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Acura MDX (pre-2007)

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  • stangeljstangelj Member Posts: 74
    That's standard practice for the 2 Honda dealers I've gone to with my Odyssey too. They always show me a maintenance sheet that has way more on it than what the manual says to do, and I follow the severe conditions schedule in the manual. I always have to bring the manual in with me when I drop off the vehicle and ensure they're only doing what needs to be done.
  • dulnevdulnev Member Posts: 652
    jediwebdude,

    Where did you get $1,000 off? I'm willing to drive 500 miles to get such a deal.

    And what is a "fleet" representative? I'm not planning to purchase an entire fleet of MDX's, just one of them will do :-)

    Thanks.
  • katkisonkatkison Member Posts: 40
    We put a deposit down on a black MDX with Touring and NAV about three weeks ago at Sterling McCall Acura in Houston. Because we are closing on our house next week, we opted to wait for one instead of buying one in inventory. They had three in stock on the lot for anyone to buy off the street. They seem to use these for impulse buyers instead of moving to the next person on the list when a customer falls through.

    They appear to be the largest in town. They had about 15 MDXs pre-sold and waiting to be prepped and delivered to customers when we were there and told us they get about 20-25 a week.

    The Internet sales person won't deal off MSRP, but throws in their "appearance" package (which I wouldn't pay for anyway) and discounts on accessories. Not great, but better than nothing. They were very nice to us, very professional and the Sales Manager made a point to come by, shake our hands and thank us for our business. I haven't had that happen often.

    So you can definitely find dealers not marking up in Texas. Hope this helps.

    Kelly
  • luonghluongh Member Posts: 12
    Does anyone know there's going to be any cosmetic change to the 2003 mdx or just the bigger engine? Are there any spy pictures on the 2003 mdx? Thanks a mil.
  • jediwebdudejediwebdude Member Posts: 6
    We bought our MDX at the Acura dealership in Ft. Worth, TX through the fleet manager. $1,000 off was for in-stock models only. Same for dealership in Arlington, TX that was offering $750 off.

    Most auto dealerships have fleet salespeople who operate within a different set of guidelines than traditional salespeople. They try to market themselves through organizations, credit unions, banks, etc... rather than deal with walk-in customers. But anyone can contact a fleet rep to make a purchase, and fleet reps are not limited in what models they can sell like the old days.

    Fleet reps usually have more negotiation capabilities, and some even have set prices over invoice. A prime example was when we purchased our previous SUV (Eddie Bauer 4WD Expedition). We walked in and worked with a traditional salesperson. When it came to numbers, he would not go below $1,000 over invoice...he wouldn't even take our offer to the sales manager (we were offering $500 over invoice). We walked out and sit in our car while wife calls the dealership while we're in their parking lot and asked for the fleet rep. She tells flleet rep which one we want, flleet rep is selling Expeditions for $400 over invoice. We walk back in and sign paperwork. Dealership lost $100 because of stubborn salesperson, and salesperson lost the sale.
  • jediwebdudejediwebdude Member Posts: 6
    Found this site...many of these items are about half of what they'd cost if purchased at time of vehicle purchase:


    http://acuradriver.safeshopper.com/10/cat10.htm?767 <---- MDX accessories

  • inky4inky4 Member Posts: 238
    first oil change at 1000 miles. 7500 thereafter with synthetic. Clearance.
    INKY
  • inky4inky4 Member Posts: 238
    Accessory Prices there are much much better there.
    no shipping! no tax.
    check out all prices on their web site.
    INKY
  • lees118lees118 Member Posts: 2
    How can get info on contacting a fleet manager of Acura in the Boston or eastern Massachusetts area?
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    Does anyone know any in the SF Bay Area?

    I called a few dealers before but there isn't much fleeting for Acura as it seems. Some are mostly mom and pop size with only 3-4 salesperson.
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    There are Fleet and Internet departments in the Bay Area, just unlikely a salesman is willing to introduce you to one.
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    I never found one yet... any names?

    Also there isn't any selling below MSRP here. Any leads anyone?
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    If you can find one at MSRP, that's a deal. The only Bay Area dealer near MSRP was Solano, and they've got a waiting list. Ask for Anita Townes.
  • jediwebdudejediwebdude Member Posts: 6
    lees118,

    Just call the Acura dealerships' main line and ask for their fleet rep.

