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Acura MDX (pre-2007)
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Comments
Also, any good experiences with dealers in the Tampa, FL area?
Using regular gas is possible. There will be some loss in peak performance, and gas mileage will likely dip slightly.
Personally, I have no problem with the premium requirement. Complaining about premium fuel with a vehicle like this seems like putting the cart before the horse. But that's just me.
Based on memory, I believe the recommendation for the 2007 model said something about allowing use of regular fuel for short periods. It was not worded the same as what we see for the current MDX.
In the third or fourth model year (I forget which and am too lazy to look it up), Honda also added some "heat melt" sheets to the floor and added some sound insulation. So, supposedly, the newer ones are quieter. There's some general tech info that the new MDX has MVH improvements.
Personally, I have no problem with the premium requirement. Complaining about premium fuel with a vehicle like this seems like putting the cart before the horse. But that's just me.
I used to think the same way, and I still only use premium in both my vehicles that specify it. But I guess one reasoning I could apply is ... sometimes we drive a few blocks (burning a small amount of additional fuel) to save 3-10 cents to fuel up at a Safeway Gas or Costco. Or, rather than gas up in the neighborhood on the way home, I figure, "well, I'm going to Costco tomorrow to load up on mass quantities, so I'll wait on the lonnnggg line there and lose part of my Saturday, and gas up there to save a little." If I do that sometimes to save several cents a gallon, I can't begrudge folks who are curious about saving about 20 cents or so by not using premium. Especially if they think there's no harm done.
Flat out apples to apples...If you figure 16 mpg average, that is 781.25 gallons of gas a year. Multiply that by .1 and you get under $100 dollars a year. Double the mileage or the cost and you are still not really much over $150.
So if you do a good job shopping for your car and you get a good deal you are probably making up the cost...You can probably figure that over the life of the car it is probably under $1000.
Another point that has been discussed in the past...I imagine you get slightly worse gas mileage on lower octane fuel, so you will probably be cutting into any $$ savings by using less expensive fuel by requiring more of it. So if your mileage is 2 mpg worse over the course of a year, you now need 891 gallons to cover the same distance (about 100 gallons more) so your net out of pocket cost is even higer. Theoretically it is more expensive at $3.00 a gallon? I doubt the difference is that drastic in mpg, but do the math...I don't think there is a huge $$$ win to regular/mid over premium (maybe even a loss). At a 0.5 mpg worse...I think you are almost break even.
This is a old topic re: MDX's and has been discussed many times. The MDX runs better on premium, for the minor expense over the cost of a year it is really nothing significant in my opinion. People complain about the $2.00 a tankful cost, however if you take a macro view of it...to me it is minor.
2002 is when they fixed the leaky side mirrors and added thicker glass I believe.
(For me the spread between gas grades is not more than 20 cents regular to premium, not 45 as mentioned in an earlier post)
I think that drivers sensitive to the road noise should be more concerned with using premium fuel. There are several good write-ups on octane rating on the web. To summarize:
Using a fuel with a higher octane lets an engine run at a higher compression without having problems with knock. Knocking (also called pinging) occurs when the fuel/air mixture in the cylinder has been ignites from the high compression pressure before it can be fully ignited by the spark plug. The resulting shockwave reverberates in the combustion chamber and pressures increase catastrophically, creating a characteristic metallic "pinging" sound.
Compression is directly related to power, so engines that require higher octane usually deliver more power. High-performance engines are designed to operate with a high maximum compression and thus need a high quality (high energy) fuel usually associated with high octane numbers and thus demand high-octane premium gasoline.
A common myth amongst gasoline consumers is that adding a higher octane fuel to a vehicle's engine will increase its performance and/or lessen its fuel consumption; this is mostly false—engines perform best when using fuel with the octane rating they were designed for and any increase in performance by using a fuel with a different octane rating is minimal.
If a fuel with below recommended octane is used, then the engine will knock. Modern engines have anti-knock provisions built into the control systems and this is usually achieved by dynamically de-tuning the engine while under load by increasing the fuel-air mixture and retarding the spark.
-- source: Wikipedia
I just think the methods some folks will chose can be a bit odd. It's like a professor I had in college who drank a diet Coke at lunch, then finished with a twinkie.
Lighten up on the throttle and be smart about not using your MDX for short trips and you can get 21 mpg. I average 21.4 in mixed driving. A 1 mpg improvement over the course of 15,000 miles will net you just as much in savings as switching to regular gas.
Ok, take the 50K miles and 20 cent price difference...so if you say 20 MPG at 93 octane - that is 2500 gallons a year, paying .20 more --> $500 more in apples to apples cost.
However, if you drive 50K miles at 87 octane, I think you would get more like 18 MPG (factor in applying more gas to get expected performance maybe less?)...which means 2777.78 gallons...so at $3.00 a gallon, you are paying $833 dollars in additional gas costs subtract the $500 savings and you are at a net loss of $333 per year.
