ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2026
What is the general consensus on these? I found a nice clean one with 120,000 miles on it with maintenance records. How is the 3.5? As I recall really good, but wanted to the thoughts of the group here.
2005 Acura RL 3.5. Sorry more questions.
- Thread starter ls1mike
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The engine will be solid. It's a non-VCM J-series. Regular maintenance will take you a long way.
I don't know a lot about the trans on that car though. 2005 is still in the area where Honda was doing the 3 shaft units, which are meh, on a good day. With the AWD system I'm just not sure what they were using for the trans.
Some quick and dirty research shows that it should be a 3 shaft. You can usually expect a rebuild on those anywhere between 100-150k, even with religious maintenance. There are some design flaws that no amount of fluid changes will cure.
The rest of the car should be solid. Although, it looks as though they use a similar front control arm as the TL's did, look at replacing the compliance bushing in the arms as those don't last forever.
I don't know a lot about the trans on that car though. 2005 is still in the area where Honda was doing the 3 shaft units, which are meh, on a good day. With the AWD system I'm just not sure what they were using for the trans.
Some quick and dirty research shows that it should be a 3 shaft. You can usually expect a rebuild on those anywhere between 100-150k, even with religious maintenance. There are some design flaws that no amount of fluid changes will cure.
The rest of the car should be solid. Although, it looks as though they use a similar front control arm as the TL's did, look at replacing the compliance bushing in the arms as those don't last forever.
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2026
The transmission is my main concern. I had a Honda many years ago and the transmission was the weak point. At the price point it is at I may skip it. Thanks ctechbob!
Yea, I just had the 3 shaft in my Accord built. Cost was around $2k. The guy that does them for me said that they are getting harder and harder to build. Most of the time the case is trashed to the point where they have to find a new core, and those are starting to dry up. Apparently one of the shaft bearings likes to start beating up the spot on the case it mounts to and trashes the case.
But, it was still cheaper than trying to get my wife in a newer car. The foundations of the car are strong, looks like crap, but it should be good for another 100k at least.
Nice looking cars and great engines but the transmission is definitely the downfall. Whether its faulty pressure switches, clogged solenoid screens, clogged internal filter, weak solenoids etc. Im not sure but these might have also had that 2nd gear oiling issue where the 2nd gear clutch area overheats i think unless an oil squirter kit is installed. Unless the price is very good or you dont mind the possibility of changing the trans in the future i would probably pass. on the other hand there are many people who have put 250k on these stock transmission and If its just used as a secondary vehicle it may be a good deal.
do you REALLY need a 7th vehicle to buy, insure, maintain ?
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2026
Not really an issue for me because 3 of them are really the only ones that get driven and they are all paid for. His truck would be parked, just not willing to sell it as he will take when leaves the house and this car will become my daughters.
I believe those RL's used a unique lower control arm that is aluminum and dealer-only. The engine/trans should be as reliable (or not) as any other non-VCM J35, but the rest of that car kinda scares me since it was a very low-volume niche car that was designed to compete with the 5-series (and similar). Getting parts for anything other than the engine/trans can get weird at this point.
As suspected, no aftermarket front lower control arms available. Dealer only, list is $798/ea. Honda has started to discontinue parts for cars from that era, even for the high-volume models, so....buyer beware.
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ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2026
Critic, thank you very much. I passed on that car. The search continues. I was trying to branch out and try a Honda/Acura/Toyota/Lexus. You pay a premium for them. I found a 2007 Lacrosse with 110,000 miles/3800/4T65E, all service records to include two transmission fluid pan drop and fills, intake gasket at 80,000 and few other small things. Fully loaded for 3800 bucks. I am going to look at it today. Original owner who ordered it new. Might take a chance on that one as I am really familiar with that drivetrain.
IMO that is a better bet. You know the platform better. JMHO but I think jumping ship will have you tossing wrenches at the wall and second guessing yourself.
In the meantime, can you let me know if you come across any 25 year old Camrys? I could use another one… j/k. Good luck.
I've had good luck with the 3800's I've owned, 91 Park Avenue, 99 LeSabre and now my 08 Lucerne.
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2026
I have had a few S/C and N/A ones. 1998 Bonneville, 1998 Regal GS, 2001 Grand Prix GTP, 2005 Grand Prix Comp G. They always treated me well. I did a few intake gasket, coolant elbows, and various small things here and there. So this one might be worth it for me. I think by 2007 the 4T65E had all the updates. I have replaced two of them one in the Regal early on like 60,000 I think it was service improperly, and one in the 01 GTP it was modified a bit and made it to 210,000 where I killed it at the track.
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2026
I laughed at this because my buddy said "Man you know I am Toyota guy, but the first one you buy will be not be correct and you will be angry for life" LOL
Hey there are TONS of rust free 25 year old Toyotas out here!
Two people I know have same year and they had few issues with vehicle. One got rid of at 250k the other his kid is driving now with 230k. Good luck on search.
I had an 06 accord 3.5 that went to 325k kms.
Amazing engine.
Just change your ATF every other change. That was a weak spot.
Theyre solid cars for sure. My parents had that year and model. The engine should be a non-issue, and a car like that is usually maintained enough with oil changes to keep it happy. The transmissions were far better than the first iteration of the 5 speed auto that Honda/Acura used from the late 90s, but as others have said failures still occasionally happen. It's not a given. I'd drain the fluid with some honda OEM ATF a few times and enjoy.
My parents did find occasional issues with accessories......the auto levelling sensors for the headlights acted up, and they had to replace a control arm at a relatively low mileage. I think their AC acted up, but that wasn't a big bill.
The main thing with these, is when you're buying parts, make SURE that the parts person knows its for the 05 and not the 04......very different cars, and a lot of system lumped them together for some reason.
We have a local doctor that has an 07 RL with a LOT of miles on it, and drives it constantly. They are a very nice driving car. Underrated for sure
My parents did find occasional issues with accessories......the auto levelling sensors for the headlights acted up, and they had to replace a control arm at a relatively low mileage. I think their AC acted up, but that wasn't a big bill.
The main thing with these, is when you're buying parts, make SURE that the parts person knows its for the 05 and not the 04......very different cars, and a lot of system lumped them together for some reason.
We have a local doctor that has an 07 RL with a LOT of miles on it, and drives it constantly. They are a very nice driving car. Underrated for sure
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