Acura MDX (pre-2007)

qwalls · June 2001

You aren't really "buying" it, you're just paying for it since it has no residual value. So you are paying the full $2000 for the navigation system.

imoimo · June 2001

Thanks INKY. That bit of advice sure helps. I think I would wait for the 2002 model to come out though I really don't know how to get through these few months just to watch this board and see how you poeple are enjoy this great MDX. As for price part, the HL is about the same with the add ons although the MSRP is lower (in canada anyway). Do you know when the 2002 would come out? Thanks

mitzia · June 2001

I am sorry, I don't see the difference between buying it and paying for it! You sound like a salesperson.

lhrand · June 2001

I don't have a definitive answer to your question about how long you could roll up the cargo tray, but I ordered mine from hondacuraworld.com and it came rolled up in plastic, so it should be OK to store it for at least a few days that way.

qwalls · June 2001

I'm a PC/LAN Manager. The closest I came to being a salesman is selling seafood at Kroger to work my way through college. You are leasing the car, so you can't "buy" part of it, but since there is no residual value at the end of the lease for the navigation system, you "pay" for all of it. All $2000. Hopefully this clarified things.

darandall · June 2001

Has anyone taken an MDX on the beach? I don't like the concept - grit getting into every moving part. I want to know how hard I should resist the temptation, and how hard I whould work to keep the teenagers in my family from using it on the beach. Also, how hard (or easy) is it to get stuck in the sand? Thanks!

hookey · June 2001

Out of curiosity, why does the NAV have no residual value at the end of the leasing period? From what I have been told you can up-date the data base by purchasing a new DVD for $150 or so. If I was buying a used car I would think the NAV would have some value.

5speed5 · June 2001

Unfortunately in the real world, the options only have a value to the "reselling dealer", who can market a vehicle at a higher price because of them. If you bought a vehicle and paid for 10 different options, you would be extremely LUCKY to receive any extra value for ALL of them at trade-in time.

On Edmunds (or KBB) you can look up trade in pricing and compare prices when you select/deselect certain options to see which ones actually have any resale value.

qwalls · June 2001

It looks like your question has already been answered. To add to that, I would guess that as quickly as technology is changing, no one is willing to take a chance on the navigation system being worth anything after 3-5 years. From '99 to '00, the system changed from CD-ROM based to DVD based. Who knows what wil be changed in three more years.

bigauto · June 2001

I spoke with some dealers in CT. They are now taking orders for 2002 MDX at MSRP. Has anyone done that at better price? They told me the delivery time would be around Oct. and Nov.

rraby · June 2001

I agonized over the MDX vs. RX300 decision back in December/January and finally decided on the RX300. In my view there was so little difference between the two that I would've been happy with either one, so I chose the RX mainly because it was cheaper (the MDX was really selling at a premium over MSRP then) and there was a 3-month wait to get the MDX.

Anyway, I've seen a few posts here regarding buying decisions between the MDX and the Highlander (which wasn't out yet when I bought). Why are people making HL/MDX comparisons rather than RX300/MDX comparisons?. Seems to me they're more comparable vehicles. Just curious...

jnscheong · June 2001

Curious to know what the MSRP for the 2002 is?

bigauto · June 2001

Currently they are asking for 34,850 for the 2002 MDX base model.

speedsterx · June 2001

I'm picking up an MDX with the touring package in the morning at MSRP. Has anyone done any better than MSRP? Also, what is the dealer margin on the options? I guess between 30 and 40%.

Steve in Austin

theworm · June 2001

Dealer MARGIN on options/accessories (uninstalled) runs anywhere from 40% and up, and assuming they're not charging above list price.

I'd suggest checking www.hondacuraworld.com for the best accessory pricing for MDX (no, I'm not affiliated, I'm a customer). Almost everyone on acuramdx.org buys from Tim, who runs it.

