Our Traverse's AC system shit the bed, and transmission was slipping. We might consider a 2017 RDX as a replacement. Any issues that I should be aware of?

 

I would just say that the RDX is a "Fluid Primadonna" in that it demands frequent changing of driveline fluids when compared to most other vehicles. If you are a DIYer, this is not a big deal as the materials are not that expensive, and these changes likely help the vehicle attain its expected long life. If you will be going to the dealer, however, you may be surprised at the recurring maintenance costs. That being said, I love my 2017 RDX Advance, and I have had no problems other than the squeaky steering wheel airbag wrap, which can be fixed under warranty (a TSB is issued).

Good luck!

 

Thanks. I don't mind maintenance. I actually expect that.

 

Mine has been flawless with 60,000 miles on it. Very reliable.

 

Went to go test drive the 2017 RDX base. Liked it. However, it lacked a center channel. I noticed that the piece that goes above the center screen is detachable, so I assume that one could integrate the center channel from the RDX Advance in there, along with connections to the amp and different dash piece to handle the center channel. Is that correct?

 

^be the guinea pig

 

What are the pieces of separate plastic under the rear center console vents for? It looks like switches could (might) go there...

 

Rear seat warmer switches for the Canadian version. Guess they thought that north of the 49th parallel becomes the Arctic....

 

Interesting.

 

Maybe should buy one North of the border...

 

The speedometers are metric, although our butts are warm..

 

we've had no issues with my wife's 17 Base RDX, but we take my 17 4Runner on long trips because it has more room

 

Yeah, every Honda/Acura I've seen has been a maintenance primadona!!! I love my RDX, thats part of why I traded my TL for a Kia Optima...

But yeah, maintenance isn't a big deal and is to be expected... Now a lot of overdue maintenance is a different story!!!

 

#me too .... .
I'm over 65K miles and no issues so far. Don't know what "fluid maintenance" are you guys talking about.

 

If you want to take that much trouble of removing pieces and looking for a trim piece from other models, then why don't you simply buy a slightly higher mileage advanced version. It'll solve your problem without breaking you a sweat.
I still don't get what exactly are you trying to achieve. Is it a cosmetic mod or attempting to integrate the advanced model features into the base model?

 

The changing of the transmission fluid and transfer case fluid at ~ 60 K miles then every 30K miles thereafter, and the changing of the rear differential fluid at ~20K miles. Most car brands don't ask for any of those changes before 100K miles.
If you have the 2WD version of the RDX, then only the transmission fluid change would affect you.

 

I ended up buying a 2015 MDX Advance with 28K miles on it instead of the RDX.

 

How is RDX in terms of VCM and vibrations? This is the biggest issue in my research where VCM is shutting down cylinders to preserve gas, but that in return causes pretty noticeable vibrations.
I know there is VCM piece you can get and install to prevent this functioning that gets rid of it, but I am wondering anyone else has these issues?

 

2015 with 67k on the clock, nothing glaring i do my own maintenance At 100k ill need a new timing belt / water pump and adjust the valves So that is the only big ticket item i see coming up that i might not have the time to do.

Ive replaced a battery, rear shocks and i think the front struts need replacing. Other than that i think its a very solid car for the money.