Looking for advice on a used Acura RL

[Heath68]

Hi All, Looking at a 2008 Acura RL SH-AWD w/ Tech package with 200k miles. It’s available locally and through CarFax and conversation with the owner it’s been maintained well. I see regular service intervals and most importantly timing belt replaced at 160,000. Same family owned since new and they report no issues. The high mileage is worrisome but they tell me it was mostly highway.

Bottom line, $5,000 buys it and I think I want to move forward…looking for a reason not to I guess based on 200k. Your expert opinions will be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[JSolo]

What's so special about this car? Is this for your kid or something? Is it manual?

 

[Heath68]

What's so special about this car? Is this for your kid or something? Is it manual?

Yep. For my daughter. No, automatic

I do realize every car is different I was hoping to hear if anything I should be aware of as I’m not familiar at all with Acuras.

 

[Ohiocruiser]

Is it gonna be her first car? I wouldn't touch that. Much higher maintenance cost and possible repairs than basic car, higher gas cost than 4 cylinder car, and higher insurance cost would steer me away from that. That's why we got 4 cylinder camry for my daughter.

 

[JSolo]

^^Or a 4 cyl accord. Both cars probably command a premium right now

Unless she absolutely needs a car, i'd hold off.

 

[AtomicGTL]

I wouldn't recommend spending 5k over 200k miles, especially on a luxury brand. Seems steep imo.

Coming from owning 2 Acuras over 200k kms, not miles.

Im sure you can easily get something from 5k for sedans with better mileage.

 

[stoopid]

The price is probably fine in the current market, but the car could be a money pit at any moment in time moving forward. So long as you're willing to fix it as it finally starts falling apart, one major component at a time, there's nothing wrong with the price.

I'd get something lower miles with a simpler drivetrain as others have suggested for the same price, especially if repairs are on your dime.

 

[AtomicGTL]

Facebook marketplace is a better bet.

 

[Devin]

Agreed with these posts. My kid got a 2003 Camry with over 150K miles on the clock and he spends most of his time fixing it. He enjoys it, but most people don't.

 

[Heath68]

All good points and I appreciate everyone for your input.

I should have learned as this is my 3rd kid and I’ve done this before. Maybe it’s because it’s my last one so my decisions are influenced by other factors. My oldest bought an ‘03 A4 but to the point made already, I did most of the work, brakes, sensors etc. She went out of state to school and then it got expensive for me to pay someone else to fix.

Will keep looking!

 

[rpoffen]

My inlaws have an MDX from about the same year, and while they really like it, it does lack features that would be considered standard on many newer models.
It has had it's share of maintenance issue, leaking radiator, leaking oil pan gasket, goes through brakes often enough. Parts are generally available enough if you look around, but can get expensive unless you do the work yourself.
They have relegated it mainly to a second, emergency use car at this point.

 

[boosted1g]

I get that there is not really any good deals in this market.

However I agree with the consensus to look elsewhere.
200k miles is a lot even for a Honda/Acura. Not only do you have standard potential money pits problems .... but a teen driver who is likely to ignore the little problems until they become big expensive problems.

 

[Heath68]

.... but a teen driver who is likely to ignore the little problems until they become big expensive problems.

Exactly right !

 

[rpoffen]

but a teen driver who is likely to ignore the little problems until they become big expensive problems.

Amen. Although I have to thank mine for being able to get the Stinger. My stepson had his own car (POS Cadillac CTS, wasn't my choice) that he never took care of. When the pandemic hit, and he started complaining about the reliability of the car, my wife (stepson's mom) decided he should use my Optima since I didn't commute anymore (I work from home now).
Anyway, long story short, after a few months, no way I was going to deal with driving this Cad where the door handle didn't work, had a cracked rim I had to fill up the tire every day, CEL on, etc. so I put my foot down and said I was trading the POS in for something I wanted, lo and behold, I got the Stinger. Wife wasn't happy about the price, but now I think she has embraced it somewhat, as she has gotten me a few things for Xmas and the like. Such as MBRP exhaust and some badge upgrades.

 

[boosted1g]

Amen. Although I have to thank mine for being able to get the Stinger. My stepson had his own car (POS Cadillac CTS, wasn't my choice) that he never took care of. When the pandemic hit, and he started complaining about the reliability of the car, my wife (stepson's mom) decided he should use my Optima since I didn't commute anymore (I work from home now).
Anyway, long story short, after a few months, no way I was going to deal with driving this Cad where the door handle didn't work, had a cracked rim I had to fill up the tire every day, CEL on, etc. so I put my foot down and said I was trading the POS in for something I wanted, lo and behold, I got the Stinger. Wife wasn't happy about the price, but now I think she has embraced it somewhat, as she has gotten me a few things for Xmas and the like. Such as MBRP exhaust and some badge upgrades.

Knew someone who's early 20s daughter had a ford focus. When he drove it to move it from the driveway he heard a creaking noise. Upon further investigation, found out that pretty much every suspension bushing/joint and motor mount was completely shot!

 

[Devin]

Knew someone who's early 20s daughter had a ford focus. When he drove it to move it out of the way from where it was parked he discovered a creaking noise. Upon further investigation found out that pretty much every suspension bushing/joint and motor mount was completely shot!

That's how I got my first car from my dad. Also it had no brakes.

Maybe that was a hint...