MDX Shopping
11-11-2016, 08:26 AM
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MDX Shopping
Hello everyone, looking for some advice on buying a 1G MDX. I know the 00-03 have the most transmission problems/failures so I'll be looking for an 04-06 due to budget constraints. What should I be looking/watching out for? Thank you!
11-11-2016, 08:29 AM
#2
I believe MOST 1st gens had tranny problems.
Be sure to have money saved for just in case transmission fails.
if not, i advise you to look at a different car brand
and USED cars are ALL the same.
you look at how many owners the car had, you look at the service records. you inspect body panels, wheels, engine to see if everything is STRAIGHT. then check out interior.
you're looking for broken shit.
then test drive the vehicle. you're looking for problems, via transmission, engine, etc.
USED cars are USED cars and you will have to inspect EVERY aspect of the car, if you want to make sure you're getting a good one.
or if it does have problems, you have enough cash to cover the repairs.
if not, lower your budget and look at a different car
Be sure to have money saved for just in case transmission fails.
if not, i advise you to look at a different car brand
and USED cars are ALL the same.
you look at how many owners the car had, you look at the service records. you inspect body panels, wheels, engine to see if everything is STRAIGHT. then check out interior.
you're looking for broken shit.
then test drive the vehicle. you're looking for problems, via transmission, engine, etc.
USED cars are USED cars and you will have to inspect EVERY aspect of the car, if you want to make sure you're getting a good one.
or if it does have problems, you have enough cash to cover the repairs.
if not, lower your budget and look at a different car
Last edited by justnspace; 11-11-2016 at 08:33 AM.
11-11-2016, 08:48 AM
#4
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I believe MOST 1st gens had tranny problems.
Be sure to have money saved for just in case transmission fails.
if not, i advise you to look at a different car brand
and USED cars are ALL the same.
you look at how many owners the car had, you look at the service records. you inspect body panels, wheels, engine to see if everything is STRAIGHT. then check out interior.
you're looking for broken shit.
then test drive the vehicle. you're looking for problems, via transmission, engine, etc.
USED cars are USED cars and you will have to inspect EVERY aspect of the car, if you want to make sure you're getting a good one.
or if it does have problems, you have enough cash to cover the repairs.
if not, lower your budget and look at a different car
Be sure to have money saved for just in case transmission fails.
if not, i advise you to look at a different car brand
and USED cars are ALL the same.
you look at how many owners the car had, you look at the service records. you inspect body panels, wheels, engine to see if everything is STRAIGHT. then check out interior.
you're looking for broken shit.
then test drive the vehicle. you're looking for problems, via transmission, engine, etc.
USED cars are USED cars and you will have to inspect EVERY aspect of the car, if you want to make sure you're getting a good one.
or if it does have problems, you have enough cash to cover the repairs.
if not, lower your budget and look at a different car
11-11-2016, 08:49 AM
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do you think it would be worth it to take it to a shop for a "hopefully" more thorough inspection? thanks!
11-11-2016, 09:00 AM
#6
that's considered part of the buying process
you get a PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection) at the mechanic of YOUR choosing.
IF i were you, I wouldnt LOOK at 1st gen MDX's.
my friend has a 2005 and I TOLD HIM NOT TO BUY IT! a year later his tranny went
11-11-2016, 09:13 AM
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11-11-2016, 01:25 PM
#9
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The 05 and 06 were the least troublesome Crabman! to the point they are the most reliable of the 1st gen, perhaps your buddy just bought a badly maintained 05 from a guy that neglected ATF changes?.
11-11-2016, 01:54 PM
#10
you know with the 2nd gen TL, all of the tranny woes.
the 3rd gen TL also suffers from tranny woes. we havent seen too many 07-08s, yet.....
but def. honda/acura does not make stout transmissions.
the original poster said something about budget constraints, and if I was under a tight budget, I WOULD NOT CHANCE THAT!
my friend had to drop about $2500 to fix his MDX transmission at a time that HE DIDNT HAVE money.
i'm just watching out for the Original poster, as fixing the transmission will cost as much as the vehicle is worth
11-11-2016, 01:57 PM
#11
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Well the increase cost between an 06 and 07 is ridiculous, he might as well just drop the idea of getting an MDX altogether..
BUT before I bought my 07 I was set on getting an 05 or 06 regardless of Trans history (You know I got a 2G TL so trans issues are like "been there, done that")..
I would still get an 05 or 06 if I got the chance, Odds are in his favors there are not too many complaints on the trans in those years compared to the gigantic amount of dead 01,02 and 03s.
BUT before I bought my 07 I was set on getting an 05 or 06 regardless of Trans history (You know I got a 2G TL so trans issues are like "been there, done that")..
I would still get an 05 or 06 if I got the chance, Odds are in his favors there are not too many complaints on the trans in those years compared to the gigantic amount of dead 01,02 and 03s.
