Considering a different car

S

Sturg

Joined
Jan 15, 2022
Messages
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So, with this most recent repair bill we've spent around $5,000 recently on this car (2013 RDX). Nearly all of it has been routine maintenance stuff.
Just trying to decide if it's worth it to keep it, or just sell it and get a new car. Don't really WANT a car payment right now, but just wondering if this is the beginning of the end with this car. Will I be needing to spend this amount or even more each year to maintain it? A lot to think about. The dealer says I should be good for 250K or more miles. Currently at 103K.

I gotta say a new Honda Pilot or the redesigned Passport is looking pretty good right now.
 
What work did you have completed that cost you $5k?

A 2013 RDX with only 103k miles on it is unlikely to fall apart anytime soon, let alone set you back another $5k per year going forward.

A new Honda WILL set you back a considerable amount of money and absent an extended warranty, all bets are off after the bumper to bumper warranty expires.

How do you use the RDX? Daily driver?

How many miles do you drive per year?

What other ride do you have in the household?

My vote is to keep the RDX.
 
I bet a chunk of that cost was timing belt? but that's routine cost.

You don't indicate where you live but unless if rust is a concern, I'd run it for a lot longer. 103k isn't high miles anymore.

But if you really are tempted to change it up... start sliding the expected payment ($1000/month?) into some account where it can accrue interest. It'll either dampen the desire or be the start of a down payment.
 
S

Thread '2013 Acura RDX - multiple warning indicators'

Check engine warning light, check power steering warning light, check VSA, check hill brake assist, and multiple others. Extremely rough idle, car noticeably shaking/vibrating.

Car was just in for new spark plugs, state/emissions inspection, transmission fluid service, coolant replacement, and timing belt service.
Mileage is 103K.
Last week was told car was in pristine shape by service department....lol.
Called today and they said have it towed and do not recommend driving it.

Any ideas what's going on?
 
Hmmm,

$5k seems pricey for a timing belt (kit, hopefully), plus coolant and tranny fluid changes, spark plugs, and a new plug coil.

Having “invested” in those components, I reiterate my original point: keep it.
 
dkryan said:
What work did you have completed that cost you $5k?

A 2013 RDX with only 103k miles on it is unlikely to fall apart anytime soon, let alone set you back another $5k per year going forward.

A new Honda WILL set you back a considerable amount of money and absent an extended warranty, all bets are off after the bumper to bumper warranty expires.

How do you use the RDX? Daily driver?

How many miles do you drive per year?

What other ride do you have in the household?

My vote is to keep the RDX.
Click to expand...
New spark plugs, replaced coolant, transmission fluid, timing belt, air conditioner service, replaced a spark plug coil wire.

RDX is the wife's car, doesn't get driven much. BUT, my other ride, 2019 Sorento has 93K miles with an extended warranty that expires at 100K, so I'll probably be driving the RDX much more when I return to work in a month.

The Sorento is the daily driver. Has 93K miles, and have had it for 8 years.
Probably drive around 12k miles per year.
 
supton said:
I bet a chunk of that cost was timing belt? but that's routine cost.

You don't indicate where you live but unless if rust is a concern, I'd run it for a lot longer. 103k isn't high miles anymore.

But if you really are tempted to change it up... start sliding the expected payment ($1000/month?) into some account where it can accrue interest. It'll either dampen the desire or be the start of a down payment.
Click to expand...
Yes, it was. Rust no so much an issue, car is kept in garage.
 
Everything said above is 'on the money'.
It always hurts to spend money on a vehicle's maintenance.
Get over it and drive your well maintained vehicle.

Now is not the time for an elective change of vehicle.

There's SO MUCH to learn about a new vehicle besides "looking pretty good right now".
See what happens with all this subscription stuff first.
See if there's anything to the big redos of product lines (think VW) which might rock the industry.
 
Sturg said:
Yes, it was. Rust no so much an issue, car is kept in garage.
Click to expand...
My cars rust quite nicely in the garage. I think they did better outside, actually. Snow melts off and then the water sits under the car--had they stayed outside it wouldn't have melted. But it sure is nice to have a garage now!

