I traded my '19 RDX Advance SH-AWD
01-03-2019, 03:30 PM
#1
I traded my '19 RDX Advance SH-AWD
I followed in the footsteps of zroger73 and traded my '19 RDX.
My previous SUV was a '10 Lexus LX570. It was incredibly comfortable and reliable but massive, gas guzzling, and hard to park. So I had to decide what to replace it with. CUVs are all the craze so I decided to play along. But I regretted going down this road soon after buying the RDX. Here are my pros and cons:
Cons:
1. The 2.0T engine is a bit loud and unrefined.
2. The transmission shifting, particularly when cold, is annoying.
3. The nav system leaves much to be desired.
4. The infotainment system generally is glitchy.
Pros:
1. The seats are very comfortable.
2. The ELS system is pretty good - a vast improvement over its predecessors.
3. The handling is great.
I do a LOT of highway driving (and take lots of road trips). Ultimately I decided that I just couldn't force myself to like the car. I know that being a longtime Lexus owner has led me to prefer a heavier and less-busy ride. That's not so much a RDX problem but personal preference. So I decided to trade out of it on 31 Dec., when many dealerships are trying to move stock.
I replaced the RDX with a '18 Ford Explorer Platinum. The one I bought sat in the lot for over 6 mos. so the dealership really wanted to move it. Also, Ford was offering $4k in holiday incentives to move '18 Explorers. So I traded out of the RDX without taking a big hit.
This is my first Ford vehicle since 1987 (my first car was a '75 Granada). So we'll see how it goes! This is nearing the end of the 5th Gen Explorer's run so hopefully most of the bugs have been worked out!
My previous SUV was a '10 Lexus LX570. It was incredibly comfortable and reliable but massive, gas guzzling, and hard to park. So I had to decide what to replace it with. CUVs are all the craze so I decided to play along. But I regretted going down this road soon after buying the RDX. Here are my pros and cons:
Cons:
1. The 2.0T engine is a bit loud and unrefined.
2. The transmission shifting, particularly when cold, is annoying.
3. The nav system leaves much to be desired.
4. The infotainment system generally is glitchy.
Pros:
1. The seats are very comfortable.
2. The ELS system is pretty good - a vast improvement over its predecessors.
3. The handling is great.
I do a LOT of highway driving (and take lots of road trips). Ultimately I decided that I just couldn't force myself to like the car. I know that being a longtime Lexus owner has led me to prefer a heavier and less-busy ride. That's not so much a RDX problem but personal preference. So I decided to trade out of it on 31 Dec., when many dealerships are trying to move stock.
I replaced the RDX with a '18 Ford Explorer Platinum. The one I bought sat in the lot for over 6 mos. so the dealership really wanted to move it. Also, Ford was offering $4k in holiday incentives to move '18 Explorers. So I traded out of the RDX without taking a big hit.
This is my first Ford vehicle since 1987 (my first car was a '75 Granada). So we'll see how it goes! This is nearing the end of the 5th Gen Explorer's run so hopefully most of the bugs have been worked out!
The following 5 users liked this post by Dizzyg12:
Ender01 (01-15-2019),
markm929 (01-04-2019),
nist7 (01-16-2019),
securityguy (01-03-2019),
Stew4HD (01-04-2019)
01-03-2019, 07:14 PM
#4
9th Gear
very interesting, Lexus to Acura to Ford.......
My wife just got a white/beige w/adv after trading in a 2010 LS460. The 460 is ultra luxury and so I was not so sure she was going to like the RDX. She, so far, is in love. It seems like you were right, you were trying to make yourself like it and that is not possible.
Good luck with the Ford. I hope you enjoy it. HNY
My wife just got a white/beige w/adv after trading in a 2010 LS460. The 460 is ultra luxury and so I was not so sure she was going to like the RDX. She, so far, is in love. It seems like you were right, you were trying to make yourself like it and that is not possible.
Good luck with the Ford. I hope you enjoy it. HNY
01-03-2019, 07:42 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Age: 61
Posts: 768
Received 167 Likes
on
124 Posts
I followed in the footsteps of zroger73 and traded my '19 RDX.
I replaced the RDX with a '18 Ford Explorer Platinum. The one I bought sat in the lot for over 6 mos. so the dealership really wanted to move it. Also, Ford was offering $4k in holiday incentives to move '18 Explorers. So I traded out of the RDX without taking a big hit.
This is my first Ford vehicle since 1987 (my first car was a '75 Granada). So we'll see how it goes! This is nearing the end of the 5th Gen Explorer's run so hopefully most of the bugs have been worked out!
