Hello folks!

It is official. As of yesterday. I am no longer an official member here. Rex was sold yesterday. I am going to really really miss it. It was the best driving vehicle I have ever had, would literally cut through curves like they were not even there, the body remained extremely composed, even when I put it under a lot of pressure. The seats were amazing. Even though it is 10 years old, it did not feel like it whatsoever. The tech was still relevant and the driving dynamics were 3 classes above. Sure it was fwd based, but you could never ever tell that it was.

Had to sell because it was causing me knee and elbow pain and no amount of adjustments were working for me. Tried every possible adjustment, and just couldn't do it. Discovered it was the rdx after not driving it for a whole week and the pain went away.

Not really sure what I want to get next. Really want an suv, just not sure yet. Maybe I will post back what I get and do a small comparo.

Anyways thanks so much to everyone for all the help and good conversation. I will still pop in, but can't call myself official anymore.

 

Ok, I read through your long post, sorry about that... I myself just got a 2007 RDX a few weeks ago... So I guess you're still in the Santa Fe... My aunt got hit head on in her 2012 Santa Fe four months ago... She's been through a couple surgeries and will need another soon, but she lived... Angry drunk hit her head on going 70, she was going 35, so 105 mph... They're safe... Now on topic, let me suggest some things... Comfortable, and still fun...
2007-13 MDX
Not as tall, and a bit subjective but how about Crosstour/ZDX...
I've also had a love affair for the 2011-13 Kia Sorento SX...
Mazda CX-7/9 (they're okay, sat in one)
I hear the Edge/MKX handles well
Don't forget the Oddy
Or go softer, Murano, good space, consider one myself...
Or the most comfortable of all, RX350, but it is very mushy... Maybe worth the pain... If I remember, your rdx was an 08 or 09, so you'll be shopping pre-owned, which is a great value... Well, whatever you do look at and end up with I do hope you're happy... Just look around... Let Google be your friend, and see what you like, they're many good choices... I'm supporting my last love, but look at 05-10 Sportage... Good luck, sorry for the long post...

 

Sorry to hear you had to let the RDX go. Not a lot of choices out there if you like the driving dynamics of the RDX along with price and reliability of Acura added on top of that. I know my RDX "might" be good for another 3-4 years without any major issues. I just don't know what I will pick after that since the RDX was the 99% solution. Leaning toward going back to a sedan like the sh-awd TLX in a few years if the 3rd Gen +2019 RDX still doesn't have sh-awd.

 

Hey no worries about the long post! I appreciate it! I read your thread about you just getting the rdx, congrats! Its honestly one of the best suvs available. Acura had it SO RIGHT!

Oh wow! I hope your aunt gets a good and speedy recovery! The santa fe is 5 star rated for safety, so I can imagine if she was in something less, she may not have gotten away so easily!

2007-2009 mdx is too slow, feels like a slug, the 2010+ mdx is much better, but a bit out of the price range.
Zdx would be really nice, but again, I feel that they are going for 5-10k too much.
The 2011-2013 sorento sx is actually one of my favorites! I have test driven a couple 2012's, went to purchase one on saturday and it had just sold, but it is still on the table!
Cx7/9 are really really ugly to look at, can't stomach the curves.
Edge and mkx (2011+ are not bad either) but I lean more towards the lincoln for the added luxury and tech.
Oddy? You mean audi?
Murano....cvt.....automatic off my list
Lexus rx is WAY too mushy for me

My RDX was an 07, beautiful beautiful car. I still feel regret and pain over selling it. Handled like a compact hatch, not like a top heavy marshmallow (santa fe).

Right now my shortlist consists of (2011 mkx, 09+ fx, 09 audi q5, 2012 sorento sx, and if all else fails, a 2007 bmw x5 4.8i).

The rdx hit the perfect balance of sport and reliability, that I don't think many will have.

I still hate it. I didn't want to sell it, I HAD to sell it. It is the first car I have ever sold, and days later kicking myself because I had to sell it. I don't know many cars at all that will drive as well as the rdx and reliability of the rdx? Forget it!

