Choosing between 08 vs 09 vs 12 MDX?
#1
Choosing between 08 vs 09 vs 12 MDX?
Hi all, I'm looking at buying a used MDX and see a few low mileage options in the market right now.
08 with tech and entertainment packages. single owner. 60k miles. $13K
09 with tech package. single owner. 60k miles. $12K
12 with tech package. single owner. 62k miles. $19K
12 with advanced and entertainment packages. 2 owners, current one has had it for 5 years. 90k miles. $20K (this one looks to be in the best condition from photos)
I'm buying the car for AWD in the snow. Entertainment package is attractive for me as I have the same option in my Honda Odyssey and the kids use the DVD player all the time on road trips which is what the MDX will be for.
Would love feedback from you all on:
- Any watch outs for particular years?
- What types of questions/issues to ask about?
- Is it worth paying $6K more for the 2012 model over the 08/09? I think major differences are slightly updated exterior styling (not worth it to me) and the 6 speed transmission and slightly better gas mileage (is this worth $6K?)
- Which would you pick? (assuming they all pass mechanic's inspection)
Thank you for your feedback!
08 with tech and entertainment packages. single owner. 60k miles. $13K
09 with tech package. single owner. 60k miles. $12K
12 with tech package. single owner. 62k miles. $19K
12 with advanced and entertainment packages. 2 owners, current one has had it for 5 years. 90k miles. $20K (this one looks to be in the best condition from photos)
I'm buying the car for AWD in the snow. Entertainment package is attractive for me as I have the same option in my Honda Odyssey and the kids use the DVD player all the time on road trips which is what the MDX will be for.
Would love feedback from you all on:
- Any watch outs for particular years?
- What types of questions/issues to ask about?
- Is it worth paying $6K more for the 2012 model over the 08/09? I think major differences are slightly updated exterior styling (not worth it to me) and the 6 speed transmission and slightly better gas mileage (is this worth $6K?)
- Which would you pick? (assuming they all pass mechanic's inspection)
Thank you for your feedback!
#3
Moderator
They all need by now the Timing Belt Service which is at least 1K in the dealership… So first question is: "DO YOU HAVE SERVICE RECORDS" and look for the Timing Belt Service.
Now, After that why the heck are all those so damn expensive? they are really overpriced….
Year problems:
07-08-09 = Defective radiators that mix ATF and destroy the trans: Fix is replace the radiator as preventive maintenance, HFL (Hands Free Link aka Bluetooth) module likes to crap out and drain the battery: Fix is to unplug the HFL Unit.
10-11-12-13 = Serious oil consumption issues on +90% of them: Fix is to replace the short block components.
Pick your poison.
Now, After that why the heck are all those so damn expensive? they are really overpriced….
Year problems:
07-08-09 = Defective radiators that mix ATF and destroy the trans: Fix is replace the radiator as preventive maintenance, HFL (Hands Free Link aka Bluetooth) module likes to crap out and drain the battery: Fix is to unplug the HFL Unit.
10-11-12-13 = Serious oil consumption issues on +90% of them: Fix is to replace the short block components.
Pick your poison.
#4
I'm in the SF Bay Area and that does seem like the going rate around here, at least for the first 3. Here are the CL posts:
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto...855741795.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto...855486661.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto...855837728.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto...852247229.html
This is of course the listing price and I'm sure there is some room for negotiation. What do you think of the above options and what would be a reasonable price to pay?
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto...855741795.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto...855486661.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto...855837728.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto...852247229.html
This is of course the listing price and I'm sure there is some room for negotiation. What do you think of the above options and what would be a reasonable price to pay?
#5
And none of them have had the timing belt service done... that's around 105K right? I'm pretty sure the 60K mileage ones haven't had it, and I asked the 90K owner and he confirmed it has not been done.
#6
Senior Moderator
Answers/info in bold:
08 with tech and entertainment packages. single owner. 60k miles. $13K
IF it's needing new tires, or A/C isn't cold, things don't work, etc you deduct or add from average.
09 with tech package. single owner. 60k miles. $12K
IF it's needing new tires, or A/C isn't cold, things don't work, etc you deduct or add from average.
12 with tech package. single owner. 62k miles. $19K
12 with advanced and entertainment packages. 2 owners, current one has had it for 5 years. 90k miles. $20K (this one looks to be in the best condition from photos)
I'm buying the car for AWD in the snow. Entertainment package is attractive for me as I have the same option in my Honda Odyssey and the kids use the DVD player all the time on road trips which is what the MDX will be for.
You'll love SH-AWD in the snow, just beware that bad tires limit SH-AWD esp in snow so get some good All seasons or snow tires! RES to me is a bit of a gimmick since I've used it maybe 10 times in the whole 12 years of MDX ownership.
Would love feedback from you all on:
- Any watch outs for particular years?
07's have some build quality issues so I'd say go with 08+
10-13's have oil burning issues. If they burn more than 1quart/1k miles dealer replaces the bottom end of engine and pistons. Very intensive repair free for a few more months only.
All ADVANCE MODELS have the Electromagnetic shocks which cost over 2K for a new set. You can buy regular shocks/struts and swap out but you won't be as happy as with the sport mode. I converted it and am looking a future custom setup.
