Sanders

Hello everyone!

I'm looking at a 2008 RDX w/Tech, Nighthawk Black Pearl on Ebony, with 173K miles on the odometer. The car is being sold by a BMW dealership and has had 3 owners. The first owner leased it, the second owner bought it CPO, and the third owner purchased it as a regular used car. Zero accidents on the Carfax, which I cross-referenced with AutoCheck. Two key remotes, in great cosmetic condition other than the center console armrest and a few scratches in the paint, and the tires look fairly new. They did a thorough inspection on the vehicle and fixed the following things before listing:

1. Replaced Exhaust Manifold Gasket
2. Replaced the R/F Axle seal
3. Replaced battery
4. Changed oil & filter
5. Spin balanced all 4 tires
6. Replaced some vehicle emblems
7. Performed state inspection
8. Replaced the air filter

They are asking $7,999. Is this a good deal? I drive about 10-12K miles per year, and this car needs to last for about 5 years.

Thanks in advance. Can't wait to get one of these!

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

you need to check the car out.

all this info doesnt really tell us what kind of condition the car is in.

without that, one couldnt tell you if you're getting a good deal or if it will last 5 years

Sanders

How would you suggest I do that? A pre-purchase inspection or inspecting it myself?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

either or.

buying a vehicle is a big purchase. you want to make sure that it is the right vehicle for you by taking multiple test drives and having it inspected by either you or a mechanic

Sanders

The problem is that I am purchasing the vehicle out of state, so I haven't actually seen it yet. They said that I can put down a deposit of $1,000 to reserve the vehicle. I'm not really comfortable with that, so I guess I'll just chance it and wait until I head up this weekend for a test drive.

Generally speaking however, is $7,999 a reasonable price for an RDX w/Tech with that many miles? Assuming there are no moderate to severe mechanical issues.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

to me, $8k for a car is cheap!

that is if it is in good working order.

DRR98

Way too high priced...

Dealer Trade-in:
$3,744

Private Party:
$4,775

Dealer Retail:
$6,062

2008 Acura RDX Base What's it Worth?

2008 Acura RDX
Base 4dr SUV w/Technology Package
TMV® Pricing Details
Trade-InPrivate PartyDealer Retail
National Base Price$9,476$10,684$12,161
Optional Equipment$0$0$0
Color Adjustment - Nighthawk Black Pearl$-16$-18$-21
Regional Adjustment - for Zip Code 95628$258$290$331
Mileage Adjustment - 175,000 miles$-4,015$-4,015$-4,015
Condition Adjustment - Average$-1,959$-2,166$-2,394
Total$3,744$4,775$6,062
Buying a Certified Used VehicleDealer Retail

Midnight Mystery

I just got a 2007 RDX with 175,000 miles, now at 179,400, no real problems...

They were asking $7,995, but dropped it to $7,795...

Have it checked over, if it looks good, go for it...

My only complaints is that it goes through oil changes very fast, and the fuel economy is worse than a Yukon, but other than that, it's good..

Some owners have reported up to 18-19 even 20 mpg around town, I've been getting just over 13 though... Probably just mine though even though it has a new oil filter...

The RDX is fast, I got to 60 mph in just 6.60 seconds the other week...

Just have it checked out and perform a proper test drive, look at (YouTube) EricTheCarGuy or ChrisFix to see how to properly test drive a vehicle...

Best of luck with your decision...

Also, is it Tech or Non-Tech?
Mine has Tech package...

Sanders

It's a Tech. For some reason the salesman told me it had never been smoked in, but I called and had a second person got out and check, and of course it had actually been smoked in. Quite a bit, actually. Oh well.

I would like to purchase an RDX as soon as possible. I have the cash, and my current vehicle is not running very well to the point where it is unsafe to drive. My budget is $9,000 total. That has to include $800 for taxes/title/tag. So the vehicle has to cost $8,200 max. I really want Nighthawk Black Pearl, but Carbon Gray or Polished Metal (08+) works too. Must have Tech Package and Ebony interior. So far I've looked on Autotrader, Car Gurus, and CL, and have only found a small handful of cars that fit my criteria. Boo.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^go in to the dealer and say, I want this car for $7,500 out the door or i'm walking out.

and if they dont agree, make good on your promise.

Sanders

Called the dealer back today and they took the offer for $7,500 as per your suggestion! Some of that savings should help offset the cost of getting the odor out professionally. I was quoted $130 for a complete detail, shampoo, and steam cleaning. Then I'll clean out the air vents and replace the cabin filter.

My next step is to actually see the car in person and go for a test drive. I would have done this already but the vehicle is several states above me. Hopefully it works out!

Ayu688

7,500 still seems bit steep with 173k but to each of their own opinion. I have an 07 RDX with 150k, pretty well kept, makes me wonder how much I can sell mines for now if I put it on the market. When you do purchase, it's wise to flush to rear differential fluid and transmission fluid if it has not been done so recently. Upon inspection, check the brakes as well and how much tread are actually on the tires. May give you more negotiation power and run the AC. Replace my condensor last year for $400 and change. I've put 35k since purchasing and have had minimal issues other than routine maintenance. Only difference I think with the Tech is navigation. Then again, you will have to buy the most recent navigation disk. Good Luck on your purchase.

