My name is Tanner and I am new to this forum. I am a longtime Acura/Honda fan and currently own a 2013 Honda Accord.

My wife's car (or should I say boat it being a 2001 Buick LeSabre) is on its way out and we are looking at MDXs. Im looking at the 08-12 range because it is in our price range.


Any issues for the 2nd Gen that I should know about? Anny suggestions? Am I being a noob and posting in the wrong place?


Thanks!

 

I would take a 2G MDX for a test drive to see if that is what you are looking for. The MDX might be overkill if it is just mostly for errand/commuter city duties for one or two people compared to hauling 3-5 folks around, needing space for gear, towing, and hwy duties. I really like my RDX for city driving because of smaller size, better power-to-weight, better city mpgs, better visibility and MDX for hwy cruising because of size, better hwy mpgs compared to my RDX, extra tech, and passenger comfort.

 

Hey thanks for the response. Yeah we use my Accord for commuting to work, grocery store, and such. The MDX, while we would be using it for commuting too, would also be fore when we go camping. I go shooting frequently and need the space to store rifles/gear and the Accord just isn't the best for it. It works but it isn't ideal. I have drove several MDX and love the way they handle and the power of the V6. Ive used it going up very sticky dirt roads on the side of a mountain several times and it handled it like a champ. I borrowed the car for several weeks from a buddy of mine and was so impressed w/ it I want one of my own.


Any recommendations on year/trim level?

 

It depends on which styling you like like the 07-09 or the +10 version. I like the +10 MDX tech as the best choice. I like how the grill and exhaust pipes look a little better, upgraded tech like:

- larger navi screen with weather/traffic
- easier to pair phones and upload address book without using voice commands
- bluetooth audio streaming
- HDD/USB music
- 6AT for faster acceleration and a touch better mpgs
- Engine improvement to increase its power delivery and longevity

There is pretty much zero difference from a 2010-2013 models other than price.

 

Yeah I figured they were the same Gen. This purchase wont happen for another 6 months probably. My wife's car should last that long and im going to see if I cant accrue enough money to pay for most if not all of it down. Are there any notable issues you have seen? I've seen talk of issues with the torque converters. What is your impression on ride quality of your wife's MDX? If I were to go the NDX route (seeing how it has around 240 HP on a turbo charged 4 cyl) what year would you recommend and is there anything to look out for?

 

A lot of the issues seemed to be corrected on the +10 MDX. If you plan to tow, travel, and/or travel off road a lot; the MDX sh-awd is programmed the best to have more rear bias when needed and that results in having better drive-ability. The MDX drives like a much smaller vehicle because of the sh-awd.

The issues I've had on my MDX were (mostly covered by warranty):
- replaced OEM battery (normal for every Acura to replace after 3-4 years on avg)
- 6AT reflash, improved shifts and slight bump in mpgs (+12 should already have this)
- reflash of firmware to get rid of "check charging system" message
- torn front endlink boot
- replaced front passenger seat heater pad
- 2nd row cup holder stuck
- replaced driver key fob because of stuck buttons
- raised HIDs because they are aimed so low from factory
- replaced HIDs not bright enough compared to my RDX or TSX (out of pocket, 20 mins to do)
- Adv only: replace front magnetic struts

If you see everything as a nail, the sh-awd RDX is the perfect hammer. I added:
- Hondata (adds PSI, lowers spool time and adds about 30-33lbs of TQ, slight mpg bump)
- ETS Intercooler (adds another 10-12lb of TQ on top of Hondata and mpg bump)
- Hondata heatshield gasket
- K/N drop in filter
- Eibach springs (removed the Eibach springs because of front end noise)
- Progress RSB
- OEM size Conti DWS tires

There is pretty good aftermarket support if you want even more HP/TQ with intake, downpipe replacement of 1st and/or 2nd Cat, exhaust, flash Pro, larger injectors, and/or suspension upgrades. All the engine upgrades you add on top of each other have an added side effect of improving mpgs while upping hp/tq. The downpipe alone will give you a mpg bump to around 2-4 mpg hwy with sh-awd with +30 hp/tq bump.

