ETCG Gets a 1998 RL

[@joshwinky6005]

Eric- I did car audio for years and we had special upcharges for gross cars. There was one car that went down in history though: We were doing a remote start on it, no big deal, done thousands of them, and all of the sudden our lead installer came out of the garage, threw the keys on the counter and said he wasn't working on it. That was the only time he had ever refused to work on a car and you could tell he was serious. We tried to get him to talk to us about it and finally he was able to talk. The driver of the car apparently liked to pick his nose and wipe it on the front of his seat. There was a solid layer of boogers right where the installer's head had to be for an hour. My guess is he brushed up against it and got so freaked out that he didn't know what to do. When the customer came back, we gave him a full refund and apologized that we couldn't work on his car. He became irate, cussing and swearing. Again, no big deal. Then he said he was going to the news about it. My boss calmy said, "Sir, if you would like the news to report that you keep a very large booger collection on your front seat, feel free."

[@ETCG1]

Yuck, but great story.

[@gordonmcmillan883]

"Been around the block" Eric, it looks like it has run INTO the block

[@Tater79bj]

I bought my car like this sight unseen for $300. Ended up pulling the carpet out, pressure washing it, shampooing the seats, and wiping everything down with disinfectant. Smell is gone, I have $600 into it, and have been driving it for years now. Just gotta show em some love ;)

[@mds2465]

One of my old neighbors had this car in beige when they first came out. These were pretty cool vehicles. All it needs is a little TLC and some major detailing and it can be made roadworthy again. I say go ahead and bring it back to life again!

[@Raptorman5174]

My father once told me that if a car runs and drives no matter the condition it's worth at least $1000 to some one. I say fix the power steering, hit it with a vacuum cleaner, throw in a couple of pine tree air fresheners and and make a small profit. But thats just me

[@ETCG1]

Good point, but ATM, I have better things to do with my time.

[@Bobman84]

Nice one. Love seeing any new car that comes around. I've recently bought 2 vans just to get a few parts for my own and then I get rid of them with my old parts after swapping over :)

[@volvofreak86]

This is why i try to keep my interior in as a good condition as possible :) it just makes for a nicer drive i don't really like when people have tons of stuff in the car for no reason

[@headcas620]

How long until we see "ETCG gets an NSX"?

[@Zero_Ninety]

Only problem is that it has no engine, it's been on fire at some point and has a stray cat living in it that attacks anyone who goes near it, but otherwise it's a bargain.

[@ETCG1]

I worked on one like that once.

[@JonnyDIY]

lol nice buy! Id just do a quick sloppy detail on it and maybe fix the PS if you could get a salvage R&P and sell it. Make a grand for some extra pocket $. Either that or take all the parts off it you want, then part out the rest! :) whatever you end up doing look forward to upcoming vids! thanks Eric! :)

[@nestorroman2694]

Eric the Acura guy!

[@50sKid]

Eric! You're addicted to buying cars! 😉

[@rusco321]

50sKid It can become an addiction, especially when they're only 200 dollars.

[@johnreid859]

Thanks for the chuckle this morning! Your rant on the crap interior was good!

[@robertdaniels5755]

Eric do you have a video on replacing the rear differential on a 98 to 04 Acura 3.5 RL?

[@solocamo3654]

Agreed. I do a detailing job anytime prior to me bringing my car in for warranty work. If it's out of warranty I do the work myself.

[@BlastReadingSeries]

Man... there are so many Acuras around this vintage in the NYC area with blown motors. Folks don't know how to drive them around here. :( Congrats, E!

[@maverickarian]

Hey Eric, i think 2002 looks better than this one. Quick question for you. Do you know if these cars have any known issue with key immobilizer? My 2002 RL doesn't start sometimes and i notice green key flashes on dash. i have to take my key out completely and reinsert to make it start. Any clue whats wrong? Dealer can't find because it didn't do this at that time and it does it very often. Appreciate your videos. Thank you!

[@joshdemmitt795]

saw an Acura Vigor the other day and you are the first person I thought of.

[@wyattoneable]

Have fun with that project Eric. I'd like to see what happens to it because I like flipping cars and this video gives me an idea, thanks.

[@hishamelshoni7235]

is the power steering pump not functioning/failure a common issue in those RL??, I am in the middle of buying a 2000 RL here in Saskatchewan,CANADA. thanks

[@goodnamesareallgone1]

I see the Honda Element in the background, glad you are keeping that.

[@ETCG1]

I love that vehicle. Always have.

[@Renaguard]

Wow that's a bit of a chunk you got there Eric!

