Hey all. I frequent the TL forums here, and thought I'd do my dad a favor and peek my head in the MDX section.

My dad is looking at getting an MDX, and wants to keep the price as low as possible. I'm thinking the 8-10k range. He has been looking at a lot of 2001-2002 high mileage ones, for upper 7, lower 8k. Otherwise with the tranny issues I've kind of been steering him towards getting an 03 or newer. Although this is pushing him to his budget limit, and I think it's scaring him back towards the Explorers he's had over the years.

What are your thoughts about the older MDX's? If he buys one with 150,000+ miles on it, is he still risking tranny issues - or is he past the fragile point? Also, strictly speaking finances - are the 2003+ ones that much better than the 01-02? Not sure what all features have changed throughout the history.

Thanks in advance - I'd really love to see him get an MDX (test drive, and he really loves it). Just want to make sure I don't steer him towards a lemon.

 

with that budget you can get a newer pilot then a mdx

 

^Not really. Still pretty difficult to come across 03 pilots for 7-8K.

I'd try to bump up the mileage and get an 03+ but then again if you can find a well maintained 01 with records where the trans has already been replaced, I think you should be fine.