Used 1999 Acura RL Consumer Reviews
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Our Gold Cruiser -- 1999 Acura RL
Tom Summers, 06/23/2019
updated 03/08/2023
1999 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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. Its March 8, 2023, and the RL is still fine.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
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- Reliability
- Value
Nice luxury sedan value
afsound, 01/23/2007
1999 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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
SHOOTER270, 06/29/2008
1999 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
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.
The RL Experience
BigH, 10/03/2003
1999 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
AN ABSOLUTE TREASURE
John D., 03/19/2005
1999 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
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