In Bonfire of the Vanities, a guy gets lost and winds up in a very *bad* neighborhood. You can imagine the rest.
The ceiling belt is not as sophisticated as the seat mounted belts you find in some BMWs and Mercedes, but it doesn't really get in the way and even my 6 y/o doesn't complain of discomfort or ill-positioning caused by the belt (nor do her brother or sister who sit next to her). The kids do fight over who gets to control the rear HVAC though! If you don't need the middle belt, you can retract it completely into the roof.
As for the seat anchors for child seats, yes, you still need to use a seatbelt.
As for the Alpine NAV, no doubt it's got all those nice extras and added flexibility. But unless you can use the factory screen, you'll have a very obvious add-on. You have to decide for yourself if you care about that or not.
Expensive. $140 per tire. The Discount Tire manager who I had worked with before said the 17inch size and fact that they were a brand new tire accounted for the steep price. I called TireRack to see if price was in line and they quoted $126/tire plus $53 shipping for all 4 tires. That equals $139.25/tire.
I have this problem with my GG MDX. And some other MDX owners I've seen on Acuramdx.org forums have the same problem. I believe it's from either front speaker panel or glove box. Please keep us posted if another person has the same problem and, more desirably, a solution.
ebob (Mr. Schwartz?), the ceiling-mounted belt certainly looks ungainly, but it doesn't cause a problem while driving. It seems like it would be distracting when you see it, but when you begin driving, it's actually not a very large object in the rear view mirror and is not a hinderance. It doesn't bother me or my wife at all, and we have it deployed all the time to hold the infant car seat in the middle position.
I don't think it bothers the left-second-row passenger unless he/she is quite tall.
There had been some concern that the belt ran too close to a small child's neck, but such small children (up to 80-100 lbs) should be in a booster seat that repositions the belt anyway.
When the belt is not needed, it retracts into the ceiling. I believe a couple of minivans or so have this type of arrangement, though probably for the third-row seats.
Rob, you're quite right about the kids riding in the pickup's bed. They showed some trucks like that in the Dateline NBC segment, along with the trooper pulling people over because of that.
Eventually, the NHTSA mandate for ISOFIX/LATCH will extend to all vehicles and all childseats, but not for some time, I believe.
One issue with restraining a child is the size of the vehicle, or the size of the vehicle's back seat. A lot of subcompacts and small coupes make it difficult if not impossible to get certain child seats in them. It's easy to say "buy a bigger car if you have kids" but, economically, it's not that simple.
Buying a seat at a place that lets you try them on and/or return it if it doesn't fit is always a prudent thing to do. We could've saved a few bucks by ordering it from an obscure vendor on the Internet but wanted the full return flexibility so we went to Babies'R'Us.
Drew, yes, I did notice those crash tests. It did visibly demonstrate how rear side airbags can be helpful, ala the M-class and other similarly-equipped vehicles.
I guess that even though the side-impact tests don't show tall-vehicle-on-tall-vehicle, they're still more useful than not having anything at all; they just need to be better. Do you know if IIHS intends to eventually test side impacts this way?
Despite that older Chevy Blazer having been flung 100 feet in that horrific impact, and the front seat occupants being killed, note that the three children in the second seat were only slightly injured. They were properly restrained and in their childseats. Certainly being in the rear helped, but I guess that's part of the point (seat the child in the rear if there's room), but being restrained and in childseats had to have reduce injury too.
How soon does the MB minivan come out that you could replace your Chrysler with? Or do you need the Grand's extra capacity (not sure if the MB minivan will be available in an extended version)?
I heard two days ago about a silver base was available and that they should get a black/black within a few days. He might have others, and sells at MSRP. Ask for Jerry Rubin at Delray (Beach, Florida) Acura. He has shipped before to someone in this newsgroup. Tell him that Rob sent you.
The IIHS has tested a couple of vehicles in unique crash tests, but only at the manufacturers' requests, I think. For example, the BMW 5-series side impact into a pole to test their sausage shaped head protection system for the front passengers. I think the IIHS has more than enough offset crash tests to keep them busy though, so I doubt that side impacts will come anytime soon, especially since the NHTSA is already doing it. Yup, I agree that having some testing done is better than having none at all.
I don't see another minivan in my future for a while, even if it is a MB. My parents bought the Grand Voyager a while ago because we were expecting a lot of overseas visitors at the time. They also wanted another AWD vehicle, and aside from Subarus, not many other vehicles were available with this full-time system. In late 1993, this van had the latest in safety features including dual front airbags, 4 wheel ABS, side impact door beams and protection meeting the 1997 side impact safety standards.
