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Acura MDX (pre-2007)

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Comments

  • ardvarkusardvarkus Member Posts: 90
    You'll be able to get an MDX at 500 over invoice.

    When is the question. Perhaps early 2003?

    Yes, splitting the difference between Invoice and MSRP is more than fair, but why would they if there are buyers above that price?? Sucks, but hey- It's not like it's a necessity

    I wound up paying around $600 under MSRP, but that was way before that small dealer knew how hot these puppies would be...

    10,200 miles...

    Ard
  • jaynedoughjaynedough Member Posts: 7
    When is the first visit? My book says 7500. Hubby wants to change oil (anyone go to synthetic?) and I thought that I had read something about the VSC fluid needing to be changed. I called dealership and they said oil but were not aware of VSC requirements. HELP!!
  • accmdxaccmdx Member Posts: 6
    Chiller2 - The engine must be on and you must hold the reset button in for two seconds. Probably so people don't inadvertantly bump it and reset it. Why the engine has to be on I don't know.
  • jaynedoughjaynedough Member Posts: 7
    When is the first visit? My book says 7500. We have around 3000 and hubby wants to change oil (anyone go to synthetic as he's considering?) and I thought that I had read something about the VSC fluid needing to be changed at around 3000 to 3500 miles. Is this true? I called dealership and they said oil should be changed at this time but nothing else. HELP!!
  • cas5cas5 Member Posts: 8
    Fixes:

    Bottom cushion too short - Ship seat to Beverly Hills Motoring Access. (or other outfit) for customization. Did this with my Expedition and it worked great

    Not enough leg-room - take vehicle to shop that converts vans for handicapped people. They can weld up a bracket that allows the seat to be mounted further back while still using original bolt positions. Worked well on my Land Cruiser.

    Uncomfortable seats - sheepskins. Worked pretty well on Expedition.
  • photo3photo3 Member Posts: 26
    Has anyone gone off road with their MDX? How is it?
    Tonychrys: Are you from Cyprus? What are those little flags for?
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Hey, you know your world flags! Actually, I'm a born and bred Amercian but my father is from Cypress. Thought I'd stand out from the rest of the Americans ;-)

    BTW, yahsoo = hello in Greek.
  • cas5cas5 Member Posts: 8
    Just went and looked at the MDX. I have a 35" waist and found the seat bottom to be too narrow. I also found that the seat's headrest could not be adjusted to supposrt my head like the RX 300's can. I looked at one with tan(?) interior. It looked like a strange shade of camel to me. Also, why doesn't it come in white? white is the safest color excepting safety yellow and orange (excluding snow conditions of which we have little in my area). White is also one of the easist colors to match when repairs need to be made.
  • salovekusaloveku Member Posts: 22
    cas5

    What is the range of prices for a custom seat and what did they do for your Expedition. I think the MDX seat is too short.
  • chiller2chiller2 Member Posts: 14
    That's what I had done, but they (Trip A and B) didn't zero out.
  • ccouperccouper Member Posts: 24
    Try holding it down longer. I was embaresed by my wife this week when I complained it was not reseting but just beeping. She leaned over and held it for a few seconds and it cleared. You might try cycling the ab selection first.

    Chris
  • landcruisermanlandcruiserman Member Posts: 14
    I drove to the local Milwaukee (Brookfield) Acura dealer on Saturday. Was the only customer in the lot looking at two Sold MDX's for about 15 minutes with my wife. Surprisingly, not one person from the dealership came outside to chat. Considering how long its been since Acura had anything this exciting, I was surprised. The MDX is much improved over the previous Isuzu built SUVs with the Acura logo. Anyone from Milwaukee willing to comment on the Brookfield Acura dealer.
  • soccermumsoccermum Member Posts: 1
    We just picked up our Granite Green Base MDX (w/roof rack & running boards) on Mar. 8th from the Brookfield dealership. Aside from the 2 month wait and having to pay MSRP, we had a good experience. Regarding the fact that no one came outside to chat with you when looking at 2 on the lot, I know they want to be considered a "low pressure" dealership. Perhaps they assumed you'd approach them when ready to talk. I say this because as soon as we approached them, ready to discuss the MDX, they gave us plenty of attention. (And we even had 2 little kids with us!) We did call ahead to arrange a test drive, and when we took it, there was no pressure to cut it short. Since there was no price negotiation (at this point you're pretty much stuck paying MSRP - unless you live on the east or west coast in which case you might be forced to pay more) everything was pretty straight-forward. We were not forced to take any add-on accessories that we didn't want. They gave us an expected delivery date (March 9) got us a VIN number on about Mar 1 and we picked it up March 8. Friends of ours recently picked their MDX up from the same dealership and reported a similar experience.

