mljcbsn

Honda made me a life-long customer since I was barely 6, but after finishing law school I felt it was time to try something a bit more upscale. My initial debate was between a Cadillac CTS and an Acura TL. After listening to the advice from two uncles, one a Cadillac-for-life customer and the other trying to extol the virtues of more reliable Asian vehicles, I settled on the later, having already experienced the reliability of two Honda Civics and a relatively disappointing experience with an inherited Mercury Grand Marquis.

After doing my homework and trying to figure out which year to buy, I slowly leaned away from the TL and towards a 2001 Acura 3.5RL. What drew me to it was its smooth power (on par with my Father’s 1994 Mustang GT) and blending of classic looks. Sadly my first 3.5RL lasted barely 2 months before I was hit by a Dodge Intrepid. Finding out that he had hit a lawyer’s car nearly sent the other driver into convulsions, but despite the damage my 3.5RL was still able to limp to a repair shop about 5 miles away. No car that goes through extensive body work is ever quite what it was before and so I soon sold the car and started looking at the 2006 model.

I wasn’t sold on the 2006’s looks but a quick test-drive convinced me that the once adequate power-train had become far more than ample and it certainly felt a lot nimbler than my older model. A decent online location for used Acuras can be found at Acura Integra Toronto. I can’t be sure if the handling was dramatically improved or if the old model was just a little worn out from its 65,000 or so miles, but the new RL felt incredibly responsive. Overlooking the outward appearance that was starting to go in a direction I wasn’t initially sure I’d like I went ahead and purchased a new RL and haven’t regretted it a day since.

With my older 3.5RL I did make a few upgrades that I haven’t done with the new car because of warranty issues. I bought a K & N air filter and “SplitFire” plugs. Both of these products advertise increased power and/or economy depending on driving habits and conditions. My experience, however, was that both upgrades provided very minor improvements and might be beneficial if fuel goes up over $4/gallon again, but until then I think I’ll stick with factory parts.

Overall I have been very pleased with my pair of Acuras and wouldn’t hesitate recommending them to anyone. It may be worth noting that I live in a desert and while the AC can certainly keep my 3.5RL cold, I don’t have much in the way of experience with the heater.

cr8tive_leo

Interesting first post.
Good to see you stuck with Honda.