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Acura MDX 2007
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Hello cheapskate, how is the car shopping going? Good to hear from you. Btw, the word is Dallasites.
Active shocks - Shock oil viscosity is changed by varying current in magnets at perforations in each shock absorber. The fluid has ferrous particles suspended so it becomes thicker or thinner with electrical input thus controlling dampening. So what? Every .2 seconds, each shocks performance is individually adjusted to maintain stability. This system is interactive with SH-AWD and anti-lock so MDX handling is somewhat predictive versus reactive like on the XC-90, X-5, and Cayenne, Q-6 too. For instance, as you go around a corner the outside shock stiffens to support the added weight and forces. At the same time, SH-AWD applies more torque to the outside wheel, pushing the MDX out of a corner. If any wheel starts to lose traction then power, braking, and shock stiffness can be instantly controlled to maintain track. Both the Sport and non-Sport offer a great ride as you may already know. The non-Sport is supposedly tuned close to the Comfort mode of Sport. Having the Sport/Comfort mode flexibility and being able to tell without looking what mode you're in is tricky at first as the changes are subtle in regular driving. Pressed hard, they become more apparent without consulting the genie in the green light. Sport and Comfort are just two pre-defined settings with different degrees of control and are best contrasted in slalom and washboard performance.
Beefier stabilizer bars - Sport has them, perhaps to handle the slightly higher G-forces we'd like to think can be generated in Sport mode. Truth may be it’s more of a marketing tool than a design requirement, who can tell?
Perforated Seats and textured shifter trim - There is a slight cross-hatch grid pattern in the matte surface around the shifter, no biggie. The holey seats might be a bit cooler in summer and seem to mask occupant emissions better than contiguous leather. Along those lines, both front windows offer one touch up and down on all MDX's.
Rear seat heat - We're in FL so this wasn't a big one but passengers with frigid bottoms will appreciate it. Come to think of it, I wonder how my ex is doing these days.
Killer Surround - This is part of the Ent, plays DVD-A (incredible demo disc included). Not perfect but better than 90% of top end stock systems. No need to go to a drive in, you have one in the back seat, better sound than in most homes too.
Awesome rims - Sweet rich Titanium look, easy to clean, uniquely Sport.
Power hatch, rear cam, lacks the proximity sensors of our Ody Touring, not sure why.
115VAC - I can't remember if all MDX's have this but it sure is convenient, located inside split folding center console.
All said, the Sport w/Ent has much more than at first blush.
Disclaimer - No, I don’t work for Acura or sell cars, just a satisfied enthused customer.
I think I'd prefer a surface that repels, rather than holds, occupant emissions. Better yet, I prefer occupants that are more discreet on where they emit. :P
I suspect Forest Gump's mother doesn't even know what octane is, but she has a pretty good characterization of such a move.
My wife saw a "Nightline" or some such news report a few nights ago in which they addressed this "penny wise dollar foolish" thinking. A few supposedly credible sources, including the famous Click and Clack brothers have been saying it's O.K. to put regular in high compression engines, because the computer will sense it and retard the timing so as not to cause "knocking". Great. Retards advocating retardation.
Paraphrasing the Nightline story, if you want to think you are saving a few bucks at the pump by putting low octane gas in an MDX or other high compression engine, just be prepared to do so more often, as the fuel efficiency will drop. And that peppy test drive at the dealership will seem a bit less peppy in your car. And, eventually, you might have the kind of long term engine problems that the mechanics interviewed by Nightline identified.
There is a Acura/Honda solution for $4.00 gas. It's called a Pilot. Saves about $15,000+ and runs on regular.
An MDX will run well on 91 octane so technically instead of 87 you could fill up part of the way with 89, stop and switch to 93, saving a few cents and feel like an idiot without actually being one. This should not damage your engine, wallet, or brain (unless you inhale).
One alternative is to wait for the Honda 2008 model year. Honda is redesigning their largest SUV into something that might be based on the MDX, less aggresive on the eyes and bank account (read as boring). Rumor has it instead of a gas/electric hybrid version, they'll introduce one that runs on natural gas version called... (drum roll please)... Pilot Light! It is capable of using alternate fuels too but now we've drifted (PU) into occupant emissions again.
I'll never buy a Pilot Light and would choose diesel as it smells better.
I for one prefer the petroleum distillate version (gasoline) MDX and to use Premium-nano-fuel (currently $8/gallon and you can't have any) that has technology to briefly form little green clouds behind me shaped like dollar signs. Maybe it was just the expensive spicy food?
BTW, this site has been a lot of help so far in researching this car. thanks!
Thanks.