I find the RDX easier to drive than my MDX because:
- more legroom than my MDX (6"3" tall with size 14 shoe)
- smaller size makes it easier to park, drive and zip around in the city
- more interior storage in center console
- better 360 degree visibility
- much needed TQ at any speed, I'm around 290-300 ft/lbs compared to 260lb/ft stock with my minor power upgrades
- Added a trailer hitch for bikes in 15 mins with the kid's help
- Turbo really comes in handy because I live at +5000 ft and travel sometimes to higher altitudes. Turbo still delivers even at 11,000 feet in Colorado while my TSX/MDX was huffing pretty hard.

The downsides for me:
- one trick pony, have to see everything as nails for this hammer
- still some turbo lag, very slow CR-V 0-20 mph speed until the turbo kicks in (hard), around 5.8 to 6.7 seconds 0-60 depending on go fast parts or fwd -vs- shawd depending on year you pick (fwd available for +10 RDX)
- More road noise compared to my TSX or MDX
- MPGs before upgrades 16-17 mpgs combined, after upgrades are now 18.5-20 mpg combined
- I never got above 22mpg on 100% hwy (speed limit 75 mph)
- extremely "sporty" ride, the most "sporty" (hardest) ride of any Acura ever made (never rode in one; but, maybe even more than a NSX)
- 5AT really needs to be a 6AT. Shifting from drive into sport/manual mode increases the shifting range of the 5AT
- have to change the way you drive to feel the sh-awd working. Sh-awd only works with engine power. I have to downshift with paddles to slow down on a curve, up the rpms up to spool the turbo, and slowly apply more gas to engage the sh-awd into and out of the curve. Only using the brakes to slow down into a curve turns the RDX into every other 2-ton top heavy SUV in a turn. You can take a curve atleast twice the posted speed with sh-awd in dry conditions (25 mph curve can be taken at 50-55 mph in dry (safe) conditions and decent tires high performance tires).

The 08-09 had some minor updates (memory seats, updated M.I.D., touch softer ride, bluetooth phone on base/tech). The +10 has the updated styling of the Acura beak, rear bumper, fwd option, and minor navi/tech upgrades (I like the 07-09 styling better).

 

Wow thank you for that detailed response. Funny enough I am 6'3" w/ 14 shoes size. Sounds like you've definitely put some time into your RDX. Youre kind of convincing me to go that way. I have an Accord for good gasmilage and we are used to her car getting around 20 combined anyway (her crappy V6 isn't very efficient) I also like the lower price tag of the RDX...hmmm.

 

I wish the MDX had more aftermarket support like for a supercharger or suspension upgrades like the RDX or TSX. The 2nd Gen +13 RDX leans more towards mini-van than sporty CUV; but, that is what sells now days. This might be the last opportunity to get the best bang for your buck sporty SUV/CUV with the 2nd Gen MDX or 1st Gen RDX for a while. I'm very happy with both.

These vehicle usually have a big maint cost for $800-$1600 at around 100,000 miles (valve adjustment, spark plugs, fluid changes, etc...). You might see a lot in that mileage range for sell because owner don't want to pay that cost. It can save you some $$ if that has been done already because it is just mostly oil changes for a while after that.

 

Good to know. So if I were to get a RDX you would recommend the gen 1?

 

I would recommend the 1st Gen RDX if:
- you see everything as nails and you need a hammer.
- 90% commuter/errand car
- love taking curves 10-25 mph above the posted limit
- mostly 1-3 people in the RDX, 4 folks in a pinch
- tight parking home/work/errands
- speed limit is +75 usually like in the southwest (80 mph in some parts of TX)
- lots of hills and high altitudes with hwy driving

I would recommend the 2nd Gen MDX if:
- +3 in your family or take +3 a lot
- need extra cargo space in the 2nd and/or 3rd row hatch
- travel/drive a lot and need comfort and mpgs for long stretches
- off road (hiking, biking, camping, etc...)
- any towing above only a bike rack

Either vehicle will do well in bad weather situations with good tires.