I replaced the RDX with a '18 Ford Explorer Platinum. The one I bought sat in the lot for over 6 mos. so the dealership really wanted to move it. Also, Ford was offering $4k in holiday incentives to move '18 Explorers. So I traded out of the RDX without taking a big hit.
This is my first Ford vehicle since 1987 (my first car was a '75 Granada). So we'll see how it goes! This is nearing the end of the 5th Gen Explorer's run so hopefully most of the bugs have been worked out!
I certainly wish you the best and understand your frustration but there are a ton of us that LOVE our RDXs and have had a trouble-free experience. I am confident that Acura will handle the software "bugs" and other minor issues that, several of us on this forum feel, some folks are blowing way out of proportion.
@Sounds ...don't be scared away because a few don't like their vehicles. Not everything is for everyone. The RDX is a terrific vehicle but some folks have zero patience and are willing to take it in the wallet.
The following 4 users liked this post by securityguy:
Trending Topics
01-03-2019, 11:42 PM
#10
Drifting
If I were tempted by the dark side, it would be a Grand Cherokee, not an Exploder. It looks better at roadside while you're waiting for a tow. And a JGC can actually take you somewhere off-road in between breakdowns.
But I will admit I have concerns about my decision to downsize from Pilot/MDX, as illustrated by the fact that I seem to spend most of my time driving a 14 year old MDX and leaving the RDX parked in the garage.
This has less to do with frustrations about the electronics and more to do with practicality.
Also, my dogs object to being flung against the walls of the car in corners, and I just can't help myself in the RDX!
But I will admit I have concerns about my decision to downsize from Pilot/MDX, as illustrated by the fact that I seem to spend most of my time driving a 14 year old MDX and leaving the RDX parked in the garage.
This has less to do with frustrations about the electronics and more to do with practicality.
Also, my dogs object to being flung against the walls of the car in corners, and I just can't help myself in the RDX!
The following users liked this post:
phillyman1998 (02-13-2020)
01-03-2019, 11:49 PM
#11
If I were tempted by the dark side, it would be a Grand Cherokee, not an Exploder. It looks better at roadside while you're waiting for a tow. And a JGC can actually take you somewhere off-road in between breakdowns.
But I will admit I have concerns about my decision to downsize from Pilot/MDX, as illustrated by the fact that I seem to spend most of my time driving a 14 year old MDX and leaving the RDX parked in the garage.
This has less to do with frustrations about the electronics and more to do with practicality.
Also, my dogs object to being flung against the walls of the car in corners, and I just can't help myself in the RDX!
But I will admit I have concerns about my decision to downsize from Pilot/MDX, as illustrated by the fact that I seem to spend most of my time driving a 14 year old MDX and leaving the RDX parked in the garage.
This has less to do with frustrations about the electronics and more to do with practicality.
Also, my dogs object to being flung against the walls of the car in corners, and I just can't help myself in the RDX!
01-04-2019, 12:01 AM
#12
Thanks for the comments!
Regarding mid-size SUVs/CUVs, I developed a short list:
1. Lexus RX 350 F-Sport
2. Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum
3. Audi Q7 Prestige CPO
Regarding the RX, the quality is excellent. But I just cannot force myself to like the exterior styling.
The Highlander was okay but even the highest trim is not really luxurious. The infotainment is also quite antiquated.
Finding a CPO Q7 optioned up with dynamic cruise, etc.would cost well north of 60k.
Regarding mid-size SUVs/CUVs, I developed a short list:
1. Lexus RX 350 F-Sport
2. Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum
3. Audi Q7 Prestige CPO
Regarding the RX, the quality is excellent. But I just cannot force myself to like the exterior styling.
The Highlander was okay but even the highest trim is not really luxurious. The infotainment is also quite antiquated.
Finding a CPO Q7 optioned up with dynamic cruise, etc.would cost well north of 60k.
01-04-2019, 05:40 AM
#14
Burning Brakes
Thanks for the comments!
Regarding mid-size SUVs/CUVs, I developed a short list:
1. Lexus RX 350 F-Sport
2. Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum
3. Audi Q7 Prestige CPO
Regarding the RX, the quality is excellent. But I just cannot force myself to like the exterior styling.
The Highlander was okay but even the highest trim is not really luxurious. The infotainment is also quite antiquated.
Finding a CPO Q7 optioned up with dynamic cruise, etc.would cost well north of 60k.
Regarding mid-size SUVs/CUVs, I developed a short list:
1. Lexus RX 350 F-Sport
2. Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum
3. Audi Q7 Prestige CPO
Regarding the RX, the quality is excellent. But I just cannot force myself to like the exterior styling.
