Jdrum1

I had been eyeing an RDX as my next daily driver, and after finding oil in the coolant of my '93 4Runner, I made the leap.

I found an amazingly clean '09 (with tech package). It has a few more miles than I was aiming for (141k), but doubted I would ever find one as clean (and it was priced right).

The first owner took impeccable care of it; it looks like a new car.

I can't get over how tight it drives. It's not as fun as my s2000.......but for an CUV, it's a blast.


After researching what to buy, it seems that 1st gen RDX's offer a lot of value. I cross shopped CR-V's, and found that a comparably equipped 3rd gen would have actually cost more. The money I spent for the RDX would have gotten me a CR-V with well over 200k miles (comparing comparable age and equipment).


Fingers crossed to many years of service!!!

isaac.lee

Always nice to see a new rdx'r. White has always been my favorite on the RDX. Nice find, and welcome!

Jdrum1

Not that I would have been picky, but white was my first color choice (will live outside in a very dusty environment).

mrgold35

Welcome!

I like the white RDX; but, I had a hard time finding one with ebony interior at the time I was looking. One thing I like about white cars is the paint seems to last forever compared to darker colors.

The OEM front lip gives the RDX an more aggressive look, if you can find one now (supplies are drying up ):

Jdrum1

I would have preferred black, but couldn't be too picky. I was more concerned about getting the white exterior anyway.

The lip is cool, but even if I could find one, I'd rather put the $$ to doing the Hondata Reflash (plus, my s2000 and classic pickup eat up my toy $$).

Kaputnik

Welcome to the club, also from a fellow S2000 owner! I got my RDX (only 45k mi) a few months ago, I love it and plan some mods too. Esp. since I keep the S2k 100% stock.

Jdrum1

An RDX and an s2000 seem to be the best of both worlds; the perfect combination.

Not to say that it's like driving the s, but the RDX is pretty fun for what it is (turbo is an neat toy).

My s ('00) is stock, other than the intake (K&N FIPK) and exhaust (Invidia Q300). I have the original intake and exhaust, so it can easily be returned to stock. It's about due a new top (still has the original, with the crappy plastic window).

hypnotini

yup best combo, my two fav cars

BigHatch

...idk... I think my RDX, MR2 turbo, and WRX make a great trifecta! Pick any 2, we'll give ya a run for your $$. Lol

DOHCtor88

Welcome man!! I was looking for either white or silver but my PMM is good too. As long as it gets the job done.

Jdrum1

Thanks!

White is the best color for my climate.




Loving it so far. Still wish it was black interior, but heh.

Now for the Reflash (soon).

Wish someone made an affordable exhaust for it.......

panamera125

Nice!! White was also my favorite color of the RDX. We ended up with an Alabaster Silver Metallic one, which is okay too (right now, garage is all silver...). You really can't beat a higher milage RDX in terms of what you'll get for the money. It's a Honda, so reliability will be no problem for 200-250k miles+, and it's fun to drive and low cost to maintain.

jubikej

nice cars I have the same configuration


2001 white S2000 and 2007 white RDX on the way to Poland from US right now!

Jdrum1

Congratulations! Given the pricing on a clean high mileage AP1 and a clean high mileage RDX, I don't think there is a more fun and practical compact SUV/sports car combination available.


I returned yesterday from a Christmas road trip in the RDX. I still love it. It's great on the highway, responsive throttle, and has plenty of room for my big dog (he travels with me).

But......after I got unpacked, I drove the s2000 about 20 miles to meet some friends for coffee and had a smile the entire way (even after already driving for almost 4 hours). As great as the RDX is, the s still offers a thrill that an SUV can't even think about matching (even though the turbo is fun).


After putting some miles on the RDX (two road trips), my analysis is this; it drives like a new car (even at 142k miles) and has superb build quality (which I was expecting). Everything about it is tight and solid. Sure, I would love better MPG's (computer showed around 22 on my trip), but I knew that going in.

A good friend purchased a new Chevy Equinox a few weeks ago (to replace her Chevy Trailblazer that was falling apart at 80k). She brought it to my house straight from the dealer. Other than AWD, it's loaded. The interior feels cheap in comparison to the RDX. Interior parts don't fit together as tightly as they do in the RDX. You can tell that the build quality just isn't the same (and it listed at well over $30k). I predict squeaks and rattles coming soon.......

Kaputnik

I was amazed at the number of high mileage (150-200k) 1st gen RDXs out there for sale when I tracked mine down. I think that that speaks a lot about overall build quality and durability.

I just did my first road trip from San Francisco to my parents place in Mission Viejo for Xmas, and managed 24.3 mpg on the trip odometer taking HWY 101 (mileage probably helped by the fact that my wife was in the car). I hope to do better taking I5 home, which is more flat and straight.

Jdrum1

High miles, but low owners. Most comparable mileage CR-V's I was finding normally had 2-3 previous owners (and no/sketchy service history).


I was running 85 most of my trip, so I'm sure that impacted my MPG's a bit

TheWrench116

iTrader: (1)

welcome to the club when are you going to go under the knife?

Jdrum1

By knife, I'm guessing mods (like the long list on yours). Hope to do the Reflash before long. Maybe a CAI.

I wish someone made a more reasonably priced exhaust. I have two automotive "toys" (also have a classic truck, in addition to the s2000), so I can't really condone putting much $$ in my daily.

Kaputnik

I know what you mean! I was just down in Mission Viejo visiting my parents for a week and only a couple miles away from Heel-Toe. I really wanted to take my ECU over for the re-flash, but I chickened out. Car is too new to me and running so well. But after my first big road trip I can see where smoothing out the turbo boost would be nice, as well as a mid-range bump.

I made 25.7 mpg for the first 200 miles up the I5 yesterday, then hit big headwinds of a passing storm for the last 250 miles and finished at 23.7 mpg.