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Acura MDX (pre-2007)
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Comments
1. Mileage greatly depends on the trip. We got 13-14 mpg. Our trips are mostly less than 5 miles each with many traffic lights. But we got 23-24 mpg on HWY.
2. Acura should fix the paint if it chips naturally. For our MDx, it's my own fault as I parked too close to the garage door that it cut into the rare bumper(ouch!).
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/mostwanted/2002/47606/article.html
Transpower
You can buy the mudguards at a discounted price at a good outfit like www.hondacuraworld.com. Installation is pretty easy, except the third screw may require a very short stubby screwdriver or taking the wheel off.
Sometimes you can get the dealer to throw it in, it's not very expensive.
The wood shift knobs are fairly popular for cosmetic reasons. I like the all-season mats a lot, to augment the carpetted mats that come with the vehicle (the all-season mats don't have a third-row piece, however). The cargo tray is good and protects the back, and has a short lip for spills. Most people get the cargo cover as well. The cargo liner is useful if you use the third seat a lot as it's more flexible.
Unfortunately the MDX is not available with xenon lights. There are some kits but I don't believe any are street-legal.
www.hondacuraworld.com sells these at good prices with free shipping and all these are self-installable. Can't believe some dealers charge a half-hour labor to put in stuff like the cargo tray or cargo cover.
Sorry for all these newbie questions since I never thought of buying a MDX until about 30 minutes prior to going to the dealer
Newbies are welcome! We're looking forward to seeing more of you here!
tidester
Host
SUVs
Going down it was not quite as sure footed. Especially in a windy steep road. So the VTM-4 was switched on and it was very sure footed after that. Since the VTM-4 can only be switched on at first and second gear the MDX tends to decelerate nicely by itself with all four wheels in traction while making the steep turns. Only draw back is that the engine revs up as the MDX's speed increases. The Michelin Cross Terrains did their job. Didn't slip at all.
I had one emergency maneuver when some idiot was playing chicken on the snowy highway. I slammed on my brakes and the anti-locking-brakes came on. The MDX slowed to a stop with out the back fish tailing. This was quite impressive, I thought. The other driver swerved at the last minute to avoid me. What a jerk!!
The snowy drive was overall good and felt safe. The MDX passed my snowy treacherous road test. Not as good as my old audi but good enough. Now I'm the process of putting on Manik Step bars with all the rubber mats and Cargo liner from "Weathertech" to protect the inside carpeting from wet snow. The MDX and I are ready to defeat winter this season. If only our American troops would do the same in Afganistan.
General Observations
- Overall, my MPG has been around 18.5 (combined city + highway). Gas mileage never really improved as the engine was loosened up.
Negatives
- Wind noise has only been a problem for me at high speeds (i.e. above 65mph). I have driven both touring and non-touring models and still believe that a good source of the wind noise is caused by the roof rack's close placement to the sunroof. Still, as with many others, I think wind and road noise can be improved
- After unbuckling the second row seat belts, they tend to not quite fully retract. This then causes them flap around and to knock against the plastic piece next to the doors. Very annoying!
- Wife claims there are some blind spots in the rearview mirrors. Personally, I have not noticed any.
- After a while, the brake pads tend to loosen up and start to "pop" when braking after reversing directions.
Positives
- Overall quality: I have had zero defect problems with the car (minus the initial air bag recall)
- Paint quality (emerald green) is excellent. I do not have any paint chip problems as previously reported by others.
- Love the versatility of the 3rd row seat
- Like the cargo capacity of the vehicle
- Like the easy entry/exit into the SUV. Much easier than other SUVs
Wish List
- Wish the standard Trip Computer calculated average miles per hour on a trip.
- Wish the car came standard with Xenon headlights
- Wish the car only required regular instead of premium gas
- Wish the car had separate heating/cooling controls for driver and passenger sides
- Wish it had an DVD/TV entertainment option much like now on the 2002 Honda Oddysey
Overall, I have been very pleased with the MDX and would recommend it to anyone.
As for the $1550 off MSRP, I'm not sure how that happened. All my associates paid full MSRP and had to wait. One of my associates mentioned that his Acura dealer emailed him regarding taking orders for 2002's and had a 2 2001's available. I called the dealer late that evening about an hour before closing. They happened to have the color/options I wanted-silver touring with navi . I offered $37000 over the phone. He laughed and said come in and we'll talk. That happened to be the last day of the month, and 1/2 hour before closing, which helps you with negotiations if the salesperson need to make quota. They countered with $38500, so getting a $1000 off MSRP was possible off the 2001s. Another 10 minutes later and it was $37900. Didn't have to buy any options either since the MDX had no extras installed. The next day, the salesperson told me that their last MDX demo with 1000 miles was sold with $1500 of add-ons for $500 under MSRP. So, I just might have been lucky. It doesn't hurt to ask and negotiate with your current dealer. Good luck.
INKY
INKY
Or took a trip to a different area of the county during the 3-7 years that most people own the same vehicle. But then you can always gets maps from the Auto Club.
