Good morning all. I'm looking at an MDX as a second vehicle. 2010-2014 are in the price range for me. What are the advantages of the 2014 G3 vs the prior G2?
Thanks!
Rick

 

I live in the southwest and have both a 2G and 3G MDX (11 MDX Adv & 19 MDX sport hybrid). It really depends on how you need or want to use the MDX (around town only, towing/cargo, off road/snow, hwy mostly etc...). The 2G all come with sh-awd in the base, tech, or Advance models w/ or w/o Entertainment. The 3G will be fwd or sh-awd in the same base, tech, or Advance versions (Ent. is optional on tech; but, standard on Adv).

Major issues to watch out for with the 2G are:
- oil consumption issue with +2010 3.7L that can be as high as 1 quart per 1000 miles
- Advance model Active Damper System magnetic struts/shocks can and do fail at anytime. Can cost +$700 per corner to replace, no aftermarket option for magnetic suspension other than converting to regular.
- starting to see P/S pump and rack leaks
- hwy mpgs can reach 21-24 at best or high teens at +75 mph and/or conditions with downshifting required
- city mpgs can be as low a 13-14 mpgs, never saw my city mpgs above 18 at best.
- very wide with more blind spots and side mirrors make the 2G even wider, don't have auto fold in U.S., have to pick your parking space

The 2G is an excellent SUV and handling is very good, ready to tow 5000lbs, loves long hwy runs, handle any bad weather with the right tires, and be very comfy doing it all. It is just being +6 years older compared to current tech/powertrain levels, oil consumption issue, below avg mpgs (must use 91 Octane), and magnetic suspension makes it hard to recommend unless you are already an owner.

The 3G city mpgs will be better than the 3G hwy mpgs. The 14-15 3G in tech or Adv model with sh-awd will provide the same driving experience as a 2G would; but, reduce/eliminate the 2G problem areas. Pretty much trading issues for money with the 2G compared to 3G.

 

To be honest, 2G was my dream car on the road during high school, the headlight just look so sick, and body line is very beautiful

 

• 3G has better Safety tech specially the Tech & Adv models.
• Its more fuel efficient as 2G is pretty bad when its comes to FE
• 2G handles better, feels sportier and has plusher seats compared to the latest 3G models, however i think the 14/15 may have similar seats as 2G.
• 3G is slightly bigger and lighter but also quicker due to lesser weight.
• 3rd row access is significantly easier than than 2G
• 2014 model had niggling issues being first production year.

I have a 2G Tech + Ent and will probably upgrade to a 14/15 Adv/Elite.

If you decide to go with 2G my recommendation would be to go with Adv as this will ensure you get safety tech like blind spot monitoring and Dynamic cruise control.

 

Thanks for the input. This will be my snow car, utility (Home Depot errands), dog, and go skiing car. Not my daily driver

 

Were most of the 1st yr issues resolved with TSBs?

 

Newer is not always better but in this case the 3G has improved comfort, style, and handling. Plz do choose a SHAWD model

 

When I was mulling over this decision I assumed the 2G MDX safety ratings would mimic the 2G Pilot which did not pass the IIHS small overlap test. IIHS did not test the 2G MDX for the small overlap. They tested the 3GS of both and they passed.
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle...-door-suv/2015

Granted it was for my wife’s daily driver so safety was more important than on an occasional use vehicle.

 

Not too sure, I guess there is a limit to what all can be fixed via tsb. Also there are many on the forums who have had no issues or had them resolved under warranty so there's that.

I guess it would be better to get 2014 that was built in 2014 instead of 2013 to be safe as you wont get any extended warranty on these cars since they are out of the 4 year factory warranty window.

 

What about a CPO'd vehicle? Has to still be some out there in this year range that would provide some type of warranty beyond the new car warranty.

 

CPO is usually provided when the car still has some factory warranty. OUtside of that its just Dealer's promise that they are selling you. Also CPO just means that they have done inspection on the car and fixed whatever was broken, you wouldn't know if they did a patch work or a proper fix.

Mine is a CPO and they had painted a panel which they only told me about while signing the papers as it was legally required, they know by that time nobody pulls out of a deal. Anyways haven't regretted buying it so far(5 years and ~38k miles later)

 

3-d gen advantages:

1) Fuel efficiency
2) Noise isolation (superior to 2G)
3) Headlights
4) Real wood in the top trim
5) Easier access to third row

2-nd gen advantages:

1) Cheaper
2) Better quality materials
3) Sportier look
4) All issues are known as well as their solutions
5) Absense of two horrible touch screens, everything is controlled with physical buttons
6) More comfortable seats
7) More headroom for the third row due to the shape of the rear
8) No known 3-d gen clunking shocks issues (albeit a know 2-nd gen ADS shocks issue, so I guess they cancel each other)
9) Made in Canada

Considering you are looking at 2014, I suggest you not - this is the first year of the third gen.