Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options
Acura MDX (pre-2007)
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Best deal I found was eloan. 7.31% versus 7.99 at peoplefirst on a 48 or 60 month term. Saw one rate at 7.29 but the site was too slow and difficult to navigate...
Get this: the time from submission to approval was 18 minutes!!! amazing. Just blew me away. Should get the check next week.
Wife's real happy with the MDX- now I'll have something to play with.
Ard
PS Anybody see the front air deflectors shipping yet?? Acura Corporate claims they will be arriving Dec 10....
Base & Package Prices on Acura website and at two CA dealers (inc. $480 destination) were shown as the same everywhere:
MDX Base: $34,850
Base w/Navi: $36,850
Base w/Touring: $37,450
Navi & Touring: $39,450
The Calabasas dealer we first visited did not have any MDXs available to even view, but stated they automatically add on $2500 of accessories "that everybody wants anyway" the minute the MDXs come in. Don't know their markup; wait is 2-3 months. We met a buyer there who said he got 8.1% interest rate from that dealer, however.
Valencia Dealer accessory prices/add-ons are almost DOUBLE the suggested installed prices (based on national Acura dealer averages) on the Acura Website (www.acura.com) Example: Running boards $1,095 vs. $619; cargo cover: $339/142; rear tailgate deflector: $745/421. I don't know how much they'll deal, because we are on a waiting list for the next available Black/Black Touring--wait time 3 weeks to 3 months.
Anyone have good Southern Calif Acura Dealer experience or suggestions?
When my local Acura dealer expressed strong reluctance of accepting the "Internet check", PeopleFirst called my dealership and everything worked out in five minutes.
I have had excellent support from Valencia tho' -- when my 6 CD changer's Preset buttons failed (common failure) they replaced it immediately, they also took care of replacing a front plastic part which came with a scratch and replacing a bad remote ASAP.
Good luck.
Rail
My base MDX has about 800 miles on it. I have noticed since the first week of driving that there seems to be a "thud" sound coming from below the car with I brake. It occurs intermittantly and I don't know if I could re-create the conditions when it occurs for the service dept. However, I plan to have it checked at my first oil change. Just became aware of lots of nick marks on the black plastic post made by the driver's side seat buckle.
The MDX is a great car. I've enjoyed driving it very much. Lots of nice comments about the exterior looks and interior luxury feeling.
pretty useful
I also hear an unusual sound when I brake. Mine sound more like a "pop" sound. This only happen once in a while. Please post your result after your oil change. Thanks!
with 108,000+ original miles on it. We received $3200.00 I thought it was a great trade in!
The dealer, Walker Acura just received 10 new MDX's on the lot and all are available (the first ten he received went like hotcakes). We bought one of the first ten.
Ours is a black/ext. and saddle/int. touring model with a trip computer (no Navi system,$2000.00 will buy a lot of maps).
We paid MSRP and added a moonroof deflector for $130.00 and running boards for $630.00. splash guards and wheel locks were the only dealer mandated accessories.
I am 6' 1" tall, and finding the proper seat position is challenging at first (my other car is an '98 F-150 P/U truck) but it works out.
No pops or clunks yet(as mentioned it the previous posts).
It sure is a head turner! We love it!
We ordered a MDX from Prestige Acura in Santa Rosa for MSRP (talk to David Wood). You can order any version and there's no pressure to add any accessories. The catch is that they have to order it and they're working on their April delivery list.
Thanks,
Email me privately at jeffmust@aol.com and I'll be glad to help you.
JM
I agree that an AWD minivan can be a good alternative to an SUV. The problem nowadays, as I've often lamented, is that automakers have set it up so that it's hard to get as many positive attributes combined with AWD in a minivan, vs. an SUV. I'm afraid I'd shy away from the Chrysler's because of their statistical reliability. There's no AWD Sienna or Odyssey.
An MB minivan with 4-matic system/4ETS/ESP would be a solid contender and be VERY interesting to us in several years (particularly if we go ahead and have another child in a few years). So long as MB can keep its reliability at least average and the price somewhat within reason (there'd be a premium, no doubt, but still reasonable). I'd imagine it would probably ride a bit more comfortably than the 2nd-gen M-class, with some handling compromise, but still should be very good. We'll see.
Earlier I saw some notes about the residual being 69%. What lessor was that from?
Does anyone know if the residual is different for the touring pkge. than for the base model. It doesn't make sense if that's the case.
