Acura MDX (pre-2007)

rihoops · January 2002

I have an 01 MDX with factory rack and just bought a Thule box for the roof rack. Thule and Yakima both have systems where you do not have to drill into the car. I prefer Thule, but Yakima has good stuff too.

autobroker · January 2002

One of my dealer contacts told me recently that Acura has discontinued the Granite Green color mid-year so no additional orders for the car can be placed by the dealers. You will continue to see them coming in through March because of previous orders so there is a chance to get one if it is not already spoken for. I was able to take over someone's place in line (for one of my clients) recently because a dealer had a cancellation.

A mid year color is being added - a shade of Blue. Apparently, you can see the color at the dealer but not on the website yet.

mikekabrisky1 · January 2002

The color that is coming out this Spring is Havasu Blue Metallic. Actually, a demo MDX with this color was at my dealer. Didn't want to buy it though since it had almost 600 miles due to customers driving it for the 2 months. Very beautiful color!!

stever · January 2002

Sounds nice, mikekabrisky1. I got to see the original "Havasu blue" color just last month. Too bad most computer monitors don't render color swatches very well (I'll spare you my vacation pics ).

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

mark189 · January 2002

This color will also be offered for the Odyssey.

will4271 · January 2002

This has been a very famous color on both MDX and Odysseys.

tloke1 · January 2002

I just read somewhere that the MDX does not have side airbags! Unbelievable for a $40,000+ vehicle and one marketed as a family minivan. Someone had posted a couple weeks ago that they would not buy a Jeep as the crash rating was not as good as the MDX. Shows how some people think illogically. I'd rather be in a Jeep (or other vehicle) protected with side curtain airbags than an MDX without them!! My guess is that in a side collision the person in the Jeep would come out much better than one in an MDX without them.

There really is NO excuse Acura did not offer them in a vehicle of supposed high luxury and safety.

will4271 · January 2002

I heard that the 2nd and 3rd rows on the MDX are not leather????

Is that true?

ML320 are leather, right???

wmquan · January 2002

The MDX has front side airbags for the thorax, but it does not have side curtain airbags. I do think that Acura should add them.

Here's the logic ... I personally don't consider side curtain airbags absolutely essential in a higher-riding SUV, though I do consider them totally essential in a lower-riding sedan. That's because the impact point and the major injury potential is from vehicle intrusion through the side, which the conventional side airbags protect.

When a sedan is hit by another sedan, the thoraxic side air bag usually provides sufficient protection. When a sedan is hit by a higher-riding vehicle like an SUV, there's more intrusion up high and thus the need for side curtains in the lower-riding sedan.

There are some other things the side curtains protect for, such as the head bouncing off the door sill -- though that is often more dependent on vehicle design and is easily revealed in crash test videos. As far as I know there's not a whiplash issue -- remember that most side bags are not as big and pillowy as front-impact bags are.

In a higher SUV, the impact would have to be very high indeed to fully leverage the head-protecting side airbags. In fact, when IIHS began touting side curtain airbags, they had to use the "pole test" to demonstrate how they could be really useful. In such a case, a car is slid sideways into a pole, thus causing significant intrusion up high. Obviously side curtains help in that case.

And, frankly, while vehicles can slide sideways into a tree or a pole, it's not exactly a commonplace accident. Whereas an offset front crash (where the aforementioned Jeep Grand Cherokee scores only a Marginal), or a full frontal crash (where the JGC scores only three stars) are much, much more common than a vehicle sliding sideways into a pole.

The presence of the head protection airbags in the Grand Cherokee didn't help it earn the highest score in the NHTSA side impact test -- it earned five stars on the passenger side, four on the driver's side. Still good, but not 5/5. Acura claims that their internal testing demonstrates that the MDX will score 5/5 when NHTSA finally tests it. I don't know for sure if it'll happen; we'll have to see. But Acura did call the IIHS score correctly and they have the prediction to uphold. So if the MDX does score 5/5 in the side impact test, it'll actually do better than the JGC in a conventional side impact, as well as an offset crash and probably the full-front crash too. Though worse if you slide sideways into a pole.

