Acura MDX (pre-2007)

alo · May 2001

I bought wood shift knob, cargo net, wheel locks, cargo cover, moon roof visor, front deflector from Tim. Absolutely no hassle and delivery was prompt. The front deflector was damaged during shipping. He shipped another one right away. I've not heard anything bad about him yet.

BTW, I really like the cargo net since it helps to help smaller items and/or shopping bags in place. If you don't like the price, you can get a generic one. Just make sure it's wide enough and you need 4 clips to attach to the anchors in the trunk area.

The moon roof visor helps to cut down the wind noise and I would recommend it too.

coolmatt44 · May 2001

I saw someone complain about a noice from the 3rd row seat? I don't nead the third row.

alo · May 2001

The 3rd row seat cannot be removed.

I don't have any 3rd row seat noise problem and I'm not sure how common the problem really is.

However, I looked under the 3rd row last weekend and found 2 'buttons' on the passenger side that are loose. The 'buttons' seem to 'buckle' the wheel well side panel to the floor. I snap the buttons back but it took a bit of contortion of my body to work on the back one. I'm not sure if this is the source of noise other owners hear though.

sars · May 2001

In Massachusetts, delivery is quoted as Jan 2002, so I have an MDX on order in Florida...with small discount off list price.

Can anyone give me some impressions on body lean vs other SUVs. I love a firm ride, and hate body lean on corners...I liked the Durango R/T for this reason. Will I be happy with the MDX ?

transpower · May 2001

The MDX drives and handles like a large sports car. Body lean is negligable. The only negative I've experienced is that during major wind storms on the NJ turnpike, the MDX does sway considerably. Otherwise, in all other conditions, the vehicle is very stable.

Transpower
8610 miles, no problems

hookey · May 2001

I recently bought a Toyota Sequoia and love it. My wife no needs a new vehicle and since we have four young kids it makes some sense to give her my beloved Sequoia and have me buy a smaller SUV for commuting 25 miles each way to work,which could still hold all the kids in a pinch. The MDX looks like a possible candidate.

I did quite a bit of research into the MDX back in December when I decided on the Sequoia and haven't checked back here since. Could someone please update me on what the market is like in the Boston area. Is there still a significant wait for the vehicle? What are people getting price wise? Any dealer that anyone can recommend as being good and fair?

Thank you.

socal3 · May 2001

I have just started investigating the purchase of a MDX and note Edmunds TMV is over MSRP. One dealer has already made me an offer of MSRP. Is supply catching up to demand? What are your experiences? The MDX is a great car, but it kills me to pay full retail on anything just because it is the latest and greatest.

jeffmust2 · May 2001

SoCal3 -

You can look on other boards for dealer info but the two dealers and sales reps I found in So.CA that would deal fair at MSRP were Tim Keller at Acura 101 West in Calabasas (818/222-5555) and Mitch Franklin at Cerritos Acura (562/355-0000).

Tell'em Jeff Must sent you so I get a free detail on my kid's Integra when it goes in for service.

raybear · May 2001

Those are both good dealers.

aheadfull · May 2001

I checked out Clair in Peabody, Herb Connolly in Framingham. Both seemed like great places to buy an MDX. However, I found the wait best at Inskip in Warwick, RI. Brian Farrington treated us well. It's a bit of a drive, but with Acura's rep for quality I thought I wouldn't be seeing the service department too often.

Anyway, everything's been great so far. I ordered in Feb, picked up in May. I think Inskip is out til Sep delivery now, but that's probably better than you'll find elsewhere.

Have you looked at the BMW? If I didn't need the 3rd row that's the one I'd have.

Scott

bobput · May 2001

I had a problem with this until I thought it through! I love to get a "bargain", too, but the MSRP is really just an awfully arbitrary figure: What if Honda/Acura had just set the invoice and MSRP $3000 higher in the first place (to be closer to X5 and ML320), and then have DEMAND such that dealers discounted $1000-$3000. Is the consumer better off??
Really, it is the consumers' demand, and perception of value, particularly vs. competing products that sets price. If we all formed a pact not to buy an MDX until we could get it for $100 under MSRP, then we would sit here waiting until everyone who concluded it was WORTH MSRP had gotten theirs !!!
The "Edmunds TMV" number is great, as an attempt to relate the "fictional" MSRP no. to the actual real world demand (perception of value) Since I had only a 2-3 week wait (in FL), the complicated question of whether an MDX is worth more RIGHT NOW (when a Buffalo snowstorm is on the way, and your $44k X5 just got totaled!) was one I didn't need to answer !
The only relevant question is: Can I buy a superior vehicle for less money than the MDX (however equiped)--and by my ratings of the MDX, that would be very difficult.