Even today, an AWD minivan is a good alternative to a large SUV. It can carry 7 passengers and a fair amount of luggage in comfort (including the 3rd row passengers) while heading to the ski slopes. For example, I'll be bring home a motorised treadmill from the mall in a couple of days. There's no way this large unit will fit in the ML. It could go on the roof, but a large heavy box on the roof of an SUV? I don't think so...
Maybe you'll be interested in the MB minivan (based on the next generation M-class platform) instead of the next generation M-class? It will have the 4-matic system/4ETS/ESP, and should arrive around 2005-2006.
Dima: I, too, changed my mind re the Navi system recently and was told that this would push things back one month (so instead of my original February delivery date, we're looking at March). Works OK for us -- we decided one more month is worth it for this "toy," based on all the positive feedback from you all. Thanks!
The goodGuys price is supposed to be discounted. They are one of those "if you can find it cheaper places". It also included installation so it was unclear how much that was worth.
<Alpine Nav system can play DVDs and other <video sources on the video screen...
Yes but not legally. Funny thing was when I first talked to the dealer about that they sort of winked and said they were not allowed to talk about any ways you could defeat the machine only playing Navi discs. The whole concept of using the Navi dvd player to show movies does not make sense since you would have to cripple the navi function. Were you thinking of a second generation type of Drive In Movie where you took your MDX out and parked it to watch movies? :-)
As far as limited converge go back and look at my first response. I noted that the coverage of the Acura content was worse than the standard Alpine disc. We all need to put pressure on Acura to supply the content that Navigation Technologies supplies to them.
Not sure how you could sell a car that you put a navigation system into and then took it out. Maybe with the MDX since the hole was already there you could replace the CRT again. If not wouldn't the gapping hole be a little noticeable and distracting?
As far as obsolete. YES. In fact I am surprised at how limited the graphics and colors are in todays systems. With wireless technology coming on even stronger in the next few years all of these systems will pale to compare in 3 to 5 years.
So the decision should be based on what they can do today. The only thing we have hope for is more content, not function.
I am choosing the Acura Navi based on the fact that it is integrated, works with other features of the car, looks like it belongs, and hopefully Acura will get it's act together and supply the content they are given through to us.
Imsileun, Post 443, Yes I have had the noise your refering to. In my case, for what ever reason, the arrangement of the junk in the glove box made a difference. After neatly rearranging the contents the Ticking Noise disappeared.
Additional info: Mileage on a recent trip with the return against a strong NW wind I got 19.7 miles per gallon.
I also found the seat comfort difficult at first. The solution, for me, was getting the torso balanced with a slightly more upright seat back.
For the hitch tongue and reciever rattle, one proposal offered was welding a bead on the sides of the tongue and then carefully filling it down until it fits snug. Any other solutions out there? Actually I put a dime into the narrow space between the tongue and reciever but it only worked for 5 minutes.
Just bought my MDX (w/out touring) & paid MSRP. I added roof racks for skis & snowboards! Extremely pleased w/dealership (Performance Chapel Hill, NC). This SUV drives like a dream and I'm quite pleased with Acura and the attention to detail in the car. I'm taking the family to West Virginia skiing in two weeks - can anyone tell me how their MDX has performed in snow and foul weather? Did you have to lock the VTM-4 during any situations... Thanks Snowboarder
roarmerman, did you get an exchange or some credit for your Goodyear tires. I am also getting a base and felt the same way regarding upgrade to the Michelins Crossterrains. It sounds like you feel the upgrade was worth it. Are your Goodyears just taking up space in your garage now.
roarmerman, did you get an exchange or some credit for your Goodyear tires. I am also getting a base and felt the same way regarding upgrade to the Michelins Crossterrains. It sounds like you feel the upgrade was worth it. Are your Goodyears just taking up space in your garage now.
A short while ago I posted that I suspect that the trip computer is pessimistic about mileage. I have to admit I've been busy enough that I haven't gotten around to reading how the trip computer produces the average figure (e.g. is it based on the last few tanks, etc.). (And Ken, belated answer to your question -- the MDX's non-Nav trip computer shows a digital readout of the "average" mileage so it changes little while driving. Then it has this progressive analog-style graph that shows instantaneous mileage.)
Anyway, refilled the tank today, and while the trip computer shows 13.6 mpg, by computing miles traveled since the last fillup and the amount of the fillup, we actually averaged 15.01 mpg. Rather significant difference!
(Our mpg is terrible in general because right now the vehicle is just being used for short hops about town, and will continue until my wife's maternity leave is over -- no commuting yet.)
I just saw an ad for a "Anti-Rattle Hitch Bracket" in the Cabela's catalog. They have this bracket for $9.99. Their site is www.cabelas.com
Another solution that I used a couple of years ago, was to paint/brush on the rubber compound that you can buy to coat handles on tools such as pliers onto the "male" potion of the hitch. This can be purchased at most hardware or tool stores.
