[Jomz]

Originally Posted by mempheS.D

I owe a response to the members who have thrown in umpteen suggestions, and I must admit that I carefully validated each and every one of them.

Welcome to the Acura family. I leased a new TSX recently.
The $1400 service is steep. Would like to see a split up of that. $700 Brake pads are definitely a rip off.

Check the following link for OEM pads, they are only $167 for front pads & $100 for disks (each).

http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no

Check with me for Honda/ Acura queries, I have a few friends at Marysville, OH - the plant where the NSX is supposed to be made.

Luckily you have a 2008, all the transmission problems were solved by model year 2006.

[mempheS.D]

Originally Posted by Jomz

The $1400 service is steep. Would like to see a split up of that. $700 Brake pads are definitely a rip off.
.
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Luckily you have a 2008, all the transmission problems were solved by model year 2006.

Attached is my best attempt at a snap of the bill split-up. This is pretty much the parts prices. The remaining is just labour charges and miscellaneous. Yes, I did notice the prices were slightly lower on the oemacuraparts.com website too. But I decided to go ahead with specialist's rates as they were still cheaper by roughly about 80$ from what I would have been quoted at the Acura service center.

In fact, it was not just the brake pads... but, the rotors too that had to be replaced.

A team-bhpian who I've known since long, leodelg, told me about the transmission problems pre-2006. So, yes... that was a breather! I didn't know about it.

But, thanks for the appreciable offer to help me check with regarding spare prices. I ll be sure to avail of that offer the next time round I'm due for a service which is probably around March 2014.

If you notice, there are some "DECLINED" items at the bottm of the bill. They were minor issues like the AC OFF button not lighting up at night, a rattling noise from the FR doors, etc. I didn't want to pay a 100$ additional labour charge for something I can live with.

[chevelle]

Originally Posted by Jomz

Luckily you have a 2008, all the transmission problems were solved by model year 2006.

Originally Posted by mempheS.D

A team-bhpian who I've known since long, leodelg, told me about the transmission problems pre-2006. So, yes... that was a breather! I didn't know about it.

Not sure how true this is because i have 2 colleagues having a 2009 odyssey and 2008 (bought in oct 2007) TL that had this problem at 94k and 102k miles respectively. Odyssey was taken care of under drivetrain warranty while the other guy had to pay $1900 to rebuilt it outside since it wasn't under warranty.

Yes, odyssey was used as airport shuttle while TL was being used by my friend to commute for business so it may have seen a rough use but the pre-2006 looks false seeing this.

My friend who owns an accord has his transmission slipping already with around 110k on odo. And it is a 2007 accord. In my previous company there was a coworker who had a 2009 accord whose transmission gave away on highway causing it to go into limp mode suddenly. Its good they were near to their home. It was replaced under warranty and given 2 years extended warranty for same.

I also found many articles and complaints regarding this so looks like it is still some issue if not as prominent as 2004 and 2006 issues when there was a class action suit.

Hopefully Memphes, you won't have any such issue.

[mempheS.D]

Originally Posted by chevelle

Hopefully Memphes, you won't have any such issue.

Touch wood, indeed. But, I'd like to be prepared and I did purchase an engine/transmission/drivetrain warranty for an additional 1000$ to be on the safer side. So, getting a job done under warranty should not cost me dear..."hopefully".

What are the symptoms of a slipping transmission in an auto-box? This is my first time with an auto-box. Hence...

But, thanks for letting me know. Yes, I ll pay closer attention.

[Jomz]

Originally Posted by chevelle

Not sure how true this is because i have 2 colleagues having a 2009 odyssey and 2008 (bought in oct 2007) TL that had this problem at 94k and 102k miles respectively. Odyssey was taken care of under drivetrain warranty while the other guy had to pay $1900 to rebuilt it outside since it wasn't under warranty.

Yes, odyssey was used as airport shuttle while TL was being used by my friend to commute for business so it may have seen a rough use but the pre-2006 looks false seeing this.


Hopefully Memphes, you won't have any such issue.

There was a redesign to the 2nd gear in 2006, which fixed the problems.

The RL has the TL Type S tranny, I have not heard of even One failure on Tranny of RL or TL type S.

[vineethvazhayil]

Originally Posted by mempheS.D

Considering all suggestions, and not forgetting to appease the petrolhead-heart that was gradually getting buried, let me present to you my latest possession and "obsession" since 2 weeks now...

A Pre-Worshipped 2008 Acura RL 3.5L V6.

VVT-i, SOHC
256ft-lbs@5000revs
290hp@6200revs

So it happened to you too - went in for some car, came out with a totally different car ! Congratulations - you have Acura's flagship from 2008. Also, the fuel efficiency is along expected lines - it is a big sedan with AWD - kind of heavy and possibility of transmission losses. I get even lesser with my M35x - it is even heavier I would think, and Nissans VQ engines are much less efficient than Honda VTECs. Enjoy the car! Maybe an Aspen trip beckons for you to see the beautiful fall scenery in your new car..

