While in service this weekend, got a loaner 09 tech.

I like the base model of this truck better and heres why:

1. The tiny black on white read out is about 80% washed out in daytime. There is too much info crammed onto the screen. Before buying my RDX, i initially wanted the tech pkg, but i remembered this being one of the main reasons why i didnt buy the tech pkg, and it still remains a problem (for me). They need to incorporate the HVAC into the nav screen, and the small readout is just a pain in the ass, doesnt help, it actually just doesnt do much of anything.

2. The stereo controls are ridiculous and crammed in front of the shifter. This is obvious knowledge to everyone, but i guess after being in a base model for 2 years....the base stereo is much more easy to use and accessible. I wont say there is button clutter because like any vehicle you will just get used to it, but the location and many small buttons for the stereo need a revamp.

3. Changes from 08 to 09? yes. The font & lettering on the steering wheel controls are different. most notably, there are now raindrops on the wiper selector where as the 08 had just a meter. The font is more of a hellveca style and has a bigger more youthful in appearance vs the 08 seeming i dunno, more mature looking.

4. the big one. Stereo. i may take heat for this...i like the stock stereo better. ELS aint that good. there are many techinical arguments to be made but ill keep it simple.... in the ELS's favor, the main NOTICABLE difference is the subwoofer. The frequency response of the ELS is much better. Ill give it that, and thats a big one.

But, the ELS is totally out of balance up front. The center channel is much too overpowering and creates disproportionate sound. The only way to even it out was to lower its level basically to the point of insignificance. I thought the base stereo needed a MID level control, man does the ELS suffer even more from that. The twiddlers in the ELS are not as effective as the base, prob because their levels are decreased for the overall sound package & center channel...but this creates a big gap in sound up front.

The ELS is more powerful above 30 on the volume. Under 30, ill take the base system. In my honest, almost professional sound opinion, there was no big step up to ELS. i tried a dvd audio disc, i tried digital music, i tried reg music, i tried everything...sitting in the driveway eq'ing the shit out of everything, trying the dolby vs regular and i could not come up with anything that made me say wow i need this. In fact, that center channel proved to be such a problem in terms of finding the proper balance of sound that i basically left it on like -7 the entire time i had the vehicle.

I think if the base had the tweeters behind the rear passengers, there really would be no difference. Music in the base model sounded better in the front seats, and honestly, Im single and usually the only one in my car, thats all i really care about.

overall impression....the tech pkg doesnt offer enough to distinguish itself as a step up. If i had to do it all again, id stick with the base, and buy all the options like the run boards, front/rear spoilers etc.

on a side note - the loaner had 6k miles on it and had every problem that my 08 w/17k had. Both doors were rattling and looked to be out of alignment. The rattles on the inside were the same, dashboard and base of the windshield. Whats going on with this thing. I was not impressed with this vehicle that would have had a sticker over 37k. I just dont see where that money is going, its def not to the lux dept.

other difference i noticed, the grain of the leather in the 09 was different. The material was softer and maybe a little more plushy.

 

I'm looking into buying a base 09 RDX. Only thing I like about the tech package is rear view camera. I've never had a SUV before, so backing up will be a bit of challenge in certain situation. However, I'm not willing to pay $3k more for that. There is always aftermarket option!

 

Just get the back-up sensors put in if you don't want the camera. They're only $265 MSRP.

 

ya save the cash and add some things you really want....

 

Interesting post. I do not agree with any of it, other than the sun can make the nav difficult to see, and so do sun glasses.

As for the cramped radio buttons, I think you would adapt quite quickly.

Glad you are happy without the Tech package, I would not have bought it without it.

To each his own.

 

those of you who require a nav, obviously theres no other way to get an integrated system. my post was aimed more or less at other attributes of the tech model, as you prob noticed, never mentioned nav once. and yes, the screen of the nav also sucks, along with the upper panel screen that i had talked about.

everyones got their opinion, but if you really dont need the nav in the car and can settle for a 100 garmin, i cant justify a sticker of 37k+ on an RDX. not happening. where the ELS could have sealed the deal for me, it doesnt, and fails to be a true premium stereo.

 

.....so imo, paying 3k for a nav is ridiculous and thats basically all it comes down to. dvd-a is a bust. maybe if it had a HD in the unit, or integrated ipod, those would be some value added features, but nothing in addition to the actual nav unit seems a step above the base.

