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Acura MDX (pre-2007)
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MDX is more car like.
High schoolers regularly use the third row in my MDX for short rides. Found that having a split third row has come in handy when carrying a crowd and bulky items at the same time.
The single largest regret I've seen from MDX buyers are those who were thinking about the nav, but bypassed it. I don't have the nav myself and don't regret it, but I never really wanted it anyway.
If you're particular about the touchscreen option, the Kenwood is the only one that's available with that option. The Pioneer has the added benefit of watching DVDs (but not with nav simultaneously).
These systems, run from $1500-2500 depending on your local retailers. If you're really not interested in the Touring options, the aftermarket way may save some extra $$$ for other toys like a 2nd monitor in back for all the little ones!
The benefits I see rather than an installed ceiling mount system...I can take into my house (hotels)and use it, it isn't there everyday for kids to scream about and it is cheaper.
Trip notes: I averaged 20.9 mpg over the entire trip. On the highway alone I got over 24 mpg. The trip computer is kind of flawed...it logged me traveling 1500 miles, but the travel time resets at 12 hours? Doesn't help me figure out how much time we spent in the car.
However, the trip computer on mine is a lot more than "kind of" flawed. Nothing is accurate except miles traveled since reset, but it does fill a space on the center stack when the Nav is not in use.
The discounts are phenominal
I travel quite extensively in my work and I've been using successfully for almost two years the following system: I have a street mapping software installed on my laptop and a GPS unit hooked to the laptop. The software is from DeLorme as is the GPS (Earthmate), www.delorme.com. The GPS draws it power from the laptop or from a set of batteries. The software maps out my route (either quickest or shortest) and voice commands tell me well ahead of any left or right turns. When traveling alone I keep the laptop on the passnger side seat. The big, sharp screen of the laptop makes it very easy to see where I am going.
This system has worked very well for me and saved me many times from getting lost in unfamiliar territory. At about $50 for the software and $100-150 for the GPS (new/refurbished) one will have enough money left to buy a brand new laptop! The GPS unit is very small weighing only a few ounces.
The additional plus side of having a mobile navigation system is that I can take it with me on a rental car and on our boat.
I'm currently shopping for an SUV and would like some feedback as to what NJ residents are paying for insurance on the MDX.
Thanks!
You should call your agent, they should be able to give you an answer over the phone in about 5 minutes.
What does having a transmission replaced on a TL have to do with the MDX? There has been no transmission problem with the MDX!!
IF THERE WERE NO PROBLEM, WHY WOULD ACURA/HONDA HAVE REDESIGNED THE TRANNY FOR 2003 MODEL YEAR? The vehicle is virtually unchanged for 03 except a few hp increases and a BLAND NEW TRANSMISSION.
I am concerned since I have a 01 first generation MDX. I guess HONDA/ACURA is waiting silently for enough complains to extend the warranty for MDX transmission. They did that to TL/Accord/Ody.
Let me make one thing clear and I hope HONDA is listening: if the tranny on my MDX fails on me and I do not get EXCELLENT settlement, this MDX will be my last Acura and I will never get another HONDA.
I doubt any manufacturer makes perfect vehicles, so to see a few with transmission problems should be expected. However, I do feel, in light of the now known transmission reliability problems with late model Hondas and Acuras, Honda/Acura should make the transmission warranty extension to 100,000 miles across the board, covering all of their models.
The feelings about buying a Honda/Acura again expressed by qgu (#4686), if a transmission problem occurs, is probably a common feeling.
That said, I don't think one can pin the 2003 having a redesigned transmission as an admission of problems in the first transmission. I think the transmission was in the works for quite some time. Frankly, the 2001/2002 MDX didn't have a new transmission, they just received a stopgap -- a "beefed up" (for AWD and towing) version of an older transmission. The result was a fifth gear that was too tall and somewhat uneven gear spacing. The new transmission is a lot more compact, with much better gear spacing.
I suspect the "beef up" is the reason the MDX/Pilot transmissions aren't failing as frequently as the currently identified problematic trannies.
Now, the 100k mile question will be, is the beef-up just postponing failures for an extra 25k miles, or for the average lifetime of the vehicle?
I would like to see acura upgrade everyone to the towing package as a preventative measure. I may add this upgrade myself.
The 03 MDX engine is more powerful than the 01/02. It makes sense that they went with an totally redesigned transmission. It is VERY likely that the 04 MDX will recieve further power boost, as power is a key differentiator among SUV marketing campaigns. (whether anyone actually uses all the towing capacity or just takes advantage of STUPID 6000lb GVWR lease write-off rules would require a seperate examination...). The tranny in the 03 MDX will likely be in place through several power jumps, and the MDX may someday top out in the Hp territory of the GM V8 powered SUVs (290-300 Hp). They have to "evolve" their engines to stay competitive, and the tranny has to "live" behind that power...
I am fairly comfortable that the MDX transmission will be at least as reliable as those in its major competitors.
joanne13 "Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX" Nov 3, 2002 12:20am
I would not bother focusing too much attention on it as joanne has not returned in the Volvo vs. Acura thread to back up her post.
I was checking out Consumer Reports on the MDX online and they have a rating of excellent for MDX transmissions for '02 and '03.
Are they not taking good stats?
Also, I was looking at cars.com and there has been quite a few MDX on the used vehicle sales list. Again, not sure if these are lease returns, repos, someone needing money to sell or other. Some are still priced quite high or higher than current newer models.
However I don't think (and hope) there aren't problems with the '02 transmission.
If this is their first offer, they might be willing to go lower. I would personally try to go for $2,500 below MSRP just to see what their counteroffer is. It can't hurt to try. If you can wait until near the end of the month, they'll be more likely to discount more.
I figured that with all of the new luxury suv's hitting the market this year, the MDX might suffer a bit after dominating this market for the past few years. However, has it begun already???
Maybe the first sign was that I've been getting calls from dealers offering in-stock vehicles at MSRP, while in the past it was 2-3 month waiting period if you wanted MSRP.....
Before, the majority of dealers were selling "off the sheet". When they are essentially presold, the dealer is all but guaranteed full hold back & MSRP+.
Some deals are going to creep up...
BTW I think the fact that 03 Navi was NOT initially available may mean that more folks are going for the higher priced units, and there may be less takers for the non-navi MDXs....
As an interesting sidenote, I spoke to one of the junion mechanics at the dealer and he said what they see a lot of is fried trannies and motors for RSX 6-speeds.
Consumer Reports has changed the "Predicted Reliability" Rating of the MDX from "Above Average" (the half-red dot) to "Well Above Average" (the full red dot, their highest score).
This was apparently based on initial surveys of 2002 quality. The issue shows that the MDX is "well above average" in every category except for body hardware, where it is "above average". This was an improvement on the first year.
Also,a notice states that if the indicator is lit, it can cause serious damage to the transmission.
It's called "A/T Temperature Indicator"
Anyone observed this?