Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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And while both offer back-up cameras standard with the navigation systems, when I was test driving in 2003, the Lexus did not even offer that, making backing out of a parking space scary. Plus, you shouldn't have to soley rely on a backup camera to tell you whether or not you're about to hit something; I'd like some real view, too.
You could though take the third row seats out permanently, but then you have to figure out where you'll put them.
MDX:
- drives more like a car
- less off-road ability (for 99% of us this is fine)
- better navigation system
- costs some $5-$7,000 less comparably equipped than Lexus
- more useful third row and much more useful use of cargo space and visibilty when not using the third row
- XM radio and bluetooth factory standard with Touring package
GX470:
- Lexus service
- Lexus luxury
- more rugged look
- Lexus name
- more off-road competent
- more expensive
- less useful third row and less useful way of getting rid of the third row when not in use.
RX will have a new model, the hybrid 400RX. I heard it will give you unbelievable mileage but with a higher premium that will take a few years of ownership to make up.
Most website indicates that MDX will be replace with a new design. Most likely for 2006, meaning this fall with a bigger engine 3.8L. It will probably incorporate the RL's SH-AWD and the TL's interior design. Check out the new RDX (Acura's new SUV) which will be almost the same size as the Lexus RX (if not smaller.) The new MDX will probably be much more expensive. Since the new RDX will probably be in the 30's. Wouldnt be surprise if it increases by almost 10k. Since the new premium Odyssey will run almost 40k.
For your info, I purchase the 05 MDX. Knowing there will be a new model next year. But with past experience, Honda/Acura/Toyota/Lexus usually never gives its consumer a good price for the first few years. Right now, (from my exp and reading others in this forum) MDX avg selling price is running bet 500 - 1,000 over invoice. Close to 1k over invoice if you want the NAV and closer to invoice for base models.
I thought the ride for the RX & Highlander was very nice but needed a decent 3rd row. Highlander added the 3rd row to there existing body design for only 2 rows. Pilot/MDX has probably the largest 3rd row for mid-size SUVs.
Finally, just received a Climate Control recall for the 05 MDX. It's just a software update. If you're planning to pick up the MDX, ask the dealer to confirm that the gas tank is not faulty. Ive heard that a few MDX has faulty gas tanks, poorly installed. (read from this forum and websites with Acura recalls) This Gas Tank recall happen last year, Nov 10th. I dont think I have this problem but I will check it out.
Acura RDX (indicates as prototype but it's pretty definitely, this will be the one. so, this will hint that MDX design will be chg)
http://autoshow.msn.com/as/article.aspx?xml=Acura&shw=autosho- w2005&src=autoshow2005Coverage
Acura MDX (all the details was removed, Im sure Acura requested these websites to remove them)
http://motortrend.com/future/spied/112_2006fvf/
http://www.intellichoice.com/future/future/year/2006
http://www.velocityjrnl.com/jrnl/2006/vmd10254ov.html
Acura MDX (recalls)
http://www.recall-warnings.com/auto-content-40805.html
Hope my researches are helpful to all you folks.
Just rtecently purchased a new 2005 MDX. Have 1000 miles on car. Recently had transmission replaced. Also have loud clunking noise coming from under the car, so was in the dealership yesterday. They said it was the gas sloshing (gas sloshing shouldn't equate to a clunking noise). Anyway, they will connect me to the area rep. when he is at dealership in 2 weeks. So yes, the 2005 MDX's DO have the problem, and no, i do not believe it is the gas sloshing. I intend to get the vehicle fixed or will pursue legal action since I didn't spend 37k to hear chronic clunking coming from my car. Hope this helps.
Thanks
Yes, I also had that clunking noise coming from the rear under the car on my 2003 MDX. I also had a clunking noise coming from the brakes @ 6700 miles. Dealer said the clunk noise from rear is the gas sloshing around ( normal for Acura/Honda ) But for a Luxury vehicle thats a no no!!!!As for the brakes the dealer says can not fix thats normal for the car when first pressing the brakes. I couldn't stand this anymore so I traded the MDX for a 2004 fully loaded Lexus RX330. The quality of lexus is fantastic. No problem with the RX so far.
