RDX buyers remorse?
05-02-2014, 06:24 AM
#81
Instructor
I have a 2013 RDX fwd with Tech. I am not happy with the traction of the front wheels when I rapidly accelerate from a dead stop to 5 mph. The front wheels break loose almost every time. The traction control kicks in after I have squealed the tires for a few seconds. This includes perfectly dry pavement. I didn't try this when I test drove the AWD version and am wondering if AWD has the same issue.
05-02-2014, 10:42 AM
#82
Racer
Thats typical of semi powerful front wheel drive car, tires squeal as the weight transfers from front to the back away from your front drive wheels. Even the AWD RDX, I found the traction to not be that great (better than FWD models) for an AWD vehicle. It's an oops.. system (RDX). The rear wheels only kick in when the front slip. Try a stickier set of tires will help a little. Subarus AWD system noticeably better than RDX(CRV) system.
The RDX all-wheel drive system is designed to help maximize the use of available traction in both dry and slippery conditions, while minimizing system-wide friction and power loss to help optimize fuel efficiency.
- In normal cruising, the system operates as an efficient FWD vehicle with 100% of engine torque being directed to the front wheels.
- During moderate acceleration or when front wheel slip is detected in dry conditions, 25% of engine torque is transferred to the rear wheels.
- On a wet or slippery surface, wheel slippage will cause a reduction in engine output to the front wheels possibly to a point where torque is distributed 50/50 between the front and rear wheels.
- Systemic efficiencies allow the AWD system to have a combined EPA fuel economy rating of only one mile per gallon below the front-wheel drive model.
05-03-2014, 09:41 AM
#84
Instructor
I see that the RDX AWD is often quoted to kick in only when there's slip. According to Acura's web site, it seems to do more than just that:
The RDX all-wheel drive system is designed to help maximize the use of available traction in both dry and slippery conditions, while minimizing system-wide friction and power loss to help optimize fuel efficiency.
- In normal cruising, the system operates as an efficient FWD vehicle with 100% of engine torque being directed to the front wheels.
- During moderate acceleration or when front wheel slip is detected in dry conditions, 25% of engine torque is transferred to the rear wheels.
- On a wet or slippery surface, wheel slippage will cause a reduction in engine output to the front wheels possibly to a point where torque is distributed 50/50 between the front and rear wheels.
- Systemic efficiencies allow the AWD system to have a combined EPA fuel economy rating of only one mile per gallon below the front-wheel drive model.
The RDX all-wheel drive system is designed to help maximize the use of available traction in both dry and slippery conditions, while minimizing system-wide friction and power loss to help optimize fuel efficiency.
- In normal cruising, the system operates as an efficient FWD vehicle with 100% of engine torque being directed to the front wheels.
- During moderate acceleration or when front wheel slip is detected in dry conditions, 25% of engine torque is transferred to the rear wheels.
- On a wet or slippery surface, wheel slippage will cause a reduction in engine output to the front wheels possibly to a point where torque is distributed 50/50 between the front and rear wheels.
- Systemic efficiencies allow the AWD system to have a combined EPA fuel economy rating of only one mile per gallon below the front-wheel drive model.
05-03-2014, 09:44 AM
#85
Instructor
You can't disable VCM that is the big problem. I've owned several of these VCM cars hoping Honda would get it right. They have improved it.. but it's not enough. Even the current generation 2.. with my RDX at a steady highway 60-65mph cursing, I could feel the car/engine minor vibration and the sound if you have the radio off. Putting the radio takes care of the minor sound.. vibration is still there. Some people will notice others will claim there isn't one. It's there.
There is the current class action lawsuit that is against even the 2013 models with VCM 2. Plugs fouling out, ignition coils failing, engine mis fires. If you keep driving it.. once this occurs you damage the engine. Happened to my 2011 Oddy touring, fouled out plugs, hrs from home. Not fun.. Only at 40k miles.
There is the current class action lawsuit that is against even the 2013 models with VCM 2. Plugs fouling out, ignition coils failing, engine mis fires. If you keep driving it.. once this occurs you damage the engine. Happened to my 2011 Oddy touring, fouled out plugs, hrs from home. Not fun.. Only at 40k miles.
05-03-2014, 09:46 AM
#86
costs less than a comparably equipped murano... whats there to be remorseful about?
