Background:

Relocating to Bay area next week and unfortunately, my 2002 CRV is not going to make the journey.
It's been a fantastic vehicle for us for sure and we're really spoilt as far as reliability is concerned.

Sure enough, I test drove the 2012 redesign and it didn't make the cut.

However, what did peak my interest was the RDX.
I would like to stay with the compact size and RDX would be a nice upgrade (for me).

where I'm most conflicted is to pursue a good/great deal for a 2012 FWD base RDX or wait for 2013 model.
what complicates matters is that I start the job NEXT week and am not sure when we see the 2013 in the showrooms. Also, with a new model, I don't know how much negotiations will happen.

so, for current owners (or those who are in a similar position), what would you do if you wanted to stay in the $30 - $33k range?

would you try your bestest to get the current model at invoice (or below) or wait till ? for 2013 (and if I wait, what do I do for the next 3-4 months because transporting the CRV is not an option) or maybe buy a '10 / '11 FWD with tech (with low miles)?

FYI....I did test drive the XC60, Q5, Sorento, CRV, Murano, Ford Edge....
I am a little scared about reliability for edge and Murano (maybe buying an extended warranty would re mediate this).
CRV is just too blah and cannot envision spending another 10yrs in it.
Q5 is super hot in the bay area and I don't want to spend $40k + TTL
XC60 was ok....

I really think the 2013 RDX with a v6 and improved mpg and interiors would be great for me.
fyi...my current commute would be about 75 miles/day (total trip) but I intend to job hop within a year....lol

With a 75-mile commute, get the Q5 2.0T, you'll save on gas over getting the RDX. If you don't want to spend that much, look into getting a Tiguan with the same engine but FWD only to get 27 mpg highway.

EX35 is another good option if you're OK with driving a car instead of a real SUV lol...

Unless the CR-V is going to leave you stranded on the side of the road, it could be a perfect commuter car to run up the mileage on for another 6-12 months.

07-12 RDX have a pretty good resell value, A-OK tech, pretty good power, great handling, perfect size for commuting, and enough room for vacations year round. Unfortunately, it has or missing features that were popular from 2006-2008 era (old 5AT, so-so navi, can't find DVD-A, no power lift gate, poor mpgs, etc...). Current Ford, Hyundai, and Kia use the same or more tech compared to 07-13 Acura.

The +2013 updates the RDX to current levels luxury and tech of the levels of most other brands. Basically, you are not going to find any cutting edge tech in the 2013 RDX. Traditionally, the 2013-2014 (maybe 2015) RDX will be about 95% the same. The sweet spot for the RDX will be the 2015 or 2016 model. Acura will do a mid-model update on the exterior and interior, upgrade the tech and luxury, and address any technical service problems from the first few years. Acura might event offer sh-awd, bump in power, direct injection 3.5L V-6, advance package with blind spot monitoring and cooled seats, or some type of hybrid power train.

For me, I would go for the 2013 RDX if I could not wait until 2014 or 2015. I like the features they added like the power lift gate, improved mpgs, keyless access, push button start, updated interior and upgraded tech. I don’t think prices will go down by much or at all until the 2014 RDX is close to hitting the road.

2013 is a few months away from sale.

Buy a FWD RDX and get a great deal, if the Q5 is out of the question, the RDX is the next best thing taking your needs into consideration.

Yeah, get a Q5 for $6,000 more equally equipped so you can save money on fuel. Also, make sure you don't keep it out of warranty as its reliability ratings are near the bottom.

The Audi sure is nice in the reviews. The Acura is a better product.

Interesting and helpful comments, indeed.
I think the $ delta between a similarly equipped 2012 RDX and Q5 is more like $10k ($31k + TTL v/s $40k + TTl).
unfortunately, just sold the CRV today so that is not making the journey with me.
I'm sold on the idea of getting the best possible deal for a 2012 FWD base and just enjoy the ride, do not over think it...I don't think I will get anywhere with pricing (around invoice) on a '13 base when they come out and I really would need a car starting next week.

I think you will be more than pleased with a 2012. Just a few things: ride has softened up after 1000 miles, to where it is just about perfect... not too stiff, not too soft. The first 500 miles are pretty darn stiff though, don't let it freak you out. My mileage is improving too, I have an AWD though, you should see pretty decent numbers with the FWD. I am now averaging around 17MPG, all city.

