Acura MDX (pre-2007)

marsha7

thanks for such a succinct and logical explanation...made much sense...

cmdx

Hoolick, do yourself a favor a check out www.HondAcuraworld.com for options, dealers make a substantial premium on options. I ordered rear splash guards, cargo cover, winter mats, cargo tray and wheel locks from them and received my order in 3 business days. I ordered the running boards, rear deflector and side mouldings my dealer because I felt that I would be able to install them properly. Good luck

heatmiser1

The MDX is a great SUV and is the one that both my wife and I would have liked to purchase. The main reason why we are looking elsewhere is that we can't bring ourselves to pay an Acura dealer full MSRP for a vehicle even if the end cost is in line with other vehicles of this class. I have owned Acura's in the past and the dealer experiences I have had (at more than one Acura dealer in my area) have been terrible. Fortunately Acura makes reliable cars so I haven't had to deal with them very often. One thing is certain, paying full MSRP at an Acura dealer will only get me lousy customer service. Is a one-way shuttle from the Acura dealer to any location within 10 miles (provided if it is prearranged) when I have any problems under warranty really a strong selling point??? A Lexus RX300 is going now for $500 over invoice which is equivalent to the MSRP (selling price)for a MDX equally featured (minus marginal/questionable 3rd row seats). Going with Lexus get's me a free loaner car whenever in need of service plus top notch customer service all the way around. In addition, the initial residuals of the MDX will diminish quickly once Acura get's production up properly (and they will). The RX300 has proven to have the highest residuals, reliability and customer satisfaction of any SUV on the market (Consumer Reports). As much as I wanted the MDX to work, they will lose me to Lexus...

suzzann

The problem isn't the dealers, silly, it's the customers who are paying them. I have a friend shopping for an MDX in the San Francisco area and she's been quoted well over MSRP. In fact, she gladly would pay the sticker price if a local dealer had one available, but the lower priced dealer is sold out for six months.

So long as people are paying thousands over MSRP dealers will keep selling them. My friend has been told she'll have to go to Los Angeles or San Diego to get a car, the internet service we use found some dealers at or near MSRP but even they can't come up with a car.

The Lexus was considered but she wanted that third seat. The guy at Priceline told her if she needs something immediately she should look at the Sequoia.

hoolick

how does your sidemoldings look,I can't tell by the pictures at acura.com. do they help protect from dings? thanks for the reply.

crikey

I agree with suzzann's comments -- if someone's willing to pay, someone is willing to sell. This type of selling should diminish by the time more MDXs are produced to meet demand. I think the Alabama plant is up and running so Odyssey production will be moved over there (I think) and the Canadian plant producing MDXs should churn out more, up until, well, the Honda version starts production.

But, yeah, I know how you feel heatmiser1. I just can get myself to paying more than I have to. But, obviously, other people have deeper pockets than you and I.

ispsxc1

We did some research and test driving about 14 months ago and the reasons for getting our base MDX:
1. ML 320 -- Poor reliability (Now X5 is also poor based on CR's buying guide but we did not have any data then) and simply didn't feel it is a Mercedes
2. X5 3.0 -- Impractical (little cargo space)and $$$$$ (Just add a few options to bring it close to base MDX)
3. RX 300 -- Impractical (little cargo space and very limited payload) and $$ (AWD with options pushed MSRP over 40K)

The local ACURA dealer is very professional and we can get a loaner if we need. We owned an ES300 and based on my observation (say 30K maintenance) I believe ACURA charges much much less than LEXUS does. Be careful if you have any out of warrantee problem with your LEXUS. I got a quote of $800 for engine mount from a LEXUS dealer and MIDAS did it for $225.

