pittdoc

Hi,

Im looking to purchase a Suv for my wife and we are thinking bout the MDX, my questions is the 2010 worth the extra couple thousand of dollars to pay for? I know the transmission was changed and some cosmetic changes.

We have looked at the highlanders, outbacks, CX5, etc and this is the only one we both like

Also, are there any pitfalls in these model years I should look for when I go to purchase this weekend?

Thanks!

mrgold35

The tech model for the 09 or 10 would be the version I would go for. There are some updates with the +10 like:
- updated grill, front bumper, rear bumper, exhaust tips
- auto liftgate became standard for all models
- 6AT with 1 mpg better, better acceleration with the extra gear
- improvements with the 3.7L internals to strengthen her up
- Tech/Adv: bluetooth audio, hard-drive navi, hard-drive music storage, USB for iPhone or usb music plus charging
- the entertainment version has a updated overhead DVD system
- Navi with traffic, weather, better phone interface
- you can input navi addresses with just a phone number (only works for businesses so far)
- LED overhead lights you can adjust brightness
- sync phones without using any voice commands, make call using no voice commands, import of phone book faster with bluetooth
- darker (fake) wood trim, looks nice to me in the ebony interior.

I love my 11 MDX and it is an excellent hwy hauler. The mpg can sometimes exceed my smaller RDX on straight hwy driving (up to 21-22 mpgs at 80 mph). City driving is another story. In 100% city driving, I'm lucky to get 14-15 mpgs and around 17-18 mpgs in combo city/hwy. Visibility isn't the best out the rear or sides (long, wide, high hood, large front wipers, high seats, extremely large rear head rests). My RDX is the perfect city car and the MDX is perfect for hwy or when I need to haul +5 passengers on a lot of gear.

The 07-09 sport or +10 Adv are also rock solid EXCEPT for the magnetic shocks. They run around $700-$1100 per not including labor. They can fail at any time without warning, I already replace my front magnetic struts at 35,000 miles under warranty. Without the warranty, it would have been around $2000-$2400 for the repair.

As far as I know, there were almost zero changes for the MDX for the +10 models at the different trim levels. I think they added greystone interior on the +12 models as an option.

Minor issues I've had with my MDX were (all covered by the basic 4/50,000 warranty):
- replaced stuck rear cup holder
- firmware update for "check charging system" light
- 6AT reflash
- replace driver 1 keyfob
- replace front endlink because of torn boot
- replace front magnetic struts because of knocking
- replaced passenger side puddle lights
- replace heating element on front passenger seat heater
- adjusted HIDs because they were too low

pittdoc

wow thanks for the info

the 2010 with tech is 25k (43k miles)
the 2009 with tech is 21.5k (50k miles)

both are unlisted online but at two dealers about 200 miles from me

I may be able to get another 500 off, none of these qualify for Acuracare as the original warranty is expired already

any input?

mrgold35

You might have to drive them both to see which one handles, looks, and feels the best. Are there any local MDXs you can just take for a spin to set-up a baseline and get familiar with the driving dynamics (acceleration, braking, handling, road noise, squeaks/rattles, normal wear/tear, sound system, etc...)? I would hit a carmax or Acura dealership just to take one for a spin, even if it is a 2012 or 2013 model.

I downloaded the owner's manual for my MDX to have an ideal on the bells and whistles. I purchased my used MDX out of state about 5hrs away at a Honda dealership.

2009 Link: Owner's Manuals | 2009 Acura MDX | Acura Owners Site
2009 MDX Brochure: http://acuramdxclub.ru/files/2009_MDX_Brochure_Eng.pdf

2010 Link: Owner's Manuals | 2010 Acura MDX | Acura Owners Site
2010 MDX Brochure: http://www.auto-brochures.com/makes/...20MDX_2010.pdf

pittdoc

couple of follow up questions

1) is Acura Care same as CPO? Can a non CPO car be given Acura Care?

2) How imp is the tech package? the difference is pretty much a year...ie I can get a base 2011 for same price as tech 2010 with similar miles.

Thanks!

mrgold35

CPO link: Acura | Certified Pre-Owned Benefits | Acura.com

From above link: Each vehicle is reconditioned, inside and out, to create a certified luxury ownership experience. All vehicles are under six years old with less than 80,000 miles and have a 12-month/12,000 mile Certified Limited Warranty. Each vehicle must also pass a 182-point vehicle inspection and is covered by an extensive Roadside Assistance program.

I think you can only get a CPO certified vehicle from a Acura dealership. The CPO/warranty should be transferable to the next owner since it stays with the vehicle. I'm not 100% sure; but, the extended CPO warranty is an Acura Care warranty that starts once the basic 4/50,000 and 6/70,000 powertrain is over.

As long as the Acura is under the 4/50,000 basic, you can add Acura care warranty in different combinations up to 5/120,000 miles. This can be on top of the CPO warranty. I purchased my MDX from a Honda dealership that did their own inspection; but, wasn't CPO certified (29,000 on odo, Jan/14). I added a 5/120,000 miles Acura Care warranty at 3yr 11 months with 49,000 miles on the odo from original owner's purchase date. The basic warranty was ready to expire in Jan/15 (I called Acura with VIN to find out for sure). If I sold my MDX today, I can either cash out what is left on my Acura Care or pass it on to the new owner.

The sweet spot for the MDX is the tech version. I wouldn't worry too much about mileage unless you want one with some of the 4/50,000 mile warranty on it. You don't have to use the navi; but, you still get some extras that are nice to have.

pittdoc

UPDATE: just put a deposit on a 2011 mdx tech 56k miles for 24, 500. It seems like a decent deal, they had done 1100 work on it (new tires and brakes).

i have some observations I will post in detail to help others out

mrgold35

pittdoc

picking it up tomorrow...is there anything to ensure it has? spare key, car manual, spare tire. is there a tool kit for the spare? thanks!

mrgold35

I would find out if there is any type of warranty from the dealership like a 15 or 30-day warranty? It took me about that long to figure out some of the issues I had with my MDX I listed above. I spent my other time (and money) replacing fluids, filters, checking alignment, and getting accessories (trailer hitch, roof rack, upgraded navi map, interior LED light upgrade, all weather floor mats, window tint, etc...).