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Acura MDX (pre-2007)
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The passenger's seat is only heated on the passenger seat bottom. The passenger's seatback is not heated. Acura claims this is because of a sensor they have to control side airbag inflation on the passenger side (it won't fire if it determines there is no one in the seat, or if something small -- e.g. a child -- is too close to the side airbag).
Some of the folks in "I don't like SUVs, why do you?" might disagree with that.
tidester
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SUVs
Unfortunately, this neat bit of technology keeps them from being able to being able to place the thermal system close to the sensors.
Believe it or not, Acura is being very silent about any changes that might be occurring for 2003. If the year transitions as it normally does, dealers won't be specifying any 2003 MDX's until August (with October production anticipated).
Hope the info. helps...
Jamie S.
Not knowing if the wait is going to be worth it, may drive people to buy elsewhere. Great if you're the next on the list for the Acura/Honda, bad marketing and lost business for Acura/Honda. The unknown is not a good thing IMO when making such a large purchase, I think some call it gambling. Either way I don't like it.
I highly doubt you will get a dealer to email you at all from here, let alone beating MSRP.
Appreciate responses from whoever knows about this feature.
Separate subject: For those waiting to buy at MSRP without the wait, the end is near. Availabity is starting to improve (at least here in Southern Cal). I think once the Pilot is out things will significantly change. Comparing the spec between the Pilot EX and MDX, it is becoming harder now to justify the $6k price diff.
Also the way VTM works, as a pro-active system, applying power when slippage occurs, doesn't lend itself to a brake limiting system.
I've seen some sites that try to equate VTM-4 with TCS. Not technically correct, but they try it anyway.
http://www.hondanews.com/forms/events/index.html?kwx=pilot
and click on "Specifications". TCS is standard on both the EX and LX.
This is a Honda site but the data is stored on Wieck.
As a comparison, I believe the TCS system on the Toyota Highlander is not available if one chooses the limited slip option, it's either, not both. I wonder if the VTM system would have some difficulty in using a traction system. The TCS is also not standard on the Highlander ($600 option), even on the top model.
I'm also waiting to see how different the 2003 MDX is going to be. Larger engine, good, but what if they change to a permanent 4wd option? That would be something (maybe a true rear differential instead of the clutch pack).
It does brake the wheels, however, so I know it's there. I only experienced it once, going up a steep gravel hill to a cabin. It was a real pain.
On the other hand, Odyssey owners on Edmunds have praised it in snow.
We've been waiting but seems like the TMV is going up a bit. Since the Honda is coming out with the Pilot, the production for MDX is going to be less, is this what Honda wanted so they can keep up with the MSRP+ price for MDX? After all we still like the MDX. Anyone has any comments on future price drops.
You can call around to the finance managers of Acura dealerships in your area, tell them you're shopping for the best deal, and get a price.
Oh, btw sbcooke, I think you'll find the fuel light is under the "E" on the gas gauge. It's hard to see, but I think it's there. That's where it is on the TL, and I have about 2 gallons left when it comes on. Might be set to a higher reserve for the MDX.
I had originally looked at the MDX when it first came out, but with it being new, and price going north I decided to wait. Now I am looking again and maybe will shoot for a lefover 2002 in December. I never care much about the sell price, I aim at the trade allowance. After all they eat into the profit to offer a better trade allowance (usually). Besides I don't need a new SUV, I just want something a little more safer and comfortable.
Does anyone know when Acura will get with the program and offer the tan leather in more than 2 colors. I don't care for the color options you have to choose. And also power lumbar for a vehicle that costs $35k or more is a must.
I put down a deposit with my local dealer also for August delivery. I'm hoping by then that the 2003 upgrades will be out and maybe postpone delivery until October for a 2003.
Of course, my Pilot will be at the dealer in two weeks so we'll have something to compare.
(Usual caveat ... there are a lot of good Acura dealerships out there ... but there are a lot of bad Acura dealerships out there.)
I realize inventory moves quick, but common you can take a digi pic and post it. After all they have to keep the web sit accurate
One last thought. I know this is a hot vehicle, I have spotted a few lately (or should I say I have been looking for them lately) I will pay MSRP (minus a fair trade in) but I always remember how a dealer treats me. If they are rude, they can sell it to someone else. I can sell my trade, carpool with the wife and do an out of state deal. What do I care. I can get service at the Honda dealer (great people) and warranty at the Acura one.
So vote with your wallet and not your ego. Rude dealer = No sale. Acura is a bit dense but they can't be that thick.
Fuel low light is lower left side of right instrument pod and comes on with just over three gallons left (one mark above red). MPG for fuel used so far computation could be more accurate (usually reads better than one actually gets).
Engine very tight on delivery. Getting better with miles (now 2500). Any hill (or it feels like a stiff head wind) causes torque converter to unlock. Frequent lock and unlock during freeway driving with occasional downshift just to maintain speed (on cruise control). Larger '03 engine should help.
Driver's seat back isn't upright enough. Still quite comfortable though. Quieter than expected though there is still plenty of wind and road noise at high speeds.
Owner's manual and what is written on engine differ on what viscosity oil to use. Engine oil filler cap says 5W-30 and owner's manual says (and service manual) say 5W-20. Acura web site says 5W-30 and so did return call from Acura. Dealers seem to use either one, depending on dealer called.
Rattles in driver's door and center dash. Parking brake doesn't hold well. Seems like traction control works well enough. MPG about 14 around town and 22 on freeways, about as expected.