junzo · May 2001

I picked up my silver MDX today from Acura of Seattle. I placed the order through their internet manager, Arnold Argosino. I paid MSRP and the only required option was mud flaps. The process was easy and Arnold was great to work with.

crvols · May 2001

My wife and I started out at noon today in Mass. looking for an SUV. We had called the Mitsu, Nissan, Toyota and Acura dealers to let them know we were coming. From 1:00 to 4:00 we drove the Montero LTD, Toyota Highlander and Nissan Pathfinder. We arrived to look at the MDX even though the salesperson told us it could be December before we could get one. They have a demo we drove and fell in love with it. It seemed a level higher than the others for the same price. When we arrived back from our drive the salesperson that was helping us (our normal contact was off) told us she had a base black with graphite interior avialable due to a cancellation. Did we want it? We said we did and now are expecting to pick it up before the end of the month. Probably next week. While we are excited, I wonder about all the people on waiting lists at the dealership that didn't get a call? The salesperson was very nice, but she hadn't told the management she had a cancellation. Probably because she would have lost the sale to someone else. We got an MDX base for MSRP in one week. Go figure!

singlethreaded · May 2001

Perhaps this should be sent to Edmunds for confirmation, but does anyone know why the TMV of the MDX is approx 1K above MSRP? Is it because (a) the model without options is going for 1K above MSRP, (b) people are having to buy the cars with unneeded accessories thus boosting the price up 1K, or (c) combinations of above.

So far I've been offered two MDXs with no wait. One, with the premium package and another base with oodles of accessories. In the first case it was at MSRP and the second was at 1K below MSRP (but still 5K above orginal base price). I'm still waiting for a base, however, and I'm curious whether there are some extraneous fees (1Ks worth) that they are going to try to stick me with.

Still haven't pull the trigger between the MDX and the ML320. First one to offer end of the year incentives, probably will win.

rboilard · May 2001

Still going back and forth between the MDX and the Volvo XC. Have any current MDX owners had any quality issues?? Has anyone driven both the MDX and XC? If so what is your opinion. I know they are two different vehicles. But i do find the interior of the Volvo more like a $40,000 auto verses the MDX which kind of reminds me of a Honda trying to look like a $40,000 car. Looked at the ACURAMDX.ORG sight and found many owners complaining about front end thuds, poor quality leather, water accumulating in the outside mirrors, and poor particle board quality for the third row seat backs. Any input would be great. I currently own a 99 Grand Cherokee Limited and anything would be better then that. So i guess its between a station wagon or a car like suv. I made a bad move in 99, i don't want to do that again.....

mystkab · May 2001

I have my MDX GG Touring/Navi with anterior and rear wind deflectors for three weeks now .Ever since I received my auto. I've been hearing this very annoying loud turbulent crackling sounds from the rear of the car. Initially I thought there was wind turbulance maybe from the deflectors or rear tailgate. However, these terrible noises occured even when the car wasn't moving. I believe I finally isolated it to the Bose speakers in the rear. If I shut down the Navi and the radio the sounds vanish.

Has anyone else had this problem? If so what exactly is causing the noise and what was the solution. I'm taking my MDX into service this Weds and would like it to be repaired ASAP because the noise is driving me nuts.

I too, have a loud bass deep clapping sound when I turn the ignition key to off with the radio and navi on. This too is resolved when Navi and radio are shut down prior to turning off the ignition key.
Thanks in advance for your help.
__________________
'01 MDX Touring Navi GG/Ebony

wmquan · May 2001

If you're going to give it to the first to offer incentives, it's a no-brainer, get the ML320. I assure you there will be no end-of-year incentives for the MDX. It's still a hot vehicle in most parts of the country.

Meanwhile, MB will offer end-of-year incentives for the older ML320, possibly better than last year's because the 2002's are a significant upgrade (whereas the upgrade from 2000 to 2001 were not as big, though there were some definite changes).

Good luck!

wmquan · May 2001

You've seen the most common problems owners are experiencing with the MDX (thud, leaking mirrors, wind noise are the top three, I think). For what it's worth, on an active message system, you'll find plenty of complaints because people really zero in on them and focus on how to fix them (witness the lengths some owners have gone through with the mirrors -- very hands-on).