Also, the dealer told me that the add-on options won't count in determining the residual value. By this I mean they are only considering the amount on the MSRP of $37,750, which excludes the nearly 2 grand of options (flares, side steps, wood panel and some other small items.
Any information would be appreciated.
generally, ALL options will loose value faster. For this reason, the touring package will not have 69% of its value at the end of the lease. Perhaps it will have 40%. So you take 69% 0f 34850 and 40% 0f 2600, add them up, and you get 66% of 38450. (Just guessing on the 40%, but you get the idea.)
On the add on dealer installed options: evidently they assume they add ZERO to the residual. (You'd better really enjoy then for however many months you drive it, since you'll be giving them back when you turn it in.)
Don't know if this is typical, but it is somewhat depressing...
mdxer1:
sounds like you're getting hosed. You should have VINs when the build starts, and this is around 4 weeks before the dealer gets it (figure 2 weeks for shipping). They ought to have the VIN now, if not they are probably fibbing.
Ard
First I drove around unplowed streets nearby. The MDX handled extremely well. There was never a moment of hesitation in going or turning despite in the some areas of the street, the snow was over 8" deep.
Needless to say, I was so thrilled that I dragged my wife out of the warm house (the outside temperature was about 6-8 degrees) for a second test drive in the snow in the night. This time we went on a couple of major roads. Although they were plowed by we still could not see the road surface. Again MDX just went very smoothly and stopped very easily. My wife thought the ABS action on the MDX was better (smoother) than her Sienna.
The heated seats worked very nicely. I used the warmer on the driver seat earlier this afternoon. We both used tonight. The seats heated up quickly in the cold night.
Now I'm looking forward to the driving to work tomorrow...(:
Also, miles selected (12k or 15k/year) affects the residual factor - the more you drive, the less your MDX is worth at end-of-lease. Makes sense.
Dealer add-on MDX options will not usually get included in your lease - so you end up paying for them 100%, not like the 31-37% or so you pay over 3 years for the rest of the leased vehicle.
In general, AHFC hoses you Big Time for picking the Nav option ($2000 cost; residual after 36 months for this option alone is around $300 - or 15%!) and hoses you Little Time for picking the Touring option ($2600 cost; residual after 36 months for this item is about $900 - 35%).
The current Consumers Reports has a lot of lease info; some doesn't apply to vehicles like the MDX because they all go out the door at MSRP or more. They underscore what I've been posting for several months - it's far easier for dealers to make an extra $2-4K by playing fast & loose with lease calculations than getting buyers upset by tacking on excessive option prices or MSRP Plu$ pricing.
Most people do not understand leases, are uncomfortable with simple math to begin with, and look at only one number - the monthly payment. In sum: Dealers love leasing - they wish all buyers would go that route! It's more lucrative than people paying cash or even people buying on a typical installment contract.
Here's the one simple tip you need if you lease --
Write down these three (3) important numbers from the Acura.com webswite: The capitalization ("cap") cost, residual $$ amount, and monthly payment figure for your model MDX.
It's very easy to do the lease calculation via "acquire, cost comparison, lease" buttons on Acura's site and you will get American Honda Finance's current numbers. They might not be the absolute best, but these three numbers from this site will keep your chosen dealer semi-honest.
And don't let them get away with the old classic, "Oh -- those are the figures that we BUY your lease for - that's not what we lease it to YOU for." Pure bull - Acura's site lease calculator spits out the EXACT retail numbers for your lease.
Note that AHFC's $450 Acquisition Fee is automatically included in their calculations; you probably cannot get it waived. If you have very good credit, they should waive any Security Fee, especially if you've ever bought or leased a Honda or Acura thru AHFC in the past. A "Document Prep Fee" of $35-50 is also typical. I haven't seen the "Advertising Fee" that is mentioned by other posters.
The best comment so far was on the acuramdx.org board where a buyer was told by a salesman that the dealership in question... "HAD to install all those options at that price - because Acura MADE US DO IT!!" You know, it's not tough enough being a car sales person these days with the Internet and all... but now the darn MANUFACTURERS are telling us to gouge customers! It just never ends...
Also, wanted to report on the disappointing "city" milage I am getting and see if anyone is experiencing the same? I've used all grades of gas 87 - 93 and it doesn't seem to make one bit of difference in milage or performance -- city OR highway.
On highway only driving with the AC OFF (defroster on but AC OFF) I am getting up around 23 mpg no sweat. In the city however I am in the 13 - 15 mpg range and need to mix in about 40% highway just to struggle up to 17 mpgs. My understanding is this vehicle is rated at 17 mpg city miles. My experiences say that number is TOTALLY bogus! How is everyone else doing.