11-11-2016, 02:58 PM
#13
OP go take a look at the 2G Hyundai santa fe, a very very nice and solid car for the money. 07 limited models are going for around 8k in Canada so probably way less in the states. Go try and it and believe me you will love it, no transmission issues to worry about, no timing belts...etc.
Unfortunately many people buy the early Acuras thinking they are getting a bargain reliable luxury car not realizing that they have some serious issues.
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justnspace (11-12-2016)
11-12-2016, 10:33 AM
#18
Buying used is slightly risky, even when you've done lots of research.
The most reliable used vehicles will be either 1 or 2 owner cars, with a long list of service/maintenance records.
When you are up against a wall and need to buy sooner rather than later, you will the most risk.
If you are a handy man and can do your own basic (fluids, brakes, shocks and switches) maintenance and repairs, you'll save a lot of money.
I wonder how much money Skirmich and Justnspace have save themselves of er the years?
The most reliable used vehicles will be either 1 or 2 owner cars, with a long list of service/maintenance records.
When you are up against a wall and need to buy sooner rather than later, you will the most risk.
If you are a handy man and can do your own basic (fluids, brakes, shocks and switches) maintenance and repairs, you'll save a lot of money.
I wonder how much money Skirmich and Justnspace have save themselves of er the years?
Last edited by Carpayment4life; 11-12-2016 at 10:37 AM.
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justnspace (11-12-2016)
11-12-2016, 07:12 PM
#20
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LOL that is not proof at all! I went with the 2nd Gen because it looks a trillion times better and like a bonus SH-AWD annnnddd yes 300HP and Tech and Res and MOTHER******* POWER TAILGATE! But before I had enough money to buy the 2G I was dead on straight on getting the 1st Gen as it was what I could afford (Touring 06 was my Target).. Only reason I am driving the 2G is because my folks lend me money to go for the 2G hahahaha.. I already paid them and the car is completely mine so no monthly payments at all! that is why I keep cars for so long
Last edited by Skirmich; 11-12-2016 at 07:14 PM.
11-12-2016, 07:18 PM
#21
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) since the Money I save from Labor I use it for constant Oil Changes and getting Tires, etc..The MDX Timing belt job quote was 1.2K I spent only 320 bucks in parts and did it myself, With the savings I got all 4 Pirelli Scorpion Verdes Tires.
11-12-2016, 10:26 PM
#23
LOL that is not proof at all! I went with the 2nd Gen because it looks a trillion times better and like a bonus SH-AWD annnnddd yes 300HP and Tech and Res and MOTHER******* POWER TAILGATE! But before I had enough money to buy the 2G I was dead on straight on getting the 1st Gen as it was what I could afford (Touring 06 was my Target).. Only reason I am driving the 2G is because my folks lend me money to go for the 2G hahahaha.. I already paid them and the car is completely mine so no monthly payments at all! that is why I keep cars for so long
11-12-2016, 10:29 PM
#24
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I was hoping to keep my budget around $6K which is why I was looking at the first gen. But with what you guys are saying I may have to stretch that budget so that I can look at a second gen to avoid the higher possibly of problems with the first gen if I'm still wanting an MDX. I also have been looking at the pilots and the highlanders as well and maybe I should look into their forums for recommendations. I appreciate everyone's insight and luckily I don't need to make a decision right away and can take my time researching and trying to get the most bang for my small bucks!
11-12-2016, 10:54 PM
#25
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Even if you have to wait a little longer the Difference in Style and Design from the 1st gen to the 2nd is like Night and Day, But not only that.. SH-AWD, 300HP, Tech features and obviously the greatest of all.. POWER TAILGATE if you get the RES?... Totally worth the wait!! you will look at the 1st gen MDX and say, "I am glad I waited".
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justnspace (11-13-2016)
11-13-2016, 03:36 AM
#26
Even if you have to wait a little longer the Difference in Style and Design from the 1st gen to the 2nd is like Night and Day, But not only that.. SH-AWD, 300HP, Tech features and obviously the greatest of all.. POWER TAILGATE if you get the RES?... Totally worth the wait!! you will look at the 1st gen MDX and say, "I am glad I waited".
Seriously this is the first car with a power tail gate and it has to be the funnest thing to play with...don't know why but it really is!
OP good on you for waiting. Trust us, you will appreciate that you waited. One other thing, don't cross the Hyundai Veracruz off your list either (hyundai benchamarked the lexus rx when they made it, and it shows). The reason I meep mentioning koreans is because you can really stretch your dollar quite far with those brands. Good luck regardless, buying a new (to you) car can be nerve wracking and buying one just to find something manorly wrong is one of the most heart breaking feelings (been there and done that).
