hues10

I think the 3G hits all the major points and then some that the 1G had, and many they were missing. Have not driven one yet, but the 3G has the Turbo with more power and low-end torque, adjustable suspension, the SH-AWD (improved), 10 spd transmission, and overall better interior and refinements. So stock it is probably faster, sounds better, handles better, and has all the latest tech features one could want. The only downside I see, is that it cost $40K plus to switch (before trade-in). I will keep my 2011 with 52K miles on it for a while longer. But no more upgrades to it other than maybe a tune.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the 1G was obsolete as soon as the 2nd generation came out...that's how new products work.

kurtatx

Depends how you define "obsolescence" I suppose. It's still a car and it still drives. The tech within it is completely obsolete, but that's how tech works.

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Funny, comparing my 3G TL to a brand spanking new TLX, I consider the TLX obsolete in comparison.

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

I don't think a car ever becomes "obsolete". I kind of hate that word because it implies that the product you currently have is somehow useless. Really, the word just means "no longer produced" or "out of date". But the product is still plenty useable and likely fits all, or at least most, of your needs.

If you're looking at advantages vs. disadvantages then the later models are usually superior. But not always. I'd rather own a 1G TL than a 2G TL because of all the transmission problems the 2G had. And having owned both a 3G and 4G TL, there are many things I miss about the 3G. And I'd strongly consider the 1G RDX over the 2G because of the SH-AWD on the 1G with the 2G having standard (cheaper) AWD. And after having driven the TLX as a loaner, I couldn't wait to get my 4G TL back. That was before the MMR however. I'm hoping the A-Spec and newer MMC version is better.

The "need" to go out and purchase the newest version of something is artificially created by marketing in my opinion. In reality, the previous version is literally 80%-90% of what the newer one is when comparing all the features, reliability, convenience and utility.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

for curiosity sakes; what would the correct word be? upgrade? but not all new products are upgrades? just curious on how one would describe cars in this way.

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, upgrade is a better word.

hues10

Let me explain, mind you, I have no problems with the 1G RDX, and I only own a FWD and all. It is just I know people have spent thousands (me included) on modifications to make the 1G faster, lower, etc, and now the 3G RDX has a faster 0-60 time than even the best modified 1G that I have seen here on the forums. Not knocking the 1G, as much as trying to say the 3G seems to hit the marks that people wanted from an upgrade from the 1G. I am keeping the 1G for at least three more years, but then, I think a nice used 3G may be the next purchase. I consider the 1G like a nice pair of old jeans. Little frayed on the bottoms, but fit like a glove when I put them on, and I don't mind getting them a little dirty at this point.

mrgold35

I haven't had a chance to test drive the 19 RDX. On paper, there really isn't anything not to like about the 3rd Gen RDX over the 1st Gen and 2nd Gen versions. I've been asking myself what can I do in the 3rd Gen I can't do in my 1st Gen? I use my 1st Gen 99% of the time work commuting, errand/grocery running on the weekends, and hitch for bike rack for MTB riding. Not sure if I want to spend $500-$700 per month for 3-5 years to do the same activities in the 19 RDX? Since passing +100,000 miles on my 1st Gen it has been routine maintenance, shocks/struts, alternator, battery, and coil packs (+150K now).

I'm thinking I rather wait until the 3rd Gen RDX MMC 2-3 years down the road to have that model also to pick from as a long-term replacement for my 1st Gen RDX.

hues10

Agreed Mr. Gold. Until the 3G RDX, I had considered a Jaguar, Audi, or even Volvo come 2020-21. But now I think the RDX will be on top of the list. Especially, since there appears to be an issue with the 1G turbo for some people with the wastegate washer getting worn, or spider cracks in the turbo, etc., and a new $4K turbo is needed to fix. I figured I will have approx. 70K miles on my 2011, may be time to upgrade then, or pass it along. I do have a 2004 Saturn Vue with 170K miles on it. And yes, I use that as the daily driver mostly.

thoiboi

For reference, TLX have been out but still love my 3G more than any of the new things out of Acura as of late

mrgold35

The 3G TL design was and still one of my favorite sedans. I think the 3G TL was the #1 seller for Acura during that model run. My 06 TSX comes in second as my favorite. Very few vehicles from that time are still on the road and still look as good at the 04-08 TSX/TLs.

schen72

If you ask your dealer, his answer will be an emphatic "YES!" Newer car is always nicer, shinier, and fancier.

pjhalifax

That 3G will make my money obsolete so I'm hanging on to the 1G as long as possible.

frankjnjr

Maybe: ( TECHNOLOGICALLY ) advanced?

