I ordered a separation net, a cargo cover and a cargo net from Tim at Ray Laks Acura (aka Hondacuraworld) with good experience. The cargo cover was damaged. I called Tim and a new one was sent out that very day. Once Tim received the damaged cargo cover, he issued the credit for the shipping cost.
I should add that Tim even sent me an Acura MDX base cap!
Hey Folks- been away for a while, but you've been busy!
Just had the VTM-4 maintenance done. $55 by Acura. 5200 miles, figured it was time
Only problem: they "forgot" to replace the soft metal washers on the fill and drain plugs which the service manual specifies shall be replaced. None in stock- "acura didn't tell us they needed to be replaced in the computer".
This dealer claims the severe serivce schedule applies. Right. This is a classic pump up service revenue. Most folks just go along.
I posted this a LONG time ago, but was hoping for some more responses:
BRAKE PEDAL HISS
How many folks notice a hissing noise from the brake pedal every time it is depressed?
I recall most said no noise. Acura Dealer is telling me noise is normal.
Thanks in advance (TIA)
Also, I've got a rattle in the moon roof area. You can here it on cobble roads at 30-40 mph. (dealer claimed to fix it by cleaning and lubing weatherstrip-right- drove out the lot and heard it within 100 yards.)
BTW, just bought up a Ford SuperDuty 4x4 truck. F250 with a turbo diesel/ SuperCab. Talk about raw brutish power and mass. This thing will tow 13,000 lbs at 65 mph no sweat. Got back in the MDX and it felt dainty. Really felt funny for a while.
I noted a post a while back on the Torque converter not unlocking on some vehicles (or perhaps this was just a hypothesis). If it occurs, it is definitely fixable. Not all vehicles do it, so if yours does it is wrong. Any shudders/thumps/etc are energy, and it has to go somewhere. Eventually, this will lead to failures. Don't wait too long to get the dealer looking at it.
Is there a huge disconnect between what Acura Corporate says and what the Dealerships do?
Acura corporate is sending out letters and surveys, and refers to us as "clients", pledging to make this the "finest driving experience".
yet the dealerships are just like any good-ol chevy or dodge dealership. Ratty furniture, crappy waiting rooms, poorly trained mechanics, predatory service advisors. Incompetance. Close to indifference. When problems come up they shrug, instead of being mortified (or acting mortified)
Or am I just lucky?
I wish I could own this vehicle but not have to deal with anyone other than the factory and corporate.
Sorry I don't have an MDX (bought Sequoia instead) but I still like to lurk on this board (liked MDX a lot but a little too small)
I have a 1999 Odyssey which shares some parts with the MDX. I just received a safety recall from Honda re all 1999 and certain 2000 model EX Odyssey models. Verbatim:
"Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has determined that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety may exist in all 1999 and certain 2000 EX model Odyssey vehicles. Over time, the dimmer control for the instrument panel lights can fail due to heat buildup. If this occurs, the instrument lights may fail and, at night, the driver may not be able to see the instrument panel gauges and displays. Gauges such as the speedometer would continue to operate. All critical system indicator lights (for example, SRS, seat belt reminder, turn signals, and charging system) would continue to function.
I wonder if this is a potential problem on the MDX?
I haven't noticed a difference in the two vent temperatures for the second row -- I assume you mean coming from the back of the center console? Then again, it hasn't been too cold around here (40's mostly) and we haven't run it too much.
Ard:
Your experience with Acura dealerships is a combination of Acura and your luck. My dealership (Acura of Bellevue) is pretty good -- waiting room a bit sparse but clean (doesn't have the giant fish tank the Lexus dealer has, woo-hoo!), and the service manager and techs have been conscientious. However, I think Acura dealerships in general, while a notch above many, are a notch below some dealerships like Lexus.
Then again, everyone's mileage varies. A friend of mine and his wife were treated like low-life crap at the local MB and Lexus dealerships; only the BMW salesperson treated him with respect.
Acura has officially announced the long-rumored "Type S" version of the TL. Similar to the CL Type S, it'll have the tuned-up 260hp engine, VSA (Acura's version of stability control), bigger wheels and tires, and styling tweaks.
This comes in the TL's fourth model year (though it'll begin early); the third model year had very little change, the second model year brought side airbags and front-seatbelt pretensioners and other items.
This does suggest that Acura is still serious about trying to liven up its line, and not limit lively performance to the CL-S and upcoming Integra Type R replacement. I wonder if it'll be the 2003 or 2004 MDX that will get the upcoming V8 intended for the RL replacement. The MDX has plenty of room in its engine compartment.
I ordered an emerald green tour MDX in mid November with a late January delivery date. Now my Seattle dealer tells me that it won't arrive until March. The general manager blames the delay on reduced numbers of MDX's being delivered by Acura, quality control issues, and weather. Has anyone else been told the same thing?
I don't know if I can wait until March. I need more space ASAP as we are adding our third kid next week and the old Accord and Camry just don't cut it with three car seats.
Unfortunately there's not much way to tell if your MDX was delayed because of Acura, or because your dealership sold your MDX out from under you. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the latter as all the Seattle-area Acura dealerships seem well capable of doing this.
I know what you mean about needing more space, soon. Perhaps it's time to look at MDX alternatives. For three kids, I guess an RX is out. Have you considered an ML320 with the third-row seat option, or, for more space, a Sequoia, assuming you want to stay in the SUV market? Unfortunately both SUV's, while available at some level of discount, won't be super-priced in the SUV-crazy Seattle market.
If your concern is simply to be able to jump start your MDX, then refer to pp. 323-325 of the owner's manual; you would certainly not remove the battery cables for that procedure. However, when hooking up a slow or fast charger to the battery you would probably want to disconnect the battery cables just to be on the safe side. If you reverse the charger connections by mistake, you could damage the MDX's electronics!
By the way, a useful item from the J. C. Whitney catalog is the "computer memory saver"; this device saves computer settings and codes when the battery is disconnected. It's only $9.99.
