I've had my eye on the RDX since I first saw a concept vehicle picture as the logical upgrade to my '99 RAV4. Now that I've seen it in person and driven it, I'm 90% sure it is the right car. But that 10% is really bothering me.

If the RDX had been out for a year or two, and had a bit more compliant suspension and the missing goodies (seat memory, power passenger seat, etc.), there would be no decision to make. It would win.

The RAV4 is a great car -- reliable and useful. Certainly not as luxurious as I would like. It's become my daily driver, commuter, and bad weather car. I want a more luxurious, better-performing version of it.

At the same time, I don't need an SUV pretending to be a sports car -- my good-weather, sports-car companion to the RAV4 is a Porsche Boxster.

The problem is that there doesn't seem to be anything that comes close to the RDX. The CX7 and new RAV4 don't have the luxury. The X3 is pricey. The RX350 seems too lacking in performance. I really don't like the FX series. And the price of the RDX is very reasonable.

So what do you guys think? Am I missing another option? Overanalyzing? Just buy the damn car?

 

I would holdoff for at least a year or two if you can.

 

The 2007 Honda CR-V is very similar to the RDX. Though it is not as luxurious as the RDX, and it does not have all the same features, and of course it is cheaper.

 

I was in the same boat, however, even though this is a first year car, I think the value is relatively high in comparison (CX7, RAV4, X3, Murano). You get a great handeling car with SH-AWD, the interior is comfortable and has plenty of room for passenger's, luggage, etc and the turbo charged engine make it a quick SUV with a sports car handeling, which is tough to do with an SUV (The car reacts well and sticks to the road). I think they will make some changes to some of the amenities including the memory seat, passenger power etc., but for $33+ grand it really offers a lot.

JD

 

A year or two? I somehow don't think that is one of his options.

If you don't have a problem going domestic, their are 2 other cars I would consider:

1. Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L Hemi, in the low to mid 30s MSRP, decent power, decent interior, very good bad weather capability. (SRT-8 is a gas drinker, starts at 39 and has a very harsh ride from what I hear)
2. Dodge Magnum RT-AWD. Likewise running a hemi with MDS, fair mileage, decent interior, adaptation of 4Matic for AWD.

I just sorta gave 3 different classes of vehicle, RDX included, but those are all vehicles we have looked at along with the RDX.

Mike

 

The title had ".. or nothing??" Which imply JurassicPizza can wait.

 

Not two years... People don't go looking for a car for two years into the future.

Mike

 

I had a deposit down at my dealer for the RDX on January 5th, 2005. Picked it up September 21st, 2006. Not quite 2 years, but a long time to wait for the right vehicle.

 

Well, I could wait 2 years ... but realistically, I won't. 7 years it the longest I've ever had a car. I've been thinking about this upgrade for a couple years already, just scoping out the options.

Interesting alternatives up there -- but very different vehicles. I would probably go smaller rather than bigger, like the Audi A3 (although that is too small).

The comment someone had about the value of the RDX as-is was right on point. It's a lot of car for $33k, and Acura has about as good a reputation for quality as anyone. If they get it perfect in a couple years, I could always do a trade and eat the difference.

I went for another drive today... which confirmed the stiff ride... but then on the way back from the dealership I started to really sense how much of an upgrade the RDX would be. The RAV4 seemed a lot less stable, and the heater less capable, and the seats not nearly as comfortable!

-JP

 

I said "at least a year or two." What that means is 1 or 2 years to wait, so anytime after 1 year may be ok, not 2. Better?

I waited for 2 years for the RDX. My current truck is 11 year old but it still runs good and in good condition, but I needed something new right away to look cool.

 

JP,
One thing to consider is the winter, (Something I thought about but unfortunately I am an impulse buyer). If your RAV4 is running well and can survive another winter cool. You might be better off using it for commuting, bad weather etc.
Then you can take advantages of some of the deals that will be going on in spring on this car. By this time, I think there may be an overstock of this category of car at many dealerships. The economy and gas prices have definitely effected the sales numbers. You look at any Acura dealership right now and they have a huge stock of '06 MDX vehicles. The RDX has not been flying off the shelves either. When the spring rolls around I think the dealers will be very aggresively selling the '06 MDX and RDX models at discounted pricing.

JD

 

Nicely put.

 

Jurassic - you have to take all these opinions with a grain of salt.

If you read Solid State's posts, he has not been very happy with his RDX and wishes he didn't get it because it doesn't live up to his expectations.

I don't think the CRV would be an option for you since you're looking to upgrade your RAV4. While I think the CRV is nice and I considered it myself, I don't think I would trade the horsepower and other goodies of the RDX for the lower price.

