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Acura MDX (pre-2007)
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Comments
I stopped by a local Acura Dealer today to check on a 'sold' GG loaded MDX that hadn't been claimed for a week. When I arrived it was still there along with 4 others awaiting owner pickup...haven't seen that many MDX's in one place before...Hell, haven't seen that many anywhere, total, since it was released! I snapped some photos of some to show my wife so that we could decide on a common color choice. Several Black/Black...the GG...a Mesa Beige...then another black one came around the corner...no...it's Deep Emerald with Flairs! Nice car...nice combo. However, I think the fender flairs may be too much...I like the clean lines of the MDX with some minor enhancements (lite pinstripe, black running boards and maybe the rear wind deflerctor). Mahogany my still be my 1st choice, but it's good to know my family likes what they saw of the Dark Emerald.
(I would prefer to avoid the dealerships with negative reviews, as posted on acuramdx.org. I'd like to patronize the dealers who have great reviews, and who would appreciate my business, even though the MDX pretty much sells itself.
I am not on any wait lists. Maybe this is a mistake on my part? (Please no criticism! I should've anticipated it would be SUV of the year.) I'm hoping to just happen upon one, preferably a Black or Emerald Green Touring.
Thanks to the person in the Novi area who periodically gave updates on what was available
at Suburban Acura. I appreciated it. Now that my lease is almost up ('97 Acura SLX), I'm getting serious about finding one.
In calling around, it's interesting how some dealerships have available MDXs just sitting on the lot, while other dealerships have waiting lists.
Just received the front air deflector on Jan 23. But now I'm thinking of sending it back. Here's my comments/thoughts- any discussions?
1. It is green! Nothing else on the vehicle is green (its Mesa Beige) All other acura trim is grey: running boards, fender flares, nose trim, defelctor. Smoke/grey would be so much better.
2. It has an incredibly funky mounting system:
There are three metal braces that screw to the underside of the hood and curve around to the top/front. These go up against the painted metal, so little rubber pads are provided to "protect" the finish.
Then there are two big plastic posts around 1.5 inch tall with a 3x3 inch base that are GLUED TO THE TOP OF THE HOOD!!
Finally, you then screw/clip the deflector in place throughthese 5 mounting points.
3. You cannot easily remove the deflector. Removing the glue on clamps may destroy the paint (although Acura claims not...) They confirm it will destroy the mounts and don't know if they can be purchased separately.
4. The front edge of the deflector has a rubber trim strip on in that is to press directly on the paint. This will trap: water, snow, dirt, gravel, sand, etc etc. And will scrub off the paint.
5. Oh, the "distinctive Acura Logo" is a stamped/heat pressed Acura symbol which looks half done with rough edges since it was just pressed on and not buffed.
Why is it not a simple plastic piece which mounts inder the leading edge and wraps up and over, so as not to interfere with the paint or with washing/waxing! Lund sells millions of these.
Clearly designed by a moron.
Any experience? I've not put it on, and will either sell it or return it.
Ard
PS why such a dead board?
I'm wondering which color you've decided on...Black or Dark Emerald Green. I finally saw and Emerald Green.and found it very appealling. I also still like the Mahogany and Granite Green. Keeping the darker colors clean is an issue. If anyone has an MDX in one of the darker colors please post your experience with keeping it looking good. Thanks!
Gee. I'm glad that the deflector was not available back in early October. I had initially told the dealer I wanted this installed in time for delivery. If it had been available, the dealer probably would have glued it on before I could see it for myself!
The dark metallic colors definitely tend to show fine hairline scratches easier than the lighter colors when viewed up close. The black exterior also allows for the water dripline from the side mirrors to be more noticeable. I usually get a damp soft cloth and wipe off the dripline a few hours or the following day after washing the MDX.
On the positive side, the nighthawk black has a slight hint of blue in certain light. In my opinion, the MDX has a sportier look to it when dressed in black. I think black goes very well with its angular shape and sharper corners. (In comparison, I am not so attracted to a black ML320.) And it sure does look impressive after it is washed.
I guess I'm not the only one who thinks so. My neighbor across the street had an option to buy either a silver or mahogany MDX sooner, but after examining the colors in person, he decided to wait longer and buy a nighthawk black!
It sure is nice having that extra cabin room. It feels like a Tahoe/Yukon in terms of its front passenger width. In contrast, the MDX is shorter than the Dodge Durango, and it is also shorter than our previous Audi A6 sedan!
The MDX is wide for a mid-size SUV, but a number of full-size SUV's are as wide. And there are a a few hundred thousand Odyssey owners who have a vehicle as wide (since the MDX is based on it) but longer.
The MDX has a good turning circle (significantly less than an RX300, similar to an ML320's) so that helps too.
Today we went skiing. The ski racks worked great and pulling out onto the highway and getting up to speed quickly, in front of on-coming cars, was no problem. On the snow packed back roads the MDX takes off like it had chains. The ride has been very comfortable. It took a week or two to get use to using the new vehicle. What a joy.
Good luck on getting your MDX.