Since you have a base mdx w/o nav. Do you, by any chance, have a pic of the center console. I wanted to see what it looks like w/o the nav screen setup.
Thanks!
Yes, I have a picture of the center console, but don't see a way to post it on this forum. It's a JPG file. Do you know how?
http://www.carspace.com/mvd1/Albums/mvd1's Album/IMGP0131.JPG/page/photo.html#pic
The folks at acura must really be paying attention to some posts from the people somewhere! I checked Acura's website yesterday and I noticed that they added Bordeaux[Bar*DOE] back to the interiors colors sheet!! If only they put it in the other models. I wish acura had brown seats like in the BMW 5. I think it is teracotta or montana... I would feint if I could have a Green MDX with brown. Heck, i would feint if i could have an MDX :P ... Come to think of it, i wish acura could let bordeaux be available with other colors!
As a sidenote, they extended the lifespan of my favorite color for the TSX(Deep Green Pearl)!
-Cj :shades:
Bud
At brands mart, we saw a 10" [i forgot the brand...] that included lights, a DVD player, remote and 2 wireless headphones for $1200 out the door for an expedition. This included uninstalling the broken factory unit, installing this unit and labor fees.
The fleamarket charged us $800 to do the same thing but it was a 12" and it would only take 45minutes.
Moral of the story, try going to places as sometimes they really give better deals than the internet. Just be sure you don't look at everything thats tempting...
[Shopaholics Unanimous
-Cj
Do you have a motorolla phone? Most offer a "VOICE" feature that allows you to make calls by saying the name or number. We purchased a V323i and consider it to be great practice. It even understands complicated things like "Chicken Kitchen", "Carlos Seafood", and "Hooks Chicken and Fish".
-Cj :surprise: Now I'm hungry...
Formal Black w/Ebony Interior
MSRP: $46,365 (including destination)
Sale Price: $44,000 (including destination)
Doc Fees: $169
Registration: $364
Taxes: NJ at 7%
Not too happy with the price. Anyone have a better price in this area?
1, Check acuras website and do the build and price with "options" to see if the price is close to what it should be.
2, While at acura's website, click the locate a dealer and look at each dealers inventory.
3,Visit Autotrader.com and see if they have any closer deals in your area.
4, Carmax?
That price IMO seems reasonable. By price, I'm guessing you have the technology and maybe entertainment package with the DVD and power hatch and few random options like a wind deflector and running boards.
I love the MDX but i don't like the pricing. IMO the 2004-2006 MDX was a better value in terms of pricing and content. I don't care about all the sport the MDX can provide, I think its what make it cost extra $$!!
-Cj
Check www.acura.ca (acura canada), they might have more information on that subject.
-Cj
each time when the car got started each morning, right after the engine started, a "Bong" sound was heard. There
can be repeated several times. Afterwards, when the engine got started again, there was no such sound. Has any one
had such experience?
Appreciate very much for your comments.
sorry, couldn't resist...
Sounds like something expanding or flexing as it warms up; might be a bit of a struggle trying to narrow it down, unless someone recognizes the symptom.
One other question, i called my wife in the mdx yesterday and for some reason it didn't connect via bluetooth. Is there a way to activate the bluetooth system on the fly, mid conversation?
I have an Infinit M35 and thus far the infiniti bluetooth system seems easier to use.
1) Dial the number from your phone.
2) Once connected in the call via the phone itself, (assuming the vehicle is running or ign is on) touch the upper phone button on the wheel momentarily and say the word TRANSFER.
3) Bluetooth takes over the call on speakerphone.
4) To transfer back to the phone (if you are about to shut off the vehicle but still want to talk) press this same button and say TRANSFER and the call goes back to your phone.
If you mess up and press the lower phone button (upper set w/Ent)and expect to speak, you can't as that hangs up the phone. If you really mess up and hit the upper steering wheel buttons on the lower Nav system it waits for a command, then pauses and says PARDON right in the middle of your call.
After shutting off the vehicle you can then turn on an earbud Bluetooth device that has been paired with your phone previously and rove hands free once more, I do this all the time. The key is not to have two BT devices trying to use the phone at once or it may or may not get confused and activate a call with the unintended device. Note that the indicator on the radio shows status with a headphones icon.
Note also that the MDX gives you a few seconds grace period after turning off the key to say bye, transfer, whatever, before ending the call when using the speakerphone.
My gripe is there are two systems, Navi and Phone Book that aren't integrated. The call function using Navi POI's works great if the phone number on file is correct, excellent for meal reservations, established businesses, etc. Not so good for 'what was the name of that new place where _______ used to be.'
MDX=Marvelous Driving EXcellence!
How do you dial with the Nav system??
thanks Steve