The 2nd Gen RDX will have updated tech/styling, 6AT, smoother ride, around the same power/acceleration, and a touch more space. You won't have the excellent sh-awd or sporty handling of the 1st Gen. I think the non-tech 2nd Gen RDX don't have HIDs while all 1st Gen RDX and 2nd Gen MDX have HIDs standard.

 

Great thank you for your help. Ill probably end up going the RDX direction now. Btw is the forum very active? I don't see much posting going on (atleast in the MDX portion).

 

No, it not as active; but, it has its moments. The newer models have more action and it starts to taper off once the next gen version of Acura's hit the road. I do two separate Acura forums for my TSX (TSXClub/Acurazine) and MDX (MDXers.org/Acurazine) and only this one for my RDX.

 

Bummer, I am apart of driveaccord which is (obviously) an accord forum and all the generations are super active and it has been a super helpful way to learn stuff about the car and helped me make a decision on which way to go. But hey you definitely helped and for that I am grateful. Im guessing the RDX forum on here isn't super active either?

 

I think the reason why is the Acura sells numbers are so much lower compared to Honda (10X less folks own Acura compared to Honda). What made Acura unique 5-10 years ago (high rev engines, power, handling, features, tech) are now standard with main brands like Honda, Nissan, Ford, GM and Toyota. Acura has move from its "sporty" DNA into comfort/safety retirement home with the current offerings.

If Acura stays the present course with 4th Gen MDX and 3rd Gen RDX, I might have to jump ship when it is time to replace my current rides.

 

Yeah I agree. One of the few reasons I am considering Acura is b/c of the reputation of their previous gen cars. I would possibly go to an Infiniti when ever I go new (in many years as I am still very young).

 

The 1st Gen RDX IMO looks better than the Second Gen and the SH-AWD is the biggest selling point for one.

One of the biggest Drawbacks of the RDX for me is the underwhelming Lack of Pick Up... The thing feels SLOW and if you aren't noticing the speedometer you will never guess you are going fast. The engine used K23 posted "240 hp" but with a Curb Weight of almost 4000lbs and the Drivetrain loss from the SH-AWD didn't help either and to top all of it, The worst Turbo lag I ever experienced in an OEM Turbo Setup EVER and TERRIBLE MPGs again for a Turbo Setup.

The V6 in the 2nd Gen is by far better but the lack of SH-AWD makes a bitter sweet upgrade. I would pick an MDX just because the extra edge on handling from the RDX does not make up for worse MPGs, Less Space, Horrible Pick-Up and Terrible Turbo Lag.

Just Test Drive one, Then go back to the MDX.. Even if the RDX is faster 0 to 60 the MDX will FEEL way Faster than the RDX.

 

Yeah I have plans to test drive both. I know when I drove the MDX (2006 I believe) it certainly felt powerful and I was completely confident using it to traverse steep poorly maintained "roads". Turbo lag is a concern but could it be that it is a case by case basis? After doing research I found many RDX owners with knowledge about cars who experience little if any of it? Again I will test drive both but both seem like very solid options.

 

Turbo Lag under normal driving is of no concern because there is none but seriously who doesnt want to drive spirited with a Turbo Car? When you want to feel the "Powah" you will clearly notice the Lag.

When you test it try this:
Drive at 35-40 hold the gear and floor it.

 

I have a 1G rdx with the turbo. I honestly don't know what he is talking about in terms of lag. Mine is bone stock. In normal day to day driving, you won't feel lag at all. Slam the gas pedal from a complete stop and you will have MILD lag followed by a stong pull. But slam the gas pedal while crusing, and it can throw you in your seat after a half second of throttle lag.

The biggest let down for the rdx is the 5 speed transmission. It can be lumpy if you catch it with its' pants down. But when you catch it in the right gear, it will put a smile on your face. This is no V8, and once you get a sense of the delay, you will be able to time merges and passes. I have more lag and delay in our 09 santa fe with the 3.3 v6 than my rdx. Literally drove it for a week and it felt dangerous!