    Regarding the acutal vehicle, I LOVE it. It is our first SUV, but our fifth Honda vehicle. I haven't tested it out in any Wisconsin snowstorms, but hey, it's only March!
  • landcruisermanlandcruiserman Member Posts: 14
    Thanks for the information on the Brookfield Dealer. I had our 3 month old in the car and she told us when we had to leave to head home to Green Bay. I'll give them a call to set up a test drive the next time I'm in the area. I also like the Granite Green color.
  • chiller2chiller2 Member Posts: 14
    Been there and done that, too. Held the buttons down for a good long while, with the engine running, even heard a beep, still no reset on Trip A or B. Also noticed the trip computer just doubled my mpg (45 mpg, I wish) and mileage again. Looks like something for the service dept. to fix.
  • mary72mary72 Member Posts: 6
    I posted on or about March 2 regarding an accident
    to my MDX when a Ford Escort slid through a red
    light on a rainy day and hit the wheel of my car.
    The whole right front of the other car was destroyed but all the force was centered on the right front wheel of my car. (One little paint smudge and nick on the fender in front of the wheel.) When I took it to the State Farm estimator he gave me a check for $332.00. I kept telling him that I thought there might be a lot of damage behind the wheel because she hit me so hard but of course he paid no attention to me
    (probably because I am a 53 year old single female). The body shop fixed the wheel and fender and when they put it up to align it they
    found that the suspension was "messed up" but they
    thought that one part would fix the problem. They
    ordered and received the part but they said it still did not "measure out right" - also something
    about the engine cradle. Anyway here is the best
    part - the part they need now is back ordered until at least April and maybe longer so it looks
    like I will be without my car for at least another
    month - they've already had it almost three weeks.
    I know there is nothing I can do but I just felt
    like venting some of my anger. Try very hard not
    to damage your vehicle because it seems that parts
    for this car are very hard to come by. I'll take
    this opportunity to thank all the posters on this
    board as I read it every day and I feel like I have learned so much. By the way, my rental car
    is a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its not bad but it is
    no MDX!
  • drb6drb6 Member Posts: 4
    Heard rumour that Honda will move Odessey Prodution from Ontario Canada Plant (where MDX is built)to Alabama. Will gear up for Prodution of a New Honda SUV at Ontario Plant. Expectations are that new Honda SUV will be similar to Acura MDX, just less $ and bells and whistles.


      It seems that this would be similar marketing idea of Lexus SUV and then later Toyota bring out HL. Bring out high $ and get buyers and then bring out lower end vehicle to capture those potential buyers that couldnt afford high end.


    Anyone heard something that back this up?


    See article:

    http://www.vtec.net/news/items/639.html

  • accmdxaccmdx Member Posts: 6
    CAS5

    I will have to check out the handicap conversions first. An extra inch or two of legroom could make all the difference in the world. When I put it in "Cruise", I can't figure out where to put my right leg. I'm always driving with my leg lifted up supported by my thigh muscles. That can get tiring and cramping over any long distance or stop and go driving. Sometimes I even hit too high on the brake and get part of the bracket.

    I also agree for 6'6" the seat cushion is too short. I don't know if I could part with the vehicle long enough to have the seat modified. Any ideas how it would look? Do they try to match the leather and add a piece? I'm also curious as to how expensive an ordeal this really is.
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    If it's any consolation, a similiar thing happened to the ML and X5 when they were new. Most of the parts were allocated to production...
    I hate insurance adjusters.
  • ccouperccouper Member Posts: 24
    I too am looking to epand my seating. I looked at the seat tracks and it seems as thought they might be easily moved back or better yet have some of the seat track material made longer in back so we could scoot our seats back. One of my to do's is to see if Acura can sell us a longer set of seat tracks.
  • mbtech8mbtech8 Member Posts: 4
    Jim ,
    I am the one who posted the same problem about a
    week or two ago. Please email me at mhbf2000@yahoo.com so we can compare notes/
    resolutions if they come up.
    Thanks, MikeB.
    PS, I also live in florida.
  • p930turbop930turbo Member Posts: 6
    My drivers side window has 3 nasty 6 to 10" long scratches in it. When lowering the power window today I thought it sounded kind of crunchy. Looking at the weatherstripping for the glass, it is very tight against the window. I am thinking a couple of small pebbles got lodged in
    the weatherstripping, though there was nothing visible when I checked. This time of year there
    is lots of fine sand and dirt on the roads in our area.
    Anyone else experience any scratches such as this?
  • mlosteomlosteo Member Posts: 4
    Look out Atlanta for this dealership:
    After trying to find any salesperson who knew how to operate the navigation system, i finally agreed to purchase an MDX they had coming in that was not pre-sold. Loaded - touring with Navi.
    After two days of talking to their salespeople, I was shocked when they automatically and without telling me during the test drive, etc., that they were adding $1100 to the price of the car. $795 in accessories I did not ask for, do not want, nor did they tell me about (mud guards, wind deflector, and wood shift knob) and a $299.50 for "Customer Service Fee". I am paying cash with no trade in.

