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Acura MDX (pre-2007)
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I took my MDX into my dealer last week and they said that they couldn't fix the mirrors under warranty (and be paid by Acura) unless they (Acura Corp.) acknowledge it as a problem - so I just called Customer Service and they weren't even aware of the problem. I told them to check out this & the acuramdx.org web sites and expect more calls after I posted this. Unless there is a large volume of calls complaining about the problem, I doubt they'll consider fixing it for the 2001 model, so please call and be adament that you'd like them to fix what is an obvious design flaw.
I would consider drilling/using a dremel tool on the underside of the mirror housing and using touch-up paint... but I'm concerned about additional wind noise.
Thanks.
Rail
__________________
'01 Mahogany TP w/Nav
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=352
The Acura invoice said:
"CHECK WATER STREAKS FROM DRIVERS' DOOR MIRROR AFTER RAIN FALL OR WASHING CAR ADVISE/LREAKS (SIC) AT GASKET/ADDED SILICONE TO GASKET///TESTED OK"
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
BTW, on the safety belt recall, we called our Acura dealership. Unfortunately, at first they didn't even know about the issue. We gave them the update number and they had to call us back while they checked to see if they needed any parts that they had to order.
They checked and said they just need to "install a wire" and it's very quick. Interesting. We'll have it done as part of the vehicle's first service on Saturday.
Wasn't your vehicle one of the ML320's that was affected by a recall? Was it a similar problem or something totally different?
Did you see the technology conference that Bill Gates was hosting? The video footage really showed the intensity of the earthquake as some of the lights started falling down.
Yep, my ML was recalled once for a seatbelt buzzer error that may buzz 1-2 seconds longer than needed after the driver's side belt is buckled, as well as a 2nd row centre seatbelt plastic cover that may have been manufactured out of tolerance. I don't remember MB having to recall any MLs for anything related to the primary or secondary restraint systems. I do remember that some '99 models had seatbelt buckle covers that were not made within tolerances (though I was told that their effectiveness in a crash would not be affected) and those were recalled.
They inspected my truck and found that the components were okay, but they removed a resistor for the buzzer, and installed a new cover + some sort of reinforcement anchor (I think; it's hidden inside) anyway. My Chrysler minivan was also recently recalled (they called it a "product update" too :-)) for inspection for possible cracks on the steering column than may cause it to seperate. No problems with my van, but some sort of metal reinforcement bracket was installed as a preventative measure.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Regards.
Rail
The MDX will definitely give you much more space than the QX4 will, especially in the second row, and of course the (very small) third row. Cargo volume is significantly more behind the second row, and there's more useable space behind the first if you fold down the second row. The MDX will have noticeably more useable power.
The QX4 has better offroading capabilities and some folks think Infiniti service is better.
But none of this matters if your heart is set, and you should think it over.
My main concern with the Pathfinder/QX4 are marginal IIHS crash test scores (www.iihs.org), whereas the ML320, RX300, and X5 all have top ones. The MDX hasn't been crash tested yet but is expected to get top scores, but nothing's ever certain.
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/97002.htm
There's only the capsule summary of the MDX, as it awaits full review from them. It does say that it'll be able competition for the RX300, has a complete interior and a quiet cabin, and its ride is firm but nice and the handling good.
CR gave the RX300 its highest marks for reliability and satisfaction. In the 14 individual scoring categories it gets the highest score in all but one, where it gets a very good.
CR continues to give the M-class its worst score for reliability, and an above average score for satisfaction. HOWEVER, it must be noted that the 2000 models show definite improvement, as expected. In the individual categories it does not have one below-average score (within the category) whereas previous ones had 4 out of 14. Reading through CR's methodology, they would still consider the 2000 M-class to be below average, though. But the improvement is DEFINITELY there so I don't think one should rule out the M-class based on perceived terrible reliability scores.
The driver was allegedly driving too fast and tried a very sharp turn (duh!). The MDX seems to have survived the rollover well, though it's only one picture and a bit fuzzy.
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=869
Everyone here seems so knowledgable. Decided to buy rather than lease because I want to add extras and the dealers charge way too much for the items. I feel the car needs a little him to jazz it up. Thinking of the following.
1. Running boards or tube/steps - any opinions
2. Fender flares. Think they might beef it up.
opinions appreciated. Anyone seen them on car?
3. Chrome the rims. Always looks good on black.
4. Cargo car. Does it work well?
I'm also interested in the side body moldings I have seen mentioned here.
