Hey Guys,

I'm looking at picking up a used 2007 RDX for my wife. I've researched around and it seems like the biggest complaints/concerns about the RDX is the lag in the turbo and battery/power issues. The RDX I'm looking at actually has a pretty good amount of mileage on it but I'm paying much less for it than I would for something under 100k. Anything i should be weary about after the 100k mark? Does anyone have this years model over 100k? I typically try to avoid a first gen model but the fact that it had no recalls on major components and just a few reported problems I figured I would look into it. I have an 07 TL already and I absolutely love it!! So I would like to put my wife in an Acura as well, keep in mind she's pretty gentle on her cars. Thanks in advance for all your help!!

 

Because Acura's are generally reliable, you will have to inspect that certain vehicle for anything that is wrong.
and extended test drive will show any problems as you drive it for more than 20 mins.
remember, that this engine is a turbo engine. if previous owner did not keep up with oil changes, I WOULD BE WEARY.

again, its a used car, and you're going to have to treat it as a used car. assume the worst.

this is the same advice I gave you for the RL.
you're just going to have to go inspect the said vehicle in question to see if anything is wrong with it.

if previous owner treated it like crap, you'll have a crappy car.
if previous owner king or queened it, you'll have an amazing car.

 

Right on, man. I looked up the carfax on it and it showed oil changes every 5-7k by the original owners, washed and detailed each time as well. Always serviced at the Acura dealership. and the Battery was just replaced, just over 100k. Spoke to the current owner last night and he seems to really like it as well, just can't afford the monthly payment anymore. Not nearly as many reported issues as that RL had, only one recall that I found which was on the hitch. The catch is that it is in Wichita and I live in Denver. So inspecting it will be tough. thinking about about flying out and having it inspected by a mechanic before heading to the bank. People seem to really enjoy these cars, so that's definitely encouraging.

 

sounds like a plan!

since, Ive been here on acurazine, Ive only seen a few RDX's turbo fail.
if this gentlemens car is heading north of 100k miles, it sounds like he treats the car well!! and the turbo will keep on truckin!

yeah, that 05 RL sounded like a headache with all the possible things that could go wrong.

I bet she would even love the RDX more than she would the RL.

 

Oh yeah, for sure! She's in love with both the RDX and the MDX. The newer MDX's are a bit out of our price range since we just bought a house, but the RDX seems to be just right. Plus If we were to get an MDX it would have to be newer, I've read bad things about the tranny on the 03-06 MDX.

 

Turbo lag can be helped with the hondata tune.

 

Also in the 2007, get it with tech to get Bluetooth connectivity, it didn't become standard until 2008.
I'm in the same boat as you, I would like something new, but don't wanna spend 40-50 grand on a HP crossover, the old rdx fits the bill, so I might get one soon if mileage is not to high and it's around 15 grand. The old rdx was ahead of its time IMO, only thing is mpg sucks.

 

I have an 08 RDX tech with +105,000 miles and I will keep this vehicle until the wheels fall off because it is that good of a ride.

The 07 RDX does have a slightly stiffer/firmer suspension compared to the +08 models. I don't mind the suspension being like that. I don't think memory seats were standard until +08 models (driver seat and adjusts side mirrors). Memory seat really come in handy for me since I am 6'3" and my wife is 4'11".

If you haven't driven a RDX before, I would check out the local CarMax and take a 07-09 RDX for a spin. I live in ABQ, NM, and the turbo is really nice at the higher altitudes. Getting the $300 Hondata ECU upgrade will make the RDX run even better and return about 1 mpg increase in combined gas mileage. Prices for tech -vs- non-tech depend more on mileage than the tech. I like the tech models; but, it depends on your budget and how much time you have to look.

I think all the upgrades to the +08 RDX models are:
- auto dim rear view mirror
- dual position memory seats
- updated to M.I.D. with personalized settings
- Bluetooth standard
- slightly softer suspension (still very sporty)

Make sure the owner has both keys and valet key. Very expensive to replace. Here is a link to the 2007 owner's manual so you can make sure everything is working the way is should when you get there:

https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/.../BTK0707OM.pdf

Other minor issues to check for:
- door lock actuator not working
- condensation in headlights (hard to tell in winter)
- recall on A/C clutch (can cause the A/C compressor to fail, happen to me)
- rattle in speakers
- OEM battery (usually 3-6 years max life)
- dirty/clogged/damaged intercooler from lack of cleaning/maint
- 100,000 service has been done (spark plugs, valve adjustment, replace head gasket, etc..)
- condition of leather and arm rest