I'm thinking of upgrading from a 2005 TL to a 2013 RDX. Any advice, concerns, criticisms, and/or observations are welcomed.


Thanks so much in advance

 

I do not recommend it. I traded in my 2007 RDX for the 2013, and regretted it ever since. The quality of the new cars are much less than the previous years. I've been in the repair shop over a dozen times since I bought it. I wish I had a time machine to go back and stop myself from buying the new RDX.

Besides, there's not much tech improvement from your current TL. It wont feel like much of an upgrade.

 

If you prefer purchasing a use Acura vehicle and keeping them for a while (like I do), I would go for the MMC version first. Acura seems to really figure out the issues by MMC. Acura in the habit of making almost zero changes after the MMC to the body, tech, transmission, and engine. Just look at the ILX and RDX pre-MMC and you will want to keep your TL longer.

Also depends it you want a base or tech with or without awd also. I would consider a 14-15 RDX if a base version is all you needed.

 

I will not consider it an upgrade. It's more like a downgrade to me.

You loose the handling characteristics of a sedan and jump to a clumsy SUV.

The only gain I can foresee is more cargo room, easier cargo loading, and higher clearance from road.

Based on the year of your TL and year of the RDX, you are not into the new technology and the electronics does not fancy you. You obviously like the TL a lot or else you would have traded it in much earlier.

 

Thanks for you reviews.

Yes, I loved my TL, the only reason I am upgrading is because I totaled my car, but I was looking to upgrade before that.
I'm not really into buying brand new car, yet. But I would like something with the tech-package.
I'm also looking at an 2012 TL, which is priced about 5k cheaper and has 10k miles less. I haven't test driven the RDX, but I have the TL and it rides like my previous TL.

I'm thinking if finding a 08 TL and just chilling for a bit more without a car payments.

 

I didn't think there were any known, verified differences in the 2013-15 RDXs, down to the last nut & bolt. I am wrong? Seems like Acura stopped tweaking them a bit each year unlike the 1st gen RDX.

A 2008 TL would be a great alternative. You are looking at probably $28k for a base 2013 RDX. YMMV.

 

go for the TLX

 

What I liked about getting my 08 RDX is it supported my lifestyle better for traveling/vacations, beach summer fun, towing, skiing, biking, high school sports, Costco runs, kids getting older/taller. The TSX was great for pre-teen years; but, the RDX (and now MDX) is much better for teen years. You might be paying more and getting less with the 13 RDX unless you plan on getting some use from it.

I was looking at a 12 TL Adv a few years ago as an replacement for the 06 TSX. I just like the cooled seats and the interior of the TL looks so much nicer than the 13 RDX. If you opt for the sh-awd, you will have a better snow vehicle than the awd 13 RDX.

 

I have both a 2010 (1st gen) and a 2016 (2nd gen MMC) RDX. I love them both. That being said I would not consider going from a TL to the RDX an upgrade. It is just going to a different platform. With the RDX you get a higher seating position and more cargo room with the rear seats folded than with a sedan. If you want enhanced safety features than the 2016 RDX tech with Acurawatch is the way to go. I am not sure what features are available on your TL or on the newer TLX.

 

Clearly we have had a different experience. My Wife has a 2011 RDX, which is much the same as your 2007 save for the fact the front end on the 2007 looks much nicer, the Tech differential between the 2011 to my 2014 is night and day. The 2014 is so much better in every way than the 1st Gen, I cannot even begin to start with the differences (I have Tech packages on both). I have also not experienced reliability issues with either vehicles, and IMHO the quality and fit and finish is much better in my 2nd Gen.

As for your suggestion that the 3rd Gen technology of the TL is almost as good as the new RDX, I think not as it is much like your 1st gen RDX, which is way behind.

 

I don't think anyone can argue with the tech differences. It should be night and day going to a new gen.

I suspect that people who lament moving ahead miss the SH-AWD and fun factor of the drive. It's the reason why I'm not yet ready to move to a newer CUV.