Hi Folks,

I'm in the market for a new car. In the past I have had an old Honda Pilot which I drove for 8+ years, then recently picked up a 2017 MDX tech package in November of 2019. I unfortunately had that for a month and got into a really bad car accident and ended up breaking my back. During my ownership I test drove an RDX from a dealership and I really liked the way it accelerated and handled in comparison to the MDX, so I am thinking this time around maybe I should opt for the RDX...

My budget is at or under 20k, obviously less is best LOL. Anything I should watch for when looking at these?

Thanks

 

Shoot for 2016 model. It has the redesigned front and rear look, some minor engine tweaks, 2017/2018 models look the same as 2016 model.

 

Thanks for the reply @WalSpritz . Anything mechanically or cosmetically that I should look out for? I know my MDX had a "hard shift" when going from 1st to 2nd that I didn't like too much, not sure if the RDX's have the same issue? I also wasn't too fond of the audio system it was a bit clunky and the bluetooth connectivity was pretty awful.

 

We have a 2016 Elite RDX. No issues with shifting.. we find it fairly smooth and live it over our CR-V (2018 turbo). Some people opt for the VCM muzzler to always have 6 cylinders active but the factory setup is plenty in my opinion.

For the audio, I'm not an audio expert, but it does the job just fine.. I did increase the treble a bit though. The towing capacity is terrible for the V6 AWD SUV... so don't plan on pulling boats or campers. We are also happy with the overall size of the RDX vs MDX yet still having a V6 engine.

Now I'll put my flamesuit on and say, premium fuel is not required, but recommended. We run ours on regular.

 

In the US, the models are a Base, Tech, & Advanced. I think the Canadian version of the Advance is the Elite.
We looked for a Tech, because my wife wanted Navigation. Turns out she hates what Honda did to the NAV compared to the 2010
unit in her last car, (also totaled) We did not really want the Advance version, mostly because of cost. Also the features we would never use.
Well, we would have used the vented seats. The Base has the same center stack the 2013-2015 had, lots of buttons.
The audio in the Tech is better, and worth it even if you don't care about navigation.The base has all vinyl, Tech & Advanced have leather trim.

There is (and may have been for that MDX) a software update for the transmission. It is important, as with all Hondas, to replace the fluid regularly.
Current interval is every 30k. That is only 1/3 of the fluid. You don't get to full replacement until 90k. One can, and the service bulletin calls for, doing three
fluid replacements, with all gears having been engaged, in between.
When the trans shifts along with the engagement of VCM, it can be quite jerky.
The Acura has the VCM working as smoothly as it ever will. If one is planning on keeping a VCM equipped Honda/Acura for the long haul, then muzzling the VCM
is highly recommended.

 

We bought our 2016 RDX Elite with about 20k miles on it. I wanted a Tech version but the Elite we got was mint.

We never use the vented air condition seats and don't care for a sunroof. Acura Navigation is clunky and old so we just have a phone mount and use waze most of the time.