Now, all this said, I still think Acura should add side curtains. It's a matter of ratcheting up safety in degrees and side curtains would be nice. But are they absolutely necessary? No. Mercedes-Benz didn't add side curtains to the M-class SUV until a few months ago, and there's certainly no rush in M-class owners to trade in their vehicles for the 2002's (though the M-class has some outstanding safety features not available in either the MDX or JGC).

Frankly, I think the net safety improvement would be higher if Acura first added stability control before adding side curtain air bags. If Acura only wanted to add one safety improvement for 2003, I would much rather see the electronic stability control (Acura's version is called VSA) added than the side curtains because I think the former would give more bang for the safety buck -- though I suppose that opinion might be affeced if one drives mostly in good weather.

I'd also agree that Honda/Acura is somewhat behind in adding some of the newer, nicer safety features, as has been discussed on the Pilot board. I think their newer vehicles, including the MDX, are quite safe. But I think they should do more. Toyota/Lexus has been more aggressive about adding stability control and side curtains.

wmquan · January 2002

The MDX's first and second rows are leather trimmed (parts that touch you are leather). The third row seat is not leather.

The ML320 has seats that are, sort of, all leather. The front seats are backed by a hard plastic shroud that covers most of the back, so there's no leather there. Unless that's changed for 2002 (supposedly the shrouds help protect the front seats if you load up the vehicle).

rpawlak98 · January 2002

I went to look at the MDX in the Smithtown, NY dealship yesterday and was very disappointed. Aside from not having an MDX to show to me, the salesman gave me an outragous price. It seemed to be way above the MSRP. The salesman said that the MDX is in such high demand that he doesn't have to lower his price? Is this correct?? If so, it looks like Acura needs to improve there manufacturing rate for the MDX. There certainly aren't many on the road.

joeadp · January 2002

I to was turned off by their attitude and went in a diferent direction for my SUV.

There are numerous other quality choices in this
category. In summary I figured why wait and overpay?

Best of luck.

leokadia1 · January 2002

I along with joeadp and I hope rpawlka98 will wait till they start building more. I want at least $2000.00 off MSRP. The dealer still makes over $3000.00 on the base MDX I want. On the other hand I don't see dealer requesting more production. They rather sell fewer @ jack up prices. (= less work = more profit!!!!)

dave210 · January 2002

I thought I'd also take a look at the MDX in the North shore suburbs of Chicago. I saw a Red 2002 MDX Touring with Navigation with an MSRP of $39,000. Okay enough, but...

There was the $7000 dealer up-charge for the $1500 dealer "Package A," $1500 for running boards, $500 for wood steering wheel, $700 for fender flares, $500 for moon roof deflector, $300 for wheel locks, $1000 for special paint protection, $500 window etching, $500 dealer pin striping.

And then the Acura sales man had the nerve to yell at me. I asked if it was possible to order one without all that dealer crud, and he chased me to my car, yelling at me that they can put whatever they want on these cars because they can't build enough of them, and even if I wasn't happy with it, they would sell the model anyway. He also said to me to get used to the dealer up-charge because as he put it, "We can do that because people will pay and we can't waste our time dealing with people who just can't accept that." This guy was literally yelling at me for questioning their sales tactics. All I have to say is Acura's attitude to this car is really making people mad, including me, and I don't even own one.

The MDX is a great car, but for $46,000, there are many other SUV's that are better in my opinion to choose from, mainly the BMW X5, Mercedes ML500, and even the Lexus RX300.

The Acura had that nice third row of seats that the others don't other than the Mercedes, but I can't see paying sticker, let alone $7000 over sticker for a car that in a couple years will be worth much less than what the sticker price was.

will4271 · January 2002

I think a number of things contribute to a low production.