[@asianjohnwick]

Is there any good videos on how to change the starter on these? Starter went out on my 04 acura rl

[@go6798994]

Hey Eric, I owned a 1997 RL from 200k to 300k miles without one breakdown. That odometer problem is very common with these as mine shut off around 280k miles. Also only the telescoping worked when I purchased it, the tilt did not. Dealership price for a new power tilt/telescoping column? $2400!!!! Found an RL being parted out on Craigslist, $150 for the column which functioned property for maybe another 2 years. I wish you were closer to my residence Eric, I would give you $600 for it right now.

[@kgisabeast]

You can get cans of air refresher that you put in the car and turn the air on and it fogs the car for like ten mins. Heard they work well

[@rodrigoacosta3843]

I completely agree with you Eric a car owner should have the responsibility to take care of the car more than anybody else

[@Crishlo1985]

Hey big bro quick question maybe u can help me. I have a 97 and when I open the door the interior lights don’t come on I changed out all the fuses clicked the switch in the roof n it still doesn’t come on . The lights on the door don’t come on at all maybe u can help me

[@morthren]

That's a Honda Legend here in the UK

[@edwinthetechnician6578]

My dads friend just bought a 2000 Acura RL but it needs a new rack and pinion Eric is this a tough job?

[@WillFigs823]

I thought there were going to be videos on it though?

[@kevinisam]

Had a 99, my grandmother bought it new, pretty high mileage, wish I never sold it though. Loved that car, and my grandmother says if she could ever have one car back it would be it. Black/tan intereor. Needed headgaskets and tires, and at that point For the shape it was in it wasn't really worth keeping around.

[@ratbert86]

I have had GREAT luck pulling carpet and hitting it with some hand cleaner and then pressure washing it. The Focus wagon I currently drive was dubbed the "Vomitron" when we bought it due to the inside looking and smelling like a hotel room after a 3-day frat party. Probably not worth it on this RL but yep - if you are willing to de-funkify them you can get a great deal

[@BrattPeterson1992]

hello, what's the name of the intro song ?

[@VICMARSTRO19]

I got the same car. Changed the ignition switch the starter. Still doesn't start. Help

[@tagjr9744]

Bring back the Legend

[@cellarater]

I used one of those pet vacuum/carpet cleaners on my car when I purchased it and some degreaser. Made a hell of a difference.

[@KamalaTheClown]

I purchased this same EXACT vehicle brand new in 1998. Was the beat car I ever owned.

[@petergreenson]

I have a JDM exclusive in silver, did you find out the Odometer issues? Mine has

[@markmiller4503]

Did you ever fix the steering column? I have the same issue. KZbin does not have many videos on the Acura RL

[@baddriversofnorthtexas6850]

If you want to turn a running car into a parts car, do you have to get a salvage title for it? Because what if you take it down to the frame and use every bit of the parts car up... Its basically no longer drive-able

[@jewllake]

man! you are brave! I have major gag reflex and I'm almost gagging looking at this over the internet.

[@gusperez3524]

is any body help with a issue I have a 2000 Acura 3.5 RL, we replace a power steering hose, after that. I notice when I drive the car bumps like is no shocks, any body know if is any clue about what happend

[@marcosmota1094]

ROTL. I love you, man.

[@joelhunter1199]

Had to bug bomb a customer's car one time, nothing worse than see roaches scampering around a car.

[@workingshlub8861]

really?? thats crazy

[@Tool0GT92]

If I'm working on someone's computer and an actual bug comes out of it I put it in a trash bag and put it outside and tell them to come get it.

[@ETCG1]

I've seen that too. Yuck.

[@joelhunter1199]

working shlub Crazy, but true. It was actually a Ford van, owned by an "Evangelical Church". I pulled up the shag carpet, and something moved. To be on the safe side I bug bombed it. It smelled worse than what Eric described, a combination of fast food, and Gerry curl.

[@ratagris21]

Great video and valid points. For $200 its not bad for a donor car and knowing you and your skills and talents you will clean it up detail it and drive it and perhaps you can make it into a sleeper car like the fairmont.

[@scallywag1716]

ratagris21 haha it isn't worth his time. He literally only bought it for the telescoping steering wheel. Beyond that...its a dumpster fire.

[@rgrainger91]

Hey eric do i need a lift to replace my alternator on my acuara rl

[@MikeB92]

had a sentra with a recall that had to have the passenger seat removed to install a part. customer had fast food bags all over the place. front seat, back seat, everywhere. told the writer to have the customer come back with it clean or come clean it out.