I've got about 2200 miles on the vehicle at this time and so far absolutely no problems.
PS. Tied down the Christmas tree to the roof rack this weekend. It was a mighty high lift and I'm 6'2". The rack was firm and supported the tie down well. Also, was nice to pull back the moonroof shade from the inside to see that the tree wasn't shifting
Later.
But when I tested it out, it certainly did NOT act like a crank! Instead, it acted similar to the mechanism I've seen in other Honda and Nissan automobiles I've driven (such as a Honda Accord or a Nissan Maxima). Push the lever forward (clockwise) to add more lumbar support, or pull it backward (counter-clockwise) to decrease the lumbar support. Turning the lever all the way forward definitely provides more lumbar support than I require, and so I'm fine with this adjustment mechanism. I just think the manual should have been more clear about its use.
One note regarding gas mileage. I have about 1300 miles on the MDX since 11/13. The average is about 16 mpg with 60% city driving. It seems the average with pure city driving (by my wife) is about 14 mpg. My wife is a little on the lead foot side but I think this is really not out of line since it is a 2 ton vehicle and it takes a lot of energy to get up to cruising speed.
You mentioned the crank-style lumbar adjustment in your 99 Accord EX has only three settings. I don't know if I would be too pleased with only 3 lumbar settings. I would think that a "continuous" lumbar adjustment, as implemented in the MDX, would make it easier to find a comfortable seating position?
Regarding mistakes in the owner's manual. I believe the writer simply copy relevant sections from other Honda cars. For example, the cruise control, moon roof, homelink etc work the same as the Accord. They might have gone too far or the reviewer didn't get his hand on a real MDX.
Thank you for your information........
Also, is the lack of a dead pedal a big deal?
Respectfully,
Jack
Dead peddle? Don't miss it at all. Others have mentioned they've had difficulties w/getting their left foot comfy w/the emergency break peddle in the way and the goofy "quasi-dead peddle". Just as another observation ... I've never had a problem.
I assumed it was unavoidable, like so many other vague charges one gets hit with when buying a house or car. Are you buying at Walker?
Do all dealers nationwide charge for this package? Any comments from the forum?
I was wondering if anyone has experience with an MDX with three kids in the second seat. Specifically, has any one tried to place two carseats and a child not in a car seat in the second row? Also, on a trip with three kids do people find that the rear has ample cargo space without the cargo net?
thanks in advance
Salesman seems amenable to lowering price of automatic $500 dealer add-ons of mud flaps and wheel locks. Thanks to posts #476 & 477 I found the Hondacura website and found out those accessories (uninstalled) cost $32.50 each. We'll see.
There's even a possibility that our MDX will come in sooner than we'd hoped (by New Year's Eve). Apparently someone ahead of us is trying to make a deal at less than MSRP--the audacity! (tee hee) We were called immediately. Thanks everybody. I'll let you know how it goes.
http://www.jdpower.com/auto/hot_sellers/index.html
Change the pull-down for "1. Segment" and select "Luxury SUV's".
November MDX sales at 3,833 units (third overall for the month); my hunch is that these are all the factory could make (first year production 35k - 40k units).
RX sales continue to be strong, though their ever-increasing volume, competition, and a generous spread between invoice and MSRP seems to be forcing ever-decreasing prices. ML320 sales in the #2 spot though lagging far behind the RX. QX4 sales really tepid, despite the improvements in this year's model.
Is there a checklist of things to look for upon delivery anywhere? Anything to look for other than orange peel paint?
By the way, Lexus is now offering a "Value Package" to boost the sales volume on the RX300. From what I can tell, it's the Premium Package Plus discounted about $1500 from what they previously charged just a month ago. Kind of strange that they chose to offer this package in December. I wonder what the RX300 customers are thinking who had to pay a higher price in Oct/Nov? If anybody caught Sci-Fi's "Dune" telecast (and stayed awake!), I'm betting you saw your fill of RX300 commercials.
I got 22mpg on my trip avg 75 mph and combined city and freeway in so cal I am getting 19-20 mpg. The numbers are from the trip computer.
Based on all the number you posted, I'm surprised that the 2001 QX4 with its improved 240hp engine isn't selling better. The 11/2000 figures are barely above last year's figures when it had the wimpy ~170hp engine. It's sales are still well below that of the Discovery! I wonder if this is due to low production quantities?
On the other hand, the November sales figures for the X5 are up over 340,000%! ;-)