And despite the complaints, you'll find that those who are complaining about the thuds and leaky mirrors are very, very happy with their vehicles. Hopefully Acura will have some fixes soon.

I suspect that even with the above, you'll find the MDX at least as reliable, if not more so, than the Volvo, which hasn't done well according to Consumer Reports.

It comes down to how you prioritize your desires for a luxurious interior vs. cargo room vs. passenger room, etc. etc. If you don't really need the room, the Volvo can be fun to drive when properly equipped. Personally, I don't think the Volvo is a particularly good value, especially if reliability isn't the best. I like the much-cheaper, though smaller, Subaru H6 VDC much more.

albert123 · May 2001

Check out the MDX vs. XC thread. There are a lot of disscussions in comparing the two.

"2001 Acura MDX or 2001 Volvo XC"

singlethreaded · May 2001

You caught my poor choice of words. Incentives and MDX in same sentence, who was I kidding. The two triggers (incentives) that I'm considering is (a) when the MDX is actually "available" to me in the base model at MSRP and (b) when the 2001 MB ML320 is offered at their next round of incentives. Right now, I figure I can get the ML320 with leather and third seat for about 2-3K more than the base MDX MSRP. If I can get that lowered to 35K I may have to go for the ML320. 35K is slightly arbitrary, I figure this is the price where if I wanted a car-like ride and a lot of room, I could buy both a '01 Camry and a '01 Minivan or Pickup. ;<}

Incidently, I prefer the MB, the wife prefers the MDX. One thing I was searching for over the weekend was the "5 year Total Ownership" costs comparisions for these vehicles. I thought "Money" magazine did the comparison. Anyone know where I can find these? Although the MDX probably is probably too young to call I wonder about the others?

The MB dealership, and perhaps all MB, now provide complete maintenance care for the duration of the 4year/50K mile warranty. That, with its resale, must provide some intimidating numbers for other vehicles.

lhrand · May 2001

It was a perfect day for driving, too. I haven't driven it much since then, owing to house guests and a sick child, but everything seems to work fine and the drive is just as comfortable as I remembered. We got a base model, black/graphite. Sure looks nice in the driveway. Our total wait turned out to be just under 4 months. The car seat installed snugly in the center rear. Good luck for early delivery to all who are still waiting!

wmquan · May 2001

ML320 scheduled maintenance (based on what FSS says) is indeed free for the warranty period. If you elect to have services outside of what FSS pays (e.g. if you want an oil change outside of what FSS has scheduled, which some people do, some people don't), that will be charged with the dealer's price (you can check the dealer's web site on the MB web site). I don't think it covers all wear-and-tear items but I recommend the M-class discussion here for more information. Good luck.

wmquan · May 2001

Congratulations on your new MDX! Glad you persevered through the wait; I can certainly understand some folks giving up given their own personal needs and timing.

jmoser1134 · May 2001

I just stopped in the local Acura Dealer a two MDX's were sitting on the lot. One was Dark Emerald Pearl (Green) and the other was black. Both were base models. I called the salesman that sold me mine last November and these are both available for anyone who wants to come to SE Texas. I bought mine last year with no markups and no unwanted accesories. I did see fender flares on the black and a moon roof visor on the green.

If anyone is interested in the dealers name and phone email me. You can check my profile for the info and I will give you the specifics on the dealer. I would recommned he dealer to anyone.

wmquan · May 2001

Interesting, only 2,852 units sold in April, down from 4,358 in March. Yet demand still seems to be outstripping supply. Perhaps the rumors of slower MDX deliveries were true after all? 14,422 units sold so far this year.

For April, the MDX drops to third place in the luxury SUV category, behind the RX300 at 5,929 units (down from 7,619 a year ago), and the M-class at 3,162 units (down from 4,283 a year ago). For some strange reason AutoSite didn't list X5 sales in this category. Go figure.

SUV sales down in general compared to the same period last year.

http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svolsu.asp

cosacuramdx · May 2001

I am interested in adding the pro stripe to my MDX and know I read a while ago about putting it on. But....can't remember how long ago. Can anyone direct me to the message(s) or provide info on getting and installing it?

theworm · May 2001

Go to www.acuramdx.org and do a search for Prostripe or molding or both. There's stuff in accessories and in the gallery -- probably about 3-4 months old so be sure you search "all dates" rather than just recent.