Which work fine unless the freeway is backed up. Or if all the streets aren't marked very well. At night. In a downpour. When you're late.
To each their own.
Actually...you're probably right. It IS better to stay in your home territory...and post messages to Town Hall.
Has anybody bought the new 2002 MDX yet? What do you think?
I've been enjoying reading the messages in this forum since March, when I was torn between the X-5 and the MDX. I think the better value is in the MDX, and put myself on the waiting list--I expect to take delivery of a Tafetta white, Touring, Nav. towards the end of the month.
My question is, with all this talk about good deals on the '01s, what can I expect to pay for an '02? I'm a long time client of this dealership (I own a 1995 Integra LS)--which happens to be the only one in Austin! I'll make the drive to Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio if I have to--but I don't want to start over on the wait list!!
Any thoughts? Anyone had a good experience with Texas Acura dealers? I'd appreciate any input
are there any dealers selling at msrp in tri state area on 2002's all would deliver in feb 2002
I've been enjoying reading the messages in this forum since March, when I was torn between the X-5 and the MDX. I think the better value is in the MDX, and put myself on the waiting list--I expect to take delivery of a Tafetta white, Touring, Nav. towards the end of the month.
My question is, with all this talk about good deals on the '01s, what can I expect to pay for an '02? I'm a long time client of this dealership (I own a 1995 Integra LS)--which happens to be the only one in Austin! I'll make the drive to Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio if I have to--but I don't want to start over on the wait list!!
Any thoughts? Anyone had a good experience with Texas Acura dealers? I'd appreciate any input
I've been enjoying reading the messages in this forum since March
Wonderful! It's great to see you posting and we're lookking forward to hearing about your X-5/MDX experiences!
tidester
Host
SUVs
Production began on 10/23/01.
I was offerred a 2001 the last week of Oct. I asked the dealer about a discount off the MSRP, due to the resale loss down the road. They declined and we continued our wait. Last thursday, 11/01/01 the dealer called back with our new 2002 S/S Premium model. We purchased it the next day. We paid MSRP which is .9% (~$400.) more than last year. This is a token amount vs. buying a "year old" model and taking the resale depreciation ding. Aditionally, we live in So. Calif. and were quite amazed that in just over 1 week our MDX was built in Canada shipped from Buffalo, NY and into our hands. Finally, we were on our waiting list for about 6 weeks. I hope this is helpful to some and encouraging to others, Happy Motoring!
P.S. Neither my wife who drives the vehicle nor myself saw any value in the Navi. Sys.. This is probably attributable to living in a big city (L.A.).
I've decided on the MDX vs the Highlander. I was looking at the Highlander Limited 4wd, V6, Leather, Sunroof, side air bags, roof rack, JBL stereo, etc, and was comparing it to the MDX Basic (which has just about everything listed above (-JBL 6 disc).
Both Vehicles have a MSRP of $35,000+. I can get the Highlander at around 33,000 thus saving $2000.00. I test drove the Highlander twice and the MDX twice, both vehicles drive very nice, but I felt the MDX had a better quality feel to it. I like the looks of the MDX over the Highlander and I feel the 4wd system on the MDX is superior to the Highlander. I did like the leather on the Highlander, I think it may have been a little better quality.
When it came right down to it I would rather invest $35,000 in an Acura vs $33,000 for a Toyota. So I will be making my deposit within the next week, my question is should I spring for the extra and go with the Touring model over the Basic? Is is worth the difference? What do some of you think?
Thanks for all the help and great information....Almost ready to order!
Transpower
I've finally persuaded my wife that the MDX might -- just might -- be a viable alternative to a Windstar minivan for us and the 3 kids (10 and under) for daily and weekend driving and the occasional 100-200 mile trips to other East Coast cities. Her beloved '92 Saab9000 is starting to disassemble and she's fed up with it. Anyway, since she's not sold on getting an SUV for the long term (we tend to keep our cars about 10 years) she's wondering about LEASING one. We've never even considered leasing before, so my questions (finally) are:
Are dealers offering MDX's to lease?
What are the most likely down payment/monthly payment scenarios for the base edition? Do I have a choice of 3 or 4 years on a lease?
Anything else I should keep in mind in considering a lease? Like is it realistic to think that with 3 kids I'll be turning the vehicle back in in good condition after 3 or 4 years? (I'm not looking for explicit lease vs. buy arguments here, I know there's another board for that).
Our nearest dealer here on Long Island is Island Acura Saab in Wantagh. Anyone have personal experience with that dealership?
Sorry for making this first post so long and thanks in advance for any and all help.
I am sure our "oldtimers" will be happy to share their experiences!
tidester
Host
SUVs
I hope I'm right.
One question I have is this: the '02 brochure lists a weight difference between Base and Touring at 60 pounds and I am wondering why? I expect part of it has to do with the different wheels and perhaps also the power mechanism in the passenger seat but does that add up to another 60 pounds? I am wondering also whether the additional weight makes a difference in gas mileage (how could it not)? Anyone who can shed light on this will be my big buddy.
