TrishaS

I'm new here. I've done some research, but I am looking for experienced voices.

I'm looking for some advice. I am going to post this in the second generation forum too. I will purchase either a 2010/2011 or 2014/2015 RDX . Either would have been well maintained at a dealer and have records to prove it. Clean Carfax. One or two owner. The 2010/11 would likely have between 50,000 - 60,000 miles while the 2014/2015 would likely have 25,000 -40,000.

Driver: likes sporty, responsive, reliable car. Just sold 2009 BMW 335xi (manual) because although it was a fantastic vehicle, it was too damn expensive to repair (it did not have a great reliability rating).
Budget: appropriate for either the 2010/11 or 2014/15.vehicle.
Concerns: 2010/11 would not have dealer warranty but has better JDPowers rating. Uneducated about what, if any, extended warranty to buy with 2010/11. Unsure how to factor age into reliability.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

TrishaS

P.S. Any recommendations on 2010 vs. 2011 and 2014 vs. 2015?

Tomtwtwtw

1st gen would have a sportier ride and engine, but also less fuel efficient, and more road noise. The 2nd gen may also have some extra features not available on the 1st gen depending on what trim levels you are looking at. I don't know what the long term reliability is for the 2nd gen, but basic maintenance should be about the same on either. I'm sure you'll get more people here pointing you toward the 1G, but both are good (if different) cars. I would say test drive both if you haven't already to get a better feel.

mrgold35

There really wasn't an evolution of performance, style, and handling compared to more of a revolution into a different direction with the 1st Gen to 2nd Gen RDX update. They are almost completely different vehicles with limited overlap in demographics. The 1st Gen is more "sporty" and it seems to have a larger aftermarket support if you like to mod hp/tq, brakes, exhaust, and suspension that will complement the sh-awd. I have Hondata reflash, K/N drop in filter, Hondata heat shield gasket, ETS intercooler, (had) Eibach lowering springs, Progress RSB, and Conti DWS tires to push my RDX to around 270-280hp/295-305tq (depending on how cold it is outside). The 2nd Gen will have similar straight line performance and superior over all mpgs. Once the road gets twisty or the weather get extremely bad, the 1st Gen will pull ahead of the 2nd gen. I think the 2nd Gen mod potential is very low compared to the 1st Gen.

The 1st Gen RDX is like a CUV version of the TSX handling+TL power
The 13-15 2nd Gen RDX is Acura version of the CR-V with a V-6 engine

The bad (or Good) thing about the 1st Gen RDX is it is a hammer if you only see nails. It is more at home the harder you drive it. Tight clover leaf on/off ramps speed limits are the minimal speed for the 1st Gen RDX compared to max speeds for other SUVs. The 2nd Gen has more tools in its toolbox compared to the 1st Gen and it has a wider demographics. That is why the 2nd Gen has outsold the 1st Gen by so much.

DRR98

Both are reliable and inexpensive to maintain.

Drive them and buy the one you like best.

I've never driven a 2nd gen, but know this- you can push the 1st gen and it really handles better than a cuv should.

TrishaS

Thank you all for the information. It helped me identify things to look for during the test drives. The 1G does handle better than it should as a CUV!

Illustro

Turbo makes the g1 awesome to drive in the city and on slow windy roads, it really puts a smile on your face. The v6 will be better for highway driving especially long distance where the turbo can become annoying and get in the way of passing of trucks on long 2 lane roads.

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TrishaS

Why would the turbo become annoying - the turbo whine sound? The first time heard that sound in my truck I backed off, and a friend had to explain it was the turbo making the noise not the engine making death noises. I had to buy lunch.

Kaputnik

I'm not sure either. This thing has tons of passing power, so that shouldn't be it. I think the 1G is a great car for road trips.

Illustro

From when you decide to pass a large truck you have the timing and space needed planned in your head but then the turbo lags and it throws you off, it's the same as any other turbo vehicle. Also the drive with constant steep incline/decline such as here in nw is just not as smooth as a v6 (cruise control helps alot) but again on most roads it's a blast to drive while v6 is very boring and feels slow.

mrgold35

Other than starting at a stop light, the turbo is pretty responsive above 1800 rpms at any mph. You are getting more tq at lower rpms and a much longer range compared to the +13 RDX. The 07-12 RDX is almost like a twin turbo because it has flap that is closed to restrict the intake air at low boost to help spool the turbo fast. The flap starts to open as you build power to deliver consistent power. You can see the PSI boost gauge move up/down as the flap changes. What holds the 07-12 RDX back is the 5AT. It can be a little stubborn to downshift unless you use the paddles or drop it into sport-shift mode. The price for all this power is crappy mpgs (17-19 mpg combined).

I live at +5000 feet, average 6000-8000 feet when traveling +80 mph on the hwy, and traveled as high as 11,000 feet (I-70 Eisenhower pass in Colorado). Turbo, Supercharger, and now hybrid tech are the way to go if you need power when naturally aspirated engines runs out of steam because of lack of oxygen.

I added Hondata, Hondata heatshield gasket, K/N filter, and ETS intercooler (around $1200) to my RDX and have around 270-275hp/295-300tq. Zero issues passing multiple big rigs at +5000 feet when driving on single lane hwys. The 4000lbs RDX does a much better job compared to my 4500 lbs 3.7L MDX with 6AT at the same hwy sprints.
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DRR98

To be clear the opinion stated...

"especially long distance where the turbo can become annoying and get in the way of passing of trucks on long 2 lane roads"

...does not seem to be shared with other RDX owners.

Forgot to mention an important part of buying a used RDX is having properly documented maint records



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Kaputnik

Would have to agree. I don't recall ever thinking about factoring in turbo lag when passing someone. It's a total non-factor. This thing rockets you really quickly at passing speeds.

RDX10

I never EVER worried about turbo lag with my RDX. Not on normal stop and go driving and NEVER EVER EVER during cruising. If anything it had this punch that allowed me to take gaps in traffic that I would not take with V6 and V8 powered crossovers I have had. Do I think there is a slight on and off with the RDX, yes, but it feels like a naturally aspirated engine to me, start slow and then zoom. Never on and off to the point where am lurching then a surge.

Illustro

Hmm, your making me think something is not right with our rdx. It for sure is not smooth when passing especially going up steep hill, it hesitates and then kicks.

TrishaS

Thank you all for sharing your knowledge. Just missed out on a good 2010 because I dithered too long.