The closest thing would be audi q5, not as reliable, but I think could outhandle the rdx and still a good size. But finding an affordable one can be difficult as resale value is killer, 100k miles/150-160k kms q5's are still going for 20k+.

Why don't you get a 2012 low km rdx in a few years? Lol or could go with an old grandmafied version and get a 2G rdx? Audi q3 won the consumer reports award for most reliable vehicle EVER. I would look into that if I was you

 

Well good luck with the next ride.

I wonder if the 2017 NSX would be less painful to drive?

Maybe for the body, at least. Not so much for the wallet!

 

Thank you! Oh how I wish! The new nsx is just something else! I don't even like the R8 or gtr as much as the new nsx.

It would be very very painful for the wallet, but god it would be so fun!

 

(Regarding top post)
The Sorento SX is very similar to the Santa Fe, so safety should be the same... I believe the SX does 0-60 in 6.7-ish... 276 hp, and 6AT... God, I found a gorgeous 2012 in dark cherry, but decided in the RDX because it was only $7800 (no note)... It only had 86,000 miles?
$16,000... Perfect, blue ambient lighting package and every thing... Also, cooled driver seat... The new NX 200t is kinda like the RDX when it came out... But really, really expensive still... I guess that's all I can say for now...

 

Oddy meant Odyssey, good for the pain, excellent value used...

 

The 2011-2013 sorento shared many components with the santa fe such as transmission, enginess, and platform. But that is pretty much where it stopped. The sorento had so much features not available on the santa fe (like cooled driver seat, heated steering wheel, pano roof, smart key, power fold mirrors, memory seats...etc). Also the sorento has a MUCH MUCH MUCH sportier ride and handling, and thanks to the hydraulic steering in the sorento, steering feel is even better than the rdx (though not by much) and way better than the santa fe.

0-60 is around 6.8-7.0 depending in who did the test, but certainly still really good numbers for a naturally aspirated V6 in a midsize crossover. Wow thats a really good deal on the sorento! I would have taken it if I was you!

The nx is really nice, beautiful interior, but very expensive for its' size and I bet resale will be killer for the next 10 years. I bet it will still command 20k in 10 years. Lexus vehicles like never lose value (except ct200h...gross).

Oh hell no! Minivan! Hell to the hell no. Lol I appreciate the suggestion, but would much sooner walk than drive a minivan (seriously mean that).

Anyways. I appreciate the convo, thanks for your input. I will post back when I do get something.

 

He'

 

You had me craking up, sorry about the He'... My keyboard keeps disappearing, iPhone...
Anyway, don't forget about the 2011-13 Sportage SX turbo, and also the VW Tiguan, pretty rein able in the used market... A week before our Kia was crashed, we dive a 2010 VW CC, 2.0T, holy crap... Talk about stuck to the seat, and only 200 hp... Hate to say this, but way faster than the RDX (in feeling) and 2007 Accord V6 which is a lot like the RDX at full throttle minus the extreme low end torque... Check out Jakeman21642, he just got his dad to buy a Tiguan.... He's got a lot of YouTube material on it... I think the Sorento is great, and my dream hast been to own one since they came out.... But my favorite engine is VW 2.0T TSI, something like that... But my got, they glue you to the seat for what they are...

 

I just couldn't get use to the 10-12 RDX beak shield and redesigned rear bumper when I was ready to purchase in 2010. The main reason I got a silver MDX was the paint and beak blended together so it wouldn't be so pronounced.

I like the looks of the Q3; but, I just don't like spending that much money for 2.0L and 200hp. I would look at the Q3 if it had +240hp. Since I keep my cars for around 8-12yrs, most domestic and european brands are out long term.

There are rumors the +17 MDX (or most likely the 2020 4th Gen MDX) might offer a sport hybrid sh-awd (+360hp, 27-29 city/hwy). I just need something to fill the gap until them. I can pass the TLX sh-awd down to the kid when he grads from college in 2020.

 

I also forgot to throw the 2013 Escape Titainium out there... However, they're probobly very expensive still... If I can think of anything else, I'll send it your way....

 

Damn Iphones never ever seem to work properly....but have had 5 in a row now lol.

