Yes, Canada has that law. I couldn't see it being passed in the U.S. though.
That's one reason I think MB showed some class when it kept its dealerships from charging above MSRP when the M-class was introduced and very hot. Of course, that resulted in huge waiting lists, but what can you do.
And I'd imagine there'd be someone who would find such a practice "un-American" and un-capitalistic, and demand the vehicle in one day because they're willing to pay over MSRP. There are folks like this, we all know that, else the dealers wouldn't get away with it!
I think MB has a lot more control over their dealer network than Acura does. I don't know how much control Lexus has over its network.
"If you go back far enough in the RX300 discussions, you'll also find similar complaints when the RX300 was relatively new and commanding top dollar. Lexus dealerships routinely tacked on "regional" packages and forced options on people. E.g. in my area, you can't buy X without being forced to buy Y. E.g. you're forced to get the tow hitch even if you don't tow."
Actually, we just went through this discussion on the RX300 board and it's partially true. Here's why.
Prospective owners were complaining that they couldn't get, let's say HIDs, without getting a "package", i.e., sunroof, other factory options, etc. After experimenting with different zip codes on the Lexus build-your-own page, I found out that the availablity for individual options actually varied depending on part of the country you were in! It isn't the dealers pulling this, it is in fact Lexus "marketing" making the decision of what will sell best in what part of the country and shipping the configurations to the U.S. ports.
Not that this still isn't "undesirable" for some folks, but we too were ready to jump down the dealers' throats for this. Seems like they were actually not to blame in this instance. Go figure.
While we do have that law here, it doesn't stop the dealerships from tacking on all sorts of miscellaneous fees. The Automobile Protection Agency and W5 (basically our Dateline, but without the sensationalism ;-p) did several stories on it. Vancouver is actually supposed to be the worse place in Canada to buy a vehicle...of course it depends on the dealership. The higher end ones (MB, BMW, etc.) are generally a lot better, according to what they found. Our MB dealerships being MB Canada corporate owned, can't pull any stunts on the customers.
Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Is there room in the back seat for other adults while the car seat is rear-facing? Also, my husband is 6'1", will he be able to drive without pushing up against the car seat? We currently drive a BMW 323i (much too small) and we are considering the MDX (if we can find one). We are experiencing the above problems with the BMW.
I guess my previous reply was deleted with the system crash.
When we had the infant seat installed in the MDX, we had it almost in the middle of the second row, on the 60% portion of the 60/40 split seat. Because of this, the seat stuck out slightly in between the two front seats, but we were able to shift both front seats all the way back (that is, all the way aft with the fore-aft adjustment, as opposed to reclining the seatback all the way back). I can't be sure if your husband would fit in that circumstance but I'm pretty sure he will.
The infant seat (Century Avanta SE) is certainly one of the bulkiest ones around, and its folded-down handle only slightly rubbed against against the back of the driver's front seat.
With the infant seat in this position, an adult could comfortably sit in the 40% seat portion. An adult could also sit to the left of the infant seat on the remainder of the 60% portion but elbow room was a bit sparse. Best to put the right arm up and around the back of the rear seat.
We never tried putting the infant seat right behind the the front seat in an outboard position (safer to put it in the middle, in any vehicle). I think it would work though it might slightly compromise how far back the front seat can go, at least as far as in its absolute rear-most position. Again, our seat was very bulky.
Excellent experience at John Eagle Acura in Houston. www.houstonacura.com
Ask for Matt Kerridge and tell him I sent you. He knows my userid. Although he may not be able to do much about wait times, he/they will treat you fair. Get on the waiting list, and if you are negotiable about color the wait may not be "too" bad?
John Eagle Acura: MDX at MSRP w/ no forced options. Factory recommended 2 year service free. Vehicle protection plan free. Discounts on all options. Reasonable prices on tinting & pinstripes.
Doug, thanks for bringing up an example of a GOOD Acura dealership going beyond the normal call. Throwing in the first two years of scheduled maintenance when it's not paid for by the manufacturer is something extra. Granted that one is still paying MSRP, but that's what the market currently is, and they don't charge above and force options.
