alcha123

Hey everyone. I need to buy a car because I'm going back to school, and have settled on either a 1st gen RDX or CX7. I want something on the smaller side that still has some power, and both of these seem to fit the bill. Based on what I want to spend, I'll be looking at 1st gen RDX's in the 100k - 120k mile range (similar years and mileage for CX7's).

Given that any RDX I can realistically get will be 9+ years old with 100k+ miles, is there any need for concern regarding maintenance/reliability? While having something I enjoy driving would be nice, reliability is more important. I'll be spending a ton of money going to school out of state so I really need something that won't constantly have problems. Also, anything I should keep in mind/be aware of when looking at RDX's in this range? Also have kind of been interested in VW Tiguans, but I've never owned German and am super concerned with maintenance. Anyone have experience/opinions on RDX vs CX7 vs Tiguan? I know this is an RDX forum so there might be some bias, but any honest opinions are appreciated. Thanks in advance!

DaIll1

Remember, at that age, rubber parts will need attention. The 1st gen RDX has issues with A/C, heating, and battery life. Mechanically they're pretty solid, that Honda thing, you know.
You may want to look at gas milage too. Power and AWD costs weekly.
My RDX is my winter beater and I pay for the turbo SH-AWD. My summer car is an ILX and gets nearly twice the mpg, but 1 wheel drive sucks on ice.
edit: Oh yeah, the turbo actuator has a wear problem. There are threads on this forum. Generally around 100k they wear enough to cause codes and a dealer will tell you you need a $5k turbo, but the part they don't sell is less than $100.00.

mrgold35

The 1st Gen RDX will have a better awd system if you have to deal with bad weather. The RDX does have some nice upgrades like HIDs, ELS stereo with XM radio, sporty handling, excellent visibility, seating for 5 with a flat 2nd row floor, tow up to 1500 lbs, Hondata reflash for +25 hp/tq for $300, and a compact size for easy parking. The downsides are city mpgs in the teens, needs 91 Octane and 100% syn motor oil, hwy road noise, and sporty/stiff suspension. You will also be running into age related maint items like radiator leaks, P/S pump/rack leaks, A/C compressor issues, bad speakers, navi CD-ROM failures, and alternator. I also had to replace my 4 coil packs and my iVtec change over solenoid on my 08 RDX around the +150,000 mile mark.

Another option is to look at the +13 RDX tech awd. Not as sporty as the 1st Gen 07-12 RDX and the +13 RDX comes in fwd or awd (CR-V slip and grip awd system only). The +13 RDX will have a 3.5L V-6+6AT that will have more standard HP and up to 27 mpg on hwy. The +13 RDX 3.5L has a timing belt that is due at 7 years or 105,000 miles minimal. A lot of owners sell their +13 RDX or skip the timing belt service. Prices for a 12 and 13 RDXs will be around the same depending on mileage. Just make sure you have a maint records for either year. The timing belt service on my 3.7L 11 MDX cost me around $1700 and it was around $600 for my 06 TSX/08 RDX for the same 105,000 miles service.

Midnight Mystery

RDX will be, by far, cheaper to maintain than any if your other options listed.


Yes, there will be occasional small repairs here and there and you do need to keep up with the fluids.

Oil every 3K miles, mobile 1 only.

Tranny fluid every 30K

Diff and transfer case every 30K

No timing belt as there is a timing chain.

I'm currently at 308K miles on my 2007 RDX and running like new!

Tomtwtwtw

Obviously make sure the car has been maintained properly with documentation. That includes coolant, brake and power steering fluid changes. As long as it has been well maintained, you are not likely to face any significant, unexpected expenses. General maintenance on this car is also quite cheap - really on par with your average Civic. So, start with a good foundation and you should have years of reliable use.

That said, at that mileage the car will also likely be ready for spark plugs, serpent belt and a suspension refresh, so for any of those not yet done, I suggest to plan into your budget for the car before you buy. Many first gen cars also tend to have a bolt on the turbo actuator wear out, which can throw engine codes. Mine started just over 150k miles. It's fairly cheap to DIY, so I suggest reading up on that process on this site to see if it's something you are comfortable handling (search "P2263").

feralcomprehension

If you find a good one you'll be fine, but they were expensive originally and maintenance can be spendy if you take it to the dealer which means there are examples that were not well maintained. A poorly maintained turbocharged all-wheel-drive vehicle can get expensive quickly.

I don't think anyone has mentioned the possibility of a worn and rattling turbo actuator; it's not uncommon and IIRC tends to first show up around 120k. Not a terrible fix, especially DIY, but if you have to pay to have it done it'll be painful.

Don't tell anyone else, but I run mine on unapproved (synthetic) oil to 10,000 miles and it doesn't burn a drop.

Tomtwtwtw

I did on the post just above yours. lol

DaIll1

Me too.
"the turbo actuator has a wear problem"

Tomtwtwtw

Indeed! At least we're all on the same page about calling out possible future problems.

hues10

2011 here with 62k miles now on it. No mechanical issues to speak of. Cosmetically though the center console cover will fade, crack, rip, etc. I had a sun visor spring break so it would not stay up. Now, the headliner is coming down or detaching from the roof in the back. Annoying little things to say the least. Just FWD, but will be 10 years soon in March, and at this rate of driving, I will on SOcial Security before I hit 100k. Been a great car.

feralcomprehension

So nobody has mentioned the turbo actuator issue...

(kidding!)

CSmoney28

HONDA over MAZDA

No comparison!!

Everyone else got all the issues already...

SinCity

Good to hear you have a lot of mileage on it. During this time, have your replaced the following and what mileage if you did: PS Pump, Fuel Pump, Water Pump. I have 148k mi and wonder want to make a long trip with it.

mrgold35

I replaced my P/S pump and had a hairline crack in my radiator near the bottom around the 160,000 mile mark. The tech thought it was the water pump and replaced that first and I still had the leak on the garage floor. The P/S pump was just a minor leak just enough to have dirt collect on the pump. I just replaced it because I was going to hand down my 08 RDX to my daughter. She is still driving the RDX with +185,000 miles and just had to do routine M.I.D. servicing. The only issue she has with the RDX is the driver's seat isn't as comfy now compared to when newer for road-trips (100% fine for in city errands). I think the padding is a little flat after so many years.

SinCity

That seems to be the issue with my P/S pump. Just a small drip onto the ground every once in a while.