2006 STS AWD vs. 2007 Acura RL

3533 Views 12 Replies 9 Participants Last post by AznPrydeRegalRyde, May 23, 2007

gpension

Discussion Starter · May 17, 2007

I am considering purchasing either a new 2006 STS w/AWD and 1SB or a new 2007 base Acura RL. Neither car has Nav, but the RL is a year younger and comes with some standard features the STS does not, such as Bluetooth and a better stereo. All in all, they are comparbly equiped.

I can get the STS for $37,000 using a supplier discount and the current incentive. The RL has an incentive as well, and I have wokred out a deal for $38,000.

My wife loves the STS. I'm a little gun shy due to concerns about quality and depreciation (although the RL will have weak resale as well). I've never owned an American car.

Any suggestions or words of wisdom? Part of me thinks that if I want the STS I should wait and go after a 2007 once the 2008s are out.

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cguthrie

· #2 · May 17, 2007

I'd drive them both and see which you prefer.

Also, I'd go used with low miles and get the maxed out version of either, with all the options. But that's just me.

The Acura has a better GPS, and probably bluetooth, but the STS is, well, a Cadillac.

Both terrific cars.

CG

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Buzz48317

· #3 · May 17, 2007

I dont envy your position...it will be a really difficult choice. I was looking at the RL also. There is very little bad to say about it.

I am going with a 2007 Black Raven/Cashmere STS4 1sb with nav that I was able to tag using the General Motors PEP program. Car should be ready for me sometime in July or August. GM opened up the PEP program for eligible family members, on the Cadillac line, just about a week ago. The additional incentive to buy a GM company owned vehicle (somewhere between 3 and 11% of MSRP below employee price) as well as the cash and lease incentives that are available on the car made it a 'no brainer' for me. Can't wait to get it.:bouncy:

Good luck with your choice.

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Caroutisine

· #4 · May 18, 2007

Both are beautiful cars.

With the STS at least you can say "best of all it's a Cadillac".

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96Fleetwood

· #5 · May 18, 2007

I thought Navigation was standard on the RL?

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Jesda

· #6 · May 18, 2007

Initial differences: RL has dumpy styling and poor driving dynamics, even with SH-AWD.

Deeper differences: RL has better-integrated technology and arguably better build quality, and a nice interior.

Both cars are poor sellers with crummy resale value. Follow your gut on this one and enjoy the ride.

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gpension

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 18, 2007

Thanks.

The RL also comes in a "base" model this year, which knocks off NAV and the adaptive headlights.

Another quick question - it appears that if you use supplier pricing, GM attempts to limit your ability to pursue relief for warranty issues through legal channels. Is anyone familiar with the program? The reason I ask is I am in the midst of dumping a Lexus from Hell, and I would never give up my legal rights after going through this horror show.

In fact, that's what pushed me towards the STS - if I can have a lemon with Lexus, and be treated like cr*p by them, why not give an American car a chance?

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ascariSTS

· #8 · May 21, 2007

Well, you are dealing with (what is supposed to be) the biggest company in the world... you will get your rights anyway (I believe)... but I dunno how far you should reach before that...

anyways, it's a Cadillac... you will love it no matter what happens...

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AznPrydeRegalRyde

· #9 · May 21, 2007

Jesda said:
Initial differences: RL has dumpy styling and poor driving dynamics, even with SH-AWD.

Deeper differences: RL has better-integrated technology and arguably better build quality, and a nice interior.

Both cars are poor sellers with crummy resale value. Follow your gut on this one and enjoy the ride.

Said perfectly.

Personnally, I wouldn't look at either cars unless I planned on keeping them along time. Id be looking at a Volvo S60 or an Infiniti M45. Really really poor resale on both of your choices, but, the adaptive headlights in the RL are the best thing to headlights since HIDs. And the best improvement to lights before HIDS was the "ON/OFF" switch, so go figure. The STS drives/rides so much nicer then the RL (base suspension on the STS4 that I drove)

If I had tao choose either, Id go with the RL, but only becuase it has more usable technology, and I dont think the RL will look as outdated in 3 or 4 years.

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AJ244

· #10 · May 21, 2007

Have any of you actually driven the RL? At speed, the dynamics of the SH-AWD are unbelievble. If you want a more sportier ride, look and even better handling, add the A-SPEC suspension, 18" wheels and rear wing. It becaomes a totally different car.

Honestly, I like the exterior syling of the STS a little better than the RL, however the interior of the STS can not compare to the RL.

I wouldn't even waste my time on an S60 unless you are going to buy the R version in a manual (300hp, AWD, 6spd). Now if you really want to talk about poor resale value, Volvo is right up there.

Another bonus for the RL is that it will hardly ever be in the shop.

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AznPrydeRegalRyde

· #11 · May 21, 2007

AJ244 said:
Have any of you actually driven the RL? At speed, the dynamics of the SH-AWD are unbelievble. If you want a more sportier ride, look and even better handling, add the A-SPEC suspension, 18" wheels and rear wing. It becaomes a totally different car.

Honestly, I like the exterior syling of the STS a little better than the RL, however the interior of the STS can not compare to the RL.

I wouldn't even waste my time on an S60 unless you are going to buy the R version in a manual (300hp, AWD, 6spd). Now if you really want to talk about poor resale value, Volvo is right up there.

Another bonus for the RL is that it will hardly ever be in the shop.

Has your trolling self ever driven an STS4? I certainly have, Ive driven both actually. The RL's 'dynamics' at speed leave me thinking they put more money into the add then into the actually dynamic handling. The technology is there, but the performance isnt. It feels just as fwd as the TL when you push it. You need to drive other vehicles. And by the way, the STS4 has similar handling upgrades including a magnetically controlled setup.

Ive owned an S60R by the way, had alot of solid points, but its one of those 'the next gen would have been perfect' cars.

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Buzz48317

· #12 · May 21, 2007

AznPrydeRegalRyde said:
Ive owned an S60R by the way, had alot of solid points, but its one of those 'the next gen would have been perfect' cars.

Unfortunately there will be no next gen on the S60R

No R version on the 07 models. Maybe next year, who knows. I do think that Volvo hit a homer on the new S80 so maybe they can carry the momentum on to the s60. Worst part of the Volvo is the depreciation though, only car that depreciates faster than a Volvo is a Maseratti.

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AznPrydeRegalRyde

· #13 · May 23, 2007

Buzz48317 said:
Unfortunately there will be no next gen on the S60R No R version on the 07 models. Maybe next year, who knows. I do think that Volvo hit a homer on the new S80 so maybe they can carry the momentum on to the s60. Worst part of the Volvo is the depreciation though, only car that depreciates faster than a Volvo is a Maseratti.

Yea, Ive heard, its sad...the S60R never really got the attention it deserved. That being said, it was a very confusing car. Even the chassis control on the lowest setting was fairly stiff. You see Volvo on the outside, but it certainly didnt drive like one.

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