11-13-2016, 07:03 AM
#27
mrgold35
I was hoping to keep my budget around $6K which is why I was looking at the first gen. But with what you guys are saying I may have to stretch that budget so that I can look at a second gen to avoid the higher possibly of problems with the first gen if I'm still wanting an MDX. I also have been looking at the pilots and the highlanders as well and maybe I should look into their forums for recommendations. I appreciate everyone's insight and luckily I don't need to make a decision right away and can take my time researching and trying to get the most bang for my small bucks!
Loss:
- less cargo (add hitch for cargo tray or roof rack when more space is needed)
- no 7 passenger space, four adults no problem
- lower towing of 1500lbs
- mpgs same as MDX (less if you have a heavy foot)
- stiffer ride
- a little more road noise
- turbo lag (Hondata and/or ETS intercooler will improve this)
- no power lift gate
Gains:
- Acura/Honda reliability
- solid 5AT/2.3L turbo engine
- shawd
- ELS/M.I.D./bluetooth phone/XM Traffic/Paddle shifters
- much better handling than MDX
- improved performance over an MDX (because less weight and tons of turbo TQ)
- easier to drive because of better 360 visibility, turbo TQ, compact size
- very cool looking CUV in the 07-09 version before Acura went crazy with the shield design for a while
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justnspace (11-13-2016)
11-13-2016, 02:12 PM
#30
11-14-2016, 03:40 AM
#31
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Repeat every time for every thing... Literally the only reason I got the RES.... DVDs? LOL I don´t think I own 1 anymore...
Last edited by Skirmich; 11-14-2016 at 03:43 AM.
11-14-2016, 11:40 AM
#32
Prices depend where you live, here is Seattle you won't find a 2g mdx for under 13k from Craigslist and 15-17k from dealers. I only spent 5500 on an 05 mdx and the previous owner did the timing belt at 110k and I'm at 150k. Only big repair done was catalytic converter by previous owner. I did replace all fluids including tranny fluid.
.
.
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justnspace (11-14-2016)
11-14-2016, 09:36 PM
#33
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So I am not the only one who walks like an elitest snob to retrive my gym stuff from my trunk using the power tail gate feature to open and close it?
Seriously this is the first car with a power tail gate and it has to be the funnest thing to play with...don't know why but it really is!
OP good on you for waiting. Trust us, you will appreciate that you waited. One other thing, don't cross the Hyundai Veracruz off your list either (hyundai benchamarked the lexus rx when they made it, and it shows). The reason I meep mentioning koreans is because you can really stretch your dollar quite far with those brands. Good luck regardless, buying a new (to you) car can be nerve wracking and buying one just to find something manorly wrong is one of the most heart breaking feelings (been there and done that).
Seriously this is the first car with a power tail gate and it has to be the funnest thing to play with...don't know why but it really is!
OP good on you for waiting. Trust us, you will appreciate that you waited. One other thing, don't cross the Hyundai Veracruz off your list either (hyundai benchamarked the lexus rx when they made it, and it shows). The reason I meep mentioning koreans is because you can really stretch your dollar quite far with those brands. Good luck regardless, buying a new (to you) car can be nerve wracking and buying one just to find something manorly wrong is one of the most heart breaking feelings (been there and done that).
11-14-2016, 09:41 PM
#34
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Do you need the extra room and towing capacity of a MDX/Pilot? The 07-08 RDX would be around the same price of $7000-$12,000 depending on the mileage. The 1st Gen RDX has been just as reliable and maybe a touch more than the 2nd Gen MDX.
Loss:
- less cargo (add hitch for cargo tray or roof rack when more space is needed)
- no 7 passenger space, four adults no problem
- lower towing of 1500lbs
- mpgs same as MDX (less if you have a heavy foot)
- stiffer ride
- a little more road noise
- turbo lag (Hondata and/or ETS intercooler will improve this)
- no power lift gate
Gains:
- Acura/Honda reliability
- solid 5AT/2.3L turbo engine
- shawd
- ELS/M.I.D./bluetooth phone/XM Traffic/Paddle shifters
- much better handling than MDX
- improved performance over an MDX (because less weight and tons of turbo TQ)
- easier to drive because of better 360 visibility, turbo TQ, compact size
- very cool looking CUV in the 07-09 version before Acura went crazy with the shield design for a while
Loss:
- less cargo (add hitch for cargo tray or roof rack when more space is needed)
- no 7 passenger space, four adults no problem
- lower towing of 1500lbs
- mpgs same as MDX (less if you have a heavy foot)
- stiffer ride
- a little more road noise
- turbo lag (Hondata and/or ETS intercooler will improve this)
- no power lift gate
Gains:
- Acura/Honda reliability
- solid 5AT/2.3L turbo engine
- shawd
- ELS/M.I.D./bluetooth phone/XM Traffic/Paddle shifters
- much better handling than MDX
- improved performance over an MDX (because less weight and tons of turbo TQ)
- easier to drive because of better 360 visibility, turbo TQ, compact size
- very cool looking CUV in the 07-09 version before Acura went crazy with the shield design for a while
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