Acura MDX (pre-2007)

will4271

I am not sure what size rim does the Pilot ride on.

My nags and yas are:

Pilot
- Shifter on the steering wheel.
- Looks plain and cheap plastic inside
- Probably cheaper tires than the Touring MDX (Michelin).
- First year SUV meaning possible production quality problems like water leaks or squeezes.
- Sounds like it will lack the sunroof (moonroof in Honda terms).
- cheap dash look. Stereo system looks weak.

* Probably mechanically sound as the MDX
* Good value for the money
* MDX at a Pilot price with mostly all the same mechanical gizmos
* Larger interior than the MDX and Highlander

MDX Base/Touring(Test drove)
- An overpriced Pilot.
- Nav should be standard for the price.
- No Stablity control at this price
- No special headlights, curtain airbags
- Long waiting list still with some nasty dealers markups.

* Proven reliable engine with good power.
* Great styling
* Adequate safety features.
* Comfortable ride.
* Moonroof and quiet ride after a thicker windshield in the 02.

Highlander (Test drove)
- lacked the 7 passenger to MDX and 8 passenger to the Pilot. Probably Pilot's 8 == 7 MDX seats in size
- engine sludge probably (Toyota did not handle the warranty well). I am not taking this chance getting stuck. This scared me away from Toyota.
- V4 has not enough power. V6 is close to a base MDX so why Highlander then?? (salesperson at the local dealers were not helpful and used pressure tactics)
- small interior (can't find much in the back trunk area)
- cheap dash look.

* Great styling
* Lexus Rx300 at the value pricing

Odyssey EX (Test Drove)
- Auto doors are hard to open and close. When there's an emergency it's hard to get out of the car from the sliding doors esp. w/o power.
- Doors are also very heavy to move w/o power.
- Air circulation in the middle and rear are very bad w/o the a/c on.

* Reliable
* Lots of room and quite comfortable.
* Climate control are great.
* Very smooth and quiet ride.

------------------------------------------

My dealer told me that my MDX will come in May. I have waited since Jan. 7...

Thanks for the feedback... I hope that I made the right choice.

wmquan

I'm fairly certain the Pilot will come with the Goodyear Integrity's. One of the press photos that I've seen have the Goodyears on 16" rims.

The Integrity's aren't necessarily a really bad tire. They're standard on Lexus RX300's, for example (though there are enough RX owner complaints about them). But the Michelin Cross Terrains are excellent. Some Pilot owners may be interested in going that route with the money they save.

For me, I guess if I was in the market I'd take a long, hard look at the Pilot. If I was in a position to wait, I'd wait for the 2003 MDX if I wanted an MDX. The 2003 MDX is fairly likely to have some good upgrades to distinguish it somewhat more, and it'll instantly knock down the desirability and value of the 2001-2002 MDX's in the process.

Some of the things I don't like about the Pilot as compared to the MDX would be:

1) Even in a large vehicle, the lack of a moonroof might drive me crazy. I like a little light and sometimes air coming from there and it gives less of a claustrophic feeling.

2) I like having foglights so I'd definitely have to get the accessor foglights for the Pilot, which probably won't be cheap with dealer installation. I've heard rumors it may require the cutting of the bumper, or perhaps just punching out some slots reserved for the fogs.

3) I'd have to buy the electrochromic rear=voew mirror accessory for the Pilot. As an aside, I wish Acura put electrochromic side view mirrors on the MDX in addition to the current rear view mirror.

Then again, if I was in the market for an MDX, personally, I'd probably give the 2002 ML320 another look (it was a close 2nd choice when I got my MDX when our baby was born, and since then the M-class has been improved nicely).

will4271

Thanks for your input William.

I wonder if Honda has release any new info on the 2003 MDX?

I know the engine will be a 3.8L and have more hp.

wmquan

Honda/Acura is traditionally tight-lipped about new models and new versions of existing models. I don't think we'll hear definite word until late summer.

Look at the Pilot and how we still don't have detailed specifictions and it'll be in showrooms in June. A lot of people interested in the MDX before it launched suffered similar frustrations.

