Anyone have an Acura MDX?

[Hohn]

It's time for a newer vehicle for my wife. The Maxima has been a trusty steed, but the family is outgrowing it.



We both like the MDX, and it's impressive on paper at least. Anyone have one?



I think a minivan is more practical (and I *hate* SUVs) but I'm warming to the MDX as my wife and I are both tall, and lugging the kiddo into and out of the gov't-mandated safety contraption is easier when it's closer to chest height.



I'd also welcome comments on a Toyota Sienna if you'd be willing to make them.



Justin

 

[GO 4LO]

I'm sure she'd prefer a Megacab CTD .

Chris

 

[CFarlow]

We have a Honda Pilot,same vehicle, just a "step down". Its been a great car, the usual Honda quality. Milage around 18 in the city , got 25 on highway. Good luck in your search.



Chcuk

 

[Signal73]

Whenever Im driving behind them what always catches my eye is how teh exhaust runs under the Independent rear suspension. Just waiting to get hung up or crimped if you were to put it to use. Probably wouldnt make a bad pavement pounder though... . $0. 02 Jim

 

[JayWm]

Like CFarlow, we have a Honda Pilot, same drivetrain. Nice car, very sensitive to vibrations though. Had one tire that was slightly out of round when new that caused a strong vibration. Replaced all the tires recently because I hated the stock tires. I went with a Bridgestone that still caused a vibration. Finally put on a set of Michelin Cross Terrains (MDX uses these OE) They ride well, but my experience selling this tire is that it will not last as long as others and they are PRICEY :-{}



My experience with Honda/Acura in general, very good vehicles, well built, but are way too intolerant of slight inperfections with tires that will cause vibrations that would not be an issue on other brands of vehicles.



On a positive note, I have a friend who races Viper and he's tows it on a flatbed with an MDX. He's even pulled it from Sacramento to Reno over Donner Summit.



Keep in mind that the all wheel drive system on it is sensitive, so if you ruin a tire that's half worn out, Honda/Acura says you have to replace them all. Good luck getting a tire dealer to warranty ALL the tires for this reason.



MDX also requires Premium fuel due to the higher horsepower rating.



All that aside, my wife likes her A LOT and so long as she's happy... . well you know the line Oo. Oo. Oo.

 

[RustyJC]

Well, I've had a 99 Honda Civic Si (the 8000 RPM V-tec buzz bomb) and now have an Acura 3. 2TL-S Navi for my daily work commute. Neither has ever been back to the shop for anything but routine maintenance.



My wife has a 2000 Durango SLT+ (360 CID) with only 44K miles on it. She really loves her Dingo, but says that when replacement time comes around, she'll be driving an Acura MDX (which she's already test driven. )



Rusty

 

[Hohn]

Thanks, fellas.

Rusty, I think we're also looking a the Honda Pilot (which is the same platform).

I briefly owned an RSX that I loved (also a VTEC screamer) as the Type S with it's 6-speed, good hp (200+ from 2. 0L) and good handling was a LOT of fun.

I've always been impressed with almost any Acura. They like other Hondas, only even more so

 

[K5KRAZIE]

I have worked for/on Hondas/Acuras for about 10 years in dealerships. I did not like the '01-03 MDX but the '03 and present has my attention. With the changes made and the price point I can see the attraction. If you have any questions feel free to ask.