Thanks Kenyee,as I was responding to you, Acura called to say another 10 days or less for delivery (Wheew!!!) finally. Anyway the flares does so much for the appearance, that I probably will go with them.I was thinking frequent cleaning will kind of eliminate most of the dirt uh? Anyway we'll see. Thanks again.
Drew, I wasn't aware that we had that law in Canada. But there is no law in Canada that says a dealer has to leave the manufacturer's MSRP sticker on a new vehicle like in the States. Although most dealers are now leaving them on, here in Winnipeg the all luxury dealers, Mercedes, Lexus and Jaquar take the MSRP sticker off. My local Acura dealer takes sticker off the MDX and RL models but leaves them on their other models.
The double sided tape should help. However, even if you keep the outside clean, you may not be able to keep the area between the body and flare clean (if the tape pulls away, dirt will get in). If you don't keep your cars more than a few years, I wouldn't worry about it.
I'm looking for info on wheel upgrades. What's the largest wheel that can fit on an MDX. Is performance / MPG / ride affected. Can anyone post some pictures of their hot wheels. Thank you.
Hmmm, though I know some mileage drop-off can occur with such changes in tires, the amount you cite sounds surprisingly high. If the outside diameter of the tire is larger wouldn't your odometer (and speedometer!) now be under-reporting your actual distance and hence your actual mileage and speed are greater? It's also quite possible that the sample of driving patterns has varied or that your new tires are underinflated or some other such cause of lower mileage.
Waiting for people more expert in car matters than I to weigh in ...
Right you are rxcure, if the new wheels and tires were properly "plus-sized" and the new tire compound isn't significantly stickier than the old tires, there shouldn't be that much of difference in MPG.
If someone has the time, they should calculate the overall wheel diameter of the OEM rims and tires against railr's new ones to see if there is an overall size difference.
I think that I have finally decided on ordering the MDX without a test drive although I did get to sit in one (also considered also the Highlander and Pathfinder). Looks like about a 4-month wait. I am going for either GG or black/black. Does anyone have pics of either color? Also, if anyone was able to get some "extras" thrown in, what approach did you take (given the seller's market for the MDX- MSRP is a given)?
We took our first MDX long trip(~1000 miles) to Orange County over the Easter weekend.
Power/performance: Very good in general. Drive/handle well on I-5, up/down hill, country roads, local streets. Kept passing other SUVs at the Grapevine uphill. Saw a few MDXs, X5s and many RXs and MLs.
Wind Noise: At over 70 mph, I still feel the noise is a little high even with the moonroof visor. This is compared with our other car(volvo).
Seat comfort: was OK although not as good as the Volvo.
Seating/Cargo capacity: amazing with a vehicle of this size. We had 2 kids(full size car seat and a booster) and an adult in the 2nd row. The adult(happened to be my mom-in-law!) never complained of any discomfort. At the back, we put a single and a double strollers, a folded play pan, 2 small size carry-on's, 4 large size duffle bags and a child carrier. With all these, my view through the rear mirror was still clear!
Milage: 24 MPG at 65-75 mph. Dropped to under 20 MPG at over 85 mph.
The negative: LA traffic was terrible! Good Friday 5:30PM on I-405, we were moving at about 10 miles per hour. I guess the milage was around 5MPG during that 10 miles. Was it supposed to be a holiday for most people? When we left in the morning, the traffic in the south SF bay was absolutely clear.
Glad you had a nice trip! I was especially happy to read that your motherinlaw was comfortable sharing the second row with two car seats; the width of the MDX was a big selling point for us because I am so tired of being all scrunched up when I sit in the back next to our son's car seat. Did she sit in the middle? If you put the two seats next to each other, how far apart were they? We are not a 2-car-seat family yet, but the day will come. Thanks!
WRT to traffic: welcome to the club, it was bad everywhere. As we like to say in the Northeast, holidays and weekends are just an excuse for the amateur drivers to come out on the roads. We sat in holiday traffic for no reason... no accidents, no trouble, medium car volume. Just a bunch of morons slowing it down for the rest of us.
Mom-in-law satat the side. Sitting in the middle would be tighter than at the side. The car seats were pretty much joined together as I wanted to make more room for mom. :-)
Agree with Tony on the traffic. However, I noticed the lane width of the busy LA highways seems to be narrower than in the highways here. Maybe they pushed the limit to squeeze out more lanes for the crowd.
