2013 and earlier-Acura MDX Prices Paid and Buying Experience

aleksd1 · December 2003

The pricing I got from Valencia, CA dealer had 1900 difference between base and touring. I like the wheels and cd player better, but not sure if it it's worth extra $1900. Power passenger seat does not matter that much to me, so I might just go with the base. I really appreciate your advice, nazirv and sbcooke. Thanks, Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you both.

fndlyfmrflyr · December 2003

Agree with sbcooke. Also have 02 touring but with navigation. The memory seat and mirrors alone made it a must for us. The power passenger seat has proven a plus on long rides. The Michelin tires that came on our touring have proven to have outstanding wear and ride.

We wanted a nav system too. We thought it would only be used on trips. We've found we frequently use it locally. Had no idea how useful it can be for local driving. Finding a house in a new to us neighborhood, especially in the dark; finding stores, restaurants, and more in other parts of town; and just having a map showing where we are when 'exploring' a new place has made it worth the cost.

nazirv · December 2003

The nav costs another $2K? You can get a top of the line Garmin navigation system for about $700 which is portable. Did you know it costs about 200-300 for each update CD on the Acura navigation each year as well? I guess it is a matter of whether you have the $$ to spend. A nice feature of the base is you have a large trip computer which shows the clock much bigger than on a nav system which shows the clock on the radio (quite small). The base comes with goodyear tires which are very good in my opinion. Good luck!

fndlyfmrflyr · December 2003

There has been only one major upgrade since 2000. Came out a couple of months ago and cost $185.

Alpine sells essentially the same system with more coverage (Southern Canada) and it is portable. Agree $2K is a lot, but we like it a lot better than the small hand helds too. A nav system for my PT is essentially the same as in my MDX (both by Alpine), but with no touch screen and no voice command. The screen is also smaller, but the cost is less too - $1.2K. Comes with and is part of AM/FM/CD radio.

BTW, when nav and trip computer not in use the clock on mine is either small in the lower right corner of the screen or very large in the center of the screen - my choice by touching the clock.

proger · December 2003

Going to get an MDX this month or next month. Can't decide between a brand New 2003 MDX w/Nav (there is one left with hard negotiation at $3,500 below MSRP, somebody will jump at it any time) or 2004 MDX, no negotiation yet. I hear about humming complains on 2004's. Any advice would be appreciated.

nazirv · December 2003

Just picked up our new 04 MDX and no humming problems. It is also 265HP. I recommend the 04 which you can get at about $1500 below MSRP if you shop around.

mouseonline · December 2003

Test drove several MDX, they all have the humming "problems" around 2000 rpm, if you think it is a problem.
But for a noisy car like MDX, it is not that noticeable.
I tried really hard trying to convince myself that MDX is wider, better MPG, cheaper SUV compare to Lexus GX. But I failed. I will go with a GX470.
I even turn down an offer of $900 over invoice for any 2004 MDX from a local Acura dealer, too bad the best offer I got so far is only $1000 off MSRP for GX.
I am a deal shopper, I will wait. Too many small business owners are taking advantage of the tax loop for GX (over 6000 lbs), my local dealer sold out all Jan delivery. they are invoicing buyer in Dec. 2003 and deliver the car in 2004.

falcon74 · December 2003

habitat1 · December 2003

Please do post the Acura dealer willing to do $900 over invoice.

Also, I am leaning toward the GX470 for the tax break - although I'm fine with waiting until 2004 and getting a good deal too. However, if the MDX weighed over 6,000 lbs GVW, that would likely return me to the MDX over the GX. I'm not convinced that the GX - with it's reported clunking drivetrain problems as noted on that board - is any better than the MDX with it's "humming" problem. I am also concerned about the GX470's very low lateral G and emergency lane change ratings - about the worst of any SUV, save for the Discovery and our current Isuzu Trooper.

Don't get me wrong, the GX and MDX are both exceptionally attractive vehicles. But I don't think the GX at $50k+/- is a clear choice over the MDX at $40k+/-.

mouseonline · December 2003

$900 over invoice was offered in late November, current offer is $2000 over invoice. Still not bad.

harjits · December 2003

I still find it hard to digest, few people claiming that their MDX dont make noise at all. Atleast, I have test driven 10 '04s and all have this noise but it may vary. Just to say it doesn't exist at all.....hard to believe

markj10 · December 2003

I contacted the internet department at Rick Case in Fort Lauderdale, FL metnioned in above discussion and found them to be very aggressive in dealing and easy to work with especially with it being the end of the year and all..they actually have an inventory of 50 MDXs. Deals similar to what is mentioned above seem very realistic. If you are serious and don't mind traveling to Fort Lauderdale it seems $2500-3000 off msrp would be able to be obtained at the end of the year when they are push for numbers to stay the "Worlds Largest Acura Dealer"

aleksd1 · December 2003

I'm getting ready to sign the deal on MDX touring tomorrow, but after finding out that Acura provides only 3y/36000 miles powertraing warranty as opposed to 6y/70000 by Infiniti and others, I'm having second thoughts. Any advice?