Kit #s, sources and install tips and pics are there.

raul1 · May 2001

Does any one out there know when the 2002 MDX will be on the market? I am looking to purchase one but only if it is white.

wmquan · May 2001

I'm afraid that it is still too early to be sure about details of the 2002 model. A lot of the information out there is rumor, conjecture, wishful thinking, etc.

There are lots of rumors that white (and some other colors) will be available as a 2002 color, but it hasn't been verified yet.

mangocnguyen1 · May 2001

Just got my MDX today at Acura Southwest in Houston. What ripoffs !! Tried to tag on a Decor Package of wheel locks, cargo net, mud flaps for $600 and a Dealer Prep charge (DPA) for another $385. After haggling (and I meant haggling for almost 45 minutes), I still came out about $350 short !!! Greeds, greeds, greeds ...No wonder Acura is getting cleaned by Lexus.
If you are in Houston, my buddy bought his TL at John Eagle and raved (no add-ons, bogus fees ) ..

jcsounds · May 2001

I'm interested in purchasing an MDX in Silver, but I'm concerned with
the all black leather interior in the summer months. I've never owned
a vehicle with an all black interior, can someone who owns an MDX
with the black leather interior please inform me whether this is a valid
concern.

JBaumgart · May 2001

I don't own a MDX (bought an Audi allroad instead)but I happened to park next to one with this color combination today and gave it a good look. Very sharp IMO! If you don't live in an extremely hot climate or otherwise don't have to park in the summer sun much, I'd give it serious consideration. The black interior looked a lot sharper than the tan, again IMHO.

wmquan · May 2001

I have a silver & black MDX, but it hasn't been hot enough here (Pacific Northwest) to really know. Hopefully some other owners here from warm climates can help you out. What region of the country do you live in (how hot does it get)?

For what it's worth, once you turn on the climate control system, it gets cool in a hurry.

The ebony interior will show dust a bit more than the tan, but it hides stains better (though those should be cleaned fairly quickly with something like Lexol). Some folks like the toned interior of the tan more, some folks don't like how it matches against the fake wood -- personal preference, all.

lhrand · May 2001

Our MDX is black inside and out, but like wmquan, I can't say it's been very hot since we picked it up (just over a week ago) so I don't know how bad it will get in hot weather. So far it doesn't seem to get any warmer than I would expect any other car to get, except that if sunlight shines directly on the leather, that part gets quite hot - I wouldn't sit on it wearing shorts. I guess the tinted windows probably help. And the a/c really does blast hard to get you to your set temperature in a hurry.

tonychrys · May 2001

Though we don't have black leather in our vehicles, I'm seriously considering getting one of those cardboard windshield sun shields. My wife use to use one and thought it was really dorky/hassle, but with any non-cloth seat the interior can get hot. And since most high-end SUVs come with tinting on the rear and sides already, seems like the windshield area is the weak link in terms of sunlight heat.

Can the MDX auto-open all the windows and sunroof from the fob remote? This is a pretty cool feature to use before getting in at home or while walking to your vehicle in a parking lot (of course as along as the area is safe). Helps to cool down the vehicle a little before getting in.

drew_ · May 2001

"Based on recent research conducted by Axius, on a 35 degree Celcius day, the air trapped inside a vehicle can heat up to a scorching 63C, the steering wheel can reach 70.5°C, the seat can reach 72°C and the dashboard can heat up to 83°C. However, "use of a vehicle sunshade can prevent heat build-up in a parked car by more than 48 degrees Fahrenheit," said Gail Kaufman, brand manager for Axius products in Canada.

Axius products are not only beneficial to your car's interior, by blocking 99% of UV rays, they are also good news for your skin."

I don't particularly like the cardboard ones either since I think they're rather cheap. MB sells a very nice one that is custom made for the M-class (they have custom made sunshields for all of the cars too), but I use a Axius reflective shade that can also cover insides of the front windows. This helps to protect the dash, the seats and steering wheel from UV damage over time. For the rear windows, I have a couple of extra pieces of deep tinted plastic:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=137587&a=1130466&p=24983856&Sequence=0

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=137587&a=1130466&p=24984344&Sequence=0

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

tonychrys · May 2001

Thanks for the tip on the Axius product. I looked them up and they are available at Autobarn stores (which is near my house). Think I'll head over and check them out.