[ToroRosso]

Originally Posted by mempheS.D

A Pre-Worshipped 2008 Acura RL 3.5L V6.

VVT-i, SOHC
256ft-lbs@5000revs
290hp@6200revs

Congrats Bud! Like Vineeth said, you ended up buying something that was never in the list .
Its always a big conundrum right - "Pre Owned" Lux Sedan vs "New" Entry level Mid/Full Size car.

Always double check with Jomz before you splurge any more money on her.

Have a Wonderful ownership experience!

[NinadJoshi]

Originally Posted by mempheS.D

A Pre-Worshipped 2008 Acura RL 3.5L V6.

VVT-i, SOHC
256ft-lbs@5000revs
290hp@6200revs

Attachment 1142569

The RL had about 75k miles on it, but upon careful inspection and introspection, I felt it was worth the deal of 16000$ that I was getting it for.
R

Congratulations on getting one of the more undervalued cars of our time. The car is way above average on almost all counts where it matters. I think you got a smashing deal for that price, for the year and mileage on it. Usually RL's tend to be driven well by past owners. This one should easily go past 250-300K miles if you can hang on to her. The AWD on it is one of the best in class too.

As for expenses, Your next big gulp in the throat will be at about 100/105K when the car will demand the big one. Be ready for about $1.5/2K then, but that is for later. Enjoy the ride.

Just for curiosity, does the 2008 RL get considered as a full size luxury sport by the insurance co's ?

[mempheS.D]

Originally Posted by Jomz

The RL has the TL Type S tranny, I have not heard of even One failure on Tranny of RL or TL type S.

That's a relief to hear. Phew!

Jomz, do you know whether there was any recall on the 2008 RLs at all? If yes, then is there some way I can verify that the work was executed?

The reason I ask is - I do sense a peculiar delay in while engaging the transmission from N-D. Let's say roughly about a SECOND. I did bring this to the attention of the mechanic, and he said that was normal! Maybe it is, and I just got "too" used to the brand new 4-cylinder workhorses that I have been renting from Enterprise almost every weekend till I got my own car.

The delay does get uncomfortable at times, especially at SIGNALS, when the red light turns green, and my transmission takes a second of delay. Still waiting for that day to get honked at, from behind. LOL.

Do you have any suggestions or recommendations to resolve, if this is a problem at all?

Originally Posted by vineethvazhayil

So it happened to you too - went in for some car, came out with a totally different car ! .
..
Maybe an Aspen trip beckons for you to see the beautiful fall scenery in your new car..

Yep! IT happened. In fact, my gut always told me that I was in for something like this unexpected, just like I ended up buying a Fabia in 2011 despite all that Skoda bashing on the forum..

BUT... you got it BANG-ON. Next trip is Aspen for sure. Coming up in 2 weeks! In fact, we were able to see some yellow already en route to Mt Evans last weekend.

Originally Posted by ToroRosso

Always double check with Jomz before you splurge any more money on her.

Have a Wonderful ownership experience!

Thanks much indeed! Yes, I am beginning to learn that there is an ACURA specialist for the North American region and on this forum... JOMZ.

Originally Posted by NinadJoshi

Congratulations on getting one of the more undervalued cars of our time. .
.
Be ready for about $1.5/2K then, but that is for later. Enjoy the ride.
.
Just for curiosity, does the 2008 RL get considered as a full size luxury sport by the insurance co's ?

GULP ! Considering my daily to-from-office commute is <20miles total, I am hoping to keep that maintenance expense under control. "Hopefully".

The insurance is something I am still struggling with. I was expecting something along 80$/month, but GEICO quoted me a whopping 130$/month. And the others like STATE FARM and PROGRESSIVE were only higher. So, I am guessing it is viewed as the latter that you mentioned.
....Any suggestions to bring down that monthly expense? Would certainly appreciate it.

If any of you are familiar with the 3D Mats that are a craze in India, and definitely worth it, is there something here that is similar? Something that is custom made to fit the floor of the Acura RL? The best I see is the weather-tech mats, but not sure whether they are 3-dimensional to keep all that snow and rain and mud and muck within the mats!

[ToroRosso]

Originally Posted by mempheS.D

The insurance is something I am still struggling with. I was expecting something along 80$/month, but GEICO quoted me a whopping 130$/month.

Oi! 130$ for 2 drivers is darn cheap for a Lux Sedan and considering you are new to US and have less than an year of US Driving experience.

[aah78]

Originally Posted by mempheS.D

If yes, then is there some way I can verify that the work was executed?

The reason I ask is - I do sense a peculiar delay in while engaging the transmission from N-D. Let's say roughly about a SECOND. I did bring this to the attention of the mechanic, and he said that was normal!

