View Poll Results: GLK or RDX
2012 RDX
4
12.90%
2011 GLK
27
87.10%
Voters: 31. You may not vote on this poll
GLK350 vs. RDX
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
GLK 350
GLK350 vs. RDX
Guys,
I am deciding on buying a car. We have narrowed it down to either the GLK or RDX. The GLK 4MATIC is a 2011 demo dealer car. It has never been titled, and is certified. 9K miles. It has premium package, leather and burl wood, navigation. It is a beatiful dark blue with beige interior. Dealer is asking 34K with 1.9% financing for 66months.
On the other hand, I could buy a new 2012 RDX with 0 miles for 34.5K. It is fully loaded with SH-AWD and Tech package. It also comes with 1.9% for 60 months.
Tough choice. We drove both, and I really did like the way the German car drove. Nice and solid. But, I want feedback from you guys.
Thanks
I am deciding on buying a car. We have narrowed it down to either the GLK or RDX. The GLK 4MATIC is a 2011 demo dealer car. It has never been titled, and is certified. 9K miles. It has premium package, leather and burl wood, navigation. It is a beatiful dark blue with beige interior. Dealer is asking 34K with 1.9% financing for 66months.
On the other hand, I could buy a new 2012 RDX with 0 miles for 34.5K. It is fully loaded with SH-AWD and Tech package. It also comes with 1.9% for 60 months.
Tough choice. We drove both, and I really did like the way the German car drove. Nice and solid. But, I want feedback from you guys.
Thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: West Virginia
GLK350 4matic
I vote you go for the GLK. I own both a GLK and a Honda CRV. The RDX is basically a CRV with more bling and a few more HP. As you noted, the GLK drives nice and solid. Accura's are OK - but, they have yet to match the chassis dynamics and engine sophistication of the European's IMHO. The GLK rides like a luxury car, corners like a sports sedan, and, has respectable get up and go. The Mercedes engine makes peak torque over a wide rpm range, and, is coupled to a 7 speed automatic. The RDX makes peak torque at high rpm with its turbo engine, and, it's coupled to a 5 speed automatic. After driving my GLK on trips, my Honda seems like driving a pop can powered by a sewing machine - even though it's supposed to have 180 HP and is 500 pounds lighter than the GLK. The 180 HP hides at the top end of the tach, and, the car has to frequently downshift and scream its guts out to maintain interstate speeds on the roads in my hilly state. In comparison, the GLK never has to downshift to maintain 70 on the same roads.
Regards:
Oldengineer
Regards:
Oldengineer
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 32
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GLK 350
Do you think a dealer demo (the manager supposedly drove it) will be reliable for the long term? The car drove great, and looks perfect. I hope to keep this car at least 7 to 10 years? Or should I go for the Honda long term reliability and give up the ride quality?
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 7
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2011 GLK
Pet - I just sold my 2009 RDX Tech for my 2011 GLK. Owned the RDX for over 65000 miles ( bought new).
Comments:
Reliability
RDX - only replaced tires; no repairs..however the nav was getting dim/slow to turn on and the wiper delay was acting up. GLK only has 3k on it so far.
Comfort
GLK wins...never felt RDX seats fit me..RDX much noiser on the highway and the turbo was always making itself known...
Power train/brakes
GLK wins...transmission is smoothest I've ever experienced...engine power very linear...amount similar to RDX...real close in acceleration...brakes on GLK feel stronger but have an annoying dead spot in the initial travel
Practicality/mileage
RDX wins...great storage, more rear seat room, mileage identical at about 17 in town, 22 on hwy
Other miscellaneous
GLK wins...structure, doors, feel is much more solid..prefer the handling of the GLK, ride is much smoother, too. Nav / radio is better in GLK in my opinion..note I didn't have a hard drive nav or music storage or iPod interface on the RDX...oh...location of blinker and cruise stalk on GLK sucks. Double sun roof is nice on the GLK.
Overall, I'd say I prefer about 80% of the GLK attributes/features over my RDX. Price was similar as I got the 2wd GLK
Comments:
Reliability
RDX - only replaced tires; no repairs..however the nav was getting dim/slow to turn on and the wiper delay was acting up. GLK only has 3k on it so far.