I also posted this over on acuramdx.orgHelp! Need Advice.....
My dad went to the great rated dealership near him (and 850 miles away from me) and their Silver/Ebony Tour Navi demo with 1500 miles is available. It has the following accessories:
Fender Flares Running Boards Wood Wheel Wood Meter Trim Wood Shift Knob Rear Mud Guards Tail Gate Deflector (painted Silver) Special Pin Striping
They will sell this MDX to me for $41,000 even. When I price out the accessories installed at Acura.com they come to $2749 (not counting pinstriping) Tim's price w/o install or pinstriping is about $1900 (not sure how to price Painted deflector or pinstripe) So essentially...I am getting all these accessories/pinstripe already INSTALLED for $1500 over MRSP to compensate for demo/mileage. Also, I can pick it up on 30 April. It will still be used as a demo until then. Any OPINIONS out there????
PS: This was the first time my dad saw or heard of an MDX. He LOVED it. He test drove the demo and told me flat out "You need to buy that car!!!!"
Those lanes in LA are definitely small. I was real nervous last month the whole time I was down there. Add to that they drive 80 mph with only one car length between them. No wonder they had a humungous pile up the other day.
Let me get this straight -- the dealership is asking $1500 _over_ MSRP because of mileage which the dealership put on the vehicle?? Even with all the added accessories, it should not be $1500 over MSRP. And you cannot pick it up from them until the end of the month because they will continue using it as a demo??
A demo is a used vehicle. No one pays more money over MSRP for a used vehicle. And when a vehicle is purchased, the buyer has the right to take the vehicle as soon as the contracts are signed.
Sorry, but this 'great rated' delaership is taking you for a ride. Please, don't buy into the hype of the MDX. It is a great vehicle but if you're really serious about buying one, place your deposit for a new one. Just my opinion.
HOORAY It has finally arrived, after 3 months. My SS/TOUR/NAV.That's great right? Well now the Dealer want me to hurry up and pick it up. It's funny how you hardly get any response while you are pins & needles waiting for delivery, now I had better get there before it's gone. Did anyone else experience this? Well I'm gong to see it now without all the accessories, waiting on Hondacuraworld. Gotta go. Thanks Gang for all your HELP.
Do people still need to order the MDX? It is because when I pick up my TL Type S 3 weeks ago. I saw the dealer has 2 in stock. I just go on the dealer website, it was still there.
Apparently yes. In February (in Michigan), I was told a 2 mo. wait. Now I am told it's about 4 mo. (assuming no cancels). About the same with one other dealership (so I think the wait is legit.). I haven't yet placed my order but expect to in the next 2 weeks (Base MDX/GG)- wish me luck.
Just wondering what people are experiencing in terms of mpg... My wife has about 1,800-2,000 miles and mostly does suburban runs in south Marin County, just north of SF. She seems stuck in the 14-15 mpg range, even after resetting, even though she's not an aggressive driver.
We were getting about the same range before our LA trip where it went up to 24 mpg. Our daily use is mostly less than 5 miles per trip which is reasonable for 14-15 mpg.
I have to disagree with "crikey" about your car decision. I say, if you want it and it's worth the price TO YOU, get it. I wouldn't get hung up on MSRP. It's just a number. Considering all the accessories, it seems like a pretty fair deal, maybe not a great bargain, but again, if it's what you want and you can afford it, go for it.
And you might come out a little ahead ordering a new one instead of taking the one they have on hand, but then you are deprived of the car for quite a long time that you could be driving it. I wouldn't sacrifice a car you like just for the principle of it. If we'd been offered the chance to get our MDX significantly earlier by paying another $1000, we probably would have done it.
I think "crikey" was assuming the dealership wouldn't let you have the car until April 30, whereas I read your post as meaning that you wouldn't be able to get to the dealership to pick it up until then. I also think he misunderstood you as saying that you were paying $1500 for the *privilege* of buying a demo, whereas you meant that you were getting all the accessories for such a comparatively small amount of money because it had been a demo. Did I read you right?
Good luck on your decision! I really think you'll like the MDX!