05-04-2014, 09:19 AM
#87
Instructor
The real shocker is the Murano convertible pricing.. LOL! For that you might as well buy an Infiniti G37 coupe for about the same $$. G37 has a nicer interior/etc. Both are 2 door vehicles with All wheel drive.
The problem in my opinion with the RDX is the interior.. the door panels and cheap grey paint on the dash are pretty cheap for a vehicle that runs around $42k MSRP with tech package. Case in point, sit in an infinite EX35 (whatever they call it today) The interior is definitely nicer for similar $$. Real stainless trim or real wood trim, much less cheap hard plastic like RDX.. most surfaces are all soft touch or leather covered.. I had one previously. EX is smaller, but handles more fun to drive. Sit in the Q5, also nicer interior, a little more $$ but worth it.
Last edited by danmangto; 05-04-2014 at 09:22 AM.
05-18-2014, 05:52 AM
#88
3rd Gear
Join Date: May 2014
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Maybe premature since I just Purchased but haven't picked mine up yet. No regrets. I went full circle back to the RDX after looking/test driving several other CUVs. Best bang for your buck with the RDX. Felt at first I did settle but reading over the cars features I'm more excited now about it, than when I bought it.
05-21-2014, 02:41 PM
#90
This thread should be best answered by those who have owned it for more than three years or out of warrenty. Many of us on the forum here have just bought the RDX and our reviews are likely to be biased. Hey we just bought the car after comparing with everything out there because we thought it's the best value for our money. Isn't it.
Last edited by Comfy; 05-21-2014 at 02:44 PM.
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05-21-2014, 03:23 PM
#91
This thread should be best answered by those who have owned it for more than three years or out of warrenty. Many of us on the forum here have just bought the RDX and our reviews are likely to be biased. Hey we just bought the car after comparing with everything out there because we thought it's the best value for our money. Isn't it.
05-21-2014, 06:47 PM
#92
Ha Ha ha...that's so true...
05-22-2014, 04:02 AM
#93
I have a 2013 RDX fwd with Tech. I am not happy with the traction of the front wheels when I rapidly accelerate from a dead stop to 5 mph. The front wheels break loose almost every time. The traction control kicks in after I have squealed the tires for a few seconds. This includes perfectly dry pavement. I didn't try this when I test drove the AWD version and am wondering if AWD has the same issue. I am also having problems with the Pandora interface on my I-phone 4 when it is connected to the USB cable. After the latest Pandora update, I can only see what song is playing. Station lists, the like feature,etc are no longer available. I talked to the dealer service department here in Anaheim, California about any software updates to fix this. He indicated that there are not any available. Today is probably the day I will go and get an I-phone 5. I will test my son's I-phone 5 first to make sure the issue is directly related to having an I-phone 4.
Like other forum members. I have also experienced the wheel vibrations at 60 mph. I had all my wheels road force balanced (this is much more precise than regular spin balancing) and 80% of the vibration went away. I still notice it but it doesn't really bother me anymore. I rarely drive at just 60 mph anyway. So, maybe that has helped as we'll. Who drives at 60 mph for any length of time anyway? Out here in California, I would say that drivers who are 60+ years of old and inexperienced Asian drivers (usually old as we'll) drive this slow on highways and freeways. Sorry, if you are an old Asian forum member. This is not a racist comment. The stereotype is mostly true and obviously doesn't include all drivers in these categories.
Other than the traction, the Pandora problem, and the vibration issue, the car has been great. I went on a trip to Mammoth in March and mainly drove around 80 mph (sometimes up to 100 mph when no cars were around) and got about 29 mpg for the whole 800+ mile journey. I am also 6'3" and weigh 215 lbs and found the seats to be very comfortable.
Like other forum members. I have also experienced the wheel vibrations at 60 mph. I had all my wheels road force balanced (this is much more precise than regular spin balancing) and 80% of the vibration went away. I still notice it but it doesn't really bother me anymore. I rarely drive at just 60 mph anyway. So, maybe that has helped as we'll. Who drives at 60 mph for any length of time anyway? Out here in California, I would say that drivers who are 60+ years of old and inexperienced Asian drivers (usually old as we'll) drive this slow on highways and freeways. Sorry, if you are an old Asian forum member. This is not a racist comment. The stereotype is mostly true and obviously doesn't include all drivers in these categories.
Other than the traction, the Pandora problem, and the vibration issue, the car has been great. I went on a trip to Mammoth in March and mainly drove around 80 mph (sometimes up to 100 mph when no cars were around) and got about 29 mpg for the whole 800+ mile journey. I am also 6'3" and weigh 215 lbs and found the seats to be very comfortable.