fndlyfmrflyr · December 2003

MDX warranty is 4/50,000. Generally, for most cars there is little call for warranty type repairs after the initial assembly problems have been repaired. Even those with defective parts usually have these parts replaced during the first year. If having a longer warranty period is important to you, either buy an extended warranty or buy a car with a longer warranty period.

You asked for advice: Buy the vehicle you like best and don't worry about the length of the standard factory warranty.

ptraveler · December 2003

Thanks to Edmunds, I was able to buy a new MDX at an attractive price. First, let me provide the pricing detail:

$39,677 for a new 2004 MDX with Navigator and the following accessories added  side step (satin chrome), cargo cover, body side moldings. Also received all-season mats at no extra cost. I was informed that its about $1,000 over the dealer cost

Since I live in the DC area, they offered at-home delivery for additional $300. However, I wanted to pick up the vehicle myself and drive it home. So I flew to Columbus and picked it up at the dealership. This added about $100 for the plane fare and 6 hours of my test driving as my additional costs, but even with that, the price was much better than any the local dealers were willing to offer.

I was initially undecided between Acura, Lexus, and other makes, but now I am quite happy with the purchase of MDX and the whole buying experience with Lindsay. I will have more on my buying experience following this post.

ptraveler · December 2003

At the time of purchase, the dealership offered an extended warranty by manufacturer; I think it was something like 7yr/100k (bumper-to-bumper) for $1800 or so (not quite sure). If you want a longer warranty, you might want to consider purchasing this.

abcnyc · December 2003

I also live in the DC area and will be looking for a 2004 MDX touring in the next month. Did you find that the DC dealers (Rosenthal, Pohanka, Criswell, Radley, etc.)were not as willing to deal as Lindsay in Columbus ?

aleksd1 · December 2003

I guess I was just dissapointed to find that power train warranty is only 3 year. But looks like it is 4 years after all. I'm not overly concerned about warranty, but when trying to make decision between Infiniti and Acura, extra warranty that Infiniti provides just makes you feel a little safer when you planning to keep the car for a while. But after all, I think I will go for MDX as FX35 ride was just to rough for me, even after they softened the suspension for 2004.
Thanks everybody for your advise, it's greatly appreciated.

markj10 · December 2003

Finalized the deal tonight on a 2004 MDX Touring with NAV and RES in Redrock Pearl with Rick Case Acura in Fort Lauderdale.....I thought I had a good deal with a dealer much closer to home but they couldn't get the vehicle until the end of January. Rick Case had the exact vehicle I wanted in his inventory of 50 MDX's and cut another $1000 from the deal.....it is the end of the month and year and they are dealing. My vehicle will have about $2174 worth of dealer installed accessories also installed. I am very happy as I am > $3000 off MSRP which I thought would be next to impossible the way people have been talking about the MDX. If you are in the SE and are serious about wanting a deal from a dealer that has a great selection I would give their internet people a call soon.

scottyt24 · December 2003

I'm beginning my search for a 2004 with navigation and am curious to know if anyone has had any good deals from dealers in the area.

gs4rx3 · December 2003

I found Arlington to be most competitive. Napleton matched their price, but doesn't have the inventory to back it up, so you'll have to wait with them. However, they will price competitively for cars they have to order. I found Woodfield and Libertyville unwilling to negotiate beyond their initial offers. See my post #922 for the details. I'd be happy to give you my salesman's name at Arlington if you want it. Just provide your email address.

dnvco99 · December 2003

Any good deals in the Denver area? In my discussions it sounds like you can get $1000 to $1500 off MSRP tops. However, if you're trading a vehicle you may be surprised to see what they offer on the trade. Apparently, the NADA price is only a consideration, but the real trade value is determined by what the dealership would pay to buy the same car at auction (Manhiem)???

This reduced trade leaves the feeling that I haven't negotiated anything off the MSRP as all negotiations really just get the trade dollars back to the NADA price or a little better.

