[andrearobinson]

The 2019 RDX is sooooo much better than the 2018 RDX.

My 2014 RDX has been a champ, and, until the Passport's reveal, I thought I'd replace it with a 2019. Test drive was very nice. Some great features (head-up display, bird's eye view, etc.). But for 50K, I'd expect Android Auto (dealer says it's coming). Also, towing capacity is only 1500 lbs. It also has a very weird-feeling brake pedal. The turbo four doesn't thrill me. Nor does the requirement for premium fuel.

But the deal-breaker for me might be all of the problems being discussed on the Acura forum regarding the transmission, infotainment system and poor response from Acura service departments.

If it turns out the Passport isn't right for me, I think I'd wait until the 2020 RDX. Hopefully it will have the bugs worked out - and Android Auto.

 

[andrearobinson]

The problem that I see is Honda is too scared to launch something entirely new.

How can you believe that Honda management is too "scared" to launch entirely new vehicles?

If they are, where did the current selection of vehicles that they sell (like the Pilot, Ridgeline, etc.) come from in the first place?

 

[andrearobinson]

I am probably going to keep 18,000 dollars and just buy a 2018 RDX with about 20,000kms.
I just don't need the towing capacity and will have a good start for my next vehicle.

You know, that's what being here and doing research is all about.

BTW, my 2014 RDX has been a champ. The major competition to a new Passport for me is the fact that my RDX is such a winner. And at only 70,000 miles, I feel guilty about trading it in.

 

[andrearobinson]

These markups are ridiculous and anyone who pays for them has been ripped off. Avoid this kind of dealer at all costs. Buy your OEM accessories separately from online discounters.

Yup.

Many people blame ADM on the dealers. But if no customer was willing to pay it, the practice would stop instantly. Unfortunately, there are always those who need to be the first. (It's not unlike camping out for days in front of an Apple store waiting for the new iSomething that will be readily available everywhere in a couple of weeks.)

I was ready to buy a Miata when they were introduced back in July 1989. Had the money saved. The dealers were adding up to $4000 ADM - ON A $14,000 CAR! And they were getting it. I passed and got something else - which I never regretted.

Flash forward a few years, and I bought a new Miata and got $7000 off MSRP.

 

[andrearobinson]

lol.... at least in a Miata somebody might turn their head and say nice car. Sorry to say 99.9 percent of the people won't notice the Passport at all. Just looks like another Honda Pilot.

That's very true. I never looked at it that way. When the Miata first came out, people would crowd around them. I guess there was a big "ego" factor in being seen in one.

It does make it all the more puzzling why someone couldn't wait a month or two for something as "pedestrian" as the Passport. It won't be long before most dealers are dealin'.