AlanW

What are the performance numbers for the 3G RDX? Are they really much better than the 1G?
Frankly, I was a little disappointed in whatever the rated HP was for the 3G RDX as it seemed to be de-tuned significantly from the 306 HP rating in the Honda Civic Type R
I would wait a few years for a 3G RDX Type Something or other to come out with the motor turned up. And I guess Acura would never consider putting a 6sp manual in a CUV
Damit, I miss my 3G TL 6sp everyday. I still turn & look every time a shiny black 3G TL goes by.

hues10

Ok. Did not mean to use the word "obsolete" meaning the 1G sucks. So my bad. Just tried to mean that the 3G seems to have everything the 1G had, plus more. I know people were turned off about the 2G being a nice "CRV". Now it is it's own distinct SUV again. I too am looking forward to the potential mods that come out for it. And since the engine and transmission is shared between vehicles now, there should be more vendors making them. I just want to have big fat round exhausts on my 2011, but do not want to plunk down $1K on the ATLP exhaust to get them. Sorry if I offended anyone. Was just trying to say I was happy with the 3G RDX they came out with.

TacoBello

The CTR and RDX engines utilize different components, each setup for a different purpose. Acura doesn't need to push 306hp from the RDX... it is already leading the class in terms of acceleration from 0-60. More isn't always better. That CTR engine is developed to rev long and high in the rpm range. The RDX is intended for much more "normal" RPM levels, and much less aggressive driving. It takes the CTR engine a wee bit longer to build boost than the RDX... I'd say the RDX has the upper hand, considering the type of driving one would do with it.

And honestly, you're one ECU chip away from exceeding 306hp anyway. I understand most people won't be doing that for a few years, but eventually more and more will jump on board... but a quick call to Hondata, a few hundred bucks later and 10 minutes of playing with your car, and voila, I'm sure you'll gain 40-50hp.

TacoBello

The 1G RDX isn't obsolete, in the sense that it still does what it originally did in it's first year of production, and continues to likely do so.

I'd say it's obsolete in the fact that previously there was a 2.3T putting out something like 240hp/260lbft... while now we have a smaller displacement engine, making noticeably greater power numbers than that of the 2.3T.

But... there's something to be said about driving an older vehicle. We all know they're generally always slower than their modern counterparts... but they still hold their own in terms of the driving experience. While there is more efficient technology out, I too don't know if it makes much sense to dump a perfectly good 1G RDX, in favor of a new 3G RDX and car payments. I would only do the upgrade if my 1G RDX was on it's last legs...

dopeboy1

Lets not call old models like the 1G obsolete. Instead we should call them technologically challenged.

TacoBello

Not gonna lie- I prefer driving a decade old car, compared to anything new...

Everyone is so caught up in driving the absolute quietest, smoothest, and in my mind, most anemic vehicle possible. Adaptive dampers to make butter out of the road. Acoustic glass to silence the wind. Increased sound proofing to bring NVH levels to their lowest levels ever. Electric steering to remove any and all steering response. Etc., etc...

Cars are becoming more and more boring to drive

schen72

I like new cars as much as the next guy, but I like my money even more.

schen72

I'm with you. My cars only get replaced with they are on their last legs. There are two types of people who constantly upgrade their cars every few years (thus losing lots of money on depreciation):

1. People easily suckered into always having the new hotness, at the detriment of their personal finances.
2. Rich people with lots of disposable cash.

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Combine all you wrote with the popularity of autotragic transmissions, and "driving" a late model car is about the same as being a passenger.

russianDude

Acuramon

I've honestly gotten so used to our 1G's being pretty much ignored that it doesn't even matter at this point. Take a look at this forum. The 1G is a GREAT little SUV but this forum has to be one of the least active. Just try finding a scale model of a 1G. Either they have never been produced or they were only produced for a very short time. I just make myself happy knowing I have one of the most slept on Acuras of all time.

schen72

A quiet forum can mean that there are no issues with the car, which is a good sign.

