Hi,

I am deciding between these two SUVs. Can you experienced folks help me with choosing one and tell me the pros and cons? In both of these cars, the timing belt service has not been done. However, in the 2013 Acura, the transfer case fluid, wheel bearing, and shock absorbers have been replaced. No major service was done in 2012 MDX. Thanks.

1) 2012 Acura MDX with Technology Package (50000 miles) Cherry Red - $16500 excluding tax
2) 2013 Acura MDX with Advance Package (65000 miles) Blue. - $20000 excluding tax

 

Neither of them. There are too many engine problems in the 2010-2013 MDX. Look for 2014+ only.

 

Thank you. Appreciate it.

 

I just sold my 11 MDX Adv last Jan/23 with 155,000 miles (purchased in 2014 with 30,000 miles). It was in perfect working condition and decided it was time to let the MDX go before something major happens. I was lucky to only have my oil consumption of 1.5 qts per 9000 mile oil change interval (always full syn oil). I had to replace my Advance front and rear magnetic struts/shocks at 35k and 107k. Both were covered under the basic or extended warranty; but, it would have cost around $700-$1100 per corner out of warranty (no aftermarket parts, expensive, most convert to regular struts/shocks for a fraction of that cost).

There is also a ton of age related issues with the 2nd Gen like:
- power steering rack/pump leak
- corrosion with battery and/or grounding cables
- starter/alternator age related failures
- HIDs hazing, ballast, bulb issues
- DRL/fogs lights hazing, not working, bulbs are out
- worn suspension parts
- water leaks in cabin from clogged sunroof drains
- key fob range
- door/hatch actuators
- bluetooth modules battery drain, disconnected, or not working
- navi system hard drive failures (uses same spinning hard drive you find in a laptop)
- driver side door harness issues (memory seat issues, door locks, and other intermittent issues)
- seat heaters (had both of my Adv 3 setting front seat heaters replace under warranty)
- poor back up camera image at night
- mpgs as low as 12-15 in city, 18-22 hwy, and 16-18 combined on required +91 octane
- making sure all tech is working (navi, both key fobs, door actuators, ACC, CMBS, BSI, heated/ventilated seats, HIDs, fogs/DRL, memory seats, etc...)

I purchased my 19 MDX Adv Sport Hybrid back in March/2019 and had both 11 MDX and 19 MDX at the same time. The 14-20 MDX is an improvement over the 07-13 MDX in pretty much every category. All the issues listed for the 2nd Gen is almost not an issue with the 3rd Gen MDXs. I would test drive any +14 MDX compared to a 2nd Gen MDX to see/feel the differences. There are TON of +14 MDXs out there and I would expand my search to a 1/2 to full day drive to check out selection and prices.

My recommendations are:
- tech or Adv model
- shawd (you get a donut spare)
- color combo you like
- lowest mileage in your price range
- service records
- triple check on if the 7 years or 105,000 miles timing belt service was performed because that will save you $1800-$3000 in future out of pocket.

 

Thanks a lot for your detailed inputs. Yes, I changed my search to 2015+ MDX.

 

Wow, to think some people actually pay $1800-$3k for timing belt job.

Did timing belt, tensioner & water pump for little over $100. While was at it replaced plugs, radiator, rad hoses, thermostat and one cv axle another $200ish.

Not to mention the routine oil change and ATF drain & fill, super simple maint.

 

I paid $1519 for my timing belt service for my 11 MDX Adv back in 2018 (timing belt kit, serpentine belt kit, coolant/water pump, valve adjustment/cover gaskets, oil/filter change, no spark plugs). Prices have really gone up since pandemic to the $1800-$3000 range depending on what services are included and local shop -vs- (Honda or Acura) dealership. My mechanical handiness I'm want to do is limited to tire rotations, cabin/engine filters, wipers, or light bulbs. All other scheduled or unscheduled maintenance or repairs with the dealership or local shop.

 

Advance. It has cooling seats.