    The salesman said every dealer in Atlanta charges this and I told him he was wrong.
    I also told him I was taking my business to another dealership.
  • lhrandlhrand Member Posts: 24
    We, too, had a fine experience there. Our salesman's name was Mike Brumfield and he has been helpful, not pushy, and very straightforward. We ordered our MDX at MSRP and were not forced to take any options we didn't want. I would encourage you to give them another try.
  • bp53bp53 Member Posts: 23
    Went out into the garage this morning and noticed a puddle of dripping water under the right front of my MDX. I checked under the hood and finally discovered where a rodent had in several places chewed holes into the clear tubing that runs from the windshield washer reservoir to the back of the hood. Hopefully, this will not be a time-consuming repair job and hopefully no other damage was done. Have any of you readers had a similar experience? What's the best way to keep rodents [mice/rats] out of a garage and off a vehicle? I know, get a cat. If I do that, then I'll have scratches on the car...not acceptable. Hope to hear from someone.
  • drb6drb6 Member Posts: 4
    Had exact same experience at acura carland. I walked away when they started with the "these fully loaded MDXs are too loaded and the service dept needs help.Mgr says we HAVE TO to sell add ons" blah blah blah

    i went to ed volyes acura dealer and was treated very well. They tried same routine, but they had the sense to stop when I told them they are being ridiculous. carland is an EMBARRASSMENT to acura.

    I am going to relish being in a buyers market. Just look at TL sales. I love Acura cars, but not the sales folks. But then again maybe we shouldnt expect them to have class.
  • hockeylifehockeylife Member Posts: 1
    Would like to know others with experience when trading towards MDX. In Nov. walked away from deal at MSRP due to trade-in offered at $8700 vs edmunds and others trade-in value of approx $11,000. Upon reflection decided still wanted and would accept getting screwed. Placed deposit a second time in Feb. Received call this week - MDX in again. Again at MSRP, but now will only offer $6600 as trade-in. Is this their deceitful way of charging above MSRP?? Thinking of walking away again, go to GMC Envoy? Any thoughts, am I being too stubborn?
  • bp53bp53 Member Posts: 23
    I've been reading about some of the "shady" Acura dealerships around the country. My wife and I bought a black, fully-loaded MDX a month ago from Goodson Acura in Dallas, Texas. We had a very pleasant experience. The salesrep we dealt with is Brandon Smith. He is a super guy. Even though we paid above invoice for the vehicle, we don't regret the purchase for one minute. Have any of you other readers had dealings with Goodson Acura?
  • qguqgu Member Posts: 93
    To hockylife: You don't have to trade in your car to the stupid dealer. Sell the car yourself. You will be sure to get more money back.
  • aip00aip00 Member Posts: 5
    I went to Ed Volyes first and the salesperson treated me very well. Then I went to Nalley Acura and it was terrible. I like the Nalley service department very much and expect the same service level in their sales. I was wrong...not only I didn't get to test drive the car, the salesperson gave me the whole "sales" speech (the car is hot and the whole country are calling them for the car, blah...) and quoted me a price with all the options that I didn't even ask for.
    I was very upset afterward. And Carland is the only one I have not visited yet. I guess after reading all the messages here I can just stick with Ed Voylers.
    I'm looking for a MDX, fully loaded. I don't want to pay MSRP.
  • zman3zman3 Member Posts: 857
    First, I wouldn't necessarily trust Edmunds used car values. Inconsistent at best, in my opinion.

    Here is what I would recommend: Go to the Edmunds topic "Real World Trade In Values". There are dealers there that will tell you what your trade-in is worth based on auction data. They are most helpful. This will help you determine whether the dealer is screwing you or not.

    A $2100 drop in five months does seem a bit excessive, however.
  • drb6drb6 Member Posts: 4
    If you want some interesting info go to
    www.acuramdx.org - it rates dealers based on surveys plus a bunch of other stuff.
    It is not an acura owned site.

    Hate to say it but - sell your own car, dont trade unless you want to miss a couple of grand and it would be highly unlikely to get any MDX under MSRP for time being.
  • msu79gt82msu79gt82 Member Posts: 541
    We got a good deal at John Eagle Acura in Houston, TX.