I also think the market can absorb 3 times as many MDX's if they are available so depreciation should be low. Actually, from resale viewpoint, Honda is always (almost) better than Toyota.

shellymeister2

The RX300 is a nice vehicle (the Highlander is the exact same vehicle) but it is NOT in the same category as the MDX. As others have pointed out: Interior space-MDX much larger. Rear seat legroom- MDX by a mile. 5 seats or SEVEN seats!- MDX again. Rear cargo area with 2nd seat UP- MDX wins by a mile again. Interior Shoulder Room- MDX. Interior Hip room- MDX. Engine Size & output- MDX again. ( Are you bored yet?) Rear sear A/C Separate Unit- MDX only. Sophisticated All Wheel Drive System- yes, Virginia- MDX again. Comparing the MDX to the RX300 is a little like comparing Toyota Corolla to a Honda Accord. They're both cars, but there is a substantial difference between the two. Lastly, the RX300 and MDX are both SUV's- why do people essentially buy SUV's? One of the most important reasons is SPACE. Space to haul people & cargo. To my view, the X5 and the RX300 fall down heavily in this most critical area............

doudoudid

i agreed RX300 and MDX is NOT in the same category, cos MDX gets a lot of wind noise, plastic cheap wood everywhere, besides, according to a lot of review i have read, RX300's ride is much better than the MDX (RX300 isn't the same car as highlander, i'm sorry) as far as i know, the only thing MDX wins over RX300 is space (NOT luxury) so heatmiser1, the redesign new RX300 with 3rd seat is less one year away, so if you get in line for the waiting list of MDX, you may as well go for the true luxury SUV rather than a SUV accord. right now the SUV market just isn't well developed, in a few years time, people can get a much much better choice, and no one will ever pay mark up...

shellymeister2

You would think that DooDoo has a large financial interest in Toyota (now that's true luxury-Toyota!)Of course there is NO plastic wood in the RX300 (sarcasm). By the way DooDoo, anyone can make a vehicle ride softly,haven't the US car companies done that for years? Real automotive design talent shows when a company designs a vehicle that bridges the gap between a too-soft ride and a rough ride, we usually commend that ride quality as being Germanic. I would rather DRIVE an MDX with it's admittedly stiffer underpinnings, than roll around in my grandmother's steamship, listing and lurching, with little road feel- a rolling living room with plastic wood. That is the difference between Toyota products and Honda products. By the way DooDoo, I would take an Accord over a Camry any day , any year................

shellymeister2

Didn't this very web host (Edmunds) pick the MDX as the best LUXURY SUV over $30K?

doudoudid

i'm sorry, i didn't know i shouldn't say anything bad about the MDX here. i'm just sharing my view, don't need to get angry.

ps. good ride = soft? Mmmmmm, i learn something new everyday.

sbcooke

I am thinking about putting a deposit down on a 02 MDX. Is there anything bad? How about the roof rack, is there a lot of wind noise from it? If I were to get the truck, would it be worth opting out of the rack?

robertsmx

Anybody would have tough time convincing me that a Camry rides better than an Accord. Some people like bouncing around a few times over bumps, others don't, and that can differentiate one car from the other. It is all about preference, no need to be bitter about anything.

And in some cars, mark up is included in MSRP as well as the option list.

kenyee

I guess we can make fun of names, eh, smellymeister? Can't even use your real name? Is Lapidus even a real family name?

BTW, your original post said Accord vs. Corolla but I didn't say anything about it.
Accord vs. Camry is a better analogy.

tidester

Please - no personal attacks! Let's stick to issues.

tidester
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railr

As a professional recording engineer - we generally feel that 0.3 dB is the smallest level change we can descern when making automated mix changes (even thogh we can adjust the level in 0.1 dB increments). Generally, when we're finished mixing a song, we print 3 versions - a master mix, a vocal up 1dB mix and a vocal down 1dB in level mix. That 1 dB is very discernable and usually the lead singer selects the vocal up mix for the record :^).

Rail

robertsmx

I was looking at a V8 sport sedan comparo in one of the magazines, and noticed that Lexus GS430 had 43 dB at idle, compared to 40-41 dB in other cars. Full throttle was 70 dB.

So, what kind of difference are we talking about between idle and full throttle?

dallasenvoy

My mom put down on a new MDX for my dad for XMAS. I wanted to buy him some accesories and saw the hondaacuraworld site. I was thinking about the side panels and was wondering if the are color specific. She buying the Siver/Ebony version. Are the roof racks or the rear air damn hard to install or can I do this myself. Any preferences on running boards vs steps. Probable dumb questions for you guys but I'm clueless about the MDX.