1) Acura wants to keep the prices high around MSRP at least. But the MSRP is around the areas of lots of other SUV. I looked around and some other SUV were just a little below. The dealers play above MSRP game not Honda.

2) No space for more manufacturing; they are moving production of Honda minivans to another location so that can increase production for both pilot and mdx.

3) Maybe they want to do built to order like DELL style. (Less material stuck at the pipelines, less overhead = more $$$ in profit).

Also, those greedy Acura and sales dept. take advantage of this.

Same with some greedy Honda dealers take advantage of the Honda minivan pricing. In the SF Bay Area, even the good dealers were asking at least $1000 above MSRP or no sell. Some asked $3000 above...

There seems to be site setup by some people on this group where you can rate your sales experience (fill it out, it will help everyone to avoid that dealer).

http://www.acuramdx.org

(There are some good Acura dealers but you have to wait longer; question how much to take for an ample wait??)

IMO, the prices should stablize sometime next year. Then you will have more supply of Honda/Acura SUVs with the Honda Pilot (first year... not sure about the quality though).

I am not happy to pay more for no extra features..

that competitors have or the acura line already has...

wmquan · January 2002

Sorry to hear all these horror stories. There are a lot of greedy dealers out there who are really gouging on the MDX. It's really terrible and Acura seems to lack the will, or ability, or the care to clamp down on the behavior of the bad dealerships. In the long run, it'll hurt them badly in their quest to be considered a luxury brand.

Dave210 -- You should post the name of the dealership and the name of the salesperson here, that type of behavior is absolutely unexcusable.

There are some good dealership and salespeople out there who are getting besmirched by the greedy ones. There are definitely dealerships who will sell at "just MSRP" without tricks, though obviously that won't make folks looking for below-MSRP pricing happy. For those who think that MSRP without gimmicks is okay, those dealerships are out there but it varies by area and takes some calling around.

We enjoy our MDX and find it an excellent vehicle. Not happy about having paid MSRP for it but at the time we bought it (10/00), we thought it was still a very good value relative to what was on the marketplace at the time (had a new baby, couldn't wait for '02 models).

Competition should eventually correct these woes -- at least one would hope. The ML320 received some nice improvements for 2002 and is a very strong alternative to the MDX (and can be bought for $500 above invoice in most parts of the country), a redesigned (7-seater?) RX300 is in the works, the Explorer/Mountaineer is much improved and now has excellent IIHS crash test scores, GM is producing better vehicles, and Volvo and VW are coming out with SUV's very soon. The Honda Pilot will itself compete with the MDX.

The Volvo SUV greatly intrigues me. 7-seater, car-based body (S80 platform), two engine choices (one of them may prove somewhat anemic, unfortunately), nice gadgets like a surround-sound DVD entertainment system for the kids, and a huge dose of Volvo safety in it (reinforced roof structure, airbags galore, whiplash protection seats, not just stability control but an enhanced version for preventing rollovers, an infrared night vision system, bi-xenon headlamps, etc.). Unfortunately it'll probably be quite pricey and ownership costs for Volvos tend to be on the high side.

carguy911 · January 2002

I will soon be in the market for the leasing of a new SUV. I currently own a 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML430 ($590/mo). This car looks great in my opinion, is extremely powerful, and is really good quality (contrary to what most say). I am considering a couple of SUV's. Acura MDX (touring/NAV), BMW X5 3.0i, Lexus GX470, Volvo XC90. My primary question for this forum is how much should I expect to pay LEASE wise for an MDX??? I have a couple problems with the MDX so far. It has no curtain airbags (discussed earlier), no stability control, and I question the quality of the MDX. I realize that Honda/Acura's have good quality overall. However, the apparent cost-cutting of the MDX is causing me worries. For example (secondary switches e.g. turn signals from civic parts bin), interior door pulls are plastic, only part-real leather seating, fake wood. I know these may seem like quibbles but they do significantly contribute to the luxury-factor of the car. Also, how is the ride on the MDX? My ML430's ride is not so great. Any insight would be greatly appreciated - and so would lease prices! Thank you in advance! :-)

orland · January 2002

I agree completely with the rude Acura dealer attitudes. I have exclusively owned Acura/Honda automobiles since 1987 and, with the exception of the 1987 Acura Legend, the cars have been reliable, but far from perfect. However, the dealer attitude of take the forced options or someone else will buy it and the lack of VSA is more than I am willing to accept.