I like the look of the sportage sx, but I don't like it for a few reasons, the power seat is only 6 way adjustable, hardly enough adjustability for me, ride is brittle as hell (though this is supposed to compensate for the sporty handling) and I really want to stay away from 4 cylinder engines. Looking at V6's, V8's, and turbo V6's. Not that the 2.3T was bad in my rdx, just didn't like the sound of it.

Avoiding the tiguan for a few reasons as well, was going to get a tiguan instead of rdx initially, made a pros and cons list and rdx annihalated it. Tiguans have the 2.0t, and while it is a sweet engine, it has VERY BAD carbon buildup issues, to the point where valves are bent by impacting carbon deposits due to the direct injection. Another issue (this one was the deal breaker) is the 2.0 tsi is notorious for timing chain failure, they used a cheap little spring device to hold the chain, if this device was to gain too much slack, it would break and the chain would snap after turning the engine off, so next time when you started the car, the inside of the engine was like a coffee grinder. Another reason is the steering wheel simply doesn't adjust down low enough, and if the rdx was too small for me, I really doubt a tiguan would be.

So far the sorento is at the top of the list because it has the greatest mix of reliability, looks, options, and handling.

I agree, the beak is something else! The only way I could have gotten over it was to purchase a black rdx and then paint it body color. I also liked the rear ends on the 07-09 rdx more.

240+hp is only a $500 tune away. This isn't like the rdx and hondata where you only get a modest jump in power. Stage one tunes add 40-60hp and 70-90 torque! If you are worried about reliability, take a look over at the gti/a3/tiguan side of things. The only real issue on these vehicles was the aformentioned timing chain issues which were fixed with a revision of the failing part in 2012.5 and up models, which the q3 certainly falls into. The only other issue is carbon buildup which is common in DI vehicles, a simple fix is to install a catch can.

I have read about the mdx, for some reason I really doubt they are going to go all the way with the hybrid mdx (if it happens). But crossing my fingers it does, the tlx (in black) is stunning though!

Ford escape is nice, we a 1.6t rental for a few months last summer and it drove pretty well and there was ZERO lag. But the issue is again, trying to stay away from 4 cylinder engines and also lacking a few features that I really want (namely heated steering wheel) and that front end....:hard to stomach!

Oh and thank you for the suggestions, I really appreciate it!

 

Go to the car talk thread, My Baby, My Baby... This was a emotional post I made when I found the salvage auction listing for my 2007 Kia Sportage LX... I was tired and excited so it may seem weird to read... But it Auctions at 8 a.m. CT... This is, well, my baby... After 7 years, 2 months, and a week or so... It has been a wonderful vehicle... The A/C is not great... I had the base model... Rims are standard... No steelies... Power windows, locks, and a/c... CD, radio... I mean... It's not bad... No keyless entry... Not on the LX, only the EX... There was a V6, although, it's not much faster than the I4... I had the 0-60 down to 9.97, from 12.6 stock... Yes... The V6 is rated at 10.2, I think... I had an intake, 93 octane (huge difference), and 40 psi... One guy has a V6, S/C, and I/H/E... His runs like 6.0, I think... It handes well, ride is about like a gen 7 Accord (03-07), and steering is quite as touchy as the RDX so you can let go of it if you want... The breaks are amazing... Firm, but never sesitive like in the 2013 Pathfinder, 2003 ES300, and 2016 Camry SE (rental)... Well, check out the thread... You'll see, it looks a lot like a small gen 1 (2001-2003) MDX in the rear... I've literally gotten them mixed up, from a difference, at night... I miss the 4 banger, I could floor it all the time... Hear that intake grawl... Have you ever driven a gen 6 Accord, (98-02) I4/4AT, power is a lot like that... By the way, 2016 Camry SE electric steering has good weight at speed, more than RDX, on dead center, good low-end torque for an I4, almost as good as the K24, but not quite... Lots of space, no body roll, less under steer than the Kia, and a good, smooth, but never floaty ride... It's nothing like the 01 Camry I have which needs a rebuilt engine... ATP 205 re-seal does not mix with sludge, synthedic oil, and bad ratio to oil vs sealant... The oil thinned too much and the pump couldn't pump it out the pan fast enough when revved... And, it broke up the sludge, first came ping, then came tap, then came knock, on the way to my sisters wedding of all things... We got it the mile home, and the dirty Kia, which I had no reason to stand out in the rain two days erliar to clean, saved the day... Anyway... Look for a nice Sorento... If you wish to do a couple mods, if have a couple of suggestions... Also, I remember reading that now, if only VW could get it right...