I doubt if Acura will radically change the MDX. Not their style to introduce so much change so quickly in a two-year old model. Personally, I would rather they eschew the more powerful engine and trade off for more of other features the MDX is currently missing, like xenon headlamps, a better-quality interior, etc. However, Acura fancies itself the performance-oriented Japanese luxury maker (though Infiniti would challenge that with its G35!), and they want to show off Honda engine prowess.

inky4

I had a 00 RX 300 and an 02 Odyssey EX.
Bottom line the RX 300 is higher quality ride,
with real Walnut and better plastics.
BUT the Acura is the ride I prefer: Why?
1. Seven Passenger
2. Less expensive
3. Not a Lexus (you know Lexus envy from others)
4. Bigger
5. Seems more rugged
6. Rear cupholders! 00 RX has none for $38,000.
Lexus dealer network 10 times more professional than Acura but do my own maintenance and to not expect to return.
Over Odyssey
1. I hated the stupid hard plastic on Odyssey Door arm rests. Ouch. Always had to carry a beanie baby to rest it on for my 99 and 02 Odyssey.
2. Power doors always acting up. Not nice operation like the Toyota Sienna.
3. Very hard starts due to some defect not found
4. A great people hauler with great resale
5. No sunroof!
6. Weak sound system
7. Ugly thin 60 series tires. need 17 inch wheels for 02. 65 series in 99-01.
8. Grinding/sloshing noise when backing up.
INKY

andys3

Does anyone know if Acura plans to offer stability (skid) control on the MDX in 2003? It seems like a striking oversight for this vehicle not to already have it. For that matter, what are the opinions of owners of MDX's who drive them in slippery conditions re: handling?
Thanks.

amontgom

To hrrodz: I visited two Acura dealerships in Northern Virginia during the Christmas holidays, and test-drove MDXs at both -- Karen Radley Acura in Woodbridge and Pohanka Acura in Chantilly. I was pleased with my experience at both dealerships, although I preferred the location and salesman at Radley (Bill Fredericks). Both dealerships were selling the vehicles without any additional (unnecessary) accessories or above-MSRP markup. At Radley, they always have at least one demo vehicle around for test-drives, and I actually had two to choose from, so I recommend that you start there. My first drive was at Pohanka, where I was only able to drive the vehicle on Route 50. Then, I went to Radley and had a much better (and longer) drive up I-95, where I was really able to see how well the vehicle handled on the highway. Since Pohanka seems to be more popular, they also had a longer wait time -- six months. Radley only had a three month wait, although both of these numbers might have changed by now. As for my purchase, I've definitely decided to get a MDX, but I'm going to hold off for the 2003 model, with the hopes that I'll be able to get those Xenon headlights that I've heard might be offered on that model.

Good luck!

inky4

Kudos to Tim at Hondaacuraworld.com. I finally got my MB body side molding last night and was sliding out of package when only three pieces came out! Package is from Honda and one was untaped and glued to the plastic shipping tray.
Tim promptly offered a new set complete with a box to send back the others. have no fear of buying online--they hold to high standards. Of course I have to wait another week but hey.

I managed to carve out 20.7 mpg on my last tank of communting gas. 15 mile commute some smaller trips but believe me I was taking it easy. Driven hard I would imagine 15 mpg common. Nice to know it can get good mileage is driven gently.
INKY
INKY

inky4

MDX production is up 1300 over same time last year (14,000 made since Jan 1). That would explain more availability at times in certain markets. Production is forecast for this week at 1007 units. How the Pilot, Odyssey number will add up once Alabama 100% on line will be interesting. Since all of them sell, which ones will they make. I recall 50,000 MDX, 80,000 Pilot and 120,000 Odyssey are targets. Makes sense if Canadian plant is around 180,000 units and US plant starts are 70-80,000 units.
INKY

4thlexus

I understand that no one knows about the exact changes for the 2003 MDX, but does anyone know when they are going on sale?

sbcooke

The 2002 didn't go on sale until late in the year...I think November and no delivery until December. Not much track history, but if you are waiting for a 2003, you might be waiting until this time next year. I ordered my 2002 in January, and it is due in next week.

inky4

Hey I'm still liking the 2002. Just put body side molding on drivers side. I was hesitant at first but see this as a must have. It matches exactly with my 2002 Acura 3.2TL door. Good.
It looks very good and breaks up the vast expanse of sheet metal. Some may like the factory uncluttered look, so it is best done as an option. Kind of pricey at $110 for what you get but if prevents one ding good to me.

