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Acura MDX (pre-2007)

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Comments

  • johnh20sjohnh20s Member Posts: 3
    I'm about 6 months away from purchasing and I'm hoping to see a good drop in resale prices of the 2001s once the 2003s start hitting the streets. Anybody in agreement that this will happen as leases come due, etc.?
  • aloalo Member Posts: 35
    As an owner of a 2001 MDX with 30000 trouble free miles. I don't want to see the resale price drops!
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    Unfortunately I just don't think there is enough volume to see a drastic lease turn-in/resale depression effect. I know that happens with Taurus, Explorer, Blazer and other high volume fleet lease vehicle, but the total MDX volume for 01 was less than 49K, I'd guess a high percentage were purchased outright. The 03 does have some improvements (VSA, drive-by-wire, 260 Hp) but the visuals are still very very similar to the 01, so I would be shocked if there are any with reasonable mile (>40K) selling for less than very high 20's. The Acura 50K mile warranty helps to keep the vehicle with the original owner until that mileage is exceeded...
  • newboy1newboy1 Member Posts: 3
    I have just come back from my credit union. They were calculating the loan amount for me and the MSRP price for 03' MDX was there. It's $36241, which is about $1000 more than 02' MDX. Has anybody got the same or similar info?
  • angelica2angelica2 Member Posts: 30
    re: newboy1

    was 36,421 for the touring or base and did it include the rear entertainment system or navigation ???
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    It's sounds about right for the base.

    Isn't the 4runner by Toyota seeing a $900 increase?

    So I guess Honda will follow suit with $1000 on all MDXs.

    They gotta pay for R&D.
  • newboy1newboy1 Member Posts: 3
  • dave210dave210 Member Posts: 242
    I presently have a 2001 Chrysler Town & Country Limited that I will most likely replace with a 2003 Acura MDX Touring/Navigation.

    The overall package seems great, but I have one question concerning the steering wheel audio controls

    In my wife's van, the controls on the steering wheel can seek, adjust volume, go to desired presets, and change CD's in the CD changer.

    From looking at the 2003 MDX pictures, it appears the steering wheel controls can only adjust the volume and switch from AM/FM.

    I know this may seem trivial, but I'm hoping the controls can do more, because I've gotten very used to the Chrysler controls almost controlling everything regarding the radio and CD changer from the steering wheel.

    Thanks!
  • woodard1woodard1 Member Posts: 37
    In my 02 x I can adjust the volume and browse all my station presets with the steering controls it also will skip through your favorite cd for you. I don't think it switches from am/fm though?
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    No am/fm, and only one preset at a time(i.e. fm1 or fm2 or am1). You can change CD tracks, but not between CD's. You can FF and stop tapes with it. The '02 stereo isn't bad for controls, and changing the non steering wheel items isn't out of reach or cumbersome.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    base '02 MDX $34,700 vs. $36421...makes a difference of $1721 not $900-$1000? Did the $36421 include $500 destination fees, you say "plus the destination fee", that means sans destination to me? If included, then it is closer to the $1000 difference.
  • rarora1rarora1 Member Posts: 1
    Hello,

    May be I am not as informed as everyone but are there any 2003 MDX Pictures on the net?. Acura.com doesn't have any update despite the fact their support staff said the pricing, specs etc. will be available on 9/30/02. I don't see anything. Can someone provide more info....
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Check with your dealer as they should be getting 2003 MDX brochures in now.

    On another system, someone has scanned the brochure and posted up the pics. Unfortunately, I don't believe I can post the URL to it because of Edmunds rules?

    9/30/02 isn't over yet, stay tuned.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Besides the ones already listed here, someone who has an Acura training video for dealers says that a few new tweaks include:

    1) Some more sound insulation.
    2) An audible alert if you're driving with the emergency brake on.
    3) New chrome rear accents (basically the Acura logo).
    4) Metallic door sill step plates

    The above items are probably too small to list in the brochure.

    Please note that this information has not been fully confirmed.
  • newboy1newboy1 Member Posts: 3
  • inky4inky4 Member Posts: 238
    I do not have the data but those estimates of hp/torque do not make sense. Look at the 1500 rpm one again. You cannot have that dramatic increase without significant engine work and loss of economy. I think the numbers are hosed. If not I want a 03 to replace my weak 02.
    INKY
  • foxcroft1foxcroft1 Member Posts: 16
    Has anyone heard about the transmission problems on a number of Honda products including the MDX?

    A recent newspaper article says that 2-4% of the cars will experience a problem, but, it did not explain the problem. Honda is supposed to extend the guarantee, but, it doesn't say for how long.

    My brother in California said they had it on their TV news, saying that something locks up and causes the car to skid to a stop, even at speed of 80 miles per hour.

    My dealer doesn't know anything. Does anyone have some info?
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Scroll back a dozen or so posts and you'll find some information on it.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Someone who is a dealer posted this on another system. I can't vouch if it's the final number or not.