If you're still out there, can you repost? It appears the link(s) were lost during the transition to the new software (or to MDX V). In IV you say you'll post, and in V everyone thanks you!
I actually did see them once before. Our MDX (black touring/NAV) has arrived and I'd like to get the specs. How have they worked out?
Thanks in advance!
Here is the photopoint link: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1348222&a=10037516
or you can go to ACURAMDX.ORG and someone has posted my pictures under the gallery.
Great protection so far! Everyone that notices thinks they are factory. I also bought some very small Prostripe wheel lip molding that I am toying with putting on the bottom "ridge." I am waiting for warmer weather to try it out. I think this might make the side look too busy....we'll see!
Would you mind sharing the specific measurements/kit # you used. I *think* I recall a 1/2" round? How many feet (or # of kits) did you need?
You also posted:
"The one thing I do not like about the MDX is that I think even the optional wheel/tire combo
looks small from the back and three-quarter view."
The wheels look to be the right size to me! This is all relative, however, as I am a first-time SUV owner. Some people like the bulky tires/rims. I happen to think that a luxury car should have a more 'classic' look than a rugged one.
Look on Acuramdx.org, if you haven't already. I would say you should get a pair of pliers and a soft cloth. Put the cloth around the chrome part of the shift knob and turn with the the pliers. It may take some effort, but I know that is where it comes off.
My dealer installed mine, byt the way.
There are a couple of things to consider here. First a car paint expert has stated on a radio program that lighter colors fair worse over time than darker colors in terms of retaining their shine and not peeling.
Secondly, dark colors do 'appear' to get dirtier faster. This is only a perception, as dirt just shows up more visibly on darker colors. However, dark colors do make a car with the MDX's clean lines appear more "luxury-like", IMHO. Another factor is the climate you live in. If you live in a cold climate, where a lot of snow/rain falls, it becomes very hard to keep it clean looking unless you keep it in your garage and use it only for car shows
Warmer climates would fair better with the darker exterior, IMO.
I own a Mahogany MDX, by the way.
So far we love the MDX--it's a pleasure to drive, hands down the best vehicle we've ever owned. Only problem I had was I accidentally hit the panic button on the key chain. It took a minute to figure out how to turn off the noise. I re-locked the door and unlocked it, and that solved the problem.
We debated about whether to get the nav system, but decided not to spend the extra bucks, partly because our experience with computers/software is that they often don't work they way you want them to (we run a technology company). I'm curious to hear feedback from those of you who opted for the nav system. Has it worked reliably or been a pain? Are you glad you paid the extra money for it?
For what it's worth, we also test drove the Toyota Sequoia. The third seat has 3 seat belts, and for a family our size (5 people), being able to take 3 friends along was a big plus. However, our 3 kids sat in both the Sequoia & MDX third seat and found the size to be similar, i.e., not much comfort for 3 in the Sequoia's 3rd seat. The Sequoia had more storage space too but was a fighter squeeze in our garage. The Acura's advantages (ultra low emissions, better mileage, better, more car-like handling) were worth more to us than the extra seat belt & larger storage. So far, no regrets at all.
We did not get the NAV system for two reasons:
1) It is not hard to get around Boulder and Denver.
2) It will become obsolete in 5 years without the HW/SW upgrade.
I would have enjoyed the NAV system if it was included with the price of the vehicle, base or touring. At the $2K premium, I chose not to have it.
Transpower
My dealer (I have a DMP touring w/ Nav on order) assures me that they can/will burn their on DVD upgrades for about $20. I hope this is indeed true because I am not wild about paying $150+ every year for this upgrade.
I do not know why one would have to upgrade their hardware however. As long as Acura supports any given year models system with software upgrades I don't see why hardware upgrades would be needed.
I too would appreciate any additional comment regarding this subject.
wmquan - Thanks for the headz up. I'll check out how the 18" wheel combo looks on the MDX.
I remember first few weeks the music would shut down completely when the navigation spoke, but now the volume of the music just lowers a little. If the music is high, the voice commands are barely audible. I took it to the dealer and he says thatz how it is suppose to work.
Could I have accidentally changed some settings.Can any one help me with their input?
GAS MILEAGE: Unlike most of the people who've reported higher gas mileage in this forum, my experience is closer to post #1243 (someshgauro). In mixed highway (40%)/local (60%) driving, I'm only getting about 14 MPG. I use 93 Octane, and I drive fairly conservatively -- i.e. I do not jackrabbit, hard accelerate, or do any other typical gas guzzling driving maneuvers.
STEREO (thanks to quadguy1, mdx1 and mvab for their earlier comments): The base MDX stereo is not that good in my opinion. I expected a little more. The bass on the stereo/speaker system is lousy. An example that can be replicated by others -- in the soundtrack CD to the movie "The Commitments," try track #7 with the volume up to about half the maximum, bass and treble in the middle position of the settings. You'll notice an unacceptable level of vibrations from the woofers. Not good at all considering the song I'm using as an example here is a typical song that a good stereo/speaker system should be able to competently handle.
