Been looking at the RDX for a while now and it is at the top of my purchase list. I test drove it last weekend and loved it. I do have a few questions that I would like input on. I would be purchasing the AWD w/ Tech Package, within the next few months.

How would you say the HID lights are? High-beams? I do a lot of rural two lane country type driving and rely on not only great headlights, but high-beams that offer a wide and long beam pattern.

I haven't been able to find many pictures or videos to see just how well they are.

Also, how would you say parking is without backup sensors? This would be my first SUV, moving up from a car, and I would like having backup parking sensors for the guidance, but not a deal breaker. So, how would you say parking is without these? Does the camera add enough assistance?

These are so far my only two concerns. I've read mixed reviews about the current AWD vs SH-AWD, but I think the current setup would be just fine with appropriate winter tires.

All input welcome. Thanks!

 

I have been happy with the lights, but mostly driven in town so not sure about high beams. The back-up camera has a wide view and clearly demarcates distance from the back of the car, by the guide lines projected on the camera. No complaints.

 

As an mdx owner... the crappy back up cam and the mirrors suffice when backing into spaces or driveways. My pint is the mdx is bigger (longer and fatter) than the rdx. No need to fork over money for the sensors unless you're highly prone to hitting stuff behind you. HIDs are great driving on dark country roads. I would imagine they are as good as those found on the TL and the MDX which I both own.

 

I have recently moved to a rural area where running into critters is very common and I've been VERY happy having the HIDs. I can't describe the pattern except it lights up the road very well and I think it is quite sufficient in a totally dark environment.

If you search the forum, you'll find that some people (including myself) have commented that they get flashed by oncoming traffic even while driving with low beams. I've noticed that it seems to happen mostly on dark, two-lane rural roads where even the low beams are much brighter than most other headlights.

I've lowered the driver's light a bit, and it now happens far less frequently, but it still does happen.


I'm still not 100% used to having a backup camera, but I'm guessing once someone is, backing into spaces would be pretty easy without having sensors.

 

The backup camera is very accurate when approaching the bumper of another vehicle. What you see is what you get.

The only other question I would ask the salesperson is "how are your rear shocks"?

 

I traded in a 2011 AWD for a 2014 AWD, as far as the handling the new AWD has been much better for me personally. As long as you keep the camera clean it works just fine. Good luck.

 

+1 to pretty much everything above. The headlights & rear camera are more than adequate. Keeping the camera clean is something to keep in mind, though, as someone above stated. The rear of this vehicle seems to get dirtier than the average SUV... at least in my experience.

 

My Wife has the 2011, and there is no comparison between it and my 2014. The 2014 is better is most ways. I still like the 2011 though.

 

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated.

But what about the Rear Shocks should i ask ?

 

^^ yes....you should if you live in a cold climate. There is a "thud" coming from the rear suspension when the temperature gets close to freezing. Acura has been poor at acknowledging this problem....

 

Thud when you hit a bump or hole or randomly?

 

The factory rear shocks are very poor. Had them replaced once, and the replacements are just as bad. If it were not so cold here, I would be underneath the car and installing the KYB's. The spring cannot come soon enough. I'd still love to hear what your salesperson has to say when you question him (or her) on the rear shocks. Probably say "that is the first time I have ever heard about that problem".

In all seriousness, you should also have whoever will be sitting in the passenger seat, to try it out. The seat does not move up and down, and many people feel it sits too low to see over the dashboard.

 

I will have to ask and find out, so the replacements are just as bad? Hmm..

Currently I've narrowed my search down to two vehicles the RDX AWD w/ TECH and the Volvo XC60 T6 AWD. (about a $4k difference) Acura has better resale but Volvo has more "tech", however Acura has better reliability. Its a toss up!

 

If you hit a hole or a manhole.....anything like that will create a thud from the rear suspension (when it cold) and can be frustrating. The ILX is having the same problem. One of the members here has replaced his rear shock assembly with those of the 2012 RDX and the noise went away. I may go through the same process this summer when I go to the dealership....

That is so true...most Acura service people or sales people play on people's intelligence and that pisses me off BIG TIME! I am very fortunate to have someone tell me (off the record) that Acura is aware of the problem but they have no solution. Its an easy fix, get rid of these stupid shocks from Sachs and give us an adequate rear suspension.....

As far as the passenger seat, that is a good point and one that I have been raising as a valid concern too....have someone sit in the passenger seat and make sure they are OK with the height.

 

Re: rear shocks, I guess it could be worse: http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2014...n-problem.html