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Acura MDX (pre-2007)
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Comments
With the price of 02-mdx dropping, (texstim MSRP-$500, woodard1 -$800 and tom208 -$1000 plus) there is reason to re-compare the two. Below is
my understanding and personal opinion.
advantage
mdx pilot mdx($)
cost: $35.2K, $31K(?)
safety: proven, expected to be
good but not proven 2K
2nd row
middle
seat: uncomfortable, very
uncomfortable 0.25K
exterior
look: better, good 0.5K
interior
look: much better, good 1K
spare: normal, small
moonroof yes no 0.4K
resale: better, good $2K
model yr: 1 yr old, just born -$2K
------
tot: 4.15K
If the $ amount is reasonable and if one could
afford either one, mdx is preferred. In order to
know other opinions, I will post
this in both pilot and mdx boards.
He did not release any major details but he said that there will be "drastic impovements". The engine at 3.8L is a very warm rumour as well as the RES option.
This maybe why lots of people are waiting for the '03 and leaving those '02 at the lots to sell.
Curtain airbags are in the works for '03 but the last I heard was that it is not perfected yet.
I think the cost differences are decently justified between the features each model has...so it really comes down to what you want. If you are in the $30K plus range, affording either doesn't seem like the problem.
Again, go test drive them both and make up your own mind. Complex calculations between market values and feature values will only get you so close to a decision.
However, this will not work if the car thieves load the MDX on a flatbed tow truck.
Thanks. You always give good answers to questions
supported by facts. I would appreciate for the urls of the photos you mentioned if available.
I am surprise to hear that cutting a hole in
a metal sheet does not weaken the structure.
The MDX 1x rollover photos are on another MDX forum. Unfortunately, I believe I can't post the URL to it here because of Town Hall regulations on the promotion of competing web sites. Steve/Tidester?
As far as the X5 and RX300 rollover pictures, I used to have the links but they were in someone's PhotoPoint album, and PhotoPoint went out of business. I don't know if anyone else has them copied somewhere. It was Ken Yee, I believe, who originally pointed out the photos.
There's still not enough experience to demonstrate how the MDX (or Pilot) does in a rollover. Photos of a single accident don't give enough of a basis, especially a 1x rollover. If someone wants a vehicle that has proven or heavily documented roof crush resistance, the ML320 is a good bet, and likely the new Volvo XC90.
Of course, avoiding a rollover is as important. The MDX does well in terms of being wide relative to its center of gravity, hence its "4-star" rollover resistance rating by NHTSA. But that is a relatively static measurement that is of limited value that does not factor in vehicle dynamics. E.g. the MDX does not have stability control, which would help prevent some rollover circumstances. Perhaps the 2003 will add this (though Honda's VSA and Toyota's VSC are not as complete as the stability control systems from MB and other German manufacturers, but that's another topic!).
Transmitter Programming
Storing transmitter codes:
The codes of up to three transmitters can be read into the keyless
reciever unit memory.(If a fourth code is stored, the code which was
input first will be erased.)
Note: It is important to maintain the time limits between the steps.
1.Turn the ignition switch ON (| |).
2. Within 1 to 4 sec., push the transmitter lock or unlock button with
the transmitter aimed at the reciever in the passenger's multiplex
control unit.
3. Within 1 to 4 sec., turn the ignition switch OFF.
4. Within 1 to 4 sec., turn the ignition switch ON (| |).
5. Within 1 to 4 sec., push the transmitter lock or unlock button with
the transmitter aimed at the reciever in the passenger's multiplex
control unit.
6. Within 1 to 4 sec., turn the ignition switch OFF.
7. Within 1 to 4 sec., turn the ignition switch ON (| |).
8. Within 1 to 4 sec., push the transmitter lock or unlock button with
the transmitter aimed at the reciever in the passenger's multiplex
control unit.
9. Within 1 to 4 sec., turn the ignition switch OFF.
10. Within 1 to 4 sec., turn the ignition switch ON (| |).
11. Within 1 to 4 sec., push the transmitter lock or unlock button
with the transmitter aimed at the reciever in the passenger's
multiplex control unit.
12. Confirm you can hear the sound of the door lock actuators. Within
1 to 4 sec., push the transmitter lock or unlock button again.
13. Within 10 sec.,aim the transmitters (up to three) whose codes you
want to store at the receiver, and press the transmitter lock or
unlock buttons. Confirm that you can hear the sound of the door lock
actuators after each transmitter code is stored.
14.Turn the ignition switch OFF, and pull out the key.
15. Confirm proper operation with the new code(s).
Took me 2 times to get it right. I messed up 12 and 13 (I got excited when I realized this was going to work). This is from a discussion group on how to program 2000 TL remotes, works for the MDX too. Double checked it and everything seems fine. $59.95 labor for this.
Unless you had a buyers contract signed with the VIN then I would have to say you are out of luck. A deposit means you are waiting for your SUV to come in. Was your deal under MSRP, did the owners friend pay more (not likely). They just treated you like a door mat.
In case you are wondering, the quote goes something like, "Dam* them; Dam* them all to H*ll!