Also, changed the oil with Amsoil 5w20 synthetic and used a Pure One filter.
It has very good stats and offers excellent lubrication. No other 5w20 synthetic out there that I know of.
INKY

inky4

black powdercoat for around $230.
anyone have these?
INKY

inky

Acura regional rep authorized a new bumper to replace small crease in front center. Has to be painted. But, better than old. Have taken photo to reassure future owner down the road about minimal cosmetic damage. Glad Acura did what was right.
INKY

charlieinnj

A new bumper? That's great to hear! Thanks for the follow-up.

tweetynator

Has anybody been able to get an MDX at or slightly above invoice price? Or are Acura dealers still selling them for MSRP or above?

I want to make sure I know before I get laughed off the lot by a salesman for asking below MSRP

raybear

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!
HOHOHOHOHOHOHHOHOHHHOHO!
HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEE!

Be prepared!

Best I'm seeing is MSRP, and that's on an order.

Ray
;^)

sbcooke

I have been calling around in the last 2 weeks. Mine is actually due in next week, but I wanted to test the waters on price and supply before I go in and pay MSRP. What I found...immediate delivery, MSRP plus a whole host of marked up add-ons. Ordering is still MSRP, but not 4 months, more like 6 weeks. I did call a dealer who had one ready and on the lot with a bunch of add-ons, I told him I was interested in MSRP, but didn't want to be gouged on extras, if he could cut into his extras, I would do the deal. I actually got him to take it to his manager, and got a call back with a no. It is progress though, they wouldn't even talk to you before, and the salesmen are even thinking about cutting into dealer extras. I don't think MSRP will be broken until sometime next year, when the pilot is actually available. But then it will have a bigger motor, honda will cut production and it will be the same thing all over again.

inky

I was offered $500 off a white touring on first call to dealer 100 miles away. 300 miles on it.
$200 doc fee. Still I was surprised. I ended up finding one in Tulsa the same day at MSRP.
Seems some just show up or people falll of the list etc.
INKY

leokadia1

If in the month of May no one purchased a MDX in the United States, even the money loving Acura Dealers would start their pricing from invoice up rather than from MSRP up! Buyer's unite, don't buy one single MDX in the month of May, in June you will see for the first time, auto ads with $1,000's off list on the MDX's

joeguitar

After a year of looking into SUV's , I put deposit to order MDX and got it in 6 weeks. I have the cars for a week and very happy to get it. I tried hard to get the dealer to throw in rear splash guards for free. Didn't happen. I had to buy them and install it myself.

inky4

Do not feel bad all I got was some touch up paint!
INKY but glad to have it.

mike28grady

We are taking delivery of a 2002 MDX (Black/Tan interior) we want a fitted cargo liner to match the tan interior.

Anyone know where we can find a custom fitted cargo liner other than black ?

jediwebdude

The Dallas area dealerships are not coming down off of MSRP for the MDX. Does anyone know if the Houston dealerships are? Anyone know of any other TX dealerships that are discounting the price?

Thanks,
-PJ

tweetynator

Thanks for the info guys. I was at 2 dealers and both were slightly above MSRP. Gotta hate that $1400 Adjusted Market Value junk they tack on.

rpram1

Anyone have any experience with Acura dealers in St. Louis? Are they selling at MSRP or above MSRP. There seems to some stock available.

sanand5

I got my MDX over a year ago. I believe it was the 2nd month the vehicle was out. Houston dealers wanted $4000 - $5000 over sticker then. I got mine for MSRP from ORR Acura in Shreveport, LA and they even delivered it to me at my house on a flatbed for about $300. Just sign on the dotted line, you're all done.

