Icculus

Hello all! I'm thinking of purchasing a CPO 2018 MDX to replace a 10+ year old Lexus RX. I've done some pricing research and at about $35k for AWD Tech and ~25k miles it seems like a good deal. The 2018's are coming off lease and there seems to be a decent inventory of them, plus with the 2022 model on lots there's probably some negotiating room. However, for that kind of money I can also get a CPO XC90 or Q7. Those are definitely more luxurious than the MDX, and maybe they'd have a little more mileage on them, but I'd be concerned about potential maintenance costs (the XC90 also has more cargo space which is a plus). This price can also get me something new, although I'd have to go lower end take the brunt of the depreciation hit. Does anybody have experience with these other vehicles or can give me some insight on their 2018/2019/2020 MDX ownership experience?
Thanks!

mrgold35

The CPO Acura has an 182-point inspection process to ensure the interior, exterior, and schedule maintenance are in good condition and up-to-date. The inspection also makes sure brakes and tires are within a certain wear % and replaces them if they are not. The standard 4yr/50,000 warranty is extended to 6yr/100,000 miles and the powertrain is extended from 6yr/70,000 miles to 7 yrs/100,000 miles. I purchased my 18 RLX CPO in Dec of 2019 with 7200 miles. I just added a few OEM accessories like spare tire kit, splash guards, and rear wing and it has been perfect for the last +18 months. I purchased my 19 MDX new in Mar/19 and I have the option to add AcuraCare extended warranty while the 4yr/50,000 basic is still active. It has just been a front window buzzing sound at hwy speeds on the MDX I fixed with lithium grease in the window felt tracks (+22,000 miles on 19 MDX).

I "think" you have the option to decline the CPO warranty; but, not 100% sure. You just won't get the 100,000 miles of coverage on the back end if you keep your vehicles that long. I like Acura's because they will will run like new and still look good +200,000 miles with routine maintenance, cleanings, and the occasional alternator, suspension part, or door actuator. You can also purchase a non-CPO MDX and add AcuraCare on top if the 4yr/50,000 miles warranty is still active. Doesn't seem to be much of a difference between CPO -vs- AcuraCare coverage other than the upfront 182-point inspection for the CPO Acura (no inspection required for adding AcuraCare).

Icculus

Thanks for the reply. I'm familiar with Acura's CPO program as my 2015 TLX is a CPO vehicle. I'm perfectly comfortable with the CPO benefits and knowing that the car will likely serve me well. I won't be putting 200k miles on it, and will probably want to upgrade in another 5 years or so. My main question is: for a similar price would people advise against other brands for reasons of maintenance cost or perceived reliability issues? The XC90 and Q7 are arguably more luxurious, more upscale looking, and with more up-to-date tech. What kind of added risk (if any) do you think I'd be taking on with one of those vehicles as an alternative to the MDX? Having owned Acura's and Honda's in the past, and currently a Lexus, I would probably have peace-of-mind with the MDX. But is that a false sense? Are most cars equally reliable these days?

mrgold35

The good things about the MDX are the powertrain, maintenance requirements, and reliability would be almost identical to the TLX. The advantage would be to the MDX since the 9AT had some software and hardware improvements since 2015. I see a lot of 1st/2nd Gen MDXs and Lexus RX 300/350 on the road. I hardly see +10 year old Audi, MB, BMW, Volvo or even Infiniti SUVs that much? You might have to jump on the Volvo and Audi forums to get a feel for the avg routine maint cost and common issues once the basic/powertrain warranties are gone for those brands. My maintenance cost and issues have been predictable and consistent starting with my 06 TSX, 08 RDX, 11 MDX, 18 RDX, and 19 MDX. I've actually had less out-of-pocket $$ at the same mileage for my 11 MDX compared to my 06 TSX and 08 RDX. I'm expecting an even lower cost of out-of-pocket for my 18 RLX and 19 MDX because of the hybrid powertrain.

NeoGeoH

We have a 2018 MDX Tech and it has been bulletproof (knock on wood) so far. Just a hair over 30k miles. We prefer the dual screen and no shifter knob. Wife loves it, and isn't a fan of the redesign that came out this year, so it is a big win for us. Most of that comes down to taste, but from a practical experience perspective, if you don't need to have the latest/greatest version of the model. A 3yo MDX, with low miles for almost 50% of the new cost, seems like a great deal to me. We paid a negotiated price of around $46k on an MRSP of $50,600 in Spring of 2018.

Donn0128

Of those 3 you mentioned I suspect the MDX will be less expensive. It is after all an upscale Honda Pilot. My 2018 has been plagued with electrical gremlins. But my dealer is also a MB dealer and he tells me they are all having problems with all the new electronic gadgets.

BLEXV6

My 2019 MDX Aspec with 42,000 miles has been problem free. No complaints here.

Icculus

Good to know you've had a good experience. Most CPOs coming off lease have between 25k-35k miles and I'd be good anywhere in that range. Hoping to get an Advance because it does have some really nice features over the Tech which is def worth the price, but I'd be fine with a Tech. I don't mind the dual screen layout in my '15 TLX - I like the ability to have nav and audio up simultaneously (I know that most newer 10"-12" displays do that anyway). Since the '18+ model years have the upgraded system that's faster, has better graphics, and with Carplay (which I really want) I can't imagine that being an issue. I also actually like the push-button shifter. I'm not sure what all the negative fuss is about; IMO it's very easy and intuitive, and although it takes up the same amount of real estate as a traditional shifter, it looks classier and there isn't a large object jutting out of the center console.