All in all, I think regardless of personal preference (I am a 2.3L turbo SH-AWD kinda guy, not a frumpy V6 mommy car driver) it is always better to buy the last year of a run of vehicles instead of the first one in a new redesign.

I am having a blast in my RDX, and I have to date owned 23 different vehicles, ranging from muscle cars to trucks, to SUV's, Diesels to econoboxes and the RDX is the jack of all trades for me. Good luck.

I hate to say this about Acura; but, they make the best used luxury cars on the market. I would buy a new RDX if I plan to keep it until the wheels fall off; it sometimes a better value to purchase used.

There is not that much difference between an 07 compared to the 11 RDX. The 10-12 models have updated exterior styling and minor upgrades with Bluetooth audio, FWD option and XM weather (If you get the navi). The cheaper price of the 2009 tech would save you more $$$ over time compared to the 2012 base with FWD.

Then you can trade the used RDX for the 2014 or 2015 model when prices are lower and they add more tech. I've had zero regrets purchasing my 08 RDX used with 30,000 miles from an Acura dealership.

nah - buy a nice 2012 new, the used values are very high - theres way more value in scoring a brand new 2012 FWD at or below invoice than having to pay 22-24k in a used one around 40-50k miles. Def buy new.

The 2010 did introduce under the hood advancements with an improved and quieter radiator, better braking system with longer-lasting brake pads. Also, the dash layout was moved around a little bit, putting the fan buttons to the left center stack, darkening the silver trim so a more matte dark gray carbon finish, and Acura claims an increase in leather quality. Also, the text/font on the steering column controls were changed for what appears to be easier visibility.

thats what i got off the top of my head. certainly think theres alot more value and alot more money to be saved buying a new 2012 FWD for cheap (especially if its styling doesnt bother you) rather than a used, and what will be a quickly even more outdated 07-11 RDX.

^As well as a transmission upgrade, and when did bluetooth HFL come?

Other than a higher monthly payment, there isn't much value going for a 12 RDX FWD compared to a 10 or 11 FWD model. All those upgrades like the moved fan button and longer lasting brake pads (I'm still on OEM brakes after 65,000 miles) does not change the core elements of the RDX we all love (tight suspension, sh-awd, 2.3L turbo, lots of TQ, decent tech).

I purchased the 08 RDX used because 2 years ago because I did not see the value in paying $5000-$8000 more for an 09 or 10 model for the same basic vehicle.

The money I saved on paying off the RDX sooner; I did some additional landscaping in the back yard and other home improvement projects.

Used RDX worked better for me and my family.

yes there is - much more value in buying a NEW one than used which still retain, imo, a VERY high sticker for moderate use (+/- 50k miles).

If the guy buys a used 2010 (which are even MORE expensive than used 08's - putting him in mid or upper 20's) whats the point? spend a few more thousand and get a new car. Used car loans typically have higher interest which negates some of the added cost to buying new.

Additionally, hes going so far back in time that his used 2010 will be worth much less the second the 2013 comes out.

It made sense for you, because essentially, you did not face a REDESIGN, just some changes which in your opinion, were not of much importance. There, I can definitely see saving some money on what could be called the same car. But going back 1 redesign and a MMC to buy used to save 6 grand then have the car more devalued in a few months cuz of the 2013...bad idea.

Buy a FWD RDX and get a great deal, if the Q5 is out of the question, the RDX is the next best thing taking your needs into consideration.[/quote]


I definitely agree with this. If the Q5 is out of the question, though I think it is just a German version of an RDX but its looks are pretty sexy, I would go with the 2012 RDX.

For me, the turbo is one of the top reasons as to why I love the car. Plus, if you have been driving a CR-V almost all the cars you spoke of are major steps, like you said the CR-V is just blahhh. Turbo makes it fun

This is very true. I saw a brand new RDX at the dealership about 2 months ago, and there is like barely any difference at all. I do like the earlier body style though!

That is awesome for you and your family. However, the only upside to buying used is money saved.