Thanks for the info. Found it on J. C. Whitney's web site. Have you tried it on the MDX or other current vehicles? How long will a 9 volt battery last when the main battery is disconnected? Can one find this little gadget in one of local auto parts stores?
You could always check into having an MDX shipped from a dealership in the south (generally, they seem to have some sitting on their lots). Apparently, Acura of Orange Park, Florida -- a reputable dealer -- will ship for approximately $500 (as may others). Good luck.
I posted a while ago about our Canadian MDX that I bought from a used car lot here in Portland. We have put about a thousand miles on it including a 400 mile road trip. Our mileage seems to be improving as it breaks in, from city mileage of around 15 to city mileage of around 17. On our road trip we averaged about 24 mpg on the freeway. We have had no problems at all which is no surprise. The seating comfort is great, the visibility at least as good as our minivan, the mirrors are better. The stero is nice but I expected a bigger difference with the Bose name on it. Everyone who rides in it exclaims about its smooth and quiet ride. Yesterday and today are the only to instances when any other drivers seem give me any special notice, with the craned necks, appreciative looks and everything. That always counter-acts any buyer's remorse. The other SUV's all had at least two problems in general that left us with the MDX in first place despite the fact that we have owned 5 Toyota's in a row and love Toyota. We had to have 7 seats, we wanted at least 20 mpg on the freeway, and we wanted a reputation of reliability. Additionally, it was important to have a somewhat upper-class image because of my work. In my searches, the MDX was the least expensive solution to all of the above. Though it is too new to have much a reputation,we are banking on the Acura reputation (and a nice warranty--third party because it's a Canadian rig). Anyway, that is our saga. Considering all of our other choices seemed to be in the minivan area I feel like I have been freed from purgatory.
My dealer is quoting $2200 for the 7 year 100,000 mile extended warranty. Is this a good price and is the acura warranty extension worthwhile?
P.S. for all you people getting screwed on your delivery dates, I decided to buy one on monday and called 14 dealerships, found the car I wanted at MSRP, and got delivery on Friday( from 700 miles away). Don't get jacked around, go somewhere else!
I just received a bunch of accessories from Hondacuraworld and am very happy with Tim and the great service he provides. I ordered the rear mud guards, moon roof air deflector, cargo cover, all season mats, burlwood shift knob, and 6-disc changer. The running boards were on back order at the time and should be on their way.
Just thought I'd share my experience with installing the mud guards. The mud guards screw into the wheel wells using 3 screws for each mud guard. There are two screws already on the MDX that you just unscrew and reuse. One of the screws is difficult to get to unless you have one of those 90 degree philips screwdrivers. I found that just jacking the car up (rear tire was still touching the ground), without removing the tires, allowed enough room to get a stubby philips in there. The problem I ran into was the screws that are already on the MDX that I reused for the mud flaps, dug into my mud flaps pretty good (I may have over tightened a tad) so I would recommend that you put a washer on it before screwing it in. The mud guards in the front had one of those screws with a washer built-in. Just wondering why Acura didn't include those types of screws for the rear?
cb19: When I picked up my GG MDX (12/20/00), my dealer quoted my $1650 for the 7yr/100,000 mile extended warranty with no deductible. I bought my car in Sacramento and live in the Bay Area (about 100 miles away) but my dealer assured me that the extended warranty would be honored by any Acura dealer. I didn't get the extended warranty but was told that I could buy it anytime before the normal warranty expires. He also said that if I bought the warranty and decided later (before the normal warranty expired) I didn't want it, I could "return" the warranty and get my money back.
Got it at MSRP with Mud Flaps, Wheel Locks and Cargo Net thrown in. Also got the Window VIN Etching and Warrantee ($385) for free. That's the best I could do for the Silver Base. The Etching is a money grabing thing from most dealers around here (Houston). I paid $200 this gimick for my Camry.
Got 7.8% financing from the dealer, which was better then the rate I got from my credit union. It pays to have loan and rate lined up BEFORE the buy.
A while ago both Ard and myself compared some notes on extended warranties, and it seemed that Hondacuraworld offered the best prices we could find. I think I remember a price of about $1150 for a 6yr/100K/$0 deductible Acura warranty on the MDX. Unfortunately, that discussion was over two months ago, and so I may be off slightly on that dollar value.
In any case, refer to posts #804 or #805 for info on how to contact Tim at Hondacuraworld, and I bet nobody will beat his prices -- either on accessories or on warranties!
I think I will wait the full 7500 miles for the VTM-4 maintenance. Our MDX will probably be there before the end of February. Thanks for the heads-up on the soft metal washers!
I missed the post on the Torque converter not unlocking on some vehicles. Was this happening under normal take-offs, or only when the VTM-4 switch was engaged with gearshift in 1st or 2nd gears? While driving through an ice storm near Sweetwater, Texas, there were a couple occasions where I felt safest starting off with the VTM-4 switch engaged. I did experience a couple of "thumps" that seemed to come from the rear differential, but I assumed this might be expected while traveling on ice and generally staying below 18mph. I never noticed any thumps or shudders when the VTM-4 switch was not engaged.
I have never noticed any brake pedal hiss, but I will pay more attention the next time I drive the MDX. I'll let you know if I can detect any noticeable hiss. Is your hiss loud enough to hear even if you have the stereo turned on (at a softer volume)?
My local Acura dealer is located in two older buildings, with the service/part area located in a seperate building from the sales area. It has the look of an early 80's GM dealership. It definitely doesn't have the classy or modern look of a typical Lexus, Mercedes, or BMW dealer. However, I have been very pleased with the level of service they have given me. I've taken the MDX there twice (tow package install and oil service), and I am extremely pleased with the consideration I received. I know it's a bit premature, but I would rate the customer service from those two visits as better than I've received from any other dealer, including two BMW dealers and an Audi dealer. Keep in mind that I didn't even buy our MDX from them!
BTW, since my other car is a small BMW, I can't quite relate to your comment on the MDX feeling "dainty"! Maybe I'll have to borrow your F250 for a week? :-)
"The stereo is nice but I expected a bigger difference with the Bose name on it."
