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Acura MDX (pre-2007)

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  • mhenderson1mhenderson1 Member Posts: 164
    I have a 2003 Base MDX. The other day I had been sitting in my car with the engine on. I turned on the heat heat by pressing the "auto" button, then adjusting the temperatures with up and down arrows. For some reason though, I heard what sounded like the A/C compressor come on. I pressed the A/C button until I saw "A/C off" on the display, and I immediately heard a change in the engine sound (like the compressor went off). To my understanding, when you turn the ventilation on, the A/C comes on automatically even though you do not need it. All winter I had been using the heater without knowing that the A/C is on as well to regulate the interior temperature between hot and cold. I feel that this combination heat/ AC being on at the same time is a cause for having low gas mileage. I hadn no idea that I had been running the AC along with the heat.

    Am I correct about this? I will call my dealer to see if this is so.
  • hopeitsfridayhopeitsfriday Member Posts: 396
    The AC will come on when you have it on the windshield deforst mode, or any mix vent mode with the deforster in it. Alot of vehicle does this to provide dry air for the windshield, at least the MDX can shut off the AC in the deforst mode, my last car didnt have that option at all.
  • fndlyfmrflyrfndlyfmrflyr Member Posts: 668
    Most cars that have fully automatic climate control systems run the A/C all the time when in the full auto mode. The MDX is one of these cars. Running A/C during cold or cool weather reduces interior window fogging, though it does take a little additional fuel. All of my cars that have or had fully automatic climate control operate(d) this way.

    You must use the manual mode to turn off the A/C compressor. Automatic temperature control will still work in the manual mode.
  • wnelsownelso Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the info, everyone. My last car was a '96 Maxima, and that thing blew the coldest air ever. We just bought this '02 MDX in October, so this is our first warm weather in it. I think I'm definitely not a fan of the climate control. I want cold air that blows just slightly, not medium/cool air that blows my hair off my head! Anyway, thanks again. I'll see how it goes as the weather gets warmer, and maybe take it to the dealer later. (What a hassle that is!)
  • tmharrelltmharrell Member Posts: 14
    I am new to this discussion, and have a question: how many of you MDX owners have had suspension squeaks and rattles? I have a 2002 MDX with 9600 miles. Multiple locations, intermittent, rattles and squeaks.

    Additionally: for anyone reading these posts who is considering an MDX, please note I have no complaints. In fact I wish I had bought the Touring model, for the Bose and memory buttons, instead of the Base.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Have you gotten your 7500 mile service done? I never had squeaks or rattles, however I did have some noise that seems to have been cleared up as part of the 7500 mile dealer maintenance. On the service report they list re-tightening suspension bolts?
  • hopeitsfridayhopeitsfriday Member Posts: 396
    Your base audio system has lots of power. Just change your speakers and the system will sound every bit as the Bose, trust me.
  • fndlyfmrflyrfndlyfmrflyr Member Posts: 668
    No suspension squeaks or rattles, but did have a rattle in the driver's door, right side of the dash, and the middle row seats. In addition, if the middle row outboard seat belts do not retract straight (they don't about 25% of the time in mine), the buckle rotates enough to rattle against the hard plastic trim on the side of the car.

    Note: My 02 Touring Navi's memory seat has mild Alzheimer's. Unlike my other cars with seat memory, this one slowly forgets and the settings drift a bit. The Bose radio is not so great. Have had Bose in other cars and this one, by comparison, is just so-so. Much too much bass, even with bass turned all the way down, unless you like the doors vibrating and some booming inside. I don't bother listening to music in the MDX any more, just AM news, and the Bose radio is fine for that.

    Like you, tmharrell, not complaining. The seat memory is better than not having it, and I'm not into audio anyway. The only complaint I have about our MDX isn't the car, it is lousy dealer service. Unless I need a warranty repair I avoid the dealer.
  • tmharrelltmharrell Member Posts: 14
    I had the 7500 mi service done at about 6800 mi. Actually I did not notice any squeaks and rattles BEFORE the service, only after. However, the squeaks and rattles seem to be increasing slightly in number and duration. Have your Acura dealers been successful in finding and stopping rattles?
  • mhenderson1mhenderson1 Member Posts: 164
    Does anyone know how hard it is to install ventivisors on your MDX? Should I have someone install them for me or are they pretty much easy to install by myself?
  • hopeitsfridayhopeitsfriday Member Posts: 396
    I think the ventvisors just use double sided tape on the outside of the doors. Below is another company that makes window visor for the MDX as well. These are a bit different, they slip into the channel of the window instead.

    MDXhttp://www.weathertech.com/store/vehsearch.asp?make_id=1&y- ear_no=2003&veh_id=4&item_group_id=4&veh_opt_choice_i- d=0
  • xerrtoxerrto Member Posts: 11
    I have a 2002 Nav/Touring. When I stop I often get a load thud that seems to be the gas hitting the end of the gas tank. Any fixes - baffles?

