OK, so I am down to two vehicles. Both similar in price and mileage, the only difference is in the year. One is a 2007, and the other is 2009. To me, they look almost identical. But is there anything substantially different mechanically that is different? I read that the ride might be a bit stiffer with the 2007. Is that true as well? This is my first post, so any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

have you driven both years?
additionally, you can check out... Honda News where Honda details EXACTLY what changed throughout EACH year.

also, the 2007 is the very first year! beware of first year woes!
but doesnt mean chit if the 2009 wasnt cared for.... etc...

you'll need to check out each individual vehicle for problems...

 

Hey justnspace, I drove the 2007, but not the 2009 yet. I am going to check out that link you posted. That should give me some more info. Thanks!

 

can be quite confusing for first timers..
here is the direct link

2007 RDX - Body & Chassis - Honda News
2009 Acura RDX - Body - Honda News

http://acuranews.com/releases/2009-a...ery=RDX&page=3
http://acuranews.com/releases/2007-r...ery=RDX&page=4

 

reading through, it doesnt seem that Acura made any changes to the 2009.
as im reading through the literature, i'm looking for words like..."improved over 2007 model"
and even comparing the specs, i dont see any changes.

SAME exact specs
http://acuranews.com/releases/2007-a...007+RDX&page=2
http://acuranews.com/releases/2009-a...009+RDX&page=2

 

The main difference between 2007 and 2009 is the suspension was softened a bit for 2008+, the 2009 was the first year the RDX got a power passenger seat (4-way), stuff that was previously standard only on the tech package (like Bluetooth) was added as standard equipment in 2008+, also in 2008+ an auto dimming rear view mirror was added, lastly in 2009 the color moroccan red pearl was removed and they replaced it with either baaj red or I think basque red pearl. Otherwise they are mechanically and aesthetically identical.

in terms of reliability, I had a 2007 and it was ROCK SOLIDA BULLET PROOF, so don't let first year scare you if it was maintained properly too.

 

Are both RDXs base or tech versions?

The 07-12 RDX has a very reliable powertrain (engine, turbo, 5AT, transfer case, sh-awd). Some of us had issues with some problem areas like:
- A/C compressor/clutch (Acura offered 100,000 mile extended warranty)
- door and/or trunk actuators
- alternator
- leaky power steering pump and/or rack
- blown speaker(s)
- broken sun visors
- torn center arm rest covers
- faulty Navi CD/ROM reader
- Intermittent signal issues with XM radio
- hatch back hydraulic pistons not holding
- condensation in HID headlights
- poor range on one/both FOBs
- faulty button(s) on FOB

I would double-check for any of those problems areas if you are still trying to eliminate the 07 or 09. The only changes I can think of for the 09 are:
- Bluetooth phone standard on Base and tech version
- M.I.D. (multi-Information Display) for maint schedule reminder, trip computer, and driver 1 & 2 personal set-up options
- 2 position driver memory seats that also sets side mirrors and Driver 1 & 2 settings
- 4 way power passenger seat
- a touch softer suspension
- a few extra years to apply any 07/08 TSBs
- auto dim rear view mirror

Other than the 4-way passenger seat, the same upgrades are for the 08 RDX also.

 

It seems the turbo issues, when they do occur, seem most common in 07-08 models. But maybe that's just with them tending to be higher up in mileage due to age.

 

Didn't Bluetooth Audio appear in 2009 as well? I think before that it was just Bluetooth calling.

 

I think it was only after the MMC for the +10 RDX bluetooth audio, updated Navi screen, auto headlights, rearview camera standard, and XM traffic/weather was added.

 

OK, after inspecting and driving both, the 2007 was hands down the better vehicle, so I purchased it late last week and LOVE it! Super clean, runs like a new car, where as the 2009 was beat. Online, it looked beautiful, but in person it was NOT well taken care of, despite having the same miles as the 2007.

Now the next question: how do you change the clock on the tech package? My owners manual does NOT tell me how for the tech model. I tried looking online, and so far nothing that seems to apply. I've tried set-up, menu, etc, anything that would make sense, but nothing. Someone suggested go to 'settings', but the word settings never comes up in my display. Thanks for input!

 

Should be set-up --> click right (there are two tabs) --> clock adjustment. You can adjust clock, time zone and DST settings here. This is on my 2010 - I assume the software is the same for all 1G.

 

Wow, I have never had to touch my clock. It magically keeps the correct time even when Daylight savings events happen. It is a 2011, so I haven't thought about how to do it. Sorry for rambling, the discussion made me think that I don't know how to change the time either. Even when I unhook the battery, the time magically is correct.

 

The clock settings can be set to automatic, and you can even select which DST schedule to use -- the old one, or the new one that has been in effect for the past several years. As for choosing between 2007 or 2009, in general I avoid first year of any model just because of my fear of bugs. But i this case, if the 2007 was clearly the better cared-for car, makes the choice obvious. I know the 2007 didn't have memory seats, which was a deal killer for me.

 

Not the same as the 2010. And its an hour behind, so whoever had it before me didn't bother to spring forward with it. I love technology, but I'm a believer that it should make tasks easier, not more complicated.

 

I'm trying to remember; but, I think they changed daylight savings dates in 2007. This even delayed the Navi disk update for that year and I don't think the update wasn't available until +6 months later after its usual fall release. You might need to do an update disk to get the RDX on the correct schedule. You could go to eBay an purchase a used disk from a few years old for $25-$75 or do a new disk for $99.

 

My 2008 RDX already came with the updated DST software to allow for the new DST schedule. So it's strange that his 2009 doesn't seem to have it. My 2006 RL had a special update disc that the dealer applied, which added the new DST schedule.

 

The discs also come with firmware updates - I'm guessing the '09 is still running an original disc and your '08 had been updated.

 

Disc or no disc, why can't I just manually change the time on my clock or adjust the bass on my radio? I find it incredible that it's so hard to do. And I'm VERY tech/computer savvy.

 

I'm confused. You can adjust these settings manually. For the clock, go to Settings/Clock and you can manually adjust the time. For radio, push the Audio button, then push on the rotary wheel and select Settings. You can adjust all the usual balance, fade, bass, treble settings, as well as a bunch of other stuff.

 

I have no 'settings' option/button, and nothing at all that says 'clock'. As far as the audio, there is an audio button, but there is absolutely nothing that shows 'settings'. I can turn the wheel and push it all day long, and nothing that says 'settings' ever comes up. Maybe some kind of computer issue, I have no idea. Very frustrating though. The car runs beautifully, but the small things like this are aggravating. The audio sounds like a cheap $10 transistor radio. I was hoping to be able to make some adjustments to help it out. I guess not. Maybe I just need to take it to the dealer and pay $$$$$$ for it. GRRRRR!

 

Adjusting the clock. The pictures I took is from my RL, but they have the same infotainment system.

 

Adjusting audio settings. If the you got the tech package on the RDX, it comes with an ELS 5.1 system, which is quite good.

 

Thanks....that helped!!!