Unfortunately, Bose speakers are on a lot of vehicles (everything from Maximas to ML's). Bose is quite overrated, relying on electronics rather than speaker quality to improve the sound, and a huge marketing budget to sell $300 clock radios. The MDX's Bose speakers are decent but certainly not excellent.
I liked the stereo options in the RX better (except for the glovebox "in-dash" CD changer), while the ML's Bose speaker-based system was relatively poor in terms of both speaker sound and general features. Haven't listened to them but I'd imagine the X5's Harmon Kardons should be excellent.
I digress. Glad your vehicle is working out well for you!
Out of curiousity, is the base MDX pre-wired for the add-on CD changer? Was installation as simple as just plugging it in, or did you have to go through a lot more?
Does the base MDX head unit have all the CD changer controls on it?
Call me crazy, but i have been looking at the MDX for a long time and considering a purschase of one. I need to replace my wife's old 91' Toyota Previa. She wants somthing with 3 rows of seeting, and leather. The Suzuki XL-7 has all of these. Do you people think cross shopping an XL-7 and an MDX is a good idea? The Xl-7 is only 24,999 for the top of the line.
For the _calendar_ (not model) year, Lexus ended up selling about 90k RX300's, up 22%. MB ended up selling 53k ML's, up 17%. BMW sold 27k X5's.
The RX and ML are their brands' top-selling vehicle. This is especially true for Lexus, with the RX selling more than double the number of units than Lexus's second best selling vehicle (the ES300).
Infiniti QX4 sales were up "only" 12%, 22k total. Despite the early introduction of the revamped QX4.
Meanwhile, sales of the Discovery, Range Rover, Navigator, Escalade, and LX470 dropped.
Acura sold 3,459 MDX's in December, 9,750 for the year. That's for slightly less than three months, which seems to jibe with their first year production limit of 40k.
The X5's Harmon Kardon premium sound system is overated too. It's not particularly good, especially when compared to the base system. The trick DSP selections get somewhat annoying sometimes when you change to a different kind of music or to news. Edmunds' long term BMW 328is has the H.K premium sound and the editors aren't impressed with it either.
As for Bose, haven't you heard the expression, "No highs, no lows, must be Bose?" ;-) It's also the vehicle manufacturer's fault though. They are they ones that select an audio company for Bose to work with (I think Alpine in the '00-current ML's case, but Panasonic before). The Bose/Becker audio systems in the previous generation S-class are actually excellent. The Bose audio system in the current S-class (which also adds DSP and active noise cancellation - the latter is also in the new C-class's Bose system) blew me away the first time I heard it
Drew Host\ Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
From an objective perspective, the best advice I can give is to actually test drive both the XL-7 and the MDX, for at least 30 minutes apiece. You will probably find major differences between the two besides just the price.
The most obvious differences will be size (passenger room and cargo capacity) and power. The XL-7 doesn't have side airbags for the front, and force limiters for the front seatbelts. I also suspect you'll find a major difference in overall solidity and quality of materials (as you should if you're paying more).
The Suzuki hasn't been crash-tested yet, but it's essentially a stretched Grand Vitara, whose results are available at:
It's an interesting vehicle at its price point, competing with compact SUV's like the CR-V, RAV4, Escape/Tribute, etc. but adding larger dimensions and the third-row seat for kids. Suzuki will probably sell a lot of them.
The price of the extended warranty is about the only thing with a price tag that's negotiable when it comes to an MDX. I've had people at different dealers quoting anywhere from $1200 to $1800 for the same AcuraCare 7yr. 100,000 version. I think you can actually buy it from any Acura dlr., and it does not have to be purchased at the time you buy the vehicle, but you should check on that. Given Acura's general reputation for reliability, many people are taking a wait and see attitude. Others, figuring that the MDX is in its first year of production with a complex VTM4 system, think an extended warranty is a necessity and are buying them now. I have no feel for whether it will cost more or less if purchased later.
hairman- You stated you just picked up a GG MDX from Sacto. Did you get tour and/or Navi? What dealership? When did you order? Did you have to pay more than msrp?
I keep the little gizmo in the lower compartment of the center console. Since I haven't had the MDX in for service yet (knock on wood shift knob), I haven't had to use it yet. My guess is that the 9-volt battery will last at least 5 hours; we'll see. If I think there is a chance that a mechanic will disconnect the MDX's battery, I'll be sure to plug the memory saver in.
Some of the complainers probably have not yet adjusted the stereo controls to their liking. The first day I got my MDX I played with the settings for a full 15 minutes before I got the bass and treble to sound correct to my ears.
I do think, however, that the system seems to be more optimized for the second row passengers. Sitting back there I can hear all of the speakers better. But it's a long way to the steering wheel and pedals from there... ;-)
Fiddling with the bass and treble helps somewhat but it has its limits. Perhaps a more advanced equalization system would help, who knows.
Agreed with you that the interior dynamics are part of the problem too. Theoretically, deep bass is non-directional but you know the subwoofer's back there. The "twiddler" speaker in the right rear ceiling also does something too.
Using the fader may help push the sound more to the front, but that too will have limits. Took a second to realize where the fader and balance were without reading the manual.
Drew: When you referred to Edmunds' long-term test BMW, I believe you meant the 1999 328i, not the 328is? My '99 328i is very similar, but there is one significant difference. Notice that Edmunds' long-term 328i does NOT have a CD player! I have the in-dash CD player, and I think the HK audio system in my '99 328i provides excellent full-range sound to my CDs -- definitely better than the MDX, which lacks a little bit in the mid-range. In the 3-series, BMW includes a mid-range speaker in each of the front doors, which helps provide better reproduction of voices, electric guitars, saxophones, etc.; without washing them out or making them sound tinny as in many 2-way speaker systems. In both the E36 and E46 3-series models, the base (non-HK) stereo has had a problem with sounding very flat at both ends of the musical frequency spectrum. The HK upgrade helps improve the upper frequencies (better tweeters and amps, I believe) while also adding a couple powered subwoofers to provide some deeper bass.
