my GF is looking for an RDX. She likes my MDX, but wants something a bit smaller.
any suggestions on what years to get or avoid?
any problems to be aware of?
wont be towing or doing any motor/transmission intensive driving.

 

Answer these first and it can be narrowed down:
1) AWD or FWD?
2) Prefer sporty feel or comfortable ride?
3) OK with turbo feel or prefers a normally aspirated?
4) Will drive in a snow belt or see little snow?
5) Likes tech and NAV or not necessary?

Bottom line: There are two Generations of the RDX so far.
1st GEN: 2007 – 2012 (2007 – 2009 is SH-AWD only. 2010 – 2012 one could get FWD only as well)
2nd GEN: 2013 – 2017 (2013 – 2015 AWD is limited to 25% rear bias. 2016+ is 40% rear bias)

 

Yep, thought about a few of those after I posted.

1.) She wants AWD and it's nearly impossible to even find FWD versions up here in New England.

2.) I wouldn't say sporty, but I know she doesn't want to feel like she's in a truck. I know she drove a Porsche Cayan for a summer and talks about it like it was the greatest drive ever.

3.) Turbo models are older, so I think it's safe to ignore this question.

4.) snow? Yes! I live in Boston.

5.) Doesn't care about tech but HAS to have heated seats.

I don't know her budget yet, but I'm thinking somewhere between a 2010-2015 model. I'm aware of the generation change at 2013 or 2014.

She drives a lot for work. I think she does 15-20k a year and transports children often.

 

I think the 2nd gen RDX (2013 onward) is a good choice given the criteria you've provided. If she's looking for something not new but reliable and with a warranty, a certified preowned may be the way to go, and the prices are pretty good now. You say you're in the Boston area - I live in NH. Our local dealer (Sunnyside in Nashua) has a good selection of 2013-2015 RDX's on their lot that would be a good starting point. https://www.sunnysideacura.com/used-..._filters=false There may be others around at dealers close to you, but I will say that Sunnyside does a great job of prepping their CPO vehicles, with full updated maintenance and most times with new tires put on the vehicles. Not every dealer follows the same prep for a CPO vehicle.

andy

 

thanks Andy. I bought my first Acura from a dealer in NY and it was a pain to get the paperwork done because they where out of state, but still saved a good amount when it was all done.

 

so from what i'm reading online.

1st Gen - I4 turbo (something i'd avoid) & smaller size
2nd gen - 3.6 V6, heated seats, push start, better backup camera (all things on her wish list)

i know she's looking for under 50k miles, and getting closer to targeting 2013-2015 models.

 

Even the base model awd will have heated seats.

 

on all generations of just 2nd gen?

 

When you say 2nd gen are you meaning the V6 version('13-present) or LCI of the 2nd gen('16-present)? I believe all 2nd gen RDX's have had heated seats in even base models. The 16+ models have ventilated seats in the "Advance" model.

 

Assuming you’re looking at a 2nd generation RDX 2013-2016+ the AWD in the 2016+ is better than the AWD in the 2013-2015. And you did say AWD is a must since you’re in Boston, so, something to consider.

 

Yes, but the 2016+ is out of budget

 

I found a 2015 RDX fwd, base model, at Caxmax with less than 15k miles for $28,000 . I felt it was a very fair deal.

 

Hi Jim. I live in Needham and if you get an RDX, I am more than happy to show you how to do regular maintenance (fluid and filer changes) on the car. I have a 2013 that I have owned for four years, and it really is a simple car to work on. I'd love to sell you mine, but I'm not ready to buy until the fall.

Rich

 

There seem to be a fair amount of used CR-Vs available as well. Not sure if your GF has her heart set on the RDX. Just a thought.

 

OP's first post states that his GF likes the MDX but is okay with the RDX. A CRV in that respect may be out of her consideration. As far as I know, many girls don't prefer the hunchback look of previous CRV. The new one is in a different league altogether.

 

post #3 states she's looking for AWD only.

 

so after test driving a bunch of different RDX's, as well as Murano, CX5, Q5, Sante Fe, Sorento, RAV4, XC60's, i think she's going to end up leasing a base model 2017 RDX.

I was suggesting to avoid the 2016 with the ridiculous 9 speed transmission. It looks like they went back to a traditional 6 speed in 2017.

the 2017 meets her color & interior, sunroof, remoteless unlock, push start, heated seats requirements, and can get the factory remote starter on it.

i'm just glad she's not getting the 2.0T Q5. Everyone we both knew told her to avoid them.

 

Wrong. The 2016 RDX is a 6-speed. Matter of fact all 2nd gen RDXs 2013-2017 are 6-speed only.

 

We have a 2016 RDX Advance and it has a 6 speed tranny..............


****Edit - Carbon's fingers are faster than mine****

 

So it's only the MDX and TLX that has the 9 speed transmission ?

 

I believe so.... and the future generation RDXs too (whenever it'll be released).

 

OP - Any updates??

 

She signed a lease yesterday for a 2017 base AWD model. Got a really great price and she's happy.

Thanks everyone for your help.

 

Congrats to your GF and you. Just curious - which dealer?

 

Prime in Norwood, MA.
Framingham and boston dealers couldn't beat the offer Prime gave her. Plus I just bought my MDX at Prime last June

 

Thanks. I've never been to Herb Connolly, but have purchased from Acura of Boston. I tried to make several purchases at Prime when they were in Walpole and got nothing but the run around from them. Ultimately as I mentioned, I bought in Boston. I have not been to Prime since they moved up to Westwood.

 

And I want to note that the two other dealerships are calling and texting her attitude because they didn't go through them.

After reading the texts from the framingham Acura, I suggested that she reports them to the manager.

 

Congratulations on your new acquisition. Good luck.

 

my wife bought a 17 RDX base model back in Feb, she really likes it and we're off on a 3000 mile road trip WA - ID - UT - NV - CA starting today.
Only things we've added are a rear seat cover and a rear deck cover.

 

awesome. Good luck with the trip. Let us know how it went and how you liked the RDX during the long drives.

 

I had a very poor experience with Prime back in the day when I was looking for an Acura RL (2nd gen). I purchased my first new Acura TL-S in 2001 (had a pre-owned Integra from a private sale prior) from Acura of Boston and ended up purchasing a second one from them a year later (totalled the first one in 7 months). I purchased my RL, followed by the RDX a few years later from Herb Connolly. Acura of Boston and Herb Connolly were similar in pricing and professionalism. However, Jim Brown, service manager at Herb Connolly is an awesome guy to deal with!

 

Good to know. Prime and Connolly are roughly the same difference from us. We picked up the wife's RDX at a Toyota dealer a few months ago and have not had it in for service yet as there is nothing due.