Daughter looking for a new compact SUV, wants an Acura but has barely Nissan money. Came across a 2010 Acura RDX in the classifieds at the local Acura dealer. 1st gen with the 2.3 turbo and FWD. 136,000 ish miles. She would love it, then kill it in less than a month and beg me to fix the thing, so i'm not reccomending it to her. But, I was curious so I went to take a look at it while running errands today. It's in decent shape, and looks to have been well cared for. No dents or obvious scratches and intact clear coat even on the roof. Interior is near mint. I'm not an SUV guy but i've become Grandpa's taxi in the past year and this would be a comfortable step up from my work beater. Learn me about this small heavy-ish turbo Honda SUV thing. I think it would be a hoot on some coilovers or lowering springs
I looked at one a few years ago before going with a Prius V instead b/c of the better gas mileage.
From memory the tech package was desirable and it felt sporty for such a heavy SUV. Engine should be a k series of some kind, and they should be pretty reliable.
There was some issue regarding the turbo that popped up frequently on them. The dealer's solution was to replace the entire turbo for $5k+, but the aftermarket developed a fix that was something like $100.
There was one for sale here maybe two years ago, with around 200k miles but perfect. An original owner who maintained it like you would wish for a used car. Maybe seeing this reply will bring this to the top and prompt a testimonial from the seller. I can't recall whom that was.
edit: I kinda recall FL. was it Slippery?
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/post-your-fleet/120632/page4/
Other RDX convos
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/first-generation-acura-rdx-what-do-we-know-about-these-things/118710/page1/
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/under-15k-medium-suv-for-my-wife/195816/page1/
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/reader-rides/2680/
I could never bring myself to own a vehicle named after a high explosive.
V6 fuel economy with 4 cyl power. Requires premium fuel. turbos liked to blow seals (we used to stock 2 at the dealer). infotainment was dated when it was released and not that great. Would definitely recommend not buying one. the MDX, pilot or CRV would be better but they all carry he honda tax.
STM317
PowerDork
12/28/22 8:22 a.m.
Worse fuel economy than competition, and it requires Premium? May not be the best choice for a budget conscious person that's basically going to abuse it.
In reply to OHSCrifle :
My wife had one from 0 to ~190k miles.
The only problem we had that I can recall was I had to change the AC clutch, which was around $60 and easy to diy.
I disagree with Bob on the power, it DID have low fuel economy but it was quick and I am used to quick cars. When I drove it I usually got 17mpg while my wife would get 20mpg.
Mine was all wheel drive and never went back to the dealer after I bought it, I did all the maintenance.
It had a K23 and I never suffered from the chain stretch or any of that.
I honestly wish I still had it, it was a good car for us.
In reply to STM317 :
Not showing this to the spawn, she couldn't afford to keep tires on this thing. She does doordash a lot so trying to steer her into a Rav4 or Kia Sportage or even a Chevy trax if she has to buy something. What I'm really hoping will happen is she takes the FREE vehicle her great aunt is offering, but that's another story.
In reply to Slippery :
Exactly the information I'm looking for, thanks! Fuel mileage isn't an issue for me as I daily my truck sometimes so most anything would be a step up from that. Just ready to retire my 30 year old work beater because 30 years old and chasing it's gremlins isn't fun anymore.
In reply to 06HHR (Forum Supporter) :
Good point on tires. They were quite expensive back then and not a lot of options on that size.
For the Rav4, the 2.4l 4cyl from 2006 up to 2008 has severe oil consumption issues, so I'd look at the 09 and up if she's shopping 4cyl models. The V6 gets something like 1MPG less than the 4cyl, but has significantly more power.
The V6 has a VVTI oil line that had a recall, and they tend to go through water pumps. Other than that, they're pretty solid (ours has 224k on it).
In reply to dj06482 (Forum Supporter) :
The 4cyl in the RAV4 has the same VVT sprocket issue that the K24s had, BUT.
It is a lot more expensive to repair. $1200 for just the sprocket.
Toyotas have a 1/2" inch or so pitch chain vs the 1/4" pitch (officially 6.35mm) in the Hondas, so they are far less likely to jump time when it is banging around on a cold start.
And yes, it amuses me that there are modern Japanese engines, from a company with no history of copying Western designs, with parts designed around Imperial measure. Heck even Shimano had a 10mm pitch chain for Dura-Ace for a while.
Good info to know on the Rav4. I'm going to go test drive the RDX to see if I like it tomorrow (for myself). RIght now she's driving a 2010 Nissan Rogue that's basically a money pit, so any Nissan branded replacements are right out. Keep the suggestions coming!
Aaand.. It's sold. Went to take a test drive and the salesman tells me someone else just made a deal for it. So, no joy.