Although I am quite content with the base stereo in our MDX, I would never buy another BMW E46 sedan without the HK upgrade!
However, I must also admit I am not impressed with the radio on my HK stereo. If the editors are relying on the radio and maybe some pre-recorded cassette tapes (as opposed to high quality home-recorded metal tapes), then I would probably have the same opinion as they do about the HK stereo.
By the way, the reason I stress 328i versus 328is is that the body style definitely seemed to have an influence over the sound quality on the former E36 models. (I haven't compared the different E46 models yet.) The E36 4-door models seemed to have the worst sound quality. We had a 1997 328i and later owned a 1998 323is, and they both came with the base stereo. The base stereo in the 2-door 323is definitely sounded better -- improved high frequencies and a bit more dynamic. The base stereo in our 328i sounded like it had a frequency response of 200-4000 Hz! (But... we didn't have a CD player in that 328i.) Believe it or not, my wife and I thought the base stereo in the $24K 318ti hatchback sounded the best of all the E36 models!
I wonder how the base stereo in the X5 compares to the base MDX stereo?
It would be too strong a statement to say that I don't like the stereo in our MDX. It is the nicest stereo we have ever had in our own vehicle, but after about 5 or 6 bare-bones stereo systems in a row I thought I would notice a big difference. I especially expected more after listening to some of those far out little Bose speaker systems at the appliance store. They seemed to really do the trick very nicely especially out of such tiny speakers. ( as you can tell I am no stereo expert.) I think I am pretty adept at tweaking the adjustements on some pretty nominal car audio systems to get good sound out of them but all of my efforts on the MDX have not really changed the sound much. It almost seems like I need to tweak it for different songs to get really good results. Still, if that is the only (really mild) bummer I experience in the MDX (except the car payment) I will be a really happy guy. In fact, I am probably more chapped by the apparent tendency of the rig picking up minor scratches. Both passenger doors have faint scratches near the door handles. I have grilled my children to make sure they aren't closing the door with a bunch of gravel in hand or something, I got the "paint sealant" stuff, and keep the car clean but still... Really bugs me. My 5 year old Toyota seems nearly impervious to that sort of scratching. Ah well, maybe it is just my hyper-attuned eye surveying our new baby.
"Notice that Edmunds' long-term 328i does NOT have a CD player!"
And they're making judgements on the stereo's sound based on just the radio and cassettes? How can you tell that it doesn't have a CD player (not that I'm doubting you, as you know your BMW's and stereos)? A 1999 car can have a "premium" stereo system but not a CD player? Maybe this a German engineering thing (recalling that the ML used to not come with a CD player standard unless you paid the small fee for the nav system, though its "premium" stereo has the changer).
I just locked in 6.56% APR from e.-loan up to 7 years. I decided it would be as good as I will find. I recieved a 60 day lock. Very fast one day approval over this weekend. My silver base is on order? Deposit was in early November. Salesman told me within in next 4 weeks it should be here. I got MSRP. and paid$125 over Acuras internet installed prices for wheel locks, cargo cover and mud flaps. I might still complain about these inflated forced options, but considering some mark-ups of several thousand $ I feel o.. I would have gotten these options anyway. Considering the recent post where these were thrown I thought I need to do better, But for $200 to $300, I'll get my MDX first then I will consider bargaining. I don't want to get bumped for someone who pays over MSRP.
I suppose that's the quicksand of going off-topic, but I think it is possible to get a "premium" stereo on a BMW w/o a CD player. The CD portion is a 6 disc changer that mounts in the trunk to prewired cables there. You can buy the car w/ or w/o one. The head unit and speakers are all the same in the "premium" setup, whether you get the changer in the trunk or not.
Getting back to MDX's, has anyone noticed their brakes "clicking," especially transitioning from backing up to going forward? Or after the car has sat for awhile overnight in the garage? Whenever I pull out of the driveway in the morning, the first application of brakes is accompanied by loud clicks. Sounds like the pads are moving around or something. I also found that the driver's seat is a bit loose in the rails or something when adjusted up and forward, like for my wife who is about 10" shorter than me. When she drives the car, she complains that the seat makes a click or thumping noise. I thought she was making it up until I rode with her the other day. It wasn't making the noise for me, but I sit farther back, and checking the play in both positions, I found that there was more when the seat was adjusted for her. On the list for the next service!
William: For 1999 (and I believe it is still true for 2001), all 3-series models come standard with only a radio and cassette player. Isn't it strange that so many models from BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes STILL do not provide any CD player as standard equipment??
In my '99 328i, the Harmon Kardon system upgrades the amps and some speakers; provides two powered subwoofers in the back; and it also provides some sort of expanded soundstage switch on the console in front of the gear shift. The HK upgrade, on its own, does NOT provide any CD player.
The '99 328i could be ordered with an indash CD player option which replaced the cassette player. I believe that is still the case now. In 1999, this 'upgrade' was an official BMW $200 MSRP factory option. This is how my 328i is equipped (HK with indash CD).
Another way to add CD capability is to add the trunk-mounted CD changer as a dealer-installed accessory, as mentioned by need4spd. I believe an installed CD changer generally retails at well over $600.
Neither the $200 indash CD player option nor the more expensive CD changer accessory are mentioned among all the detailed 328i upgrade costs within Edmunds' long-term review. Also, I had been following that review since it first started, and a few months ago I thought I read that one of the reviewers complained about the lack of a CD player.
Yeah, it doesn't seem to make much sense to spend $675 MSRP on an upgraded HK sound system, and still not have a CD player! Maybe one of the key editors/reviewers owns a $700 Nakamichi tape deck at home?
I have noticed that there seems to be a little give in the driver seat when I take a sharp turn to the right. It seems to require a sudden weight shift to notice anything peculiar. Otherwise, the seat feels pretty solid.
Oops, you're right. I meant '99 328i...I was thinking about the standard transmission hence the "s".
