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Acura MDX (pre-2007)
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Make sure you find the seats comfortable before buying it, then. The seats are pretty heavily side bolstered and some folks love them, but some folks can't get comfortable. I find them good, though I like the ML320's seat comfort better.
I'm not defending Acura, as they should focus on putting some more features in the MDX, but this shows how everyone's priorities are going to be different. Some folks think that xenon headlamps are something you should get in a $35k-$42k car, some folks think there should be real wood, some folks think every window and the moonroof should be one touch up/down. Then again, the MDX has some features or aspects other $35k-$42k vehicles don't have either. That's what makes car buying fun!
I agree that the seat must fit for you to buy it. But you may not know this until it is too late. I found this to be true in a 2000 4RUNNER I purchased to replace my last car. I didn't really notice the seat issue until a month into ownership.
I drive a GMC Jimmy it has a manual lumbar (contolled by a dial) like the volvo XC. It has great adjustment in fact I can dial it out so much that you would have a flat seat back. Ok but Lexus puts power lumber into the RX, so does Toyota in their power seat cars. Unfortunately Power lumbar isn't the full answer. You must be able to dial it off.
I have test drive and sat in just about every SUV from Mercedes, Lexus, Toyota, Ifiniti, GMC and BMW. I have found one thing true. No matter what I buy the seat will have to be modified. This I don't mind if it can be done to my needs.
Xenon lights. Sure I would like them, as an option like Ifiniti does. But side bolstering has nothing to do with Lumbar. Lumbar affects the back and the placement is usually crappy.
Inventory is a gamble. However if they are claiming their inventory was accurate as of 5/24/02 which was Friday, I fail to see they sold 11 MDX's between Friday & Sunday. I guess it is a matter of credibility. You can't say you update your inventory if you don't.
I like the looks of the MDX, I will test drive, I will tell the sales person when I do so that I have concern and a special request about the seat. That in fact the vehilce will not be accepted if the seat cannot be modified to meet my needs. I am more than sure someone will take it with power lumber.
It's not about looks or price tag, but about comfort and having piece of mind. After all I drove a TLC and found it excellent, just don't want to spend $55-60k.
Your best bet is to contact those folks who you can get to modify your seat and see what vehicles they've worked with a lot. This way, should you find seat discomfort after a month when it is too late to return the vehicle, you at least have options.
One issue with the MDX could be that since the side airbags are located in the seat itself (I know Toyota/Lexus and Audi do this as well), that may or may not pose some limitation on what can be done. However, it shouldn't affect lumbar support.
Only other thing I can think of is that if you like the TLC, there is the upcoming Lexus GX470 and the replacement for the Toyota 4runner. Who knows how good the seats in it will be.
Good luck.
If this vehicle doesn't feel comfortable to you, I would think that the after market is your only bet.
I agree that the ML is a nice looking vehicle, but the QC issues have me holding off on that. I liked the seats but again found the lumbar a problem, especially since they don't offer any lumbar adjustment.
I liked the Volvo XC, but couldn't get past the service costs and the QC issues again. They are making great strides but the price vs cost of ownership is not great.
I am planning on looking at the new crop coming out this fall and next spring, lexus, toyota, and seeing about working on the MDX seat. If all else fails I keep my current ride. After all I don't need a new vehicle, I just want to move to a new one before this one starts to cost me too much.
Oh, and shame on Acura for making the cargo cover an extra! It's a requirement on an SUV, surely!
Bottom line is the profit center is the serice dept. not the sales floor. So they should not extort customers on a deal if they expect they will do their service there.
I am the original owner of 3 Hondas with a total of 350k miles; 76 CVCC 5-sp, yellow redone; 87 Accord LXi, 5-sp(300K no engine work); and 96 Accord EX 5-sp. Wrote Honda concerning advertising consideration.
Will probably wait til the 03 MDXs come out and try for the same deal (which will give time to consider the Pilot, Volvo XC 90, Lincoln Aviator, 03 Toyota HL). If we decide on the XC 90 or Aviator, probably will wait til at least mid-year or 04. Front seat comfort is a major consideration since this will be our retirement vechicle - lots of grandchildren to see, backroads to explore, rock to collect. Any suggestions? Thanks!
My primary goals with the next set of tires would be quiet and smooth highway cruising along with a respectable handling capability for an SUV.