Comfort
GLK wins...never felt RDX seats fit me..RDX much noiser on the highway and the turbo was always making itself known...
Power train/brakes
GLK wins...transmission is smoothest I've ever experienced...engine power very linear...amount similar to RDX...real close in acceleration...brakes on GLK feel stronger but have an annoying dead spot in the initial travel
Practicality/mileage
RDX wins...great storage, more rear seat room, mileage identical at about 17 in town, 22 on hwy
Other miscellaneous
GLK wins...structure, doors, feel is much more solid..prefer the handling of the GLK, ride is much smoother, too. Nav / radio is better in GLK in my opinion..note I didn't have a hard drive nav or music storage or iPod interface on the RDX...oh...location of blinker and cruise stalk on GLK sucks. Double sun roof is nice on the GLK.
Overall, I'd say I prefer about 80% of the GLK attributes/features over my RDX. Price was similar as I got the 2wd GLK
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 139
Likes: 2
GLK350
Hi Pet, We have GLK and a 2010 TL in the household so i can speak a bit for Acura. If the prices close, GLK would win hands down if compared to the curent RDX and here's why:
RDX Cons:
1) RDX's motor is very peaky, it's gutless until the turbo kicks in.
2) RDX is very bouncy and noisy on the highway
3) RDX has very poor roof strengh test and i'm sure the GLK is safer in all aspects
4) last year of the Model with a much improved V6 version next year
RDX Pro:
1) very reliable, will never cause you any problems if you are keeping the car over 6 years
2) service cost is cheaper
3) ELS sound system blows the HK7 away
4) Acura' dealerships don't have the same "attitude" as MB here in Canada. I feel like they go beyond all the time to keep me happy
5) resale on Acura's are really good
6) roomier back seat
GLK Cons:
1) if anything breaks after warrentie (and they will), it's expensive to fix
2) it's small. too small for me to consider it a good family vehicle
GLK Pros:
1) it's really solid. Nothing comes close in this price range
2) pretty quiet for such a boxy car and it looks great.
I do want to warn you about "demo vehicles". they often say it's "manager driven" which is more or less BS as manager cars are often give out as loaners. If you go the GLK route, might want to consider extended warrentie, I would be lying if i told you it will be as reliable as an Acura. there's just no way. Good luck with your decision and the best thing about being a consumer today is that there are no "bad" cars.
RDX Cons:
1) RDX's motor is very peaky, it's gutless until the turbo kicks in.
2) RDX is very bouncy and noisy on the highway
3) RDX has very poor roof strengh test and i'm sure the GLK is safer in all aspects
4) last year of the Model with a much improved V6 version next year
RDX Pro:
1) very reliable, will never cause you any problems if you are keeping the car over 6 years
2) service cost is cheaper
3) ELS sound system blows the HK7 away
4) Acura' dealerships don't have the same "attitude" as MB here in Canada. I feel like they go beyond all the time to keep me happy
5) resale on Acura's are really good
6) roomier back seat
GLK Cons:
1) if anything breaks after warrentie (and they will), it's expensive to fix
2) it's small. too small for me to consider it a good family vehicle
GLK Pros:
1) it's really solid. Nothing comes close in this price range
2) pretty quiet for such a boxy car and it looks great.
I do want to warn you about "demo vehicles". they often say it's "manager driven" which is more or less BS as manager cars are often give out as loaners. If you go the GLK route, might want to consider extended warrentie, I would be lying if i told you it will be as reliable as an Acura. there's just no way. Good luck with your decision and the best thing about being a consumer today is that there are no "bad" cars.
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Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
2010 GLK 350, 09 ZX6r race bike, 06 YZ250f
We drove the RDX when we were looking and we hated it honestly. There are more buttons on the dash than a keyboard and the motor had no bottom end power. Handling was not near as good either. Styling wise we thought was no contest either-the RDX is straight up ugly haha! We drove about everything in the class and nothing to us matched the GLK.
