swttsx007

Hi all,

I currently own a 21' Aspec, and love it! As a result, I am looking to help get my nephew into an 08' RDX with SH-AWD. The vehicle that we are going to look at has 150k miles on it. However, it appears to be in good condition, and has no reported accidents according to Carfax.

While waiting to go look at it, I have been doing some research on this model year. From what I've seen, it looks and sounds like this a pretty reliable vehicle. However, I have seen multiple reports about the horrible turbo lag for the first-gen RDX's. What are your thoughts on that? Has anyone driven a 3G RDX (2.0T)? If so, how would you compare the two engines? I don't think my 21' has much turbo lag, if any at all.

Anyway, would love to get some feedback. What should I look for, and what types of issues are people with high mileage experiencing? How are the turbos holding-up?

Thanks all, I greatly appreciate your help!

schen72

The 1st gen RDX definitely has noticeable turbo lag. It's still a pretty quick vehicle but the lag is there. I have an 08 with about 110k miles and it's been very reliable. There are some minor cosmetic issues now, like the center armrest wrinkling and passenger sun visor not staying in the up position. But mechanically no problems. It's a pretty fast, good handling car. However, it's not very fuel efficient (18 mpg mixed) and it's loud inside. The ride is also rough, which is good for handling but bad on rough roads.

I've driven the 3G RDX as a loaner and the turbo lag is much less noticeable.

Tomtwtwtw

The lag is only really noticeable in 1st gear. With that super wide gearing there is a bit of a dead spot before the turbo can spool up from idle. The 3rd gen benefits both from far shorter gearing and a more responsive DI engine/low inertia turbo.

As long as the car has been well maintained, you should be in good shape. If you can, find out if the turbo's variable actuator bolt has been replaced. If not, then at 150k miles it will only be a matter of time. It's not a difficult DIY, but it's something shops will generally quote a turbo replacement on vs a new bolt, so some people get hit with some serious sticker shock if they are not aware of the bolt issue.

swttsx007

Thanks for the heads-up on this! I will definitely inquire about it!

TheCanadian

All 1G RDX's will eventually suffer from the following
1. Turbo actuator failure causing P2263 Code. Fixable without replacing entire turbo
2. HVAC Heat Blend Door failure on both passenger/driver
3. Likely A/C Compressor Failure
4. Suspension at 150k = shot
5. Check if 105k maintenance was done. This includes a valve adjustment and spark plugs.
6. Old School Honda rust on rear fenders

TheCanadian

Hondata remap will fix turbo lag and completely transform driving experience

mrgold35

I purchased my 08 RDX tech back in 2010 with 30,000 miles. I handed it down to my daughter in 2019 and the vehicle now has +195,000 miles on her. She loves the looks and power; but, hates putting +91 octane at high teens combined mpgs. The 1st Gen RDX has the best bang-for-the buck all weather/all season awd drive systems on the market. Great visibility, ELS stereo can thump with DVD-audio CDs, drives better the harder you push her, can add a hitch in 15-20 mins with a buddy, and a lot of room and utility for a small CUV. Downsides are road noise, turbo lag (improved with Hondata), OEM suspension is very sporty (stiffer), takes +91 octane, 5AT wide gearing can slow down the turbo fun, mpgs in high teens or very low 20s, and age related mechanical issues. I've noticed I can't floor the RDX from a stop for max acceleration because it will just bog down. I have to either brake boost to up the rpms to start to spool the turbo or ease into the gas pedal until the turbo spools up and then floor it.

Mods for +10 years:
Hondata $300 reflash: less turbo lag, 26hp/33tq increase, AND a improvement of mpgs from 17.5 to 18.5 mpgs combined
Eibach lowering springs (around a 1 inch drop, rides like stock, handles corners better when sh-awd isn't engaged)
Progress RSB (didn't really need because sh-awd is that good; but, helps for tight corners off engine power)
ETS Intercooler with heatshield gasket: another bump in hp/tq, improved mpgs to 19.5 summer and 20.5 winter
upgraded HIDs to OSRAM 5000-6000 kelvin cool blue

Maint issue I've had:
- two ivtec switch over solenoids replaced
- brake booster sensor module replaced
- coil packs replaced
- replaced OEM struts/shocks (Eibach lowering springs killed them at 120k)
- replace alternator
- replace leaky P/S pump
- replace A/C compressor
- replaced radiator with hairline leak
- replace front passenger's axel seal
- lubed A/C baffles because of blend door creaking (only worked for a few months and started creaking again)
- replaced driver's door actuator

I was going to replace my 08 RDX with a +19 RDX; but, road noise and lower mpgs at 5000-7200 feet was still an issue with the 3rd Gen RDX. If you need a hammer and all you see are nails, the 1st Gen RDX is your weapon of choice. The 1st Gen RDX didn't sell well because a lot of owners needed the RDX to be softer and lean more towards Utility in SUV instead of being heavy into Sport mode. The reason why the 2nd Gen RDX out sold the 1st Gen. The 2nd Gen RDX is pretty much a smaller 2 row version of the 3 row 14-20 MDX.