Sanders

I agree that $7,500 is a little high for a car with that many miles. It is the cheapest 2008 RDX I can find though, plus it has the Tech package which I want for the ELS sound system and backup camera. The interior is also in great shape cosmetically. The center console armrest is f***** but that's about it. I will probably only use the nav if my phone dies or loses signal in the middle of nowhere.

Good advice on the rear differential and transmission fluid changes. I'll probably do those myself if it isn't too difficult.

The AC on my current vehicle (2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Inspiration Edition) went out because the condenser started leaking. I'll have to get that fixed before selling it. Especially in Georgia. LOL

Jdrum1

It's really tough trying to figure out how much to pay for a used car. Sure, you can use resources such as KBB, but at the end of the day, they just give a very rough estimate. A car is worth exactly what someone is willing to pay.....

On paper, I probably overpaid for mine, but it was worth it to me for the condition (perfect interior, one owner, complete Acura service records). I'll pay a premium for a babied car.

DRR98

Buy the right one.
I just can't see settling on any thing less than the right one. You sound desperate.

Be patient. You will get a better RDX.

If you don't smoke, don't buy a smokers car.

Also, look at the maint records to see that every oil change has been documented.

If you are desperate and end up settling for the smoker- offer them $5.5k, and go as high as dealer retail $6k tops. Work that offer out over the phone before you go see it. Thats leverage. The worst they can do is say no!

If like you are a fish hitting a lure, they will land your wallet.

Did you see this one?
Used 2007 Acura RDX SH-AWD
NEWLY LISTED
Used 2007 Acura RDX for sale
No Price Available
139,604 miles
Gray

North Point Volvo
1-877-700-6371

Midnight Mystery

When I purchased mine this year (February 26), the CarFax said $700 above market value average, but honestly, that's because the milage was over the 150-160K mark...

If mine had 155K, and not 175K, it likely would have been $10,995, much worth the savings for the 20K extra miles...

And in all honesty, I've seen many 2006-07 Accors with 175K miles going for almost 8K still, and it only costed upper 20s new...

So look at it this way, RDXs are cheap, the CR-Vs are still 13-16k for 2007-2010s with up to 125K miles... Really, it was only about 26K brand new, 10-6 years ago... Talk about good return...

Needless to say, I don't feel ripped off at all, me so greatful I found it, just around the corner from my house too...

Sanders

Went and test drove this one today. Drove well but they were asking $10K, I didn't care for the tan interior, and it didn't have Tech

DRR98

Right on brother. Just keep looking till you find the right one.

And don't be afraid to bargain with your money. You are the boss when it comes to how much you will pay.

The prices I posted from edmunds are a good guide. You can also use truecar the same way to see what people are actually paying for '07-'09's.

passmaster16

You make a good point here. I've been in the market for an 06-09 Accord EX-L or TSX and I'm seeing prices of 8k+ for well over 100,000 miles. I'm starting to wonder if an RDX AWD tech would be a better choice if I could snag one under 8k? The MPGs are certainly worse, but I only drive 5-6000 miles a year. My only concern with the RDX is the turbo as I generally don't have a good opinion of high mileage forced induction cars. However it seems like reading this forum, people have been having pretty good luck with the reliability of the turbo on the RDX.

Jdrum1

How broad of a search are you doing? I've had to travel for most of the cars I've purchased. Selection is slim and prices are high where I live. When I search Cars.com and Autotrader, I extend it to 500 miles.

I was also apprehensive about a high mileage turbo, but like you said, the track record seems good.


On a side note, my girlfriend purchased an '08 TSX a couple weeks ago. Great car.

Midnight Mystery

I've heard of a couple of RDXs have a turbo fail, but it's rare, really rare...

Just change the oil every time the MMC displays low percentage... In my case, 3,000 miles... Mobile1 Synthedic with a Honda blue filter...

But from what I understand, common issues with the RDX are as stated:

Air Conditioner Failure -Early 2007s

Radio Failure (as in most early years of any generation Honda/Acura) - Early 2007s

Headlight Leaking

Power Steering Rack/Pump Leaking - Early 2007s

That's about all I can think of for the RDX...

It's pretty bulletproof though...

Mine, September 2006, has had all of these problems, the A/C went out in 2010, and the Radio in 2007 I think According to the CarFax...

My drivers headlight gets hazy after a rainfall, sometimes the passenger side, but not as much...

And my steering hums really loud after it warms up, but other than that, it's good...

By now, most of this has already happened, so the RDX is pretty good now...

DRR98

Change the steering fluid^

schen72

No way I would ever buy a car that's been smoked in. You will never get the smell out. I find cigarette smoke repulsive so even if it was free, I wouldn't take it.

Jdrum1

I think you'd be surprised what an ozone generator can do.