Although I haven't priced them recently here, I'm sure they are still getting over sticker. Call Randy at ORR Acura (You will have to call info for the number). He can probably get you a much better deal.

sanand5

With gas prices going up so steeply, I am starting to get cheap. I understand that the MDX has software to delay ignition with lower octane fuels. You are supposed to get slighly less horsepower if you used 87 octane. Also, the Honda version of the MDX will have the same engine and only require regular unleaded (I don't know if the compression ratios will be different). So why do I need to waste my money?

I have tried two tankfulls of Regular unleaded and certainly have not heard any "pinging" or noticed any difference in power. Any thoughts?

inky4

I have both the MDX and TL. I cannot see much if any real difference in power with 87. I imagine 91 or higher may perform better but hard to justify. My rule of thumb. Trips use regular --all cruising anyhow. Around town use premo due to variety of driving.
forget discounts until Pilot well out and 2003 MDX on the way.
INKY

charlieinnj

Give Tim @ HONDACURAWORLD a call. #(888)729-5257.
I bought a tan Cargo Tray from him a couple months ago. It's made by a company called WeatherTech and it is made for the MDX. It looks great!

crikey

...can be viewed at http://www.mats.com. Prices are also available for comparison.

leokadia1

You will see a foot of snow in Texas, in August, before any Acura Dealer in Texas takes off a dime off MSRP of any MDX!!!
Yahoo Auto has over 400 MDX's listed nation wide, E-mail any any of the dealers, they all will have the same reply,"WE SELL THE MDX @ OR ABOVE MSRP".

wmquan

Hmmm I seem to remember some Texan MDX purchasers getting some accessories thrown in along with MSRP. Not below MSRP but the accessories make it under MSRP. Perhaps those purchasers are still here and can illuminate where they got their deals.

ocbuyer

Currently, if you look around most of the Acura Dealers in Southern California have a lot of MDX in stock (between 4 to 12). Even the ones that sell only at MSRP even before have now stock on hand. If you are in the market for MDX, don't pay over MSRP or better yet wait until the Pilot comes out. There is really no reason to pay over MSRP or pay for overpriced accessories unless you want to give more money to the Acura dealers.
Availability in April and May is going to even get better becuase Acura will build more MDX to satisfy what they feel is unfilled demand for MDX
before this demand will shift to Pilot or other new SUVs. Since Feb 2002 MDX production has been going up significantly. By June a lot of people will wait for 2003 than buy the 2002 model.

will4271

"By June a lot of people will wait for 2003 than buy the 2002 model."

I think you are right. I changed my order for a 2003 already last week. I am betting on a newer engine for 2003 + some extra features.

choids

Did any one confirm 2003 MDX will have bigger engine (from 3.5 to 3.8L)? I just found out today but not sure if this will actually happen or not. If they do, that's a great news cause small engine compare to other SUV was the only reason that prevented me to buy it. In addition, check out the new LEXUS GX470. It is smaller and cheaper than LX470 but has the same engine and same suspension.

from Southern Cal...

will4271

I was wondering if Honda dealers will service the MDX as well. Honda will have the Pilot which is a simaliar SUV. There isn't that many Acura dealers compared to Honda ones too.

Has anyone trying going to a Honda dealer for service lately with an Acura MDX?

choids

Did any one confirm 2003 MDX will have bigger engine (from 3.5 to 3.8L)? I just found out today but not sure if this will actually happen or not. If they do, that's a great news cause small engine compare to other SUV was the only reason that prevented me to buy it. In addition, check out the new LEXUS GX470. It is smaller and cheaper than LX470 but has the same engine and same suspension.

from Southern Cal...

jediwebdude

After calling all of the Acura dealers in TX and Oklahoma, we found two dealerships that are coming off of the MSRP. I'll let you know what turns out. I fear they'll make up for the discount with huge misc fees. We haven't told eitherdealer that we reside in a city other than where they are located. I've heard that one of the Houston dealers tacks on a bunch of fees when they find out you flew in for the deal.

sanand5: if neither of the TX dealers come through, I'll call the Shreveport dealer and ask for Randy.