DASH LIGHT (thanks to tbever, post #808, for a heads-up on the Odyssey dash light problem): The light that illuminates the clock, trip computer and stereo went dim after about 2 weeks. It still works but it's a lot darker than before. I'm going to have the dealer look at it soon.
"CLICKING" BRAKE NOISE: Similar to need4spd (post #842), I hear a clicking noise whenever (i) I back out of my garage in the morning, or (ii) I make a transition from reverse to forward or forward to reverse. This is not the "thud" that I've been reading about.
GROANING BRAKE NOISE: When starting new, my MDX makes a loud groaning noise when I brake or release the brake. My dealer tells me this will go away after I break in the brakes some more. I hope so.
LEATHER: This is my first leather seat car (I have a dog so I've stayed away until now; the dog does not get to ride in the MDX, at least for now). The driver's seat is already showing ugly wrinkles and lines after one month. QUESTION -- IS THIS TYPICAL for leather?
2. I've found the trip computer's MPG estimate to be on the conservative side. Sometimes it's almost right on, but more often than not, your actual MPG is a full mile or so higher than what it says.
3. Are you driving mostly in D5? The tall 5th gear is good for highway driving and fuel economy. If you find that the transmission is shifting too much in urban situations, try D4. D3 will definitely cut your fuel economy and shouldn't be used except for when decending hills or REALLY bad stop-and-go traffic where you want more low-end ooomph.
The poster said he found it helpful to use a punch to accentuate the dimple, and then drilled a 5/16" hole (instructions say to use a 8mm but if you don't have a metric bit the 5/16 works fine). The poster used a smaller bit first to pre-drill, then the 5/16". He used a needle file to smooth out the holes, which were drilled from the inside out.
The deflector goes on some bolts with washers that cover the hole area (and you can use touch-up paint first), and total installation was about a half-hour.
Also, Hondacuraworld, respecting the Edmunds Townhall policy on advertising, has offered discounts on accessories to www.acuramdx.org readers. This month it's, surprise, a tailgate deflector. EXCELLENT price if anyone wants one, especially now that there's some confirmation that it does indeed help keep junk off the back.
The Nav system is a specially purpose computer. Like any computers the Nav unit is made up hardware and software. The hardware includes the multichannel satellite receiver, the computer itself and the display. The software is like Windows and word processors that can either be stored in micro chips (firmware), on a hard disk, a DVD disc or all of above. On top of that we have the database stored in a DVD disc.
The GPS/Nav devices are still evolving to allow more accuracy, faster response time and more coverage. We know the database can be updated each year. But there must be a limit of how much data the NAV unit can process before a new NAV unit with newer processor and more memory is needed. At that point, the NAV system has reached its retirement age. It may still be usable but it may seem quite primitive compared to the newer Nav units installed in newer vehicles.
Lets looks this way. How many vehicles (MB, Lexus, Acura, BMW, etc.) currently have the Nav installed permanently? How old are these vehicles? Are there any vehicles with NAV more than five years old? If there are, how useful are the 5 year old Nav units?
regards.
Rail
-------
Mahogany '01 TP/Nav
I'm surprised MDX owners aren't telling you about this. It's normal. This is the brakes "calibrating themselves". Ask a good service tech.
TC
What is significant about this date? Does anyone know what this means? I seem to recall that a short time back (less than two weeks?) this date was set at 11/01. Why the change?
I have experienced the same, exactly the same scenario. Also if I don't step hard on the break, the car will shake a lot. This happens within the first 5 - 10 minutes driving.
Metal scratching noise:
Each time in the morning (or the engine is totally cooled down) when I start driving the car, at the low speed, there is a metal scratching noise coming under the hood. I found it after the "THUD" problem is solved. It seems like the fan scratching some metal (I wish it is, not engine problem). It's noticeable if you turn the radio off, that's how I find it. Other MDX owners, please test yours.
I've made an appointment with dealer already and will leave the car there over night so that they can test it next morning. Also I'll mention the "Clicking" Break Noise issue to see how they think.
Even though, I still love my MDX a lot.
-------------------------------------------
Owner: Dark Emerald Pearl Base + Nav + Accs
I have experienced the same, exactly the same scenario. Also if I don't step hard on the break, the car will shake a lot. This happens within the first 5 - 10 minutes driving.
Metal scratching noise:
Each time in the morning (or the engine is totally cooled down) when I start driving the car, at the low speed, there is a metal scratching noise coming under the hood. I found it after the "THUD" problem is solved. It seems like the fan scratching some metal (I wish it is, not engine problem). It's noticeable if you turn the radio off, that's how I find it. Other MDX owners, please test yours.
I've made an appointment with dealer already and will leave the car there over night so that they can test it next morning. Also I'll mention the "Clicking" Break Noise issue to see how they think.
Even though, I still love my MDX a lot.
-------------------------------------------
Owner: Dark Emerald Pearl Base + Nav + Accs
Maybe Rob (cotmc) can help you, as he lives in Arizona.