WRT Edmund's long term tester, it has the BMW Navigation system, and I believe that is not compatible with the in-dash CD option. They did complain about the lack of the in-dash player when they first bought (well, leased) the vehicle, but I think a CD changer was added later.
If you look at the more indepth audio review, the H.K (I think) sound system in other newer 3-series sedan testers was given a 5.5 out of 10. I guess Scott Memmer, our audio reviewer, wasn't particularly impressed by the sound.
WRT MB, yes, it only comes with a tape deck. The optional COMAND system has the capability of playing audio CDs as well. In addition to this, there is an audio input jack in the glovebox that one can use. Great for mp3 players! For the M-class, the ML430 comes standard with the navigation system, hence it can already play audio CDs. An in-dash CD player is optional equipment, as is a CD changer.
Some vehicles have self adjusting calipers, as least I think that's what it's called, and they do click a little. However, I don't believe they should be very noticable or constant. Get it checked just to be safe.
Good luck! Drew Host Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Thanks, the dealer I went to was Southwest Acura on Highway 59. I bought in a loan approval from my credit union and told them to beat it and they did! Also, there is a so call DPA charge at this dealership. It's call other names elsewhere but it's the same scam. It's the cost of the VIN etching on all the windows and the insurance for 3 years for the car - if stolen and unrecoverable, you get $2500. This obviously is not worth $385 they are charging. My sales manager (Phillip Chan) gave me $400 off MSRP to cover this scam. So I ended up with a cost of $34450 (w/dest charge) plus tax and "other" charges.
To wmquan:
Thanks, I thought it was pretty good too. I was hoping for more freebees (knob) but I can't complain. I have a blank interior and realized that the blank leather shift knob looked great and didn't need a burwood upgrade. So I didn't miss it.
To creekside:
My dealer refused to work with internet base financing and they told me upfront. Ask your dealer if they allow e-loan or you may be in for a suprise. Besides, go in and they them you got this and they may try to beat it!! I only got 7.84% but it's short term anyway. I plan to payoff ASAP - no early payoff penalty.
Some observations on the MDX.
There is a slight rattle from the trunk. Can't pinpoint it yet but the stereo can overcome it even in the lowest setting.
The headlights are not auto-off? It does charm but I'm use to auto-off even in my Camry.
The base stereo is fine. Besides, I listen to AM alot for news and info anyways... And if my wife is onboard, it's CDs but we are not big time audio buffs, just a little music will do.
I do notice a little hissing when I apply the brakes, nothing scary.
The one think I miss from the Touring is the memory seats. Wish I had them! But power driver seats means my resets are quick so I'm OK with it. From what I'm reading from here, I don't miss the 6-disc Bose system at all. And who cares about a power passenger seat? Last I checked the passenger don't need to have a good sitting position to drive. Also, the roof rack is useless, for me at least. Not to mention the extra wind noise generated. The auto passenger side mirror tilt down in reverse is useless in Houston, I can't remember the last time I parallel parked. The better tires would be nice but I can replace them when the Goodyears wear out.
I obtained the same eloan you did (at 6.56 %) which was better than anything else available. However, I had TWO Acura dealers state that they would not accept the eloan draft. One categorically would not accept even wired funds from ELoan; the other reluctantly said that it might accept a wire.
I had the similar experience with the check from PeopleFirst.com. The finance manager at my local Acura dealer first refused to accept any "Internet" checks. The exchange of phone calls among myself, PeopleFirst and the dealer went on the most of the afternoon of the day before I was to pick up my MDX. The next day I had the PeopleFirst customer rep call my Acura FM directly. Everything was resolved within an hour, right before I went there to pick up my MDX.
Lots of posts on Bose or auto stereo in general! For true high-end audio, you'll be talking about Krell, Mark Levison, Audio Research... As far as I know, only the new LS430 has it(Mark Levison). All others(HK, Bose, Alpine..) are good, but not high-end(compared to the first group). Ironically, Bose is the brand to avoid for many audiophiles. To me, HK/Bose/Alpine are good enough for automobile because you can't have the listening environment in a car as in a room. Maybe LS430 is an exception. :-)
wmquan: I thought the base MDX was already pre-wired so that all I would have to do was mount the changer and plug it in. As it turns out I was wrong in this assumption. Tim at Hondacuraworld confirmed that there is a wire that needs to be fed from the base unit down under to the the driver's side seat. This will require pulling out the base unit to route the wire. The instructions that came with the unit also indicates this. Obviously I haven't installed this thing yet and will see how daring I feel this weekend. If it proves too dangerous for me to do (I wouldn't want to scratch my brand new MDX) I may just have a dealer install it.
Also, the base unit has all the normal CD controls which would also apply to the CD changer such as forward, backward, fast forward, repeat, random, and with the changer I believe the station presets select which CD to play. I think you hit the CD button to get to the single in-dash CD and then CD again to get to the changer.
I bought my base GG MDX from Niello Acura. I paid MSRP with the wheel locks and cargo tray thrown in. I didn't buy any of the accessories from them because they were higher than MSRP. Back in Oct.19 I was put on a waiting list. The salesman there said that a base GG was coming in in 21 days and it was not spoken for. Well after 21 days I never received a call and the sales guy was not good about returning phone calls so I didn't have much faith in getting a car from this dealership. I was also on about 6 other waiting lists so I wasn't too concerned.
Then on 12/11 I got a call from Niello and was told my car would be arriving in 2-3 days. Well that didn't happen either. On 12/18, got another call and he said the car is here! I was a little suspect about this whole exchange played out but he had a VIN number for it so I figured why not. My speculation was that possibly other folks had turned this car down and I was just next on the list. I didn't think the dealership was anything special, but they did have the car and it was for MSRP.
Comments
I should add that Tim even sent me an Acura MDX base cap!
Just had the VTM-4 maintenance done. $55 by Acura. 5200 miles, figured it was time
Only problem: they "forgot" to replace the soft metal washers on the fill and drain plugs which the service manual specifies shall be replaced. None in stock- "acura didn't tell us they needed to be replaced in the computer".
This dealer claims the severe serivce schedule applies. Right. This is a classic pump up service revenue. Most folks just go along.