The Highlander was okay but even the highest trim is not really luxurious. The infotainment is also quite antiquated.
Finding a CPO Q7 optioned up with dynamic cruise, etc.would cost well north of 60k.
I dumped an '18 Limited for the RDX because it was mind-numbing and frustrating to drive - even more so if you're coming from any kind of 'performance' oriented vehicle (mine was a '14 Cadillac SRX). It's a fairly well designed CUV that reliably does what it's supposed to, like a refrigerator. It's an appliance for moving people and stuff from one place to another but you'll derive no enjoyment in the process. Particularly frustrating was the transmission programming - even in sport + power mode it was insistent at staying in, or shifting to, the highest gear possible for as long as or as soon as possible. Also had a TON of squeaks, rattles and other miscellaneous noises just like the 2 prior ones I've owned - you'd think that after producing the vehicle since '01 at least some of them would have been addressed.
01-04-2019, 05:47 AM
#15
Regarding the Highlander - make sure you take a couple of extended test drives before deciding.
I dumped an '18 Limited for the RDX because it was mind-numbing and frustrating to drive - even more so if you're coming from any kind of 'performance' oriented vehicle (mine was a '14 Cadillac SRX). It's a fairly well designed CUV that reliably does what it's supposed to, like a refrigerator. It's an appliance for moving people and stuff from one place to another but you'll derive no enjoyment in the process. Particularly frustrating was the transmission programming - even in sport + power mode it was insistent at staying in, or shifting to, the highest gear possible for as long as or as soon as possible. Also had a TON of squeaks, rattles and other miscellaneous noises just like the 2 prior ones I've owned - you'd think that after producing the vehicle since '01 at least some of them would have been addressed.
I dumped an '18 Limited for the RDX because it was mind-numbing and frustrating to drive - even more so if you're coming from any kind of 'performance' oriented vehicle (mine was a '14 Cadillac SRX). It's a fairly well designed CUV that reliably does what it's supposed to, like a refrigerator. It's an appliance for moving people and stuff from one place to another but you'll derive no enjoyment in the process. Particularly frustrating was the transmission programming - even in sport + power mode it was insistent at staying in, or shifting to, the highest gear possible for as long as or as soon as possible. Also had a TON of squeaks, rattles and other miscellaneous noises just like the 2 prior ones I've owned - you'd think that after producing the vehicle since '01 at least some of them would have been addressed.
01-04-2019, 07:31 AM
#16
But I will admit I have concerns about my decision to downsize from Pilot/MDX, as illustrated by the fact that I seem to spend most of my time driving a 14 year old MDX and leaving the RDX parked in the garage. This has less to do with frustrations about the electronics and more to do with practicality
01-04-2019, 09:53 AM
#18
I am confident that Acura will handle the software "bugs" and other minor issues that, several of us on this forum feel, some folks are blowing way out of proportion.
The RDX is a terrific vehicle but some folks have zero patience and are willing to take it in the wallet.
The RDX is a terrific vehicle but some folks have zero patience and are willing to take it in the wallet.
Listen, I'm a HUGE Honda nut - I've purchased 11 of them over the last 13 years. I enjoy their safety, reliability, and resale value. Affordability isn't a problem and I'm not married to any one manufacturer - I buy what I like. Unfortunately, my RDX just had too many issues. Yes, I screwed up by not buying AWD and didn't realize how much I actually needed a pickup, but those mistakes are my fault and weren't the primary reasons I traded my RDX for another Ridgeline after a few months.
The RDX is very important to Acura and is the best thing to come from the brand in years. I hope the product improves and I'm sure it will in time, but I'm not waiting around in a vehicle that I dread driving.
01-04-2019, 09:59 AM
#19
Just turned over 10K miles and I love my RDX. I have had two of the common issues though, Limp mode at high speed overtaking, and the whole infotainment system crashing which required a restart. Otherwise I haven't had any complaints. But I am not coming from a luxury car so I can't really say to much bad.. I had a WRX. So the RDX is definitely not remotely loud in that comparison... and the nav and infotainment is like 1000x better.
The following users liked this post:
romer (01-04-2019)
01-04-2019, 12:40 PM
#21
Is it too much to ask that a brand new vehicle operates as advertised and intended? Life's too short to wait around for fixes that may or may not happen.