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: West Virginia
GLK350 4matic
My take on Honda long-term reliability: My daughter had a 2010 Pilot, and, just got rid of it because of recurring electrical problems, horrible fuel economy, and other problems. I've owned 4 Hondas - 2 of them were OK, the other 2 were far less than satisfactory.
Regards:
Oldengineer
Regards:
Oldengineer
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,522
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 56
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GLK 350 4Matic, G35, Ford Ranger FX4II
The RDX is a turbo 4 cylinder with low HP compared to the GLK. I don't have luck with turbo 4's, I guess I push them too hard to perform. Not to mention the RDX's looks suck IMO.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB
2014 CLA 45 AMG; 2012 GLK 350 4MATIC (totaled); 2009 VW GTI (sold)
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal opinion. This is a Mercedes forum so of course the comments here will be biased to MB
For me, I have never been a fan of asian cars, always had a thing for German cars, I never even looked at an Acura RDX or Infinity FX35 or Lexus. My neighbor just purchased a brand new 2012 RDX turbo, when I looked inside a few weeks back, the interior was cheap and overall quality of the car was not in the same league as the GLK. Then again, it shouldn't be as up here in Canada, a new GLK fully loaded versus fully loaded RDX is $10K more expensive and that is a lot of money.
For me, I have never been a fan of asian cars, always had a thing for German cars, I never even looked at an Acura RDX or Infinity FX35 or Lexus. My neighbor just purchased a brand new 2012 RDX turbo, when I looked inside a few weeks back, the interior was cheap and overall quality of the car was not in the same league as the GLK. Then again, it shouldn't be as up here in Canada, a new GLK fully loaded versus fully loaded RDX is $10K more expensive and that is a lot of money.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 3
From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
First of all, there are TURBOCHARGED 2.5 to 3.0 liter, 5 or 6 cylinder, engines and transmissions that suffer from none of faults mentioned earlier re: RDX. Quite the opposite. Full torque delivery and lots of it from 1,500 RPM to 4,500+ RPM.
Regardless of what I'm driving, and I drive two different vehichles, the Acura RDX will always be a CR-V in my mind.
Wayne
Regardless of what I'm driving, and I drive two different vehichles, the Acura RDX will always be a CR-V in my mind.
Wayne
Last edited by venchka; Jan 29, 2012 at 07:52 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 527
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From: Old Dominion
2015 VW GTI.S4; 2016 Audi Q3 Prestige
Was @ DC Autoshow today.
The 2013 RDX will be what is the new standard in the cute-ute market IMO!
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...rdx/index.html
Never have been a fan of Acura's entry but the new re-do is a true competitor & looks better in the flesh than pics above.
ALL the bavarian cuties better start working on some performance enhancers.
The 2013 RDX will be what is the new standard in the cute-ute market IMO!
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...rdx/index.html
Never have been a fan of Acura's entry but the new re-do is a true competitor & looks better in the flesh than pics above.
ALL the bavarian cuties better start working on some performance enhancers.
Last edited by MBNA109; Jan 29, 2012 at 12:59 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB
2014 CLA 45 AMG; 2012 GLK 350 4MATIC (totaled); 2009 VW GTI (sold)
Was @ DC Autoshow today.
The 2013 RDX is what is the standard in the cute-ute market!
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...rdx/index.html
The 2013 RDX is what is the standard in the cute-ute market!
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...rdx/index.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 3
From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
Was @ DC Autoshow today.
The 2013 RDX is what is the standard in the cute-ute market!
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...rdx/index.html
Never been a fan of Acura's entry but the new re-do is a true competitor & looks better in the flesh than pics above.
ALL the bavarian cuties better start working on some performance enhancers.
The 2013 RDX is what is the standard in the cute-ute market!
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...rdx/index.html
Never been a fan of Acura's entry but the new re-do is a true competitor & looks better in the flesh than pics above.
ALL the bavarian cuties better start working on some performance enhancers.
Following the link above I found this bit of marketingspeak doubletalk. In no way limited to Honda/Acura. They are all guilty.
