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Acura MDX (pre-2007)

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  • jamiestockmanjamiestockman Member Posts: 35
    To All:


    Here's a link right on Edmunds to check out Quartz:


    http://www.edmunds.com/new/2002/acura/rl/354drsedanwnavigation35l6cyl4a/photo_11.html


    Its been avialable before in Acura RL models. It looks very nice in person. All items would be Quartz except the Black Plastic trim around the instruments and the Climate / Radio Controls. On RL models, they actually used a slightly darker Quartz-Gray on the Dash and on some of the door pieces. I assume this is break things up a bit color wise. I wouldn't be surprised to see this happen on the MDX as well.


    I've actually been told by another Salesperson on a different Board that Quartz will indeed be available on the Starlight Silver, but I've been unable to verify it with Acura's Order Allocation people. The list I've sent in above is completely verified. I'll let everyone know if Quatrz is officially in or out as soon as I find out.


    You'll know the rest of hte Spec.'s when I do.


    Jamie S.

  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    I think quartz has been available on the current Accord.
  • maransmmaransm Member Posts: 29
    Hi rn4fun,
    I live in colorado as well and looking forward to get 2003 MDX. Could you please let me know the Dealer's name and address?

    Sounds like you got a great deal!

    Thanks in advance..
  • vcolangelovcolangelo Member Posts: 5
    Looks like official 2003 MDX info is starting to hit the dealers. I just got a call from my S. Florida dealer confirming your earlier news of no navigation with the base model (so I changed my order to a Touring/Navigation). He also told me that Silver was now available with either Ebony or Granite interior. I switched from Ebony to Granite. That's all he knows. Granite with Silver was new news for the Group, are you hearing anything else about the 2003's?

    Thanks,
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    What does that color look like?

    Some people were saying that it is Quartz. This was from some sales people at Acura (info usually is pretty right too).
  • mhenderson1mhenderson1 Member Posts: 164
    I went to an Acura dealer (in MD) yesterday to see if they had information about the 2003s MDX. I had a conversation with one of the sales representatives about how the Honda Pilot was affecting their sales. He stated to me that at first they were worried that Honda would take away their customers since a good majority of the customers had canceled their orders in anticpation of the Pilot. But, after the Pilot came out, the effect was a positive one because many of the customers ran back to the Acura dealers to reorder their vehicle. He stated that recent sales had actually increased in some dealers by as much as 15-20% on top of their already high sales. Therefore, Acura dealers should not have to negotiate anytime soon since they have set the standard and will continue to charge MSRP and above.

    As I stated in an earlier posting, Acura/Honda have a new market strategy in which there will be no negotiating for their vehicles as long as they stay above the standard. Now that Acura will have improvements in the 2003s (supposed 3.8 V-6, 280-300HP engine, as well as other improvements) I expect the the MDX to be sold at MSRP and above for some time.

    Just my 2 cents!!
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Well, you did talk to a sales representative who was probably programming you to think that paying MSRP and above for the Acura MDX is an OK thing since you're a prospective buyer. The higher the sales guy sells the vehicle, the higher the commission probably is. I would take his comments with a grain of salt.

    To get a good gauge of how much vehicles are selling for in a certain area, I try to use carsdirect.com. In my area, MDXs are selling for MSRP less $500 according to carsidrect.com. Some individuals in message boards that live in my area were able to get up to $1,000 off MSRP. But, this depends on the demand in the area that you live in. I guess demand in my area has softened up. And with this economy being the way that it is, MSRP vehicle purchases might start to slow down.

    Just my 2 cents...
  • mhenderson1mhenderson1 Member Posts: 164
    Actually, I told him up front that I was not buying now, since I wanted to wait until the new crop of SUVs came out (particularly the new 4-runner). he never even asked about my interest in the car as far as if I wanted to take a test drive go over the features offered. He was very non-chalante as they have always been, since the MDX has come out. As far as the amount ($500-$1000) being discounted on the SUV now still isn't much. The dealers are still making out with a $3-4,000 profit after the discount. In my opinion that is still too much to charge a customer for. But, I guess they are looking at it at a different angle. They see it in a way that they are offering you a vehicle which they feel is equivalent to a luxury SUV (ML, BMW..etc) for thousands less.