I purchased a Mr. Clean and it did not work at all on any of my cars, but worked perfectly on my friends' cars that had not been waxed recently. I called the manufacturer and e-mailed them also. I received a response that said it does not work well on cars with high quality waxed finishes or when high silicone waterless products are used on the car. I use both. The store refunded my money, but the manufacturer sent me coupons for another unit and a refill. I tried the second one with the same results. The car stayed wet for hours and left water spots all over. It did not matter if soft water was used.
I learned on another board that when washing you should remove the spray nozzle from the hose for the final rinse and let the water sheet over the car instead of spray. Less water will remain on the surface making drying faster and reducing the chance of water spotting. Really works!
For example, my Trooper has logic built into it that changes the shifting points based on fluid temp. It doesn't upshift all the way until you pass 37 MPH or normal operating temperature...just a feature of the GM 4l30e trans.
Your advise will be appreciated.
My owners manual says:
Key off
Press and hold select and reset buttons (rt side of inst cluster)
Key on for about 10 seconds until light resets
Works for me.
- Wind Noise from Roof Rack at speeds over 40 MPH (I can't believe I haven't seen more posts on this?) GM had this problem on their SUVs and the cure was moving the back rail forward. Can't do this on the MDX because the rails are in a fixed position.
- Windshield fluid spray nozzle sprays too low.
- Steering Wheel radio controls are too sensitive. A small unintentional touch changes the station or mode. (Same with Navi touch screen.)
- The electric motor fan comes on all the time, even at first start up in the morning.
- The infamous gas tank sloshing noise..very annoying and embarrassing for an Acura product. Sometimes I think I was rear ended by another car from the sound and feel of it. Several posts on this.
- The "thud" when backing up from and applying the brakes. Many posts on this.
- The passenger side rear seat, seat back latch is loose and causes a rattle noise when driving.
- A whining noise comes from the engine upon acceleration from stop (around 20-35 MPH). This is another issue, however, have not seen any posts on this?
- Both front seat arm rests feel a little loose when pulling on them to shut the doors. This seems like more of a design flaw than simply having the dealer tighten up a few screws.
- External Temperature reads 3-5 degrees higher than actual (This is a Honda/Acura car issue as others have told me the same).
- Inside and Outside window streak right by both outside side view mirrors after a car wash. I've read about this in one of the posts.
- Illumination of outside headlamps not very good unless you also use the fog lamps too.
- Plastic key fob is thin plastic and doesn't have a very durable feel. A $15K GM Sedan key fob is 10X more durable and more effective.
- The clock is on the radio with the Navi option and is hard to read and blends in with the other station display numbers.
- The Auto headlamp will turn on when passing under a small overpass. Again, GM products have a 5 second delay so it will not to turn the headlamps on prematurely.
- There's no good spot to put your left foot when driving. The should be a dead pedal spot, and move the foot brake near there that looks like it was an afterthought and gets in the way often.
I shouldn't expect this from an Acura product, let alone a $40K+ vehicle from any manufacture.
I couldn't think of one thing I could list that I was unhappy about my 2000 Acura RL. Yes there are some nice things about the MDX but my overall grade for 4 months owning it is a C-.
A Suburban (I have owned 6)has even more issues, but it'sless $$ and will require more repairs over it's life.
It just seems that you are looking for things not to like about your MDX, and I don't think you are ever going to be happy.
Instead of finding nits look at the great things that the MDX has (I assume that you have some positives in that you spent $40,000 for it)?
Since this is the only car I have ever experienced this noise in, I feel the design should be better.
Recently the seat memory system stopped working. If you try to use the key fob it switches to the program mode and whatever button you hit resets.
Haven't had a reason to go to the dealer yet so this will be the first trip back and we'll see how accomodating the dealer is.
Has anyone else had this problem?
Thanks
I own an '05 Pontiac G6 and after two months of driving I don't have a "small things" list. And the G6 MSRP is 1/2 that of an MDX.
As I read thru these forums and I can share these items with others, it could help in their test driving and decision making. I may be more nit-picky than most, but it's why I've gone the foreign car market route. I will say that GM has turned things around in their quality and fit and finish department.