Hey there, I'm a current TSX owner, but I'm thinking of coming over to the darkside and getting an RDX. Any pro's or con's with getting a new RDX vs a used one? I plan on going car shopping this weekend.

 

If you have good credit new car financing through Acura finacial services/HMco offers great terms, better than the big banks offer. Or buy used and save thousands. Even with a great resale value Acura cars take a hit when they leave the lot. Our four year old RDX has 44K and might be worth $24-25,000 (sticker was $38,356).

 

I used to own an 05 TSX auto myself. One thing I miss was the sunglass holder but it makes up for the huge center console you get in the RDX. And they finally relocate the moon roof control to the proper spot instead of on the dashboard where no one can get to it. And you will definitely feel the difference in speed and acceleration. But you’ll also take a hit on fuel economy.
Go CPO and save some money but if you don’t want AWD you might look for the 2010-11 for the FWD.

 

i went with a cpo 2008 rdx came with a 7 years or 100,000 miles warranty for the motor and transmission, i also got a 5 year bumper to bumper, i don't like the new grill acura is putting on their new vehicles

 

Funny thing about Acura is that, combined with the effect of used car prices caused by the cash for clunkers program, they hold their value pretty well. If you were to look at used (acura) car prices, the depreciation is pretty low. So the difference between a new and used one is not that big. If you have the extra money, I would go for new (lots of improvements in the 2010 over previous models) despite the new looks which I don't like, and you can even get financing with ridiculously low rates.
Some people will suggest to wait for the next generation vehicle....I wouldn't

 

For me, it came down to style, color, and available aftermarket mods. I picked a used 08 Tech because:

- I (the wife) wanted a Moroccan Red Pearl with taupe and this was only made in 07-08 (09 were off the list because of that).
- We also liked the 07-09 front grill and the painted bumpers (buck tooth grill 10 models off the list).
- I also wanted to mod the RDX a little and Hondata was only available for 07-09 models.
- We also needed memory seats because I'm 6'3" and she is 4'11" (07 doesn’t have mem seats)

It came down to finding a 08 RDX Tech and it took us a while to find the one we have. You can save $5,000 to $10,000 by going CPO and still get an extended warranty on top of that. I don’t think the added features in the new RDX are worth an extra $10,000. Going from a TSX to RDX is like going from VHS tapes to Blueray. The RDX has everything the TSX is missing. I don't mind the RDX's 20 mpg because of the very high fun to drive factor.

 

Everything the TSX is missing? Aside from power and AWD, what else?

 

This is just the improvements I've noticed comparing my 06 TSX to my 08 RDX:

- auto up/down on both front windows
- auto close of sunroof
- sunroof button on top center console instead of left of steering wheel on dash
- auto lock/unlock doors
- memory seats that adjust side mirrors
- XM traffic
- HID headlights seem brighter or maybe the higher position project the light better?
- more space in driver position
- better 360 visibility
- more storage in both front doors and center console
- 5.1 ELS system that plays more formats
- more space for 4 people and stuff
- larger trunk
- rear wiper
- TPMS, already discovered and fixed 2 slow leaks because of nails with TPMS
- switch blade keys
- easier to fold back seat down for more room
- cubby hole on the back passenger doors for stuff or drink bottles
- flat floor in back seat, great for when 3 sit back there.
- Unique styling, especially with front spoiler
- sleeper CUV, I've left a lot of drivers in my rear view on the curves
- more info on M.I.D.
- Higher ground clearance, no more scraping my bumper when parking.
- easier to get in/out, my 71 year old mom love this feature
- easier to drive with the better visibility and added power
- increased "fun-to-drive" factor (have eibach springs and Hondata)
- Can keep up or out handle any SUV out there on the curves except Cayenne S, X6 M, X5 M, and AMG.
- Acura's sh-awd can probably meet or exceed any other awd system out there in snow, ice, and rain conditions. Added safety for family.

All that is worth 20 mpgs!!

 

Thank you lots for the feedback, exactly what I needed! I am leaning towards used although I need to research more what the newer features are on 2010+

I definitely need the memory seats, I'm 5'1" and my fiancé is 6'6", he's going to be driving the TSX once we get the RDX.

 

I guess you are talking about the previous generation TSX....fair enough.

 

Go used and save $$$. I always buy used bcuz newer cars almost always require full coverage insurance and lose a lot of value in the first few years. I got my used '07 RDX for $13k and couldn't be happier.

 

If you're going to use it for daily drive car i'll buy used RDX but if you're planning to keep it and use it for pleasure i'll buy new RDX...:p

 

Thank you everyone for your input. I ended up purchasing a new one! The Acura near me had a 0.9% financing deal I couldn't say no to, and $2000 off MSRP. Pics will be posted as soon as it stops raining! The TSX is still going to be the primary car as my daily schedule sends me to some shady areas! Its my first time owning 2 cars, what am I getting myself into?

 

In before someone says you got ripped off and they could have gotten a better deal....

 

congrats on the new ride btw

 

Did you go for the Tech model? I think the tech is worth it and the dash looks so much better with the Navi. I give you about a week before you park the TSX and use the RDX as your daily driver. I'm always looking for excuses to steal the RDX from my wife.

 

Thanks! And yup, I got the techmodel with the AWD. I'm still trying to justify the purchase in my head, but my fiance's truck wasn't going to cut it for him as a daily driver any more since his commute is about 40 miles each way and mine's only about 20 roundtrip. I think the RDX is already going to trump the TSX except when we are going super far or going to sketchy areas.