sfont012

iTrader: (6)

hey guys long time acurazine member but first time on the mdx forums. I'm looking at a 2011 mdx with tech package 77k miles and timing belts already been done. However, it looks like the suspension might be the MDX's weak link. I was hoping to provide a list of the things I want closely checked by the dealer before I complete the purchase. Can you guys recommend problem areas I should have the dealer review carefully? Any help would be greatly appreciated

Oh yea also, I noticed the MDX has a rough ride, feel the bumps more in the MDX than my g37x, granted they are completely different vehicles but is this normal for a 2011 MDX with tech package.

SykVSyx

The usual recommendations are:

1. Watch for the engine burning oil
2. Issues with the rad lines being shot and mixing coolant/tranny fluid
3. Parasitic draw that may cause the battery to be dead if the car sits for a few days.

I am sure other MDX owner's on here may have other advice.

Would suggest you check out MDXers.org as well.

technocrat

Why dont you take it to another Acura dealer and get a free inspection done?

G37 is a sporty car so i am surprised that the MDX has a harsher/rough ride.

Please get it fully inspected. Also I would recommend getting an Advanced Package if you can

p.s. I have a 2011 MDX with Tech + Ent packages and I wish I would have spent some more and got an Advance Package.

sfont012

iTrader: (6)

thanks technocrat and SykVSyx definitely will check out MDXers.org and taking it to the Acura dealer sounds like a really good idea. Would they really do a free inspection? No advanced packages around in my price range (under 22k) but i'll keep looking.

SykVSyx

I assume the Advance package has the upgraded shocks, if so, be prepared to pay a HEFTY price if you need to replace them.

We have a 2008 Elite (Canadian version) and I am about to put the base model shocks on the rear now. Fronts were done last year.

At some point I may bite the bullet and put the magnetic shocks back on, but it will be awhile.

mrgold35

I have an 11 MDX Adv+Ent since 2014 purchased with 30,000 miles and now have +107,000 miles on her. Excellent hwy vehicle that can cruise for 8-12 hours and I still feel pretty fresh at the end of day. I just got back from a 3700 miles trip from NM to OH and the MDX was very comfy and I only needed to stop for gas, food, sleep, or bathroom breaks. I really like the Adv tech (BSI, ADS, ACC, CMBS, cooled seats, auto level HIDs, seat belt pre-tensioners); but, I really only use the cooled seats when just cruising around town (live in the southwest). All other extra MDX Adv version unique tech only really gets used on hwy runs mostly. The MDX tech would be the 99% solution if I only needed a commuter or errand vehicle close to home.

The issues I've had with my MDX were:

- OEM tires worn and cracked sidewalls with only 30K on them (replaced with Conti DWS at first, now on Conti DWS 06)
- out of alignment and the MDX was a little squirrelly and wander at hwy speeds (alignment fixed this issue along with new tires)
- 6AT needed reflash to help with shifting. Reflash also improved hwy mpgs. (I think the reflash was applied to all +12 MDX)
- reflash of my system to correct a "check charging system" message
- replace front endlink because of a torn boot (replaced under warranty)
- replaced weak OEM battery, only got around 20 mins of reserve power just listening to the radio. (replaced with Interstate AGM)
- 2nd row cup holder was stuck in the stow position, replaced under warranty, and broken again a few years later. (I tied a strap to help pull it out)
- Driver 1 key fob range was under 10 feet, replaced under warranty
- HIDs were too low, Acura raised them to normal levels. Ended up upgrading the HIDs to OSRAM D2S CBI Cool Blue Intense Xenon HID Headlight Bulbs 5000K and those with big improvement over OEM bulbs.

