LuvMyTSX

Actually still can't believe I did it, but I signed papers and put down a deposit on a 2011 AWD Tech today, black/ebony. I went to the dealer with the intention of test driving only, but ended up making a pretty good deal. The 2010 I inquired about 2 weeks ago was sold, so I got a 2011 for $36,108 before taxes & title.

I should be picking it up next week and trading in my 04 TSX, which will most definitely be missed. I'm still having a little anxiety about giving up my TSX, but I hope all the gadgets on the new car will ease that. This will be my first SUV, but it is more car-like than I originally thought, so the transition shouldn't be too bad. It will be nice to not have to borrow a friend's SUV/pickup to get bigger things home.

I drove the RDX and also a used MDX today and making the decision between the two was rather difficult, but I think I did the right thing. Honestly, I loved the MDX (I drove a 2007 Tech/ENT), but I just could not justify the price for how many miles it had (34k) and will soon be 4 years old. I thought about holding out for one a year or two newer and less miles, but it would have been even more expensive. So, I went with a brand new RDX instead. While not as luxurious as the MDX, it still has many of the gadgets, and definitely way more than my 04 TSX, which does not have Bluetooth, iPod interface, memory seats, backup cam, or navigation. So I should have plenty of new toys to keep me busy for a while.

I will probably wake up tomorrow and think this was all a dream, as it doesn't seem real yet.

tmnhs81

Congrats!!

when you pick it up.

YVRTSX

Congrats!

I had an '04 TSX then an '06 TSX and have been very happy with the switch to the RDX.

LuvMyTSX

Ha, I'm still in a state of shock.

Thanks guys, I'm excited to get it next week.

mrgold35

My 08 RDX has what my 06 TSX is missing. I still love driving my TSX and the great gas mileage can't be beat. It is a different exerience in the RDX having the extra room, power, better tech package, improved visibility while driving, and the fun to drive factor is a lot higher with the extra power and sh-awd.

It will not take you long to forget about the TSX once you put some miles on the RDX.

MMike1981

congrats...so when all said and one, prob a total sale price of what, around 38k? ...

enjoy it, could tell u wanted one at the end of the day!

LuvMyTSX

^ Yup, it was about $38,600 with tax, title, and registration.

Also includes all-season mats and cargo tray.

I got $8000 for my TSX trade, which is what I expected going in. At least the trade-in reduced the taxable amount by a little bit. NY tax is higher than NJ by 1.125% (my purchase was made in NJ but I just moved to NY).

cookj

Congrats! I recently traded my 09 TSX for a 2010 RDX, same color (Palladium/Taupe). My wife never appreciated the TSX and wanted an SUV so the RDX was the logical choice. I miss the more precise handling of the TSX (at least until the RDX's turbo kicks in!)

imj0257

iTrader: (1)

Congrats, LuvMyRDX

Actually my TL is getting it's A/C fixed at the dealer today so I have a loaner, a 2010.. or 2011 RDX. I basically said anything but the 4G TL lol. I basically wanted it because of the Turbo and it is not as big as the TL. I love the performance of it, not like a typical SUV. Lots of cool electronics and also the seating is quite comfortable.

nj2pa2nc

congrats and happy motoring. have fun keeping the black clean especially in winter. Looks excellent when clean-a hard task. I owned a black 1998 Eagle Talon Turbo AWD.

LuvMyTSX

Thanks

Funny, my A/C is acting up too, that's part of the reason why I did this. I don't want to deal with it anymore, as I've fixed it twice already, the last time being May of this year.

I thought the seats were comfortable, too. At least, more comfortable than my TSX. I think they padded the seats a little more in recent years of all the cars, because my 04 is not very cushy. I will definitely appreciate all the new toys.

Ha - I know, this is going to be tough. I just think the black looks really sharp and I wanted a nice change from silver. I wish the RDX were available in a few more colors.

CraigMacDTA

Congrats on the purchase - the RDX is definitely a great buy when put up against a Mercedes GLK or BMW X3. It'd be perfect if it had the 6AT and the new HDD Navi, but that'd also make it pricier. Good luck!