    I guess the question is, Is the glass half empty or half full?
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Less than MSRP is still better than MSRP + markup, no? :) Car salespeople, even how nochalantly one converses with them, are always in selling mode. They will always think that one has intentions of buying a vehicle even if initially declared uninterested. I'm sure salespeople have met buyers who initially said they were not interested, but wound up buying one.


    Anyway, another reason to not pay more than MSRP on the MDX is the upcoming competition, like you mentioned. In my case, I also like the Volvo XC90 and prices have just been released -- see http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=5158 -- About $40K for AWD XC90 with twin-turbo 6-cylinder with all the safety features. Not cheaper than the MDX but certainly competitively priced, IMO anyway.

  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    ...can be found crikey "Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX" Aug 6, 2002 11:52am
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Article at http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/020806-3.htm


    Richmond Hill, Ontario - Honda Canada has advised American importers of Canadian cars that Honda will no longer provide them with recall information. According to the North American Automobile Trade Association (NAATA), Honda's withholding of recall information is designed to slow or stop the flow of grey market cars from Canada to the United States. U.S. Registered Importers have to determine if there are any outstanding recalls on a vehicle before it can be imported into the United States.


    The sale of Canadian automobiles in the United States is a big problem for many Canadian-based automakers. Last year, U.S. Registered Importers brought in 200,074 Canadian vehicles - that's more than 10% of Canada's total annual vehicle sales. According to the NAATA, the dealer's cost in the United States is often higher than the retail price in Canada. American consumers can save 20 to 35 per cent on the purchase price.


    "Withholding recall information is dangerous and foolish", says Brian Osler, President of the "Honda is putting American car owners at great risk and is creating potential liability for itself."


    "Honda, like other manufacturers, is trying to deprive American consumers from the benefits of free trade" says Mr. Osler. "Cars sold in Canada are virtually identical to those sold in the U.S. Honda shouldn't be allowed to force people to drive around in cars with open recalls."


    Honda Canada stopped honouring warranties on imported Canadian cars about three years ago.

  • mhenderson1mhenderson1 Member Posts: 164
    All in all, honda's/Acura's marketing and selling strategy has indeed changed wherein at one time a consumer could walk into a dealership and negotiate between the invoice and the MSRP. Now Honda/Acura has it that you must negotiate between slightly below MSRP and MSRP plus. When customers' interest start to wane on a particular vehicle due to increased competition form other companies, Honda/Acura seems interprets this a signal to redesign and raise the bar even more. I'm assuming the bar will be raised on the 2003 MDX (increased engine power) and with a redesign of the MDX in 2004-2005. An example of this can be seen with their TL and CL sedans and coupes.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    True about the redesign, but I think this applies to all manufacturers in general, not just Honda/Acura.

    And one can also argue that Honda/Acura dealers were able to dictate MSRP pricing due to the lack of supply of the MDX. I think that Honda was not able to produce as many as it wanted to, given the constraints presented by the manufacturing plant, which was also producing the Odyssey at that time. Had they been producing the MDX at Accord numbers, the story may have been different.

    But, this does not take away from the fact that the Acura MDX is an outstanding vehicle that if one were able to purchase at invoice or a little higher, everyone would be driving one.
  • mhenderson1mhenderson1 Member Posts: 164
    Everyone should copy from Acura.
  • jamiestockmanjamiestockman Member Posts: 35
    To All:

    To those of you who've asked for literally all information that becomes available on the 2003, here's the order code information:

    MODEL CODES

    YD1823JNW MDX
    YD1863JNW MDX TOURING
    YD1873JNW MDX TOURING W/ R.E.S.
    YD1883JNW MDX TOURING W/ NAVIGATION
    YD1893JNW MDX TOURING W/ NAVIGATION & R.E.S

    COLOR CODES

    BE / SL SANDSTONE / SADDLE
    BX / SL NIGHTHAWK BLACK / SADDLE
    BK / EN NIGHTHAWK BLACK / EBONY
    SL / QZ STARLIGHT SILVER / QUARTZ
    SL / EN STARLIGHT SILVER / EBONY
    BL / EN HAVASAU BLUE / EBONY
    BM / SL MIDNIGHT BLUE / SADDLE
    WX / SL WHITE / SADDLE
    WH / QZ WHITE / QUARTZ
    RE / SL REDROCK / SADDLE
    GY / QZ SAGEBRUSH / QUARTZ

    More details to come as I get them.

