No no no...

It'* more like having to pick between an attractive woman, who'* not even broken in yet, and a high-maintenance semi-ugly chick, who is nearly worn out!

Push for the SSEi! Tell them about the free online support group that is BC!

If i was to get an Acura, it would be a smaller sportier model. An RSX, more than likely.

The SSEi would be my choice between the two mentioned otherwise.

RL should be the more refined vehicle in terms of ride and general fit and finish, but also more boring.

I'd be picking the SSEi, yo.

Thanks guys, keep these thoughts rolling, they're still deciding. I told them that central Ohio is a BC hotspot. Seriously, that right there would be enough to make the decision for me!

-Mark

Comes to Luxury and refinement with the RL or Speed and Power with the SSEi
Actually have they tried looking at a 2000+TL? Just as quick as a SSEi with a bit more luxury.

Some of the auto trannies (more in the recent TL) in Acuras aren't reliable for anything..

THen again it is a 4t-65 in the Bonne

Kinda comes down to what they want really.. Acura will be relaxing and whatnot albeit that model is pretty boring. Frankly I hate 2000+ vehicles this week, I did my bro'* window regulator saturday night

What year is the RL?

I'm going to assume for the moment that you're talking about the older one...

The transmission is probably not very reliable. It'* the exact same engine/tranny combination that'* in the Odyssey which is in our family. 210 hp/224 lb-ft. It'* had to have one transmission replacement in it'* 154,000 mile lifespan. That 3.5 is a pretty good engine...fairly powerful and reliable. The other parts on the car though, are crap. Accessories and whatnot...

The RL is a hefty car...not much lighter than the Odyssey as I recall. Thus it'* bound to be slow compared to the Bonneville.

I can't stand Honda'* resale value. It'* stupid. Your example is a great one, as are my cars. For the same amount of money I could have had a less powerful, less well equipped, tiny Honda Accord with twice the miles. If you want value in your used car, DON'T buy a Honda. You can get a LOT more for your money elsewhere.

Having said that, 2000 SSEi.
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You've hit on many of my strong points for recommending the SSEi.
I don't know the year on the RL, but at 130K it'* definitely been around a few years.

I suppose resale value is important to some people who like to replace their car every couple years. My advice on Bonnevilles has always been this: "They don't hold their resale value very well. So the way you take advantage of that is you BUY a used one and DRIVE it." The fact is that you get a lot more car for your money. You might not quite be getting BMW fit and finish, but you'll get a great car for a fraction of the price.

They finally fixxed that problem with a recall. I had it done on my 2000 and it even shifted smoother afterward.

That'* a tough call. I'm sure at 130k the Acura might have its share of problems (not to mention expensive parts), whereas the Bonneville is a great car but it we all know they have their fair share of water leaks, steering clunks, etc. How handy are these people? Would you be willing to do some work for them?

I think one could say for certain that any Bonne will need some work right off the bat (same with the Acura, but probably different stuff). You'll need to fix the water leaks (door panels, trunk surround, and check the sunroof drains). I'm not sure what Acura has issues with, but I'm sure a Acura transmission (especially the RL) is NOT cheap.

That is one nice thing about the Bonnes....parts are easy to come by (i.e. gmpartsdirect.com) and relatively cheap, and of course this forum Those above are the main reasons I bought a GM product....so I guess it depends on their tastes and how willing they are to deal with problems.

Chris