The easiest way to make part of the text bold or italic is insert HTML tags into the text. Tags come in pairs, a begin-tag and end-tag. The begin-tag for bold is the characters <,B,and >, and the end-tag for bold is the characters <,/,B,and >. Of course, they should be typed without the commas, but I cannot do that here since the browser would interpret them as bold tags! Say you want to make the word MDX bold, you just type the 10 characters(without commas):
<,B,>,M,D,X,<,/,B,>
MDX MDX
The tags for italic are <,I,> and <,/,I,>
Some browser comes with editing functions that let you format text, but that requires some learning to use them effectively.
Compared with $650 charged by a dealer for the wood steering wheel, the navigation system is cheap! It provides at least some real useful functionalities. For me, it means that I'll never have to ask directions again! and for my wife, it means that she can go to places she has never gone before without fear, knowing that it would guide her on every turn!
I am really amazed by how accurate it is. I especially like the feature that as you approach a turn, it shows you are 900 ft, 800 ft, ..., 0 ft from the the intersection. Neat!
I did discovered one error with the data base. I was on 237 going east, in Milpitas, connecting to 280 N. The ramp is on the right hand lane, but the nav told me to make a left turn! Wonder if the ramp have been added recently and the data base is simplely out of date! It would be really nice if mistakes can be corrected and remembered. The system allows corrections to a computed routes, but won't remember those corrections!
Anyway, it is really fun to play with it. I discovered restaurants that I never know before. When I show my MDX to my friends, they are more interested in the navigation system than the SUV itself!
Thanks for checking, William. Hope you guys have a more normal avg mileage calculation where you can reset it and have it average until reset. The MLs is moving time window based if I remember correctly. Be glad you don't have instantaneous mileage readouts..you'd get depressed about how much more fuel efficient your Integra really was :-)
I too am looking for a MDX with touring and no navi.. no extras needed... i was going to Pleasanton this weekent I may steer over to the Lexus, Infiniti or BMW dealer instead if they do not have it.
I noticed that the engine seems louder now that I've had the tow package installed. There is also a disturbing amount of clicks and clacks when the vehicle is first started up. Is this common? I don't know if it's a function of fluid circulating, because the noises seem to disappear after it's been running a bit, but it's still disconcerting.
Creekside: I did decide to exchange the Goodyears for credit towards the Cross Terrains. I received $45 credit which I figured wasn't bad considering the Goodyears are $79 new. I also felt good about this since the MDX is the only vehicle which I believe has this tire size. The tire dealer explained that he will probably sit on the tires for a long time until another MDX owner comes in. He said most owners who buy this class of vehicle want new tires, not used ones.
But then I decided to put some more money down and will finance 26000 @ $447/MO for 72 MO @ 7.32 APR (e-loan). ($37682 with steps, mudguards and sales tax)
Also, even though I understand that you are compareing lease vs. purch in your lease calculation you did not include sales tax. Here in connecticut if you bought at the end of the lease it would be $45377 vs. $42184 if I buy - $3193 savings over 5 years for me. If for some this is not a big deal I envy them but I got to buying MDX by micro-managing my budget ever since I arrived to this country in JFK 6 years ago with one suitcase and $100 bill in my pocket.
Of course I agree that there are many advantages to leasing and once again I was considering it at first, for example the property tax advantage which I didn't even include above.
Dima, I didn't include sales tax in either of my examples, so it should be apples to apples.
I calculate your new total to be $43,866, including sales tax. Your lease costs would definitely be higher than those I quoted because of the sales tax. But the additional amount for the lease should be exactly the same as the additional amount for the purchase: ie the sales tax on the original total purchase cost.
In your lease payments (and/or down payment) you will be paying sales tax on (purchase price of vehicle - residual price). *Only* if and when you buy it will you pay sales tax on the residual price. This is another factor in favor of the lease. Less money to the gov't out of your pocket!
I have been lurking in this forum for the past 4 months. I finally made the decision last month to get the MDX (after driving the ML320 and RX300 as well). It came in Tuesday and I picked it up in Shreveport yesterday from Orr Acura. Paid MSRP of $37450 for a silver touring model with black interior. Only unwanted add on was for "window etching" for $199.00. They etch a ID # (not the VIN#)and if the car is stolen they pay $2500 above the insurance payment if it is not recovered within 30 days). I drove it home (70 miles) and I love it!! It is very quiet with no noticeable wind or road noise(btw, the michelins do make a difference in the noise levels) and has a very smooth ride on good interstate road surfaces. My wife feels the ride and comfort of the MDX is much better than the ML320 and I think it is equal to or maybe even better than the RX300. I also think the extra room will come in handy. Orr Acura in Shreveport, LA was very easy to deal with (why shouldn't they be when they are getting MSRP and everything they have coming in until February is sold) but I couldn't get them to throw in anything like the Cargo tray, cargo liner, wheel locks or rear mud flaps. I really like this car and will post more later after I get a few miles on it.
