The Dive Watch Connection

I’m in a pickle as I like them both. The RDX (advanced pkg) has under 5k miles. The BMW (MSport package,not the high end M) has 30k miles. Both have top of line functions.

The BMW is a great/fun ride. The RDX is a practical ride and somewhat fun. RDX is more practical but the BMW is more fun to drive. BMW $$$; RDX $$

Looking for longevity; need to have 3 kids in the back only every once in a while but always have sporting equipment in back and need for room long trips every once in a while.

I’d like to get 100K+ miles and last for 5 -7 years till everyone is out of college (i.e. 12 years of college)

Thoughts?

RDX has been very reliable for us. We own two, 2008 models. Low cost to maintain. Mileage sucks though, about 14 mpg city and 26-27 highway. Newer models might get better mileage as they are V6 not the tweaked 4-cyc turbo.

I assume newer models have a rear seat AC vent? Ours don't and it would be a big improvement.

You want the AWD model. Control is awesome. I've also found the FWD loaners I've driven tend to chirp the front tires a lot.

My mom used to have an 08 RDX. Moved to a RX 350 earlier this year. I loved the rdx performance - it handled more like a 3 series than a suv, although I found the build quality to be lacking. During our ownership, her brakes have always been iffy, the air conditioning went out twice (once clutch, once compressor), several bouts of random squeaks (what you typically find in a European car, not a Honda product), and poor interior quality - steering wheel leather began fading by 60k miles and door panel “leather” covering began tearing at around the same time.

Keep in mind this was a car we bought with 12k miles, always serviced by my Honda specialist (same guy who works on both my nsxs) on time or before schedule, and my mom’s prior civic looked and drove new when she totaled it at 60k miles.

The rdx was the worst build quality Honda product I’ve had, and based on some of my online research when the air conditioner went out, there seems to be some notable known design flaws with the first generation rdx.

FWIW, I don’t like current bmws either, and my newest bmw is now a 2002 m3. I was simply so disappointed in the rdx. It drove well when it worked, but that was less common than I expected from a Honda product.

If I were buying in that segment now, I’d look into the Mercedes GLC or Lexus RX/NX before either of those two.

Edit: I just read your "100k+ 5-7 years" requirement. If I were buying long-term with minimal out-of-pocket expenses, I'd go with Lexus every single time. My sister's winter beater is a Lexus LS 430 (my old daily commuter), my mom has a RX, my gf had an IS, and I've had a LS 460 and LX 470. Each of those has been scheduled maintenance and nothing more, and my LX 470 had 300k+ and LS 430 currently has almost 200k).

If you decide on the BMW, be advised that the free maintenance probably isn't transferable, and an oil change is somewhere in the neighborhood of $170.

I love German cars, but they can be a bear to maintain and repair.

Selym wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 20, 2018 1:59 pm

If you decide on the BMW, be advised that the free maintenance probably isn't transferable, and an oil change is somewhere in the neighborhood of $170.

I love German cars, but they can be a bear to maintain and repair.

It was $100 for an oil change on our previous X1..same engine as the X3. $170 seems too high for an oil change, but yes, they can be expensive it maintain.
My wife wants another luxury SUV next. I want a Macan, but I don't think I can stomach the upkeep costs.

Thanks for the input gents.

Oil change and routine maintenance is more expensive. The guy who runs my local shop says RDX (or lexus) all the way. Not sure if he repairs BMWs but Acura’s run hard and are relatively inexpensive to maintain.

Selym wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 20, 2018 1:59 pm

If you decide on the BMW, be advised that the free maintenance probably isn't transferable, and an oil change is somewhere in the neighborhood of $170.

I love German cars, but they can be a bear to maintain and repair.

The $170 if you use a dealer. The key to running German cars is having a good independent shop nearbye. Yes you will pay more for service than a Honda/Acura but the trade off is a more rewarding driving experience. If most of your driving is just sitting in traffic and it doesn’t matter, go Japanese.

I will say the following:

I owned a brand new BMW and had so many issues with it under warranty I sued BMW North America, won and made them take it back and refund my money.


I also have owned Acura TSX, TL, MDX.....all I ever did was put gas in them and routine maintenance. Not an issue in the bunch.


I don't have Acura now as I wanted to Branch out but damn they are well made cars in my experience.

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ericf4 wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 21, 2018 6:05 am

I will say the following:

I owned a brand new BMW and had so many issues with it under warranty I sued BMW North America, won and made them take it back and refund my money.


I also have owned Acura TSX, TL, MDX.....all I ever did was put gas in them and routine maintenance. Not an issue in the bunch.


I don't have Acura now as I wanted to Branch out but damn they are well made cars in my experience.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

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Eric, sorry to hear-- have been driving BMW's now for 12 years, not one issue outside of standard maintenance. A woman who works for me just bought an X3 M40 and it is awesome. That said, my wife has had 3 Lexus RX330/350's- awesome vehicles-great service...I'd buy a Lexus NX over the BMW and Acura but if had to choose I'd take the X3 over the RDX. good luck.

If your plans are to keep it, at least consider a Certified. Of course you pay for it and some say that cost is too much. Our first foray in this segment was a Q45 years ago and slightly over the 100k mileage mark, the transmission failed. Covered. The second was a GS300 and the AC failed. Covered. Both of those repairs were over 5K if I recall.

We've been a Lexus customer for what seems forever and with the exception of a few models, you'll see the identical Lexus you're driving everywhere you go for good reason.

jimyritz wrote:

ericf4 wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 21, 2018 6:05 am

I will say the following:

I owned a brand new BMW and had so many issues with it under warranty I sued BMW North America, won and made them take it back and refund my money.


I also have owned Acura TSX, TL, MDX.....all I ever did was put gas in them and routine maintenance. Not an issue in the bunch.


I don't have Acura now as I wanted to Branch out but damn they are well made cars in my experience.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

======================

Eric, sorry to hear-- have been driving BMW's now for 12 years, not one issue outside of standard maintenance. A woman who works for me just bought an X3 M40 and it is awesome. That said, my wife has had 3 Lexus RX330/350's- awesome vehicles-great service...I'd buy a Lexus NX over the BMW and Acura but if had to choose I'd take the X3 over the RDX. good luck.

I had an older RX350 and it was easy. Gas, oil change, tires, repeat. My ES350 Is coming off lease and miss the higher view of road and need more storage room, AWD for NE winters. NX might be worth looking into. Hadn’t considered that before....good idea.

We've had the RX through all the generations except the first and the NX just didn't do it for me, which is probably true of most RX owners. Of course, it's an apple/orange comparison.