I just ordered a 2002 ML-320 with Xenon headlights at a very attractive price. I am looking forward to my new vehicle and, if it proves to be relatively trouble free, Acura/Honda may have lost me as a customer forever.

shellymeister2 · January 2002

Ride quality in MDX is MUCH better than MB ML320. Leasing will not be. Unless you can get a base MDX at MSRP, your leasing number will come in higher than the MB. Of course there are numerous other factors such as cap-cost reduction, tax included or not, and other fees that will ultimately affect the final lease price. The residual on the MDX is very high, so your Potential lease price could be very low- but it won't be......

will4271 · January 2002

From all the reading here...

I hope those execs at Honda are taking notes...( I doubt it thought...if Honda has the same service as Lexus... sales will growth expontentially)

I'm not sure it's good to buy one so much crummy sales, service... but not all Acura dealers are like that. Yes...the car will last a long long time...

I think Honda should add more value to this suv to make it worth it's price: stronger engine, Xenon headlights, stablity system to start with. If we can get all the same features for less in the Pilot. Why pay more??? I bet lots of people on the other news group (Honda Pilot) are question this too?

Here's one for you'll.

One dealer wants to sell at about $500 above MSRP for a 3-4 month delivery.

Another wants to sell at MSRP for a 8-9 month delivery.

Though the price is not an issue, feeling cheated out is. Which would you pick????

rpawlak98 · January 2002

One big turn off about the MDX (or Acura in general) is that they told me they are unable to get the vehicle to me when I want. The salesman said they get a lot of cars in and you just have to wait until they come in and the dealer calls you up. How ridiculous is that? I guess that is one of the reasons you don't see too many on the road.

sbcooke · January 2002

MSRP and 3 month wait. I would find another dealer.

inky · January 2002

Leveled out at about 900 units per week.
In America that is known as not much. with over 300 Acura dealers that is avg of 3 per week.
If GM could make a volume MDX wow.
With 3 sales per week no wonder the dealer adds.
Honda always seems to be amazing in outlook.
Odyssey 150k per year, 70k Pilot and 60k MDX when both factories going full bore. Which ones are profitable? I would eliminate Odyssey LX. Make 120k Odyssey, 90k Pilots and 70k MDX.
INKY

will4271 · January 2002

Maybe they should add an shift for the weekends if they haven't.

leokadia1 · January 2002

Wait till they take off $2000.00 over the MSRP. You can wait till the 2003 MDX comes out. I invite everyone to join my little protest against Acura ( Honda Corporation) and the money loving Acura dealers of America. The Club name is "MDX FOR LESS"

will4271 · January 2002

Maybe they should add an shift for the weekends if they haven't.

leokadia1 · January 2002

If it was up to the dealers, production would be slowed, so they could charge even more over LIST. Maybe the window sticker on the MDX could come from the factory blank so the dealer could fill in price!!!! They (the money loving dealers) could save paper because they would not have to put on the value added sticker any more.

will4271 · January 2002

Some some dealers (not Honda), I even have a big $4000 gap between MSRP and Invoice. you can sell between MSRP and Invoice...

Tricks of the trade, I guess...

hpia4v2 · January 2002

Is it human natureor is it just me?. I am studying Digital Signal Processing for a project at work and read a paper wrote by somebody, in the reference it lists a book that "out of print". I thought wow I really need to get that book! SO I looked through several book stores to search for that hidden gem. What do you know the book was sitting in my bookshelf at home all these years. I guess when you think you can't get it it worth even more to you, life is funny.