I posted this a LONG time ago, but was hoping for some more responses:
BRAKE PEDAL HISS
How many folks notice a hissing noise from the brake pedal every time it is depressed?
I recall most said no noise. Acura Dealer is telling me noise is normal.
Thanks in advance (TIA)
Also, I've got a rattle in the moon roof area. You can here it on cobble roads at 30-40 mph. (dealer claimed to fix it by cleaning and lubing weatherstrip-right- drove out the lot and heard it within 100 yards.)
BTW, just bought up a Ford SuperDuty 4x4 truck. F250 with a turbo diesel/ SuperCab. Talk about raw brutish power and mass. This thing will tow 13,000 lbs at 65 mph no sweat. Got back in the MDX and it felt dainty. Really felt funny for a while.
I noted a post a while back on the Torque converter not unlocking on some vehicles (or perhaps this was just a hypothesis). If it occurs, it is definitely fixable. Not all vehicles do it, so if yours does it is wrong. Any shudders/thumps/etc are energy, and it has to go somewhere. Eventually, this will lead to failures. Don't wait too long to get the dealer looking at it.
let me know about the brake pedal hiss.
Thanks
Ard
Acura corporate is sending out letters and surveys, and refers to us as "clients", pledging to make this the "finest driving experience".
yet the dealerships are just like any good-ol chevy or dodge dealership. Ratty furniture, crappy waiting rooms, poorly trained mechanics, predatory service advisors. Incompetance. Close to indifference. When problems come up they shrug, instead of being mortified (or acting mortified)
Or am I just lucky?
I wish I could own this vehicle but not have to deal with anyone other than the factory and corporate.
Comments
Ard
I have a 1999 Odyssey which shares some parts with the MDX. I just received a safety recall from Honda re all 1999 and certain 2000 model EX Odyssey models. Verbatim:
"Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has determined that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety may exist in all 1999 and certain 2000 EX model Odyssey vehicles. Over time, the dimmer control for the instrument panel lights can fail due to heat buildup. If this occurs, the instrument lights may fail and, at night, the driver may not be able to see the instrument panel gauges and displays. Gauges such as the speedometer would continue to operate. All critical system indicator lights (for example, SRS, seat belt reminder, turn signals, and charging system) would continue to function.
I wonder if this is a potential problem on the MDX?
I haven't noticed a difference in the two vent temperatures for the second row -- I assume you mean coming from the back of the center console? Then again, it hasn't been too cold around here (40's mostly) and we haven't run it too much.
Ard:
Your experience with Acura dealerships is a combination of Acura and your luck. My dealership (Acura of Bellevue) is pretty good -- waiting room a bit sparse but clean (doesn't have the giant fish tank the Lexus dealer has, woo-hoo!), and the service manager and techs have been conscientious. However, I think Acura dealerships in general, while a notch above many, are a notch below some dealerships like Lexus.
Then again, everyone's mileage varies. A friend of mine and his wife were treated like low-life crap at the local MB and Lexus dealerships; only the BMW salesperson treated him with respect.
This comes in the TL's fourth model year (though it'll begin early); the third model year had very little change, the second model year brought side airbags and front-seatbelt pretensioners and other items.
This does suggest that Acura is still serious about trying to liven up its line, and not limit lively performance to the CL-S and upcoming Integra Type R replacement. I wonder if it'll be the 2003 or 2004 MDX that will get the upcoming V8 intended for the RL replacement. The MDX has plenty of room in its engine compartment.
the dimmer is to get at to test.
I don't know if I can wait until March. I need more space ASAP as we are adding our third kid next week and the old Accord and Camry just don't cut it with three car seats.
I know what you mean about needing more space, soon. Perhaps it's time to look at MDX alternatives. For three kids, I guess an RX is out. Have you considered an ML320 with the third-row seat option, or, for more space, a Sequoia, assuming you want to stay in the SUV market? Unfortunately both SUV's, while available at some level of discount, won't be super-priced in the SUV-crazy Seattle market.
Congratulations on your upcoming third child!!
By the way, a useful item from the J. C. Whitney catalog is the "computer memory saver"; this device saves computer settings and codes when the battery is disconnected. It's only $9.99.
Transpower
Anyway, that is our saga. Considering all of our other choices seemed to be in the minivan area I feel like I have been freed from purgatory.
Mike
P.S. for all you people getting screwed on your delivery dates, I decided to buy one on monday and called 14 dealerships, found the car I wanted at MSRP, and got delivery on Friday( from 700 miles away). Don't get jacked around, go somewhere else!
Just thought I'd share my experience with installing the mud guards. The mud guards screw into the wheel wells using 3 screws for each mud guard. There are two screws already on the MDX that you just unscrew and reuse. One of the screws is difficult to get to unless you have one of those 90 degree philips screwdrivers. I found that just jacking the car up (rear tire was still touching the ground), without removing the tires, allowed enough room to get a stubby philips in there. The problem I ran into was the screws that are already on the MDX that I reused for the mud flaps, dug into my mud flaps pretty good (I may have over tightened a tad) so I would recommend that you put a washer on it before screwing it in. The mud guards in the front had one of those screws with a washer built-in. Just wondering why Acura didn't include those types of screws for the rear?
Got 7.8% financing from the dealer, which was better then the rate I got from my credit union. It pays to have loan and rate lined up BEFORE the buy.
You got a better rate than I did. Got 8.09% from my dealer. Which one was your dealer?
In any case, refer to posts #804 or #805 for info on how to contact Tim at Hondacuraworld, and I bet nobody will beat his prices -- either on accessories or on warranties!
I missed the post on the Torque converter not unlocking on some vehicles. Was this happening under normal take-offs, or only when the VTM-4 switch was engaged with gearshift in 1st or 2nd gears? While driving through an ice storm near Sweetwater, Texas, there were a couple occasions where I felt safest starting off with the VTM-4 switch engaged. I did experience a couple of "thumps" that seemed to come from the rear differential, but I assumed this might be expected while traveling on ice and generally staying below 18mph. I never noticed any thumps or shudders when the VTM-4 switch was not engaged.
