The Subaru SVX World Network   SVX Network Forums
Live Chat!
SVX or Subaru Links
Old Lockers
Photo Post
How-To Documents
Message Archive
SVX Shop Search
IRC users:

Go Back   The Subaru SVX World Network > SVX Main Forums > Not Exactly SVX

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-27-2009, 01:32 PM
RojoRocket RojoRocket is offline
Old Fogey
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Roseville, Ca
Posts: 1,386
Registered SVX
Looking for new "Family" car Acura RL vs M35

As the title states, it looks like time for us to buy a "grown up car" to replace the Wagon, and these are the likely candidates. I'm looking at '05-'06 models, and would consider the right M35x as well. I lean toward the RL, slightly smaller feel, with shorter wheelbase, and still adequate back seat room, as I would never have the front seats back much, being of slight stature. I love the idea of cooled seats, available only in the "M", but not a deal-breaker. Otherwise, the 2 appear fairly evenly matched, though the active noise cancellation & SH AWD technology in the RL, as well as slightly better standard sound system make it attractive! Anyone have first-hand experience with either car, and lacking that, opinions and their basis?

Glenn
__________________
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" Aaron Burke

1993 25th Anniversary Edition #63 of 301. R.I.P. Rojo 7/24/2008 She saved my life!
1997 Ebony Mica Pearl LSI. BLACKBERRY
1998 5-Spd Legacy GT Wagon in Glacier White: NUBURU
2005 Cadillac STS in Sandstorm Metallic: STORMY

Veteran and farthest traveler of 1st SoCal2MuseumsMeet2010.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/user.php?RojoRocket
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-27-2009, 01:37 PM
Mike621's Avatar
Mike621 Mike621 is offline
15th time is a charm?
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: PNW
Posts: 4,065
Registered SVX
Re: Looking for new "Family" car Acura RL vs M35

Glenn,

I have assisted with a few glass replacements on the newer RLs, and had to deliver one to a customer once (~15 miles on the highway). I was VERY impressed with the fit, finish, and equipment in the SH model.
__________________
1991 SVX L JDM
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-27-2009, 02:07 PM
maynardg maynardg is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 38
Re: Looking for new "Family" car Acura RL vs M35

I had a 2002 Acura TL. I drove it like the old fellow I am. Was on its fourth transmission by 48,000 when I finally got rid of it. Much worse than an SVX. Will never buy a Honda product again.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-27-2009, 03:11 PM
Mensaf's Avatar
Mensaf Mensaf is offline
What do you mean wrong SVX?
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 514
Re: Looking for new "Family" car Acura RL vs M35

Quote:
Originally Posted by maynardg View Post
I had a 2002 Acura TL. I drove it like the old fellow I am. Was on its fourth transmission by 48,000 when I finally got rid of it. Much worse than an SVX. Will never buy a Honda product again.
I had the same issue. Once they stopped covering the replacement, I gave mine the axe.

I've been in an M45, and can only assume that the M35 is the same other than the engine. If it is, that is a damn amazing vehicle. Almost overly luxurious. If you live somewhere with snow though, I'd opt for the AWD RL, unless the M35 comes AWD too.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-27-2009, 03:15 PM
Mike621's Avatar
Mike621 Mike621 is offline
15th time is a charm?
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: PNW
Posts: 4,065
Registered SVX
Re: Looking for new "Family" car Acura RL vs M35

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mensaf View Post
I had the same issue. Once they stopped covering the replacement, I gave mine the axe.

I've been in an M45, and can only assume that the M35 is the same other than the engine. If it is, that is a damn amazing vehicle. Almost overly luxurious. If you live somewhere with snow though, I'd opt for the AWD RL, unless the M35 comes AWD too.
You can get the RL and M series with all wheel drive, depending on the year.
__________________
1991 SVX L JDM
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 05-27-2009, 03:26 PM
sicksubie's Avatar
sicksubie sicksubie is offline
Registered User
Subaru Bronze Contributor
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Holden, MA or the White Mountains
Posts: 3,812
Send a message via ICQ to sicksubie Send a message via AIM to sicksubie Send a message via Skype™ to sicksubie
Re: Looking for new "Family" car Acura RL vs M35

