kamaaina

I have a 2008 RDX w/Tech Package; my lease end is rapidly approaching (early March 2011). I really like this Acura but I'm curious about the 2011 RDX w/Tech package.

Cargo space is a big issue for me - I do a lot of endurance sports and haul my equipment all over the place for races.

Please advise your thoughts - do I buy the 2008 or do I turn it in and lease another 2011?

Thanks in advance.

black label

All depends. What is your buy out option? Does it make sense to buy the car at that price? If you can buy out your lease for less than market value, then it's an option worht exploring. If your buy out is more than the vehicle is worth I'd simply return it.

Either way I would look at the leasing options for the 2011 so you can weigh all of your options.

Mr Marco

Turn it in and lease a MDX.

schen72

Why lease at all? I have a personal issue with leasing, as I consider it a rip-off.

Mr Marco

Depending on the numbers, a lease might be a better deal. If you turn over cars frequently, a lease is usually a better choice. In a shaky economy, a lease is a sure bet. I'm planning on keeping both cars for 8 years each, so a lease would be a poor choice for me. RDX has been paid off for a year now and the title will stay in the safe for another 4 years. It is all a matter of situation and numbers.

schen72

Yeah, I understand the reasons why some people lease. I just personally disagree with some of the reasoning. For example, turning over cars frequently. My personal philosophy is that you should never do this. But I know some people can't help themselves.

wrestrepo

If the RDX is not your car, then why get in another one? If you have been surviving for the past two years with it, and it works well, then by all means.

I think that if I were you, I would look for something slightly bigger, depending on how important is "fun to drive" factor in a car, a Ford Edge Sport will offer slightly more room, more fuel economy and will be fun to drive. An MDX will offer the same as above with less of the fuel economy and higher price. Perhaps a Honda Pilot if you must have the room and don't care much about cornering hard in your car.....just a few ideas....

Mr Marco

Yep, seems like a waste of money. I think it is better to drive the car until just before the big repair bills hit, otherwise you are not getting every dollar that you spent on the car back. Drive it till the wheels fall off.

docboy

I agree too, to a point.

However, if one has a business corporation, writing off the lease as a business/auto expense is a no brainer, as it lowers your gross taxable income.

Why give to Uncle Sam un-necessarily?

Seekup41

I had a similar decision last month... I have a 2008 RDX base that just came off lease in December. I leased the RDX because at the time, it was a convenient way to get into the car I wanted, with little obligation (at first, I was hesitant to as to the longevity of a turbocharged vehicle with AWD, all that electronic stuff, etc). Thankfully however I was able to structure a great lease, and my buyout at lease end was SIGNIFICANT below market value, therefore making it a no-brainer to just buy the car and keep it at the end of the lease.

I thought VERY seriously about the MDX (especially with the good leasing and financing options over the holidays). However, over the last 3 years, I really came to enjoy the handling, versatility, and sporty characteristics of the vehicle. At this point I dont need the extra space of the MDX, and I didn't want to sacrifice the sportier edge of the RDX for the space of the MDX that I don't really need. I drove the MDX three separate times on lengthy test drives, for about 25 miles each time on highways and side roads; while the MDX is certainly sporty and handles great compared to its competition, when compared 1:1 to the RDX, the MDX felt like a whale: much more floaty, bouncy, "tame" and less nimble. The RDX is much more connected to the road, and much more fun to throw into a corner or curve than the MDX was.

I thought about moving up to the MDX, but then figured that I wouldn't want to give up the "fun to drive" quotient of the RDX. I guess I'm just one of those people that likes the "stiff" characteristics of the RDX and feeling of connectedness to the road-- I just didn't feel that way with the MDX (though, the MDX is certainly a great vehicle and when I want/need that extra space or want a more smooth/soft riding vehicle, it'd be my first choice). I guess I would just say that the MDX felt much more refined, but gave up a little bit of the edginess that we RDX drivers like. That being said the MDX is certainly a superb vehicle and I can see why it sells so well.

I have been nothing but satisfied with the RDX and probably will keep it for several more years. No problems whatsoever (other than the conundrum of what all season tires to use here in snowy Ohio without giving up the nimble handling of the car!!).

Good luck...

DJ Iceman

It all depends on the numbers. What's your buy-out price? What's the market value of your 2008? What deal will they offer you for a 2011? And ultimately, is it worth the additional $$ to have the features, styling, lower mileage, and warranty of the 2011 over the 2008? Only you can make those decisions...

Kyleman

How much to buy out the Tech package 2008 RDX

Kyleman

I am looking for a 2008 Tech package if you do not buy it out , maybe I can take it before you return it on your new 2011 . Let me know thx