Check Tim's prices online, and compare to dealer charges figuring $60-$80 an hour for labor, and do the math. Many folks have found it less expensive to buy from Tim then pay the dealer to install it. Although, everything is easily self-installable with the only possible exception being the hitch/coolers.

metmdx · June 2001

Driving around Sunday and stopped at the Acura dealer in Bedford Hills, NY. Had advertised in NY Times 3 MDX in stock ready for delivery. No Wonder ! Of the two I could find, both had window stickers removed (violation on NY law, I believe) and a flyer made up in "MSWord" on a laser printer saying This vehicle comes equipped with, "blah, blah, blah". Price 44K plus. And car dealers wonder (or do they) why they have a bad reputation?

theworm · June 2001

You should provide feedback in the "Dealer Ratings" section over at www.acuramdx.org if u haven't already, to warn other buyers about those weasels.

jamiestockman · June 2001

MDX Fans,

Be weary of 2002 delivery estimates of Oct-Nov. Most dealers have long lists of orders still to fill on 2001's. Most dealers will undoubtedly have clients who's 2001 turns into a 2002 simply because the model year runs out before their 2001 can be built. Its best to find out how far back you are on the 2002 list as well as how many 2001 orders your dealer has left to fill. Knowing that the 2002 begins in October will tell you how many allocations of 2001 they'd have to get in order to get to your 2002 when the model year starts in October. Think about it know and you'll save yourself the aggravation later.

Just something to consider...

Jamie S.

joshuah1 · June 2001

I asked my local dealer (David Mcdavid - Plano, Tx.) about the 2002s. He said they would start arriving in Oct., similar to what others have said. However, he did not have info on price or changes. If the price is remains the same as the 2001 model (implied above), then of course I would want to wait for the 2002s unless I had to have a car between now and Oct. On the other hand, how likely is it that there is no price increase at all, especially for a vehicle in such high demand relitive to supply. Soes anyone have documented verification that the price remains unchanged? Also, does anyone know if there will be some version of red for 2002? I have heard of firepepper red and/or redrock red. I want cherry or fire engine red. Any chance of that? JH

canmdx · June 2001

I love my MDX. Just returned from our first long trip and it lived up to our expectations. Our 3 kids (2 in car seats) enjoyed the 8 hour drive, partly because of all the room they had to move around in (our JGC was always too crowded). We averaged 26 MPG (Canadian gallons) into some pretty stiff winds.

Two questions: what are the two compartments in the ceiling midway behind the 2nd row of seats and the back of the MDX - each covered by two folding plastic flaps?

Has any installed a hitch for their MDX (not the Acura hitch with tranny cooler combo). I have a small utility trailer (less than 1000 lbs.) - so I feel I can get away with not adding the cooler. "Hidden Hitch" was supposed to have one available for the MDX by the end of May, but my hitch supplier hasn't been able to get one in yet. Any recommendations?

theworm · June 2001

If you're talking about those little, 3-4" flaps toward the sides, on the top (each made up of 2 flaps, actually), they are for installing the Separation Net. The net has a post that fits in that slot.

nguyen0 · June 2001

I am about to receive delivery on a new MDX with touring package and w/o nav. They quoted me alot of accessories. Which ones are worth the money? Is the Protection package (sealant/leather coating), moon visor, wheel lock, rear splash gaurd worth it. These are the ones I am considering. Are any other accesories worth it? Also, do I really need the $1199 hitch or can I just install it outside of acura without the cooling aparatus?
Thanks

theworm · June 2001

Paint and leather protection is a total ripoff. Get some good wax (Zaino, Meguiar's) and some leather protector (3M, Zymol) and you'll save yourself hundreds.

Moon visor, wheel locks, and splash guards are worthwhile, but it depends on what your dealer is charging. Based on the $1199 for the hitch, which you can get for slightly over $500 online and have installed for a couple hundred bucks, I'd start comparison shopping. Fast.

Go here: www.hondacuraworld.com

theworm · June 2001

I meant Lexol for the leather

glengle · June 2001

Your advice and comments have been very helpful.

I'm a huge Honda/Acura fan, and currently own a '99 TL. I pick up my Mahogany Touring non-nav on Friday, and I can't wait. We've been very impressed with the drives we've been on, regardless of what Edmunds review says. I am getting a killer deal with $1000 off MSRP on the MDX and $21,500 on my TL with 40,000 miles. Probably has to do with the fact that I run an ISP and gave the dealership T1 bandwidth pretty reasonably though.

)

I'll keep everyone posted on our feelings about the vehicle as we pick it up and break it in.

