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Acura MDX (pre-2007)

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  • kai_mingkai_ming Member Posts: 33
    03 mdx price, colors, options, spec are now
    available on www.acura.com
  • kai_mingkai_ming Member Posts: 33
    Would appreciate the information.
  • dave210dave210 Member Posts: 242
    I don't know about the other person, but I just put an order down on a 2003 Sage Brush Pearl Touring-Navigation for MSRP, which was $41,000 including destination. BTW, I'm in the Chicago suburbs area.

    It should be in in Febuary and then it will be time to say bye bye to the Chrysler minivans forever...
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Pricing will depend on where you are. I've noticed a lot of posts on another system with folks putting in orders for 2003's at MSRP-even. No discounts, but there seems to be much less attempts from dealers to try to gouge above MSRP or force accessories on customers.

    I have seen some reports from people reporting $500-$1,500 discounts on 2002's that dealers still have in stock. It seems to vary widely depending on region. E.g. 2002 discounts are more probably around Texas and the southeastern states.
  • kai_mingkai_ming Member Posts: 33
    dave210 and wmquan,

    Thanks for the 03 price.

    About Sage Brush Pearl, it is not list in acura.com for 03mdx. Where can I look at it?
    Will it be available this year?

    Thanks.
  • kai_mingkai_ming Member Posts: 33
    Does anyone know if L.A. strike will cause delay of 03 delivery?
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I believe all MDX's are built in Canada. I am not sure if you think there might be a parts shortage? I would imagine parts would get shipped directly to Canada and not impact production.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Does anyone know if L.A. strike will cause delay of 03 delivery?

    It sure looks that way!

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    There may be delays, but I would expect other vehicle to be much more severely impacted...
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    There are holes on either side of the roof in the rear area near the coat hooks, does anyone know what they are for? The only thing I can think of would be for a pet barrier?
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I found it on hondaacuraworld...they are for the interior cargo separation net.
  • bennewmanbennewman Member Posts: 12
    Does anyone have reliable information about production and delivery of the '03's? I have put a deposit down on a touring/navi/dvd and I would like to know if delivery will be sometime this year.
  • hiker23hiker23 Member Posts: 5
    In terms of production and delivery I have heard varying tales, none of it verifiable. One site stated that production on 2003 MDXs begins Oct 18th but that the the first ones built would not include navigation systems or the new colors.

    Assuming a 2 week lag between production and delivery you could expect to see the first 2003 by beginning of Nov and the ones with Nav/new colors by beginning of Dec.

    Of course this is all pure speculation....maybe Mr. jamiestockman can provide input here.
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    ... their dealership in NC is expecting deliveries from their initial allocation to occur in the coming week -- Oct 14 thru 18. This is based on vehicles confirmed as built and normal delivery taking 6-10 days to him.

    I believe they have a very large initial allocation of 11 plus 4 'bonus' units.
  • shellymeister2shellymeister2 Member Posts: 115
    I have been running an ad in the NY Metropolitan Area to sell my 2001 MDX (in order to get a 2003)and I am getting very few responses. For a vehicle that is supposed to be so hot with the public, where are all the buyers? I'm pricing it fairly- about $33,000- and it is perfect, garaged, with only 19,000 miles. I thought the public would be breaking down the doors for this one. (Head-scratching continues...........)
  • fndlyfmrflyrfndlyfmrflyr Member Posts: 668
    Considering a 2003 Pilot with Nav costs less than what you are asking, and the new 2003 MDX costs haven't changed much from your 2001 I can understand why there have been few calls.

    What did the dealer offer you as a trade on the 2003?
  • shellymeister2shellymeister2 Member Posts: 115
    Pilot sales have had virtually no effect on the sales numbers of the MDX- they are selling at a rate almost 40% ahead of last year. Less people are cross shopping them than you may think. My dealer has not given me a number yet, but I doubt if it will be more than $29,000. They generally look to wholesale the vehicle, rather than run the risk of retailing it. By any measure, the price I am asking for the MDX is fair. I just saw one sell on EBAY for $35,500 and it is virtually identical to mine.
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    Perhaps people shopping for an MDX aren't necessarily looking in the classifieds?
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    I inquired this same question to my dealer and their response is that since it is built in Canada there will be no affect.

