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The sporty ride isn't for everyone. If you're looking for something more cushy, try the Lexus RX.
Thanks for your input.
The RDX has a sportier suspension. I too think it rides fine the way it is. But in addition, it handles really well.
Well, after the test drive (2nd time), the wife stated she no longer liked the vehicle. :confuse: Her comments are mainly subjective, but honestly who's are not in purchases such as these. She is of the opinion that the RDX is confused (I've heard this comment about Acura in general and are purchase is getting more confusing by the day). From her perspective spending the additional dollars between the RDX and CRV (another of the vehicles she likes) is something she just can not do. Even with the tech extras and more powerful engine, they do not separate the two enough in her mind. We also test drove a BMW X3, which we both agree handles better than an RDX. In her words, the RDX is jumpy and hyper as opposed to feeling glued to the road. She had other comments along these lines as well.
We then headed over to Audi (she currently drives an A4), VW, for a Toureg2 and Passat, and then test drove an Acura MDX (this has potential).
So after a fun day :sick: , she's still undecided, her criteria is simply :P , fun to drive and room for a new family addition (i.e. storage for baby stuff).
Cars now under consideration; MDX, RX350, CRV, and a player yet to be named.
UGH, I don't think I'm going to make it!
You gotta narrow it down a little. :P
She (we) also weigh value overall. For example is an RDX leases out similar to say an MDX or Lexus RX, then we'd opt for the vehicle in the class above. Thus far with just fees down these cars are all within $50 per month, The quote we received on an RX at invoice leases out at $587.XX per month, 36M, 12K miles, (CT taxes included, with the dealer marking up the money factor slightly). She's confirming a RDX w/Tech today, I think it's in this range as well. MDX w/TECH $600.XX per month 39months, 12K miles (CT tax included and same inception fees)
I think her eyes may be falling on the soon to be released Infiniti EX.
She's giving the RDX another try this week, as it does actually meet her criteria.
UGH :sick:
I'm going to convince to just pick a car with one part made in Germany.
That sounds similar to my situation. Its not that I don't care about performance, but I have to temper that with practical needs about safety, cargo room and reliability, and price. But before all that, I have to like how the car looks or what's the point? So performance ends up kind of the bottom of the list.
The funny thing is, this isn't just a female thing to care about looks over performance--my husband and I both liked how the CX-7 drove, but he thought the interior was too cheap and tacky feeling.
Just curious about why you ruled out the A4 Avant, seeing as how your wife drives the A4 now..or even the A6 avant. Do you really want a taller car for the storage or for the ...SUVness of it? I ruled the A4 Avant out because of lack of availability (not many wagons on the lots), and it was a bit small for how much money it cost. The A6 was out of the price range new, and again, we just can't find any used to even see how they are. And a few people have warned us about the reliability of audi's.
I haven't driven the MDX yet, but I plan to try that and the RDX next. The CRV just feels so econo-sparse on its interior, that I was the one saying it was too "blah" for us.
We both really liked the Infinti FX, but the new ones aren't in our price range, which starts the typical issues of trying to find a good used one.
Reliability still above average, solid red (=good) for the important areas, engine/transmision/electrical, and only one black for the stereo. Very acurate and unbiased.
I've realized that insurance is relatively high for the RDX. Best quotes for my area: BMW540 $1,000/yr, MDX $1,200/yr, RDX $1,400/yr.
I know that SUVs cost more to insure than cars. But why would the RDX insurance be higher than the (huge) MDX?
When I look at any type of wagon, it doesn't exactly say "hip new mom to me", regardless of the badge on the hood. I have no complaints about the A4...it has been very good to us. I ruled out keeping it for two reasons (1) It doesn't have a few amenities that the new one has, that I really want (Bluetooth, Nav, and a MP3 plug) and (2) I don't trust owning a German vehicle outside of a warranty..although it is so much fun to drive.
I am looking for something that will fit the needs of a growing family, without me having to feel like I sold-out on a car that I don't enjoy driving everyday.
