Used 1999 Acura RL Consumer Reviews
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Outstanding, Reliable Luxury
I have owned my 1999 Acura RL for 6 years. I bought it used at 158,000 miles. It now has 212,000 miles. It has been very reliable, very comfortable, and is a solid vehicle. Honda engineering with Acura comfort. Definitely worth every penny!
Love My '99 RL at 250K+ Miles!
I've had my RL for a little over three years. Currently, I have a little over 250k miles on it and have never had to replace anything major! Except for when my husband accidently put $20 worth of diesel in it and even then only had to have the fuel system cleaned out. I had an '04 Camry before I got the Acura and even though it's 5 years older, I love the RL way more! I now have two toddlers; the trunk is huge, but with a bulky double stroller there's not room for anything else. I'm looking to buy a new car in about four months and am leaning toward the MDX. I have vowed to stay faithful to Acura, knowing that I'll have a reliable vehicle I can count on and will last me forever!
- 3.5 SedanMSRP: $9,995936 mi away
A Great car!
This was our 2nd CPO Acura vehicle that I paid $24k for with 58k miles. My first was a '94 Legend with 13k miles (paid $24k) and our most recent is a 2005 RL with 50k - paid $24k. See the theme? This '99 has been nearly bullet-proof. It has been frequently mistaken for an S class MB. I love the classic and timeless look of this body style. It is a fantastic hi-way cruiser that loves to cruise at 75 all day long. Smooth and quiet ride. It is conservative with a touch of elegance.
Happy Consumer
The ride is exceptional, the styling great. After 4 years the exterior paint job still is in great condition. The interior is still clean. This is a great car for the money. Everyone that says it's great fails to mention it's front wheel drive. Great feature over other cars in it's class. I had planned to buy another one but I am having to much fum with this one to give it up.
1999 Acura RL premium
I have been driving for 30 years and have driven many high end cars. The 1999 Acura RL premium is one of the most exceptional cars I have driven. Mileage is good, build quality is excellent, the V6 power is sufficient and the car is loaded with luxury appointments including HID headlights. I will certainly purchase a newer model soon.
Our Gold Cruiser -- 1999 Acura RL
We bought our RL, sight unseen, from an Acura dealership in Erie, PA is 2002 (we lived in Fairfax Station, VA). It has just come off a three year lease with about 35,000 miles. I am writing this review in June 2019. The odometer now reads 149,200 miles. In the seventeen years we have owned this car, it has never left us stranded. We hit something in the road several years ago on a toll road on our way to Saratoga Springs, NY and it destroyed the right rear tire. That was the first time the emergency spare was on the ground (not a good option on a busy toll road anymore). Less than a year later, I replaced all four rims with rebuilt ones (as the old ones were looking a little nasty as they had been corroded by the winter road salt) and put one of the nicer old ones in the trunk as it was built to handle a full size spare. The RL has been garage kept since we bought it and the finish looks like new. The interior is in excellent condition. I have always used Acura/Honda brake pads to keep the brake noise under control (this car does not like aftermarket pads). Its had two timing belts (regular maintenance). The AC compressor failed in 2015 and was replaced. Its got a new Denso alternator installed (2016) and this year I decided to replace the water pump and radiator when the timing belt was replaced. As the starter was getting up in years, I had that replaced with a Denso Rebuilt (very hard to find). That is a four hour job by a good mechanic! Through the years, I recall replacing an oxygen sensor, front struts (aftermarket), a rear SRS sensor, fuel filter, and the sensor in the driver or passenger seat several times. Its amazing that every part is still available through Acura and Denso makes a lot of the aftermarket parts which are basically the same as Acura parts. The stone chips in the windshield convinced me to replace that in 2017. I replaced the hood struts with aftermarket ones. They work good but they required some modification to work properly. The exhaust system (from the back of the catalytic converter) has been replaced. Everything still works on the car. We have taken two road trips to Florida (from Delaware) in the last two years (about 2,300 miles each). Mileage as of March 6, 2021 is 151,300. Still running fine. Everything works from cruise to AC. Paint is still perfect. It’s March 8, 2023, and the RL is still fine. It’s September 8, 2024, and am pleased to report that the RL is still going strong. Mileage is approaching 160,000. Only maintenance since last report is oil changes and a new battery. Continues to be a garage-kept vehicle. Paint and interior are as new.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
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- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Nice luxury sedan value
Despite expected poor fuel economy, and despite its premium fuel only recommendations, this car has been everything and more that I hoped for. Only issue so far has been the SRS light came on shortly after purchase, perhaps air bag sensor tripped?
Don't by an Acura
I bought mine and it was used with 110k they say they will run forever well they don't. I lost the tranny at 149k. For a rebuilt it is 3000.00 with labor. When you by an Acura you might want to check into the price of a timing belt 1200.00. If it breaks your done. All parts are expensive and you really need to have it repaired by the dealership because most of the shops do not understand how to work on them correctly. The front end pulls and I have had it aligned 3 times. Again the dealership needs to be the one doing it or your wasting your money. The valves also need adjustment at 110k that will cost 400.00. It adds up fast for a car that only gets 20 on the highway.
1999 RL
What a great car - A quality Honda product that is good looking and has superior fit and finish. Very nice on any type of road trip. Mileage could be better but not a big deal to me. Found mine used with only 29K on it 4 years ago and it still looks like it is brand new after a good wash/wax and detail.
How Fast is Fast Enough?
From Mercedes to BMW to Audi to Cadillac, this is the most reliable, comfortable, easy to drive, predictable and stylish car we've ever owned. Fit and finish top my Benz. The sound system is adequate for even my kids' demands. The vehicle will easily top 120mph if requested upon. I don't understand the fuss over a bigger engine everyone keeps talking about.
