jdimase821

hi all,

I'm looking at a high mileage 115,000 mile 2009 MDX sport/tech/res. Physically it looks great and drove really well. Had a few noises that the dealer is taking care of.
Currently being installed...
New front struts(not sure how far into the full assembly they are going)
New front and rear end links and sway bar bushings

There isn't any timing belt service history on the car so I'm obviously concerned about that so I'm going to try and get them to do it as part of the deal along with a full fluid service(engine oil, trans, rear diff and transfer case) So far they seem really good to work with. I guess at some point doing repairs and maintenance won't be worth it to them...

Tires all have even wear, drives straight, brakes well and everything works inside/outside.

Any suggestions you have would be appreciated as to what I should look for and or be concerned about.

mrgold35

The 07-09 MDX Sport model has magnetic suspension called ADS (Active Damper System). Acura has an extended 100,000 mile warranty for the 2G Sport/ADV MDX because the front/rear struts/shocks failed so often and randomly with no rhyme or reason. The MDX you are looking at is over the extended warranty mileage. It can cost around $700-$1100 per corner to replace each part, zero aftermarket magnetic strut/shock replacement, AND the part can fail again in a few months or last forever. Most folks just convert to regular struts/shocks and disable the ADS warning lights because of the amount of $$$ involved to repair out of pocket. It will be the exact same issue if you are also looking at a +10 MDX Adv model with the exact same ADS suspension.

Sounds like the previous owner traded the MDX because of the suspension issues and they didn't want to pay for the big 105K service (spark plugs, timing belt, serpentine belt, valve adjustment, water pump, etc...). I would include power steering and brake fluid flushes as an maint item. Once that big 105K service is done, it is usually fluid and filter changes for the next +70,000 miles (excluding any wear/tear issues like power steering pump, alternator, bluetooth module, etc....).

jdimase821

Thank you.

What are the "etc" items in the 105k service? Maybe if I get them to do the full service it will be worth it.

GhostTL09

iTrader: (1)

Yep, upgraded my MDX because I wasn't interested in paying for the 105k on a 10 yr old truck and some other maintenance items. Based on my wife driving habits I won't need to entertain that for another 3-4 years at which time will be time to get a 2018 SH-SH-SWD Advance lol in 2021 or so. We picked ours up with updated maintenance which is a good thing

mrgold35

The items needed and prices can be different per dealership. Some dealership might add or delete service item. Most likely, the dealership will recommend extra service items like replacing the serpentine belt, new cabin/engine filter, or brake flush once it is in the shop. Prices can range from $800 to $2000 depending on what needs to be done. My RDX and TSX have a timing chain that didn't need to be changed and that put the 105K service under $800 at my dealership.

Most 105K services would include:
- Spark Plug Replacement
- Timing Belt, Belt Pulley, and Tensioner Replacement
- Water Pump Replacement (maybe thermostat)
- Change oil and filter
- Valve Clearance Adjustment

Checks of:
- Brakes, Steering, and Suspension systems
- Parking Brake
- Hoses
- All fluid levels
- Exhaust system
- Axle Shafts
- Drive Belts
- Check Cooling System

jdimase821

Thank you again.

Hopefully my offer with all of this work performed will be accepted. If not...I walk away. Looking for something that will last me a good 100-150,000 miles.

jdimase821

Called another dealer for a quote on service so I have an idea what I'm asking for. Total is just over $2800. Seems a bit high to me.

Spark plugs 280
Valve adjustment 410
Timing belt 945
Serpentine belt (included with timing belt package)
Water pump (included with timing belt package)
Idler pulley 90
TB tensioner pulley 26 (no labor with timing belt)
TB auto tensioner 176 (no labor with timing belt)
Coolant flush 159
Thermostat 35
Power steering fluid flush 120
Brake fluid flush 150
Rear differential oil flush/change 130 (drain and fill)
Transfer case oil flush/change 130 (drain and fill)
Transmission fluid flush/change 130 (drain and fill)
Engine oil/filter change 39.95

mrgold35

Sounds like the dealership is trying to up-sell you on at-least $1000 of extra service.

jdimase821

They just priced exactly what I asked for. Come to find out the car I'm referencing has been serviced by the same dealer from 4,000 miles.

Skirmich

You DIY lots in that list.
The bonus of buying a Honda "Acura" is that it is very user friendly when maintenance is concerned... Unless you have absolutely no intention of doing those services yourself I would not pay an extra 2800 bucks over the sale price.... SPECIALLY if it is a SPORT with those stupid magnetic shocks that are dealership only...

jdimase821

I totally understand I can DIY most on that list and I intend to if I go through with this purchase. What I wanted was to have all of this done as part of my offer because there wasn't a thorough service history on the car. Come to find out, the car WAS serviced regularly at the same dealer from 4,000 miles all the way till now. Everything on that list and more has been done within the last 20,000.