Listen, I'm a HUGE Honda nut - I've purchased 11 of them over the last 13 years. I enjoy their safety, reliability, and resale value. Affordability isn't a problem and I'm not married to any one manufacturer - I buy what I like. Unfortunately, my RDX just had too many issues. Yes, I screwed up by not buying AWD and didn't realize how much I actually needed a pickup, but those mistakes are my fault and weren't the primary reasons I traded my RDX for another Ridgeline after a few months.
The RDX is very important to Acura and is the best thing to come from the brand in years. I hope the product improves and I'm sure it will in time, but I'm not waiting around in a vehicle that I dread driving.
Listen, I'm a HUGE Honda nut - I've purchased 11 of them over the last 13 years. I enjoy their safety, reliability, and resale value. Affordability isn't a problem and I'm not married to any one manufacturer - I buy what I like. Unfortunately, my RDX just had too many issues. Yes, I screwed up by not buying AWD and didn't realize how much I actually needed a pickup, but those mistakes are my fault and weren't the primary reasons I traded my RDX for another Ridgeline after a few months.
The RDX is very important to Acura and is the best thing to come from the brand in years. I hope the product improves and I'm sure it will in time, but I'm not waiting around in a vehicle that I dread driving.
Regarding "zero patience," that doesn't make sense. My unhappiness with the engine and nav layout cannot be fixed with an update. As for the glitches with the infotainment system, who knows if or when Acura will correct them. Right now Honda has well-documented and well-publicized problems with the 1.5T engine in the CRV -- gas diluting the oil. As I understand it, Honda's "fix" isn't a fix (as described and shown in plenty of Youtube videos) and the response from corporate is that (1) the engine is operating as designed and/or (2) owners should let the engine warm up completely on each drive, even if that requires 30+ minutes of driving.
But again, I still love Honda. The best non-luxury car that I've owned was a '01 Accord EX V6. The first new car I ever bought was a '06 Accord EX V6. The first SUV I ever owned was a '00 Passport (passed down from dad, God bless his soul).
01-04-2019, 01:15 PM
#24
According to the RDX sales thread, 63,500 RDXs sold YTD as of Dec '18, with a fair number certainly being 2019 models, so I would agree one in thousands. I can't see that many have been sold this soon.
01-04-2019, 01:18 PM
#25
I followed in the footsteps of zroger73 and traded my '19 RDX.
My previous SUV was a '10 Lexus LX570. It was incredibly comfortable and reliable but massive, gas guzzling, and hard to park. So I had to decide what to replace it with. CUVs are all the craze so I decided to play along. But I regretted going down this road soon after buying the RDX. Here are my pros and cons:
Cons:
1. The 2.0T engine is a bit loud and unrefined.
2. The transmission shifting, particularly when cold, is annoying.
3. The nav system leaves much to be desired.
4. The infotainment system generally is glitchy.
Pros:
1. The seats are very comfortable.
2. The ELS system is pretty good - a vast improvement over its predecessors.
3. The handling is great.
I do a LOT of highway driving (and take lots of road trips). Ultimately I decided that I just couldn't force myself to like the car. I know that being a longtime Lexus owner has led me to prefer a heavier and less-busy ride. That's not so much a RDX problem but personal preference. So I decided to trade out of it on 31 Dec., when many dealerships are trying to move stock.
I replaced the RDX with a '18 Ford Explorer Platinum. The one I bought sat in the lot for over 6 mos. so the dealership really wanted to move it. Also, Ford was offering $4k in holiday incentives to move '18 Explorers. So I traded out of the RDX without taking a big hit.
This is my first Ford vehicle since 1987 (my first car was a '75 Granada). So we'll see how it goes! This is nearing the end of the 5th Gen Explorer's run so hopefully most of the bugs have been worked out!
My previous SUV was a '10 Lexus LX570. It was incredibly comfortable and reliable but massive, gas guzzling, and hard to park. So I had to decide what to replace it with. CUVs are all the craze so I decided to play along. But I regretted going down this road soon after buying the RDX. Here are my pros and cons:
Cons:
1. The 2.0T engine is a bit loud and unrefined.
2. The transmission shifting, particularly when cold, is annoying.
3. The nav system leaves much to be desired.
4. The infotainment system generally is glitchy.
Pros:
1. The seats are very comfortable.
2. The ELS system is pretty good - a vast improvement over its predecessors.
3. The handling is great.
I do a LOT of highway driving (and take lots of road trips). Ultimately I decided that I just couldn't force myself to like the car. I know that being a longtime Lexus owner has led me to prefer a heavier and less-busy ride. That's not so much a RDX problem but personal preference. So I decided to trade out of it on 31 Dec., when many dealerships are trying to move stock.