Our salesman called yesterday to say the production date for our MDX has been set and we can now expect it on or about May 16 -- earlier than previously estimated. When we put down our deposit they were saying mid-June, possibly late May. I don't know if they were just trying to be conservative in their estimate or if this reflects a dropoff in the demand for MDXs, but whatever it is, I'm glad we'll have it sooner.
I had the unfortunate experience yesterday of walking into Lexus of Greenwich, Greenwich, CT, to look at an RX300. When we looked around for help (no one walked up to us), an older man (I left in disgust before I found out his name) finally came up to us and proceeded to give us what were, IMO, gross inaccuracies. He either thought we were morons or was (more likely) one himself. First, he told me the listed base MSRP of $35,705 was for 2-wheel drive! When I pointed out that the sticker listed one of the "standard features" as 4 WD, he said "no, you have to order options to get 4 WD" ("pay no attention to that man behind the curtain"). He then told me the car came only 2 ways -- either as a 2WD, stripped, or as a 4WD fully loaded with the top options package (about $4,500) plus a few extras that I didn't need. When I asked if I could order the car with what I wanted on it, he said "that would take at least 4 months." When I then said "I can wait" he told me that they would only order the car after taking a non-refundable $5,000 deposit! Where do these guys get their training -- Wal-Mart? When I then went to an Acura dealer (in Poughkeepsie,NY) they told me that for $34,850, you get not only a knowledgeable (and nice) salesperson but a fully loaded 7-seater, no gimmicks, no extra unwanted junk. Sounds like it's worth the wait, for a $1,000 refundable deposit which I gave them. Just a warning to anyone who unsuspectingly wanders into Greenwich.
signalk: Interesting story! I'm also one of the few customers who received better treatment at a couple of different Acura dealerships then I did at a Lexus dealer. I was shopping shortly before the MDX was introduced, and one Lexus salesman tried to convince me that the MDX would have no additional interior room than the RX300!
I finally received my DX this week - AS with running boards and hood defector. So far I'm very happy with it - exactly what I expected. I had ordered it back in December, so it was a long 4 months. I was given an opportunity to purchase a black and a beige DX in February, but preferred the Silver which I had originally selected - my AS was promised in February but due to production shortages (or so I was told) it was delayed to this week.
I am a little surprised at the difference in pricing between Canada and the United States. I paid MSRP for my DX (Touring - only version available in Canada) and paid $30,080US - with options (running boards, hood defector) and freight it came to $31,616US. That seems like quite a difference in price (vs. the $35,000+ MSRP I've been seeing in some of the posts).
Has anyone been given an explanation for that difference in price?
Interesting how a salseperson can make a difference. While looking for a new car with my wife, before we could test drive a vehicle the Acura dealer in Richmond VA needed our drivers license, wanted us to meet the manager, the salesperson said he had to sit in the car with us (which he did), and asked the age-old question "what would it take to get you to get a car today...." Well, we drove the RL, but, since one of the other vehicles we were interested in was the MDX, and they had none, we told them we wanted to drive one first before any decision. Well, the salesperson said that they might get 2-or-3 MDX in next month, and they were sold, but we might be able to sit in one (but not drive it). Went to an Acura dealer (Riddle) about 100 miles away where my brother lives, and they had a MDX demo to drive. The salesperson took his time with us (spent almost all afternoon), let us drive the MDX for a considerable time (didn't ask for a license nor say he had to sit in with us), and spent time discussing lease/purchase options. Although we were impressed with the MDX, we were even more impressed with the salesperson (David). We ordered an MDX with touring and nav ($39,450), and placed plenty of accessories on it (another $3200). He told us it could be late July before it came in, but we're in no hurry. Great SUV and great salesperson!
In many areas, it seems that supply is starting to catch up with demand, although I still see some people are waiting many months for their MDX in other areas of the country.
The dealer whom I bought my MDX from late last year has a new MDX on its lot available to the first customer who wants it. It's a base emerald green model. I'm guessing more available MDXs will be arriving there soon. For anyone in the Southwest, or even in Northern California, having to wait many months or pay over MSRP, you might consider this dealer as an alternative: Beaudry Motors in Tucson, Arizona. I think their website is at beaudrybuydirect. Tracy Beaudry in their Internet Department offers MSRP pricing, $500 refundable deposits, and no required packages or accessories. Accessories can be installed at the same price as advertised on Acura's website.