Its a long story, but I remember it didn't last long but of course long enough to get me going! (OK, I know, this part calls for a couple of cheasey jokes, but if we don't stay on MDX they gonna yell at us)
I know, I applied sales tax in my example to the total lease payments+downpayment + residual because I was comparing purchase vs. lease with purchase in the end.
What else, hm.. Oh, yeah, when you purchase you (I think) could save on insurance by getting policy with more deduct and less coverage since leasing institutions usually have high requirements for that.
Yeah I had a few jokes up my sleeve too, but figured I'd try keep it cool. (I was also going to suggest stay away from eloan cause they're a bunch of Clinton-Gore democrats, but I won't open *that* can of worms.:>)Glad you 'made it.'
You make a good point on the insurance. I'll have to check what the requirements are.
MDX is an awesome vehicle. It will almost certainly be the vehicle to replace my Chevy Tahoe, probably in about a year. I'll be giving up a lot of cargo space, but gaining 2 more seats and better gas mileage (I hope. Some results posted here are no better than the Tahoe.) I'm monitoring this list to see how the vehicle works out for folks. I suspect it'll be fine. Only thing on my wish list would be a low range on the 4WD. I'm one of the few who actually go offroad. But at this point, I'm thinking of getting a third vehicle - like an old Cherokee - for the real off road stuff.
The lease I've been looking at and probably will sign today, is for the other car I'm getting now - a Lincoln LS.
OK, so now I'm in trouble twice. I'll go back into lurk mode now. Best of luck Dima et al.
I currently lease a Beige Touring. I originaly planned on putting the trade-in ($7200) down to reduce monthly payments. After talking with several informed lease people I realized that when you put down a large deposit (Cap cost reduction) you immediately put that money at risk. For example if you drive the car off the lot, and the car gets totalled, you woud be lose the $7200 (plus all other inception fees).
An alternitave to putting the money down as a cap cost reduction (besides investing it yourself) is using Multiple Security Deposits (MSD's) Some banks allow you to put down up to 10 monthly payments as additional REFUNDABLE security deposits.
For example my lease prior to MSD's
$1500 down-$520/month 42 months 12,000 year
Putting down $5,000 MSD
$1500 down-$470/month 42 months 12,000 year
I calculate it to about 9% tax free investment on the 5G.
The refundable security deposit can only be used against excess wear and tear and excess mileage.
I learned of the MSD option from a Mercedes salesman while testing an ML-320.
One critical feature of the integrated nav that a laptop system will not be able to match is the ability to function when GPS is not working. I found that when driving in the shadow of tall buildings (and in the tunnels) GPS signal is not available for fairly long periods. (the upper left corner icon turns yellow) However, using the gyroscope and input from the odometer the nav system still keeps me on-track.
I've had my black/touring-nav/saddle for about a week now and it's smooth as silk Drove my 4Runner to Carmax to sell it and its such a big difference. I will miss my 4runner but not that much! MDX Gas mileage hasn't been that impressive and the premium prices are killing me...but hey, its a sweeeeeet ride.
anyway, I ordered a cargo liner from hondaacura world.. its not the best material but at least it'll keep dog hair off the cargo area. It came with some velcro with adhesive on the back. Well, half the velcro wouldn't stick.. anybody else have that problem with their liner? I NEED to go out and buy some velcro strips with better adhesive on the back before I let my bassets get in there and drool and shed. Does anyone know where I can buy some? Thanks!
Could someone post the website and/or phone number for HondaAcura World again. My MDX is finally coming in next week, so its time to order the accessories!!
I just lost my battle for the Navi system - they wouldn't add it since I am already "matched with the VIN No." Went all the way through the ranks and - no deal. The only alternative was to get back to the end of list. Hah-ah! I don't think so.
After wipping for some time went ahead and ordered myself a nice stereo for the house from Amazon just to calm me down.
While the rest of you are enjoying your cars while I wait, I at least keep getting promotional materials. First it was the massive MDX pen in the large tin case, next followed the large MDX brochure and glossy magazine reprints, and finally last night a MDX Viewmaster in a cute little box with an MDX disk.
Please just send me a set of keys for a GG/Tour/Navi. My dealer just got 7 Tours in assorted colors but no Navi. When will I ever see one? :-(.
BTW: Black seemed to be the most popular color at first but there was not one in this batch. 2 GG, 2 Silver, 2 beige, 1 EG.
Picked up my GG MDX Touring w/o Nav yesterday. The dealer gave me the VIN number on 11/21 and the car arrived at the dealership on 12/5, exactly two weeks. Paid MSRP.