 

It is weird to find a vehicle and then kind of fall in love with it, but I totally understand it. If I had the rdx for a longer time, I am sure I would be feeling the same way as you. Why didn't you go get a 2010 V6 ex? They are probably REALLY cheap right now.

What do you suggest for mods for the sorento? I am still looking, so far all out of price range, or in the range but a color that I cannot stomach (purple). I think VW finally has the timing chanin fixed, I don't understand though why the germans can't ever get a timing chain correct?

 

I dont

 

I don't care much for the 2009-2010 style vs the 2005-2008, it just looks plainer... I wanted steering wheel audio controls, cd changer, low-end torque, I like being underpowered sometimes, but only if I can park it and drive something else after I get sick of the constant kickdowns... I also don't like the gen 2 Sportage leather seats, the cloth is great, except the tweed-like fabric in the 07, I prefer the valour in the 05... But the leather doesn't provide much grip, so, slip n' slide, I guess... Actually, it was the day of the wreck I sat in one with leather, as another one that was beige cloth, it even smelled the same, like when after I detail it... Ok, mods for Sorento...
White halogen low/H11
High/H1
Fog/881
My favorite white halogen bulb is Phillips Diomind Vision 5000k, if you could go HID/new Cree LED if you want to drill out the dust caps... Led interior lights, looks good on black like the SX, or even gray... Pure white* led plate/tag lights... Painted calipers or caliper covers...

 

Sorry about that, hit reply by mistake... Anyway...
3.0 K emblems, I dislike the appearance on the big KIA, looks cheap, in my opinion...
(I prefer emblems with out lettering, Hondas H, Fords fancy F O R D... Decorative front plate, if your state allows, and you have a blank space for it, can't stand that... DRL, if you want...
All weather mats, plastidip emblems, if you want... And also, an intake, or at least a good filter... If you want more power, run 93 in it, worked well on the 07 2.0 Sportage, I lost 1.5 seconds full, and .98 empty... It just felt better right away... Also helps in K24, and the J30a4/5 engine, 16 hp/tq actually on J30 accord 03-07... Don't know if they have an intake for it though... If it will have a hitch receiver, get a nice garnish cover too... Led reverse lights... Maybe remote start... Really just make it look very sharp lights and decorative things... I couldn't imagine spending thousands on mods... Oh and front tint, if you can... I go 40% front, legal, with a smoked look... Also, what're are you, what's the market like... I'm in the New Orleans Metro area, I found a 2011, SX, black on black, 67,665 for $15,995... Just over four years ago, it was around $34,500, new... I like the white, the gray is alright, I'm not big in the silver, too much chrome, not enough contrast, make wheels look small... I love the dark cherry, but it's kinda purple, the black is alright, I just don't like black on a lot of vehicles... Too bad it doesn't come in a grayish-brown color, I love that color, but it only comes on the EX, not as sporty, although, it looks a little less square on bottom... They're also some nice oem accessories too, blue ambient lighting, and door sill lights... There is just a lot out there... Mainly, just keep it clean looking... Make it look like a Benz or something... Less is more...

 

Hahah wow you have a lot of input. Very cool ideas. So far still on the search. Not sure yet what I am getting. Currently mulling over a xc90 V8 r-design that I test drove today. Will see what happens, thank you again.