I hope this info is helpful, and that it is not considered direct solicitation. I'm just a previous customer who keeps in touch with this dealer, and it sounds like there are some people who might appreciate knowing when MDXs are available for immediate delivery.
The MDX is a great vehicle for many of us, but nobody should pay greater than MSRP, nor should anyone pay unreasonable prices for unwanted accessories. Personally, if I had to wait until July or August to buy a 2001 MDX, I would strongly consider waiting for a 2002 model. I doubt dealers will be discounting 2001 models at the end of summer. Just my $.02!
A big part of the difference can probably be attributed to the Cdn/US$ exchange rate, which is extremely favorable to the US right now (ie, the US$ is very strong). I'm not sure how Canadian MSRP is determined, but if it is relative to US it's probably a historical avg., so the current rate would explain the difference. Several other boards have discussions on this topic, so it's not just an Acura phenomenon.
I get a better deal than you, i bought my mdx + tour + nave for 3 eurodollars.. wow! they're more stupid than your CAD deal! I wonder what they take on Yen? Good for you and me that they don't know foreign exchange markets! You're a joker! Don't insult us!
Thank you for your response about the Demo MDX. I fretted for many days over this issue. I crunched the numbers over and over and came up with the figure I felt was fair. After many phone calls and wheeling/dealing, I ultimately talked directly to the Sales Manager and requested the moon. He did not give me the moon. So, I then made my final offer. He paused and said my offer was several hundred below what he really needed. However, I kept at him as I regaled him on the horror stories of dealerships in my area taking people to the cleaners. I also told him that his dealership had received very favorable comments on the Internet (Acuramdx.org) and he finally agreed. Let's just say I am getting a slightly driven MDX fully loaded with tons of accessories (that I would have ordered on the internet and not been able to install myself) for way less than what Tim at Honda Acura world.com is selling them for. I feel very good about my purchase...and not to mention the fact that I am getting the vehicle in one weeks time.
Even though I have not seen the vehicle, my father has test driven it and says it is a real beauty. He fell in love with the thing and was quite disappointed when I was seriously considering not taking the offer just because it was a demo. Anyway...the fellows I spoke with over the phone (did the whole deal over phone) were very pleasant. So, I will let everyone know what I think when I take actual delivery.
I had the same experience with a local dealer. It was Good Friday and the dealer called and said my MDX was in. He said I had to get down there right away. He also informed me that before taking it on a test drive I would need to sign papers. I said that we had family in from out of town and could not come in until Monday after Easter Sunday. He said that's too bad...they will sell it ....and they did. Now after waiting since Jan. 8 I do not have the car. I don't really like this. I think Acura is really losing some potential real customers. Looks like I'll buy a Mitsubishi Montero Limited.
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Hope this helps! Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Why even deal with these people get something else. I think acura should be watching this board for poor customer service and list the various dealers who are killing them. remember, repeat business builds business, if you get an mdx, then maybe when the new rl comes out you will consider it. I'm waiting till next year, when i hear they will have "onstar". acura is blowing a good thing with poor salespeople and antics. it's sad, i thought they wanted to build a customer base and compete with lexus, et al.?
Last week when I made a right round turn on the ramp from one highway to another, the rear part of my MDX slides to left side significiently. It scared me a lot. It's not a very sharp turn and I sware I didn't drive very fast. Anyone experienced the same before? My MDX is base + Nav + some accs.
Sorry to hear you actually lost you vehichle after so long a wait. Although I was pressured I was not given an ultimatum. I will pick mine up on Saturday.Good luck on your experience with you new vehichle & Dealership.
Very glad you wrote! Vehicle dynamic is one of my interests--I used to auto cross Porches , and I've been trying (within reason) to get my Touring (with Michelin Cross Terrains) to show the loose rear="overseer" that I have heard about. Questions: 1)what tire do you have? 2)Were you still braking after you started to "turn in"? (Do necessary hard braking FIRST, then accelerate lightly thou the turn, asp. with DX's system!) 3)Also make sure rear tire pressure is not lower than the front--unless you LIKE the overseer (NOT recommended for average drivers!) 4) Were you near the outer edge of the pavement?--dirt & debris ("marbles" to racers) can make things unexpectedly slippery--lets figure possible factors out.
