sluday

I saw a local dealer had a used 08 RDX for $1000 less than a new 09 TSX. Both had tech package. The RDX was supposedly a managers car and has 9900 miles for about $6000 less then msrp and i probably could shave more off the price thanks to record oil prices. I almost got an RDX last month but I waited til the new TSX came out. (and rising gas prices did not help either) AWD and 240 turbo horses are sweet but 20 mpg highway is the payoff. Other vehicles on my list are 09 VW Tiguan, VW R32, and BMW 1 series. ( I know I'm all over the place) I just got out of a Audi TT so the R32 and BMW would be an easy transition. What do you guys think?

vip08

What you save in money buying the RDX over the TSX, you give right back in fuel efficiency. I'd take the TSX if that were an issue to consider. It may or may not be for you.

sluday

The TSX has a slight edge because of fuel economy but AWD can be useful in the northeast winters and extra cargo room would be great for trips to Costco. i commute about 70 miles a day so fuel consumption is not a huge issue but it would be nice to put an extra $15-$20 in my pocket every week with the TSX. Also car insurance is a cheaper on the TSX.

hans007

i suppose youd' save money on fuel on the tsx, but

uh basically the rdx would probably with sh-awd handle better, and its much faster in straights.

LuvMyTSX

That's a tough choice, but I'd probably go with the TSX. I like the RDX and the power and AWD would be nice, as would the extra cargo space, but the mpg is a downer. My hope is that they stick a diesel in it soon so it's more fuel efficient.

As for the German cars.....nice, but no thanks. My top priority is reliability and low maintenance.

vip08

AWD is useful, but FWD + snows = or > AWD. SH-AWD is great if you're enthusiastic about driving, but in normal snow day-to-snow day driving, has no real advantage when compared to Subaru's AWD system. If you drive responsibly I mean. lol

Hmm...an extra $15-20 to spend at Costco or the ability to carry stuff from Costco? On one hand, you might be able to buy a little more with the extra cash if you drive the TSX, but you might not be able to fit it in the car. However, on the other hand, you might not be able to buy more with the RDX, but COULD fit more if you had the extra to spend. Catch 22? You really are in quite the dilemma. lol

xenonhid

LOL, RDX w/ tech package of course. Duh.

SH-AWD > FWD with Saturn Grill.

sluday

That's funny, right now i am currently commuting to work with my wifes Saturn L100. maybe the grill is what makes the TSX look so familiar.

Stacys

I'm in the same dilemma myself and I'm leaning toward the RDX.

A couple of other things to note: once the RDX is moving and you stomp on the throttle, it feels like a 6.5 second sedan; and the leg room for the second row feels substantially bigger despite it actually being only a couple of inches larger.

If you peruse the RDX board, some people have gotten anywhere in the 20-24 mpg range by not using the turbo frequently.

Plus SH-AWD. This is a similar system as the one in the EVO X and the up coming BMW X6. It really makes a difference when you accelerate out of a corner.

jlukja

As you said, you're all over the place. First you need to decide if you want an SUV or a coupe or a sedan and where on the performance/economy curve you want to sit.

Newplay1

Don't get that manager pre-owned RDX, he probably put regular gas in that thing... jk for real go for new 09 TSX..

sluday

Well I have only owned sports cars (and a few junkers) so an SUV would be a huge change for me and only considered the RDX because of the price and extra cargo room may come in handy some day. An SUV would be my last choice not because of gas prices but because of resale and trade value. I like to get a new vehicle every 3-4 years so if gas is $6 a gallon in 3 years, good luck on you trade value for your 20 mpg SUV. the BMW 1 series is probably the least practical of the group but I really like the styling and performance and can be well equipped. The R32 would be my first choice if it had all the tech the TSX has. I am a gadget fool. And last the TSX would be in my garage right now if the exterior styling was better. I find the car very plain looking and lacks the performance I am used to although the car is growing on me each day. For now I am having a good time car shopping and dealers are desperate to make sales so it is definitely a buyers market right now and you could get some really good deals this summer.

davidspalding

OP, I'm with the mod, james mod, in that you can't be shopping based on price, right? Make a wants & needs list as you would buying a house, and then shop from that. Overall COI, or cool appeal? All weather driving stability, or most weather driving exiliaration? Cargo space or carpool elegance? Finally ... which one made you feel at home inside?

sluday

True you should never shop based on price. I am shooting to stay under $40k. My problem is I love all cars and I want bits and pieces from each one to make the perfect car. I know it does not exist but I keep looking. I may need a shrink.

jlukja

Lay right down on the couch, let me get my clipboard.

davidspalding

Just shrink your dreams.

Cars, like homes, stoves, jobs, health plans, all fit needs for better or worse. Really, check www.cartalk.com for some advice. Consumer Reports also has good articles on picking cars, shopping, comparing, etc. They also have a new car buyer's kit (and used one) which is a short-term subscription and gives you access to all their reviews, road tests, ratings, etc. (include mileage during city, hwy, and road trip testing), and (I think) unlimited price reports to hel pyou get a good deal. Worth the $.

sluday

I'll throw another car in the mix.. A 08 Acura TSX w/ nav 13000 miles fleet car asking price $25000. Now which of the three would you get.

davidspalding

I was attracted to a low mileage fleet car,but many friends told me no, no, no, do NOT get a fleet car. It may've been maintained properly, but was likely driven into the dirt by people who knew it wasn't theirs.

Acura604

getting rid of my rdx and moving to a TL or another TSX..

rdx was nice.. but holy crap, super firm ride.. just gotta spend a week deciding on a 08 TL navi, 08 TSX navi or 09 TSX

Mokos23

get the 09 TSX, newest car that is currently out, you'll feel exclusive.

sluday

I'm sure gas prices made you look to a sedan as well. Is there a big difference in front and rear passenger room in the sedans compared to the RDX? What kind of mpg's did you get?

Fishbulb

It's funny, I'm another RDX owner looking to move back to a sedan. The RDX has been the most disappointing car I've owned. Sure, its powerful, but the unpredictable power delivery and transmission just sucks the life out of it.

I need to get back in a manual transmission car with a bit better mileage. The TSX would seem to be a good candidate, but I may wait until the next model year.

DNPhotography

super firm ride? my 2 year old at the time didnt have a problem with the suspension and on top of that i had 20s on the RDX. i went from a base RDX to a 07 TL Type-S

RDX disappointing? IMO a very big NO. the only reason why i went back to a car is because i want the TL in the first place. the RDX is a great CUV and if i were in the market for a CUV again there is no question which one i would buy.

but between the 09 TSX and a 08 RDX it all depends if you want a car or a CUV. thats it...

xenonhid

My vote is for 08 TL-S

davidspalding

If you're considering a '09 withOUT the tech package, I'll aggressively (well, assertively) negotiate a deal on a 08 with Navi. I don't have it, but most everyone here seems to agree that it's a real boon. CR said the TSX's (1GEN) navi system was among the most usable they'd tested. (Touch-screen as well, which the '09 is not, so if you have a strong preference, that can guide you, too.)

That, with the superb sound system, makes the '09 without a tech package like an HDTV playing VHS tapes.

If money's no issue, I hear praises from enough folks to make the 2008 TL-S with navi very, very appealing. Not such great mileage, though. (Does the TL-S V6 take regular gas? If so, maybe mileage costs will even out.

Somes I just out loud at your suggestions. This is only a good proposition if the price points between 2008 and 2009 are within a few $1000 for him, or if he's willing to spend a few $1000 more for the latest, greatest, and be "exclusive" for a few months. If not, the 2008's great, and a Hondata reflash and upgraded suspension will probably make it scoot and track as well.