Weren't M35's known for beaing oil leakers??? As far as trannies go on the Acuras, I cannot speak from personal experience, but I will concur with Mike that they are great cars and the AWD is very impressive too...
__________________
Former:
1994 Barcelona Red(x2), 1995 Brilliant Red, 1992 Liquid Silver, 1992 Ebony(x2), 1992 Pearl White (x2)
Current:
2017 Ford Raptor
2017 Kawasaki KLR
1995 Guards Red Carrera
1995 Spec-ish Miata - track car
1957 CJ-5
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 05-27-2009, 04:40 PM
Mensaf's Avatar
Mensaf Mensaf is offline
What do you mean wrong SVX?
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 514
Re: Looking for new "Family" car Acura RL vs M35

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike621 View Post
You can get the RL and M series with all wheel drive, depending on the year.
I realized that right after posting, though I believe the new RLs are only AWD.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sicksubie View Post
Weren't M35's known for being oil leakers??? As far as trannies go on the Acuras, I cannot speak from personal experience, but I will concur with Mike that they are great cars and the AWD is very impressive too...
I'm not sure of the shortcomings of the VQ35, but it could be possible. The car isn't different mechanically from a standard G35.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 05-27-2009, 06:17 PM
Green1995SVX's Avatar
Green1995SVX Green1995SVX is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Meadville, PA
Posts: 2,664
Send a message via AIM to Green1995SVX Send a message via Yahoo to Green1995SVX
Registered SVX Classic SVX
Re: Looking for new "Family" car Acura RL vs M35

I would put my vote in for the RL. Hondas hold up MUCH better than Nissans.
__________________
2009 Volvo C70 T5
2008 Volvo S80 V8
2006 Range Rover Sport
2001 Audi S8
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 05-27-2009, 06:56 PM
RojoRocket RojoRocket is offline
Old Fogey
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Roseville, Ca
Posts: 1,386
Registered SVX
Re: Looking for new "Family" car Acura RL vs M35

Thanks guys! I'm looking at visiting a local dealer with an RL to get a feel for it at least, probably drive. My Sis-in-Law, 2nd owner of the "original" RojoRocket, replaced her SVX with an '03 G35x, which I've driven and ridden in numerous times. Favorably impressed with the roominess and level of trim, and assume from my close exam of an M45 at a local mall event that there are no issues with the luxury items, though, from recent reviews the VQ motor has lost some of it's original silkiness when rated at 260 bhp compared to new iteration at 300+. My previous experience with Honda/Acura (CRX and G-2 Integra's) would lead me to believe their product to be less boring than the luxo products from Toyota and Nissan. Plus, although rated as "bland" etc, by the magazine guys, I like the RL's styling and tight look.

Glenn

Other opinions, or suggested alternatives in the price range? $17-20K '05-'06
__________________
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" Aaron Burke

1993 25th Anniversary Edition #63 of 301. R.I.P. Rojo 7/24/2008 She saved my life!
1997 Ebony Mica Pearl LSI. BLACKBERRY
1998 5-Spd Legacy GT Wagon in Glacier White: NUBURU
2005 Cadillac STS in Sandstorm Metallic: STORMY

Veteran and farthest traveler of 1st SoCal2MuseumsMeet2010.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/user.php?RojoRocket
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 05-27-2009, 07:49 PM
Green1995SVX's Avatar
Green1995SVX Green1995SVX is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Meadville, PA
Posts: 2,664
Send a message via AIM to Green1995SVX Send a message via Yahoo to Green1995SVX
Registered SVX Classic SVX
Re: Looking for new "Family" car Acura RL vs M35

Quote:
Originally Posted by RojoRocket View Post
Thanks guys! I'm looking at visiting a local dealer with an RL to get a feel for it at least, probably drive. My Sis-in-Law, 2nd owner of the "original" RojoRocket, replaced her SVX with an '03 G35x, which I've driven and ridden in numerous times. Favorably impressed with the roominess and level of trim, and assume from my close exam of an M45 at a local mall event that there are no issues with the luxury items, though, from recent reviews the VQ motor has lost some of it's original silkiness when rated at 260 bhp compared to new iteration at 300+. My previous experience with Honda/Acura (CRX and G-2 Integra's) would lead me to believe their product to be less boring than the luxo products from Toyota and Nissan. Plus, although rated as "bland" etc, by the magazine guys, I like the RL's styling and tight look.