Most of my out of pocket other than routine maint since 2014 was tires, alignment, battery, and new HID bulbs. Issue I've had unique to the Adv model was:

- replaced the front magnetic struts under warranty at 35K. Acura offered an extended warranty on the ADS magnetic shocks/struts up to 100,000 miles last year. Can cost around $700-$1100 per corner to replace out of pocket. I've notice my suspension isn't as tight as before at +107K and I think my ADS suspension might be starting to wear out again. Look for one/some/all of: bouncy/sloppy handling, knocking noise over bumps, leaky shocks/struts, or saggy suspension if you decide to check out a +10 MDX Adv. Recommend getting one under 100,000 miles if the MDX suspension needs work.
- replaced both driver and passenger 3 way heated seat pads. They would intermittently turn off at random times at 1-5 minutes. Only the Adv models have the 3 way heat and 3 way cool feature. Tech/Base MDXs only have 2 level heat only.
- Winter driving with a lot of snow and slush can splash up and cover the ACC/CMBS radar sensor located in front center of grill behind the plastic cover. Have to stop and clean off once the system goes into error mode.

sfont012

iTrader: (6)

wow that's a lot of info, thank you very much!! I'm leaning towards the tech version. It seems like 4 out of 5 mdx's available are the tech package plus the idea of replacing those MDX Advanced Package struts is scary whoa!! I do a lot of highway driving between Buffalo and Rochester NY about 80 miles one way times 4 so this bad boy will be getting some usage.

Skirmich

Just be aware of the Oil Burning Issues the 2010-2013 models have.. Its not specific to the MDX is more a general issue with the 3.7L engine from those years.
Its very hard to diagnose on a test drive as the problem becomes pronounced after +600miles or so, So you wont notice any burn issues on a test drive.

It you expect the issue it wont surprise you later on.. So now you know.

technocrat

On 2nd thoughts may be not for free but shouldn't cost more than ~$100 odd bucks, you can probably call and check multiple Acura service stations in your area and take it to the one offering cheapest.

All the best.

technocrat

Was this done under warranty? at how many miles?

Also I didn't realize you had so much work done on your car on/off warranty. You still feel that's trouble free ownership experience

Skirmich

OP is not buying for a Early 2G but in my case, That is in 31,000miles of My Ownership. I bought my MDX with 72K on the Clock:

1st thing that was replaced was an Inner Tie Rod which was bad since I bought the car (From a Private Party); 35dlls with Labor
2nd was the Door driver sub harness; 27dlls DIY
3rd was a leaky CV Axle so I replaced it; 125dlls DIY
4th Transmission Range Switch went bad; 91dlls DIY

That is things that went wrong that are not common wearable items.
So far I think the MDX has been pretty normal affair for a Used Car.

mrgold35

Both seat heaters were done under the 5yr/120,000 miles Acura Care warranty I purchased back in 2015 because of the ADS system. All other issues were covered under the basic, powertrain, Acura extended warranty, or Acura Care. Pretty much everything else was normal wear/tear like tires, battery, filters, and fluid changes.

My definition of trouble-free is what impact it has financially and on my daily activities by not being stranded, nagging unresolved issues, and/or getting jerked around by the dealership on repairs and routine service. It took Acura a week to fix my seat heater issue because they couldn't line up dates with the upholstery person to put the seat back together. Acura gave me a 2016 MDX tech loaner during that time and it was zero impact on my daily activities (they always give me loaners for any warranty work). Acura drops me off at work and picks me up after the A/B M.I.D. services are done. It was a never that easy when I had my Honda vehicles.

technocrat

That makes sense. I think I have the Drive 1 keyfob range & 2nd row cup holder stuck issues. I recently moved to a new state so don't have a dealership to go to, as in haven't figured out yet, also not sure if they will entertain these requests or not.

Other than that I have had two issues fixed smoothly under warranty, one was the side rear view mirror motor making sound and other was Steering wheel Judder.

Unfortunately I have never received a loaner as they usually fix them in an hour or so and I usually go on a Saturday

nats007

2011 Tech owner here! A lot of great information has been shared thus far, so all I'll add is our X has been great to us. No significant issues and I've documented my maintenance in my progress thread.

I can now confirm that I believe my X has the oil burning issue, but I stay on top of my oil changes every 3-5000 miles for the most part. I was lazy on the last one and went way over the MID recommendation and that's where I saw the oil level lower than I expected.

Skirmich

^ You could try changing the PCV Valve if the Oil Consumption is not too much.. Its cheap and fast, a Sticky PCV Valve can lower the oil level by allowing too much fumes to leave the crankcase.
Also using 5W-30 could reduce the burning rate.

nats007

Good tip... Will definitely include that in the next tune up... It's the big one 105k service