JPOG

rafalz · June 2001

I've just placed an order for an DX, the first time I "bought" a car over the phone. I was told the car would be ready in December/January by one dealership, October by another. I suppose that has to do with the volume of orders at each dealership. Obviously, I was grateful there was no premium on MSRP, and they didn't push the accessories, most of which are available after market at much lower cost.
One question: is there any info on the crash worthiness of the MDX? There are no crash tests to date that I can locate on the web. Acura does not seem to have the greatest crash test results -- I am hoping the honda minivan platform will help.
I'd be most grateful for any info

mrdeeeno · June 2001

check out http://www.crashtest.com/honda/ and

http://www.crashtest.com/acura/

they aren't the greatest, but all of their current models are better than average.

the only ones that anyone should worry about are the civic/integras 'cuz of their weight (red squares); i doubt the mdx would have that problem.

and as for the edmunds review, after reading several of their reviews, i came to the conclusion that the testers don't know how to drive.

here's a quote from the mdx review: "When cruising the freeway, slight grades tax the engine, and the MDX loses forward momentum until you apply additional pressure on the gas pedal"

well...duh! i'd be worried that gravity has failed if a car didn't lose momentum on ANYKIND of grade.

and not to forget: "The driver must navigate the shift lever through a maze to select gears. This isn't so much a problem when choosing reverse or drive as it is when trying to select park. The shifter can get hung up in the neutral position too easily"

well, i have a cl-s with the gated shifter and even more notches (sportshift) and i don't get lost "navigating" the shifter. and unless you're gimpy or something, you're not gonna get hung up in neutral.

we are a mercedes family and all 3 of our current mercedes have the gated shifters, and so i may be used to them, but hey, i don't remember many reviews complaining about the gated shifter on mercedes, or the foot brake either (vs. cls w/ a foot brake that reviewers complain about).

i have a feeling that edmunds doesnt' like acura, but then again, i don't have a very high opinion of edmunds.com. i just think the forums are pretty informative though.

sorry to complain too much.

toy_lander · June 2001

Don't hate me because I own Highlander "Laugh". MDX is great vehicle. Before test-driving the HL my pick strictly on looks and features was MDX. MDX has a lot of features I like and wish the HL had. I found the HL's more fun to drive, the ride more quiet, more solid feel, feeling more power when pushed down the pedal on V6 HL.
Also the wind noise was louder in MDX. For me the HL is more fun to drive. However, I had to give up a lot of nice features of the MDX. MDX is better looking on the outside, more features on the inside. If you could mix the two, you'd have the perfect SUV.

Enjoy your MDX.

hookey · June 2001

I'm still up in the air on my next SUV choice (although I have a deposit on a MDX for delivery in the distant future). I love Toyotas. One question . . . does the HL have a third row option? I have four kids and although my car will mostly be used for commuting on the weekdays, it will used to haul kids on the weekends (although as a secondary option to our Sequoia). If the HL can fit 6 or 7 I'm all over it!

qwalls · June 2001

The HL only seats five.

g8rted · June 2001

Has anyone experienced a loud chunk/flunk noise that sounds like it is coming from the front-end suspension? I get it every time I go over a dip (though not when I go over small speed bumps.)

The Acura service department has told me it is a problem cropping up in a number of DXs and that Acura doesn't know the cause. They have tried to fix it 3 times now with no luck. I have about 7800 miles on mine, and it started at about 500 miles.

Otherwise, I love the DX.

dbolin2 · June 2001

I've recently experienced what I'll refer to as a sudden reversal of financial fortunes - the result of which is that I must cancel my order for my MDX which is due to be delivered sometime in mid-July. It's a black Touring Navi which will be delivered to a dealership here in Colorado.

The problem I'm experiencing is that the dealership took a $1000 deposit which is "nonrefundable." I put that term in quotes because I understood that that was the case, but the salesman I dealt with assured me it was indeed fully refundable should the reason for cancelling be financial in nature. In my case, it certainly is, as many on this board can attest to. I've anxiously been awaiting this vehicle for weeks and weeks now.

I was told that I could probably get all of the money back if I could find someone to replace myself on the list for this vehicle, so I'm sending out a call for help! Anyone interested in a black Touring Navi to be delivered in mid-July please contact me offline at dbolin@reallegal.com. I'll explain all the details to you and put you in touch with the appropriate person.

Thanks in advance.

pstrong · June 2001

Ordered my base MDX in March. Was told then that it would come in June, told in May it looked like July, and now comes the crazy mention of August! I put in a call to my sales rep and he hasn't returned my call, but that has been his track record. He has yet to return my calls, and for this he gets a commission?! The other night I said screw it and ALMOST bought another vehicle because we are hurting for transportation so bad. (Had to turn in a lease vehicle in mid-May.) Is there something else I should be doing? I have already went in to the dealership and told my sales rep that we would consider anything that came in.