    Thanks
  • onetokenonetoken Member Posts: 3
    Hi, $37,900 for 2003 touring w/ dvd (inc additional tint). Is this a good deal?
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I get that noise every once and a while, but have really either gotten so used to it I don't notice it, or it has gotten better? How many miles on your 2002? When I had my 7500 mile service they "tightened" up some of the suspension bolts and some simlar noises went away.
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    That is an excellent price!! Take it.
  • islandguyislandguy Member Posts: 8
    I just can't say enough about my 2001 MDX! Since purchasing it in Nov 2001, I have not had 1 problem! Let me repeat, not a single problem. 2 weeks ago I went to my local Acura dealer to purchase an extended warranty (49K current mileage), he said it would cost $1,695.00 for a 7 year 100k warranty, but then said he could put me in a 2003 MDX for ZERO money out and reduce my monthly payment! I thought this was just "Salesman" talk and said if he wanted to work up a firm deal, to call me back at the office.

    Well, he did, and I am picking up my 2003 MDX next week. NO money out! Now the details:

    2001 MDX Touring - $38,500 purchase price
    5 year loan ($598/month @ 7.3%)

    2003 MDX Touring & Nav - $41,000 purchase price
    5 year loan ($578/month @ 4.0%)

    I tell this story because there seems to be a topic that is never discussed in these forums, "RESALE VALUE"! I had no intention of considering a NEW MDX when I went to extend my warranty. But I am now getting a NEW Warranty, NEW Tires, etc and I don't have to spend a cent. Oh, and I guess I am upgrading to a 2003 and adding Nav for $20 less a month.

    This is a Great Country and the MDX is a GREAT vehicle!
  • eddiemaceddiemac Member Posts: 141
    I am interested in your deal, but I have a few more questions

    1. How much did they give you for the 2001 MDX, and what was the payoff on your original loan?

    2. Did you pay full MSRP for the 2003, or did you get a discount?

    3. If you had no problems with the 2001, why would you pay $1600 for an extended warranty? Do you think you will actually have $1600 worth of problems during the waranty period? If your answer is no, would it be easier to save the $1600 and use it to pay for whatever repairs come up? If you don't have any, then you still have your money.
  • hopeitsfridayhopeitsfriday Member Posts: 396
    $1600 doesn't go a long way in any repair of the MDX. Think of all the sophisticated systems that are in the car. I think a simple thing like a fuel pump or something would run you close to $1600 already.
  • eddiemaceddiemac Member Posts: 141
    That may be true, but how often does that happen? I currently own a 2002 3.2 tl-s/nav. Before that, I owned a 1990 integra gs 5speed for 11 years. In 13 years of acura ownership, I never had a repair that was that expensive. my most expensive single item repair was an entire distributor unit in the integra(twice) for around $550. Some vehicles will have their share of problems, but I think the majority of them will not. I am thinking about purchasing an MDX in the fall, but if you can give me some more info on these repairs and their costs, I would appreciate it.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Did you consider a lease? By flipping into a new vehicle, you will be spending almost $14K more out of pocket for your new truck or essentially turning your initial 5 year loan into 7 (assuming you are in year 2 of your first loan?).

    Leasing you can flip in/out of a vehicle and have an even lower payment?

    But hey that sounds like a lot of fun...a new MDX...makes me think.
  • islandguyislandguy Member Posts: 8
    When I purchased my 2001 MDX, I intended to keep it beyond the 5 year loan period. That's exactly why I was considering the Extended Warranty. $1695 did seem a bit steep, but if I were going to keep my MDX, I would probably pay it. If you incur an engine/drive train problem, $1700 won't go very far. Leasing is out of the question when you average about 23k miles/year (Do the math). My wife leases a BMW Z3 with a 12k mile/year allowance, perfect for her!

    Regarding the deal I received:
    In all my years of purchasing new vehicles, I have never encountered a situation where I did not have to put money into the deal, either with CASH or by extending a loan amount/term/higher monthly payment. None of these occurred with this deal.

    In MOST financed new vehicle purchases, depreciation far exceeds the amount that the loan has been reduced. Especially in the early years of the loan. Unfortunately, after 2/3 years, many people find themselves owing more than their vehicle is worth.