    Anyways, the closure is halted temporary for 80 days since the president ordered them back to work.
  • califjohncalifjohn Member Posts: 101
    is coming on scene for the MDX. The new XC90 and Toyota 4Runner V8 make attractive alternatives. The Lexus version of the 4Runner is another choice for those with deep pockets. All are mid size,with decent milage,are well powered, and are useful SUV's. It is no surprise to me then that the dealers are being a little more reasonable in their pricing this early in the model year. IMHO there will be cross shopping between the Pilot and X. The CR article pretty well ensured that. I suspect that we will see the X prices actually be discounted in the months to come. Recently in the SJose Bay Area one dealer was offering 2002's at discount from MSRP. As the new offerings from Volvo and Toyota get in the showrooms and can be driven alongside the Pilot and new X I think there will be some real competition for sales.
  • zhiminwenzhiminwen Member Posts: 17
    Agree the MDX price will be discounted, perhaps as early as next Jan. Has any of your MDX potential buyers noticed the soon-will-be-launched all new Nissan Murano? I have been looking at a mid-size SUV to buy for over a month, and have decided to go with 03 MDX with navagation until this Murano info comes along. I am going to test-drive both but with a strong tilt now towards the Murano. Check the Murano board at http://www.edmunds.com/future/2003/nissan/murano/4drsuv/preview.html


    There is a lack of final info on Murano specs and pricing. With the preliminary infos Nissan provided, I am guessing the Murano will be more sporty and fun to drive and has better handling. For example, one of the most powerful and smoothest V6 taken from Maxima, continuously variable transmission(CVT), all-new AWD, 18 inch wheel, available traction and stability control. Equally impressed with the sleek exterior and modern interior. The equipment options (eg., available HID, DVD-based navigation, head airbags) are nothing short compared with MDX. It is even unique in some area, like the driver memory system not only memorizes driver seat and outside mirrors but also steering wheel and gas/brake pedal position. Of course the Murano has no 3nd row seat (a non-issue for me). Pricing is not out yet, but fully loaded Murano should be considerably less than 03 MDX touring with navigation. Besides the above that makes me favor the Murano, I am a little disgusted with Acura dealer's price gouging. Equally hate the prospect of having to waiting months to get my vehicle. I want to drive the vehicle home from dealer's lot if I want to buy it.

  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    There's no question about it -- Technologically, the Murano looks very good on paper. But, people shopping the MDX due to its cargo holding capacity will not cross shop the Murano since its cargo capacity is comparable to a RAV4.

    But I agree, the Murano is going to be a good vehicle to the demographic that it is targeting.
  • d_jcrosslandd_jcrossland Member Posts: 4
    We put a deposit on a base MDX in late August. The dealer called 2 weeks ago and told us production of our MDX would begin 10/6 and it would be delivered to the dealer on 10/10. The dates were confirmed again yesterday.
  • pf01pf01 Member Posts: 35
    People in the 4runner board are suspicious that
    Toyota exaggerated both the interior volume and the ground-clearance of pre-2003 4runners. I am not sure the situation with RAV-4. But if my impression from reading the 4runner board is correct, the cargo space of Murano is not that much different from the 2003 4runner/GX470. Regarding the cargo space of MDX, I really do not think it can be fully utilized without a self-leveling rear suspension, which is probably not available with the pre-2003 or 2003 MDX.
  • inemerinemer Member Posts: 44
    I saw Murano few weeks ago on 405 FWY. He was right behind RX300 and I have to tell you. Looking very good and apprx the same size that RX300. I can see that people who were looking for RX300, Highlander, and Pathfinder turn their head to Murano. BUT MDX… Nea. Totally different category of drivers, I say, more mature.
  • kai_mingkai_ming Member Posts: 33
    Following the lead given by d_jcrossland, a friend called several dealers. Indeed, it is possible to get a 03 mdx in weeks similar to
    d_jcrossland. This suggests that the waiting list
    is short. Economy and competition have finally caught up with the mighty mdx. Mdx's new engine apparently is not fast enough to leave competitors in the dust. Volvo's XC90 does offer an alternative. Roll-over curtain, boron reinforced roof and roll-over stability control,
    attracts buyers who are more safety minded.
    The only problem is that the local dealers do not have one to look at.