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Or utter and complete apathy.

hues10

I have to agree with horseshoez. There were too few sold of these to make an active aftermarket and support group. I do like that my 2011 is paid for, is super clean, and no issues. Well any non-warranty issues. Anyone have issues with their inner wheel well plastic liners cracking and breaking around the holes? I know it is cosmetic, and it is not like it is falling apart, but when I wash it, I see where the plastic has broken cracked and somewhat chipped off. Being seven years old now, it is getting to be in the beater status, but it is still new to me.

AlanW

Yeah, there were so few sold that Chilton & Haynes never bothered to make a repair manual for them.

schen72

Here in the SF bay area, I actually see a good number of them on the road. Mine is 10+ years old now and till looks brand new. Absolutely zero dings or dents. It's been absolutely reliable with no major components failing. However, at the last oil change the dealer said the rack & pinion was leaking and to keep an eye on it. I suspect it's not leaking much, but that will an expensive repair eventually.

mrgold35

The dealership told me I needed to replace my power steering pump on my 08 with +150,000 because of a lot of oil/dirt build-up around the pump. I've never had to add any power steering oil to the reservoir and change the power steering oil at 100K. I declined and power washed the area to see how bad it leaked over time. It was February when I power washed and it is still clean and oil/dirt free today. $1.75 powerwash saved my +$1000 in repairs. Unless you have to add power steering fluid and see drip marks on the ground, you might just need to replace the fluid at most and keep an eye on it.

hues10

Maybe not related, but my GF took her 2010 Honda CRV to the Honda dealership for the airbag recall thing, and of course they did a complimentary inspection, and guess what, the power steering rack was leaking. Same as Mr. Gold, if it ain't broke, don't fix it is my motto. Have not added a drop of fluid to it and it has been over 18 months. I think they may accumulate dirt and oil from somewhere, then the dealerships say it is leaking. Can tell you stories of AC places that want to replace entire systems on my Father's Buick. I reset the system (by unplugging the fuse relay), added Freon, and he was good to go. Which is why I do my own stuff if I can to my cars. Good that the Acura does not break down. Darn, I just jinxed myself now didn't I

taeoug

I like my 1G still and will keep it as a second vehicle. Was going to get the 2019 Advance (Platinum Elite in Canada) but going to wait for the hype to come down as there is little movement on price and financing of course.May be considering a year old SQ5 as well since the price is pretty close.

I think of my RDX as a pristine old pair of jeans. It fits just right. Still pulls "strong" and I have hauled so much stuff with it, it simply works for me and still fun to drive under wot.

russianDude

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

I'm not sure I understand such a comment. To put that into context, I just did the clutch (new dual-mass flywheel, clutch disk, bushings and bearings, and pressure plate), rear main seal, clutch slave cylinder, all six motor and transmission mounts, stabilizer bar bushings and end links, rear brakes and hubs, plus a few other miscellaneous bits done on my 12 year old TL, and the cost of all that was still well shy of half the value of my car. The other way of looking at it is, a little unscheduled maintenance in the form of say an alternator is still a very-Very inexpensive car payment when averaged over a year.

russianDude

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

How many repairs per year are you expecting in that price range; one, two? Either way that's a pretty cheap car payment.

mrgold35

I did my RDX alternator for $250 a few years ago with local auto parts and local repair shop (Acura wanted $700 with aftermarket part). I also did my 4 coil packs this year and that was $800 at the dealership. I didn't know enough about on how to fix the coil packs and probably could have cut that price by 1/2 to 2/3rd if I did. I figured it was a good trade off considering I've haven't had a car payment +6 years and it has just been M.I.D. maint, shock/struts, wipers, brakes, and tires.

I did the eBay motors thing when my TSX power steering pump was leaking for $250 (Acura wanted $700) and my TSX A/C compressor for $700 (Acura wanted $2000 aftermarket or $2700 for Acura parts). It is costing less than 1-2 car payments to fix my paid off TSX, RDX, or MDX 1-2 times a year. A lot of the fixes are age/mileage related and "one and done" stuff.

russianDude