[@kaibaumgartner7721]

When is the Fairmont going to leave? I always took you as a Japanese, Honda/Acura car guru and subscribed because you always did all the neat DIYs that I so highly appreciate. As for this car, I think a gutting of the interior and maybe finding a decent, not slobbered on by a dog interior would make this thing a lot more loved and a good DIY youtube video. I don't think you've done a interior restore/refresh video yet so that could be your next greatest hit.

[@kevinpatrickmacnutt]

As far as the smell, an enzyme based carpet cleaner should take care of that. A friend of mine projectile vomitted in my 1988 Honda Accord LXi. The enzyme cleaner took care of the smell (along with the disassembly of the interior in order to get the bits out of the cracks and crevices).

[@cw2lido]

Looks like a great car to get dirty in!

[@AmesiesCorner]

Lets see your top ten pet peeve video! On mine trash car is #5, right in front of bringing a car in with no gas..

[@hondofourfivetwo9347]

Amesie's Automotive Corner # 6 for me is full tank in an SUV/pickup (30+gal)when you got to drop the tank & replace a fuel pump or sending unit especially since the fuel caddy I had only held about 15 gal. You should do one on your channel LOL

[@ETCG1]

Not a bad idea. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@AmesiesCorner]

Hondo fourfivetwo I did one years ago.

[@hondofourfivetwo9347]

Amesie's Automotive Corner yeah I forgot lol

[@DustinB855]

Haha our dealership if u give us your car with no gas we run it till it won't start then charge them 9.99 a gallon to put gas in the car. Not our fault u gave us a damn car that we can't even move....

[@nd4120]

Abs lights can be on bcause of low or empty brakefluid

[@jima6848]

During the cleaning of my 68' Dodge project after getting it home, I had found a bag underneath the seat. The small gift bag ended up containing various adult novelties that were quickly disposed of once realizing what they infact were... Quite vulgar but equally hilarious!

[@MrJozoxXx]

I bought a RL for $732, What is your estimate on repairing the pinion seal, rack and pinion?

[@mrsemifixit]

Reminds me of that Seinfeld episode where his car had an unpleasant odor and he couldn't get rid of it

[@pauljs75]

It also sucks bad when it's a work vehicle for your employer's fleet, and you get one with a trashed interior because your main is in the shop or they decided to rotate vehicles for whatever reason. Some people just suck, or think trying to cover with an air-freshener is adequate when the stench should be removed at the source. And if you do this kind of thing with gross cars a lot, probably worth getting a hot water extractor vac. The ones worth having aren't cheap though. Also shouldn't you be able to pull miles with a scan tool? I think that's one of the things covered by OBDII.

[@dlpereira]

do a Toms Turbo Garage style interior revamp!

[@Panhead49EL]

Isn't scrap value on it more than $200?

[@rusco321]

Panhead49EL Not these days.

[@efilnikufecin2004]

it was at one time, but scrap prices have plummeted, and now in my area your lucky to get $70 and some cars might be as low as $30.

[@mendezmarcos38]

efilnikufecin2004 My RUNNING 98' Mitsubishi Eclipse valued in Pull a Parts mind was worth $75. With 125k miles on it.

[@MilesFromExtraordinary]

It's worth more, even to them, but that's why they'll pay $75. The age of people going to the scrap yard for parts is also going away quickly.

[@dvddmc]

scrap prices are way way low dont think they are going to go back up any time soon. 50 to 75 buck at the most for any cars even trucks.

[@kensteele2002]

i wonder how durable these cars are im looking for a enduro car for the 2017 season it would end up getting gutted might be all its worth after

[@ETCG1]

Very durable actually. This was one of Honda's best cars.

[@kevinpatrickmacnutt]

$200...if I had the space I would have bought it especially in running condition. I have a 2002 and my interior is the polar opposite of that one. Mine gets vacuumed and the leather gets treated. I commute roughly 120 miles daily with mine and absolutely love it.

[@NikoMoraKamu]

HEY TODAY IT'S MY BIRTHDAY THANK YOU ERIC!!!

[@ETCG1]

Happy birthday!

[@NikoMoraKamu]

thanks Eric i was waiting since i discover your channel almost year ago

[@zoidberg444]

Do you think if you could fix the exhaust leak, power steering and get a donor interior from a similar scrap vehicle it would be worth flipping assuming the rest of the car and engine/gearbox have some life left in them?

[@MilesFromExtraordinary]

Not really worth the time investment. It would go for maybe $1,500 fixed up, but you'd have to spend about $500 and perhaps 40 hours to get it there.

[@ETCG1]

I could, but the time, effort, and parts would exceed the value of the vehicle. Honestly, I paid too much.