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
This dealer doesn't deserve your hard earn money.
Are you under the impression that Mr. Heston prefers to be called "Chuck"?
Do you know he has friends at the NRA?
Don't you realize that if this were the United Kingdom that he would be known as "SIR" Charlton Heston? HUH? HUH? HUH?
Now, go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I thought TOU says we check guns at the door!
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
Here are my questions for the group: Am I just lashing out about paying MSRP and therefore nit-picking about the higer doc fees and nonrefundability? I haven't been treated poorly, but, at the same time, I haven't been treated the way (I perceive) a potential $40K car buyer should be. If I decide to visit mom and dad and save $100, should I anticipate hassles down the road trying to get service locally?
(Feel free to tell me to stop being petty and go buy the MDX.)
I would buy it where you like the experience best. I would pay $100 more for good service on the sale.
Before you make up your mind, stop in on the local service department, look around, are there frustrated customers storming around? Stop someone who is dropping their car off and ask them what they think about the service department.
If you want to buy local, best yet, ask your salesperson to refer you to another salesperson. You don't have to do business with that guy, there may be someone else who has a better sales mantra.
Transpower
Then, go buy the MDX!
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
This is the first car I have ever bought that I have had to look for it in parking lots and on the road to decide what each color looks best. With Envoys, at least they have all the colors on the lots (and parked over by the Service Department).
Why? What hast the local rep done for you. Nada. He supplied a test drive (I believe Acura requires this somewhere) and he is unwilling to negotiate on the "fee's" they charge. He could care less if you get it from him and he figures who is going to drive 200 miles. Well me. I would go with the service before and after.
The service mangager will be concerned with making his bones with Acura Corp and will take care of the customer. Sales vs Service are two different business units of the same company. People will remember the unwillingness of Acura dealers to sell at legit street prices.
One thought is how funny the manufacturers says it is suggested MSRP and that they cannot control the pricing. I say that is a lie. Mercedes had issues and still does on some cars and so do other upscale brands. They should either rein them in or be forced out of business. I wonder if the NYS AG office would look into price gouging, bait and switch and in general unsavory sales practices.
For me I am still waiting to do a test drive to see if the MDX is for me. The seat is the decision maker.
I am hoping the new color with saddle leather for 2003 is a dark green or blue. If not, might have to go with the black.
My wife and I have moved into the hills in the Bay Area, CA. I have a '01 Touring. Now that my commute starts and finishes with winding hill driving, I'm becooming familiar with the handling limits of the MDX. For it's size, it's pretty good IF you set it up for a turn BEFORE the turn. If not, the weight transfer can be a bit hair raising! Not bad for a vehicle it's size but not tight as it could be. In talking to my tire/wheel guy, he says that Acura uses skinny wheels so that the tire compliance helps smooth the ride. Looking at the tires (235s or 9" wide) and the rims (7" or 7.5" wide, I don't remeber) he may have a point. Has anyone gone to a wider wheel with the Michelin Cross-Terrains? This would be much cheaper than going to 18" or 19" wheels with new tires. Has anyone gone to upgraded sway bars? My friend has some 17"x8" BBS wheels that will fit that he'll let me have for cheap. Any thoughts out there?
Thanks for any help,
Matt
I have never been able to see a base model MDX at any dealership. Dealer reps have told me that the seats are identical to those in the Touring version. Also the MDX brochures only show interiors for the Touring.
Is this the case, same seats, etc for both?
Thx
MT
I have purchased Honda's before at VERY good prices at dealers in the Portland Or area.
Has anyone here had experience purchasing an MDX through one of them like Tomkin or Dick Hannah?
Thx
MT
In that regard, I would encourage anybody in the Southern states to get in touch with Lynwood Garrett, the GM at Harper Acura in Knoxville, TN (800/590-1727). I didn't buy mine from him, but we talked about the Acuras a good deal, and he seemed very straight-forward and honest...and he has a ton of MDXs coming in at the end of July.
I agree with your dealer about the engine change, however, I doubt he has concrete evidence.
He also said that the engine upgrade to 3.8L is a done item.
Other notes from others are high intensity headlights, better leather than the Pilot. I haven't heard if they are doing the stablity control for 2003.
But the Lexus RX300 commericals are touting that stablity control is needed for safety and they have it while others (like Honda) doesn't. One can argue that the track is a lot better than the RX300's track and wouldn't need it also.
Well, Acura dealers officially ordered their last 2002 MDX's yesterday. The last Month Acura will produce the 2002 will be September. You should expect the 2003's to begin being built in October, with October or early November deliveries, depending on delivery times in your part of the Country.
I thought you'd like the update...
Jamie S.
Has anyone else experienced this problem or know what it is? Thanks.
- Driver's side fuse panel cover, on side of dash next to door/speaker. See if it's loose, or put the fuzzy side of velcro over the "seam" to see if that works
- Grind down (de-burr) body (spot) welds near left strut tower area
I hope that's true.
It's dead on. I placed the last of the 2002 MDX orders on Tuesday. We should be able to place the first 2003 orders about 30-45 days from now.
Let me know if there's any other info. you need.
Jamie S.