Thanks.

tidester

dallasenvoy,

My mom put down on a new MDX for my dad for XMAS

If you've found a way of keeping Dad from reading posts in the Town Hall - I'd ask you not to share that information with anyone! ;-)

Seriously, I am sure the knowledgeable Acura owner's will be able to help you out.

tidester
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theworm

That's really generous. Hope the following helps:

By side panels, are you talking about the body side moldings (about $100)? If so, then yes, they are color-coded. Fit and match are good. Easy install. 20 minutes. Even a kid can do it

Roof racks are more $. You only need those if your dad is getting the BASE (aka Premium) model; they're already on the TOURING. To be honest, I *wouldn't* get those right now -- there is some confusion whether the 02s are the same as the 01s insofar as the "aftermarket/OEM" racks. I'd wait. 1 hour+ to install.

The rear deflector is pretty easy to install...BUT...how old are you? You DO need to drill 4 holes through the hatch, which isn't difficult...but is your mom gonna let you take a drill to your dad's new car? That runs $300 or so as I recall -- looks great, too. 45min to an hour.

Finally: boards vs. steps. Functionally equivalent; many people pick based on the look -- that might be something you should leave to your dad since it's possible to really dislike one or the other...Manik also sells some steps in stainless steel, which is great looking. Install is relatively easy but there are a lot of bolts, and they're heavy/awkward (2 people are better than 1). Takes a couple of hours. Cost $350 or so.

Whatever you get, hondacuraworld's the place to get it -- best prices we've found, service is stellar.

One thing you might consider: call/email Tim @ hondacuraworld and ask him if you can get a gift cert for your dad!

Good luck!

inky

I was quoted $379 every six months for 1000 deductable insurance on a 02 MDX. My 01 Sienna is only $240 (one of industries lowest). That is $140 more. Just a consideration. I am on a dealer mystery list but just as a double backup for when they feel like selling one for straight MSRP. What I mean is when a person who wanted one with lots of accessories falls out and they just want to move it now--they call the straight MSRP folks. They wanted no deposit which is my first clue about there intentions. Also, with the Alabama plant making a grand total of 353 Odysseys so far I see not big production shift in Canada to more MDX. They are making 4,000 per month MDX which averages about 10-11 MDX to each dealer depending on volume of dealer. Funny thing is once Alabama at 100% the economy will most like be in a full blown recession as delingent mortgages increase and unemployment rises. I wonder how arrogant the Odyssey and MDX dealers will be then. A
Does anyone have decent details of new Honda SUV?
Due when, what size. MDX is plenty big any bigger and forget it.
INKY

heatmiser1

Any hope for increased production of the MDX in the next 6 months???

nosuvyet

FWIW..... the Ontario plant is producing "pre-production" Hondas right now. I think that means the initial vehicles for testing and fine tuning and not full production yet. I don't know if the Odessy has switched completely to Alabama yet. I'll post it when I know. I don't think that Acura dealers will get soft on price if current Odessy production is just shifted to Honda SUV's, that doesn't change the MDX supply issue. It might affect the demand if potential MDX buyers turn to the Honda version instead and leave more MDX's for the MDX die hards. Of course they also run the risk of people going to other vehicles (as I did) and losing the business altogether.

hcar2

Just came back from a local Honda dealer in west county of St. Louis after having got ripped off $71.24 to reset the "Maintenance Reqd" light in my Honda 2001 Accord. I bought my second Honda after having no problems with my first Honda. However, I didn't realize that Honda dealers have become "greedy" now-a-days, charging premium prices on several models, doing service that is unnecessary and ripping off their customers like me to reset a simple switch!

I would check not only the vehicle but also the associated dealer network for honesty, integrity, and customer service before selecting a particular vehicle. I was leaning towards buying third Honda vehicle (Acura) before this incident happened. Now, I would definitely go to competitor brands like Lexus or Infiniti.