Stupid spellcheck just made me look illiterate! I intended to bypass it, but must have hit the wrong key in above posting, and its vocabulary is so limited it incorrectly substitutes--didn't even know "oversteer", for God's sake !!! CORRECTIONS: Porsche; oversteer; esp. not asp.;thru not thou; MDX not DX--- I finally figured out why so many posts refered to a "DX": the spellchecker changed MDX --Drew! can they add some basic auto terms and model names at Edmunds'BB software???? P.S.-On 2nd thought, there IS some entertainment value in what the spellchecker does--just noticed some "international intrigue" was added in post #2139 above, by changing the spelling to refer to the "DX"'s "hood DEFECTOR"!!
If you do use it, you've got to be careful. It doesn't do anything on its own unless you let it. It will change MDX to DX, but all you have to do is type MDX in the box and then the box on the far right will say ignore. It's really not worth using, I just keep a dictionary handy, and I still make mistakes! LOL
Comments
That's one reason I think MB showed some class when it kept its dealerships from charging above MSRP when the M-class was introduced and very hot. Of course, that resulted in huge waiting lists, but what can you do.
And I'd imagine there'd be someone who would find such a practice "un-American" and un-capitalistic, and demand the vehicle in one day because they're willing to pay over MSRP. There are folks like this, we all know that, else the dealers wouldn't get away with it!
I think MB has a lot more control over their dealer network than Acura does. I don't know how much control Lexus has over its network.
Actually, we just went through this discussion on the RX300 board and it's partially true. Here's why.
Prospective owners were complaining that they couldn't get, let's say HIDs, without getting a "package", i.e., sunroof, other factory options, etc. After experimenting with different zip codes on the Lexus build-your-own page, I found out that the availablity for individual options actually varied depending on part of the country you were in! It isn't the dealers pulling this, it is in fact Lexus "marketing" making the decision of what will sell best in what part of the country and shipping the configurations to the U.S. ports.
Not that this still isn't "undesirable" for some folks, but we too were ready to jump down the dealers' throats for this. Seems like they were actually not to blame in this instance. Go figure.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
When we had the infant seat installed in the MDX, we had it almost in the middle of the second row, on the 60% portion of the 60/40 split seat. Because of this, the seat stuck out slightly in between the two front seats, but we were able to shift both front seats all the way back (that is, all the way aft with the fore-aft adjustment, as opposed to reclining the seatback all the way back). I can't be sure if your husband would fit in that circumstance but I'm pretty sure he will.
The infant seat (Century Avanta SE) is certainly one of the bulkiest ones around, and its folded-down handle only slightly rubbed against against the back of the driver's front seat.
With the infant seat in this position, an adult could comfortably sit in the 40% seat portion. An adult could also sit to the left of the infant seat on the remainder of the 60% portion but elbow room was a bit sparse. Best to put the right arm up and around the back of the rear seat.
We never tried putting the infant seat right behind the the front seat in an outboard position (safer to put it in the middle, in any vehicle). I think it would work though it might slightly compromise how far back the front seat can go, at least as far as in its absolute rear-most position. Again, our seat was very bulky.
Ask for Matt Kerridge and tell him I sent you. He knows my userid. Although he may not be able to do much about wait times, he/they will treat you fair. Get on the waiting list, and if you are negotiable about color the wait may not be "too" bad?
John Eagle Acura:
MDX at MSRP w/ no forced options.
Factory recommended 2 year service free.
Vehicle protection plan free.
Discounts on all options.
Reasonable prices on tinting & pinstripes.
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1018
and
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1373
I was told anything wider could cause too much stress on the strutts.
I get about 2 to 3 mpg less now - I used to get between 17 and 18 mpg, I now get about 14 to 16 mpg.
The ride is a little more rough because of the lower profile tires, but handling is a lot better than the stock Michelins.
Rail
Waiting for people more expert in car matters than I to weigh in ...
Right you are rxcure, if the new wheels and tires were properly "plus-sized" and the new tire compound isn't significantly stickier than the old tires, there shouldn't be that much of difference in MPG.
If someone has the time, they should calculate the overall wheel diameter of the OEM rims and tires against railr's new ones to see if there is an overall size difference.
