Well I'm ready to buy my second new car and I need some advice from the people that are looking to buy or have already bought the RDX. As far as the inital cost, it is a little more than I wanted to pay (i was previously looking at the CR-V and the RAV4 - yea I know different classes and all) but my main concern is the maintenance, tax and insurance fees. I read a couple posts about the RDX breaking down or oil changes being $100.
1.) But i'm a little confused about the tune-ups, my dealer told me no tune-ups until 100k is this true?
2.) Were any of you considering purchasing a vehicle like the CR-V or RAV4 and decided to go for the RDX, what was your reasoning and how is the RDX so far?
3.) If my current dealer is offering me $30,941 for a '07 RDX Base, should it be wise to wait for the '08 to lower in price (i heard members of the forum purchasing the '08 Base for the same price that I was offered for a '07 Base)
4.) Gas mileage - if you don't mind me asking what is the average cost of a fill-up and would gas costs differ substancially from a CR-V or RAV4? (CR-V isn't that impressive in numbers - 20city and 27 highway)

I know these questions have probably been asked before, but any advice will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Oil changes are all dependent on your dealer
the first one is free of course,
but it shouldn't be more then 60-80 bucks or so.
Your getting high grade stuff. and also remember, its a Luxary car.
Gas mileage is slightly better on the CR-V(v4 and no turbo) and Rav4 - v6 (has slightly better gas mileage).

In terms of no-tunups...well...It's how the car was built up to be...
(i plan on gettin a RDX very very soon).
I'm coming from a Honda Civic EX yr 2000.
I wanted a high car, w/ 4 wheel drive, and I'm very fond of HONDA and their products, so sticking w/ the V-tec engine is slightly wise.

I think your best bet is to Test drive the cars and compare from your own experience.

To be honest, in terms of price...
If you can an RDX, you can't come around an complaining about gas...you figure, if you have money to buy this car, then you should have money to buy gas.

Your start off spot of gas on RDX is 17C, 22 H

After thru...about..5000-7000k, your RDX will evolve its gas mileage into nearly 19-20c, and 24-26H. (dont know why...i guess of the break in) - but then, dealers tell you there are no breakin periods, but if you want to keep the car in great condition, stick w/ the - DONT RUSH YOUR CAR INTO BREAKing it in, until the first all change/3000-5000k mileage point.

It all depends on the driver.
Best of luck.

 

I've been driving Hondas/Acuras for almost 20 years. I have yet to have a breakdown that wasn't a normal maintenance issue, and some of my cars have had over 160k miles on them. So perish that thought. First tune-up at 100k miles is pretty common these days among many makers. I don't recall if the RDX is that way, but it would not surprise me.

My insurance is low, and that has generally been the trend on this board. Unless you're a high-risk driver, you should be fine. Remember, the RDX is one of the safest cars on the road as rated by the insurers themselves; thus, low premiums.

2) I looked at a few others (Subies and Audis) vs. the RDX; I chose the RDX for many reasons, chief among them comfort, style, tech toys and their execution...and the fact that it's an Acura (100% dependable and good resale). SH-AWD was also a contributing factor along with the terrific handling and sporty, fast ride.

3) See the pricing thread and make your own judgements. If you're looking at a base '07, you should be at invoice or below. Because my guess is that within a few months the '08 base will be had at this price and is rumored to be an improved ride over the '07 with a few more goodies such as memory seat, etc.

4) MPG: yes, it is going to be less than CR-V and RAV, but we're talking apples and oranges here. Those vehicles don't have SH-AWD and a turbo. But if you're looking at a base, you might well like the CR-V. I don't care for the interiors on the Toyotas and their exteriors are just "okay." Plus I hate that stupid spare tire on the back.

 

Totally agree with Pacer. I considered a bunch of cars (Subaru Legacy, CR-V, Camry Hybrid, RAV-4, CX-7, Ford Edge) and it all came back to the RDX in the end. It's not perfect but it's the best mix of performance, utility, gadgets, and reliability out there.

If you don't need....1) Performance - go with a more fuel efficient CUV like the CR-V....2) Utility - go with any well-reviewed sedan...3) Gadgets - go with the Legacy wagon or RAV-4 sport. That's sort of the thought process I went through.