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Name is Tom and I'm new here but have been lurking for a bit since the RDX made it to the top of the list to replace my 2012 Impreza Sport. I am looking for a sporty, mid-size SUV to better accommodate a car seat and filling the truck for long weekends with the family. While I will be sad to see the Subie go, especially because its a 5-speed, it will be nice to have more room and a car my wife can drive. My driver seat is so worn that I also have zero lumber support and need something comfortable for my 45 minute commute.
The things that are important in a new SUV to me are being relatively quick, good handling, upscale features (comfortable leather seats, heated seats, lumbar support, decent electronics), good sound system (I'm a metal head), AWD, storage space, reliability and looking good. So far the RDX with the A-Spec trim seems to check all those boxes compared to everything else in category. I want a car that a bit nicer than your standard Honda or Toyota but don't need to break into the German market (and break the bank). Ive read all about the common issues and nothing seems too bad or scares me away. Im hoping the sunroof issue becomes a recall, I can replace my own squeaky brakes, etc.
I found a CPO 2021 A-Spec in blue that is absolutely gorgeous and has under 18k miles. Dealer had it listed for $41,997. I was able to get them to take $2500 off the car and give me $1k over their initial offer for the Subie. I was bummed that this car does not have a spare tire so they are also throwing the spare tire kit, tire and install into the deal. The CPO warranty seems great and the car has immaculate service records, all done at the same dealer. I left a deposit to think on it for a week until my wife can test it out as well. How does this seem deal wise and would anyone else pull the trigger on this car? I know the 2022s have some improvements but those are currently out of my price range and I dont want to stretch the Subaru much longer.
I assume, since you said it was important, that this A-Spec has SH-AWD? If so, sounds like a great deal to me! Based on your priorities I think you will really enjoy the RDX.
I assume, since you said it was important, that this A-Spec has SH-AWD? If so, sounds like a great deal to me! Based on your priorities I think you will really enjoy the RDX.
Yes! Forgot to mention that part. Up in NJ/Northeast it is actually pretty hard to find a FWD RDX at all, almost everything including the base models were SH-AWD at a minimum. I was only looking at AWD SUVs. I will miss the all time, 50-50 power distribution, of the Subaru but on a very spirited test drive the handing and engagement of the SH-AWD didnt leave me wanting. It did leave the salesman wanting to get the heck out of a car with me behind the wheel! Common theme actually, I drive my cars very hard but maintain them well.
Another note, how is tire wear typically? I am a "spirited" driver to say the least when I dont have the family in the car. I dont drive like an a-hole but give me an empty twisty road and I will push until the car tells me its had enough. I never got more than 20-25k out of tires on my Subaru (Hankook S1 Ventus) and brake changes were more frequent that normal as well. The 2021 im looking at has the OEM Eagle RS-As which I had long ago on the Subie and enjoyed but they wore very quick and were much more pricey than the Hankooks to replace.
I was going to say $42k is really close to what I negotiated on my '21 TLX SHAWD A-Spec...when it was brand new fall of 2020. RDX was only slightly more expensive than the equivalent TLX but for the most part, just about the same MSRP.
Either we're not all the way back to pre-Pandemic levels or you probably could have gotten more knocked off the asking price for a 3 year old car. If you had them throw in scheduled maintenance for 1-2 years, it might have been easier to stomach.
I was going to say $42k is really close to what I negotiated on my '21 TLX SHAWD A-Spec...when it was brand new fall of 2020. RDX was only slightly more expensive than the equivalent TLX but for the most part, just about the same MSRP.
Either we're not all the way back to pre-Pandemic levels or you probably could have gotten more knocked off the asking price for a 3 year old car. If you had them throw in scheduled maintenance for 1-2 years, it might have been easier to stomach.
2 years of oil changes is included, which for me is going to add up as I drive 20k+ a year and like to do them at 4-5K, not 6.