I had the dealer put the tinting on front windows to match the rest. Ordered a full size spare with the identical Michelin Cross Terrain tire and expected to get it next week. The rear tailgate deflector was also backordered until next week.
The car ran well. We reset the trip computer on the way to the restaurant. The drive was about 25 miles each way with 90% highway and 10% in town. The computer showed avg 22.3 mpg for the trip. The dealer told me they put in Amoco premium (92 or 93 octane).
We noticed the ride was a bit bumpier than the test drive vehicle. When we came back I tested the tires and they were at least at 45psi! I thought the tire gauge was broken so tried with two other working ones. Got the similar results. The tires were overinflated. I let air out until it's about 36psi. Will recheck tonight.
The sound system is not bad but I don't think it is much better than my 12 year old 1988 Camry LE. Our 1998 Sienna's stereo is even worse. My brother had the same experience between his old 1990 base Camry and his new 1999 and 2000 Camry LEs. When we test drove RX300, we thought the stereo was significantly better.
The ride is both sportier and bumpier than RX300. We chose MDX over RX300 because (1) MDX can seat seven and (2) we have an Acura dealer in town while the Lexus dealer is not.
The ride on the MDX is firm. There is no other way to get the handling out of an SUV this heavy. The difference in tire pressure should not be that great although clearly the wrong inflation for your tires.
22.3 mpg is pretty good. I wonder how much the 45psi contributed to that result. Since you mentioned setting the trip odo., I assume this is actual meas. vs. computer telling you. As for the ride vs. RX300, I pref. the MDX. RX300 floats too much for me.
I must not being doing something right; I got the big brochure but none of the toys (no pen, no viewer; someone else got a keychain and coffee mug, not me). OTOH, I've got an MDX!!
Has anyone driven an Mdx in NYC. How did it Navigate the potholes. also How do you go about getting MDX pens and viewmaster. Called customer relations and they had no idea of how to get those items.
The mpg is the trip computer reading. Since I reset at the beginning of the trip, I hope what the computer told me reflects the actual mpg for that trip.
As I mentioned earlier on this board, my loan was approved within 10 minutes from PeopleFirst.com. When I told my dealership that I would be paying my MDX with that check, they told me they don't take any "Internet checks". But after I had a person from PeopleFirst talked directly with him, he was very happy to take my "Internet check". The moral of the story is to make sure the PeopleFirst rep talks to the finance manager at the dealer DIRECTLY.
On the other hand based on the limited use, I thought the CD changer in my MDX sounded very good. Since neither my Camry nor my Sienna has a CD player, I can't really make any fair comparisons.
I am quite happy with the trip computer and mileage readout. I have the non-navigation model, and despite the denigration of the screen by multiple reviewers, I find the position and lighting excellent for my taste. I even find the heater controls easy to use now after 1800 miles.
My first tankful average readout was 21.5 while the actual calculated mileage at the pump was 20.8. My second tankful read 22.5, actual 22.0, which I find remarably precise. Since then, I reset it frequently to see how it does on short trips (4.5 miles to my office.) Overall, I am getting 19 mpg, but it is 16 to 18 going to the office depending on how I hit the 18 traffic lights. I learned that the most "expensive' part of driving is braking! If you can coast through a light, you can save .5 mpg. In addition, standing still reduces mileage, too. Try resetting the trip computer and stop at idle...the mpg drops, slowly but surely burning up gas at the light. My Mercedes ML320, which I traded on the MDX, never got more than 19 mpg and often got 12. Car and Driver only got 16 on their MDX trip, but I imagine they used all the power available in the 240 hp engine!
On page 289 of my touring non-nav MDX manual, it shows a picture of tire rotation patterns for non-directional and directional tires and wheels. Does anyone know whether the Michelin Cross Terrain tire and touring wheel are directional?
I still cannot use the remote transmitter to change the memorized seat positions between 1 and 2. If I set manually the driver seat position to 2, get out the car, and then press the lock/unlock on remote 1, shouldn't the driver seat move to the memorized position 1?
The answer is in post #24 toward the end. I knew someone has posted by I did not copy it down. Searching for an expression on the board is very hard!
Here is the trick in case you missed #24: Hold down both lock and unlock buttons at the same time for a few seconds until the red light (LED) light comes on and goes off. Now push the unlock button and open the driver side door. The seat and mirror should move to the memorized location if necessary.
Comments
The ceiling belt is not as sophisticated as the seat mounted belts you find in some BMWs and Mercedes, but it doesn't really get in the way and even my 6 y/o doesn't complain of discomfort or ill-positioning caused by the belt (nor do her brother or sister who sit next to her). The kids do fight over who gets to control the rear HVAC though! If you don't need the middle belt, you can retract it completely into the roof.
As for the seat anchors for child seats, yes, you still need to use a seatbelt.