Who drove your RDX before you? Did they break it in by showing it varied RPMs and letting it warm up completely? Did they rag on it cold out of the parking lot under full boost? Did they hit curbs when they parked? Did they drop soda all over the leather in the back? Did they smoke? Did they jam the transmission into park every time and let it rest on the parking pawl?

You don't know.

I do however, buying my 2012 RDX, having it straight off the truck and ready for me to drive off and put every mile on it myself.

Also, new will ensure you have every tweak, upgraded part, ECU flash and everything that went into the car, in this its last year of the first gen RDX.

i would consider the new BMW X3. I don't like the 2012 RDX because of the grille design and the fact that its 4 years old design while the X3 is all new. The q5 is ok but its build quality and reliability is horrendous. The 2013 RDX is definitely an upgrade with better fuel economy and ride comfort.

this is certainly getting interesting.
I've narrowed my top 3 to
RDX
Ford Edge
Kia Sorento

I'm going to rent for a week and test drive the cars again tomorrow now that I'm physically in the bay area.
does the base RDX come with a rear view camera (maybe displayed on the rear view mirror?) or do I need the tech package for it?
also, in general, just as a FYI , how much is an extended warranty for the above 3 cars? ( in case someone had scoped these same cars for additional warranty)
thanks much

Base comes with the mirror screen buc.

With no Tech package, yes you get a rear view camera in the rear view mirror, the display is nice too.

Just from what I have seen my friend, I would choose the RDX over the Ford and the Kia in that order. Kia has had issues with their 6-speed trans, and so has the Ford. My brother has owned 2 Edge's now, and both have had trans issues (things like rolling backwards from a stop like it has a clutch. The Kia even though it does well in reviews I would avoid like the plague, my wife refuses to even look at one.

ok. I went with the RDX
I got pricing for a FWD Base with my choice of color and FWD with Tech package and the price delta is about $2000.

in effect, the FWD with tech is $34400 and the FWD base is $32300

suggestions / comments?
how do these numbers sound?

I intend to keep this car for 7-10 yrs but for the first two yrs, I'm going to put close to $18000 miles/yr on this car.
i'm thinking I should at least get a quote on the extended warranty on them...

really conflicted on if I should spend the $2k for the tech package.
Definitely need the gps in the Bay Area (for a newbie) but the top of the line garmins seem to be a much better and cheaper choice...

I never considered warranty in the past 23 years buying cars. However I did get 2 years extended warranty on my Subaru only because it was very cheap, $1000. However I regretted this later...the rdx is a nice car specially with the new '13 coming out you will get a good price. $32k is amazing, they go for $45k here but with sh-awd.

take great care of it and you will save money by not going with the xtended wty...
putting 18k on it a year, you will have factory wty for a bit over 2 years.

We paid $30,500 w/roof rack for our 2011 RDX FWD base.

I have a 2011 RDX SH-AWD Tech. I live in the Boston area and don't have that long of a commute so I don't worry to much about gas. If I were you I would wait until the 2013 comes out. The 4 cylinder base model I believe is going to have a 20/28 mpg for the front wheel drive model. In my opinion it also looks a little more refined (better) inside and out.

If you want the 2012 the prices seem reasonable. I paid roughly 38k for mine brand new. I was looking at the same models you were and you definitely get more bang for your buck with the RDX vs the Q5 or the EX35.

I also have a 2004 TSX and the nav hasn't changed since then. One thing I wish they would do is PLEASE update it. The navigation system itself is good, it works. The appearance is just outdated. The other downside is updating maps. You can buy a good Garmin for 300 with lifetime map updates but if you ever want to update the maps on an Acura the DVD disk will cost you about $180.

With that said nothing beats having an in-dash nav system. It is a little inconvenient because you cant take it with you but how often do you need to do that. With all those little down sides i will still get the nav with the car.

So in summary if your looking for a lower cost maintenance RDX go for the 2013 RDX front wheel drive base. You'll get better fuel economy and save money by getting a Garmin. If you want it right now and can't wait get the 2011 RDX FWD Tech package. I say 2011 because its exactly the same as the 2012 and you can find a few out there still new or with very low miles but cheaper than the 2012.

GOOD LUCK. Hope this helps. Good choice with the RDX!