So, has anyone else found good deals in Denver, Boulder or even Colorado Springs?

covelife · December 2003

I'm looking to buy a '04 BL/BL MDX with touring - was quoted 37,083 + tags, + tax from Rick Case . Seems that they don't want to match the previous 36,084 ++. Is this still good?

markj10 · December 2003

Basically if you are talking a base touring (no Nav or DVD your MSRP would be $39545 plus Rick Case has a nice little dealer fee they like to add of $499. At your price of $37083 you are basically $2500 off MSRP plus getting the $499 figured in so you are not doing too bad if you compare to what others are getting above. My deal with Rick Case is for a 2004 Redrock Pearl with Nav and Rear DVD and $2174 worth of accessories (Delivery is set for Jan 3rd)and I am getting > $3000 off MSRP so you may have some room for a little more negotiating, they want sales on the books before the end of the year......try offering $36,500 and see what happens ...never know

markj10 · December 2003

Just reviewed Rick Case Inventory page and saw that they have 5 Black MDX Touring......would be very suprised if $36,500 wouldn't drive one home if the deal is closed before the end of the year.

desertman · December 2003

What is all this talk about a tax break for the Lexus GX470 due to it being 6000+ lbs.? It weighs 4740 lbs. It's a 4Runner, and is not a large SUV - much smaller than an Expedition, Tahoe, Suburban, etc.

metmdx · December 2003

What are the odds of my dealer swapping an MDX with another dealer if he doesn't have the color I want but another dealer (non-affiliated) does?
tia,
metmdx

covelife · December 2003

markj - thank you for your input. Looks like I'm going to go with a DC area dealer, who matched the price and is throwing in wheel locks, cargo cover, side trim, and mats. Saves me a trip down South!

atlmdx · December 2003

Looking for a MDX in Atlanta. Dealers don't seem to be dealing. Best I've seen is $1200 off MSRP. Anyone got a better deal?

xixiaoyu · December 2003

When people talk about invoice price, does it include the destination charge? Edmunds shows MDX touring invoice is $35,132. So if I calculate $$ over invoice, should I use $35,132 or $35,132+destination charge? thanks for the advice.

fndlyfmrflyr · December 2003

It is gross weight (max fully loaded weight), not empty weight. My MDX has a 5690 GVWR, not high enough for the tax break (a loop hole big enough to drive a truck through).

rbr · December 2003

You would add the destination charge to that figure, for a total invoice price of 35,677 ($545 destination charge).

Hope this helps
Rich

markj10 · December 2003

I also tried all the Acura dealers in the Atlanta since I am in the FL panhandle and this is the nearest major city.....and I couldn't do much better than $1500 off.....I am geeting >$3000 off MSRP from the Internet Department at Rick Case in Fort Lauderdale and a 1 way ticket on Air Tran from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale can't be much more than $100. They have the best inventory to chose from also......I would give them a call and try and make a deal before the end of the year as they are bucking for numbers.......I don't mean to sound like a broken record on this message board but I am amazed at the deals they are making on a vehicle that Edmunds and others say expect to pay full MSRP for......

mro_king · December 2003

Yesterday we finished one of our best car buying experiences yet. Talked with Reading Acura, in Reading PA about a month ago and reserved an Aspen White Pearl base (I think Acura calls it premium) at a price of $35,900. About $1045 below MSRP. Salesperson was very easy to deal with and professional, as was dealership in total. They didn't ask for any deposit to reserve it, and the salesman kept us posted as to arrival time, etc. Gave us a fair trade price for our Grand Cherokee with 197,000 miles. Also gave us the wood steering wheel for the MDX at their invoice cost, and installed it for free. On top of this, we had gotten the promotional 3.9%, 60 month financing from Acura, but when we sat down to sign the paperwork, Acura had lowered that rate to 3.74%. A nice little last minute suprise, even if only a couple bucks a month.

In all, we couldn't be happier, and we're looking forward to years of good service from the dealership.

Wish I could post the name of our Salesman here, but know from months of researching here, that it is frowned upon. If you would like it please email me at s*******@ptd.net.

mro_king · December 2003

Sorry, the firewall blocked out my email. Here it is, just remove the *'s:

s*f*o*s*t*e*r*2*@*p*t*d*.*n*e*t

Happy New Year All

harjits · December 2003

All those New MDX buyers,
I see everyday tons of people buying X, Didn't anybody noticed any much talked about Hum/Resonance around 2000-2100 rpms on '04s, happens at all speeds and worst when you are on an inclined road ?????
I have test driven atleast 12 X and all have the hum, wonder I may have been gifted with ultrasonic frequencies...:)

stever · December 2003

Try the Acura MDX Owners: Problems & Solutions discussion - we're focusing more on deals in here. Thanks.