[@zoidberg444]

ETCG1 Parts car it is. You should look out for some RL's that aren't decimated by dog hair...

[@NebukedNezzer]

what to do with the junk yard you are building?

[@Koshunae]

I haven't finished the video yet, but Happy Birthday has been ruled as public domain.

[@homer23422000]

Eric, I would say to clean the interior, replace the carpet, fix the power steering, and sell it.

[@nmattcar]

so Eric what happened to that jeep?

[@zeppelin926]

Does this have the atts unit?

[@kgisabeast]

A good detail would do wonders. I'm sure you could find that rear badge cheap as well

[@brandonfriesen5389]

Eric!!! You need to flip this car and return it to it's former glory! There are people who look high and low for these cars, why do a part out? It seems to run nice, and if it drives good, why not? I'd obviously put it on the lift and do a basic inspection to see if it's actually worth doing, but I'm guessing it would be. Why not?!? I know your subs(me included) would go nuts over that!

[@ETCG1]

Why not? Experience has taught me that what you can see on the surface is only the tip of the iceberg. If I get into this, I can pretty much guarantee it's going to cost way more than it's worth to fix.

[@jaustin28]

^^ Exactly what I was thinking! It would be awesome to "restore" the car, but it would take a lot of money to do it right. The car would probably nickel and dime you every time you lay eyes on it. The amount of money to get the interior up to par would probably cost a ton.

[@BB2HealToeHero]

Are those rims for sale?

[@dvddmc]

Could be a Bulb or Bad Solder connections on the mileage connector. some times a lot of those connection get bad. Some Scan Tools will tell you the mileage as well

[@ETCG1]

I was going to check the bulbs, but that's as far as I plan to go with it.

[@workingshlub8861]

perfect winter beater..just do enough to pass inspection.

[@drewdane40]

That car is begging to be raced in the 24 Hours of Lemons! The advantage of going that route is that you could gut the interior. 😁

[@brendanssound]

Keep it, can be saved for sure

[@RANDOMMekhaniks]

I bought a 2000 RL two days ago......last night it was totaled. I got rear ended at a red light. It’s too bad because it only had 107K miles and it was gold. Time to find another RL.....

[@opl500]

Swap the motor out of this and put it in the Mustang shell you got. And then put a Type R sticker on the shell.

[@jeffscomp]

Type RL sticker

[@Evansmustard]

Just write the L in sharpie next to the R.

[@nicoxis]

you should do an "unloved" video series :D

[@kelli217]

Well, today is in fact my birthday. Thanks! ;)

[@ETCG1]

Happy birthday!

[@ObviousNoob11]

Wait.. what happened to the Jeep? Did I miss that episode?

[@ETCG1]

I sold that months ago. I mentioned it in a previous video.

[@JordyValentine]

Yes! Thank you! Hahaha, I was a mechanic and swapped to being a car detailer, I have seen some cars that would make most people sick

[@digitalrailroader]

this RL would be a PRIME Candidate for a series of videos on how to properly clean, disinfect, and deodorize vehicle interiors, and maybe a series of videos showing how to repair common issues with this generation of Acura RLs!

[@davidb.fishburn9338]

Eric, i could smell that from here. I'm a used car tech at a dealership. Sometimes catch the cars before they go to the detailers, once in awhile get one like that. I agree that it is disgusting.

[@jakesnake_27]

That car has some potential...

[@DailyDriver.]

Any trans issues on these like there was on the similar year TL?

[@ETCG1]

Not at all. These cars are basically 2nd gen Acura Legends who's transmissions were bulletproof when properly maintained.

[@DailyDriver.]

ETCG1 oh that’s so good to hear ! Can you upgrade the headgaskets to non graphite ones? I have a 2000 rl with 133k miles and it’s got a srs light on and I’m trying to find out what they could be so I can decide if I want it! I used to watch as a kid might be time to come on back ! Not sure why I ever left!

[@ETCG1]

@@DailyDriver. The 2000 RL already has the updated gaskets. That said, the gaskets aren't an issue with proper cooling system service. i.e. bleeding the air out of the cooling system anytime you open it. The SRS light might be a seat belt buckle, it's very common. If it is a seatbelt buckle, it's under lifetime warranty through Acura.

[@DailyDriver.]

ETCG1 oh wow if it’s that simple I may buy this thing! I’m afraid it’s the srs module like what occurred on my 97 accord . Is srs module or sensor failures common? Or only seatbelt ?