Dealer wants $1,800 for chromed rims. I found someone who will do it for $400. Is there a place, website or location where I can buy the extras I want. I live 30 miles east of Los Angeles
I would appreciate any help,comments or suggestions any of you have. Be honest.
2.
Most people who buy the running boards seem to like that they have a more finished look, while those who go for the side steps prefer a more aggressive, rugged look. The MDX step-in height isn't as bad as some SUV's but the running boards will help smaller adults and children to get in. Both the boards and step provide only limited protection against door dings because they don't come out far enough.
Fender flares are a matter of taste. They only come in a dark color but should be okay with black. There are concerns that dirt will get behind then and ruin the paint. There are pictures on www.acuramdx.org
The MDX's cargo capacity is excellent. It actually has more useable space (Car and Driver "beer case test) than its immediate competitors, both behind the second row and with the second row folded down. There's not much space behind the third row but you need to go to a full-sized SUV to get that.
Check www.acuramdx.org for pictures of various side moldings.
For fender flares, side steps, running boards, splash guards, etc. (Acura accessories) I _highly_ recommend www.hondacuraworld.com Great prices and great service, and a LOT of folks here and on acuramdx.org recommend them.
Good luck!
Be sure to set the drop-down @ the upper right part of the screen to "messages from last 90 days" or you might not see them.
Insofar as body side moldings, it appears that those of us who have installed them (or had them installed) used a Prostripe M94, 1" half round. A couple of us did it ourselves, and one or two had them professionally done. Pics in the gallery over there will give you an idea of how they look and how to install. I've only seen them on the black and granite green and they look good.
Best prices on accessories are at hondacuraworld.com, which is actually a dealer in upstate NY. Shipping free, no tax, honest and helpful. Tim in the parts department is the guy running it and my experience (as has everyone elses) has been fantastic.
Good luck!
Lots of damage to the left side (besides the trashed mirror, you can see crinkles in the sheet metal of the fender).
The right side mirror appears to be folded back (though it's hard to see w/ the giant Heave-Ho lettering there...I hate journalists :-)
Front was damaged only slightly which probably means he was going relatively slowly by the time he hit something.
I'd be curious what "high speed" means...doesn't look like the driver was going that fast.
Need more pics... ;-)
I have never experienced the same thing when driving my Quest Van (also with ABS) on similar road condition even the tires on my Quest are 4 years old. There are only two explanations: (1) the goodyear tires are really lousy (2) Acura ABS is too sensitive.
Any ideas? I told my wife to drive carefully and did not tell her my experience because I do not want scare her away. I received Acura survey form yesterday and I complained the poor traction problem along with wind noise, water leak from mirror housing and other two minor things I could not even remember.
The problem is you can't just take a V8 and pop it in where you have a transverse-mounted V6. Every V8 car and SUV primarily drives the rear wheels...I don't think there are any cars with a sideways-sitting V8. It would require a major redesign of the MDX to make it a V8 with RWD/4WD. Take a look at any of the SUVs with both a V8 and V6 (X5, ML, Explorer, LandCrusher) and you'll see that they are primarily rear-wheel drive.
I really like the styling of the MDX.
To each his own. Buyer has to live in it.
That said, to me interior styling, creature comforts, ride, performance, and reliability, take far more precedence than exterior styling. Don't get me wrong I prefer a car with good (subjective of course) looks, but in reality I don't sit ouside and look at it in my garage and I can't see the outside when I'm inside using it! I much prefer the inside, where I sit, to look good.
FYI, the ML has a full-time 48/52 power split. It is *not* primarily RWD.
The X5 is 34/66 split because they wanted to maintain a RWD feel.
I don't track the other two you mentioned.
Now in one respect a rollover is a rollover, but there are subtle but not insignificant differences. Had this MDX left the road in country flatland it would most likely have coasted to a stop in a straight line from where he left the road.
At first I thought "LandCrusher" was a spelling error... then I read it again. Good One!
As for the new 2002 Exploder, it should (assuming Ford minimizes the number of quality glitches) be a much better design than the existing design, at least for the majority of SUV owners. However, I don't see it taking enough buyers away from the MDX to cause MDX prices to drop. Even though the 2002 Exploder will have independent suspension, it won't ride as smoothly as the MDX. The Exploder will still have a bit of a truck-like ride, while placing more emphasis on off-road capabilities. From an article I recently read, it doesn't have the refined road manners and drivetrain of the MDX. It also won't have all the interior space of the MDX. Just as important, I think there will always be a segment of the auto buying public who would much prefer to buy an SUV from an upscale import manufacturer (such as Acura, Lexus, and even Toyota) rather than Ford, especially when you consider Ford's recent bad press concerning the current Exploder and the new Escape.