I didn't really care for the RDX interior. I felt like it had an identity crisis. It didn't feel very luxurious, but didn't feel so bottom of the barrel as the CRV. But if I got it at a cheap enough price, I would consider it.
I am seriously rethinking the MDX. After reading alot of reviews from new moms and just raving about how fun it is to drive, and the peace of mind having their children in it. I think I will drive it again, but with the Sport Package. *My husband keeps telling me it will drive like a Cayenne We'll see what $45k compared to 90K will give us.
Being the value-conscience person that I am, I want the most car for the least amount of money, but above all, I want a vehicle that will be fun, safe, and not cost me our first born.
I've driven AWDs before as well as owned 4-cyl turbos, and wanted to like this a whole lot more than I did. The one factor I was concerned about based on reviews, namely ride harshness, seemed fine to me - firm but not harsh. However the engine smoothness, steering feel, or braking feel didn't even approach that of an '07 Civic I'm currently driving! Comments? Thanks.
Regarding safety, Acuras are consistently top rated by the IIHS (www.iihs.org). You should believe those folks a lot more than you believe car salesmen or anonymous message forums.
Despite these minor points, I trully love my RDX: great perfomance, functionality, and reliability.
Jef.
I drive all city, flat lands, no towing. :confuse:
What has been your experience with rear differ. oil change?
The service person tried to get me to do alignment and balance, even though it is not in the maintenance reminder! I declined. At 14K it is redundant. I got a very negative opinion of Santa Monica Acura service from that upselling...
I checked again the cost of owneship at Edmunds and it is all the way up to "highest" at its class. (Was 3/4 of the way to High last year).
Did you consider the RDX and then get something else that worked better?
I like the sporty character of the RDX and that it is an Acura. Current car is 2005 Accord. Others considered are new Murano, Honda CR-V, Element, even Acura MDX (though a little big, we also have an Odyssey).
If you're 6' 2" and you want to spend any amount of time in the passenger seat, make sure you try it out. The drivers seat is very adjustable and should be ok for you but the passenger is not (only forwards and back); there is not a lot of legroom for a tall person. I bought an RDX (love it) and my father was all ready to until he sat in the passenger seat. He ended up in a CRV because of it.
I bought a $10 Mobil 1 oil filter from Pep boys and a $25 jug of Mobil 1 oil from Wal-Mart and took it to my Acura dealer. They charged me $11 labor to do the oil change.
The only bad mark is for the stereo system (as expected).
Acura was given the choice of upgrading to the new Onstar network. They opted out. Upgrading from analog would have required hardware changes to all vehicles equipped with Onstar. Instead, the company chose to pursue their homegrown AcuraLink system, which is based on XM's satellite radio network.
Any more info?
PTD1
Drive a "true" AWD system, R/AWD system, such as the BMW X3/5 and you will notice an even more pronounced level of engine compression braking and downshifts on coastdown.
Neat feature of SH-AWD.
Wastegate failure due to poor design would be my guess.
Considering Infiniti FX35 as alternative.
I like the vehice though.
Apparently even in Denver where the air is so much thinner and therefore the use of premium fuel is more important for keeping the engine HP/torque up to "snuff". If the ECU cannot abate knock/ping via increasing the A/F ratio it will command a downshift more often.
The primary difference at 6500 ft (Denver, 6500 ft...??) is that even at WOT the cylinder will NEVER get a full "charge", a full fill of A/F mixture, therefore almost never encounter engine knock/ping due to low octane, even in a relatively high compression engine.
But at higher elevations it is even more important to match premium fuel with a high compression engine in order to keep the engine performance, HP/torque, within "reason" and thereby avoid the continuous downshifts that results.
But other than the "nuisense" of the too often downshifts there will be no adverse results.
The 5 speed transmission is also not that smooth as I had wished. But otherwise its a good car and handles very well.
If I come over a rise in the highway and just tap the brake to release the cruise, it downshifts... and other times too (approaching a curve when I decell... very annoying... bad for fuel economy, and can't do much for the life of the trans either.
Acura has no tweak at this time.