The RL Experience
The Acura 3.5RL is in the luxury cruiser class. The 3.5 is beautifully built and tight in the finish. My 3.5 has over 120,000 kilometers now and still drives without any rattles or strange noises. The car has plenty of power and drives fantastic at highway speed. When we go out my friends or co- workers want me to drive so they can ride in the Acura. This is one of the nicest cars I have ever owned. This car is a great value when compared to other cars of this caliber. The sound system (Bose) is very good for a car. The transmission shifts so smoothly between gears that you really appreciate the quality and design of this Japanese masterpiece.
One Outstanding Ride
I purchased this car 6 months ago and have absolutely loved it. As soon as you get behind the wheel you instantly recognize the quality that was put into this car. The ride is very smooth. I replaced the tires with Bridgestone Turanza LS-V's which greatly improved the ride and reduced road noise. I have not had to put a penny into the car other than normal maintenance (and the tires). At 79,000 miles there isn't a squeak or rattle, it as tight as it was new. The engine is powerful enough for the car but not as powerful as it's competition in this class. Gas mileage is not great. If your looking for a great quality used car I would strongly recommend the Acura RL.
AN ABSOLUTE TREASURE
My 90 Acura Legend has 243K miles. L.A. tomorrow? (2K miles)No problem. Sold 94 Legend for RL. Got the RL 2 yrs ago with 60K, just turned 100K. Features in this car are tremendous, comfortable, quiet, (with right tires for sound)awesome off the line listed at 0-60 in 7.5 seconds, highway accelleration, 7K top RPM, 210 HP V6 high compression. Needs V-8? Bah Humbug! Handling dry, snow and ice, super. I'm a big guy, there's ample room, astounding comfort access & workmanship. Great Stereo. Friends 04 E-Class Mercedes, problems, 99 RL, no problems, go figure? Reliability and resale are among the best. I get constant compliments on look, ride, all of RL. Pleasure to drive. "I LOVE THIS CAR!
Still Nice
I just bought this car and it is in excellent condition for a car close to eight years old. It still drives smooth, the power is exceptional for a v6. And people think its a 2005 because the look did not change for a few years. I am totally happy with this car. And it still turns heads!
3.5 does everything very well
This is a very good car that is in a difficult competetive bracket- iblcuding the Lexus LS400, Mercedes E Class, BMW 740, Infinity Q45. It doesn't beat these cars in any category but for its price, it can't be beat. After 39,000 miles, I've notice some ride deteriation. Potholes are more noticeable than they were 2 years ago. Also, the paint quality is not that good. There are several specks where the paint is chipping up. Overall a very good car.
'99 Acura RL
This car is very reliable, handles well and is has a well designed interior. The stereo system is excellent - handling is too.
Ultimate pre-owned
What a great pre-owned vehicle. Paid 12,000 for 1999 with only 48k miles. Looked like it had been stored in a time capsule. It's just like new! After considering and shopping luxury sedans, MBZ, Lexus and BMW, this is without a doubt, the best value out there. All the luxury with ultimate reliability as a bonus.
The best car I have owned
I purchased this car used in August of 2000 with 9,000 miles. It has since given me no problems of any kind and has been a pleasure to drive (38,000 miles now). I paid $30,000 and feel I got a great bargain!
Quality
I bought this car used and have only had it for a few months, but for the money you can't beat it. It provides an exceptional ride and comfort level and is in a complicated bracket. Very good low end pulling power
Great Value!
Not a car on the market has more value for the money. Buy one about 2-3 years old. You will pay about $25,000-30,000 and you will think you stole it. Great ride and comfort. Adequate power and handling.
Excellent Value
I have driven my 99RL for nearly 2 years. The primary reason I bought the car was for ride comfort as my commute is 85 miles a day. I bought the car with 67K miles on it and have 110K+ on it with only two minor problems during that time. I had one of the rear windows stop operating properly and found a plastic broken. Second problem was one of the O2 sensors had failed. The V6 has more than enough power to merge or pass and it does so quietly. Front and rear seats are extremely comfortable as is the total ride regardless of road surface. The AC cools the interior quickly and the heater waiting until the engine warms up is a nice touch.
Buy it for quality and relibilty
I purchased the RL after researching all luxury Japanesse brands. Reliable, fun to drive, comfortable, and the price was right at $22 K with only 20 K mileage.
Noisy
After 3 years of driving this car I will be delighted to try something else. I have owned several Acuras and this is the first disappointment. For a car of this quality, the road noise has been a problem that has defied new tires and multiple trips to the dealer. My daughters TL is much quieter. The GPS system is fairly rudimentary and the mileage is <20 mpg highway.
Best Car ever
I have 236,000 miles and climbing on my RL. It stills looks and drives like new. Original engine and trans! This car is awesome and has everything. Very reliable, and stylish. Japanese cars are enginered the best! This car proves it!!!
Happy Acura owner for 7+ years
Great vehicle. I have owned it almost 8 years and it still runs like it did when I bought it. Regular oil changes, scheduled maintenance - and car has performed very well. Dealer maintenance at 75 and 100k can be expensive. Best car yet!
1999 Acura RL
Driving experience is excellent even at an old age with high mileage. Ownership experience great as well only problem matenance costs are expensive and cost of parts are expensive.
3.5RL Nice Car
I purchased this car used after doing a lot of research. For the price this car is a great value. Outstanding build quality. I traded in a Mercedes C240 and find the RL to be superior.
3.5RL Nice Car
I purchased this car used after doing a lot of research. For the price this car is a great value. Outstanding build quality. I traded in a Mercedes C240 and find the RL to be superior.