As strange as it sounds, I think some other new SUVs, such as the new Mercury Mountaineer and the new Buick Rendezvous, might have just as much effect on MDX sales as the new Explorer (which still isn't very much). Even though the Mountaineer has the same platform as the Explorer, it's interior and exterior design will definitely be more upmarket than the Explorer. It will also have an AWD system instead of the Explorer's 4WD system, which makes it a step closer to the MDX.
As much as I think these new SUVs are doing a good job of addressing the new market dynamics, I think they won't be a much better buy than the MDX. The Rendezvous looks like it will be quite slow (a heavy SUV at only 185hp); it has a platform that previously hasn't done well in crash tests; and its styling might be considered too trendy. The Mountaineer or Exploder should fare better, but each would require the V8 engine upgrade, along with several options, to compete against the MDX. Even then, there are factors that may favor the MDX, such as warranty, safety, fuel economy, and reliability. When all the costs are added up, these loaded competitors won't be much cheaper than a base MDX, even after they are discounted.
Hence, when all is said and done, I suspect the most likely culprit to bring down the selling prices of the MDX will be a future increase in MDX production volume. But if the Nasdaq drops much below 2000, then we may soon have a second reason for sale prices dropping! ;-(
Also interesting that someone's MDX is having tractions issues. Definately not suprising with those Goodyears. Need to use the Michelins Cross Terrains maybe your problem will go away. The Goodyears just plain suck.
Someone quoted me 2k off MSRP for a touring + NAV. I all most fell off my chair when I saw that. Must of been a lousy non popular color. Still waiting for the oppurtune time. Should be soon.
Do we know what VTM4 does?
I'd wait on the purchase.
BTW, what color is "lousy non popular" anyway?
In a bad mood,
Ard
My question here is how fast is VTM-4 reaction time?
If someone is selling at 2k under I would check the bottom line price. Those "required" options and dealer fees might be interesting. I had one dealer claim similar and then wanted +$4k in forced options. Marketing gimics come every few seconds.
BTW when I picked up my car the quoted wait time for the same was 6 to 9 months from the same general area.
Again let me say that a moderately equipped HL is a fine dependable piece of tranportation, but not in the MDXs class. Have you built an HL with the options you need/desire on KBB or Edmund's? If not I urge you to do so. Find out what the HL you would want would cost (again for a Ltd you won't get much off) and compare it to the base MDX.
Good luck.
Again I think calling this a rollover is somewhat misleading. He simply drove thru the curve, from going too fast, and ended up on his side in the bottom of a steep ditch.
BUT, this is also a 2WD w/out moonroof and no 3rd roll seats and not 2nd AC/Heat unit. So, is this a good deal?
If saving some money and having less equipment is a good deal, then it is.
I got the MDX and while it's $37.5(walk out price) is $7K over my co-worker's Highlander, I believe I still paid a good price.
But the important think is... That are REALLY discounting the Highlanders.. ALREADY.. Now what does that tell you?
But still, $3K off MSRP sound pretty good. That's in contrast to my MSRP price for my MDX.
Steve
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
The rollover (not really) did not cause damage on the roof, it just fell on its side. Still like to know how fast the individual was going.
Ardvarkus you have an MDX why are you so pist?? Is it because of the traction issues on yours.
On the other hand, there have been a lot of folks who have been told it would take a longer time than it actually ended up taking (e.g. someone told it would take 3 months, it was 2, or, in a more extreme situation 4-5 and it came in 1). That's not surprising since there are inevitable cancellations. E.g. the depositer decides on an alternative vehicle, loses patience, etc.
But another reason is that some folks on waiting lists have deposits down with multiple dealers, hoping that one might produce before the other.
Aside from that, I've not heard a complaint regarding tires and rims from at least several dozen Touring package owners, here and on other message boards. Usually it's more positive comments on the Michelins.
Please note that the Michelins you can buy on your own have a higher tread wear index rating than the Michelins that come with the Touring Package, so they'd last somewhat longer.
Regarding the tire questions just above, I had checked my (cold) tire pressures earlier today and they were at approx. 31 psi, so I put in a little air to hit 32 psi. I'll check periodically and see if they change. Hadn't heard about leaks before today.
There are a couple of other items I hope I can get feedback on. First, is it possible to display just the time on the nav screen? I thought I read that in the owner's manual or nav manual, but now I can't seem to find it.