AMUA6

iTrader: (7)

Congratulations

dom

Congrats! This move has a been a long time coming so no question you made the right choice.

But curious, did you look at anything else in the segment or anything similar?

LuvMyTSX

Thanks.

Yes, I considered some other vehicles, but in the end, the RDX seemed to have most of what I was looking for, in a good size, and a semi-reasonable price. I also *really* like my dealer down in Jersey, and that played a big role in my decision as well. I feel comfortable knowing I can get excellent service there.

I initially considered:
TSX Wagon coming this fall
Acura MDX (CPO)
Cadillac CTS Wagon
Cadillac SRX
Honda Pilot
Honda Accord Crosstour (controversial, I know...LOL)
Lexus RX350 (CPO)
Infiniti FX35 (CPO)

I drove the MDX right before I drove the RDX last weekend, and I really liked that vehicle. I almost went with the MDX, but didn't want the one I test drove (it was an 07 Tech/ENT with 34k miles and an accident on the carfax). I am really picky about used cars, and just didn't feel like taking the time to find the right one, especially because it was already more than I really wanted to spend and it was used and nearly 4 years old, as opposed to a brand new RDX.

I thought about checking out the Chevy Traverse, Mazda CX-9, Ford Escape hybrid - but wasn't real crazy about an American car just yet, especially the dealership experiences. And the Mazda is just pretty big and I've heard of some reliability issues.

Both Caddys were also more than what I wanted to spend when optioned out the way I wanted, and I didn't want to buy them used. Just wasn't crazy about the styling of the Pilot at Crosstour, and neither have HID headlights, which I love and don't want to give up.

So, I just kept coming back to the RDX. I probably compromised a bit on comfort, as I kind of wanted something a little softer for my next car, but it has pretty much everything else I want. It was a tough decision, for sure.

MMike1981

mazda reliability, now there is a contradictory statement

LuvMyTSX

Ha, yeah. It seems to vary a bit between models. The SUVs seem to have issues, but I've not heard of much going on with the 3. My friend has one and I've not heard her complain about anything breaking. I knew I definitely wasn't going to touch the CX-7, not to mention I just appreciate a more upscale interior.

MMike1981

yep, my 7 was nightmarish, lemon'd. started just under 1k miles. never again, ever, ever again.

nj2pa2nc

We owned a 1991 Mazda MX-6 GT (turbo) bought new 10/91. When we sold it 2 years ago for $5,000, it still had the original engine, turbo, clutch, transmission, ran excellent and had almost 250,000 miles. The new owner had it repainted and had new seat covering but nothing mechanically had to be done.

Socal619

Congrats on the RDX! Drove has a loaner car. Coming from a MDX owner, wifey didn't like it due to space. I like it, due to the TURBO!!

XIS

Congrats!
Love my 07 RDX more than our previous 08 MDX. I think you will be happy unless you need to seat more than 5.

docboy

Congratz! Good choice.

I had a 05 TSX, very solid vehicle, great gas mileage, if not underpowered and a little short on rear passenger space. Due to recently having a small child, I gave serious thoughts to the MDX, but decided on the TL 6MT (for now) as I wasn't used to the idea of driving a vehicle larger than a sedan. I kind of regret not looking at the RDX, but my next vehicle will likely be the MDX or RDX.

I look forward as you hopefully will post your long term experiences in the RDX and how it compares to the TSX and your family needs.

LuvMyTSX

Believe me, I had a lot of trouble accepting the need for an SUV myself. Took me most of this year to come to peace with it, actually. IMO, the RDX is a good "starter SUV" for those put off by the size (like you and I). It's actually a few inches shorter than the 2G TSX sedan! It's taller, obviously, which makes it feel bigger, but it's not all that big. The MDX is obviously bigger, but it doesn't drive that big, and that's coming from someone who's driven an SUV all of 3 times. As with anything, you'll get used to it with time. I'm sure the usefulness of it will help me overlook the negatives.

I will definitely post a comparison to my TSX after I've had it for a few months. Should be fun.

