In the market for a used MDX. Looking at 2015 or '16 models because they fit our budget. Would you focus your search on the '15 models to avoid the 9-speed tranny? Or, go for a '16 because its a year newer (and also many more of them on the market currently). Any insight is greatly appreciated!

 

I was in the same situation last year. I ended up purchasing a low mileage 2015. I didn’t want a 2014, because it was the first year of the 3rd Gen. but I also didn’t want the transmission issues many seemed to report for the 2016, especially when towing. And I had mine outfitted with the tow package as part of the purchase. I’m quite pleased with my 2015 Elite.

 

I had this question in my mind before, and I chose the 2015. The main reason is that I really don't like the first year car with the major component change, for someone conservative like me, will go with 2015, second thing, the price for tranny fluid change b/t 2015 and 2016 are more than a double, third I really don't like the button.

 

Also, if you want to know any potential issues with any year and any model, you can check with this website, https://www.carcomplaints.com/.

 

All great points. Thank you!!

 

I forgot about that. Yes, that was also a factor for me. Much prefer the shift lever.

 

The 6 speed is solid, but be sure to change the fluid with only Genuine Acura fluid. Should cost around $100. Do not have a "Flush" of any kind ever done - as per the owner's manual.

I advise every 2 years or 20K miles. That is more often than the factory suggests, but it is the cheapest insurance you can buy for a trouble-free transmission.

 

i also couldnt handle the buttons and enjoys my 6 speed 2014. just had the dealer do the flush and tranny TSB while under CPO warranty. guess its a maintenance item every 20k then.

 

I think the 2015 Advanced offered the full Acura Watch system. Acura Watch was an option at more trim levels starting in 2016 before becoming standard after 2017. That doesn't matter if you are looking for Advance models in a 15 or 16 model year since both model years had the full suite.

The only issue you might have with a 2015 MDX is when the 4/50K basic warranty will expire. The clock start date for the 4/50K starts on purchase/lease date by original owner. If a 2015 MDX was purchased Jan/2015, the 4/50k is already expired and not eligible for Acura extended warranty. Unless the 2015 or 2016 is CPO, I would pick a used MDX with some of the 4/50K basic available because there is always something that needs a fix you might discover weeks/months down the road.

I purchased my non-CPO 11 MDX Adv used in 2014 with 1 year/20K still available on the 4/50K. I used the basic warranty to fix for free:
- torn front endlink boot
- replaced front magnetic struts
- replaced weak driver 1 key fob
- replaced 2nd row cup holder that didn't pop out
- firmware update to correct "check charging system" code
- firmware update for 6AT
- adjusted HIDs because they were aimed too low
- had a weak OEM battery; but, switched to Interstate AGM instead of replacing with OEM under warranty