I have never noticed any brake pedal hiss, but I will pay more attention the next time I drive the MDX. I'll let you know if I can detect any noticeable hiss. Is your hiss loud enough to hear even if you have the stereo turned on (at a softer volume)?
My local Acura dealer is located in two older buildings, with the service/part area located in a seperate building from the sales area. It has the look of an early 80's GM dealership. It definitely doesn't have the classy or modern look of a typical Lexus, Mercedes, or BMW dealer. However, I have been very pleased with the level of service they have given me. I've taken the MDX there twice (tow package install and oil service), and I am extremely pleased with the consideration I received. I know it's a bit premature, but I would rate the customer service from those two visits as better than I've received from any other dealer, including two BMW dealers and an Audi dealer. Keep in mind that I didn't even buy our MDX from them!
BTW, since my other car is a small BMW, I can't quite relate to your comment on the MDX feeling "dainty"! Maybe I'll have to borrow your F250 for a week? :-)
Unfortunately, Bose speakers are on a lot of vehicles (everything from Maximas to ML's). Bose is quite overrated, relying on electronics rather than speaker quality to improve the sound, and a huge marketing budget to sell $300 clock radios. The MDX's Bose speakers are decent but certainly not excellent.
I liked the stereo options in the RX better (except for the glovebox "in-dash" CD changer), while the ML's Bose speaker-based system was relatively poor in terms of both speaker sound and general features. Haven't listened to them but I'd imagine the X5's Harmon Kardons should be excellent.
I digress. Glad your vehicle is working out well for you!
Does the base MDX head unit have all the CD changer controls on it?
http://www.jdpower.com/auto/hot_sellers/FindHotSellers.jsp
For the _calendar_ (not model) year, Lexus ended up selling about 90k RX300's, up 22%. MB ended up selling 53k ML's, up 17%. BMW sold 27k X5's.
The RX and ML are their brands' top-selling vehicle. This is especially true for Lexus, with the RX selling more than double the number of units than Lexus's second best selling vehicle (the ES300).
Infiniti QX4 sales were up "only" 12%, 22k total. Despite the early introduction of the revamped QX4.
Meanwhile, sales of the Discovery, Range Rover, Navigator, Escalade, and LX470 dropped.
Acura sold 3,459 MDX's in December, 9,750 for the year. That's for slightly less than three months, which seems to jibe with their first year production limit of 40k.
If seating is the priority, then stick with a mini-van.
Remember, you generally get what you pay for.
As for Bose, haven't you heard the expression, "No highs, no lows, must be Bose?" ;-) It's also the vehicle manufacturer's fault though. They are they ones that select an audio company for Bose to work with (I think Alpine in the '00-current ML's case, but Panasonic before). The Bose/Becker audio systems in the previous generation S-class are actually excellent. The Bose audio system in the current S-class (which also adds DSP and active noise cancellation - the latter is also in the new C-class's Bose system) blew me away the first time I heard it
Drew
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Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
The most obvious differences will be size (passenger room and cargo capacity) and power. The XL-7 doesn't have side airbags for the front, and force limiters for the front seatbelts. I also suspect you'll find a major difference in overall solidity and quality of materials (as you should if you're paying more).
The Suzuki hasn't been crash-tested yet, but it's essentially a stretched Grand Vitara, whose results are available at:
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/98020.htm
It's an interesting vehicle at its price point, competing with compact SUV's like the CR-V, RAV4, Escape/Tribute, etc. but adding larger dimensions and the third-row seat for kids. Suzuki will probably sell a lot of them.
Transpower
I do think, however, that the system seems to be more optimized for the second row passengers. Sitting back there I can hear all of the speakers better. But it's a long way to the steering wheel and pedals from there... ;-)
Transpower
Agreed with you that the interior dynamics are part of the problem too. Theoretically, deep bass is non-directional but you know the subwoofer's back there. The "twiddler" speaker in the right rear ceiling also does something too.
Using the fader may help push the sound more to the front, but that too will have limits. Took a second to realize where the fader and balance were without reading the manual.
Although I am quite content with the base stereo in our MDX, I would never buy another BMW E46 sedan without the HK upgrade!
However, I must also admit I am not impressed with the radio on my HK stereo. If the editors are relying on the radio and maybe some pre-recorded cassette tapes (as opposed to high quality home-recorded metal tapes), then I would probably have the same opinion as they do about the HK stereo.
By the way, the reason I stress 328i versus 328is is that the body style definitely seemed to have an influence over the sound quality on the former E36 models. (I haven't compared the different E46 models yet.) The E36 4-door models seemed to have the worst sound quality. We had a 1997 328i and later owned a 1998 323is, and they both came with the base stereo. The base stereo in the 2-door 323is definitely sounded better -- improved high frequencies and a bit more dynamic. The base stereo in our 328i sounded like it had a frequency response of 200-4000 Hz! (But... we didn't have a CD player in that 328i.) Believe it or not, my wife and I thought the base stereo in the $24K 318ti hatchback sounded the best of all the E36 models!
I wonder how the base stereo in the X5 compares to the base MDX stereo?
In fact, I am probably more chapped by the apparent tendency of the rig picking up minor scratches. Both passenger doors have faint scratches near the door handles. I have grilled my children to make sure they aren't closing the door with a bunch of gravel in hand or something, I got the "paint sealant" stuff, and keep the car clean but still...
Really bugs me. My 5 year old Toyota seems nearly impervious to that sort of scratching. Ah well, maybe it is just my hyper-attuned eye surveying our new baby.
And they're making judgements on the stereo's sound based on just the radio and cassettes? How can you tell that it doesn't have a CD player (not that I'm doubting you, as you know your BMW's and stereos)? A 1999 car can have a "premium" stereo system but not a CD player? Maybe this a German engineering thing (recalling that the ML used to not come with a CD player standard unless you paid the small fee for the nav system, though its "premium" stereo has the changer).