(Ordered from Buerkle Acura in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.)

midtowneast · June 2001

I also had an MDX on order for June July delivery but when the TL-S came out I bought that instead. My dealer and I had a long conversation about MDX buyers, he said that he does not respond to their calls. The dealer told me most of these customers were given possible delivery dates and he calls them when their vehicles come in. This dealership gives cancelled vehicles to the next person on the list unlike what I have read on earlier post about some dealers. He also advised me to leave my deposit for the MDX on the list and sell the slot on Ebay, I decided against this. Good luck with the wait and vehicle. I didn't need an Suv so I will wait a coupe of years for Honda to come out with their Suv and or the third year upgrade of the MDX.

sanand5 · June 2001

I also put a $1000 deposit on an MDX. When the car showed up with the dealer wanting $5000 over sticker I said no way. They put up a mild fight but I got my check back. I got my MDX for MSRP from another state (ORR Acura in Schreveport LA delivered it to me on a flatbed to my door in Houston for only $250)

I seriously doubt they have any legal right to keep your money. Unless you signed a true contract (not just an order form). I would call Acura customer service at once and complain (1-800-382-2238).

The MDX is a great car and in high demand. That dealer will have no problem selling that car. In fact, if they did sell the car without refunding your money you should be able to put a lien on the car. Make sure and get the VIN number.

Good luck (and don't take any of their crap). These Acura salespersons are showing their true colors with such a high-demand vehicle.

albert123 · June 2001

Sanjay, I had similar experience. But I talked them out of the markup and bought it from the same dealer I put deposit in. It's good you refused it and found one from another dealer. You can sell an item at any price you want. A crazy example is the housing price in the bay area. In the car market, MDX is not the worst if you look at some others like the CLK 430 convertible which is selling at close to $10K markup. I'd say all(or most) car sales regardless what brand they sell have similar colors.

mrdeeeno · June 2001

i signed a contract once after putting down $1k, the contract stated "deposit will be forfieted for damages, except allowed by law, if vehicle is not taken at delivery" or something like that, but i remember it said "except allowed by law".

talked with my lawyers 'cuz dealer wanted to keep it after i found a better deal somewhere (for a cl-s), was informed that "law" states that money cannot be kept if you don't take delivery of the vehicle...so pretty much the "allowed by law" statement directly contradicts everything else.

notdos · June 2001

We bought a Mahogany/Touring one week ago and drove it about 1000 miles on vacation. It's a great vehicle, and extremely comfortable and powerful, even with 6 adults. I noticed a whining sound when you depress the brake and when you release the brake sort of like the sound a power steering pump might make. It does it even when your not moving and you simply press the brake pedal. Any ideas? I'll certainly take it to my dealer but wanted to hear your ideas first.

ediver · June 2001

I'm having the same problem with the clunking noise in the front end. Also, our doors don't unlock sometimes....they can't seem to fix this either...have made many trips to the dealer, I'm beginning to become an unhappy acura owner (this is my third)....

mdx1 · June 2001

Recently my MDX went through the automatic car wash twice and both times the outside temperature reading became about 20 degrees lower than the actual outside temperature after the wash. This did not happen with the cooler weather. Now it happened twice with two different car wash places and the outdoor temperature was at upper 80s to lower 90s. The temperature reading stayed low even with the car parked outside under the sun for a while. The next day the temperature reading would be normal again.

Is this a known problem?

joshuah1 · June 2001

USA Today reported today that the president of US Honda said that Honda will get a version of the MDX "soon." Nobody knows when or any other details. I would consider a Honda version if new colors were added (Honda red) but that's doubtful since the colors will probably be a combination of the Odessey colors and those of the current MDX, all made at the same factory. SPeaking of which, I don't think the net effect will be more MDX availability since both MDXs will be made at the same factory. Another words, it's a zero sum game where more Honda MDXs made equals less Acuras. If anything, this may drive up the price of the Acura version since fewer will be available. And having a Honda version will cheapen the MDX's image. So all in all, I view this as bad news.

ges1 · June 2001

I am relatively indifferent between these two as I begin to shop. My local Acura dealer is insisting on a 2000 dollar markup over msrp. An out of state dealer is willing to do msrp but with added transportation to alaska it will almost wipe out savings. He also has a Lexus dealership but advises that RX300's will go for more money and arent as good a value. Anyone have any view on whether I should pick the Acura or try to negotiate a better deal on the Lexus, if possible? I assume msrp on the mdx is as good as i can get.

mrdeeeno · June 2001

Honda has a new plant opening up to make more minivans and MDXes, so I doubt they'd slow down production of one of their best selling vehicles for an unknown.

and the i doubt the "honda" MDX is gonna be as nice as the acura one, considering it is going to be cheaper meaning it's not gonna be as nicely equipped...the accord isn't as nicely equipped as a tl or cl, so why would they do that with the MDX?