Focus On The Customer
Will enthusiasts and lead-foot journalists miss SH-AWD? Perhaps, especially when diving into corners like there's no tomorrow - but there's a good chance many RDX shoppers won't. Poponi says this is the perfect illustration of Acura's "smart luxury" mantra. "We need to understand what customers' needs are so we can deliver the right product with the right technologies at the right price point. We don't need to simply take an engineering feature and put it on everything we build."
Is the 2013 RDX still a CUV that thinks it's a hot hatch? No. Will it light enthusiasts' hearts on fire? Perhaps not. But it is clearly a much more sophisticated product born from mature decision making - and that may pay dividends in an increasingly mature market segment. Seeing as production begins in East Liberty, Ohio, this spring, we'll find out soon enough.
Will enthusiasts and lead-foot journalists miss SH-AWD? Perhaps, especially when diving into corners like there's no tomorrow - but there's a good chance many RDX shoppers won't. Poponi says this is the perfect illustration of Acura's "smart luxury" mantra. "We need to understand what customers' needs are so we can deliver the right product with the right technologies at the right price point. We don't need to simply take an engineering feature and put it on everything we build."
Is the 2013 RDX still a CUV that thinks it's a hot hatch? No. Will it light enthusiasts' hearts on fire? Perhaps not. But it is clearly a much more sophisticated product born from mature decision making - and that may pay dividends in an increasingly mature market segment. Seeing as production begins in East Liberty, Ohio, this spring, we'll find out soon enough.
Translation: The consumer is as dumb as a post and won't know the difference.
Wayne
ps: The good news about seeing the new RDX: We were in our GLK, on a deserted back road, on our way to eat the best fried shrimp this side of Abbeville, LA. Life is good.
Last edited by venchka; Jan 29, 2012 at 08:13 AM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: So CA
2012 GLK 350--AMG Package 20" Chromed Wheels, Loaded
Here's my 2 cents! Get the GLK and you will never be sorry! It is everything that is mentioned above. You will never know you are in a SUV as it drives like a luxury car, and the only issue is paying attention to keeping your speed below 75! This car/SUV goes to 80 in a blink of an eye, and after “5” E-Classes that aren’t that quick, it was unsettling at first as I constantly had to keep one eye on the speedometer and the other on my rear view mirror for a CHP! I use that cruise control a lot-LOL
BTW, I can tell you that a “demo” is just that-"a demo" and is fully certified as a new car. They are normally given to salespeople in most dealerships to drive for short periods of time, however in MB dealerships, MBCredit has a lease program for their salespeople (at least in the US) where MB picks up most of the payment and the salespeople can drive a new car every few years for a fraction of the actual lease payment. Most management do get "demos" that they drive for a period of time but demos are different than the "Loaner cars" that they give you when you are in for service. I used to be in the car business and I can tell you that this is true. My MB sales person gets a great deal on his 2012 E350 coupe he’s driving now, and pays a fraction of the normal lease payment for it. I would never have an issue with buying a demo and that sounds like a very good price for it. Go for it-you'll never look back-except for your local police-LOL.
BTW, I can tell you that a “demo” is just that-"a demo" and is fully certified as a new car. They are normally given to salespeople in most dealerships to drive for short periods of time, however in MB dealerships, MBCredit has a lease program for their salespeople (at least in the US) where MB picks up most of the payment and the salespeople can drive a new car every few years for a fraction of the actual lease payment. Most management do get "demos" that they drive for a period of time but demos are different than the "Loaner cars" that they give you when you are in for service. I used to be in the car business and I can tell you that this is true. My MB sales person gets a great deal on his 2012 E350 coupe he’s driving now, and pays a fraction of the normal lease payment for it. I would never have an issue with buying a demo and that sounds like a very good price for it. Go for it-you'll never look back-except for your local police-LOL.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
GLK 350
Guys,
I am deciding on buying a car. We have narrowed it down to either the GLK or RDX. The GLK 4MATIC is a 2011 demo dealer car. It has never been titled, and is certified. 9K miles. It has premium package, leather and burl wood, navigation. It is a beatiful dark blue with beige interior. Dealer is asking 34K with 1.9% financing for 66months.