Getting back to MDX's, has anyone noticed their brakes "clicking," especially transitioning from backing up to going forward? Or after the car has sat for awhile overnight in the garage? Whenever I pull out of the driveway in the morning, the first application of brakes is accompanied by loud clicks. Sounds like the pads are moving around or something. I also found that the driver's seat is a bit loose in the rails or something when adjusted up and forward, like for my wife who is about 10" shorter than me. When she drives the car, she complains that the seat makes a click or thumping noise. I thought she was making it up until I rode with her the other day. It wasn't making the noise for me, but I sit farther back, and checking the play in both positions, I found that there was more when the seat was adjusted for her. On the list for the next service!
In my '99 328i, the Harmon Kardon system upgrades the amps and some speakers; provides two powered subwoofers in the back; and it also provides some sort of expanded soundstage switch on the console in front of the gear shift. The HK upgrade, on its own, does NOT provide any CD player.
The '99 328i could be ordered with an indash CD player option which replaced the cassette player. I believe that is still the case now. In 1999, this 'upgrade' was an official BMW $200 MSRP factory option. This is how my 328i is equipped (HK with indash CD).
Another way to add CD capability is to add the trunk-mounted CD changer as a dealer-installed accessory, as mentioned by need4spd. I believe an installed CD changer generally retails at well over $600.
Neither the $200 indash CD player option nor the more expensive CD changer accessory are mentioned among all the detailed 328i upgrade costs within Edmunds' long-term review. Also, I had been following that review since it first started, and a few months ago I thought I read that one of the reviewers complained about the lack of a CD player.
Yeah, it doesn't seem to make much sense to spend $675 MSRP on an upgraded HK sound system, and still not have a CD player! Maybe one of the key editors/reviewers owns a $700 Nakamichi tape deck at home?
WRT Edmund's long term tester, it has the BMW Navigation system, and I believe that is not compatible with the in-dash CD option. They did complain about the lack of the in-dash player when they first bought (well, leased) the vehicle, but I think a CD changer was added later.
If you look at the more indepth audio review, the H.K (I think) sound system in other newer 3-series sedan testers was given a 5.5 out of 10. I guess Scott Memmer, our audio reviewer, wasn't particularly impressed by the sound.
WRT MB, yes, it only comes with a tape deck. The optional COMAND system has the capability of playing audio CDs as well. In addition to this, there is an audio input jack in the glovebox that one can use. Great for mp3 players! For the M-class, the ML430 comes standard with the navigation system, hence it can already play audio CDs. An in-dash CD player is optional equipment, as is a CD changer.
Good luck!
Drew
Host
Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
The P.T. Cruiser was COY.
Thanks, the dealer I went to was Southwest Acura on Highway 59. I bought in a loan approval from my credit union and told them to beat it and they did! Also, there is a so call DPA charge at this dealership. It's call other names elsewhere but it's the same scam. It's the cost of the VIN etching on all the windows and the insurance for 3 years for the car - if stolen and unrecoverable, you get $2500. This obviously is not worth $385 they are charging. My sales manager (Phillip Chan) gave me $400 off MSRP to cover this scam. So I ended up with a cost of $34450 (w/dest charge) plus tax and "other" charges.
To wmquan:
Thanks, I thought it was pretty good too. I was hoping for more freebees (knob) but I can't complain. I have a blank interior and realized that the blank leather shift knob looked great and didn't need a burwood upgrade. So I didn't miss it.
To creekside:
My dealer refused to work with internet base financing and they told me upfront. Ask your dealer if they allow e-loan or you may be in for a suprise. Besides, go in and they them you got this and they may try to beat it!! I only got 7.84% but it's short term anyway. I plan to payoff ASAP - no early payoff penalty.
Some observations on the MDX.
There is a slight rattle from the trunk. Can't pinpoint it yet but the stereo can overcome it even in the lowest setting.
The headlights are not auto-off? It does charm but I'm use to auto-off even in my Camry.
The base stereo is fine. Besides, I listen to AM alot for news and info anyways... And if my wife is onboard, it's CDs but we are not big time audio buffs, just a little music will do.
I do notice a little hissing when I apply the brakes, nothing scary.
The one think I miss from the Touring is the memory seats. Wish I had them! But power driver seats means my resets are quick so I'm OK with it. From what I'm reading from here, I don't miss the 6-disc Bose system at all. And who cares about a power passenger seat? Last I checked the passenger don't need to have a good sitting position to drive. Also, the roof rack is useless, for me at least. Not to mention the extra wind noise generated. The auto passenger side mirror tilt down in reverse is useless in Houston, I can't remember the last time I parallel parked. The better tires would be nice but I can replace them when the Goodyears wear out.
I obtained the same eloan you did (at 6.56 %) which was better than anything else available. However, I had TWO Acura dealers state that they would not accept the eloan draft. One categorically would not accept even wired funds from ELoan; the other reluctantly said that it might accept a wire.
Have you had similar problems or concerns?
Thanks.
Also, the base unit has all the normal CD controls which would also apply to the CD changer such as forward, backward, fast forward, repeat, random, and with the changer I believe the station presets select which CD to play. I think you hit the CD button to get to the single in-dash CD and then CD again to get to the changer.
I bought my base GG MDX from Niello Acura. I paid MSRP with the wheel locks and cargo tray thrown in. I didn't buy any of the accessories from them because they were higher than MSRP. Back in Oct.19 I was put on a waiting list. The salesman there said that a base GG was coming in in 21 days and it was not spoken for. Well after 21 days I never received a call and the sales guy was not good about returning phone calls so I didn't have much faith in getting a car from this dealership. I was also on about 6 other waiting lists so I wasn't too concerned.
Then on 12/11 I got a call from Niello and was told my car would be arriving in 2-3 days. Well that didn't happen either. On 12/18, got another call and he said the car is here! I was a little suspect about this whole exchange played out but he had a VIN number for it so I figured why not. My speculation was that possibly other folks had turned this car down and I was just next on the list. I didn't think the dealership was anything special, but they did have the car and it was for MSRP.