    Jamie S.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Residual Value Award



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  • a2esqa2esq Member Posts: 26
    Gotta say...that's the first time I have seen the MDX referred to as compact!
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    That's a great combo for people like me who like the silver color but do not prefer the stark ebony interior.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    I hope that combo is available in Canada.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Has there been any "official" press releases from acura regarding what will be added to the MDX? or are we still in the rumor stage for the 3.8L?
  • whippet4whippet4 Member Posts: 1
    Do the rear windows in an MDX go all the way down or are they up a few inches?

    Also, will the Midnight Blue be metallic?
  • teeveeboy1teeveeboy1 Member Posts: 7
    About two months ago at the end of a long trip, the VTM-4 and check engine lights started going on and off intermittently. Then a noticeable drop in fuel economy took place. Down to about 12 mpg/city. Took it in to the dealership, and they said it needed a new computer (engine control modulator). Got that installed today and still very low mileage. Around 13 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving. My question is, what is everyone else getting as far as fuel economy goes, and does anyone have any ideas on what could be wrong?
  • rn4funrn4fun Member Posts: 3
    I ordered my 2003 MDX from Courtesy Acura on S. Broadway in Littleton. Great treatment from minute one.

    What is the "R.E.S." in this vehicle code?YD1893JNW MDX TOURING W/ NAVIGATION & R.E.S

    Just wondering since I ordered Touring with Navigation but not sure what that last part is?

    Thanks!!
  • rpikerpike Member Posts: 1
    R.E.S = Rear Entertainment System (DVD)

    Nice Order!
  • d_jcrosslandd_jcrossland Member Posts: 4
    My local dealer confirmed the 2003 change in engine size and colors that have been posted in other messages. They still do not have the price changes for 2003.
  • spfoteyspfotey Member Posts: 131
    any confirm on the leather or Xenon lights?

    what changes have they confirmed?
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    Someone at vtec.net reported that a salesman told him the '03 will have the 3.8L with 260hp.
  • roryhroryh Member Posts: 1
    I am considering buying a 2002 MDX, I was suprised to find a lack of skid plates underneath to protect differential fuel tank etc., does anyone know of after market skid plate options, the dealer said that Accura did not offer a skid plate package.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    So it seems everything is still a rumor. Probably accurate, but there haven't been any official press releases.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    If you think you might need skid plates the acura is not for you. I would consider a more traditional type truck. The sequioa is a real nice truck, skid plates, real 4wd, etc. The Isuzu Trooper is a great truck that you can get at good deals. The ford expedition is pretty nice too. I think if you are considering needing skid plates, you should think about looking at a different type of truck. At least shop them. The acura is real nice, drives like a car, great luxury etc. While I think it can go through 1 ft. of snow or deep sand, I don't think I would want to take it seriously offroad, it doesn't have the suspension for it.
  • vcolangelovcolangelo Member Posts: 5
    Jamie,

    Thanks for last Wednesday's detailed 2003 MDX order codes; my dealer now has my revised model and color selection. We only trust your news and speculation. If nothing is "official" yet on 2003 MDX features, can we trouble you for your best guess at a summary of what we're likely to see?

    Thanks
  • foxcroft1foxcroft1 Member Posts: 16
    Whippet4

    The rear windows in the doors do NOT go all of the way down. They stop with about 4-6 inches of glass still showing.
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    The dealer presumably did not quote any price, as there is not yet any official info.

    Did you agree to some percentage over the '02?

    Did you say you'd be OK with the vehicle as long as it was under $xx,xxxx??

    How about color? I've heard that in '01 & '02 certain color were DEFINATELY availble sooner than others -- what if you have to wait?