Glenn

Other opinions, or suggested alternatives in the price range? $17-20K '05-'06
Check out the Audi A8.
__________________
2009 Volvo C70 T5
2008 Volvo S80 V8
2006 Range Rover Sport
2001 Audi S8
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 05-28-2009, 12:41 AM
Hondasucks's Avatar
Hondasucks Hondasucks is offline
Subaru Technician
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 1,512
Send a message via AIM to Hondasucks Send a message via MSN to Hondasucks Send a message via Yahoo to Hondasucks
Registered SVX
Re: Looking for new "Family" car Acura RL vs M35

I'd go with a Toyota Avalon, they're pretty nice and they're stinkin fast. Same with the Camry V6, unfortunately neither one is available with a manual tranny The Lexus IS/GS are pretty nice too, pretty sure the GS comes with AWD too..
__________________
1992 SVX LS-L #1222 Pearl White
1987 GL Turbo wagon, 5 lug conversion, D/R 5 speed (Rice killer)
1992 Dodge Ram 4x4 diesel (car hauler)
1968 Dodge Polara convertible (Camaro killer)
1990 Toyota Corolla FWD auto (330,000 mile grocery getter)
1986 VW Jetta
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 05-28-2009, 02:30 AM
SSSVX's Avatar
SSSVX SSSVX is offline
One teal and One yellow
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: WV
Posts: 2,687
Re: Looking for new "Family" car Acura RL vs M35

Quote:
Originally Posted by Green1995SVX View Post
Check out the Audi A8.

This is a really nice car especially when it comes out.
I only like the model after 2004 till now.
For ur price range, you might find one 04, 05 with higher miles.

If you don't mind having a big car like that,
If you don't care about the gas bills(V8 4.2L),
If you don't care about its high maintenance bills,

This is a nice luxurious sedan.
__________________
-SSSVX

92 LS-L TEAL since Aug '01
92 LS-L YELLOW since Mar '05
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 05-28-2009, 03:01 AM
SSSVX's Avatar
SSSVX SSSVX is offline
One teal and One yellow
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: WV
Posts: 2,687
Re: Looking for new "Family" car Acura RL vs M35

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike621 View Post
You can get the RL and M series with all wheel drive, depending on the year.
All Acura RLs after 2005 comes standard with SH-AWD. They call it Super Handling AWD because when you make turns, the AWD system will transfer the torque in between left-rear wheel and right-rear wheel. Honda says that it improves performance on corners but some reviews say it still tends to understeer and feel like a fwd.

The M35 is option for the AWD version. If you choose M35x, it will come with nissan's intelligent AWD system. The M35 is fast because of its good engine performance and fast shifting transmission. The M35x is fun to drive and it feels like a rwd car because when the rear wheels slip the system will only transfer power to the front wheels.
__________________
-SSSVX

92 LS-L TEAL since Aug '01
92 LS-L YELLOW since Mar '05
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 05-28-2009, 03:36 AM
SSSVX's Avatar
SSSVX SSSVX is offline
One teal and One yellow
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: WV
Posts: 2,687
Re: Looking for new "Family" car Acura RL vs M35

Quote:
Originally Posted by RojoRocket View Post
Other opinions, or suggested alternatives in the price range? $17-20K '05-'06
The new Audi A6 (2005 and up).
You might find one with higher miles(>50K) or if you're willing to pay a few more grands, you might find a good one and still under factory warranty for less than a year. I think the A6 interior is more luxurious than the M35 and especially the RL. And the quattro AWD is one of the best.

Or if you like, the 2006 Lexus GS 300 AWD. (AWD is optional)
You can find one around your price range or a little bit more. The miles are probably more than 50k but it's a Toyota. Luxurious interior. Reliable machine. Spacious. The navigation system is one of the best compare to all cars mentioned here. The resolution is the best, more intuitive, and it's touch screen. (similar to Lexus LS460) The keyless start system is finger push-start unlike the RL you still have to use your fingers to turn under the steering column.

These are just my $0.02s. I hope you find something you will enjoy. Let us know what do you replace of your subaru wagon.
__________________
-SSSVX

92 LS-L TEAL since Aug '01
92 LS-L YELLOW since Mar '05
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:45 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2001-2015 SVX World Network
(208)-906-1122