Also, has anyone tried all three power outlets? I just checked using my phone charger as a test, and the one in the cargo area is dead. As far as the two up front, I did get power, but if I unplugged the adapater and plugged it back in right away, no power. I'd get power again if I waited about 5 seconds or so. Not really a functional problem, just seemed kind of odd. And I tried all this plugging/unplugging with both just accessory power and with the engine running. Any ideas if this wait time is how it's supposed to work, or is this an indication of a problem? Of course, I'll have the dealer check the outlet in the cargo area.
They did replace the harness; the worksheet says "General Campaign - Install seatbelt update harness completed." Part # 81311-S3V-305, covered under warranty, of course. This was done very quickly.
My wife also mentioned to them that she thought the wipers squeaked a bit much; she wasn't sure if it was really a problem or just how they're supposed to sound. They replaced the inserts, charging it to the warranty.
We were pleasantly surprised that the oil & filter change was free. Now that I think about it, I think this dealer (Acura of Bellevue) has that for all its new vehicles, and we may have just forgotten about it. They washed and vacuumed the car as they always do and that was that, pretty painless.
MDX is rated to tow up to 4500# boats (boat/trailer weight only, not total weight, Acura assumes you'll need people and gear). In other words Acura's 4500# limit is all for the boat/trailer, they people and luggage willl also be on board. If your boat is close to 4500# and you will tow if often or for long didtances then the MDX is probably the wrong vehicle.
But if it is less than that and you tow seldom and for short distances, I think the MDX is indeed "stylish pull"
Rail
Recently the car I placed a deposit on had arrived after a 3 month wait. Knowing this dealer was asking $2K over MSRP, I tried negotiating the price or having them throwing in options. They would not budge. Their altitude was if I didn't want to pay the marked-up price that they could get a buyer off the street in 5 minutes (This was the biggest factor in making my decision). I ask them whether they would sell the car to the next person on the list. They said the policy should I decline (cancel) is to have the vehicle sent to the garage to have the vehicle loaded with options and at that point the car was up for grabs to any salesmen who could find a buyer. At this point , I told them I did not want the car.
Fortunately, this dealer was my backup plan. I have a car due in a couple of weeks at another dealer willing to sell me the vehicle for MSRP and without dealer options.
First, for wmquan - I don't think anybody had any feedback for you on your archived question about the fit of the Britax Roundabout or FP Safe Embrace rear-facing. I am not a real car seat expert but do know of a very active car seat discussion board (non-Edmunds) which is well attended by car seat installation technicians. From what I recall, there are not a lot of fit issues with the Roundabout, but they might be able to make a guess about how well it would work, even if they have not fitted any MDXs specifically. Is it OK for me to post a link to it? If so, I will follow up in a later message.
Background: We have an MDX on order for delivery in late May or early June, but the dealer will release us from the deal if we decide we want something else before it arrives. We hadn't done all the research I wanted to do when we got on the waiting list, but since there was no downside to it, thought we might as well. The MDX is still my favorite of the possibilities I have test-driven; if anything I wonder if it might be just as well to wait for a 2002 model, though, since there might be improvements and it seems like it might not be that much longer to wait, especially if we would receive it before next winter's icy season starts.
But anyway, getting to my questions: Safety is the biggest factor in this purchase and I have been wondering why it is that SUVs generally, including the MDX, are not being equipped with side curtain air bags. I did read in an archived post that the ML320 for 2002 will have them, and I believe they are an option for the 2002 Explorer/Mountaineer. Is it at all likely that they will be coming to the MDX for 2002? Have SUVs been slow to get them because they are thought to be so much bigger and stronger that side curtains aren't necessary? It seems to me that side impact crash test data doesn't tell you what happens to second row passengers, which is the main concern for us. Any thoughts on this general topic would be welcome. The lack of the side curtain air bag is the only thing that makes me not 100% confident about the MDX being the right vehicle for us.
Second question: When I test drove the MDX, I recall the salesman saying that the third row was for passengers age 14 and younger. That seemed odd to me - would have thought the limit would be in terms of weight. Is this a "comfort" limit, where they're suggesting that no adult would probably tolerate the cramped conditions back there for long? (Our 6'1" and fairly beefy friend sat in the 3rd seat at an auto show and found it OK.) Or is it an "engineering" limit, where the seat is structurally not designed to hold more than two average-sized 14-year-olds? We wouldn't use the third row routinely anyway, but perhaps for a short trip it would be good to know whether it would be *unsafe* for an adult to sit there, or just uncomfortable.
Thanks so much for any input you can give.