Power/performance: Very good in general. Drive/handle well on I-5, up/down hill, country roads, local streets. Kept passing other SUVs at the Grapevine uphill. Saw a few MDXs, X5s and many RXs and MLs.
Wind Noise: At over 70 mph, I still feel the noise is a little high even with the moonroof visor. This is compared with our other car(volvo).
Seat comfort: was OK although not as good as the Volvo.
Seating/Cargo capacity: amazing with a vehicle of this size. We had 2 kids(full size car seat and a booster) and an adult in the 2nd row. The adult(happened to be my mom-in-law!) never complained of any discomfort. At the back, we put a single and a double strollers, a folded play pan, 2 small size carry-on's, 4 large size duffle bags and a child carrier. With all these, my view through the rear mirror was still clear!
Milage: 24 MPG at 65-75 mph. Dropped to under 20 MPG at over 85 mph.
The negative: LA traffic was terrible! Good Friday 5:30PM on I-405, we were moving at about 10 miles per hour. I guess the milage was around 5MPG during that 10 miles. Was it supposed to be a holiday for most people? When we left in the morning, the traffic in the south SF bay was absolutely clear.
WRT to traffic: welcome to the club, it was bad everywhere. As we like to say in the Northeast, holidays and weekends are just an excuse for the amateur drivers to come out on the roads. We sat in holiday traffic for no reason... no accidents, no trouble, medium car volume. Just a bunch of morons slowing it down for the rest of us.
The herd needs to be thinned....
Agree with Tony on the traffic. However, I noticed the lane width of the busy LA highways seems to be narrower than in the highways here. Maybe they pushed the limit to squeeze out more lanes for the crowd.
My dad went to the great rated dealership near him (and 850 miles away from me) and their Silver/Ebony Tour Navi demo with 1500 miles is available. It has the following accessories:
Fender Flares
Running Boards
Wood Wheel
Wood Meter Trim
Wood Shift Knob
Rear Mud Guards
Tail Gate Deflector (painted Silver)
Special Pin Striping
They will sell this MDX to me for $41,000 even. When I price out the accessories installed at Acura.com they come to $2749 (not counting pinstriping) Tim's price w/o install or pinstriping is about $1900 (not sure how to price Painted deflector or pinstripe) So essentially...I am getting all these accessories/pinstripe already INSTALLED for $1500 over MRSP to compensate for demo/mileage. Also, I can pick it up on 30 April. It will still be used as a demo until then. Any OPINIONS out there????
PS: This was the first time my dad saw or heard of an MDX. He LOVED it. He test drove the demo and told me flat out "You need to buy that car!!!!"
Chris
A demo is a used vehicle. No one pays more money over MSRP for a used vehicle.
And when a vehicle is purchased, the buyer has the right to take the vehicle as soon as the contracts are signed.
Sorry, but this 'great rated' delaership is taking you for a ride. Please, don't buy into the hype of the MDX. It is a great vehicle but if you're really serious about buying one, place your deposit for a new one. Just my opinion.
for mileage survey results. your #s are pretty common for city driving...
And you might come out a little ahead ordering a new one instead of taking the one they have on hand, but then you are deprived of the car for quite a long time that you could be driving it. I wouldn't sacrifice a car you like just for the principle of it. If we'd been offered the chance to get our MDX significantly earlier by paying another $1000, we probably would have done it.
I think "crikey" was assuming the dealership wouldn't let you have the car until April 30, whereas I read your post as meaning that you wouldn't be able to get to the dealership to pick it up until then. I also think he misunderstood you as saying that you were paying $1500 for the *privilege* of buying a demo, whereas you meant that you were getting all the accessories for such a comparatively small amount of money because it had been a demo. Did I read you right?
Good luck on your decision! I really think you'll like the MDX!
IMO, gross inaccuracies. He either thought we were morons or was (more likely) one himself. First, he told me the listed base MSRP of $35,705 was for 2-wheel drive! When I pointed out that the sticker listed one of the "standard features" as 4 WD, he said "no, you have to order options to get 4 WD" ("pay no attention to that man behind the curtain"). He then told me the car came
only 2 ways -- either as a 2WD, stripped, or as a 4WD fully loaded with the top options package (about $4,500) plus a few extras that I didn't need. When I asked if I could order the car with what I wanted on it, he said "that would take at least 4 months." When I then said "I can wait" he told me that they would only order the car after taking a non-refundable $5,000 deposit!