Besides the Goodyear Integrity tire (GYI: $73/tire) and the Michelin Cross Terrain tire (MXT: $142/tire), I see two other reasonably good tire choices at TireRack.com:
1) Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus: Tire Rack has a special for $79/tire; much cheaper than the MXT's! A couple nice features with this tire include higher "H" speed rating, and an "A" temperature rating instead of "B" - better for our hot Arizona climate. These aren't off-roading tires, but I'm fine as long as they will adequately ride along an occasional dirt road or along a once/year trip to the ski slope.
2) Michelin LTX A/S: Tire Rack lists the LTX A/S in the MDX size 235/65R17 (only) as having the same tread design as the MXT. The notes says this is only for the 235/65R17. Other LTX A/S sizes have a different tread design? It has similar specs to the MXT, except speed rating is "S" instead of "T". One key differentiator is price, which is now offered at about $90/tire (if I remember correctly!).
If I wasn't such a value shopper, I would choose the MXT's. But at over $140/tire, it is difficult for me to not consider one of the alternatives, including staying with the Goodyear's. Any opinions?? Has anybody tried either the LTX or MXV4 Plus on an MDX or similar SUV? TIA!
I think you're getting a pretty good deal if the dealer is starting at MSRP, and then subtracting $$ for destination, documentation, accessories, etc.
Because you plan to use your next vehicle for road trips ("backroads to explore", "grandchildren to see", etc), I think you should give more consideration to the benefits of the Navi system. It seems that almost everyone who purchased their MDX with Navi is extremely pleased with their decision. It's rated as one of the very best Nav systems to be built into an automobile. It also might prove to be a fun toy for you!
Since you wrote of a concern for front seat comfort, I wonder if the Pilot will prove to have as supportive seats as the MDX? Regarding the Pilot, I don't like the look of the dash compared to the MDX. I also don't like our local Honda service centers nearly as much as my Acura dealer, for what it's worth.
Beware of the ride harshness involving the Volvo. Volvo is known for very comfortable front seats, but the ride quality lacks refinement.
But on the other hand, I've seen quite a few posts from people who regret not buying the nav system. They have aftermarket systems as an alternative but find them to not be as well-integrated as the factory system.
Thus, I think that if you know you don't want it for sure, don't get it. But if you think you might want it, go for it.
Agreed with Rob on the Volvos -- great seats, firm -- sometimes way too firm -- ride comfort. That said, the new XC90 might have a softened suspension tuned for North American tastes.
If you can pull it off, the Cross Terrains are definitely the best bet. Just really good tires for on-road with some limited capability off-road. Newer technology, newer compounds for better grip.
The LTX tires are probably overkill if you don't plan to off-road. Relatively older technology, older compounds.
The MXV4+'s should be quite good for on-road use -- as long as the load rating is okay. Don't know if you've checked into that. If the load rating isn't there, that rules them out.
Believe it or not, the MXV4+ tires have a slightly larger max load than the Cross Terrains, according to the specs provided by Tire Rack. At only $79/tire, I am very tempted to buy these ASAP. As a comparison, a local Discount Tire shop listed these same tires at nearly $200/tire. When I look at Tire Rack's prices on all the different sizes available for the MXV4+ tires, the 235/65R17's seem to be priced at about half of what they should be, in relation to most of the other sizes. I hope this isn't a typographical error!
The Cross Terrains are definitely my alternate choice.
By the way, William, I may be changing my "old" COTMC ways. I recently purchased an Acura/Honda 5yr/100K extended warranty contract for our MDX. So, there's no plan to change out our MDX within the next couple years. As for our other car, my wife won't let me replace the A4, either. It's been performing well without a single glitch thus far -- much better than the Consumer Reports data indicates. I've been doing some window shopping, but only as a hobby. For the price, that new C230 coupe looks like a winner, although I wonder about the engines for the 2003 model year. Closer to the opposite end of the spectrum, I've been checking prices on used 5-series models. After test driving one, I now understand why Edmunds is so high on them.
It seems like it could be an effective way to capture some of the premium (for used MDX's) that exists in some of the metro markets.
Thanks for the advice.
I found the info I needed.
I think you may have me confused with dmz616, who has been MIA since posting his question. I am one of the original MDX buyers (Oct 2000), as well as a fan of Acura's fine Nav systems. For what it's worth, I think both of your points are on the mark!
Also, parts department said the NAV DVD updates come out each fall; cost ~ $100. Is this correct. Where can I get the best price on the updates? BTW, who makes the NAV?
Thanks
Oh yeah, enjoy it.