Thanks.

inky4

Automotic news lists 16,000 units since 1/1/02 as opposed to 13,000 units since 1/1/01. this is nice increase but 950 scheduled to be made this week. With 350 dealers that is 3 per dealer per week. Not a volume killer. Some dealers are huge and get many more--some less. But avg of 12 per month is nice $60,000 in profit.
INKY

inky4

Automotive news

mrdeeeno

i'm sure you a honda dealer can service your car, but they can't perform any warranty work.

sailing216

someone posted pricing on the pilot. Seems high and not worth the few k to me, IMO. Told by dealer than when the pilot comes and the 02's are out, you'll be able to haggle $500 off MSRP---this is from our Acura Sales person.

http://www.manhonda.com/sales/newauto.cfm?Action=List&ModelID=34

a2esq

Many people want a bigger engine on the MDX (always desire more power) but I can't imagine holding off just based upon current output. You indicate the MDX has a small engine compared to other SUVs. Which ones?? The MDX has 240hp and does 0-60 in 8 flat - that is as fast or faster than 90% of SUVs including RX300, ML320, 2002 Pathfinder, 2002 Explorer with optional V-8 and even the 270hp Trailblazer. I think only the high end version of the ML and BMW are faster. As an owner of a 2001 the MDX is plenty fast for an SUV with the 3.5L.

wmquan

I don't think one should hold off on a 2002 to get a 2003 just based on power alone.

However, those in a position to wait (and not everyone can, of course) would be better off waiting, IMHO. The worst-case is that there are no substantial improvements, and one has put off the financial hit of getting the vehicle right away though have received their vehicle later.

However, a better case would be that the 2003 gets some level of significant improvement. Thus the 2003 buyer would get a vehicle that is better differentiated from the Honda Pilot. Plus any 2002 purchase in the summer is somewhat devalued because of the lateness of the model year, and it's not like Acura will issue end/model-year incentives. Couple that with the fact that the 2002 might go further down in value should Acura actually significantly improve the 2003, then why not.

jediwebdude

We picked up our MDX tonight. After driving a 4WD EB Expedition for 2.5 years, the MDX is refreshing in many ways...like fuel economy (18 mpg vs. 12.5 mpg city), can corner in it without fear of rolling, and acceleration is incredible for a SUV. I find it hard to believe that Acura wants to put in a bigger engine...the 3.5L is already powerful enough. That's the same size as the Nissan/Infiniti SUV.

Best part folks...we got $1,000 off of MSRP. When calling Acura dealerships, ask for their fleet rep. We had two flleet reps offer discounts on present inventory. Another fleet rep offered $750 off.

sbcooke

Did you get any extras? What part of the country. I am in the north east and MSRP is still the best I can find.

mark189

Just got the required 30,000 maintenance. The dealer offered a minimum and maximum package. The minimum cost $303. I took out the manual, and had them do all of the recommended items, and it cost $180. Are they ripping off uninformed owners, or am I missing something here?

inky4

Pleased to announce I got my MDX back. Bought 3/18 and found paint damage on front bumper. I was rrrrrr. Anyhow, Acura allowed new plastic cover and new paint. I was hesitant due to fear of non factory work but must say the new bumper was done wonderfully and matches as well or better than original. Added my body side molding last evening and think for me it will work best. I like the look without but this gives a little protection and does match my 3.2 door perfectly for when my wife gets out. Found a great cargo mat at Big lots for 12 bucks matches great. Tinted the front windows and match and after a front speaker upgrade I am done spending money on the X.
I did use Amsoil 5w20 synthetic on 1000 mile oil change. Mileage up 1 mpg. Walmart has some universal mats on clearence in beige and paid $6 bucks for the set of 4. Fit great and look much more expensive then you think. These are full size with plenty of wet weather groves.

INKY

sailing216

I love clearence. You do 1000 mile oil changes???---With Synthetic??