How about this, would you still consider MDX is you had a million dollar in the bank if it is then just buy it even at MSRP. You'll be happy if not then move on and search for that car.

To all of you thinking, this may help.

conradsmith · January 2002

Maybe your local dealer can't tell you what you will get (that was the way we got our Honda Accord), but it's not that way everywhere. When I ordered my MDX from Walker Acura (New Orleans), they had a list of all of the vehicles on their allocation that would be manufactured during the next 2 months. One of them was just what we wanted, so we made a down payment and got our name on that specific unit. They notified us when it came off the assembly line (with VIN) and when it arrived (5 weeks after order).

The secret is to find a dealer who knows how to work with Acura, and (preferably) one in a market that isn't to hot on SUVs.
- Conrad

raybear · January 2002

It's the customers who are paying over MSRP who are causing the problem. This is your competition, the dealers sell the vehicle for its market value. On a TL that's $1000-$1500 over invoice. On an MDX it's MSRP+.

leokadia1 · January 2002

You are 100% right. If everyone refused to pay MSRP or + the dealers would have to lower their prices. To be the first on the block with the MDX should have been over 6 months ago. I'm hoping the Honda version of the MDX take some of the List Price customers away from Acura. Maybe some of the first on the block people are ordering the new Ford T-Bird, I saw an add for one in the paper the other day, the dealer was only asking $47,900.00 for a car with a list price of $35,000.00.

mark189 · January 2002

According to Edmunds, MSRP is $1,700 below True Market Value. They could be wrong, but I haven't read anybody making that case.

I can't understand why you'd rather go to a dealer that inflates MSRP and then gladly rips off everybody unless they enter into endless haggling with paid liars (salespeople).

Remember, "I'm losing money at that price."
"I have to check with my sales manager"
You walk out, they call you a day later for more haggling.

If you've done that, and I'm sure most of us have, you probably hated it, as did I.

I hope other manufacturers follow their lead and establish fair pricing up front.

jeffmust2 · January 2002

My son was checking prices at Beverly Hills Ford a few days ago and saw a new Thunderbird in the showroom, factory stickered at $40k with another $35k added via the Sucker Sticker...

The sales guy asked, jokingly, if he wanted one..."nah, not my type" was the reply.

"That's good", the sales guy replied, "cuz we've sold several out the door loaded for more than $100k." He didn't appear to be kidding.

Makes the MDX look like a Real Bargain!

rick135 · January 2002

I wrote previously that my wife and I called a dealer in Southern California the last part of December asking for a 2002 MDX Tour w/Nav (Granite Green). We received a call three weeks later that the car was in and we could come pick it up. We ended up not getting it, because after all the reading about this vehicle , we expected more than the vehicle had. After we test drove it we were disappointed. To bad they don't have these at the dealer to test drive prior to giving them a $1000 deposit. For those of you that love this car, GREAT! But it wasn't for us. The dealer was going to sell it to us for MSRP, plus added options of wheel locks and mudguards, which they were charging more than what is listed on the Acura website. So, the fact that we got the call three weeks after we placed our order, lends me to believe that the market maybe softening.

gotothelight · January 2002

rick135, let me get this straight. You order a Fully loaded $40,000.00 MDX with out test driving it first. Thats like buying a house without going inside. Sounds more like a case of buyers remorse then anything else. If your point was that you couldn't test drive an MDX because of limited availability and went ahead and ordered it anyway, then your final point of the market softening makes even less sense. Did you at least get your 1K deposit back?

sbcooke · January 2002

Is this whole honda/acura odyssey/pilot/mdx limited supply helping the dealer network or the manufacturer? It is my understanding that a dealer pays what they pay for a car. They make whatever on what they sell it for over this? So, based on my understanding, if honda/acura would produce more cars, both the manufacturer and dealers would be bringing it in? The present case seems to be minimizing the manufacturer profits, but maximizing what the dealers are making? Is this an attempt to keep their dealer network alive while others are hurting, and bad?

will4271 · January 2002

I expect the market to soften more when the Honda Pilot is finally released. Probably when all the backorders are filled for the MDX, the prices will be more around MSRP or at MSRP.