If consumers are interested in saving gas costs, premium vs. regular isn't necessarily the answer...as posted, a vehicle with better gas mileage and that uses regular would be the choice. My Isuzu uses 87 octane, but at 11 mpg the MDX is cheaper to operate.
If you use the MDX to tow heavy loads or if you are sensitive to engine noise...you should probably not deviate from using high octane. The long-term health of the engine will not be improved by years of pre-mature combustion and knock experienced using 87 octane rated fuel.
My first experiment was to see how accurate the trip computer is with its calculations. I compared the computed average with the average I got dividing distance travelled by gallons to refill. After 9-10 fill-ups, I came to the conclusion that the Trip Computer is optimistic by about .1 mpg.
I normally turn it on only when I need it. Then use the steering wheel controls to set and cancel.
However, is it harmful to drive with the cruise control button continuously on?
We have a Britax Roundabout (convertible car seat), and two Graco TurboBoosters. They all fit in the 2nd row, although I will admit that the 5-yr-old has trouble getting his seat belt buckled sometimes, but it's not a huge deal.
I must confess, however, that I usually like to separate my two oldest (LOL), so one usually rides in the 3rd row if all 3 kids are with me. I keep the other half of the 3rd row folded flat (that's where I put the stroller). There is still plenty of room for groceries, etc, although if I end up doing more shopping than I planned, it only takes a minute to fold that seat back down and relocate the booster to the 2nd row.
And as far as the minivan goes, I can tell you that I used to drive an 04 Ody and before that, a 98 Chrysler T&C. This is BY FAR my favorite vehicle I have ever owned (with my pre-motherhood Nissan Altima a close second LOL) and I really love it. I spent a lot of time thinking about an 06 Ody and I have NO regrets about picking the MDX instead.
HTH!
(Base): $39,995
w/Tech Package: $43,495
w/Tech & Ent Packages: $45,695
w/Sport & Tech Packages: $45,595
w/Sport, Tech, and Ent Packages: $47,795
Destination and handling charge: $670
So that would mean (excluding destination charge):
- Base is up $2,870
- A model with all packages is up $3,595
2006 MSRP's:
Premium: $37,125
Touring: $39,950
Touring+RES: $41,450
Touring+Nav: $42,700
Tour+Nav+RES: $44,200
Movin' On Up: Acura Announces Price Increase on '07 MDX (Inside Line)
The 2007 MDX is rated with a max tow capacity of 5,000 lbs.
The 2001-2006 MDX was rated with a capacity of 3,500-4,500 lbs.
On paper, that looks like an increase of 500-1,500 lbs. However, that's a little misleading and buyers should be aware. Acura is playing fast and loose with the numbers. Although, to their credit, not as much as most other manufacturers.
The 2001-2006 models were rated with a max capacity that included not only the weight of the towed trailer, but also four occupants and their luggage for a weekend. The standard weight for an occupant is 150 lbs and the luggage weight is about 200 lbs. This meant you could tow 3,500-4,500 with another 800 lbs of people and gear inside.
The 2007 MDX is rated with only two occupants and gear for the weekend. So, realistically, the boat towing weight has only gone up 200 lbs. Though, the 1,200 increase for non-boats is still a nice boost.
I mentioned this being better than other manufacturers because companies like Ford and Toyota quote towing capacities with only one occupant and no gear at all.
caused any problems; its quicker to re-engage cruise control that way .
The wife and I were planning on an 06 Oddy purchase, as we also have a 3 yr old daughter.
We wanted the room, ease of loading kids and the Ent package for her to enjoy on the long trips.
We gave it a test drive and the wife loved it, but I found a drastic lack of legroom for the driver.
When test drove the MDX and we ended up with a Sage Brush Pearl on Black 06 MDX Touring w/ Nav and RES for the same price we were gonna pay for the Oddy.
We love the ride and the little one has a great time in the back (2nd row). She loves her DVD player and all I have to do is open the back door and she climbs in all by herself.
I just click the straps and away we go.
I've also taken my 1yr niece for the weekend, and we load her into the MDX without any problems at all.
In fact, it may be even easier for loading kids than the oddy.... doesn't seem like you have to lean in all that much. My brother-in-law has an Oddy so it's easy for me to compare.
We love the MDX and have never second thought or questioned our decision over the Oddy.
In fact, when we see an Oddy on the road now, we feel that much happier with our purchase.
Hope it helps, good luck.
Miami Beach Convention Ctr Intl Autoshow, which runs through Sun 15.
FYI: Front grille looks better than posted pictures! 2 memory seat
buttons present but standard Roof rack absent. A release tab just
below the dash now disengages Foot-brake. No side-moldings !!!
The interior is a MAJOR upgrade. You feel like a pilot cocooned in a cockpit. It feels like a much roomier version of the flagship RL.
The fold-flat third row is so simple to use! The power liftgate is quiet as can be. I can only imagine how well this thing drives with the increased HP.
