I need to replace my 2010 TL in the upcoming weeks/months. I went to the dealer yesterday and the used 2019+ models are just too expensive. The dealer showed me a 2017 Canadian Elite model. Super clean and low milage (I know there is a huge difference and the 2017 model is the previous gen. I know my Acura models lol).

But tbh, I was very tempted to get the 2017 instead of 2019. Of course financially it's much cheaper but the previous generation is bullet proof. The elite model has heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, full leather, parking sensors and jewel lights. It doesn't have pano, carplay and 360 camera.

what are your thoughts folks?

Please give me some of your likes and dislikes? Do you recommend or I ditch money and get a 2019+.

Thanks in advance!

 

I bought a used 2018. I like the look of the new generation RDX, but I didn't want a turbo four in lieu of a naturally aspirated six, and six speeds in the transmission was just fine with me in lieu of 10.

The new model may turn out to be fine, but going with the older generation car with a proven track record and fewer parts to break suited me much better. I want boring reliability.

 

I have the 2017 with advance package (US version). I am very happy with it's performance. The only minor things is no Apple carplay. Panorama moon-roof has never have much use for me for all the vehicles I owned. I will encourage you to get the 2017 if you don't care about Apple Carplay that much.

 

Thank you guys for your feedback. I am shopping around and honestly there are amazing deals for 2017-2018 RDX.

The advanced package is super nice!

 

Here's my take on my 2017 ADV after 6-7 months of ownership. Prior to this I had a 2006 BMW X3, and before that was a 2002 WRX.

The WRX was the most fun to drive, followed by the X3. The RDX does not corner well and I feel like it's going to tip over on me. But that may be due to the seats also as they are bigger and less conforming. The RDX has the most power of them all. So it's great for passing and getting up to speed, but that power is really a waste otherwise IMHO.

My RDX ADV is nice, it has auto start though mine doesn't start the seat heaters, has super bright headlights, and I bought it for the perceived reliability. Even though it's a generation or more newer than the X3, the only tech advantage I really see is the advanced safety features. The X3 is no doubt the better driving machine with better ergonomics. And I did enjoy the pano roof and used it all the time. I rarely use the tiny sunroof on the RDX. I find the suspension in the RDX jarring and since it isn't a good cornering vehicle, there's really no need for such a stiff ride. Again, my opinion.

The RDX is a boring, middle aged person car (which is what I am now apparently). It looks nice, should be reliable, and easy to fix. So why did I not get another X3? Because they don't come in naturally aspirated straight 6s anymore and require significant maintenance every 2-3 years due to the direct injection engines. And BMW's CEO essentially said their customers keep their cars only for 2-3 years. To me that means that's how long long they are engineering them to run problem free. That's why you can buy a used one at that age for half price. My opinion.

 

I had a 2017 RDX Elite for 3 years and put about 100,000 KM's on it. It has a ton of features and it was flawless. A good buy to be sure. My wife has a 14 RDX Tech, and it has also been problem free with about 160,000 KMs. Cant go wrong in my opinion. That said I do like my 2019 MDX Aspec.