AND the honda suv isn't coming out until probably late 2002 considering they're contract with isuzu doesn't run out until 2002.

rraby · June 2001

ges1, I bought the RX back in January after having narrowed my choice to it and the MDX. I really think I would've been happy with either vehicle, and all things being equal I may well have bought the MDX, but it ultimately came down to 3 factors for me: price, availability, and quality of service.

Price: At the time, the Acura dealers here in the DFW area wanted a premium over sticker (it sounds like this is still a problem), which I wasn't willing to pay, especially since Lexus was dealing on the RX. So I bought the '01 RX FWD w/ Premium Package Plus for $36,200 driveout. The MDX was nearly $5k more. So I don't understand why a dealer would say the MDX is a better value. And long-term, very few makes hold their value as well as Lexus.

Availability: There was a three month wait for the MDX, which from what I've seen on some of these forums has turned into an even longer wait for some unfortunate folks. The RX was immediately available. Couldn't see why I should wait a few months to pay more for a comparable vehicle.

Quality of Service: In the 5 years my wife has had her '96 ES300, we've been consistently wowed by the level of customer service our local Lexus dealerships give. They treat you like royalty, provide free loaners, free carwashes, pick up and deliver your vehicle for service, etc. Perhaps some Acura dealers do the same, but the one I was dealing with in Irving, TX did none of those things, and did nothing to try to earn my business. They really didn't seem to care whether I ever set foot in theor showroom again. Lexus earned my business.

To reiterate, though, none of this is to dis the MDX itself in any way. I loved it and may well have bought it had it not been for these factors. Your experience may be different depending upon where you live and who you're dealing with.

nofeer · June 2001

Many people use forums to get info on cars. As this trend increases more will visit edmund's. Well...looking at this forum on MDX tells me several things. Acura dealers are shooting themselves in the gonads because soon there will be more competition including Honda, and my honda dealer is great. MDX better clean up it's act before consumer reports gets to all those that have had problems. It's scares me to buy an MDX, first i have to get though the dealer shenanigans, then the clunks, wind noise etc.. if the HL and rx300 had 3rd seats acura would have some major headaches. when the new ml320 comes out that will put more pressure on acura. see acura could be building a customer base like lexus has and be able to sell more cl, rl and others. Acura is making a big mistake. if the honda has nav like the odyssey then people will give up some lux for some bucks. I'm waiting for acura to fix the problems including the dealer attitudes. A lot can happen to "supply and demand" and customer loyalty in 3 months. given a choice people will go to quality vehicles and quality customer service. How can acura compete at the luxury level with lousy customer care, what about repeat business. THe MDX has size features, 3rd seat, nav etc. but that wind noise is much more than the HL, Rx, and ML. You guys are having too many problems to define a luxury car brand the tide will turn.

j_average61 · June 2001

I'm curious if anyone out there has figured their actual gas mileage Is it close to Acura's advertised 17/23?

albert123 · June 2001

The highway mileage 23 is pretty close. Many people posted similar numbers. I got 24 when cruising at 75MPH.

The city mileage depends greatly on how long and under what condition you drive. Our average distance is less than 3 miles including many stop lights. You're not gonna get 17mpg out of that. Ours is around 13-14.

mol2 · June 2001

I've got 3600 miles on my MDX. Milage has improved quite recently; I'm now averaging just under 16 miles on mostly city (suburban) driving with limited highway time after a dismal 14 mpg for the first 3000 miles or so.

jvstew · June 2001

Any body hear of changes in store for the 2002 Acura MDX? Enhancements or fixes for the current small problems? Any word as to when the 2002's will start delivering?

jvstew · June 2001

I like to hear of experiences with Connecticut Acura dealers? How they Price the MDX. Impressions on their service.

Acura MDX (pre-2007)

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