[@ETCG1]

@@DailyDriver. Seatbelt buckles are common, not SRS modules. However, anytime the airbags are deployed, you need to replace the SRS unit. Just pull the code and find out what it's for. www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/what-to-look-for-in-a-used-car-purchase

[@WilliamSchlott]

Trick for dog hair clean up. Mount a round spinner brush on a high speed buffer then spray the carpet down with degreaser and go to town. Next hit it with wet/dry vac and air-hose. Works like a charm.

[@simonosullivan1660]

Hi Eric, We don't get the Acura brand here in Ireland but we do get the luxury high end Honda Accord and the Honda Legend, I think they are similar vehicles to the Acura brands

[@SenseiRice6969]

did they ever make a manual RL?

[@ETCG1]

No, but they made manual Legends which is pretty much the same car. I had a 5 speed. Loved that car. Later models had a 6 speed available. Rare, but a great car. I've been looking for one for years.

[@Zero_Ninety]

Take the engine and transmission out, set fire to the rest.

[@ETCG1]

Not worth it. Too many miles on it.

[@Zero_Ninety]

Fair point, In that case just burn it.

[@cfook]

The sniff test works both ways. Taking a skanky heap into a garage will get you the crazy quote, a) because no one wants to work on it and b) if you have so little pride in yourself and your car your a problem customer, wont pay up, will disagree with the work and be a general PITA. On the other hand, such a tragic car coming in as a trade in or badly presented at auction can be a real cash pile. If basically sound you can polish in a lot of profit. With such a dog, remove everything from the car, especially filthy carpets, take out the pollen filters, clean off the loose dirt and dust, soak them in cheap, household anti-bacterial spray and let it run for 10-15 minutes with the a/c full on and you'll be surprised at the difference.

[@mattb9664]

Seriously, it's not terribly awful. Just parked and cleaned by hand for about a month. It only takes about 2 hours to take apart an interior. Chip away at cleaning it with bucket soap and a scrubby brush. Garden hose rinse. Another 2-3 hours to reassemble. This is a fantastic purchase. The rust and body work is another story. Probably 10-15 hours total. These cars really were nice at the time. Should look up the price back then.

[@manrightchea]

Matt B honestly if it were me I would tear out the interior and order new carpeting. It's an older car I mean how much can it cost to just get new carpeting, the rest will be over time. if you were to make a project out of that car you could have it being a completely different car in about a couple of months, people are afraid of a little elbow grease now days.

[@kevinpatrickmacnutt]

How is the interior that shitty but the sunglass holder is intact? Those are always broken. I paid half of what you paid for that car replacing mine.

[@recklesslyarrogant7242]

I like it when he yells at all those high horse people.

[@AOGDC10]

Eric, you must have some kind of special love/sympathy for old big-body Acuras. This was definitely a charity case that you've rescued. I definitely understand, though. It's hard being addicted to cars. I think the people who rescue animals or play the role of foster parent would understand. This one is definitely an un-loved, beaten, foster child. Pull the seats out and rent a carpet cleaner, you'll probably suffer much less. Also, household disinfectants followed up with a good wipe-down of Murphy's oil soap with the car out in the sun will help remove the smell and re-hydrate the plastic and vinyl. Grubby interiors are the worst project deterrents.

[@johngreene1537]

I got a RAV4 at work, and I had to do a recall in the back seats and I couldn't open the doors because the back seat was filled with trash

[@ONLYJOKING101]

What ever happened to fixing it forward?

[@ETCG1]

www.ericthecarguy.com/blog/1721-october-2016-newsletter

[@ONLYJOKING101]

Thanks

[@et_2brutus640]

I love getting into a car and feeling like I'm just sitting in a giant ashtray.

[@alanryderb]

I`m waiting for the new ETCG salvage yard to open

[@mrmerhtin3625]

O2 Machine?

[@puttster2003]

Here, get a face full of that ! Love it😂

[@scottfirman]

I used to buy up vehicles like that,fix them up and turn them over. Sometimes they came easy,sometimes they were bombs. I got a 1977 ford fairlane manual three speed that had a perfect body,the clutch slipped a little. I paid $200 and put in a lawn for it,that ammounted to a couple bags of grass seed and fertilizer. The neighbor wanted it gone. The car lasted longer than her grass because she didnt water it but oh well. I sold the car for $1,200 after fixing the clutch and buffing it out. It was pretty. Should have kept it.

[@pjvenda]

Come on Eric, admit it, you have a soft spot for these cars. That's why you keep buying them :-p

[@GreenShogun]

Track car?

[@gokartbuyer]

Just use it as a Guinea pig car/ test vehicle. She served her purpose. That carpet is easy to clean . Remove it and spray it liberally with soapy water and pressure wash it. Works great on carpet that far gone