As for the Alpine NAV, no doubt it's got all those nice extras and added flexibility. But unless you can use the factory screen, you'll have a very obvious add-on. You have to decide for yourself if you care about that or not.
I believe it's from either front speaker panel or glove box.
Please keep us posted if another person has the same problem and, more desirably, a solution.
I don't think it bothers the left-second-row passenger unless he/she is quite tall.
There had been some concern that the belt ran too close to a small child's neck, but such small children (up to 80-100 lbs) should be in a booster seat that repositions the belt anyway.
When the belt is not needed, it retracts into the ceiling. I believe a couple of minivans or so have this type of arrangement, though probably for the third-row seats.
Rob, you're quite right about the kids riding in the pickup's bed. They showed some trucks like that in the Dateline NBC segment, along with the trooper pulling people over because of that.
Eventually, the NHTSA mandate for ISOFIX/LATCH will extend to all vehicles and all childseats, but not for some time, I believe.
One issue with restraining a child is the size of the vehicle, or the size of the vehicle's back seat. A lot of subcompacts and small coupes make it difficult if not impossible to get certain child seats in them. It's easy to say "buy a bigger car if you have kids" but, economically, it's not that simple.
Buying a seat at a place that lets you try them on and/or return it if it doesn't fit is always a prudent thing to do. We could've saved a few bucks by ordering it from an obscure vendor on the Internet but wanted the full return flexibility so we went to Babies'R'Us.
Drew, yes, I did notice those crash tests. It did visibly demonstrate how rear side airbags can be helpful, ala the M-class and other similarly-equipped vehicles.
I guess that even though the side-impact tests don't show tall-vehicle-on-tall-vehicle, they're still more useful than not having anything at all; they just need to be better. Do you know if IIHS intends to eventually test side impacts this way?
Despite that older Chevy Blazer having been flung 100 feet in that horrific impact, and the front seat occupants being killed, note that the three children in the second seat were only slightly injured. They were properly restrained and in their childseats. Certainly being in the rear helped, but I guess that's part of the point (seat the child in the rear if there's room), but being restrained and in childseats had to have reduce injury too.
How soon does the MB minivan come out that you could replace your Chrysler with? Or do you need the Grand's extra capacity (not sure if the MB minivan will be available in an extended version)?
I don't see another minivan in my future for a while, even if it is a MB. My parents bought the Grand Voyager a while ago because we were expecting a lot of overseas visitors at the time. They also wanted another AWD vehicle, and aside from Subarus, not many other vehicles were available with this full-time system. In late 1993, this van had the latest in safety features including dual front airbags, 4 wheel ABS, side impact door beams and protection meeting the 1997 side impact safety standards.
Even today, an AWD minivan is a good alternative to a large SUV. It can carry 7 passengers and a fair amount of luggage in comfort (including the 3rd row passengers) while heading to the ski slopes. For example, I'll be bring home a motorised treadmill from the mall in a couple of days. There's no way this large unit will fit in the ML. It could go on the roof, but a large heavy box on the roof of an SUV? I don't think so...
Maybe you'll be interested in the MB minivan (based on the next generation M-class platform) instead of the next generation M-class? It will have the 4-matic system/4ETS/ESP, and should arrive around 2005-2006.
Drew
Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
The goodGuys price is supposed to be discounted. They are one of those "if you can find it cheaper places". It also included installation so it was unclear how much that was worth.
<Alpine Nav system can play DVDs and other
<video sources on the video screen...
Yes but not legally. Funny thing was when I first talked to the dealer about that they sort of winked and said they were not allowed to talk about any ways you could defeat the machine only playing Navi discs. The whole concept of using the Navi dvd player to show movies does not make sense since you would have to cripple the navi function. Were you thinking of a second generation type of Drive In Movie where you took your MDX out and parked it to watch movies? :-)
As far as limited converge go back and look at my first response. I noted that the coverage of the Acura content was worse than the standard Alpine disc. We all need to put pressure on Acura to supply the content that Navigation Technologies supplies to them.
Not sure how you could sell a car that you put a navigation system into and then took it out. Maybe with the MDX since the hole was already there you could replace the CRT again. If not wouldn't the gapping hole be a little noticeable and distracting?
As far as obsolete. YES. In fact I am surprised at how limited the graphics and colors are in todays systems. With wireless technology coming on even stronger in the next few years all of these systems will pale to compare in 3 to 5 years.
So the decision should be based on what they can do today. The only thing we have hope for is more content, not function.
I am choosing the Acura Navi based on the fact that it is integrated, works with other features of the car, looks like it belongs, and hopefully Acura will get it's act together and supply the content they are given through to us.
Additional info: Mileage on a recent trip with the return against a strong NW wind I got 19.7 miles per gallon.