    ADD $500 FOR DESTINATION

    BASE: $35,700
    TOUR:$ 38,300
    TOUR/RES:$ 39,800
    TOUR/NAVI:$ 40,500
    TOUR/NAVI/RES: $42,000
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    Hmmm. I was considering a pilot/MDX like the looks of the MDX better. But with prices being this high on the MDX I might pass. The touring navi is up there with the upcoming XC90. Going to a preview tonight a T6-Navi would run a little over 44k might be worth it to have the safest SUV ever made. Also here in houston we are 1k under MSRP for pilots have not checked prices on MDX though.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    http://makeashorterlink.com/?O290636F1


    Base is $35,700 (without destination)

    Touring adds $2,600

    Navi (with rear-view camera included) adds $2,200

    RES adds $1,500


    You can't buy Navi or RES without Touring.


    Destination is $500.

  • tcoker1tcoker1 Member Posts: 1
    I just spoke with my salesperson from whom I ordered my 2003 MDX with touring and he too was surprised at the 1K price increase - he was expecting $500 at most!
  • deniskrilldeniskrill Member Posts: 8
    I am wondering if anyone knows of a link to view color pictures of the Sage Brush Pearl and Quartz color combination on the '03 model MDX. I have the '03 brochure from the dealer but it does not show any photos of the Quartz interior color (except in the color chip) and the Sage Brush exterior photo is not so clear that you can get a good handle on it -- is it dark green or a lighter green with gray in it, something like the Blue/Green color that was offered previously with Ebony interior? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

    Denis
  • bk1bk1 Member Posts: 6
    Sorry Denis, I don't have the info you request, but I wanted to add my voice to the soon-to-be owners that want a good pix of the Sage Brush color. I have Silver as a 2nd choice just in case the Sage Brush bites. I know it's totally subjective, but I think the shape of the X body is brought out by light colors, such as Silver, so I hope the Sage Brush isn't too dark.
  • nosuvyetnosuvyet Member Posts: 72
    Anyone out there that has 2 car seats in the back, can a full size adult also fit comfortably in the back seat?
  • brwndoggybrwndoggy Member Posts: 41
    :)
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    got a price quote for 1.5k < MSRP. So thats a 2.5k diff as they are not discounting 03 orders. They have a silver/black touring in stock that I like. Might be in the driveway by the end of the week :)

    PS - Saw XC90 tonight very nice truck but not nice enough over the mdx to justify the price. However the 75th anniversary S80 was oh so sweet.
  • angelica2angelica2 Member Posts: 30
    Deniskrill:
    If you want to see the Sagebrush, check out the Sagebrush Pilot..it will be the same color. They use a light gray leather in the Pilot; however, they don't call it Quartz. I saw the Quartz on an Acura RL. The Sagebrush reminded me of the dark gray the X5 comes in (kind of a gun-metal gray). I like the color..but would like it a lot better if the interior option was ebony. Oh well, I guess you can't have everything.
  • jks320jks320 Member Posts: 7
    I have two car seats both next to the rear doors. One seat is for a 2 year old and is permanently mounted. The other seat is for an infant with a base that remains in the car when the carrier is removed.

    Yes you can sit another person in between; however, it is a little tight and it is difficult to get around the seats and into the car. I generally move the front seat forward so that the person can get in. I am 6' tall and weight 225 and could ride there for a short trip. I would not recommend anyone sitting there between two kids for much longer than 20-30 minutes. But grandma does fit for the short trips we take with the kids.

    The third row is available; however, you can not fold the seat forward with the child seat in place.
  • inky4inky4 Member Posts: 238
    With all the content changes, the pricing seems very fair to me. VSA along is worth 1k. The redesighed tranny confirms what we all suspected. A problem with the old unit.
    INKY
  • danny30danny30 Member Posts: 4
    It's simply the best color. I don't know when
    it's available.
  • johnh20sjohnh20s Member Posts: 3
    info (price, specs, colors) now on acura website.
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    This has been hashed over quite alot.

    Honda has NOT extended the warranty on the MDX/Pilot tranny, nor MOST Oddys. It simply is an entirely DIFFERENT VARIANT of the problem plaqued TL/CL unit!

    There are SIGNIFICANT differences in the 03 MDX's ALL NEW tranny, some changes were probably made for weight savings, some for improved economy, others for smoother shifting, others for quicker accleration. It is VERY likely that DOWN THE ROAD Acura/Honda will increase the displacement of the engine(s) it offers and the low volume of the MDX (49K) makes it an excellent platform to get some real world experience with an ALL NEW transmission. The 03 tranny will probably NOT be a direct retrofit to the 01 & 02 MDX. All this points AWAY from the theory that the tranny was changed due "problems with 01 & 02".
  • danny30danny30 Member Posts: 4
    Since the Acura site didn't list this color,
    it could come out a few months late.
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    IMO, an improved transmission and VSA is worth that $1000.