For information and the good of the order here are a few comments from my process of coming to my decision:
Two weeks ago, I had a deal on an '01 Base model in LA (Acura 101 West) and they were just wonderful to deal with via Internet and by phone; I decided, however, that with the cost of trucking (from LA to Pennsylvania) and no significant discount on the '01, it made a lot better sense for me to get the '02, if possible from a closer dealer and not have to pay the trucking charge. I did a lot of calling and seemed to be told repeatedly to try dealers in the south, especially Florida and South Carolina. Most didn't have what I wanted (Touring, Mesa Beige, no Nav, no dealer installed accessories) and almost all dealers in Florida told me they were barred from selling "out of region" and/or had rediculous dealer fees for doing the paperwork (but really, what 'paperwork' is there? -- mailing the MSO to me and putting a transit tag on the vehicle to drive it home -- it occurred to me that this is another way for the dealers to take advantage of us when they have what we want and is in short supply right now -- I finally decided that the margin on the MSRP and the holdback were more than enough to give up to any dealer and I wasn't going to be held hostage over the 'paperwork fee').
So I ended up in South Carolina and found exactly what I wanted at MSRP but no silly extra charges and no nonsense about selling "out of region." The car I found is built and now on rail going to SC and will be delivered to me by no later than the day after Thanksgiving. And I was treated with respect by the dealership and have been called constantly to keep me advised of progress on the order.
As to the decision of Base v. Touring, I can say a few things that occurred to me: my initial thinking that the Base was the way to go gave way to my thinking that I really wanted the better stereo (everyone I know of who has one or knows of MDX says that the Bose system in the Touring is just a killer system and I am a nut about my tunes so for me it was a logical choice), as well as a power passenger seat and a memory seat on the driver side; is it worth the extra money? Possibly not, but I am anticipating that I will enjoy the extras and will not be hurt at resale time for having bought them; I do know, however, that the dealers (almost every one I talked with from CA to FL) say that the Base model is more in demand than the Touring and harder to locate for prospective buyers -- is it because of price? Probably.
The decision about Navigation was, for me, one of the toughest choices (along with color) -- all the reviews say that the Acura Nav system is the best going, hands down. I want it like most of us do, but also don't 'need' it and for another $2,000, I just decided that I would prefer to have the Touring extras and forgo the Nav. I still wonder, however, if I made the right choice. I am hopeful that we will see good portable Navigation that can be moved between cars and not need dedicated in-vehicle units (that will obviously have to go with the car when it is sold or traded and won't be able to be seen as having justified the cost to get them to begin with). Having said all that, I am sure those MDX'ers who have Nav love it and, if unlimited funds were present to me, I would too.
As to the decision of MDX v. Lexus, BMW, Highlander, Envoy, etc., etc., I went through the same thought process that many of us have in coming to the MDX choice. There probably is no wrong choice but when you take into consideration all factors -- build quality, features on the car for the money, all wheel drive system, stereo, third seat, standard features that are extras in other choices, overall looks, I could not conclude anything other than the MDX. I would have bought the X-5 except for the price ($10K more than what I paid for the MDX for the vehicle I would have wanted) and the better all wheel drive system on the MDX. The Lexus and the Highlander -- very much alike in so many respects -- just never struck me as having the substance and build quality of either the X-5 or the MDX. I thought seriously of the Envoy for about 30 minutes but ended up hating the seats (in which you slide all around on when cornering)and just concluded that the looks of the MDX and all of its features for the money blew the Envoy away in my thinking.
Who wants to have pay full sticker for the MDX -- no one, including me, but given all the parts of the equation, there is no doubt in my mind that dollar for dollar, feature for feature, the MDX is the undisputed top gun in this market right now -- even at MSRP.
Hope my thoughts are helpful to anyone else looking. Good luck to everyone.
Denis
I haven't talked price with any dealerships yet, so I don't know what to expect--but I fully intend on getting a fair deal--nobody likes to feel like they've been advantage of, but I don't want to cave in b/c of supply and demand. Maybe I can get a discount on dealer-installed accessories? Am I being unreasonable?
I wish I had time to review all the previous messages, but....
I currently own a Pathfinder and there were a ton of people in the PF board who have bought their PF and QX4 north of the border. So, has anyone tried it?
The reason on the PF is Nissan will honor the warranty for its Canadian model. You just need to buy the PF in Canada, then called Nissan America and put the PF's VIN in the system and that will do.
I was just wondering if anyone in the MDX board purchased in Canada and brought it over to the U.S. and if they can share their experience.
Also, the 1.6EL isn't available in the U.S. and you relocated, which might qualify it more as a special relocation exemption (if there's such a thing) rather than just going out and buying an MDX for the purpose of using it in the U.S. So I don't know if it'd get the same treatment, but you're best qualified to do that research locally.
I know of another MDX system where two folks have mentioned buying from Canada. Haven't heard anything from one but the other was complaining vociferously because his vehicle had some problems. The dealership was able to resolve his issues (it sold him the Canadian vehicle, which is a somewhat different case), but there may have been issues/delays because of the third-party warranty that had to be used (Acura warranty was not applicable).