Lots of bass rumble from the Bose radio system (even with bass turned all the way down).
Rear A/C works better than the front. Auto system does not have provision to allow unconditioned outside air in (same as most auto systems).
No way to easily open fuel filler door if release lever fails (no emergency release in back near door). Spare mounted so tire pressure can't be checked without lowering spare (added 12 inch valve extension).
Great around town and good enough on highway. Nav unit works well and is very easy to use. Glad to have memory seat and mirrors. Like the wiper feature that is intermittent at stop lights and automatically switches to low continuous when moving.
The problem I had was going up a steep gravel hill because both wheels were slipping. As a results, uphill progress was a challenge.
However, this particular situation is rare,and as I said, many Odyssey owners have posted positive remarks about its effectiveness in the snow.
Can the MDX run fine on regular gas? This is one of many factors in my decision between it and the Pilot. The salesperson at the dealer told me lots of people do it and there is no problem. However, one post in the Pilot discussion said this wasn't a good idea.
Thanks
58% residual
39,150 purchase price
12,000 miles per year
Does anyone have a comment on the quote or is purchasing this vehicle the way to go?
"High-chromium stainless steel is used throughout the exhaust system for excellent durability. The twin exhaust outlets are polished for an attractive appearance."
http://english.acuracanada.ca/models/mdx_benefits_description.asp#c08
Hope this helps.
Also, is the purchase price of $39,150 MSRP? If it's above MSRP, you are getting double ripped off.
Thanks.
Thanks.
It is a definite fact that running regular gas will cut some power and torque on the MDX. It's most noticeable when you're highway cruising in fifth gear and go uphill. With premium, it's effortless.
Around here the price differential between premium and regular is about twenty cents. Let's say that combined MPG on the MDX is 20, while on the Pilot it's 19.5 (both are optimistic, frankly). And let's say regular is $1.50 and premium is $1.70. For this equation, we'll have the MDX running premium, and the Pilot running regular, as is the manufacturer recommendation.
If you drive 15k miles in a year, you'll thus use 750 gallons on the MDX, 769.23 gallons on the Pilot. The MDX premium gas for that will cost $1,275 for the whole year, while the Pilot regular gas will cost $1,153.85 for the year. Thus you save $121.15 for the year in gas costs with the Pilot, or about $10 a month.
We looked at all three financing options on the MDX: buy, lease, and balloon. The interest rate on our regular financing was 6.95%, I think, which was the lowest being offered at the time. The lease and balloon rates were both between 9% and 9.3%, very high. Our monthly payment on a 48 month lease or balloon (not that we would have leased that long) was about $100 less vs. financing for 60 months and the residual was still in the $20K range. It was a no brainer for us.
It doesn't sound weird to me that you have such a big difference in lease payments between the two vehicles. My mom really wanted a Honda CRV last year, but the lease payment difference vs. a Toyota RAV 4 was so big, there was no way she would lease the CRV. She is extremely happy with her little RAV 4, too.
So, while the MDX might have healthy residuals, the money factors are too high to make economic sense vs. a similar vehicle such as the RX300. However, that's not to say you don't want to lease it anyway...just know the money factors seem to be a lot higher than competition.
Kelly
I've used a couple of tanks of regular last year when premium was over $2 in the Chicago and for my relax style of driving, I didn't noticed any difference. I am back to premium right now but recently premium is around $1.85 in my area.
I don't believe using regular will hurt the engine, as it's a common knowledge that knock sensors do a pretty good job. I've been using regular in my Avalon since 96 and it runs fine even though 'primium is recommended for improved performance'.
Regular or premium, your choice. I think either way is fine......until there is a problem...
Any insight on this issue?
Shane
I hope my MDX isn't obsolete? I plan on owning it for a long time. What if there is major first year pains with a 3.8L? Then the 2002 will be better.
I doubt if the switch from a 3.5 to 3.8 liter engine (whenever it comes) will significantly damage resale values on the MDX. Plus it's not like the 3.8 liter version won't come with an obligatory price increase.
The RX300 is a good vehicle but if you're afraid of losing value, the RX300 is going to be _totally_ redesigned, probably next year. So its change should be more dramatic than the MDX getting a bigger engine (though Lexus's have good resale values anyway).
Now I know the MDX is holding its value, but can we say gouging the consumer. They are charging pretty much MSRP for a 2001 with 14k-18k. Since we are a few months away from the vehicle being 2 years old now way. I mean a 2002 MDX with premium and NAV is pretty close to that (sorry but the Acura site keeps conking out on me). Not to mention I would take a touring with NAV and 4k more in miles for $1005 less
2001 MDX with Touring Package Silver $37,200 24,791 Automatic 203 mi
2001 MDX with Touring Package Black $39,995 14,030 Automatic 219 mi
2001 MDX with Touring Package and Navigation Black $38,990 18,465 Automatic 227 mi
SHANE
I went down to the lot today and looked around. I counted six MDX's. One used 2001 (no info on the car at all not even a price. One nice gold 2002 loaded with DIO pushing about $3k worth. And four others (with one sold). Odd thing is I checked out their web site it says 16 on the lot updated as of 5/24/02. Maybe I missed the other lot????
For me the purchse time is in the next 6-12 months. I would move on an outgoing 2002 or wait til mid year on 2003. It really comes down to economics.
One thing still irks me. for a car that runs $35-$42k they should give you power lumbar. The lumbar is a real issue for me. I would most likely have the seat modified to accomodate me, but the manual lumber adjustment is is a real bad spot for a power button. Anyone else notice?