Has anyone faced the similar situation with their dealer?

lok888

Is anyone know the waiting period for 2002 MDX in Boston area and price for Touring and/or Touring with negv. system? For those lucky ones who got the 2002 MDX, do you notice any wind noise? The Acura claims there has been a modification on roof racks, side mirrors, windshield and windows, and better insulation on pillars. I still hope the Acura will put "HID" lamps, better interior material (white face gauage or something like Lexus RX 300), power tilt & telescope steering wheel, DVD player, user friendly climate control or perhaps a Type S model. But most important thing is to increase the production.

crikey

Once the new crop of SUVs come out in the coming year, MDX demand may start tapering off. One is Volvo's new XC90, photos at http://www.swedespeed.com/main_news/11_29_01.html

That should give the MDX some good competition. Also, the M-Class is due for a redo, as is the Lexus RX300. Don't forget VW's SUV.

When those Acura dealers stop getting new orders for the MDX, then it will be the best time to buy it. And rumor has it that the 2003 MDX would have a new engine too. Good things come to those who wait...

mark189

I'm pretty confident that the Volvo won't be competitive price wise with the MDX. I'm extremely confident it won't be competitive with Acura's reliability.

A bigger point, as it relates to pricing, is to look beyond new supply, and focus on potential new demand. The shift from cars to carlike SUV's is still in its early stages. Besides, limited supply for the MDX in particular should mean no softness for years to come.

robertsmx

By the time competition comes around, the dealers will have a new version of MDX. It is not that the Acura is going to continue in its current form forever.

fedlawman

I'm not positive but, doesn't Acura follow the same schedule that they use for Honda...a new model every four years?

mike28grady

Where is the best place on the west coast to buy a 2002 Acura MDX ? All the dealers in Washington seem to want $ 2 to 3 K over sticker price.

raybear

Mike-tough neighborhood. You may want to try Oregon. Worst case southern California, some dealers will take an order at MSRP.

greyskr

Have you tried Acura of Seattle? I had very good experience there on a 2001, MSRP.
Ask for Jessica.

Regards, Jim

pomans

I put a downpayment of $1000. in the middle of September on a 2001 MDX. My SoCal dealer (Cerritos Acura) offered me a 2001 5 weeks later at the end of October. I declined knowing that the 2002 MY production began the next week(10/21/01). Less than 2 weeks later my 2002 S/S vehicle was purchased at MSRP with no Dealer add-ons. I hope this encourages and/or helps you.

inky

http://www.vtec.net/news/

Look the new plant is up and running. It makes Odyssey now but can allow many more MDX as Ontario shifts to HOnda SUV and more MDX instead of Odyssey. Odyssey waiters have little longer to wait. I smell discount on all these fine products.

INKY

mark189

These extra Hondas probably won't sit on the lot. More likely, they'll be sold to impatient buyers that have been buying alternatives instead of waiting.

The 2002 Odyssey has some big improvements, and I would expect improvements for the MDX as well, as current configuration is probably passed on to the Honda SUV.

mrdeeeno

i bet the next mdx will have an entertainment system like the odyssey

ispsxc1

To avoid expensive and sometimes unnecessary dealer services is to become knowledgeable about the car and do as much maintenance by yourself as possible. There are some very good do-it-yourself guides for popular cars (CAMRY,ACCORD ...). A 30K service is not much more than change engine oil/transmission fluid, rotate tires, and some 10 to 20 inspections. You can do all of them in 2 hours with a few tools. You can then decide what you want to do for items did not pass inspection. Unless your car is uniquely designed (most outsiders don't have a clue -- such as ACURA NSX) or still under warranty, go to independent garage for services/repairs will save you at least 30%.

As to LEXUS (owned an ES before MDX), the dealers are great (you are treated like a king) but you pay for it. My conservative estimate, for the same job (excluding oil change) LEXUS dealers charge at least 60% more than independent garages do. Our 60K maintenance story: $750 for 60K job (very very very expensive but could not find do-it yourself publications at that time -- usually 3 years after a new model and in this case a CAMRY V6 services guide should be enough) and was advised $800 for bad engine mounts (the car was 63K -- out of warranty). Went to MIDAS and got them fixed for $225. Radiator started leaking the next day (wondering why ????) and developed a big crack three days later. Quoted $550 by the dealer and got it replaced by Certified Auto Care for $205.