If you want a true AWD system, get a Subaru or other car that does indeed drive all 4 wheels. Be advised though you will take a fuel econ hit for that one though
2002 Acura CL-S with nearly 300hp (old standard) returns 24 mixed and so does the RDX V6. The Subaru despite only having a 2.5L making 165hp gets 23 mixed...
05-22-2014, 11:10 AM
#94
Racer
People are splitting hairs on this. The power to the rear wheels happens in fractions of a second.....not seconds. It is barely noticeable before it is a 50/50 mix on dry pavement with the AWD. I absolutely floored a demo on a test drive while taking a 90 degree corner and got very little tire squeal. In a front wheel only drive vehicle I can see where that same maneuver would have resulted in possibly "seconds" of tire squeal. Having said that, I rarely drive like that so it's really not an issue. I just did it on my salesman's suggestion to experience how the AWD kicks in immediately and provides excellent traction. I had an Infiniti QX4 with AWD and 4WD and the RDX system is absolutely better in very slippery conditions. I really appreciated it this past winter in the Chicago area as we had the worst winter in about 30 years.
05-22-2014, 11:53 AM
#95
Racer
People are splitting hairs on this. The power to the rear wheels happens in fractions of a second.....not seconds. It is barely noticeable before it is a 50/50 mix on dry pavement with the AWD. I absolutely floored a demo on a test drive while taking a 90 degree corner and got very little tire squeal. In a front wheel only drive vehicle I can see where that same maneuver would have resulted in possibly "seconds" of tire squeal. Having said that, I rarely drive like that so it's really not an issue. I just did it on my salesman's suggestion to experience how the AWD kicks in immediately and provides excellent traction. I had an Infiniti QX4 with AWD and 4WD and the RDX system is absolutely better in very slippery conditions. I really appreciated it this past winter in the Chicago area as we had the worst winter in about 30 years.
05-22-2014, 04:39 PM
#96
1st Gear
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You can't disable VCM that is the big problem. I've owned several of these VCM cars hoping Honda would get it right. They have improved it.. but it's not enough. Even the current generation 2.. with my RDX at a steady highway 60-65mph cursing, I could feel the car/engine minor vibration and the sound if you have the radio off. Putting the radio takes care of the minor sound.. vibration is still there. Some people will notice others will claim there isn't one. It's there.
05-22-2014, 05:31 PM
#97
People are splitting hairs on this. The power to the rear wheels happens in fractions of a second.....not seconds. It is barely noticeable before it is a 50/50 mix on dry pavement with the AWD. I absolutely floored a demo on a test drive while taking a 90 degree corner and got very little tire squeal. In a front wheel only drive vehicle I can see where that same maneuver would have resulted in possibly "seconds" of tire squeal. Having said that, I rarely drive like that so it's really not an issue. I just did it on my salesman's suggestion to experience how the AWD kicks in immediately and provides excellent traction. I had an Infiniti QX4 with AWD and 4WD and the RDX system is absolutely better in very slippery conditions. I really appreciated it this past winter in the Chicago area as we had the worst winter in about 30 years.
Here you go...
the CRV is @ 1:33 in and it uses the SAME AWD as the RDX does. Don't get me wrong it will work in the snow (I actually like it) but it is not going to be able to do what a true AWD car/suv can do
05-22-2014, 06:24 PM
#98
Racer
Don't get your panties in a twist. I've seen all those vids before. I was not saying the RDX AWD is better. I was just saying that in practical use the RDX AWD system is fine. Is it as good as some others? Probably not but it does the job in real world driving unless you have a very, very particular challenge. My old Infiniti that I drove for ten years had AWD, 4WD and 4WD/lo. The RDX does better in the snow than the QX4 did. I'm sure there are other factors at play like tires, weight, suspension but I'm just comparing the two. My daughter has an Outback and likes it very much except for the engine whine with the CVT.
05-30-2014, 02:03 PM
#99
Instructor
I don't think this is an accurate statement. I'm pretty sure that model CRV had 4WD not AWD w/ Intelligent Control. Regardless, I don't the Gen 2 RDX could climb that steep hill. But the Acuras with SH-AWD could.