I hope the Pilot's are more comfortable. Maybe cloth seats will help.
One Acura dealer uses Honda brand with no additives recommended.
At the other Acura dealer in the area you have your choice among Valvoline all climate, semi-synthetic, and full synthetic oils. They also recommend adding Krex Graphite Engine Lubricant and a BG Fuel treatment.
Comments on which oil is best? I'd like to keep with one type/brand. Are any of the extra oil and fuel treatment worthwhile?
Thanks!
For $27,000 I can buy the Pilot get an 8th seat and save $8,000 vs. the base MDX. We take this vehicle to the beach and drive five kids in a car pool, so the lower priced Honda will be more practical as well.
The resale on the MDX is still strong for now, but should slip when the Pilot comes fully online.
As for trading in after only 1 1/2 years being a mistake, what counts is my cost going forward.
So the key factor is the depreciation over the next say six years for the pilot vs. the next 4 1/2 years for my MDX. The fact that I've already lost the higher 1st year depreciation for the MDX makes the comparison closer than the $8,000 original difference. Maybe more like $4,000 depending on their values after 6 years.
But, assuming I'm close, it's still worth it for the eighth seat, comfortable driving seat, and $4,000 savings.
The first year MDXs were fine by all reports, mine included. Also, this is really not a first year vehicle since most components and the assembly line are shared with the MDX.
We already have an Odyssey.
Two local dealers are selling at MSRP without any add-ons. Also, the eighth seat is standard.
As for the driver's seat, you can't adjust the side bolsters and they're a real pain.
As for savings, here's the math:
Say the residual is 50% for both at some point down the road. So my trade in value and cost of ownership (ignoring maintenance and all of the other stuff which would be higher for the MDX) is:
MDX: $35,000 x 50%= $17,500 cost for MDX
Pilot: $27,000 x 50%= $13,500 cost for Pilot
So my $8,000 savings is reduced to $4,000 due to the higher resale of the MDX. Still a nice savings for a vehicle that is a better fit for my needs.
Let's look at some of the other stuff:
Premium vs. regular gas over six years $800
Service Honda vs. Acura, easily $500 savings.
Insurance....
And don't forget the extra cargo space:
MDX: 81.5 cu ft. with 2nd and 3rd row down
Pilot: 90.3
Thank you in advance.
I wonder if we can buy the Acura NAV system and have it installed cheaper?
Do the websites sell it? Or it has to be fine tuned when purchasing the car?
You can get the nav system as part of the base MDX, or part of the Touring MDX.
You can get a third-party navigation system. The pros of such systems include the fact that you may be able to share the system with another vehicle (e.g. Garmin StreetPilot). The cons are that such systems aren't as well-integrated as the factory nav.
Technically, a dealers parts department can order the components of a nav system and then try installing them. By "dealer parts" I mean like how they can order a new seat, a new engine part, etc.
I know someone who inquired once but the cost of those dealer parts (available only through the dealer) and the installation are much more than the $2,000 cost.
Bottom line:
1) If you want the Acura DVD nav system, you have to buy it with the MDX (Base+nav, or Touring+Nav).
2) Or you can buy a third-party nav system like the Garmin StreetPilot. Stores that sell it may offer installation for you (like you get stores to install stereos for you). Don't know if an Acura dealership will install such a beast for you. The Garmin is good but it's not as well-integrated as the Acura nav system, for obvious reasons.
Some of the Garmins actually require little installation. E.g. one model lets you mount a pedestal-thingie that you can plug the unit on top of. Theoretically you can then share it with other vehicles. But of course if you leave that sticking conspicuously in your vehicle and it's removable you're also probably more likely to get ripped off!
Trip mileage was 23 mpg 95% highway. Through Ohio and Indiana, Ill the mileage was over 26 due to 65 mph and flaaaaat. Car performed flawlessly on highway, dirt roads and heavy downpours. I use
5w20 amsoil synthetic and will stick with it.
I will note that my body side moldings are beginning to discolor-like no clear coat on them. These were not cheap to buy for simply painted plastic. I will work that issue later.
My family love the MDX--do mix a video entertainemen system but we can remedy that.
Funny enough I only saw 5 MDX on the entire trip.
2 of those were the dark green discontinued color which my wife loves. She said why did you not get that color. Not avail on 02. Too bad. It does look good.
INKY
A pilot with leather for $35,000 or a base MDX for $34,000. Hmmmmmmm.....