ACURA dealers better than LEXUS dealers?? Don't know but I am better prepared this time since the engine is pretty much the same as RL's so info should be available.

mrdeeeno

the engine isn't the same as the rl, except that it's 3.5 liters.

the mdx engine is based on the accord/tl/cl engine (ie rl does not have vtec).

you can probably get the service manaul from helm.com for it. i got it for the '01 cl-s for $40 and i thought it was worth it for the electrical stuff (go to dealer or shop for all other stuff though, my time is more valuable than what i pay for the service).

autoreporter

I'm a repoter working on a story about the shift in sales from domestic automakers to Asian-based. I'm looking for someone who just bought their first Honda after owning GM, Ford or Chrysler vehicles in the past. Thanks. You can reach me at userf@cris.com.

hoolick

HAVE ANY OF YOU SEEN THE LATEST FRONT END CRASH RESULTS FOR SUV',THE MDX KEEPS GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME.

thorn

MDX is top performer: In the 40 mph frontal offset test, the 2001 Acura MDX's occupant compartment "held its shape extremely well, and the dummy went squarely into the airbag. This is an example of very good performance," O'Neill says. "The dummy injury measures were all low, indicating that a driver in a similar real-world crash should walk away with nothing worse than minor injuries."

http://www.hwysafety.org/news_releases/2001/pr121101.htm

See also

http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0113.htm

tidester

Please contact Jeannine Fallon, our Director of Public Relations, if you wish to use Edmund's boards as source material for your reporting.

Thank you.

tidester
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mike367

I ordered an MDX for my wife about a month ago. What a bunch of arrogant dealers! After calling about 30 dealers in the Northeast, I finally found a dealer who took $500 of MSRP. He's about 1 1/2 hours away but I think its worth my time. (I'll still take the vehicle to my local dealer for service) Expected delivery when I ordered it in November was Feb or March 2002. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I hope this car is as good as they say because I hate paying almost full MSRP for anything.

goldschein

Dear MDX owners, I recently bought an MDX and it is wonderful except for 1 peculiar thing. The brake pedal makes a hissing sound much like that of the kind of air pump used to inflate basketballs.

Is this normal? How loud on your cars?

btw brakes work fine.
thanks for any comments

ty39

About six times a year, I will have to drive 3 miles on a somewhat rocky road and then occasionally over a pasture which also has some 'hidden' rocks! Presently, I have a 2000 Tahoe which performs this task, but I want a smaller SUV...Can I do this with a MDX or do I go with a X5 or Audi 'allroad'...the 'specs' on the MDX say 5" of clearance, which about the same as my sedan which has to stay home when I travel to the Kansas Flinthills! I like the MDX, but is this SUV strickly for the shopping center?

robertsmx

I believe MDX has 8.1" ground clearance (my Accord has 5.5"). And based on reports from various magazines, I have not read anything bad about minor offroad/snow driving this side of boulder bashing.

JBaumgart

At it's highest setting (No. 4) it is 8.2 inches, but if you reach 20 mph or more for a few minutes it will lower itself to the next lowest setting automatically. But if you have hidden rocks to worry about, you probably don't want to go too fast anyway, so it would probably work just fine for you.

leokadia1

2HNYD18282H502153
2HNYD18282H504033
How do you read these vin numbers from the MDX.
What do the numbers represent? Just curious.

ty39

ConsumerReports.com 'stats' indicates a ground clearance of 5" for the MDX...if it can be adjusted to 8", then MDX is comparable with BMW X5(clearance 8.5")?? By the way, local MDX w/dealer installed options, brings price of MDX(w/Nav) to nearly $45M!!!...obviously, some of the dealer options can be omitted; however, price is now within reach of BMW...now which of two SUV's does one take home?