05-30-2014, 03:52 PM
#100
Racer
http://automobiles.honda.com/tools/v...ModelYear=2012
05-30-2014, 07:05 PM
#101
Was that the 2012? I see starting in 2012 has AWD w/ Intelligent Control:
http://automobiles.honda.com/tools/v...ModelYear=2012
http://automobiles.honda.com/tools/v...ModelYear=2012
Nope, it is a 2011 CRV with the old AWD system.
I don't think the new version can climb that hill either. After all, the test is tailored to show off Subaru's symmetric AWD. With a running start, most AWD cars can reach the top. By stopping on a steep slope and start from stand still, it requires even power distribution to all 4 wheels and sticky tires to do the trick. I am not a Subaru fan but their AWD has real off road capability.
12-02-2014, 05:40 PM
#103
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So far so good. Sometimes I wish I have bought Audi Q5 or a sports/family sedan. You can always justify your choice because of value, reliability, etc. However if $10,000 more were not an issue then how many of you-RDX owners would have bought it?
12-02-2014, 06:43 PM
#104
I know that I bought my TSX although I went into the store to buy a RL. Then I looked at the TL and saw the TSX wagon. My decision was based on expected reliability, acceptable amenities and decent handling. The RL and TL had lousy turning circles and felt huge. Price had little to do with it and I suspect that others here would trade a few electronic gadgets for added reliability and a decent dealer experience.
12-03-2014, 07:29 AM
#105
What I would like to know is whether the RDX / MDX with SHAWD will make the climb in the first video...???
The second video (top gear) was a slam dunk for Subaru, but the competitors were with FWD or RWD, therefore not a comparison at all IMO. It was fun to watch anyway. Thanks.
The second video (top gear) was a slam dunk for Subaru, but the competitors were with FWD or RWD, therefore not a comparison at all IMO. It was fun to watch anyway. Thanks.
12-04-2014, 07:31 PM
#106
I didn't exactly have buyers remorse, but I traded in a 2014 RDX this September on another car. There was nothing wrong with it, it was a fine vehicle, and I wanted to love it, but I could not, it was an appliance. It did what it was supposed to and I knew it would be reliable, but there was no real pride of ownership, I like my refrigerator, it keeps my food cold, but I don't lovingly wax it. The acura was kinda the same, I liked it, but I never loved it, but it did what it was supposed to. And for most people that is enough.
12-04-2014, 08:08 PM
#107
I didn't exactly have buyers remorse, but I traded in a 2014 RDX this September on another car. There was nothing wrong with it, it was a fine vehicle, and I wanted to love it, but I could not, it was an appliance. It did what it was supposed to and I knew it would be reliable, but there was no real pride of ownership, I like my refrigerator, it keeps my food cold, but I don't lovingly wax it. The acura was kinda the same, I liked it, but I never loved it, but it did what it was supposed to. And for most people that is enough.
It is about time that I start looking at other cars (three or four years and 50k miles) but everytime I do some research I ask myself "what are the advantages of changing cars" and I'm good again for a few months. That's never happened before.
Do I "love" it? Probably not but I sure like it.
12-05-2014, 06:44 AM
#108
Pro
I didn't exactly have buyers remorse, but I traded in a 2014 RDX this September on another car. There was nothing wrong with it, it was a fine vehicle, and I wanted to love it, but I could not, it was an appliance. It did what it was supposed to and I knew it would be reliable, but there was no real pride of ownership, I like my refrigerator, it keeps my food cold, but I don't lovingly wax it. The acura was kinda the same, I liked it, but I never loved it, but it did what it was supposed to. And for most people that is enough.
12-05-2014, 10:53 AM
#109
Polestar V60 (nextpolestar.com)Truly awesome car, exceptional handling, fast, fully loaded, wonderful seats, all in a stylish wagon package. It's an amazing vehicle.
Last edited by madden; 12-05-2014 at 10:56 AM.
12-05-2014, 01:58 PM
#111
Pro
12-06-2014, 06:23 AM
#113
I think madden went through this discussion in some other thread. Wasn't it you who came from a family of Volvos and decided to try RDX for a change. Anyway it didn't sound like ragging the RDX to me.
Euro cars tend to have a different feel and character (and cost) and many like it.
This thread is about buyers remorse for RDX and therefore yes at least one owner had a remorse bad enough to change cars even though there was nothing wrong or broken with the car. Just the expectations were different. It is most important for a car shopper to select the car which fits them. Sometimes the best value for dollar may not work for you. Need to do extensive test drives with different makes and models if you are on the fence.
Euro cars tend to have a different feel and character (and cost) and many like it.