 

How do those drive? I hate black cladded plastic but I've always wanted an XC90 since I've staring noticing them in around 2006... I sat in a few a while back but the inside felt a little "chitzy", "crunchy", "creaky"... What's with the accelerator, it clicks down twice when you floor it, are they still using a kickdown switch, and not a throttle position sensor or whatever it is? I don't know, huge trunk, high floor, I think due to third row being folded in there... I love the two part tailgate, keeps loose items from roiling out when you open the liftgate, this would have been helpful a little while ago tonight... And two weeks ago, on the Kia, I could open the back glass... Man I forgot how much I liked those XC90s... I really like the new XC60 from the outside, however, the inside is just too prestigious feeling... It's almost boring, I like simplicity, just not basic... I sat in a 2012 Accord Crosstour last night, dang, wish I would've checked one out too... So far, I really like the RDX, the last things for now are in the mail, yellow vinyl for foglights, and led reverse lights to help light up the camera better... My main complaint is the fuel economy 13.59, come on, really... Coulda got a 420 HP Trailblazer SS for that... Well, did wait in a thunderstorm for an hour last week, and some other sitting too, but the worst I ever got was almost 16 in the Kia, and most times between 17, 18, maybe 19... The rental was about 24-26, no comparison, what so ever... Oh well, keep me posted, good luck looking!!!

 

I drove the V8 R-Design model, it has a stiffer sport tuned suspension. It actually drove pretty well, much smoother than the rdx (but it has a longer wheel base, so expected). I didn't take it to the curvy road we have here, I wish I did though!

I also hate cladding, the 07's really cut down on the cladding to a degree that I am ok with. The 2013+ models have no cladding at all, I like those the most. I didn't pay attention to the kickdown switch, but I actually prefer that over the sensor. I had the kickdown switch on my touaregs, it is awesome, it forces the transmission to kick down into the lowest gear possible and to hold the revs. Our santa fe is just throttle position sensor, it doesn't kickdown like I would like it to.

Thats the issue with the one I drove. It was so creaky, my dad commented that it felt like we were in a glass box. Everythinf squeaked and creaked. My rdx was SOLID in comparison. I am planning another test drive but this time going to remove the windshield washer fluid jug in the rear and see what else is moving around. Too many rattles for me!

I was going to do yellow fog film too, you got film not wrap right? Because film is transparent and vinyl is not. Oh and led license plate lights too.

Good luck. Will post back when I finally purchase something. Hating driving the santa fe!

 

So, it was a few months ago I sat in about two or three XC90s, the door panals, console armrest, radio/climate controls, they just felt bad, like the plastic was paper thin... It wasn't as bad as that 2008? Chrysler Aspen, the seat recliner handle must have been a recycled hanger... The kind that snaps if you hang a heavy coat on it... It was like if you sneeze the whole thing would just desinigrate... Is it FWD, or FWD biased (transverse engine)? The vinyl for the fogs are translucent like what I had on my heads and tails before... It's a small area, so I hope for no wrinkles this time... I wish I could just reach the bulb from the lower grille like I thought... Also, where is the rear washer fluid on the RDX, I never did find it in the Kia, I'm guessing it's in the side panel, also, I like the service doors in the liftgate to access rear bulbs, my sisters 2013 Parhfinder doesn't have it, and the whole panel has to come off, worse, it's a power liftgate, and I've hit the button while working on it, it will either go up and away, or righ down on you... New here's my concern with the kickdown switch, how do you down shift gear one gear at part throttle, going 25 in third gear, downshift to second and 35% throttle to speed up to 45 in about four seconds without exceeding 3,000 rpm... I just don't understand it, it just sounds like a little, then all at once... Well, hope it goes well for you...

 

I didn't feel the plastic parts, but was impressed at how much soft touch they used. The whole dash, 3/4 of the doors, even the area on the side of the center console area. It actually feels like a high quality interior, mind you, this was an 07 model, maybe you sat in older ones?

Do you mean where does it come from? It comes from a nozzle integrated into the spoiler.

The idea here, is that the transmission will only respond to the kickdown switch at certain speeds. The transmission is 6 speeds for example. So going 110km/h, you would be in 6th, press the acceleration to part throttle and it will drop to 3rd, then press the switch and it will drop to second instantly.

But going around at speeds where the tranmission is capable of dropping to 2nd on its' own, it will not drop to first.