I replaced the RDX with a '18 Ford Explorer Platinum. The one I bought sat in the lot for over 6 mos. so the dealership really wanted to move it. Also, Ford was offering $4k in holiday incentives to move '18 Explorers. So I traded out of the RDX without taking a big hit.
This is my first Ford vehicle since 1987 (my first car was a '75 Granada). So we'll see how it goes! This is nearing the end of the 5th Gen Explorer's run so hopefully most of the bugs have been worked out!
The following users liked this post:
zroger73 (01-04-2019)
01-04-2019, 01:20 PM
#26
When I traded mine on Monday, the dealership let me see the live auction data on a manager's computer. It showed that so far one '19 RDX Advance SH-AWD has sold at auction. Of course, there might be others sold or for sale on dealer lots.
01-04-2019, 02:22 PM
#27
A search for "used 2019 RDX" on Autotrader.com shows 186 listings. According to those with free CARFAX reports, some of these were dealer demos, but many were purchased by individuals then sold/traded only months later. These vehicles have only been on the market for seven months. Are there really that many people who trade every few months are is this a result of problems and unhappy buyers? Food for thought.
01-04-2019, 02:25 PM
#28
01-04-2019, 02:39 PM
#29
AZ Community Team
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 3,401
Received 1,581 Likes
on
951 Posts
Simple math:
Acura sold about 64K units this year and let's say 30K units are from the 2019 model.
If 100 buyers have traded or returned their RDX. That equals 0.33%. I can assure you 100% that Acura RDX isn't the only car that's facing this issue....My previous boss traded his Infiniti EX35 (now QX50) within 6 weeks. He just found it very small and got an X3 back in 2011 if I am not mistaken.
Also, I was checking Montreal area and I found 2 demo RDX but I was able to find more than 10 QX50. How do you explain this?
Acura sold about 64K units this year and let's say 30K units are from the 2019 model.
If 100 buyers have traded or returned their RDX. That equals 0.33%. I can assure you 100% that Acura RDX isn't the only car that's facing this issue....My previous boss traded his Infiniti EX35 (now QX50) within 6 weeks. He just found it very small and got an X3 back in 2011 if I am not mistaken.
Also, I was checking Montreal area and I found 2 demo RDX but I was able to find more than 10 QX50. How do you explain this?
01-04-2019, 02:44 PM
#30
AZ Community Team
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 3,401
Received 1,581 Likes
on
951 Posts
Just to be precise: only one RDX with 10,000KM available in my region and seven 2019 QX50s.
That means Infiniti is selling their cars at discounts since they cannot sell them at the MSRP.
That means Infiniti is selling their cars at discounts since they cannot sell them at the MSRP.
01-04-2019, 02:51 PM
#31
NO vehicle should have so many problems that buyers are willing to take a bath by trading it in within months of purchase, but clearly some do. Since the average ownership period of a vehicle is seven years, somebody has to offset those who keep their rides for twice that long. 
The following users liked this post:
irishbrahmin (01-04-2019)
01-04-2019, 03:23 PM
#32
Burning Brakes
The following users liked this post:
zroger73 (01-04-2019)
01-04-2019, 03:53 PM
#33
Just turned over 10K miles and I love my RDX. I have had two of the common issues though, Limp mode at high speed overtaking, and the whole infotainment system crashing which required a restart. Otherwise I haven't had any complaints. But I am not coming from a luxury car so I can't really say to much bad.. I had a WRX. So the RDX is definitely not remotely loud in that comparison... and the nav and infotainment is like 1000x better.
01-05-2019, 05:11 AM
#34
Null and proud of it
NO vehicle should have so many problems that buyers are willing to take a bath by trading it in within months of purchase, but clearly some do. Since the average ownership period of a vehicle is seven years, somebody has to offset those who keep their rides for twice that long.
Two years is when I start to love the car. After seven, I'm married! :wink:
01-06-2019, 09:29 PM
#35
01-06-2019, 11:56 PM
#38
Three Wheelin'
Seems like people who are trading in their RDX are doing so because they bought the wrong type/size of car, rather than having bought the wrong car of this particular type/size.
I doubt Acura is worried about this. If people are trading out of an RDX after a few months and jumping into a similar car, that would be more telling. I can’t think of another car in this same segment (vehicle type, size, price point, etc.) that I would currently replace the RDX with.
I doubt Acura is worried about this. If people are trading out of an RDX after a few months and jumping into a similar car, that would be more telling. I can’t think of another car in this same segment (vehicle type, size, price point, etc.) that I would currently replace the RDX with.