What I originally meant to say was some sort of sun shield, but not necessarily those cheap cardboard only ones. Even thought they are sometimes white, the cardboard just ends up absorbing much of the heat and giving it off in the vehicle.

Summer is coming, I better get one soon!

wmquan · May 2001

Didn't Audi have a little gimmick that used a solar-powered fan to ventilate a parked car? Do they still do that? Have other vehicles adopted a similar technique?

JBaumgart · May 2001

On certain models including the allroad Audi does make a Warm Weather Package that includes a solar sunroof that cools the interior when parked. Being solar powered this does not drain the battery. The package also comes with manual rear side sunshades.

mdx1 · May 2001

I found my Axius two-piece, collapsible sunshade reduced the heat of the dashboard and front seats of my GG MDX (black interior) significantly. Combined with tinted front windows, the interior stayed pretty cool in warm days.

I also used a reflective sunshade combined with tinted windows for my previous car which has dark blue fabric seats with good results.

I got the Magic Shade in jumbo size from Target which fits MDX nicely.

http://www.Axius.com/html/products/shades/shades_fabric.htm

eyebiz · May 2001

I've had my Granite Green Base for a week now. Amazingly, walked into Pasadena Acura, put down a deposit, and got called in 18 hrs that one was available the following day. Papers were signed within 24 hours. I paid MRSP and just added on a couple of options I needed. Anyone with a good mobile video system for an MDX?

tacolibertybel · May 2001

Does anyone have the navigation system? How well does it work. I haven't read anything specific about the system in the MDX, but reviews on these systems in general are not great.

tonychrys · May 2001

Remember those solar powered window fans from the Sharper Image, etc.? It was a small fan unit with a lip, you put it at the top of your window opening then closed the window to clamp it in place. The little fan in the unit would continously exhaust the air out of the cabin.

drew_ · May 2001

Yup, I remember those. Haven't tried them though. I usually just tilt open the moonroof (leave the sunshade close though; the moonroof sunshades on MB vehicles have vents), and then pop open the quarter windows in the cargo area. Personally, I don't know if I would want to leave the windows open even a crack. That's a sure way to make it easier for your vehicle to be broken into.

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

drew_ · May 2001

TOPIC: Tues., May 29th "Cell phones: are hand-held bans enough?"

hookey · May 2001

Has anyone here had any positive interactions with an internet sales manager at any Acura dealership in Massachusetts or the greater Boston area? I would like to be able to ask some simple questions and I would like some straight-forward answers without having to go to a dealership. (i.. how long a wait, pricing, how long until 2002 models are available). I'm willing to buy quickly if the process is easy. I have little tolerance for the run-around some of these sales people give their customers.

I'm I hoping for too much to make this a simple process that doesn't waste my time or theirs? I've called several dealerships and was told I would have to come in to the dealership to get my questions answered. That is ridiculous! If anyone has come across a someone that has simplified the process for them, please let me know.

Also, if anyone has any comments as to the amount of time it takes between order and delivery (I am leaning toward the touring package with NAV) or when the 2002 vehicles will be available I would appreciate hearing from you.

Thank you.

infinitum · May 2001

I tried those solar fans and they don't work very well at all. In comparison, the sun shade makes a gargantuan difference in car temperature. The dash and leather don't seem to hold the heat as well as my 90 Maxima which would radiate heat for over an hour. Therefore, even though the leather is searingly hot when you get in during hot weather, it doesn't last all that long in the MDX.

wexy99 · May 2001

Anyone have any info on 2002 MDXs? I'm about to put a deposit down to order one. I've heard that Acura recently added Onstar to another 2002 car and it might be offered on the 2002 MDX. I've also been told to expect delivery of 2002's in Oct/Nov. Anyone hearing similar info? Anyone hearing anything about 2002 pricing? Any info would be appreciated....

thanks..

aheadfull · May 2001

We ordered the Nav System for my wife's MDX.

I'm not sure who you've been talking too or what you've been reading about. However, I find this navigation system to be exceptional. It is an expensive option and you need to be sure the coverage in your area is adequate. If you know where you're going or can read maps and have a good sense of direction you might want to spend your money elsewhere. But, if you're "direction challenged" I can't think of a better option.

Also, (duck as gross generalization/assumption coming) the thought of driving an MDX with standard LCD screen (a big waste of real estate IMHO) was not an option.

Scott

GLeen · May 2001

I two has the silber exterior and the black interior and it looks mightly fine. I wood go four it!

Acura MDX (pre-2007)

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