WT21

Hello - first time post here. Question about this RDX model.

Wife wants to lose the minivan now that the kids are older, and she wants 4WD for the occasional snow. I offered to get snow tires for the Minivan, but she'd rather downsize anyway (will likely get snow tires for the new CUV - whichever she picks). Our budget is under $30K.

Looked at the CRV, but her mom drives one, so she has no interest (and to me, dodged the 1.5T bullet). CX5 doesn't do it for her, and neither does much else (also, the mechanic we've used and trust is Japanese-cars only, and we've been honda since 1987 with an odd non-Honda here and there).

Because the CRV got knocked out, she was tracking to a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid -- great MPG and enough power. But then she test drove a 2018 RDX (on my suggestion) and I think she's in love, lol. Looks to be the one we will get. I actually like the RAV4, but there were some issues -- the Limited with leather is technically out of budget (the vehicle is so hot in our area, dealers won't come off MSRP, so $38K), and you had to get to leather to get seat memory and homelink (both of which are important to her). I think she would really have liked the RAV4 MPG if for nothing but the frequency of refueling. I have an 09 MDX which I love EXCEPT the thing sucks gas and is a terrible commuter. I think she would also like CarPlay, but who knows -- Apple could easily change the whole car play thing in 2 or 3 years (as Apple often changes their tech), so that doesn't seem like a good reason to buy a car, IMO.

If you look at costs over several years, the MPG savings on the 2019RAV4 Hybrid would even-out it's initial higher cost, but I think she also liked the simple refinement of the Acura, which I can't criticize at all. It's just a better ride.

So, if we are looking at 2016-18, because she wants the safety features of the Advance package -- is there anything we should specifically examine/have looked at? Is one of the years better/worse than the other (apart from a 2016 being 2 years older than a 2018). It looks to me like they are the same vehicle in pretty much every way.

I have not read glowing reviews on the AWD system, but coming from an 05 FWD Minivan, I'm sure it's going to be better in all ways. The NAV gets dinged, but she uses Waze (which doesn't play well with Apple car play). I don't use nav in my MDX anymore, but even if traveling to a place I know, I still like having the large screen street maps.

Does anyone subscribe to AcuraLink for real time traffic updates? How does that work?

Anything else to consider/that I should look for when looking at one of these?

Thanks for any helps.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

but mazda is japanese

Comfy

I see the problem you have. The newer / fresher RAV 4 with better gas mileage / Apple CarPlay or the older, comfortable, nicer RDX which wife prefers. Simple logic suggests that happy wife = happy life. But it’s a tough spot for you I agree.
There are some aftermarket vendors which have made CarPlay possible in the 2G RDX. May be you can look into those options as a reasonable compromise.
Acuralink is a waste of time and money AFAIK (unless it has changed recently with the new RDX). But why would you pay the monthly / yearly subscription for that outdated tech???
i also see a used Tesla model 3 in your horizon.

WT21

haha. No, not me.

Steve3777

You can also get the CRV with the tried and true 2.4 but only in the lowest model, the LX. At least with the Rav4 you'd have a dependable vehicle.
Myself I have backed away from the RDX because of the transmission (shudder, judder) issues. I'm not looking for a vehicle that has a faulty transmission design that Acura refuses to remedy. Just my 2 cents.

WT21

Based on what I'm reading, the potential shudder is pretty much across Acuras (MDX, for instance, has similar reports). Would you just steer clear of Acura, or at least Acura 6 cyl?

Steve3777

I had my heart set on purchasing the 2017 RDX technology model, but I've done enough research on the RDX to put me off from buying it. The 6 cylinder is a wonderful motor, it's a darn shame that it's mated to a suspect transmission. Instead I've decided to go with a 2017 Honda CRV LX 2.4 liter. The entertainment system is terribly lacking, so I'm going to change out the head unit with a higher tech one. I will also replace all of the speakers with more quality ones and add a few since it only comes with 4. The new head unit will have GPS, Apple car, play and Android auto. The 2.4 has been around for years and is bullet proof. The transmission is also smooth shifting and reliable. I also won't complain about using regular gas and getting 31 miles per gallon.
I really wanted the luxury of the RDX but after the research, gambling on a sketchy transmission isn't worth it.

SandwichViking

Sketchy transmission?

The 2017 has the smoothest shifting transmission I've ever owned (compared to previous BMW / Audi and older gen Accords).

Compared the 2017 CRV vs. 2017 RDX when making my purchase - RDX runs circles around the CRV. It's not even close.

WT21

We bought a brand new 2005 Sienna back in 2005. All over the internet were stories of that engine sludging out. That's the car we are selling, at 155K miles without an engine issue, for the RDX. I also called our mechanic who we've gone to since 1995 - a specialist in Honda (and also works on Toyotas). He has not seen any transmission issues. Add to that the Acura power train warranty.

To dodge a possibility of a transmission issues for a 2.4L 4-banger in an LX configuration (do they even have power windows) on a CRV - that seems like apples and oranges. Or maybe even apples and cashews, they are so different.

To each their own I guess, but I don't see how that's the alternative. It's an entirely different class of vehicle.