    -Jedi
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Wow. Great truck. I ended up getting $20 off MSRP. They gave me a real hard time about my online loan, so much so that they under cut it by 0.24 percent. They weren't even going to take it. When they started talking rates, I told them they better get the best because the online bank would beat it. They came back with a rate that the online bank could only match, for ease, I went with their rate. It made a big difference having a loan in hand to bargain with. I used VirtualBank.com. Great service and really only 15 minutes of effort. I was sorry not to give them the business, due to the effort of my rep, but ease, and matched rate made me go with the dealer. Love the stereo, however the tree controls (i.e. wipers, etc.) are not the same quality as everything else seems to be. The first thing I noticed that the front speakers weren't the best, however, there was a 20 song Ozzy fest on the radio on the way home, and the stereo really rocked!
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    I found Hopkins Acura (in Redwood City, CA) are stilling at MSRP also.

    Ask for Arlene Kennedy or Ray. I have my order with them for an '03 MDX.

    The waiting is kind of long for the '02 but they don't ding for extra stuff too.

    It's the same MDX at MSRP.
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    Who's that dealer giving your the problem with the online loan. I have the peoplefirst.com one and thought about the virtualbank.com also.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Actually every dealer I called in the last 2 weeks telling them I had a check in hand gave me a hard time. My car has been on order an was a month late, so I have been shopping around by phone. They all give the same song and dance, "those banks never pay off" "it took 30 days to get the loan settled", etc. I told them they could have the check ahead of time, so they had a few days to close the deal. That is when they came back and under-cut the rate. I think it was only salesman tactics to try and get a few more dollars by doing the loan themselves, rather than not taking the loan. If you want to use one of the online companies, just expect to have to give it to the dealer a few days ahead of time. It is free to get an online loan approval, so I recommend it, at least for bargaining purposes.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    This was probably my biggest worry about getting it. Maybe the people complaining about road noise only have driven $50,000 luxo vehicles? I only was on the highway for 20 minutes, but compared to any car I have owned, it is very quiet. You can hear a little wind/road noise, but not so much that you have to turn down the radio to hear someone in the back seat (which is what my other cars have been like on the highway). Maybe it is only perspective, for me road noise factor is nil.

    I have only been reading about it for so long, that I immediately start checking off the stuff I read about on this forum.
  • BimalBimal Member Posts: 2
    I am looking at MDX base (no touring) in Brunswick Area, NJ. I am quoted 3500 over MSRP! I remember that someone had posted that they bought an MDX at MSRP in Northern NJ. Which dealer in Northern NJ.

    Also one thing I noticed today is all the window glasses and windshields have Honda imprinted on them, so are the headlights and taillights and all doors also have Honda stickers on them. Atleast it should say Acura, I have not seen the engine, does it also say Honda?

    Please post who sells at MSRP in NJ so that I can go get it or wait a while if they put me on wait list so as not to overpay.
  • stangeljstangelj Member Posts: 74
    I'm sure you know this but Acura is just a brand, a division of American Honda. It's all marketing. In Japan there is no Acura.
  • ed1948ed1948 Member Posts: 2
    Bimal
    I live in Northern NJ and just ordered an MDX.
    I went to Park Ave. Acura in Maywood. I paid MSRP for a base, no accessories. I was told it might take 3-4 months. I think it will be sooner, I am not in a hurry.
  • gonzaj22002gonzaj22002 Member Posts: 2
    Hello i'm new to this board. My question is regarding the oil change for the MDX 4 wheel drive system that requires changing every 7500 miles. Is this really needed or is it just another way the dealers ripp us off ($90.00).
  • margermarger Member Posts: 7
    gonzaj22002,

    If you are referring to changing the differential VTM fluid, Acura recommends this to be done first at 7,500 miles (for proper break-in) and then every 30,000 miles thereafter starting at 30K (30K, 60K, 90K, etc.) There is no need to change VTM every 7,500 miles.

    Also, there is no need to take your MDX to the dealer, it is pretty simple to do this yourself. The cost of VTM varies with the dealers, but should be approximately $20 to $22 per gallon (enough for approximately 4 changes).
  • andruvandruv Member Posts: 6
    I can find no one in Seattle area not charging at least 1,000 more than MSRP. Is it worth paying that much for an MDX??? What will the 2003 base be priced at? Will production increase in 2003?
  • smstexsmstex Member Posts: 1
    Are there any changes in the 2003 MDX? Also, can anyone tell me if the navigation system is worth the money?
  • gonzaj22002gonzaj22002 Member Posts: 2
    thanks for the info. my dealer provided me with a maint. schedule booklet that upon furhter inspection I noticed it is not by Acura, it is there own schedule for service at my expense. I checked out the owners manual and there it was just like you said. you are a genius. thanks again.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    I would go by what is recommended in the manual. Please note that the manual does state a separate maintenance schedule for "severe" conditions, and it defines what those severe conditions are. The "severe" schedule does accelerate various fluid changes.