I just had them throw in all weather mats for the car and trunk. Not a huge bonus but better than getting nothing. I will give it a final look over tomorrow before handing over a check. I havent tried to navigate the infotainment system yet and will bring my cable to use Apple CarPlay which I know both are a common complaint. All I want is the ability to hook up my phone and hit shuffle on my playlists and for google maps to show up when I want it. I dont fiddle much while I drive. I am picky about sound, so im hoping it meets my expectations.
I just had them throw in all weather mats for the car and trunk. Not a huge bonus but better than getting nothing. I will give it a final look over tomorrow before handing over a check. I havent tried to navigate the infotainment system yet and will bring my cable to use Apple CarPlay which I know both are a common complaint. All I want is the ability to hook up my phone and hit shuffle on my playlists and for google maps to show up when I want it. I dont fiddle much while I drive. I am picky about sound, so im hoping it meets my expectations.
If your not hell bent on AWD, there are much better deals to be had on 2022 FWD RDX's not TOO far from you.
Buying an Acura without SH-AWD is like buying a pizza with no cheese... still good but missing the best part!
Agreed. It just handles so much better with SH-AWD even in summer conditions. I'm always surprised that the majority of RDXs I see on the road are FWD.
Agreed. It just handles so much better with SH-AWD even in summer conditions. I'm always surprised that the majority of RDXs I see on the road are FWD.
Yep, have to get SH-AWD!! I traded in a 2021 Acura RDX Aspec (Apex Blue Pearl) in June for a 2023 TLX Type S. I loved the RDX, and I miss the extra room I had with it. However, the Type S with the SH-AWD is unbelievably fun on the twisty roads! I never really pushed the RDX, but I do with the TLX Type S, and I can tell you that the AWD system is a must-have!
Yes! Forgot to mention that part. Up in NJ/Northeast it is actually pretty hard to find a FWD RDX at all, almost everything including the base models were SH-AWD at a minimum. I was only looking at AWD SUVs. I will miss the all time, 50-50 power distribution, of the Subaru but on a very spirited test drive the handing and engagement of the SH-AWD didnt leave me wanting. It did leave the salesman wanting to get the heck out of a car with me behind the wheel! Common theme actually, I drive my cars very hard but maintain them well.
Another note, how is tire wear typically? I am a "spirited" driver to say the least when I dont have the family in the car. I dont drive like an a-hole but give me an empty twisty road and I will push until the car tells me its had enough. I never got more than 20-25k out of tires on my Subaru (Hankook S1 Ventus) and brake changes were more frequent that normal as well. The 2021 im looking at has the OEM Eagle RS-As which I had long ago on the Subie and enjoyed but they wore very quick and were much more pricey than the Hankooks to replace.
IMO Subarus symmetrical AWD doesn't hold a candle to SH-AWD. The capacity for true 100% of power torque vectoring is incredible, especially in icy situations where one wheel has grip and the other does not.
Name is Tom and I'm new here but have been lurking for a bit since the RDX made it to the top of the list to replace my 2012 Impreza Sport. I am looking for a sporty, mid-size SUV to better accommodate a car seat and filling the truck for long weekends with the family. While I will be sad to see the Subie go, especially because its a 5-speed, it will be nice to have more room and a car my wife can drive. My driver seat is so worn that I also have zero lumber support and need something comfortable for my 45 minute commute.
The things that are important in a new SUV to me are being relatively quick, good handling, upscale features (comfortable leather seats, heated seats, lumbar support, decent electronics), good sound system (I'm a metal head), AWD, storage space, reliability and looking good. So far the RDX with the A-Spec trim seems to check all those boxes compared to everything else in category. I want a car that a bit nicer than your standard Honda or Toyota but don't need to break into the German market (and break the bank). Ive read all about the common issues and nothing seems too bad or scares me away. Im hoping the sunroof issue becomes a recall, I can replace my own squeaky brakes, etc.
I found a CPO 2021 A-Spec in blue that is absolutely gorgeous and has under 18k miles. Dealer had it listed for $41,997. I was able to get them to take $2500 off the car and give me $1k over their initial offer for the Subie. I was bummed that this car does not have a spare tire so they are also throwing the spare tire kit, tire and install into the deal. The CPO warranty seems great and the car has immaculate service records, all done at the same dealer. I left a deposit to think on it for a week until my wife can test it out as well. How does this seem deal wise and would anyone else pull the trigger on this car? I know the 2022s have some improvements but those are currently out of my price range and I dont want to stretch the Subaru much longer.