IMHO, when compared to my wife's 06 ML350, the MDX has more features, more room, and a nicer overall package... and at a MUCH better price.
Me thinks we'll be trading out of the ML in a year or so......
I don't you'll be sorry with your decision at all and I hope you enjoy your 06 as much as we do ours!
Also, my cruise control is not working. The main switch light is on, but when I pressed the set button, nothing happen.
Any idea on these problems
Acura MDX
while setting your seat memory. Memory Seat adjustment
would not work at D, R, or N. This is an in-built safety feature.
Why?
I'm curious what that has to do with your adding Sat Radio. :confuse:
Since they are getting a used one they want to get it loaded but no DVD though just NAV. And also does anyone know if you can get a 2007 keyfob from the 2007 MDX and program it to where it can be used on a 04-07?
Anyother comments or suggestions and input would be great.
Thanks alot in advance
Player4
Anyway, I would guess that Acura didn't re-write that software? It was something like turn the key 13 times, open/close the door, turn it 2 more times, press the button, etc. I had to do it a couple of times but not that hard.
Go for the pre-owned MDX. My 2002 is great. I have a touring without NAV.
Anyone know where i can find night interior shots of the 2004-2006 MDX? I really want to see how the interior looks at night.
Thx
It already has 22,000 miles on it, and other than a subwoofer rattle, I've had no issues what so ever.
I've driven from MA to IL and MI twice and never once needed a map and averaged 23 mpg.
Navi was 100% accurate and helped me find gas stations, various food options and hotels as well.
I have not yet, even once, regretted this purchase.
Unfortunately, the Acura website no longer shows the 06 model, but if I get around to it this weekend, I'll take some interior pics.
The interior is nice at night.
Acura offers LED ambient lighting (blue) throughout the front cabin space. It's very minor but you know it's there and I think it's kinda nice.
The Navi has options for different background colors for night driving and the gauges are easy to read, without bugging out your eyes.
I only have one complaint about the interior at night...
The steering wheel controls are not backlit.
Acura dropped the ball here... very sad for a $45,000 vehicle.
You'll be happy with the MDX... I am.
And the NAV since Honda has one of the bests ones out there i wasnt very doubtful of it but now that you tell me how great it is im sure we'll end up getting one with NAV.
I want to get my hands on a 2006 MDX brochure from Acura but i dont know where to get it at?
Thank you
I only have one, which I'm keeping for prosperity .... otherwise, I'd send one.
If you're really interested, they sell them on Ebay for less than $10-
If not then maybe ill do ebay then.
I was gonna take some interior pics but the wife decided to play some sort of disappearing act with my brand new digital camera... :mad:
I stopped by my dealer and they had one brochure left and after working on them for awhile, they let me have it.
I also have the Accessory Guide.
See if you dealer has one, and if not, I'll just throw the thing in the mail to ya.
Ill let you know how it goes..
Thank you very much.
Transmitter Programming for a 2002 MDX
Storing transmitter codes:
The codes of up to three transmitters can be read into the keyless
reciever unit memory.(If a fourth code is stored, the code which was
input first will be erased.)
Note: It is important to maintain the time limits between the steps.
1.Turn the ignition switch ON (| |).
2. Within 1 to 4 sec., push the transmitter lock or unlock button with
the transmitter aimed at the reciever in the passenger's multiplex
control unit.
3. Within 1 to 4 sec., turn the ignition switch OFF.
4. Within 1 to 4 sec., turn the ignition switch ON (| |).
5. Within 1 to 4 sec., push the transmitter lock or unlock button with
the transmitter aimed at the reciever in the passenger's multiplex
control unit.
6. Within 1 to 4 sec., turn the ignition switch OFF.
7. Within 1 to 4 sec., turn the ignition switch ON (| |).
8. Within 1 to 4 sec., push the transmitter lock or unlock button with
the transmitter aimed at the reciever in the passenger's multiplex
control unit.
9. Within 1 to 4 sec., turn the ignition switch OFF.
10. Within 1 to 4 sec., turn the ignition switch ON (| |).
11. Within 1 to 4 sec., push the transmitter lock or unlock button
with the transmitter aimed at the reciever in the passenger's
multiplex control unit.
12. Confirm you can hear the sound of the door lock actuators. Within
1 to 4 sec., push the transmitter lock or unlock button again.
13. Within 10 sec.,aim the transmitters (up to three) whose codes you
want to store at the receiver, and press the transmitter lock or
unlock buttons. Confirm that you can hear the sound of the door lock
actuators after each transmitter code is stored.
14.Turn the ignition switch OFF, and pull out the key.
15. Confirm proper operation with the new code(s).
Took me 2 times to get it right. I messed up 12 and 13 (I got excited when I realized this was going to work). This is from a discussion group on how to program 2000 TL remotes, works for the MDX too. Double checked it and everything seems fine. $59.95 labor for this.