Steve3777

I really appreciate the replies. I'm new to the forum and posted a thread in the problem and fixes areas about 3 weeks ago. In that thread I asked for help or opinions about the transmission issues with the RDX. I recieved 1 response. I know that I posted in the wrong area but I said to myself, either these guys pay strick attention to where you post or that they are not very friendly.
Hey if this is how I have to get attention I'll take it. So all I'm asking is your opinions on this vehicles transmission. I've got the money but I don't want to buy a car that needs 3 transmission flushes every time it's serviced, or that shudders or judders better 2 and 3rd gear. I also heard that some guys on here hook up a switch to fool the computer which somehow makes the engine work on all six cylinders at all times. This is the stuff that scares me and I think with good reason. If I'm going to shell out $26,000 fo a used technology package I don't want to have to deal with issues such as the one's I've mentioned. I would really appreciate some responses. Thank you.
Hopefully some people here can enlighten me. I truly want to buy the RDX but I also want to feel comfortable with the purchase. I've read some horror stories on here that have scared me away. I would be grateful to hear some positive experiences. Thank you.

WT21

Ignoring the thread hijack, I'll take a shot --

In your other posts, you ask the same question, and got a number of responses. ONE PERSON claims it happened to him and two other buddies. Everyone else says it's not an issue. So, if you put all the weight in that ONE person claiming three stories, then it sounds pretty scary.

https://acurazine.com/forums/new-mem...-girls-978169/
https://acurazine.com/forums/second-.../#post16429269
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rdx-.../#post16430931

Based on what you've driven in the past (civic) and what you are willing to drive now (CRV LX), and your stated reluctance to replace fluids, just to be sure, a bit more often, I'd say a lux vehicle might not be right for you or your retirement income. Not trying to be harsh, just trying to be real. Repairs on an Acura are far more than your civic, as are the number of quarts of oil, the tires, the insurance, etc.

Do look at the 2019 RAV4, though. It's a good vehicle. Get a low end hybrid and save big time on gas.

Good luck in your quest.

Steve3777

Hijacking your thread probably got you more useful information then you would have gotten otherwise. Say you mean no disrespect and then disrespect me. You're a real piece of work. I hope that made some friends on here for you noob.

WT21

Oookay. You got some issues there. Ciao

Steve3777

Just setting you straight junior.

WT21

Well I gotta go to bed and go to work (to pay into social security - you’re welcome) so there’s no way I can keep up with a retiree, but do consider that it might be your attitude that keeps people from wanting to reply to you helpfully. And yes, I’ll get off your lawn. Have at it champ. Last word is yours.

Steve3777

Hey just came on here to try and help. You had to play tough guy and make a name for yourself. So go to bed and grab yourself a great night's sleep so you can get to work and pay for my social security. Have a nice life.

Steve3777

Just one last thing. I paid into Social Security for 46 years of my life. It comes with the territory kiddo. So I will not thank you because I paid for your parents and grandparents Social Security. So stop whining about having to pay for mine. Good luck with everything.

jjrphs

Hijacks threads (with a big juicy justification), off topic rants and responds to own posts...nice!

cnctoolman

A new Toyota RAV4 may look cool, and the hybrid may get good mileage, but it’s just not in the same league as an RDX!

The RAV4 is a rough-riding, ill-handling, little suv, with lots of road, tire, and wind noise.

The RAV4 doors sound like a tin can when closing, the interior materials are second-rate, the powertrain feels weak - especially off the line.

Sure, the Toyota should be rock-solid reliable, but by-and-large the RDX is as well.

The level of refinement, quality of materials, overall build quality, ride dynamics, smoothness, quietness, and powertrain performance puts the RDX in a different league...

hongthan

I have a 2017 RDX with advance package. It is a wonderful vehicle with no issue so far. It might not be good idea to compare premium/luxury vehicle vs regular brand vehicle. Go with reliable general brand if you are price concerned. it will be cheap for maintenance and repair.

Comfy

Exactly. It’s difficult to put a price on non tangible features such as refinement, noise, premium feel, etc as compared to named features such as leather seats, adaptive cruise, Apple CarPlay/ AA, etc. Premium/ Luxury cars will never win the price war with mainstream regular cars such as Toyota, Honda, Kia, etc.
So if you have to compare those cars, definitely go with the cheapest one with more options since that’ll help you sleep better at night. Good luck.

bldrdx

We considered a 2nd gen RDX vs newer Rav4, chose the RDX. Way more car for the money buying used. The Rav4 we drove was underpowered at mile high altitude.

Comfy

I sort of agree with this. One of my relatives was looking to buy a new Japanese SUV (was budget conscious too). The new CRV was struck off due to 1.5 T, and test drove RAV 4. I was surprised when he dismissed it due to rough ride, engine noise and other such issues (I was thinking the newer SUVs should have a much better and refined ride than older ones, but I agree I haven’t test driven it myself). He eventually bought a new Camry which didn’t have any of those issues.

rsmcinty

Last June I traded a 2017 RAV 4 Hybrid for my current 2019 RDX. Cannot recommend the 2019 RDX - very jerkey transmission, bad GPS, poor voice control and no Android Auto support after a year of promises. I see you are looking at the 2016-18 RDX which might not have these problems. I owned a 2010 RDX and loved it.

But I loved the RAV-4. It was a quality car and got much better mileage which is to be expected from a Hybrid. The interior was a little less comfortable, but on the whole not that much different from the 19 RDX.

Bottom line, I am thinking of changing cars after just a year in the RDX. I know I will lose money. But I am considering the curent RAV-4 as a replacement.

rsmcinty

May I ask which "head" unit you used to replace the Acura GPS unit in your car?

WT21

To close the loop, we got a 2016 RDX advance. A little higher mileage, and no CPO, but a good price at $23.5k. It took a month of shopping, but patience won the day.

Comfy

Awesome. Congratulations on your new ride.