, but it also has relatively poor fuel economy for a luxury sedan, averaging around 18-22 mpg.li>
  • Limited Cargo Space: The 3.5 RL's trunk is on the smaller side for a luxury sedan, offering just 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space.

  • Maintenance Costs: As a luxury vehicle, the 3.5 RL may have higher maintenance and repair costs compared to non-luxury sedans.


In conclusion, the Acura 3.5 RL can be a good used car choice for those seeking a reliable, comfortable, and well-performing luxury sedan. However, its dated design, fuel economy, and maintenance costs may be drawbacks for some buyers. As with any used car purchase, it's important to thoroughly research and test drive the vehicle to ensure it meets your specific needs and expectations.

How long does an Acura RL last?


Engine and Transmission will last 250k+ easy, if you take care of it you could see even over 300,400k.



Are Acura RL expensive to maintain?


The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Acura RL is $539, compared to an average of $976 for luxury fullsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.



Is the Acura TL or RL better?


When comparing the Acura RL's and the Acura TL's specifications and ratings, the Acura RL has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Acura TL has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency.



What is the best RL car?


The best Rocket League cars, ranked Top Trumps style

  • The Octane. There aren't many real cars out there like the Octane, the MVP of Rocket League.
  • The Merc.
  • The Breakout.
  • The Batmobile.
  • The Fennec.
  • The Dominus.
  • The Scarab.



Is the Acura RL a reliable car?


The Acura RL Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 1st out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $539 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is low while frequency of those issues is average, so major issues are uncommon for the RL.



Does the Acura RL have a timing belt or chain?


Classy and powerful, your RL is a prime example of the Acura brand. At a certain number of miles, it needs a new Acura RL timing belt to keep the motor's components turning with precision and prevent engine failure.



Why was the Acura RL discontinued?


Acura has announced it is discontinuing its top-end sedan after the 2020 model year. Why? you ask. One reason could be that the RLX, which starts at $55,925, found only 179 buyers in the first quarter of this year.



Why buy an Acura instead of a Honda?


Acura, on the other hand, is Honda's luxury division. Launched in 1986, Acura was the first Japanese premium car brand. The vehicles under this marque are designed with a greater emphasis on performance, luxury features, and a higher level of craftsmanship.



What is the best year to buy an Acura?


All of the Acura MDX's generations have solid repair records and a reputation for quality, but the earlier second-generation models built from 2007 to 2009, 2015 models, and MDXs built from 2018 to the present, stand out as the most trouble-free years, according to sources like Dashboard Light and Consumer Reports.



What are the best years for Acura RL?


From 2005 to 2008, Acura RL has been ranked #1 and has achieved the best car safety score (46.4) in Informed for LIFE's "2003–2009 Vehicle risk index SCOREs". For both the 2009 and 2010 model years, the Acura RL received a five-star crash safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.