Thanks!
-Tom
I have a 21 Aspec Shwad - it’s a beast in wet and snowy conditions. The SHAWD in “snow” mode is a tractor, never got stuck once - while others in AWD’s were sitting on the side of the road. Handle good for a sitting up high suv, but not as high as a Cherokee or explorer. Stereo is amazing, seats are comfortable IMO for 600+ mile days. No Aspecs come with spares, never needed one yet in 20k miles.
if you buy it, make sure it has the latest nav maps loaded and has had the rear diff oil changed. Both engine and air cabin filters are super easy to change and can be found on Amazon for under $40 for both.
Got it yesterday morning and love it so much already. Enough power to keep a smile on my face, so much more comfortable than the Subaru (very low bar) and handles awesome. The ELS 3D is incredible. So for the infotainment loads quicker than I was expecting based on reviews, Apple CarPlay is flawless and navigating with the touchpad just takes a few minutes of playing around in the driveway to get the hang of it.
The dealer included the spare tire and kit, all weather mats (including trunk) and 2 years of oil changes. Rear diff fluid was just changed at 12k (picked it up with 17,400). New filters and oil change right before delivery but I will be throwing a K&N in soon. Thinking of spacers too.
Congratulations! Excellent choice all around! The Apex Blue Pearl is absolutely stunning! I just traded in a 21' RDX Apex Blue for a TLX Type S, and I often miss the RDX! I have no doubt that you will enjoy driving it for years to come!
Day 5 of owning my RDX and only a few minor gripes:
Cannot put the windshield wipers up. I like to keep my wiper blades clean and lifting them just a few inches hits the hood. Also with snowy NJ winters its nice to stand them up so they dont freeze to the windshield.
Glovebox is more like a "shelf" so items in there like to slide and roll around. Im a bit of a hoarder when it comes to keeping things in the glovebox (gloves, napkins, meds, cables, tire pressure gauge, spare keys, etc) so I dont have as much space as the Subaru did.
Washer fluid container is black, so you have to open it to see how much you have before needing to fill up.
@Twism86 Glad you are enjoying the new RDX. Your gripes seem very minor, which is a good thing. Also a good thing: your first gripe has a solution. The wipers have a maintenance/snow mode. Hold the wiper stalk in the uppermost "Mist" position, and press the Engine Start button three times quickly without pressing the brake (starting with the car off, 1st click for "Accessory Mode," second click for "Vehicle On," third click for "Vehicle Off"). The windshield wipers will then stop in an upper position so they can be lifted of the windshield.
Day 5 of owning my RDX and only a few minor gripes:
Cannot put the windshield wipers up. I like to keep my wiper blades clean and lifting them just a few inches hits the hood. Also with snowy NJ winters its nice to stand them up so they dont freeze to the windshield.
Glovebox is more like a "shelf" so items in there like to slide and roll around. Im a bit of a hoarder when it comes to keeping things in the glovebox (gloves, napkins, meds, cables, tire pressure gauge, spare keys, etc) so I dont have as much space as the Subaru did.
Washer fluid container is black, so you have to open it to see how much you have before needing to fill up.
My wife keeps taking it!! LOL
Spousal approval is huge. Congrats again and drive in good health!
@Twism86 Glad you are enjoying the new RDX. Your gripes seem very minor, which is a good thing. Also a good thing: your first gripe has a solution. The wipers have a maintenance/snow mode. Hold the wiper stalk in the uppermost "Mist" position, and press the Engine Start button three times quickly without pressing the brake (starting with the car off, 1st click for "Accessory Mode," second click for "Vehicle On," third click for "Vehicle Off"). The windshield wipers will then stop in an upper position so they can be lifted of the windshield.
Thanks! I kind of figured you could just turn the car off with them in the up position.