I got a call from a dealer trying to get on on the list for a MDX today. I didn't even placed a deposit with them. I had it will another dealer.

I wish some could really find out what's in the '03 MDX compared to '02.

There has been all sorts of speculations only.

rick135 · January 2002

GOTOTHELIGHT - Not sure where you live but in Southern California the dealers don't have MDX's sitting on the lot waiting for someone to test drive. They don't have any in stock. The majority of people put down their deposit from what they have hear or read. The deposit gives you right of first refusal. And yes, they give you your money back if you don't want the car. Maybe where you live the dealers have these cars on the lots. The point I was making, is that if I can call and get this vehicle in 3 weeks, why is everyone else saying they've been told it will be months. That's why I said that the market might be getting soft, especially since there are other SUV's coming out to compete with the MDX. Sorry if I upset you.

bobdbuilder · January 2002

I've been researching intensively for a $40k vehicle that I'd be happy with for the next 4-5 years. Looking for style, power, safety, and excellent winter performance (for driving to the slopes). Like the SUV just to get more metal around me. Have studied the MDX real hard and today took the first test drive. Overall, felt like a solid ride. My two main concerns are 1) felt like I was looking at the dash of the Odyssey (couldnt shake the feeling that I was driving a minivan on steroids), and 2) road noise was louder than I expected. Am most interested in Touring package, and this was a base model, so don't know if tires will make a big difference in noise. Overall, great ride and I believe great value. Anyone else get the minivan shakes? We already have a new Suburban, so don't really need a kid hauler. Just want a great vehicle. Thoughts?

bobdbuilder · January 2002

Also - forgot to mention - was not that impressed with the seats. Compared to our 01 Suburban, the seats seemed fair. Lumbar support was not nearly as good as in our other vehicle. For this amount of money, I'd expect nice seats. Also for this price, would like to see Xenon headlights.

twoof1 · January 2002

The math is simple, the more you sell, the more allocation you get. Most dealers don't get it and use the short sighted "tight market, get whatever you can" approach. It's a fact higher volume dealers get more cars.
Follow the sample illustration below:
$3,000.00 dealer profit @ msrp X 5 MDX's per month =$15,000.00 profit
$2,000.00 profit @ $1,000.00 under msrp x10 MDX's per month= $20,000.00 profit
Come to think of it, Acura corporate could stand to benefit from increasing production using the same scenario.
Just a thought.....

sbcooke · January 2002

That is my point, It seems like there has been some limits placed on production to keep these models in high demand and I wonder what the point is? To help the dealer network?

Maybe not, maybe they are churning out as many as possible and the market is just eating them up? I expected after 1 1/2 years they would cathc up? The Odyssey has been in short supply ever since its induction? I just find it had to believe they can't make more.

mark189 · January 2002

This figure keeps getting posted. The base is $35,000 and imo is a much better deal. The only benefits to touring as I understand it are:
tire upgrade
cd upgrade
remote power seats

If you're price conscience, that's not worth it. And, if you're comparing prices, keep the base in mind because it's pretty well equiped.

sbcooke · January 2002

is $37600, not $40000. You are correct though, the base model at $35000 is very well equipped.

I went for Touring, because of the seat memory, my wife is smaller, and from what others have told me, memory seats feel safer...you are the correct distance from the steering wheel and height everytime, rather than having to adjust it each time you get in and out. Especially on short trips when you may not take the time to adjust a seat 100%.

yoram · January 2002

We ordered the MDX about six weeks ago, and we got it last Saturday. Yes, we paid MSRP, and it is worth every cent. Mind you if you convert the price of the MDX (inc. Touring pack.) to US$ it comes to exactly $30,000 So, come to Canada y'all.