- What types of questions/issues to ask about?
Maintenance and what's been replaced, check for oil burn, replaced shocks?, A/C and trans parts? being the most important.
- Is it worth paying $6K more for the 2012 model over the 08/09? I think major differences are slightly updated exterior styling (not worth it to me) and the 6 speed transmission and slightly better gas mileage (is this worth $6K?)
- Which would you pick? (assuming they all pass mechanic's inspection)
How long do you plan on keeping the car? If it's a good bit and you value tech like Hands Free Link or USB connectivity get a 10+ model with the updated system. If that does not matter and you don't mind an AUX usb unit like Isimple or something of the nature 08-09 is the way to go. $6K is a lot of gas and maintenance money so keep that in mind!
With all cars, there is something you cannot combat... TIME! All of these cars will need work to make them like new, the question is how much you want to spend!
A/C System overhaul - $1000 (new condenser, compressor, metering valve, etc.)
Shocks/Struts: $500-1000 depending on parts+Labor)
Tires: $800
Brakes: $500
7-10 yr/105K mile service $1000 (about $200-500 in parts plus labor).
New Radiator : $300
New trans fluid: $200-550 depending on where and how.
New Rear Diff Fluid, New transfer case fluid and the usual MDX culprits that all will share such as cracking front leather seat or center armrests or the infamous drivers door harness that is simple to fix/replace~!!
08 with tech and entertainment packages. single owner. 60k miles. $13K
IF it's needing new tires, or A/C isn't cold, things don't work, etc you deduct or add from average.
09 with tech package. single owner. 60k miles. $12K
IF it's needing new tires, or A/C isn't cold, things don't work, etc you deduct or add from average.
12 with tech package. single owner. 62k miles. $19K
12 with advanced and entertainment packages. 2 owners, current one has had it for 5 years. 90k miles. $20K (this one looks to be in the best condition from photos)
I'm buying the car for AWD in the snow. Entertainment package is attractive for me as I have the same option in my Honda Odyssey and the kids use the DVD player all the time on road trips which is what the MDX will be for.
You'll love SH-AWD in the snow, just beware that bad tires limit SH-AWD esp in snow so get some good All seasons or snow tires! RES to me is a bit of a gimmick since I've used it maybe 10 times in the whole 12 years of MDX ownership.
Would love feedback from you all on:
- Any watch outs for particular years?
07's have some build quality issues so I'd say go with 08+
10-13's have oil burning issues. If they burn more than 1quart/1k miles dealer replaces the bottom end of engine and pistons. Very intensive repair free for a few more months only.
All ADVANCE MODELS have the Electromagnetic shocks which cost over 2K for a new set. You can buy regular shocks/struts and swap out but you won't be as happy as with the sport mode. I converted it and am looking a future custom setup.
- What types of questions/issues to ask about?
Maintenance and what's been replaced, check for oil burn, replaced shocks?, A/C and trans parts? being the most important.
- Is it worth paying $6K more for the 2012 model over the 08/09? I think major differences are slightly updated exterior styling (not worth it to me) and the 6 speed transmission and slightly better gas mileage (is this worth $6K?)
- Which would you pick? (assuming they all pass mechanic's inspection)
How long do you plan on keeping the car? If it's a good bit and you value tech like Hands Free Link or USB connectivity get a 10+ model with the updated system. If that does not matter and you don't mind an AUX usb unit like Isimple or something of the nature 08-09 is the way to go. $6K is a lot of gas and maintenance money so keep that in mind!
With all cars, there is something you cannot combat... TIME! All of these cars will need work to make them like new, the question is how much you want to spend!
A/C System overhaul - $1000 (new condenser, compressor, metering valve, etc.)
Shocks/Struts: $500-1000 depending on parts+Labor)
Tires: $800
Brakes: $500
7-10 yr/105K mile service $1000 (about $200-500 in parts plus labor).
New Radiator : $300
New trans fluid: $200-550 depending on where and how.
New Rear Diff Fluid, New transfer case fluid and the usual MDX culprits that all will share such as cracking front leather seat or center armrests or the infamous drivers door harness that is simple to fix/replace~!!
Last edited by csmeance; 04-04-2019 at 01:54 AM.
#7
Moderator
As an owner of a 2007 I can tell you its perfect, there is no "1st model of a new gen woes" there is no build quality issues and the drivetrain is rock solid.
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#8
Senior Moderator
As the owner with an 07 with lots of body gaps that was delivered new off the truck I have to disagree. Wind noise (esp from the A/C even though acura replaced the whole system twice due to non-sealing recirc door), vibrating accessory auto day night mirror, and the various gremlins that I dealt with when new such as the stereo popping when cold and minor other items fixed with the 08 models.
#9
Moderator
As the owner with an 07 with lots of body gaps that was delivered new off the truck I have to disagree. Wind noise (esp from the A/C even though acura replaced the whole system twice due to non-sealing recirc door), vibrating accessory auto day night mirror, and the various gremlins that I dealt with when new such as the stereo popping when cold and minor other items fixed with the 08 models.
Your other issues look to be vehicle specific, My own has no issues with body gaps and the stereo popping was fixed according to the service records.
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