    Unfortunately, some dealerships try to convince drivers who do not meet the "severe" criteria that they should follow that schedule anyway. I suppose extra maintenance can't hurt outside of the wallet and one's time, but it's your dollar.
  • tyotstyots Member Posts: 1
    andruv,

    I found pretty much the same deal in the area--MSRP+$1000. I finally broke down because I wanted a granite. Bought granite, touring, nav 4 days ago. Love the vehicle, but I made some calls today to see if I could have done better. I know I shouldn't have but here's what I found over the phone. Acura of Seattle had one for MSRP plus options--running boards and a couple others. Acura of Lynnwood didn't commit but seemed willing to go below +$1000 (rainy tax day without many customers) and said they through in extras such as locking lugs and cargo tray.

    My biggest disappointment was when I called Radley Accura in VA--will be moving in 3 months. They're straight MSRP and only 3.17% sales tax(vs 8.5% in Fife. Ouch! But I'm sure the sweet 3000 mile drive and my first choice granite will be worth the bucks.
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    Just to make you feel better, Acura of Seattle was asking (and getting) MSRP + $2000 just six months ago. And don't forget 8.8% in King County.
  • comptime1comptime1 Member Posts: 1
    I just bought an MDX touring w/NAV at Lynnwood Acura Sunday for MSRP with accessories at Acura website prices. This is the second car we have bought there (first-TL TypeS). Very good buying experience form Acura of Lynnwood. Give Terry Hogan a call.
  • foxcroft1foxcroft1 Member Posts: 16
    I tried just blending one half tank regular and premium and noticed a marked reduction in hill pulling power and in quickness entering a freeway. I don't put on a lot of miles and plan to stick with the premium gas. with summer adjustments to gasoline it may already have an effect on performance. I did not get an pinging but it sure drove like it was tuned down too much to enjoy the car.
  • aggie76aggie76 Member Posts: 266
    We've got one in our 2001 Touring and my wife uses it all the time. It is extremely easy to use. We're in a large town and it really helps in finding dinner spots, kids events downtown, dealing with detours/traffic tie ups by rerouting us. Maybe a little expensive but convenience is hard to deal with. Especially since my wife has tough time reading maps and it's in her car.

    I've been looking at new cars for me and so far haven't found another nav system as easy to use and I've looked at Audi, Infinit, Mercedes, etc.
  • jj_mdxjj_mdx Member Posts: 2
    We've just got our MDX (red/touring) from a dealer in Plano, Texas (David McDavid Acura). We paid MSRP, but he threw in the rear mud guard, moon roof visor, body side molding, wheel locks and VIN etching for free. The sales person, Andrew Ferris, is a very nice guy and fun to talk to, not pushy at all. We placed our order last Saturday and drove out in our new MDX yesterday. He also gave us a very good trade-in value for our old car.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Anyone know where to get good rubber mats for the front and rear? Similar to husky liners? Husky doesn't make passenger area mats for the MDX, at least not yet?
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I think we've been spending too much time discussing dealers and not enough time discussing MDX's. :-)

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • woodridgewoodridge Member Posts: 1
    I heard that the availability and price of MDX might be better in Canada. Has anyone looked into that direction? I assume those cars will have speedometers in metric system and they need to be converted. How about the warranty? Do the Acura dealers in US honor those warranties? Thanks for your information.

    -- Woodridge
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I haven't had time to go through my manual yet, but it looks like you lower the wheel via the bolt inside the cargo area? Do you then access it from beneath the vehicle or from inside the cargo area? How hard is it to access, i.e. possible on the side of a road or only in a wide open parking lot? Would we be better off calling Acura TLC?
  • leokadia1leokadia1 Member Posts: 94
    When the dealers start to sell the MDX @ a fair price!! Maybe them we will talk more above how great a vehicle the MDX is.

