annabelle

Hey all, haven't been on in a few years. This site was super helpful when shopping for my old TL, but I was able to spend a lot of time researching old threads. Is there a recent thread with things to look for when shopping for a used RDX?

I prefer first gen due to the 4 cyl turbo, but am open to second gen if it is more reliable.

Is one year preferable to the others in 1st gen? A few things I've picked up on from other posts are mostly just maintenance, fluids, and suspension as they get up in mileage.

Any insight from the experts would be appreciated. Thanks!

mrgold35

Depends if you are looking for basic transportation with pretty good mpgs that can handle most bad weather situations like the 2nd Gen RDX. Or do you prefer something sporty like the 1st Gen RDX and you don't mind getting 17-19 mpg combined and you like to drive hard year round when you want to? Both vehicles are very reliable with the nod going to the 2nd Gen RDX because most will have 1/4 -1/2 the mileage and might still be under the 4/50,000 basic and 6/70,000 powertrain factory warranties depending on model year.

I have a 08 RDX tech coming up on 150,000 miles. Still runs like new and it is the wife's daily driver (she is 4'11") for work commuting and running weekend family errands because it has tons of low end power from the turbo, maneuvers on rails, fast acceleration, all weather capabilities+excellent dry weather handling, plenty of utility for errands or hauling co-workers to lunch, excellent visibility, and compact for tight parking spaces. The issues I've had are related to just normal wear and tear at +100,000 miles like:
- torn center arm rest
- driver side door actuator
- sun visor replacement
- replaced struts and shocks
- replace alternator
- replaced coil packs

You have to drive the 1st Gen RDX kinda hard for it to feel at home compared to the 2nd Gen RDX. The 2nd Gen RDX is always in relaxed family mode. Think V-6 powered CR-V for the 2nd Gen RDX.

annabelle

Thanks for your reply, looks like I'll be sticking with 1st gen.

mrgold35

To help narrow down your choices:
- 07 has the stiffest suspension, a little different instrument cluster, and no memory seats, and the suspension started to soften a bit every model year afterwards
- All 07-09 RDXs come with sh-awd (I like this body styling the best)
- 09 RDXs have 4-way passenger power seat
- 10-12 RDXs was the mid model update with new front shield grille, rear bumpers with different exhaust tips, updated navi with XM weather/traffic, bluetooth audio, auto headlights, and fwd or sh-awd models
NOTE: fwd models can have front drive shaft issues and you won't get the all weather capabilities missing sh-awd; but, you get and extra 1-2 mpg advantage with the fwd RDX.