I also found the seat comfort difficult at first. The solution, for me, was getting the torso balanced with a slightly more upright seat back.
For the hitch tongue and reciever rattle, one proposal offered was welding a bead on the sides of the tongue and then carefully filling it down until it fits snug. Any other solutions out there? Actually I put a dime into the narrow space between the tongue and reciever but it only worked for 5 minutes.
Thanks again to all of you sharing your thoughts.
Anyway, refilled the tank today, and while the trip computer shows 13.6 mpg, by computing miles traveled since the last fillup and the amount of the fillup, we actually averaged 15.01 mpg. Rather significant difference!
(Our mpg is terrible in general because right now the vehicle is just being used for short hops about town, and will continue until my wife's maternity leave is over -- no commuting yet.)
I'll keep watching this.
Another solution that I used a couple of years ago, was to paint/brush on the rubber compound that you can buy to coat handles on tools such as pliers onto the "male" potion of the hitch. This can be purchased at most hardware or tool stores.
Hope this helps.
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MDX
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The tags for italic are <,I,> and <,/,I,>
Some browser comes with editing functions that let you format text, but that requires some learning to use them effectively.
I am really amazed by how accurate it is. I especially like the feature that as you approach a turn, it shows you are 900 ft, 800 ft, ..., 0 ft from the the intersection. Neat!
I did discovered one error with the data base. I was on 237 going east, in Milpitas, connecting to 280 N. The ramp is on the right hand lane, but the nav told me to make a left turn! Wonder if the ramp have been added recently and the data base is simplely out of date! It would be really nice if mistakes can be corrected and remembered. The system allows corrections to a computed routes, but won't remember those corrections!
Anyway, it is really fun to play with it. I discovered restaurants that I never know before.
When I show my MDX to my friends, they are more interested in the navigation system than the SUV itself!
Hope you guys have a more normal avg mileage calculation where you can reset it and have it average until reset. The MLs is moving time window based if I remember correctly. Be glad you don't have instantaneous mileage readouts..you'd get depressed about how much more fuel efficient your Integra really was :-)
no extras needed...
i was going to Pleasanton this weekent I may steer over to the Lexus, Infiniti or BMW dealer instead if they do not have it.
Nick in Pleasanton..
Also, even though I understand that you are compareing lease vs. purch in your lease calculation you did not include sales tax. Here in connecticut if you bought at the end of the lease it would be $45377 vs. $42184 if I buy - $3193 savings over 5 years for me. If for some this is not a big deal I envy them but I got to buying MDX by micro-managing my budget ever since I arrived to this country in JFK 6 years ago with one suitcase and $100 bill in my pocket.
Of course I agree that there are many advantages to leasing and once again I was considering it at first, for example the property tax advantage which I didn't even include above.
In any case, go MDX!
I calculate your new total to be $43,866, including sales tax. Your lease costs would definitely be higher than those I quoted because of the sales tax. But the additional amount for the lease should be exactly the same as the additional amount for the purchase: ie the sales tax on the original total purchase cost.
In your lease payments (and/or down payment) you will be paying sales tax on (purchase price of vehicle - residual price). *Only* if and when you buy it will you pay sales tax on the residual price. This is another factor in favor of the lease. Less money to the gov't out of your pocket!
So, what did you do with that original $100?
I drove it home (70 miles) and I love it!! It is very quiet with no noticeable wind or road noise(btw, the michelins do make a difference in the noise levels) and has a very smooth ride on good interstate road surfaces.
My wife feels the ride and comfort of the MDX is much better than the ML320 and I think it is equal to or maybe even better than the RX300. I also think the extra room will come in handy.
Orr Acura in Shreveport, LA was very easy to deal with (why shouldn't they be when they are getting MSRP and everything they have coming in until February is sold) but I couldn't get them to throw in anything like the Cargo tray, cargo liner, wheel locks or rear mud flaps.
I really like this car and will post more later after I get a few miles on it.
I know, I applied sales tax in my example to the total lease payments+downpayment + residual because I was comparing purchase vs. lease with purchase in the end.
What else, hm.. Oh, yeah, when you purchase you (I think) could save on insurance by getting policy with more deduct and less coverage since leasing institutions usually have high requirements for that.
Are we getting in lease vs. buy topic?
Anywho, I vote for MDX!
Yeah I had a few jokes up my sleeve too, but figured I'd try keep it cool. (I was also going to suggest stay away from eloan cause they're a bunch of Clinton-Gore democrats, but I won't open *that* can of worms.:>)Glad you 'made it.'
You make a good point on the insurance. I'll have to check what the requirements are.