    With 49k miles on my 2.5 year old MDX the facts are the following:
    Loan balance reduction ---- $14,000
    Vehicle Depreciation -------- $11,500
         Original Cost ------ $38,500
         Trade-in Value ---- $27,000

    It certainly appears that Acura's effort to manage the supply/demand of the MDX is working (Whether intentional or not). New MSRP's are fairly stable and RESALE/TRADE-IN Values remain High!
  • hopeitsfridayhopeitsfriday Member Posts: 396
    Of course there is no guarantee that you will get your $1600 worth. It is like any other type of insurance, it seem expensive until you actually have to cash in on it. The MDX is not like the integra or the TL. IT has alot more electronics and mechanical parts. The four wheel system itself may be the biggest reason the extended warranty is worth it in my opinion. Of course, it is not for every body, especially if you dont plan to keep the car for 7 years.
  • felizfeliz Member Posts: 32
    I just bought a new MDX which brings the total Acuras in our family to three, needless to say I think they are great vehicles.

    When I was in making the deal my salesman, who has sold me several cars, told me he was calling all his clients that are in their second year of a three year lease and putting them into new MDXs with a SMALLER monthly lease payment. That's saying something for retained value.

    On one of the MDX forums, one of the members posted an article listing the vehicles with the best retained value after one year and the MDX was second with 102%. The best by the way was the BMW Mini with something like 112%.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Did your term increase or stay the same? It read like you got a new 5 year loan? Essentially like adding more time (2 years +/-) on your initial term for the 2001.

    If not, how did they do it?

    27K is pretty good for trade-in. Did you have to haggle or did they offer that right up front?
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    If you bought your previous MDX in Nov 2001, doesn't that make it 18 months old?

    That changes your depreciation curve a little.
  • islandguyislandguy Member Posts: 8
    New 5 year loan! No haggle. I really was not that interested in buying a new MDX, just an extended warranty. Could I have done better? Maybe?

    fedlawman, you are correct. I actually purchased my MDX in Nov 2000! Thanks for doing the math!
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    How does the 2003 compare? Is the additional power more noticeable? How about the new front/rear VTM distribution, does it handle any different?

    I'm jealous and curious to know how the improvements compare.
  • islandguyislandguy Member Posts: 8
    I pick it up this week! Next to my wife, you will be the first to know.

    My only concern is that the new MDX is as good as my current MDX. Remember, I have not had a problem, other than my warranty was running out! I will keep you informed. Wish me luck!
  • andrewtran71andrewtran71 Member Posts: 840
    The MDX w/DVD MSRP is $39,800. I wouldn't pay more than $36,800 for it.
  • andrewtran71andrewtran71 Member Posts: 840
    I wonder if the 2004 MDX will have side curtain airbags and more controls on the steering wheel on the NAV model. The 2003 Accord already has those things.
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    While Honda is unusually tight-lipped about changes to the MDX it would be a no-brainer to predict the 2004 will have side curtain airbags, the only question will be "how many". Arguably the third row is most vulnerable, but if they don't put seat sensors in to detect if the third row is up folks will have unneed deployments...

    Another safe bet is probably a minor changes to the NAV system, possibly cell phone/hands free options, as 95% of the hardware is already there.

    I would think another safe bet is changes to intererior lighting, especially the exit/entry lighting where RX 330 is far ahead.

    HIDs remain a mystery.

    Another power increase? A long shot...
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    I owned a oddysey ex cloth for the period of four months. My wife and I are both in our mid 20's and decided the minivan wasn't for us. I negotiated a price of the oddy when I bought it of 25,500 (1800 under msrp). Well I traded it in and received 26k for it and 400 over invoice on a FX35. I was amazed that I made money on a 4 month old car. Something is to be said for the way Honda/Acuras hold there value.
  • chile96chile96 Member Posts: 330
    Am leaning heavily towards purchasing/leasing an X5 but want to check out the MDX first. Can anyone recommend a dealership in Houston or relate their experiences w/ Houston dealers whether bad or good.

    Thanks
    fo
  • hopeitsfridayhopeitsfriday Member Posts: 396
    I believe the reason why you got so much for your trade in is is due to two factors. The Honda Odyssey hold its resale value very well and the FX35 is not exactly in high demand, therefore, the dealership is trying very hard to move these Infinity.
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    Chile96:
    I am in houston and can recommend Sterling Mccall Acura on 59s Or John Eagle on HW 6. Deal with both through the internet department if you want any type of discount.

