Considering 2015 MDX Advance for Purchase
#1
Considering 2015 MDX Advance for Purchase
Any issues I should be aware of with AC, transmission issues, leather issues, entertainment system issues or advanced safety feature issues?
We're also considering a 2016 Highlander Limited, and that's the baseline now, but I want the MDX (it's for the wife).
We're also considering a 2016 Highlander Limited, and that's the baseline now, but I want the MDX (it's for the wife).
#2
mrgold35
I would look for the sh-awd version because it will come with a spare tire, better handling, and much greater all weather capabilities depending on tires. The 2015 Adv version came standard with the wide screen rear entertainment system with rear heated seats. I usually purchase used with some 4/50K basic warranty available. I would also check the original purchase/lease date by calling Acura warranty with the VIN. They can tell you if you how much time you have left on the 4yr/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper basic warranty. You can still purchase Acura Care if the 4/50K is still active OR find out if there is already Acura Care for this vehicle.
#3
Infotainment system is pretty "meh". Otherwise, the 2015 seems to be one of the more reliable years, imo.
If you just want a soul-less appliance to get your wife from A to B then the Highlander will be reliable and is probably your best bet.
If you care even one iota about how the vehicle drives then you'll want to stay away from the Highlander and a SH-AWD MDX should be considered.
If you just want a soul-less appliance to get your wife from A to B then the Highlander will be reliable and is probably your best bet.
If you care even one iota about how the vehicle drives then you'll want to stay away from the Highlander and a SH-AWD MDX should be considered.
#10
Even in dry conditions SH-AWD handles noticeably better. This isn't a "dumb" AWD system like what the Highlander uses (which will only push power to the rear when it detects slippage). The Acura SH-AWD proactively pushes power to the wheel that needs it. Around a corner, for example, SH-AWD will send power to the rear-outside wheel to help "push" you through the corner. It is an awesome system.
I was given a FWD service loaner and it was disgusting how it drove compared to my SH-AWD. Even off the line the FWD version struggles for traction and suffers from torque-steer. The SH-AWD version has no such problems.
I was given a FWD service loaner and it was disgusting how it drove compared to my SH-AWD. Even off the line the FWD version struggles for traction and suffers from torque-steer. The SH-AWD version has no such problems.
#11
mrgold35
I don't need awd living in the desert southwest with about 6 inches of rain per year. I wouldn't purchase another Acura without sh-awd. Sh-awd WILL make the MDX drive and handle like a smaller vehicle. Your wife can drive conservative and be 100% fine and comfortable. You can be more aggressive when you want and the MDX will surprise you with its dry handling capabilities (can't do that with fwd only). Sh-awd even kicks tq vector to the outside rear wheel on a right hand turn at a stop sign to improve stability and comfort even if you are a conservative driver.
Max posted speed for clover leaf ramps or curves are the minimal speed for sh-awd. My rule of thumb is my speed limit is between 20-25 mph above the minimal posted speed on curves. I've taken 25 mph max speed 270 degree on-ramps onto the hwy near my home at 50-55 mph in my MDX and RDX. My +2 ton SUV/CUV feel more stable on that curve compared to my 3300 lbs fwd TSX with A-Spec suspension+Progress RSB. That extra speed comes in handy because the hwy speed limit is 65 mph and I can match hwy speed very easy at +60 mph off the ramp compared to +25 mph like everyone else.
Everybody wins with sh-awd!
Max posted speed for clover leaf ramps or curves are the minimal speed for sh-awd. My rule of thumb is my speed limit is between 20-25 mph above the minimal posted speed on curves. I've taken 25 mph max speed 270 degree on-ramps onto the hwy near my home at 50-55 mph in my MDX and RDX. My +2 ton SUV/CUV feel more stable on that curve compared to my 3300 lbs fwd TSX with A-Spec suspension+Progress RSB. That extra speed comes in handy because the hwy speed limit is 65 mph and I can match hwy speed very easy at +60 mph off the ramp compared to +25 mph like everyone else.
Everybody wins with sh-awd!
Last edited by mrgold35; 10-12-2018 at 05:58 AM.
#13
We ended up purchasing the 2015 Advance MDX. My wife absolutely loves it. I gave it a proper paint correction, clayed, polished, and waxed it. Now for long term protection. I'm debating whether or not I want to add a clear bra to the front end.
The following 2 users liked this post by gatrhumpy:
Curious3GTL (10-19-2018),
mrgold35 (10-20-2018)
#14
mrgold35
I've done 3M clear bra on all three of my Acuras on the front end, 12-18 inches up the hood/side fenders, and side mirrors. I also paid a little extra to do the headlights and fogs. I don't know if the +14 MDXs have better UV protection for the LEDs headlights compared to earlier models. My 06 TSX at +150K with 3M clear bra has held up perfectly protecting my from end from road debris and the HIDs are still clear like new.
#15
I've done 3M clear bra on all three of my Acuras on the front end, 12-18 inches up the hood/side fenders, and side mirrors. I also paid a little extra to do the headlights and fogs. I don't know if the +14 MDXs have better UV protection for the LEDs headlights compared to earlier models. My 06 TSX at +150K with 3M clear bra has held up perfectly protecting my from end from road debris and the HIDs are still clear like new.
#16
Thanks for the feedback....we are upgrading from an older RDX but dont want to pay full price for new and are looking at 14-15 mdx. Curious any specific reason why the advance over the tech?
#19
#25
mrgold35
Price have really skyrocketed since my first clear bra back in 2006 on my TSX for about $200, to around $300 for my RDX in 2010, to over $400 with my MDX in 2014. Prices keep going up for the same amount of film. It has a 5 year warranty against peeling or fading. Going on +12 years for my +TSX and 8 years for my RDX with zero issues.
#27
mrgold35
It was a local installer that uses a large sheet to custom cut/fit for any front end. I did a little higher up the hood and side fenders for about 18 inches since my 11 MDX sorta tapers towards the front for a larger frontal area exposed to road rash/debris. It also includes side mirrors with the film. I think it was an extra $50 for headlights and fogs. The 3M film only covers the painted surfaces and you can wash/wax as normal after it cures for a few days.
The shop had pictures of few exotic cars that did the entire hood and side fenders with the large roll of cut/fit sheets. It is almost invisible unless you know it is there with my three car colors listed in my signature.
The shop had pictures of few exotic cars that did the entire hood and side fenders with the large roll of cut/fit sheets. It is almost invisible unless you know it is there with my three car colors listed in my signature.
Last edited by mrgold35; 10-22-2018 at 08:27 AM.
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