My apologies if this is posted, I couldn't find a good thread with common issues (if they exist).

Anyway, I'm in the market for a new car, was debating between an SUV, or a sedan. I have an 04 Honda Civic, and I want to keep with the Honda reliability, but the upscale build that Acura offers.

I test drove a 2009 RDX (Stock, no Tech package) I like the accelleration, ride is comfortable enough, and I like how many features are stock. Are there things I should be checking for specifically? Things that are known issues with this type of RDX? The vehicle's at 110,000 KM (68000 miles), and I know at 100,000, the Timing belt and water pump should be replaced, so I'll check that. Beyond that, are there common repairs that owners have had to do on these?

Thanks alot for your help, looking forward to driving an Acura.

 

The 2009 uses a timing chain, so no worries there. I have a 2008 with 90K on it. I had to replace the turbo and intercooler, but the extended warranty covered most of it. My Acura dealer is great and I love the car. I would throw it up on a lift, check for leaks and give it a good test drive. As long as it hasn't been abused, you should get many miles of happy driving.

 

I have a 2009 Base. Just about to hit 90k miles.
My issues were and may be a good thing to check service records if you can;
Rear shocks, replaced under warranty at about 35k miles,
Battery replaced under warranty about 45k miles,
A/C Compressor clutch replaced under recall at 60k miles,
A/C compressor broken shaft, out of pocket at 65k miles,
The center compartment cover needs to be replaced as the 'leather' on top has ripped. Just haven't got around to it yet.

To me these were minor annoyances as the dealer I use for service has been great to me even though I did not purchase there. Even gave me a loaner when I dropped it off to be detailed!!!

Runs great, handles great, can't ask for much more (better mpg!!!).

 

You can call Acura warranty with the VIN to see if an extended warranty might be still on this vehicle up to 80,000 -120,000 miles (powertrain warranty is gone after 6/70,000 miles). That would be around $500-$1000 savings if it is included.

Minor things I've had in the last 4 years and 85,000 miles were (purchased used 2010 with 30K):
- drive side door speaker replaced (OEM warranty)
- repaint front end because of paint defect (I think it was in an unreported accident, OEM warranty).
- condensation in headlights (OEM warranty)
- replaced relay causing power draw and killing the battery after 48hrs (OEM warranty)
- replaced front passenger shock because of knocking/clunking (OEM warranty)
- replaced A/C clutch and compressor (extended TSB warranty)
- i-Vtec solenoid replacement (powertrain warranty)
- replace OEM battery (out of pocket)
- replace brake booster sensor (out of pocket)
- replace driver door lock actuator (out of pocket)
- driver side sun shade replaced (out of pocket)
- replace alternator (out of pocket)
- worn/torn center arm rest (out of pocket)

Other folks had problems with:
- weak XM signal
- rear hatch actuator not unlocking
- worn and/or torn front seats
- failed TPMS sensors
- engine hesitation/slow starting
- minor paint defects

I added eibach springs, hondata reflash, heatshield gasket, ETS intercooler, and K/N drop-in filter. I now have +115,000 miles of real minor problems and plan to keep for another +50,000 miles more.