MDX is an awesome vehicle. It will almost certainly be the vehicle to replace my Chevy Tahoe, probably in about a year. I'll be giving up a lot of cargo space, but gaining 2 more seats and better gas mileage (I hope. Some results posted here are no better than the Tahoe.) I'm monitoring this list to see how the vehicle works out for folks. I suspect it'll be fine. Only thing on my wish list would be a low range on the 4WD. I'm one of the few who actually go offroad. But at this point, I'm thinking of getting a third vehicle - like an old Cherokee - for the real off road stuff.
The lease I've been looking at and probably will sign today, is for the other car I'm getting now - a Lincoln LS.
OK, so now I'm in trouble twice. I'll go back into lurk mode now. Best of luck Dima et al.
An alternitave to putting the money down as a cap cost reduction (besides investing it yourself) is using Multiple Security Deposits (MSD's) Some banks allow you to put down up to 10 monthly payments as additional REFUNDABLE security deposits.
For example my lease prior to MSD's
$1500 down-$520/month 42 months 12,000 year
Putting down $5,000 MSD
$1500 down-$470/month 42 months 12,000 year
I calculate it to about 9% tax free investment on the 5G.
The refundable security deposit can only be used against excess wear and tear and excess mileage.
I learned of the MSD option from a Mercedes salesman while testing an ML-320.
I found that when driving in the shadow of tall buildings (and in the tunnels) GPS signal is not available for fairly long periods. (the upper left corner icon turns yellow) However, using the gyroscope and input from the odometer the nav system still keeps me on-track.
anyway, I ordered a cargo liner from hondaacura world.. its not the best material but at least it'll keep dog hair off the cargo area. It came with some velcro with adhesive on the back. Well, half the velcro wouldn't stick.. anybody else have that problem with their liner? I NEED to go out and buy some velcro strips with better adhesive on the back before I let my bassets get in there and drool and shed. Does anyone know where I can buy some? Thanks!
After wipping for some time went ahead and ordered myself a nice stereo for the house from Amazon just to calm me down.
Please just send me a set of keys for a GG/Tour/Navi. My dealer just got 7 Tours in assorted colors but no Navi. When will I ever see one? :-(.
BTW: Black seemed to be the most popular color at first but there was not one in this batch. 2 GG, 2 Silver, 2 beige, 1 EG.
I had the dealer put the tinting on front windows to match the rest. Ordered a full size spare with the identical Michelin Cross Terrain tire and expected to get it next week. The rear tailgate deflector was also backordered until next week.
The car ran well. We reset the trip computer on the way to the restaurant. The drive was about 25 miles each way with 90% highway and 10% in town. The computer showed avg 22.3 mpg for the trip. The dealer told me they put in Amoco premium (92 or 93 octane).
We noticed the ride was a bit bumpier than the test drive vehicle. When we came back I tested the tires and they were at least at 45psi! I thought the tire gauge was broken so tried with two other working ones. Got the similar results. The tires were overinflated. I let air out until it's about 36psi. Will recheck tonight.
The sound system is not bad but I don't think it is much better than my 12 year old 1988 Camry LE. Our 1998 Sienna's stereo is even worse. My brother had the same experience between his old 1990 base Camry and his new 1999 and 2000 Camry LEs. When we test drove RX300, we thought the stereo was significantly better.
The ride is both sportier and bumpier than RX300. We chose MDX over RX300 because (1) MDX can seat seven and (2) we have an Acura dealer in town while the Lexus dealer is not.
I must not being doing something right; I got the big brochure but none of the toys (no pen, no viewer; someone else got a keychain and coffee mug, not me). OTOH, I've got an MDX!!
On the other hand based on the limited use, I thought the CD changer in my MDX sounded very good. Since neither my Camry nor my Sienna has a CD player, I can't really make any fair comparisons.
My first tankful average readout was 21.5 while the actual calculated mileage at the pump was 20.8. My second tankful read 22.5, actual 22.0, which I find remarably precise. Since then, I reset it frequently to see how it does on short trips (4.5 miles to my office.) Overall, I am getting 19 mpg, but it is 16 to 18 going to the office depending on how I hit the 18 traffic lights. I learned that the most "expensive' part of driving is braking! If you can coast through a light, you can save .5 mpg. In addition, standing still reduces mileage, too. Try resetting the trip computer and stop at idle...the mpg drops, slowly but surely burning up gas at the light. My Mercedes ML320, which I traded on the MDX, never got more than 19 mpg and often got 12. Car and Driver only got 16 on their MDX trip, but I imagine they used all the power available in the 240 hp engine!
How do I get Acura to send me an NSX as an incentive next time? :-)
Here is the trick in case you missed #24: Hold down both lock and unlock buttons at the same time for a few seconds until the red light (LED) light comes on and goes off. Now push the unlock button and open the driver side door. The seat and mirror should move to the memorized location if necessary.
Instructions are printed right on the remotes, and also in the manual on page 88.