    Finally if you did NOT discuss price, and you'll be happy paying anything, what job/industry are you in and how can I join? I would like to get an '03, but with the stock market collapsing & my own uncertainty with the economy I just cannot commit to a new vehicle unless I have exact cost :)
  • slockoslocko Member Posts: 111
    i bought my van about 3 weeks ago and i am getting 20 mpg with mostly highway driving with about 15 minutes of congestion on that highway stretch. that is with the ac on.
  • rn4funrn4fun Member Posts: 3
    I have an arrangement to have a loaner from Sept.9th when my current lease is up until the time my MDX arrives. It could be a month, it could be longer. My agreement for the price is $40,242 (local MSRP for '02)plus 3-5 hundred for the new year. There is a $199.00 "destination charge", no dealer prep charge and zero pressure to add stuff to the vehicle. I am not concerned about the color I have chosen since I will be in a car on loan from the Acura dealer and they can take as long as they want to produce and ship the Havasu Blue. Believe me I watch every expenditure, I just decided this was the car for me and am willing to make it work within reason.

    I have been very happy with the attitude of the dealer I chose, not aloof, no rudeness, no "the car sells itself". Accomodating so far.

    Will keep you posted for sure, it is not a worry at this point.

    For your giggles, I am a nurse! Of all things!~ However, there is huge job security with all the shortages.....
  • maransmmaransm Member Posts: 29
    Hi rn4fun,
    Thanks for the info.. I will contact Courtesy Acura for my ordering.. Could you also tell me the salesperson name?? That would be very helpful for me..

    Thanks again..
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Could you also tell me the salesperson name??

    If you wish to get that specific, please exchange the information privately through e-mail. Else the posts start to look like endorsements and solicitations which are not allowed under the Town Hall rules.

    Thanks.

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    Well, the "rn" in your handle kinda gave it away as to your profession. :) Please keep us posted when you hear what new features are in store for the '03.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Anyone have a list of the new pricing structure for the '03's? Are there only going to be 2 trims as before?
  • maransmmaransm Member Posts: 29
    Hi rn4fun, Could you please email me with details?Thanks. maransm@yahoo.com

    Sorry about that specific message tidester.
  • rudy331rudy331 Member Posts: 27
    It sometimes doesn't pay to be so informative--now we won't leave you alone. Someone recently posted a message regarding chrome Acura wheels for the MDX but I couldn't quickly locate. The dealer here in Maryland indicates they don't know anything about them existing. Do you have any information???
  • rudy331rudy331 Member Posts: 27
    Check the messages from Jamie Stockman from about 1 week ago. Jamie listed all of the trim levels, colors and order codes for the 2003. He has been a wealth of information.
  • kauai777kauai777 Member Posts: 1
    Just wondering if anyone had had a good/bad experience at any of the Acura dealerships in the Chicagoland area.
  • aloalo Member Posts: 35
    I bought my 01 MDX from McGrath of Countryside in 11/00. They have relocated to the Westmont area. I've been happy with the buying and service. Good luck!
  • rihoopsrihoops Member Posts: 91
    Just took a 2000 mile trip in the MDX and it was awesome. Averaged 20 mpg at 70mph while loaded down with stuff for a ten day vacation. No complaints about this vehicle at all.
  • jamiestockmanjamiestockman Member Posts: 35
    To All...

    The first allocation for MDX's in October will have no navigation systems available. The first time they are avaliable for order will be November.

    All color combinations that include the new Quartz will also not be available until After October as well.

    The New Midnight Blue & Standstone exteriors will be held to 15% of October allocations. This means that most dealers will not be able to order more than one - two of each of these colors for October.

    More updates as I get them...

    Jamie S.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    As usual, it is most appreciated.
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    Great info... thx.
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    The fact that the factory is not permitting Navi to be ordered would give further credence to the rumors that the voice response Navi as seen on the '03 Accord will be standard across future Honda/Acura offerings...

    Good news those who like the high-tech, probably not so good for those who've ordered Navi late in '02 or those who told dealers they want an '03 with Navi -- delivery may not be till November. More bad news: if the '03 prices-out over $40k(and as the Navi is only available WITH Touring for'03...), you will owe LUX Tax UNLESS you decide to wait 'till AFTER Jan 1, '03 when that TAX goes bye-bye...
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    What's that Lux Tax law? You are saying if it is over $40K then you have to pay it? Is this for California?

    IMO if the '03 is over $40K, I will pass on it. I can get another SUV cheaper.

    But I think Acura will keep the prices near it's competitors. That's call competing.
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