Can get a 2013 AWD Base for $31,000, plus tax/title/registration. Has 17,250 miles. This would not be a certified vehicle, but the vehicle was first sold May 2013, so still has plenty of life on the factory warranty.

Or can get a new 2015 AWD Base for $34,700, plus tax/title/registration.

Both of these offers also include an after market remote start.

I'm having trouble deciding which way to go. Any thoughts/advice are welcome.

 

Do you know if the 2013 RDX was a rental or part of a corporate fleet? If yes, then no brainer .. I would get the 2015 RDX.

If the 2013 RDX was a personal vehicle and you have access to the service records, etc then you could consider it. I had the same dilemma and bought a new 2014 RDX instead of a used 2013 RDX with 16k miles for the additional year of warranty and peace of mind ... also new car smell. It was a factor for me ... may not be a factor for you.

 

I would go for the 2015 because of the longer factory warranty, any resolved issues Acura incorporated into manufacturing processes, should get cheaper financing with a new vehicle, you can get the dealer to install accessories for free or at cost for the 2015, new car smell, not that big of difference in price, and a better selection of color combo if see something else on the lot in the base trim.

 

The 2013 was a personal vehicle, not part of a loaner fleet. Clean carfax history.

At the end of the day, I'm thinking a $3,700 savings isn't enough to cancel out 17k miles and the unknowns of a previous owner. No way to know how the 2013 owner treated his vehicle -- what kind of gas, regular oil changes, etc. Also, the 2013 is located a bit further from me, and I haven't even gone yet to see if there are any cosmetic issues, minor or otherwise.

But it's a close call. A bit more of a discount and I'd probably tip towards the 2013.

 

To me it's a no brainer. For the cost differential, 2 model years, and the mileage, and although there were not many problems with the 13, any issues should be resolved by the 15 model, I would go new.

 

Yes, I would go for new, no question here, if you factor in the bank loan and everything the monthly payments would be $30-40 difference only. My friend was in a similar situation and bought a used CRV paying 3.5% interest and later on realized he could have got a new one with 0% interest and the total price would be same.... he was kicking his butt so hard.

 

I went in looking at a used 13, then I was going to go for a 14 new because I wanted tech package, they didn't have a tech package in either so I went with a 15.

 

the discount doesn't seem high enough for the 13 even though the price is about right per listings of similar vehicles on Edmunds. It is only a $3700 difference. The 17 in mileage may be a year's worth of driving for you so you will be able to go an extra year without buying a new vehicle. If your payment on a new vehicle is $600 a month that extra year can save you $3000 making the difference only $700 for the 13 vs 15.

 

$3700 plus tax I would always choose new over used. No doubts about how car was previously driven, maintained, etc. Also keep in mind that new car has better lemon law coverage in most states.

 

For 2 years difference, you should expect $8-10K cheaper than the new model.