This thread is about buyers remorse for RDX and therefore yes at least one owner had a remorse bad enough to change cars even though there was nothing wrong or broken with the car. Just the expectations were different. It is most important for a car shopper to select the car which fits them. Sometimes the best value for dollar may not work for you. Need to do extensive test drives with different makes and models if you are on the fence.
12-06-2014, 12:13 PM
#114
Yes, this is my 9th Volvo. There is no denying the RDX is an excellent value and a fine vehicle. At the time I bought it, my last Volvo was totaled, I had fewer choices in May 2013.
There was no V60 yet in NA, let alone a Polestar, there was no Macan, or SQ5 . Audi gave me a Q5 for an entire week-end, I also tested a XC60, RDX, and BMW X3. I picked the RDX because I felt it was on par with the others for less money. The RDX ended up being a stop gap until I could get the vehicle I really wanted.
There was no V60 yet in NA, let alone a Polestar, there was no Macan, or SQ5 . Audi gave me a Q5 for an entire week-end, I also tested a XC60, RDX, and BMW X3. I picked the RDX because I felt it was on par with the others for less money. The RDX ended up being a stop gap until I could get the vehicle I really wanted.
12-08-2014, 01:54 PM
#115
Advanced
Proving once again that into every life a little rain must fall.
12-08-2014, 03:13 PM
#116
Yes, this is my 9th Volvo. There is no denying the RDX is an excellent value and a fine vehicle. At the time I bought it, my last Volvo was totaled, I had fewer choices in May 2013.
There was no V60 yet in NA, let alone a Polestar, there was no Macan, or SQ5 . Audi gave me a Q5 for an entire week-end, I also tested a XC60, RDX, and BMW X3. I picked the RDX because I felt it was on par with the others for less money. The RDX ended up being a stop gap until I could get the vehicle I really wanted.
There was no V60 yet in NA, let alone a Polestar, there was no Macan, or SQ5 . Audi gave me a Q5 for an entire week-end, I also tested a XC60, RDX, and BMW X3. I picked the RDX because I felt it was on par with the others for less money. The RDX ended up being a stop gap until I could get the vehicle I really wanted.
No remorse here...we may even buy the RDX at lease end. But, we are at least equally interested in the NX and possibly the V60(not a Polestar unless we hit the lottery).
12-08-2014, 06:41 PM
#117
There will be a V60 CC coming soon, a little higher up than the regular V60. Believe me it was hard to justify trading in the 2014 RDX so soon, I liked it. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, other than the fact it didn't quite suit me, and I could have happily lived with the RDX for many years if I hadn't seen that Polestar V60, life is short, I knew I had to have it, there's an emotional side to a car purchase, the RDX was practical and a smart purchase, the Polestar was more emotional and is way more fun. That is not detracting from what the RDX is, a fine vehicle, I have never said otherwise.
02-17-2015, 07:17 PM
#118
We did some shopping around when we chose the RDX. The main reason I didn't choose a Jeep (because when you think of AWD SUV Jeep is the first thing to cross my mind!) is because Chrysler will not see another penny of my money.
We bought a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 in cash when it was new. At 54,000 miles I've spent over $8k in repairs and it needs a new engine. Such terrible quality, they should be ashamed.
We bought a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 in cash when it was new. At 54,000 miles I've spent over $8k in repairs and it needs a new engine. Such terrible quality, they should be ashamed.
02-18-2015, 10:29 AM
#119
We did some shopping around when we chose the RDX. The main reason I didn't choose a Jeep (because when you think of AWD SUV Jeep is the first thing to cross my mind!) is because Chrysler will not see another penny of my money.
We bought a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 in cash when it was new. At 54,000 miles I've spent over $8k in repairs and it needs a new engine. Such terrible quality, they should be ashamed.
We bought a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 in cash when it was new. At 54,000 miles I've spent over $8k in repairs and it needs a new engine. Such terrible quality, they should be ashamed.
We bought a 2014 RDX Tech. Have to admit that the RDX didn't have nearly as many features as the Jeep. But the buying experience was great and the RDX was FAR superior as far as Fit & Finish.
Last edited by CybrRdr; 02-18-2015 at 10:37 AM.
02-20-2015, 08:38 AM
#120
Except for a couple of small rattles successfully removed under warranty, the RDX has turned out to be even more perfect for me than I had anticipated.
FYI, I also had considered - and rejected - the GC.