    d_jcrossland, thanks for your lead. Would be interested to learn if you had a good deal.
  • mdx_kidmdx_kid Member Posts: 33
    Has anybody used the winter tires on MDX. If so what was the experience. I am looking for one but unable to find wheels as the OEMs are very expensive. Acura used 17x6.5 which is difficult (almost impossible) to get. I looked at a few 17x7 and 17x7.5. Any comments on new wheels and tires for winter.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    The Michelin Cross Terrains are supposedly excellent snow/winter tires. Bridgestone has the blizzak models...also there is some talk on the land rover disco board about snow tires...there is a guy from alaska that has some brand he uses...you may want to check there.
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    Just curious when Edmunds will update the info for new 2003 MDX?

    It's still showing only 2002.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Will4271, I don't know the rollout schedule. We finally got the '03 Sequoia numbers going but still looking for the 4Runner ones. Hopefully "any day now" for the MDX.


    A good place to check what prices have been updated is the What's New... link.



    Steve

    Host

    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    If you check out michelin's site...they rate the tires as a "10" in snow compared to their other models. Winter is a season? You are correct, they aren't a dedicated snow tire, but might do well enough not to warrant buying a specific set for winter.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Just got back from a 400 mile road trip this weekend. I averaged 19.5 mpg overall...not too shabby. I would estimate I was getting 25-30 mph on the highway when I could use the cruise control.
  • fndlyfmrflyrfndlyfmrflyr Member Posts: 668
    Mpg calculations vary quite a bit from person to person. I've found the MDX's trip computer, on average, to show about 0.7 mpg more than the car actually gets when you use the actual gallons pumped into the tank. I fill at the same pump much of the time and record gallons pumped into the tank each time. It is not unusual to see mpg vary by as much as 20%, tank to tank, for what seemed to be similar driving situations.

    For the 9000 miles on my MDX, the overall average mpg is 16.5. It is 14.5 mpg for local driving with lots of stop and go as well as very short distances driven. Trips has been 20.5 mpg, but that includes some local driving during the trip. Straight freeway driving has averaged 22.5 mpg (this is point to point trip driving with just a couple of miles of off freeway driving).

    The A/C is on all of the time (full auto mode on the system) and freeway driving is at the prevailing traffic speeds, usually 75 - 80 in the middle lanes, not the fast movers in the left lane.

    The instant mpg reading on the car trip computer screen appears to have no relation to actual mpg for a given distance. Most of the time on the freeway the instant mpg is in the 25 to 30 range, well above what the car actually gets.

    I noted that the average mpg has been increasing with miles. The average was 15.7 for the first three thousand miles, 16.5 for the next three thousand miles, and 17.2 for the last three thousand miles. The last increase was most likely due to not using the car for as much stop and go, while the middle 3000 miles was probably due to break in of the engine.

    Can't complain about the MDX mpg. It is about as expected and about as good as our P/T Cruiser GT (turbo).
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I am referring to michelin's site and the company's comparison between each of their brands. After checking today (It must have changed since last year)...They rate the cross terrrain a "9" for winter traction compared to their LTX a/t which is a "6"...it isn't a comparison to other brands...but my opinion that the michelin brand is pretty good...I haven't tried the cross terrain in the snow yet, but I imagine all the reviews at tirerack and 1010tires can't be too off base.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    has '03 MDX info. From what I can see backup camera is not available. But MSRP does not appear to be increased much from last year, if at all. Not bad for an extra 20 ponies, VSA+Trac, new tranny, etc. Headlights are now auto on/off. Was it only auto-off last year?
  • fndlyfmrflyrfndlyfmrflyr Member Posts: 668
    The camera only comes with navigation. Honda/Acura now also sells a back-up sensor kit for the rear bumper. It has four sensors and "beeps" when you near an object. I'll probably install one of these on my '02. Price increase is a little over a thousand dollars over the '02
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    The price of the '03 navigation option has gone up $200 (from $2000 to $2200). Included are the new nav system, and the backup camera.

    The overall price of the MDX has risen $1,000.

