twiz03

hey guys,

i've been looking at this forum for awhile now and i finally decided to register.

currently my parents have a 2001 toyota sienna and i decided to get them an MDX. I've been looking for a few weeks now and i found an 2002 touring with navigation. 103k miles.asking for $12,500 in very good condition.

original owner, transmission was replaced 15k miles ago., all maintenance was done at a local Acura Dealer.


is this a good price? i was thinking of offer him 11k for the car since the timing belt and water pump haven't been replaced yet.


any advice you guys can give me.. I've done the research about this car and it seems that the 2001-2003 have the transmission issue... but this car got it replaced already..(we have an 02 TL with 105k and nothing wrong with it).. knock on wood.

i actually would prefer a 2004 and up but its out of my price range.. in san diego, they go for at least 16k with navigation.

there's no back-up camera.. is there a way to add it on?

thanks guys!


Acura's are great cars. i got my TL brand new in April of 2002, which i gave to my sister and i got myself a 2006 s2000.. The 2001 toyota sienna my parents currently have is the worst car we've ever bought... at 85k the transmission is slipping, power sliding doors failed, rear drum brakes won't stop making noises even though its been correctly calibrated by dealers and mechanics.. In all its the worst 34k we've ever spent.. so i want to get rid of it and get an MDX.

Izzy-Type-S

iTrader: (1)

I ran across a similar deal on this MINT looking one with 107k for my wife and I got a little nervous and passed it up.

007Acura

sounds like a win if the transmission was just replaced.

If the exterior and interior look good then I would say go for it. Also when you look at it check that all doors lock/unlock, windows go up/down, sunroof opens/closes/tilts, heated seats still work (sometimes its just the fuse) and check that the power adjusting seats are moving fine.

$11k seems fair since bbv is $11.5k and it needs the 100k mile service


good luck!!!

twiz03

thanks 007..

i was hoping you'd reply since you seem to have good input in every thread

any idea about adding the back up camera that the 03+ have onto this?

007Acura

no problem, there have been a few threads about adding a back up camera try doing a search I think there are a couple. I'm not sure if anyone has done the job yet but if the nav has the port it should just plug in. Others may have more input on this.

Adding the back up sensors is also another option if the camera can't be added. It may be best to have a body shop do this unless you are comfortable drilling your bumper. Parts instructions

twiz03

so the guy's best offer for me is $11950.

i tried to make the case that the timing belt and water pump needs to be replace and it would cost at least 500...

it seems like hes not going to budge.. so i pull the trigger or pass on it?

vas25tl

I think the price is a little much but with all maintenance history, depending on the condition of the vehicle it may be worth it. I've seen 03's with Nav with same miles for about the same $. Also, 03 Nav model comes with the back up camera.

The 105K service is going to cost more than $500. Just timing belt/water pump is $800-900 at the Acura dealer and you also need spark plugs at that time.

seeandbe

i think that what could help you greatly with the pricing of the car is to get it professionally inspected by a third-party company. whatever issues the inspector may find can help your case for a lower price. check out aim mobile inspections or carchex... i'm sure they can help out a lot. hope that helps! good luck!

twiz03

thanks for all the advice guys@!!!

so i went to go check the car out today..

GREAT condition, just as described by the owner. interior is flawless and exterior has two minor door dings....

everything was good until i started to drive it.. nothing wrong with the engine or transmission... but for some reason.. the steering wheel wasn't straight.. it was always turned right about 11 degrees or so inorder for me to keep the car going in a straight line and it shakes.....

when i turn the steering wheel.. it makes a thump sound.. seems to thump at the exact spot every time...

from past experience with a buddies Accord.. which did the same thing as this mdx after his car slid in the snow and hit the curb.. i think there's something wrong with it..

the owner says its probably just the tires and alignment.. for some reason i just dont buy it.. why on earth would the steering wheel be like that ?

vybzkartel

Yeah, sound like a lower control arm and/or tie rod is bent or something. Usually occurs when the wheel hits a curb(or something similar) at high speed.

If that's the case, not something you'd want to deal with; i.e., major alignment issues!

twiz03

so the owner brought the car into the local acura dealership today and he said they fixed the thump sound... he said it was the power steering thing that was making it so they fixed it...

i have a question... if the alignment is off... would the steering wheel tilt right about 15 degrees when driving the car in a straight line?

007Acura

if he is selling it with the steering/alignment off then he has to budge on the price. Time is on your side, if you walk away you have a better chance of finding an 03

twiz03

hey fellas,

so i talked to him.. and we both agree on the price of 11,300..

my friend works at discount tires so i'm getting a set of bridgestones when i get the car for $550... and the timing belt with water pump done at my close family friends mechanic shop for $500...

so in the end im paying about 12,350 for this car... good deal??

again its an 2002 touring with Navigation.. and 104k miles.. interior and extra is almost flawless..

007Acura

Congrats! Pretty good deal considering you are getting some major maintenance done


let us know how they like it

twiz03

definitely.!

ill get some pictures up on sunday hopefully.. im picking the car up on friday since the guy will be on a business trip until wednesday...

ill bring it home, change the tires and timing belt on saturday..

go get a big bow and surprise them on sunday for mother's day...

thanks for the supports guys..

vas25tl

That'll be a nice surprise.