We test drove a lot of SUV's (inc. MB, BMW, Lexus) and the MDX is very neer to the top.

Instead of reading complaints about price gouging, lets talk more about our experiences with this amazing machine, and whoever is not happy with its price can go and buy an 'Asstec'.

wmquan · January 2002

Unfortunately, U.S. owners who buy an MDX in Canada don't get a U.S. warranty. This is an artificial constraint that a number of manufacturers (like Honda/Acura) enforce to prevent cross-border transactions.

Some auto brokers or dealers offer third-party warranties, and some dealerships will service such grey market vehicles. Of course, one is then subject to that individual dealer's policies and potential changes.

gotothelight · January 2002

rick135--I actually do live in southern California, Pasadena area. I bought my silver touring navi from Acura of Pasadena and couldn't be more happy with both the vehicle and the buying experience. When I first called the dealer and asked if I could test drive an MDX I was told to come on down. Wife and I both drove it and thought it was great but had other test drives with different SUVs pending so we held off placing a deposit. Two months latter after many, many test drives we put down a $1500.00 deposit and three weeks latter we took delivery. I paid full MSRP with no dealer installed options other then towing package which was my request and something I think everyone should consider adding . We have put on 2,500 miles and this is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. As far as your statement that the majority of people place a deposit without first taking a test drive sounds wrong and ofcourse was'nt true for me. So Am I upset, of course not. Just wanted others to know that your experence should not be taken as the norm and anyone considering buying an MDX should just call there local Acura dealer and find out what availbilty really is, and ofcourse take a test drive first before placeing a deposit. Hope you find what your looking for in a SUV. I know it's not easy.

crikey · January 2002

Let's say I went to the U.S. for a vacation and my Canadian MDX broke down during the trip. Roadside Assistance gladly helps me get the MDX to a U.S. Acura Dealership. The dealership works on the vehicle and fixes it. Now, is the dealership not going to be able to file a warranty claim just because they worked on a Canadian MDX? I'm sure there are ways around this.

I imported a Canadian Acura 1.6EL to the U.S. There are 2 Acura dealerships in the area. I bring the vehicle to any one of these dealerships. Not one of these dealerships have had any problem filing a warranty claim for working on my Acura EL, which BTW, has an engine that no U.S. Acura vehicle has (it has the 1.6L engine from the Civic EX). One of the dealerships now have a dedicated mechanic to work on my car for maintenance and (hopefully not) repairs -- a mechanic that owns a Honda Civic EX so he is very familiar with the vehicle. The key here is repeat business -- the dealership stands to make more money via vehicle maintenance visits.

Yes, Canadian MDXs will not get a U.S. Warranty but I believe that American Honda is bound to honor the Canadian warranty, per Roadside Assistance guidelines that cover North America.

wmquan · January 2002

I think the grey market MDX issue comes down to an individual buyer's comfort level. Some folks won't go near them, so are highly interested. I think I've seen two posts among various MDX boards listing severe difficulties in getting issues fixed, and two other posts not reporting any problems so far.

Thus it's up to the buyer, but I don't think such a buyer should complain should there be serious issues later on. The MDX is a significantly more complex vehicle than most Hondas/Acuras and there is a higher statistical risk of major, expensive problems, as there is in all SUV's (fortunately so far, despite all the individualized reports of problems, Consumer Reports and JD Power both show the MDX to be "above average" in reliability/quality -- though it's not "well above average" like an RX300 currently is).

Usually it works best if the local dealerships are willing. If you have good local dealerships who will be around to support the vehicle, it can work out very well and you save money in the process. Of course, should one move to another area, that could also become a problem too.

For what it's worth, the Canadian MDX's are Touring only (no Base/Premium model available), and apparently include the rear mud guards and a block heater. The Nav system is not available on any Canadian market MDX's.

Acura MDX (pre-2007)

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