    Hopesitsfriday:
    The ody does have good resale. The fx is in relatively high demand because I had to drive 270 miles to get the kind of deal I got. My local dealers couldn't touch it as they offered 3k less on trade and would only come down 1k off sticker. These are great vehicles for those that enjoy driving while providing some utility. We are still considering replacing my 300M with the MDX that would serve as the primary family vehicle. While not as fun to drive as the FX the MDX has great space and features for the money. I wouldn't however pay full boat for one though as there are definate alternatives out there now unlike a couple years ago when it was the best on the block.
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    Sterling Mccall has 25 MDX's in stock or inbound right now.
  • ispsxc1ispsxc1 Member Posts: 12
    Two and half years so far and not much complains.
    Pros:
    1. Trouble free
    2. Moderate maintenance cost
    3. Seats getting better (softer now)
    4. Strong engine and A/C
    5. Lots of useful space
    6. Solid building quality
    Cons:
    1. Slow transmission down shift
    2. Fuel economy (17.5 miles overall; 70% city 30% hwy)
    3. Low gears don't hold speed well

    Involved in a minor accident (to me) and realized the bumper is pretty good. Replaced the stock Goodyear tires (at 44k) with Michelin Pilot LTX (245/65/17) and got much better ride /quietness.
  • andrewtran71andrewtran71 Member Posts: 840
    I noticed the GX470 has side curtain airbags for only the 1st and 2nd row. That would be cool if the MDX had it for all 3 rows.
    Also, I think the Accord has a better steering wheel and the leather looks better too. The NAV screen on the Accord sure has a lot more huge buttons and it has dual zone A/C. Has anyone noticed that? I hope the new MDX will at least match the Accord's if not beat it since it is a luxury vehicle. And I hope the front grill gets the chrome treatment all around--like the RL.
  • angelica2angelica2 Member Posts: 30
    I've had the 2003 MDX for six months and everything has been great with one exception that I recently noticed. When I turned the steering wheel to make turns I heard a rubbing noise (it is not noticeable when making minor turns). It's hard to notice if the radio is on but once you turn it off it's really noticeable. This noise was not apparent when I first got the car (unless I never noticed it). It has become increasingly annoying. I brought the car in for the 7500 maintenance and asked the dealer to check out the noise. They told me that they checked a new one and it was doing the same thing (I didn't check it, they did). He told me that it didn't appear to be a problem and was probably the steering wheel spring doing it's job (??). He told me that they ordered another spring box (??)and they would replace it in the new MDX to see if it made a difference. I just don't think a $45,000 dollar vehicle should be making this annoying noise. Has anyone else experienced this problem. Thanks for any feedback.
  • hopeitsfridayhopeitsfriday Member Posts: 396
    I have a 03 as well, I have never heard any rubbing noise while making turns. It is difinitely not normal. I dont know every component in a steering column, but I have never heard of a spring on a steering wheel. Sounds more like a problem with a bearing of some sort.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    It could be a lot of things? Tire noise, an easy thing to try would be to rotate them, it won't hurt and might help. Brakes? Maybe when turned the brakes are somehow getting engaged? Loose PW steering belt? PW steering motor?

    Is there any feeling in the wheel or is it just noise?
  • felizfeliz Member Posts: 32
    Mine doesn't do it.
  • mouseonlinemouseonline Member Posts: 47
    Try to decide which one to choose.
    Anyone had similar situation?
    Which one did you choose and why?
    Thanks a lot.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Check out the archived 2003 Lincoln Aviator vs. 2003 Acura MDX vs. 2003 Lexus GX470! discussion too, if you haven't already.

    Steve, Host
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    This has been discussed at length here in the past. I found this related article.

    http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=677&e=19&- amp;u=/usatoday/5131610
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Thanks for sharing that. Here's another article about a lawsuit which may be related:

    Suit claims automakers, dealers conspired to stop Canadian imports
  • mouseonlinemouseonline Member Posts: 47
    Thanks.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Do you mean GVWR? It's under the magic 6,001 pounds that qualify for certain business tax deductions.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    We took a road trip this weekend in our MDX. I cannot say enough good things. It swallowed up all the baby gear, my sons bike and related junk easily. My new hitch mounted bike rack was great. We watched DVDs on our portable player on the foldback center console. The handling, power, gas mileage on the highway and overall package is fantastic. It is nice to buy a car that wins all the comparisons and then have it live up to its reputation.

    A couple of notes. I was cruising down some winding roads and we came up behind an X5 and an XC90. It was funny to be driving along with all 3 in a row, almost like an edmunds comparison test. I don't like the XC90 fake brake lights up the rear.

    Some guy in an older honda accord was racing red light to red light. It was funny because I was all loaded down and didn't give much thought to it, but at the 3rd light I decided to have a little fun. The guy was a little surprised at how handily I out paced him. I didn't even floor it.

    Another trick I learned this weekend...using swiffer sweeps on the carpeting. I normally use them on the dash and plastic to do quick cleanups. I tried one on the carpeting to pick up mud from my son's bike. It was amazing. I ended up cleaning up all the carpeting in the truck with one swiffer, and it did as good if not better than a gas station vacuum.
  • garywgaryw Member Posts: 116
    MDX Owners:

    Is anyone/can the MDX take three car seats acroos the second row. We have two child seats and a booster. The kids like to be together most of the time.

    Or does one kid have to go to the third row. Many thanks.
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