    However, you can no longer buy the Nav without buying the Touring Package (which is still $2,600) more, on top of the base's $1,000 price increase).
  • zgt88zgt88 Member Posts: 5
    Has anyone tried to put a baby seat in the 3rd row? How easy is't to get in and out? sbcooke: Didn't you post something earlier about having a baby seat in the 3rd row. Please let me know what you think. Thanks
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    I don't think you'd want to put a baby seat in the 3rd row. Even after you've wiggled it in there, you'll break your back carrying the baby back there (unless your baby can get in by him/herself. Also, do you really want your baby sitting so close to the back hatch for safety reasons?
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I haven't had the opportunity. However, I think child seats fit easily, and should be very safe. I have a friend who has a booster seat without any problems. He has also solved the access problem by keeping one 3rd row seat down and letting his kid climb in through the rear.
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    I've seen more than a few compact cars that place the rear glass close to the back seat head rests (check out the Mini or Beetle, for example!).

    They are probably no more dangerous than the MDX 3rd row.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    By baby seat, do you mean rear-facing, or forward-facing?

    The MDX manual clearly states that one should not put a rear-facing seat in the third row. Forward-facing is fine.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    TMV pricing for the '03 MDX has been updated (still waiting for the invoices here for some reason).


    TMV link


    Steve, Host

  • bradlake1bradlake1 Member Posts: 48
    Why is TMV for the X being listed as ~$1800 more than MSRP?? I thought MSRP was the max being asked??? I thought price-gouging was not being allowed by Acura (corporate)? How truthful is TMV? Help......
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The "S" in MSRP is suggested. I don't how hard Acura can come down on making their dealers stick to MSRP without getting into price fixing. Saturn can, but I've read that their dealer network was set up "differently" from any other manufacturer.


    How We Calculate New TMV® Prices


    Steve, Host

  • zgt88zgt88 Member Posts: 5
    Sugestions are considered. By the way, my kid is 2 years old and the baby seat will be forward-facing. Thanks again for your concern Wmquan.
  • ispsxc1ispsxc1 Member Posts: 12
    Just did 30K maintenance for approx. $180. Summary of our experience
    Pros
    1. Almost trouble free (1 TSB -- Whipping Mirror)
    2. Still on original Goodyear tires (safe for at least another 5K)
    3. Very powerful (seems getting stronger)
    4. Decent fit and finish
    5. Real bumper (rear bumper hit by a Lexus and see no scratch but the other car got a visible dent)
    6. Lots of useful space
    7. Acceptable mileage (18.5 mile hwy/city mixed)
    8. Can handle heavy load (full load with A/C and still fill strong)
    9. Quite engine
    10. Comfort seats (not the 3rd row)
    11. Smooth handling
    12. long list of standard equipments
    Cons
    1. Road noise (may be different tires will help ?)
    2. So so radio
    3. Cramped 3rd row seats
    4. Slow down shift
    5. Already replaced both front and rear break pads.
    6. Some controls are not lighted

    Overall, very good value for $35K
  • fndlyfmrflyrfndlyfmrflyr Member Posts: 668
    ispsxc1
    Agree with your observations and based on my 02 add:
    The 02 is a little quieter than the 01 and the 03 is supposed to be quieter than the 02. Still get road noise with the Michelin tires too. Haven't noticed the downshift is that slow, but do notice that there is little speed holding ability even using third or second gear when driving down steep hills. Nav unit very easy to use. Not enough low rpm power to stay in 5th gear on freeway up grades. Sloppy assembly but okay after dealer finished what the factory started.
  • stevenmargolisstevenmargolis Member Posts: 3
    I have a Grand Cherokee and have outgrown it. I want more room without jumping up to something the size of the Expedition or Toyota Sequoia. I am seriously leaning to the MDX at this time. What are the other comparable SUVs (in size) besides the Volvo XC90, Mercedes and the Ford Explorer?
  • montreidmontreid Member Posts: 127
    Two types: Car-based (Crossovers) and Truck-Based

    Honda Pilot
    Buick Rendezvous
    Maybe: future Lexus 330 that's coming next year.

    Truck:
    Mercury Mountaineer
    Chevy Trailblazer XLT
    GMC Envoy XLT
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