 

don't you find the screen on the base pretty bad though. i mean, it's a huge screen with just white lettering on it. at least they could have made it similar to the audio screen you get with the tech package. i sat in a friend's 08 base a couple of months ago. just find it very plain.

i agree that the price difference with the tech is too big. but guess that's what you have to pay for to get integrated nav these days.

 

yea...o trust me i have my complaints about the base....the screen in the RDX is nothing but a larger honda screen. Could have easily upscaled it a bit....

 

I have the tech and I like it. For me, I like having everything integrated and functional. I've had after market systems put in before and although they did the job and sometimes better than stock systems, there was always something that wasn't seamless. So to have a package with not just nav, but an upgraded stereo, voice recognition, real time traffic, and a back up camera that all work together is worth it to me. I have had the portable Garmin and frankly it's a PIA at times. So the price consideration for the Tech wasn't that big of a factor as in this market, I was able to get a very good price for it. I certainly would not have purchased this at MSRP.

Don't get me wrong, I have some complaints about the RDX in general but I'm happy so far with my choice.

My 2 cents.

 

How much did you pay before TTL?

 

$31.4K, which inc a full detail and first service.

 

u paid 31.4 for a new 09 tech? wow the market is trashed

 

Yup, new '09 tech. If you're in a position to purchase, it's a great time to buy.

 

That's my out the door price for base 09 RDX.
$27.9 before TTL

 

Is that a quoted price? I tested and tried to purchase a '09 Base and best I got local was $29.5 (and they wanted to add $ for every accessory) or $28.8 if I drive 2 hours. At $27.9 I'd buy in a heartbeat and add stuff later.

Based on the $31.4 for Tech I was even thinkin' $27.5.

 

That is the final price ($27.9 + TTL). My local dealers do not add any accesories at all. It depends where you are. Perhaps, buy in IL and drive to NJ!

 

Don't think you'd get it that low, but if you did it would be a steal. Rexmaster and I both bought our RDXs below dealer cost so another $500 would be a significant loss for them.

 

I think Tech pkg is worth it. I stepped out of the RDX family for several months into a Ridgeline w/o NAV. What a PITA to get aftermarket in-dash NAV - lots of $$ and never had the same feel to an integrated unit.

Anyway - fast forward to a week ago. I picked up a very nice 2008 RDX Tech w/17K miles for $26K and got $22K for my Ridge. Saved me lots of $$$ over a 2009 especially with the stingy trade being offered by the dealer.

 

Thanks for the info.

At $27.9 + TTL I'd buy and maybe even try to figure out a way to keep my CL. Kid'll be driving in 2 years anyway. and I'll know what he's getting.

I'd also shell out some $ for the couple things I'd have dealer install just to save me the trouble ( moon roof visor, splash guards).

 

I'm sure you are right. Just a little dream. Plus I know they are trying to make a buck as much as I'm trying to save one.

 

Actually, I forgot to include destination ($760). It would be $27.9 + destination +TTL. I picked up 09 base in white diamond pearl/taupe today and the final out the door price was $31,254

 

So I guess the $28.8 + TTL which included destination isn't so far off.

Thanks

 

alot of what was said by op I will disagree with.

The ELS system yes is overatted but its quite good for a factory system

The MID being washed out, meh I think the Navigation screen is more washed out with the sun shining, plus you can get trip info on the nav screen as well such as instant fuel consumption numbers, average fuel economy, time spent driving etc..

Controls, aint a deal breaker, they are quite easy to grasp once you have used it for a bit.

Although I can't remember the last time we used the navi its nice to have.

 

Tech package was a must for me. I'm not a fan of small portable nav units. I can't compare the sound system to the base since this is my first RDX.

About the stereo controls, I find myself using the steering wheel controls most of the time anyhow.

 

...other than the stereo controls, in your disagreement you just agreed to the main points of my post.

ELS is not BAD, its just not really a step up, and the displays are eh. there wasnt much more to my post other than those 2 points.

as i said, many people NEED the integrated nav, and that is cool....but if you dont....

now that pricing has leveled off significantly, there is much more incentive to buy the nav anyways, I would, especially if its costing less than what the base did lol...it adds more $$ when it comes for trade in time