Steve, Host

proger · December 2003

I visited two Dealerships last week. One w/ around 8 and the other w/ about 12 MDX's. Today they were all gone except 3 from the 12. They seem to be dealing or selling. Since the 3 left didn't have the Navi, I elected to order and it is costing me $40,177 to include few dealer options like wheel locks etc. All together to include TTL $41,871.63 OTD. How did I do? Is it Good? Please Post. Thanks. And by the way
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU.

markj10 · December 2003

Yes, I have heard the HUM....and agree it is much more noticable in the 2004 models than I noticed in the 2003's I have driven....anyway given that my other 2 vehicles are a 2001 GMC 2500HD crew cab with aftermarket dual exhaust and a 2001 WS6 Ram Air Trans AM Convertible with Magnaflow aftermarket high flow stainless exhaust....I may be a little more tolerate of noise and resonance. Despite the resonance the MDX is a great vehicle with many features for the money.... I am still hoping Acura will seriously look at this and come up with a fix for all of us.

dnvco99 · December 2003

I've posted recently about the disappointing trade offers from Denver Acura dealers as they look past NADA Trade price and use Manhiem Auction prices instead. This has the result of really short changing their customers who are looking to trade an earlier Acura for a new one.

As it turned out an Acura dealer in Colorado Springs (just 55 miles away) pays NADA or better for trades. The difference was enough that even though they only took $1100 off MSRP they beat the Denver dealships net cost by over $700. Well worth the 55 mile drive for me.

If your trading in Denver for a new Acura compare the trade prices in Colorado Springs before doing the deal!! I'd expect similar issues in other big cities where the dealers participate in auctions...

proger · January 2004

Besides Navigation as an option, is there a monthly or yearly fee by using GPS? Or need to upgrade yearly with certain amout of $$$ for New Data base. Just wondering. Thanks for any input.

threedog · January 2004

Beginning the search for 2004 MDX in this area. Any input on prices, dealerships etc. would be appreciated. I have emailed several and visited one in GA.

Thanks in advance

chrism124 · January 2004

There is no annual fee for using the Nav system. It is DVD based system. Perhaps to purchase an updated DVD, this would cost you some $$$. I have an 04 w/ Nav and thus far I have been very satisfied with the system.

Regards,
Chris M

proger · January 2004

Chris, thanks for the info. I'm still waiting for my 1st suv. When test driving the 04 MDX, it was really fun using the Navi, and voice directing you where you requested to go. Very smart piece of machine.

ejortega · January 2004

Yes they do. This is how I made my deal. I'm picking up the MDX with Touring, silver exterior and black leather interior on 1/2/04. Paid $36,677. Dealer was located approx. 80 miles away. Good luck.
Oh.... Don't deal with the floor salesman. Deal with the fleet or internet manager.

Eric

abcnyc · January 2004

Who is the DC dealer you are working with ?

ezlflyer · January 2004

Many dealers seemed anxious to deal yesterday. Purchased a 2004 with navigation yesterday via the internet and phone. Added side moulding, tow package and running boards. $40,999 plus tax and license. Called my local dealer and he told me to take the deal because he could sell the car for a lot more on Jan 2!

falcon74 · January 2004

I'm also from N. Cal. What dealership did you get your MDX from?

eddiemac · January 2004

on your purchase. I live in DC, and my wife purchased a 2003 MDX w/nav and dvd in august from Lindsay in Columbus, Ohio. We were going to fly there like you did and pick it up in September, but the salesman wanted an august deal,so he offered to deliver it to us for free, which we accepted. Good luck, and enjoy.

eddiemac · January 2004

Good luck in trying to find a DC area dealer to match Lindsay's price. In August(I live in DC) I emailed Rosenthal, Pohanka, Radley, and Acura West for quotes on a 2003 touring with nav and dvd. The quotes ranged from 500 to 1000 of msrp. Lindsay quoted me a price which was 1900 of msrp, plus free all season mats, wheel locks, cargo cover, and cargo tray. we paid $559 for black side steps, and $80 for body side molding. I e-mailed each dealer with the Lindsay quote(without telling them where it was from) and asked them to match, or beat it. None of them could, and they were asking too many questions about "who gave you THAT price?" I finally went to Tischer and asked my salesman who sold me my 2002 tl-s to see if he could do better. The best they would do is 1000 of msrp, and accessories at cost.

My advice to you would be to go the area dealers to test drive the MDX, see the different colors and options, and ask any questions. Once your mind is made up, contact Lindsay and tell them exactly what you are looking for and get a price quote. Ask the local dealers to match it(I doubt if they will). if you purchase from them(Lindsay), the price you pay plus delivery to your home will still be less than what the local dealers will charge. If you have any questions, you can contact me anytime.

2013 and earlier-Acura MDX Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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