As far as the other choices mentioned, I don't think they really compare. A friend of mine has the jeep and with less than 15K, has had nothing but problems and is always in the shop. He seriously regrets getting it. He was stranded with it not too long ago. As soon as they won't lose money on it, he's trading it in. The Dodge Magnum, IMO, looks like a hearse. Whenever I see one, I expect the guy from the movie Phantasm to get out of it.

Having been where you are, except with a much older car, I decided to get the RDX. The reason I chose to go with it was because I didn't want to go through the winter with a 9 year old car and everything else I looked at didn't measure up. I could have settled for something with a better price, but I would be sitting here now comparing it to and wishing I had the RDX. For comparison, I did look at RX350 and the FX too, which are feature rich cars.

I've had mine for about a week and a half and I love it. Even after seeing the new MDX, I have no regrets.

I've decided if it comes out with a lot of improvements over the next couple of years, I can trade it in or sell it myself. I'm fairly confident it will hold its value.

 

Hey JurassicPizza, I'm kinda in the same boat you are. I was seriously contemplating the RDX ever since it was released. But my parents passed off the family Ford Freestyle so I'm stuck with it now until the lease expires. A free car is a free car I guess. =)

IF you can wait, then you can always pick up a 2008 RDX which will address some of your concerns (memory seats and auto-mirror are almost certain). I feel you with regards to the RAV4...it is a totally capable and reliable car. I was debating between the RAV4 and the RDX for some time in August as "practicality" is one of my main criteria.

However, after pouring through a few cars - the RAV4 (a little bland), CX-7 (not enough luxury), X3 (too pricey), and even smaller cars like the A4 (pricey when feature-loaded) and Legacy GT (same price range but I like the RDX's form factor instead) - my research would always bring me back to the RDX.

After months of research and test drives, the RDX is still the CUV to beat in terms of features, price, and performance. There really isn't anything else out there right now. Wait til 2009 and you'll be getting some offerings from other major players like VW, Lexus, and Inifniti. A few of the new "suv-like" sedans will be making appearances too. But if you want one now, the RDX sounds like the way to go for you. You may regret not having a few of the amenities you mentioned but I think the overall performance and comfort of the car will leave you 90-95% happy.

For the record, I'll most likely be picking up an '08 RDX the minute the lease on my Ford P.O.S. ends.

 

Digits stop putting words in my postings. Where can you find I said "wish I didn't get it?" My only complaints have been with the technology package didn't meet my expectations. In particular the HFL and the Music Link are under whelming. For my purposes the HFL is a step back wards and the music link everyone knows sucks a$$. Which I said "if I had to do it over again, I would have waited a year before buying the RDX." My only fualt is I should have took the car home for a week to test the HFL and researched the Music Link.

So your beef is you don't like anyone saying any thing negative about the RDX. Do you work for Acura or an Acura dealership? You kinda sound like that colins character.

 

Solid State - I definitely don't work for Acura. Most of your posts are pretty negative, maybe you work for a competitor

I'm sorry if you think I put words in your mouth, but I recalled that you answered "yes" in the post about having buyer's remorse, so much so, that you decided to get rid of your extended warranty.

I'm all for hearing about the criticisms of the RDX, but you have to admit you have been a bit relentless. I guess because I keep up with the posts, I've read all about your issues with the RT traffic, the climate control, HFL, the even the OEM rims....just seems you're not happy with anything. Any time someone posts a question about a problem they're having, you're all over it about getting a lawyer and lemon laws.

Sorry if I offended you. I don't know where I would have gotten the impression that you regretted buying your RDX.

 

I'm leaning towards getting it after a second test drive. There will probably be a third test drive and a look at the RX350 and FX35.

I tend to overanalyze decisions like this, but life is short. I would normally not buy a new model, but in reviewing reliability history, Acura seems pretty good start to finish. I'm in only my second year with a long winter commute and it would be nice to have an upgraded vehicle for it.

I appreciate all the comments! Part of me thinks that I should look at a "normal" car like an Audi A4, but that is just too boring. My wife already has an Accord, which is boring enough as is.

-JP

 

JP,

All that being said I have not regretted my decision at all, the only thing I would have done differently is getting the tech package. (However I would have probably had an accident with the extra distractions)

The car runs great, handles great, and is very comfortable for an SUV, the suspension is more sport than comfort, but I have driven very few cars which can handle like this. Take it for a drive on a highway especially a clover leaf on ramp to get the idea of the SH-AWD.

Best of luck...

JD

 

You didn't offended me. This is the internet you can say whatever you want, just like I can.

BTW, the RT-traffic didn't work on my car. I had to take it in to get it fix and the Music Link seems to be broken too because it skips and resets the iPod. Now that's quality and I shouldn't complain about it?