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2020 Acura RDX — what should a real pre-purchase inspection include?

RoadDailyCommunity StarterMay 9, 20262020 Acura RDX SH-AWDColumbus
I am paying an independent shop to inspect a used car. Besides a scan and putting it on a lift, what should I ask them to check so it is more than a quick state-inspection-style look?
apr
1.19
location
Columbus
term months
36
asking price
74500
dealer doc fee
199
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2020 Acura RDX Technology

$29,500

Baltimore, MD

8 replies

RoadDailyCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMay 9, 2026permalink
Walked a dealership this week on the 2020 Acura RDX and the doc fee was the tell. Going to re-read the worksheet tonight.
SunBeltCommuter774Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 9, 2026permalink
The trap is a pretty payment hiding a worse car price. In Columbus, insurance quotes flipped a 2020 Acura RDX comparison for me more than the sale price did. Then the comparison gets honest. That's the whole play. Going to compare one more dealer before I decide.
BoxerBuilder275Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 9, 2026permalink
Asking because it changes the advice: Two 2020 Acura RDX quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. Calling insurance in the morning before I reply to the desk.
WeekendEnthusiast75Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 9, 2026permalink
Treat this like a math problem, not a vibe. Ask for out-the-door on the 2020 Acura RDX with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. If they balk, that's your answer. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
DealBuyer603Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 10, 2026permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2020 Acura RDX price probably got worse. That's the part that actually changes the decision. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
BoxerBuilder275Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 10, 2026permalink
Get the messy numbers in writing first. Ask for out-the-door on the 2020 Acura RDX with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. On “what should a real pre-purchase inspection include,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. I screenshotted the quote for later.
WeekendEnthusiast75Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 10, 2026permalink
The trap is a pretty payment hiding a worse car price. If one piece looks too good on the 2020 Acura RDX, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. That's the part that actually changes the decision. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. Going to compare one more dealer before I decide.
TruckPilot811Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 10, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. Ask for out-the-door on the 2020 Acura RDX with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. If they balk, that's your answer. On “what should a real pre-purchase inspection include,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. I screenshotted the quote for later.
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