On the other hand, I could buy a new 2012 RDX with 0 miles for 34.5K. It is fully loaded with SH-AWD and Tech package. It also comes with 1.9% for 60 months.
Tough choice. We drove both, and I really did like the way the German car drove. Nice and solid. But, I want feedback from you guys.
Thanks
I am deciding on buying a car. We have narrowed it down to either the GLK or RDX. The GLK 4MATIC is a 2011 demo dealer car. It has never been titled, and is certified. 9K miles. It has premium package, leather and burl wood, navigation. It is a beatiful dark blue with beige interior. Dealer is asking 34K with 1.9% financing for 66months.
On the other hand, I could buy a new 2012 RDX with 0 miles for 34.5K. It is fully loaded with SH-AWD and Tech package. It also comes with 1.9% for 60 months.
Tough choice. We drove both, and I really did like the way the German car drove. Nice and solid. But, I want feedback from you guys.
Thanks
To update: I did find out that the demo car was also used as a service loaner as well. Should I be worried, they are cerified, thus any thing that should go wrong, will probably with 4 years of owning? I mean, the people who service their MB, drive MBs themselves, thus would they really beat on these cars during the day or two they use them?
New options: $30.5K for 2011 with 10.9K miles with heated seats, and moonroof. (silver/black). Or 35K for 2011 with 4K miles with heated seats, premium package, multimedia, AMG package. (silver/black). Thoughts?
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 887
Likes: 6
From: Northern New Jersey
2010 GLK Black, Premium 1, Lighting, Multimedia, Appearance and Media Pkg, 2012 Corvette Grand Sport
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal opinion. This is a Mercedes forum so of course the comments here will be biased to MB
For me, I have never been a fan of asian cars, always had a thing for German cars, I never even looked at an Acura RDX or Infinity FX35 or Lexus. My neighbor just purchased a brand new 2012 RDX turbo, when I looked inside a few weeks back, the interior was cheap and overall quality of the car was not in the same league as the GLK. Then again, it shouldn't be as up here in Canada, a new GLK fully loaded versus fully loaded RDX is $10K more expensive and that is a lot of money.
For me, I have never been a fan of asian cars, always had a thing for German cars, I never even looked at an Acura RDX or Infinity FX35 or Lexus. My neighbor just purchased a brand new 2012 RDX turbo, when I looked inside a few weeks back, the interior was cheap and overall quality of the car was not in the same league as the GLK. Then again, it shouldn't be as up here in Canada, a new GLK fully loaded versus fully loaded RDX is $10K more expensive and that is a lot of money.
To update: I did find out that the demo car was also used as a service loaner as well. Should I be worried, they are cerified, thus any thing that should go wrong, will probably with 4 years of owning? I mean, the people who service their MB, drive MBs themselves, thus would they really beat on these cars during the day or two they use them?
New options: $30.5K for 2011 with 10.9K miles with heated seats, and moonroof. (silver/black). Or 35K for 2011 with 4K miles with heated seats, premium package, multimedia, AMG package. (silver/black). Thoughts?
New options: $30.5K for 2011 with 10.9K miles with heated seats, and moonroof. (silver/black). Or 35K for 2011 with 4K miles with heated seats, premium package, multimedia, AMG package. (silver/black). Thoughts?
You will find that the GLK is a great vehicle but what it really comes down to is personal preference. If price is not a factor then spend a few more $$$'s and get a new one. It may not have all the bells and whistles but it is a MB. On the other hand most new cars are reliable and you need to consider what really turns your wheels.
In the end we should not be the ones that help you make up your mind. If you go to the Acura forum I'm sure they will have great things to say. Do what you think is best for you.
But if you do decide to buy a GLK the only way we will let you back on to the forum is if you post pictures.
Good luck in whatever your decision is.
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Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
Go new... I'd NEVER buy a possibly abused dealer car... A new GLK is the answer... But if I had to choose between these two vehicles, the MDX is brand new, larger, and handles a little better IMO...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
GLK 350
Anyone else could chime in on dealer cars?
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 714
Likes: 38
From: CANADA eh!
Very very slow