Where do these guys get their training -- Wal-Mart? When I then went to an Acura dealer (in Poughkeepsie,NY) they told me that for $34,850, you get not only a knowledgeable (and nice) salesperson but a fully loaded 7-seater, no gimmicks, no extra unwanted junk. Sounds like it's worth the wait, for a $1,000 refundable deposit which I gave them.
Just a warning to anyone who unsuspectingly wanders into Greenwich.
I am a little surprised at the difference in pricing between Canada and the United States. I paid MSRP for my DX (Touring - only version available in Canada) and paid $30,080US - with options (running boards, hood defector) and freight it came to $31,616US. That seems like quite a difference in price (vs. the $35,000+ MSRP I've been seeing in some of the posts).
Has anyone been given an explanation for that difference in price?
The dealer whom I bought my MDX from late last year has a new MDX on its lot available to the first customer who wants it. It's a base emerald green model. I'm guessing more available MDXs will be arriving there soon. For anyone in the Southwest, or even in Northern California, having to wait many months or pay over MSRP, you might consider this dealer as an alternative: Beaudry Motors in Tucson, Arizona. I think their website is at beaudrybuydirect. Tracy Beaudry in their Internet Department offers MSRP pricing, $500 refundable deposits, and no required packages or accessories. Accessories can be installed at the same price as advertised on Acura's website.
I hope this info is helpful, and that it is not considered direct solicitation. I'm just a previous customer who keeps in touch with this dealer, and it sounds like there are some people who might appreciate knowing when MDXs are available for immediate delivery.
The MDX is a great vehicle for many of us, but nobody should pay greater than MSRP, nor should anyone pay unreasonable prices for unwanted accessories. Personally, if I had to wait until July or August to buy a 2001 MDX, I would strongly consider waiting for a 2002 model. I doubt dealers will be discounting 2001 models at the end of summer. Just my $.02!
I fretted for many days over this issue. I crunched the numbers over and over and came up with the figure I felt was fair. After many phone calls and wheeling/dealing, I ultimately talked directly to the Sales Manager and requested the moon. He did not give me the moon. So, I then made my final offer. He paused and said my offer was several hundred below what he really needed. However, I kept at him as I regaled him on the horror stories of dealerships in my area taking people to the cleaners. I also told him that his dealership had received very favorable comments on the Internet (Acuramdx.org) and he finally agreed. Let's just say I am getting a slightly driven MDX fully loaded with tons of accessories (that I would have ordered on the internet and not been able to install myself) for way less than what Tim at Honda Acura world.com is selling them for. I feel very good about my purchase...and not to mention the fact that I am getting the vehicle in one weeks time.
Even though I have not seen the vehicle, my father has test driven it and says it is a real beauty. He fell in love with the thing and was quite disappointed when I was seriously considering not taking the offer just because it was a demo. Anyway...the fellows I spoke with over the phone (did the whole deal over phone) were very pleasant. So, I will let everyone know what I think when I take actual delivery.
Hope this helps!
Drew
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Steve
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2)Were you still braking after you started to "turn in"? (Do necessary hard braking FIRST, then accelerate lightly thou the turn, asp. with DX's system!)
3)Also make sure rear tire pressure is not lower than the front--unless you LIKE the overseer (NOT recommended for average drivers!)
4) Were you near the outer edge of the pavement?--dirt & debris ("marbles" to racers) can make things unexpectedly slippery--lets figure possible factors out.
I intended to bypass it, but must have hit the wrong key in above posting, and its vocabulary is so limited it incorrectly substitutes--didn't even know "oversteer", for God's sake !!! CORRECTIONS:
Porsche; oversteer; esp. not asp.;thru not thou; MDX not DX--- I finally figured out why so many posts refered to a "DX": the spellchecker changed MDX --Drew! can they add some basic auto terms and model names at Edmunds'BB software????
P.S.-On 2nd thought, there IS some entertainment value in what the spellchecker does--just noticed some "international intrigue" was added in post #2139 above, by changing the spelling to refer to the "DX"'s "hood DEFECTOR"!!