Hey all.

Mom's 2002 Lexus RX is literally falling apart at the seams and since it hasn't been the car we were hoping for, we won't be looking at Lexus again. Out of the Audi Q7, Ford Flex, and others, the MDX has emerged as mom's favorite and at this point, her major concern is long-term durability and reliability.

She's looking for a '12 MDX Tech and what I've been able to find speaks very highly of the MDX and what she's most worried about are squeaks and rattles and mechanical durability. Dad's RL has been flawless apart from a headlight failure and a CD changer that went AWOL so I doubt the MDX will be a problem but I'd like to hear it straight from the horse's mouth.

Any responses are greatly appreciated.

 

We have a 2009 MDX Tech/Ent with 32,500 miles. No issues whatsoever. I really love how the brakes give me the confidence and sense of safety. Way much better handling compared to our previous 2005 MDX and 2007 Pilot. We're looking to get delivery of a 2012 MDX Tech/Ent in a couple of weeks

 

I had a '12 mdx as a loaner recently and it was a very solid ride, no squeaks or rattles. The mdx is in its 6th model year (2007-2012) so any issues should have been addressed.

 

I have '11 MDX Advance and when considering it and others in '10 it was my 1st choice for SUV for Performance Driving, Cost of Ownership, and Utility/ Saftey / Luxury / Style / Sound.
I am surprized your Lexus 350 is falling apart and wonder why <??>.
The 350 was also on long list but the short list was BMW X5, Audi Q7,
MB ML.
Note 2013/14 the MDX will go to 3rd Gen, w smaller 3.5L and H option.
It will be made in US on a new production line and IMO the '11 / '12
Gen 2 is the way to go ...

 

09 with tech...nothing major yet. durability and reliability...its a honda/acura. my 05 TL, owned since new...no major issues, do have a few rattles which is common. we have an 03 accord too. no major issues, solid.

sense a trend here? take care of the car and it'll take care of you!

 

my niece owns a 06 MDX, bought new. It has about 60K miles. Loves it.

 

IMO, the ONLY downside to the MDX is fuel economy. As long as the ratings suit a person, buy it without hesitation.

 

I looked at and test drove EVERYTHING before purchasing a 08 MDX Tech/Ent with 32k on it. I bought it because of my wife wanted reliability and safety. I wanted a great handling sporty luxury SUV. Needless to say MDX met our needs.

 

Thanks for the tips, all. She signed the papers on her brand new Polished Metal 2012 MDX this afternoon. I'll post up some pictures soon enough.

 

^yea I have a silver 2010 mdx (i forgot the actually color name ) and think it's a great car. Less than 27k on the odo and it seems solid. MPG is a bit weak, my 2004 mdx felt like it had better gas mileage. Regardless, I feel confident driving this car around in the backroads, even at a consistent 40 mph speed. Most suvs I drive, jeeps, audi q7 and the range rover hse (the bigger range) seem to have heavy body roll that freaks me out.

 

wow thats low miles... i have a 08 with 58900

 

98k here on an 07 Sport Ent. and only have blown rear shocks to complain about..

 

My niece works from her home so she does not drive it very much.

 

Gotta a 2012 MDX Tech here. Love the car. Has anyone seen that the backup camera is poor at night? My 2008 TL camera is much much beter at night!

 

I agree with him. My wife has 03 TL with tranny issue. Right now we have 12 MDX for the loaner. WE both love it. THe only thing we don't like is the back up camera when is at night. 2 month ago they gave us 12 TL, and the back camera is alot better then the MDX. I mean Alot... better.
ANyway are there any issue/recall or something we should know about for 07-12 MDX. Because we thinking to get one.

 

How is the camera better? I believe the MDX has multiple view angles, did you try those?

 

have you guys tried to adjust the brightness of the back up camara??? mine has no issues and plenty bright at night when i dont' have crap covering the camara lens (ie when the car is clean).

 

I tried the multiple anges view. The problem I have is I can't really see the ground because It's too dark at night. I thing the TL more brighter, maybe because has better reverse light or closer to the ground. Maybe???

 

Sounds like a couple of LEDs in the reverse lights will solve the problem.

 

i've got the LED reverse lights in both my TL and the MDX. in my TL, i can see all the way down my dark 75 ft driveway, in other words, the CREE LED reverse bulbs are stupid bright at night. in my MDX...its, again, stupid bright and can help with the rear view camara (assuming you have also set the brightness appropriately).

 

^

 

What kind of leds did you buy? i think that maybe an HID would help better.

 

i have the CREE LED reverse bulbs, and my brother (also has MDX), bought the ebay ones...we did a comparison and both seemed equally bright for a $5 price difference.

now i know VLEDs came out with a new reverse bulb, however it is not yet available in the 921 bulb size for our cars. it's a bit brighter than the CREE bulbs, but also cost a bit more.

you could go HIDs but again cost is a factor and may be overkill in this application. you certainly won't have to worry about people getting in your way though. if you want ridiculously bright then you can get the VLEDs LED license plate frame that lights up and really bright.

again have guys tried to increase the brightness of your back up cams? it's in the OM.

 

I guess I'm late to the party..

I have a 99 RX300. It's been almost flawless. I've had to change the throttle body sensor and some o2 sensors.. but pretty minor. The MDX is a step above the RX IMO. I haven't had any major issues. Regular maintenance, good fluids, accelerated ATF refills, and regular fills for the transfer case and rear diff will serve you well. Honestly, I prefer driving my X over the TL. I can't speak for squeaks and rattles in the 2G, but my 1G has been squeakless.. wish I could say the same for the TL.




If she doesn't like it, you can trade her the Santa Fe