    The other items are extras...

    I would have liked the HID, head air bags though.
  • hiker23hiker23 Member Posts: 5
    Acura is obviously trying to keep the cost down. Adding HID and other features would certainly push them into mid 40s territory for a fully loaded MDX.

    Right now Touring with Nav & RES is $42.5k

    You can easily add HID as an after market option. The airbags I agree however. I would be willing to pay extra for those.
  • t0677gt0677g Member Posts: 7
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Are 2003 MDX's with navigation still set for delivery in November? Or has there been a delay as rumored?

    Thank you.
  • mdx2003mdx2003 Member Posts: 13
    I have my 03 mdx w/ Nav (red rock) on order for nov/dec delivery -- just confirmed with my dealer in Concord. There isn't a built date set but sometime between thanksgiving and xmas.
  • abcabc Member Posts: 9
    I prefer the Acura MDX to the Honda Pilot for the extra bells and whistles. However, the MDX comes standard with a sunroof.

    With the seat all the way down and the seatback in the normal upright position:
    1. When stopped, my head contacts the sunroof assembly.
    2. When on the road my head hits the sunroof assembly with bumps and jolts.

    Can a bodyshop cut out the sunroof and patch the hole so the roof looks as if it never had a sunroof, from outside and on the inside?

    I'd appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. Thank you.
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    Can a bodyshop cut out the sunroof and patch the hole so the roof looks as if it never had a sunroof, from outside and on the inside?
    In a word NO. You can ALWAYS tell. This is even more true in the MDX as there is NO SUCH THING as MDX headliner w/o the sunroof. You'd have to have that custom fabbed. Anybody with any knowledge of MDXs would INSTANTLY know that was not from the factory, your resale would be shot.

    While a skilled bodyman could no doubt weld the metal in and fill/smooth it to the point that it would be virtually as good as solid, the time and cost would be astronomical. These kind of tasks encompass "automotive restoration" used for rare autos that have been hacked up by amateurs, not the domain of typical "fender bender" shops.

    If you don't fit in the car, you don't fit. It is not a "custom suit world" -- though if you want to spend "custome suit prices" I'm sure somebody would step up to take your money.

    Basically I would estimate you are looking at least 4-6 thousand dollars of work. You'd save money getting a custom seat, that might be a better option.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    A body shop could lower the drivers seat rails possibly. That might buyt you an inch or two?
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    Which would you buy if you were purchasing in the next couple of weeks. Given the 1k price diff(touring) and if you could get the '02 discounted. Plus I am thinking of leasing so the higher residual for an '03 might be worth while.
  • gearheaddgearheadd Member Posts: 15
    I'm seriously considering the MDX and am wondering how build capacity is set to increase. Anyone know what current capacity is and what's soon to come on line? Dealer says he'll do $800 off MSRP on a 2002 and $500 off 2003. I'm wondering if new competition such as the Volvo and increased production is likely to lower prices in the next 12 months.
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380

    TAKE IT!

    Don't look back. Write the check. Smile, wave goodbye. Outstanding deal!
  • kai_mingkai_ming Member Posts: 33
    Would you share which state?

    Thanks.
  • kai_mingkai_ming Member Posts: 33
    What is HID? Were you talking about adding additional airbags? Is it possible?
  • deniskrilldeniskrill Member Posts: 8
    Thanks Angelica and Danny. Good advice to look at the Pilot. Will do so. For the benefit of the group, I am told by two dealers I've talked to that the new colors for '03 were not available to order when the first allocations were sent out so there will not be Sage Green, Sandstone or Midnight Blue vehicles with build dates that will have them at dealerships right now. The good news is that they should become available by early November -- one dealer mentioned to me that he has new color cars with production dates of late October and he anticipates delivery 10 days to two weeks after production is completed. I have done a good bit of calling around and I agree with another posting -- $500 off is one really great deal right now on an '03 -- especially considering how good these cars are, how much in demand they continue to be and, most importantly, the upgrades they've added including the 260 hp motor. I speak from the perspective of just having traded an '02 Touring (Mesa Beige) that was perfect in all respects and looking forward to having an '03 in my driveway by Halloween.

    Denis
  • rudy331rudy331 Member Posts: 27
    Gearheadd - I see you are in the Baltimore area. I am just outside of Annapolis so I would be very interested in which dealer. My current dealer in Laurel says nothing off MSRP, but MDX is due to arrive Oct 31-Nov 3.
  • zgt88zgt88 Member Posts: 5
    Basically the dealers are taking the destination charge off the MSRP. Is that a good deal?
    I would wait a few months, let the other SUVs hit the market and drive the price down a bit more. The all-new tranny may or may not be a good thing. Only time can tell. I personally still like the MDX because of the extra stuff.
This discussion has been closed.

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