The delay does get uncomfortable at times, especially at SIGNALS, when the red light turns green, and my transmission takes a second of delay. Still waiting for that day to get honked at, from behind.

What do you mean by delay in engaging transmission from N-D?
Do you shift into Neutral every time you stop, say at a traffic light?

Originally Posted by mempheS.D

GULP ! Considering my daily to-from-office commute is <20miles total, I am hoping to keep that maintenance expense under control. "Hopefully".

Wow, considering the amount of work the car has had done, I don't think you need to worry about spending too much too soon.

From what I read the car has pretty much everything serviced other than spark-plugs being replaced & differential(s) + transfer case fluids being changed.

Other than that, springs & shocks may be on their way out - considering mileage and years. But that also depends on the type of roads the car has been and will be driven on.

[mempheS.D]

Originally Posted by aah78

What do you mean by delay in engaging transmission from N-D?
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Do you shift into Neutral every time you stop, say at a traffic light?
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Wow, considering the amount of work the car has had done, I don't think you need to worry about spending too much too soon.

Delay - When shifting from Neutral to Drive, there's a SECOND or more of a delay to feel the grab on the 1st gear. There's a very very mild jerk that I can feel every time the gear gets engaged and that is a sign I look for, before taking my foot off the brake pedal and stepping on the gas pedal. I've noticed that if I don't wait for the "feel" of the engaged gear and end up stepping on the gas pedal, the car just jerks uncomfortably from a stop almost like what happens in a manual when you abruptly release the clutch without pressing the gas.

Yes, some of the red lights on my way to work are awfully long, and that's when I engage into NEUTRAL. Maybe its just a habit from the sticks I've been driving since 12 years now! I do not know whether its better/worse from the mechanics of things

[aah78]

Originally Posted by mempheS.D

Delay - When shifting from Neutral to Drive, there's a SECOND or more of a delay to feel the grab on the 1st gear. There's a very very mild jerk that I can feel every time the gear gets engaged and that is a sign I look for, before taking my foot off the brake pedal and stepping on the gas pedal. I've noticed that if I don't wait for the "feel" of the engaged gear and end up stepping on the gas pedal, the car just jerks uncomfortably from a stop almost like what happens in a manual when you abruptly release the clutch without pressing the gas.

Yes, some of the red lights on my way to work are awfully long, and that's when I engage into NEUTRAL. Maybe its just a habit from the sticks I've been driving since 12 years now! I do not know whether its better/worse from the mechanics of things

OK, I'm no expert with transmissions but here's what I feel is happening - and I may be totally off, but from experience:
You're used to two wheel transmissions & this is a full-time AWD transmission. The "mild" jerk should be normal when you engage N-D as long as you feel it happening through sensation / the seat of your pants and the jerk isn't strong enough to shake / lurch the car when the transmission engages.
I don't think you need to worry as long as the delay takes just about 1 second.
Do you notice any other jerks while shifting from say, N-R? or any slippage at higher speeds? What's the engine idle rpm?

Don't keep shifting out of D into N or P at red lights. While it's OK for a manual, it's bad for your automatic transmission. There's also a safety issue.
Leave the tranny in D and when the light turns green let the car begin rolling before you step on the gas. You'll get a much smoother start than if you floor it at take-off.

[Technocrat]

Originally Posted by mempheS.D

There's a very very mild jerk that I can feel every time the gear gets engaged and that is a sign I look for, before taking my foot off the brake pedal and stepping on the gas pedal.

I get this mild jerk on my 2008 Accord V6 3.5 as well but its only when the engine is cold & first time in the day but never when its been running for a while.

I have observed that if I let engine idle for a while, lets the rpms drop then the jerk is less but I if don't its more prominent.

Again this is felt more on a cold start. I read somewhere that this happens as the engine is revving at a higher speed (than the transmission expects it to be) to bring temperatures at an optimal level. Not sure how true this is though.

[mempheS.D]

Originally Posted by aah78

The "mild" jerk should be normal when you engage N-D as long as you feel it happening through sensation / the seat of your pants ..Do you notice any other jerks while shifting from say, N-R? or any slippage at higher speeds? What's the engine idle rpm?.
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You'll get a much smoother start than if you floor it at take-off.

Yep, "through the seat" is the right way of putting that exact feeling.

Apart from that, I did not sense any slippage at all. Tried varied RPMs using Manual Mode. The idling is roughly about 850.

Advice noted. I googled that up after you asked me the question. It appears its almsot no difference at all whether N or D at a red-light. In fact, pushing to N may cause more mechanical strain than otherwise.

I think I picked this up after I read a series of issues and rebuttals that the Skoda Superb's dry clutch caused in stop-go traffic in India.

Originally Posted by Technocrat

I get this mild jerk on my 2008 Accord V6 3.5 as well but its only when the engine is cold

I think this could be THE reason. I sense it more in the mornings than in the evenings.