    Mahogany Touring w/ Nav - MSRP $39450
    Front Windows Tinted - $45 (Warranted)
    Free 2-Year Factory Recommended Maintenance
    Free Complete Vehicle Protection Package (Warranted)
    Free Cargo Cover, Cargo Net, Wheel Locks

    See www.houstonacura.com We worked with Matt Kerridge, the Internet Sales Manager.
  • peaches5peaches5 Member Posts: 91
    This also happened to me. I'd never heard of anything like this, but my mechanic said it happens a lot in the winter. It chewed up the windshield water tubing, the coolant tubing and the coolant reserve. Also chewed up the same on my son's car (and the washing machine hose, and various other items). I actually saw it once - I'd never seen a rat before, and hopefully never again - yech. Until I saw it, I thought it might be a raccoon, the damage was so extensive. Everyone told me the coolant should kill it, but it didn't. I put out bait and haven't seen it (or them) since - it's been about 3 months now. Now, I've been told it's probably dead inside the house somewhere.....I'm REALLY hoping not......:( Best of luck!
  • jimh101jimh101 Member Posts: 1
    If this has been covered before, I apologize. I'm interested in the MDX, but I don't like the current roof rack. For example, how are you supposed to carry a canoe, or lumber, when the cross bars are fixed so close together. So far I haven't seen any alternatives from Thule or Yakima. Is there any chance the 2002 will have a better set-up?
  • ace10ace10 Member Posts: 137
    make a joke about the way the japanese rate the horsepower of their engines, but quickly decided that it wouldn't add anything to this topic.

    ace
  • metmdxmetmdx Member Posts: 270
    I can't find the area in Edmunds you referred to for "Real World Trade in Values". Help !
    Thanks !!!
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Try looking for Edmunds' TMV (true market value) here: http://www.edmunds.com/used/?id=nav3B


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    if you don't trust us, ask in Real-World Trade-In Values

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • metmdxmetmdx Member Posts: 270
    Thanks hosts. I'm on it.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Let us know what the "number" really winds up being :-)

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • metmdxmetmdx Member Posts: 270
    In the meantime, as I've been "lurking" this board for quite some time (it beats most of what's on network TV these days), I've noticed a trend in perception that the "waiting" times might be getting shorter. While the acuramdxorg site seems to have a fairly well distributed spread of waiting time responses in it's survey, I'd like to know if anybody here can give me anything to hang my hat on. At this point, I'm considering waiting for 2002 (although I don't think the early pricing will be any different) as 2001 will be almost "one year old" by the time I would get delivery (by dealer's delivery timeframe)on 2001. Any help? Thanks !
  • lhrandlhrand Member Posts: 24
    I'm not sure if this is what you're looking to know, but at least at our dealer (in Wisconsin) if one were to order up an MDX today, one would be getting a 2002. Their waiting list is well into the fall, so they're rolling straight into the '02s. HTH.
  • metmdxmetmdx Member Posts: 270
    I've heard similar stories, but I wonder if that is reality or just a ploy to "lock the deal now".
    If the time is getting shorter, dealers might be getting nervous that their "fountain of gold" might be running a little dry. Sooner or later, demand will level off and therefore the pricing will be more competitive. I'd be interested if anyone out there ordered an MDX in late February and amazingly it showed up March after being told May/June.
  • rtr1rtr1 Member Posts: 4
    A few weeks ago, I saw a post on where I could order color-coordinated trim for my Mesa Beige MDX. But now I can't find the name and address--I believe it was from a dealer in Cleveland OH and I think the price was about $180.

    Any help???
  • rtr1rtr1 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the link---it was just what I was looking for!!!!
  • metmdxmetmdx Member Posts: 270
    As promised: The numbers come in between 7,500 and 8,500 for my 96 EXV6 Accord with 73k on it. Despite being in great shape (I'm a little anal about my car) there seems to be consensus that there's too many Accords out there (but I still think mine is worth more because of condition, records, etc.). We'll find out if and when I go to order an MDX. I'm conflicted because I hear (and have seen) some of these stories about what Acura dealers are doing, and I'm having a hard time justifying giving them my hard earned money (especially at MSRP). They should all be hung by their toes for their behavior !
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Thanks for the report -- now please tell us if those numbers were closer to Edmunds' "TMV" or "real world" or something else:-)

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • thewormtheworm Member Posts: 80
    metmdx,

    For reference, we just sold our 96 Accord LX 4dr/4cyl for $11,900 privately. Dealers were offering 9.5k-10k for it.

    It was mint cond, but also only had 28k on it. It was that muddy-green color ("eucalyptus green" according to Honda, which I can't imagine was/is a very popular color). We're in NorCal FWIW.
  • metmdxmetmdx Member Posts: 270
    The TMV numbers come out at 11,115 for "clean" and 12,164 for "outstanding" in trade in value. I think you can see why I don't buy the 7,500-8,500 numbers. The reality is probably somewhere inbetween.
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