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You can only get the electronic dampers with the hybrid tech/Adv models or 19-20 MDX Elite. The hybrid has the 7DCT for an extremely smooth gear changes. The later +18 MDX 3.5L+9AT seem to have a smoother shifting trans compared to the 16-17 MDXs on average. Don't know if the later MDXs had a hardware change also along with software updates to smooth out the shifts?
Do an extensive test drive to see if the ride and handling meets your expectations. This is a sport-oriented SUV so it will not be as soft like a Lexus RX, but it will be much more fun to drive. Do not buy the car if you aren't satisfied with it. For 2017, the electronic dampers are only available on the Sport Hybrid MDX. You could also downsize to a 17" or 18" rim to improve the ride quality if the 20" rims are too harsh for your liking.
The most notable upgrades from the Navi to Tech trim are the Milano leather seats, auto-dimming side mirrors, rear DVD, rear heated seats, and rear sunshades. Whether or not you should choose this trim depends on how much value you see in those additional items. I personally would skip because I rarely have people in the rear seats so those features would not get used enough for me to justify paying for them. The Milano leather is a nice upgrade that may be worth it to you, but you'd need to go for the Elite trim for them to have ventilation. I do not have dimming side mirrors on my Base MDX, but I have not found that to be an issue as MDX's ride height is well above the headlights of cars driving behind me. If it were a low-riding sedan, that feature would be appreciated more.
The old 2nd Gen MDX (07-09 Sport and 10-13 Adv) with magnetic struts/shocks were the ones with the issues of failing at any time in 30,000 -100,000 miles and cost $500-$900 per corner to replace if you DYI/local shop/dealership and no aftermarket magnetic replacement.
I haven't heard of the new electronic dampers having any issues since introduce in 2017 with the MDX hybrid and +19 Elite/Adv models. I still have my 11 MDX Adv with the magnetic Active Damper System (ADS) and 19 MDX hybrid with electronic dampers. I had both my 11 MDX front and rear magnetic struts/shocks replaced under warranty. Both vehicles come in at the same weight of 4500 lbs. The electronic dampers on the hybrid are far superior and produce a more comfortable ride in Comfort/Normal IDS modes and very sporty/secure ride in Sport/Sport+ IDS modes (I leave both vehicles in Sport mode). The MDX without electronic dampers will split the difference between Comfort/Sport in ride quality.
I wouldn't exclude a MDX with the electronic dampers if one person heard a roomer from a friend by a cousin on Facebook. The advantage Acura SUVs has over Honda SUVs is the sporty ride (leans towards the Sport in SUV). You will gain more Utility in the Honda; but, at the cost of having a less sporty ride. Both Acura and Honda SUVs use sh-awd; but, Acura has tuned the system to be more sporty and responsive for a more secure ride at higher limits. Take both the Acura and Honda for a ride and see which feels best for you. The Honda will have an price advantage over the Acura for similar trim levels. The Acura will have have more luxury touches, sporty looks, and and you won't see 500 of them on the road per week like the Honda SUVs
18s will mean a new set of wheels. IMHO and depending on the tires it has and their condition I would not do anything. The SHAWD system is pretty amazing out the door. And as long as it has good AS tires you probsbly dont need anything else. Heck a set of tire chains for around 80 dollars would be far cheaper.
Keep the 20s that come with it and use those for Spring through Fall. I assume it is already equipped with an all season tire and that will provide the quietest ride and better performance in the dry and rainy seasons.
Considering you live in Canada, you probably already know that there is no substitute for winter tires. If you drive in snowy/icy/slushy conditions for more than a few days each winter, proper winter tires are not only a smart investment to protect that fancy new car you just bought, but also your life. All-season rubber just won't deliver when you need to make a panic stop in the snow, this is fact not opinion.
You can easily pick up a set of inexpensive, used 17" or 18" MDX wheels online. The wheel bolt pattern for 2017-2020 MDXs is 5x120. 2nd generation MDXs from 2007-2013 had this same bolt pattern so I'm sure there are plenty out there that can fit your budget. Do avoid wheels from 2014-2016 as that pattern was 5x114.3 and will not fit your car.
I run 17" wheels on my '19 MDX and they work great. Gives you more rubber to absorb the potholes in the snow belt, and the tires are cheaper. Here's a pic of my '19 Advance with 17" aftermarket wheels (Drag DR-69 17") and Nokian snow tires.
I run 17" wheels on my '19 MDX and they work great. Gives you more rubber to absorb the potholes in the snow belt, and the tires are cheaper. Here's a pic of my '19 Advance with 17" aftermarket wheels (Drag DR-69 17") and Nokian snow tires.
Amazing. I'll probably go the aftermarket route.
Also I still have some of the bumper to bumper warranty left until mid next year. It's a CPO and was considering getting Acuraplus which is the equivalent to acuracare in Canada.
Do I have to take it at the purchase or can I call after to add it ?
Also I still have some of the bumper to bumper warranty left until mid next year. It's a CPO and was considering getting Acuraplus which is the equivalent to acuracare in Canada.
Do I have to take it at the purchase or can I call after to add it ?
In the US we can purchase Acura Care at any time up until the original 4y/50k mile warranty ends, and you can purchase from any Acura dealer which gives you the option to shop around and compare prices.
11-12-2020, 06:21 PM