 

Ok, so it can kick down at any speed as usual, then hit the kickdown switch to get serious power, it's a little of both... I was thinking it was a premitive system that would only kick down one gear at full throttle, only, like a 1970s V8 LTD of something... It was ok for them, they could only go fown one gear with their 3 speed auto... That makes more sense... Euro designs are so different... I do like the central locking system, you have the door locks, then have the lock on the dash in the center to unlock or lock all doors with one button as well... I loved that 2010 CC we drove in mid January... The sunglasses holder was small, not that we ever use it, a couple of weeks ago, I went to put a zipper bag with the two stock plate lights in the subleases holder to keep 194 bulbs in, to my surprise, there isn't one... The Volvo I sat in was, I guess an 04-06 model, 2.5... It was dark, they have all the used lots around me, my whole life I've been a bit of a window shopper... Probobly sat in 500-700 vehicles by now... They had a nice 1991 Legend 3.2 a while back, it even had steering wheel volume controls, on a 1991... Anyway, they just felt like you could press on anything and make it bend, but the Volvos are completely different, they're just too fancy inside these days... And what's the deal with new interiors being all black with colored seats... Look at new Toyotas, the dash, steering wheel, tops if doors, carpets, it's all black... They shouldn't call them colored interiors, they should call them color appointed or something... That's been in my mind since I stated going to the local auto show in spring 2013... Cost cutting, I guess... I'm way off topic, and can't even remember what I was talking about... I need to re-read the post, but I think I said everything...

 

The washer fluid

 

Is, there a second container in the trunk area, or does it have a feed line running above the door pilars to the back, I know it's coming from somewhere, but I've never been deep enough into the vehicles parts to tell... You said it was rattling, that leads me to think there's one in the back somewhere... The post is spit because my keyboard disappeared on me again causing me to hit reply when I want to hit space... It will do that 2,3,4-10 times, then it will work fine... I just had this phone reset in the very beginning of the month, so I don't know what's wrong, the other day it got so slow, and even went to the reboot screen what scares me half to death, sometimes it crashes, and stays on that screen until I have it reset...

 

What's with usage of all the "..." and commas? It hurts my eyes to look at these dense posts. Sorry, please forgive the grammar police here (I'm a college professor). Feel free to

 

No, not at all. It only functions at certain speeds and forces the transmission into the lowest gear possible for that given speed. It won't only shift one gear, that would make no sense.

I personally prefer lighter colored interiors. It adds a sense of comfort and ambiance that an all black interior cannot match. The reason they choose to make a majority of the interior black is because black is easy to clean compared to beige.

Never in my life seen a 2-container setup. Simple a container in the front that pumps washer fluid to the front and rear of the vehicle. No the volvo was rattling, but I was not sure if there was something in the hatch.

I sort of have to agree with kaputnik, no offense intended! I think you should break up your posts into paragraphs with relevant themes or ideas. It is both easier to read, and easier to follow/reply to. I am not trying to be a grammar Nazi, I know that I am far from perfect!

 

I completely understand, I've read many things that just don't make any sense what so ever.
Ok, as for the washer bottle set up... That must have been the rear washer line in the rear you were referring to.
About the kickdown switch, I'm thinking of a very primitive system that only works in very old designs... By old, I mean pre-1980. I watched a YouTube video explaining it once, although this was well over a year ago. I'm very fimiliar with the way a transmission kicks down a gear or two.
Finally, I really prefer an all beige interior. Typically either saddle leather, like the first generation MDX, or a light beige with darker, nearly brown accenting on the top of the dash and door panals, as in the seventh generation Accord.
My concern with the partial colored interior is the fact it looks incredibly cheap in some applications, and gives the effect that they make everything one color, then give you color option seats... It must be cost cutting as they only have to design, dye, and mold dash and door panals in one color... This means every new vehicle will look very odd unless you get the black interior... I'm mainly pointing my finger at Toyotas newer than 2010-2012 and up...
My sisters 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Platnum is slate gray, with a light ivory leather, the top of the dash is a light brown.
Also, as for the rattle, it may be a broken retainer clip loose in the panel... Then again, I'm not very used to rattling interior components, if anything it's the window rolled down four or so inches, both Kia and RDX do this...

 

I tried to space everything out too, it removed my topic indenting, sorry, I'm not good with computers and phones...