Anyhow. Rust starts from underneath the car and can be hidden, while leaving the body looking good.

I think you should keep it. If you went 13 years without a big repair then it was a good run. Good chance you won't have much for the next year or two, and even then, it'll be cheaper than a car payment.
 
Sturg said:
dkryan said:
Hmmm,

$5k seems pricey for a timing belt (kit, hopefully), plus coolant and tranny fluid changes, spark plugs, and a new plug coil.
Click to expand...

New spark plugs, replaced coolant, transmission fluid, timing belt, air conditioner service, replaced a spark plug coil wire.
Click to expand...
Was all the work performed at a Honda/Acura dealership? If you paid $5K for only those repairs listed above, you need to find a more reasonably priced mechanic...or better yet, dive into YouTube and learn to perform the maintenance items yourself. I would expect those items to cost ~$3,800 at a good independent garage.
Sturg said:
RDX is the wife's car, doesn't get driven much. BUT, my other ride, 2019 Sorento has 93K miles with an extended warranty that expires at 100K, so I'll probably be driving the RDX much more when I return to work in a month.

The Sorento is the daily driver. Has 93K miles, and have had it for 8 years.
Probably drive around 12k miles per year.
Click to expand...
If they both reach 250K miles on the odo, I anticipate that the RDX will be more reliable and cost you less than the Sorento in the long run.
 
Nukeman7 said:
Was all the work performed at a Honda/Acura dealership? If you paid $5K for only those repairs listed above, you need to find a more reasonably priced mechanic...or better yet, dive into YouTube and learn to perform the maintenance items yourself. I would expect those items to cost ~$3,800 at a good independent garage.

If they both reach 250K miles on the odo, I anticipate that the RDX will be more reliable and cost you less than the Sorento in the long run.
Click to expand...
Yes, dealership.
 
All my vehicles are over 25 years old and some have over 300k miles. I'm fortunate, though, since I don't live in the rust belt (by choice) but once did. And I can do all my maintenance. I just paid the body shop $4k to have the body on my Ranger repaired after an accident. I couldn't touch an old vehicle for $4k and, outside of the body repair, the truck is in excellent condition.

For some of fortunate ones, it's cheaper to keep her.

EDIT: I don't think you are going down the money pit rabbit hole. Run it until it really becomes one.
 
I agree with everyone above.
While a new vehicle can be appealing, what you have is far more reliable and proven dependable.
 
Its more do what you wanna do???
Assuming NO big stuff is due like timing belts and If service was done at my local Honda dealer I can say one thing for those guys, IF anything looks like its gonna be a issue, Its pointed out in a emailed video inspection at each oil change so as a owner of 3 Hondas I kinda know what $$$ may be spending down the road...

However, My daughter pulled up last week in a new Honda Pilot AWD TrailSport ( as a weekend dealer loner as her Civic is being serviced under warranty ) and all I did was sit in the front seat and look around and BOY that things sure says "BUY ME"...
Lots to be said for NO car payments and lots to be said for new cars with warranty If one enjoys such a thing.

However, I knew a guy personally who was a Real estate Genus, Sold his Primary every few years and befor his retirement lived in one ( If NOT THE ) most expensive houses in town that was paid for. He drove a 10+ year old car with well over 100K that I recall smelled like gas fumes but he was quick to say, I buy new Houses NOT NEW Cars!
 
No brainer, dump the Sorento, keep the RDX.

The reliabality of the Sorento varies depending if it has the 4 cylinder or the 6, but both are less reliable than the RDX.

A 2013 RDX with the 100 K service rates a 8 / 10 reliabality.

A Sorento with a 6 cylinder rates a 6 / 10 reliabality.

A Sorento with a 4 cylinder rates a 4 / 10 reliabality.
 
Last edited:
You replaced the belt. It will last 10 years or 150K miles before it breaks and trashes the engine. SOOOOOO, use it up. Drive that beastie with confidence and don't worry about ever doing it again. By that time it will have very low value and send it on it's way.
 
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