    60,000-80,000 people whom purchased a MDX,I am still waiting to here
    from just one person out there who didn't pay MSRP/or over.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    My dealer put their name on the back of my MDX. It is sort of done with "pin striping". Does anyone have the same thing, and been successful removing it. I figure some other owners have taken this off? Is there a solvent that removes the "pin stripe" but not the clearcoat?
  • gotothelightgotothelight Member Posts: 31
    Tidester, your right on the mark about this board spending a lot of time with cost and dealer problems. I finally started spending my time on the accuramdx.org site that has disscusions that are helpful. This board does have many ongoing questions and answers that are valuable, and in fact it was the reading of this board that helped me make my buying decision. But on the down side it seems, a lot of posters here are focusing on how Acura is making everyone pay MSRP and how bad they are. What a bunch of whiners. The price is a function of market realality and will go down if and when demand lessens. Leokadia1, if you don't like the price then buy something else. IMO, the MDX is worth every penny and then some compared to its competition. I nearly bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee at 35K and if I had I would have ended up with a recalled vehicle that consumer reports says is a reliability risk. The only risk I have with my MDX is low flying birds.
  • jkopperjkopper Member Posts: 6
    Most dealers will remove that sticker for you if you ask them to. You are not obligated to have a sticker on your car, and if they give you difficulty, simply inform them that they'll get good word-of-mouth advertising from you... unless they refuse to remove that sticker.
  • inky4inky4 Member Posts: 238
    Love the X. In heavy rain sure and stable.
    Noticed the trip computer is always 1 mpg higher than actual. funny they err to look more efficient. Anyone else seen this?
    Learned lately that dealers need not even put a factory sticker on an SUV or truck. Only law for cars. Funny. So they can ask whatever you will give them. MSRP is a meaningless arbitrary number.
    What is stocks had an MSRP. Ridiculous. People buy for what they think it is worth and how it will perform. Of course stocks can be winners. All vehicle purchases are looses so goal is to minimize depreciation. You can buy at MSRP and sell for an amazing high price. I found this with my 2002 Odyssey. Imagine buying a discounted Durango and selling a few months later. You will be hurtin'
    INKY
  • msh8448msh8448 Member Posts: 23
    Inky4 >> Excellent point. The true cost of a vehicle is it's Life Cycle Cost, not the MSRP or even the selling price. My guess is that if you calculated the Life Cycle Cost of several mid-size SUVs, the MDX (due to it's low depreciation, high reliability, and high quality) would have one of the lowest Life Cycle Costs. When you factor-in the safety and convenience features you get with the MDX, it's value becomes even greater compared to other SUVs. It's just another example of where "value" is not defined by the selling price.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Though when factoring in costs, please keep in mind that the MDX isn't super-cheap to maintain. It's not as expensive as, say, German dealership service, but note that most of the German makes include some level of free service (not necessarily totally free, however). But it's more expensive than a Honda/Toyota dealership. Acura dealerships tend to charge more for service, somewhere just below or matching Lexus dealerships (which also don't include maintenance).
  • heatmiser1heatmiser1 Member Posts: 122
    Also keep in mind the Acura MDX's will not always sell at MSRP (or higher). At this point, if you should choose to sell your MDX, your total amount of depreciation will be negatively affected. As it stands right now, a USED MDX can still be sold for a premium since dealers are still selling NEW MDX's at MSRP or higher. Once that changes, so will resale prices. Those who do purchase the MDX (or any car/SUV) at MSRP or higher will be the most negatively affected when looking to resale the SUV 4-6 years down the road because of the high margin they provided to the dealer. However, Acura products tend to maintain higher than average resales across the board so the depreciation factor still shouldn't be as bad as a Durango.
  • leokadia1leokadia1 Member Posts: 94
    People who defend paying list price are just justifying it to themselves. No one should have to pay list price for any vehicle period. NOT EVEN A MDX!!!!!!!!!
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    I have to agree. Amen.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Towing
    The manual says not to tow the truck, but rather flatbed it in an emergency. I think that is a good thing to remember if ever broken down. I wonder if acura TLC will be able to respond with an appropriate service if (hopefully not) called upon.

    VTM
    It is also interesting that it says if ever stuck, not to spin the front wheels too much. I guess that since it is a true AWD vehicle the you could put too much stress on the rear drivetrain and possibly snap the driveline? Seems consistent with the towing recommendations.
  • gotothelightgotothelight Member Posts: 31
    Leokadia1, I went through all your previous posts and I see you've been harping about MSRP for the MDX for quit a while. Please enlighten us as to how much you think the MDX should sell for if you were in charge. Of course everyone wants to pay as little as possible. But blameing those of us who have already bought an MDX for keeping the price high is a little silly, don't you think. Try and understand market demand. The MDX is hot, and likely to be that way for a while, and while I would have liked to have spent less, I felt that it was worth every penny based on all other SUV's I compared it to. Have you gone out and looked?. Try it out and get back to us on what you find out. For instance, check out the price on an
    Eddie Baure Ford Explorer fully loaded. Not just Edmunds price, but real world price including rebates and dealer discounts. Trust me, you need to do this in order to understand.
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