VQPower37

congratz wanna c pics though!!!

LuvMyTSX

I don't have it yet!

Still have a few more weeks to wait, but I'll post pics when I finally get it. I'm having a hard time waiting.

LuvMyTSX

FINALLY got it yesterday!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/swimjax/5017894663/
Not the greatest pic - from my BB - and the only one I have so far because I haven't been home in the daylight yet to snap a few more.

Had 6 miles on it when we picked it up, now it has around 250 due to the drive home last night and then into the office this morning. I really like it so far, just getting used to riding higher up. Loving the iPod connection and voice recognition!! The backup cam has also come in useful already.

docboy

^Congratz! Great color choice.

Be sure to post some pics and your thoughts about the RDX as you put more miles on it!

mrgold35

Are you going to change your signature from "LuvMyTSX" to "LuvMyRDX".

LuvMyTSX

Ha, nah, I'll probably just keep my name as-is. We'll see.

I hope to wash it this weekend and get some more pics. It's already filthy because we had to drive home through a terrible thunderstorm Wednesday night. I'll probably get a coat of Zaino on it this weekend, as well.

Everyone at work loved it yesterday, a few sat in it. My boss' wife said, "It's a very cute little SUV, I didn't expect that when I went outside to look for your new car." I think she was expecting another sedan, but I told her with the house and all, we just need something with a bit of utility.

I want to play around with it some more this weekend and get to know how to use the navi, iPod connection, and Bluetooth better. My 04 TSX was bare bones compared to this thing!

I noticed my TSX is already for sale at the dealership. Seeing that made me a little sad, but I'm sure I made the right decision. I just need a little time to get used to the RDX.

FWIW, I had a very painless sales experience at the dealership, which was nice. No "funny business" to speak of, even from the finance guy.

LuvMyTSX

I got about 19 mpg on my first tank, which I believe was regular gas (the dealer filled it up for delivery). This isn't bad considering the regular gas, the car isn't broken in yet, we sat with the engine running for quite a while during delivery, and we drove in a lot of stop and go traffic during rush hour. There were about 180 miles of highway driving, which brought up the mileage.

I promptly filled with 93 before heading home yesterday, and the car definitely runs smoother on it. I don't know why they put regular in it to begin with.

MMike1981

how do u know it was regular?

nj2pa2nc

I was going to ask the same thing-gas mileage was effected by letting the engine run, stop and go traffic, etc.

LuvMyTSX

Sales guy told me he filled it with regular. I was hoping he was kidding because I don't want the turbo effed from the start.

nj2pa2nc

One of the things I would do when I owned turbo car was to let the car run a few minutes after driving it before turning the engine off-Gave it time for the turbo to disengage. Did use regular gas on both our 91 Mazda MX6-GT and 98 Eagle talon TSI-AWD. When we sold them the mazda had 250,000+ miles and the talon was at 125,000+ miles. They both had the original turbo, engine, clutch, transmission and ran excellent. Just keep up with proper maintenance and it should last.

LuvMyTSX

^ Nice, thanks! I have been trying to lay off the turbo too much for now while it breaks in, but I know I'll be putting it through its paces once that's over with.

MMike1981

lol i would have had them siphon the tank, especially since it was its first? thats ridiculous.

dominik331

Hey, you got it at Precision Acura (Those jerks).

Congrats

LuvMyTSX

Here are some pics. This is just after a wash and a coat of Zaino ZPC. I'm applying polish now and still have to do the interior. I didn't really want to do all this today, but being that fall weather is quickly approaching, I need to get a coat of protection on before the inevitable rain, sleet, and snow attack it.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/swimjax/5027196254/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/swimjax/5026553573/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/swimjax/5027163184/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/swimjax/5027156454/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/swimjax/5027178424/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/swimjax/5026574435/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/swimjax/5027183274/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/swimjax/5026565641/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/swimjax/5026577697/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/swimjax/5027180164/

dominik331

Nice shine, did you use a polisher or did it by hand?

MMike1981

...any shine looks good on a BRAND NEW VEHICLE lol