Mdx 15,16, 17?
10-04-2018, 02:55 PM
#1
StephTL2580
Thread Starter
Mdx 15,16, 17?
Hey guys,
I am in the market for a 7 seater SUV. I have been on the board for about a week now and all the TSB issues are really scaring me away from wanting to purchase a MDX along with the 9 speed changes. I was originally looking at a Lexus RX 350F sport but really need the additional space for the growing family and dogs. I've also looked at the Buick Enclave but not sold. I absolutely love Acura as I currently own a 2007 TL and have babied it and it's still going strong. Should I really be weary with the MDX ? I saw that Acura contracted out a German company to make the transmission or engine? Can't recall.
It just makes me VERY nervous to drop a lot of money and only to have a lot of issues. For years 2015-2017, any idea of which one would be the best? I know to at least have SH-AWD at a minimum. Other than that, maybe I am overthinking and know that just like any car manufacturer, you could always get a bad vehicle. I currently owe a 2015 Lexus IS350 and love it but just need the space now and was wanting to stick with a Lexus but to me the 7 seater RX isn't worth it.
Thank you in advance guys!
I am in the market for a 7 seater SUV. I have been on the board for about a week now and all the TSB issues are really scaring me away from wanting to purchase a MDX along with the 9 speed changes. I was originally looking at a Lexus RX 350F sport but really need the additional space for the growing family and dogs. I've also looked at the Buick Enclave but not sold. I absolutely love Acura as I currently own a 2007 TL and have babied it and it's still going strong. Should I really be weary with the MDX ? I saw that Acura contracted out a German company to make the transmission or engine? Can't recall.
It just makes me VERY nervous to drop a lot of money and only to have a lot of issues. For years 2015-2017, any idea of which one would be the best? I know to at least have SH-AWD at a minimum. Other than that, maybe I am overthinking and know that just like any car manufacturer, you could always get a bad vehicle. I currently owe a 2015 Lexus IS350 and love it but just need the space now and was wanting to stick with a Lexus but to me the 7 seater RX isn't worth it.
Thank you in advance guys!
10-04-2018, 03:50 PM
#2
The 2015 MDX has the older Honda-designed 6 speed. So if you are really that scared of the 9 speed you could always go that route.
The 2016 MDX did have some shift-quality issues that were addressed with software updates. I'm not aware of any reliability issues with the 9 speed, even in the 2016 model. There was a defective ATF warmer that could allow engine coolant and transmission fluid to mix and could kill the transmission -- but that isn't the transmissions fault. I would probably shy away from this year, personally.
The 2017 MDX (which I own) seems to be solid (only the first 5 made in 2017 were affected by the ATF warmer issue). The 2018 model is solid.
The 2019 MDX has different transmission programming, again. This model starts in 2nd gear to address some complaints of first gear being too low. Personally, I don't like this update, so I'm glad I don't have the 2019.
The bottom line is: No vehicle is perfect. The existence of a TSB shouldn't scare you. If anything, I LIKE that Acura releases TSBs because it's an admission that things can be better, and it's a step towards improving the product. I'd much rather have that honesty than a brand that doesn't acknowledge issues until the government forces them (*cough* GM/Toyota *cough*). And I'd suggest you do a thorough test drive of the vehicle to ensure YOU are okay with how it drives. I have no fears of the reliability of the transmission in my 2017. It has some quirky shifting characteristics, but I've learned how to use it, and it works well.
The 2016 MDX did have some shift-quality issues that were addressed with software updates. I'm not aware of any reliability issues with the 9 speed, even in the 2016 model. There was a defective ATF warmer that could allow engine coolant and transmission fluid to mix and could kill the transmission -- but that isn't the transmissions fault. I would probably shy away from this year, personally.
The 2017 MDX (which I own) seems to be solid (only the first 5 made in 2017 were affected by the ATF warmer issue). The 2018 model is solid.
The 2019 MDX has different transmission programming, again. This model starts in 2nd gear to address some complaints of first gear being too low. Personally, I don't like this update, so I'm glad I don't have the 2019.
The bottom line is: No vehicle is perfect. The existence of a TSB shouldn't scare you. If anything, I LIKE that Acura releases TSBs because it's an admission that things can be better, and it's a step towards improving the product. I'd much rather have that honesty than a brand that doesn't acknowledge issues until the government forces them (*cough* GM/Toyota *cough*). And I'd suggest you do a thorough test drive of the vehicle to ensure YOU are okay with how it drives. I have no fears of the reliability of the transmission in my 2017. It has some quirky shifting characteristics, but I've learned how to use it, and it works well.
10-04-2018, 06:51 PM
#3
OP, if its in your budget then get the 2017. You get the updated exterior body, just that alone is worth it in my book. As for the 9 speed, it isn't the greatest transmission from all the reviews but its not the worst. See if you can find a used Hybrid if thats a option.
10-04-2018, 07:01 PM
#4
OP, if its in your budget then get the 2017. You get the updated exterior body, just that alone is worth it in my book. As for the 9 speed, it isn't the greatest transmission from all the reviews but its not the worst. See if you can find a used Hybrid if thats a option.
10-04-2018, 07:22 PM
#5
2014-2016 has the “beak” which many (myself included) find ugly.
2017+ has the diamond pentagon grill, which is the current brand “look”.
10-04-2018, 07:27 PM
#6
Oh..the beak. Yeah didnt think about that. I dont find it ugly at all....but the new front is is awesome.
10-04-2018, 08:02 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
Another vote for '17+ Sport Hybrid. You get better 7-speed DCT transmission and a few other things. Totally worth it IMO. We love ours.
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10-04-2018, 09:05 PM
#8
10-04-2018, 09:15 PM
#9
10-05-2018, 07:22 AM
#10
mrgold35
That is one area of concern for me with going with the sh-sh-awd hybrid and putting +20,000 miles per year. The posted speed limit is 75-80 mph and I usually drive 5-10 mph above that depending on conditions. Factor in elevations from 5000-11,000 feet and I can see the 3.0L sh-sh-awd being short on power and it might use more gas compared to the 3.5L at +75 mph. Not sure if the city mpgs would make up for the high speed hwy runs over time? Can't be as bad as 17.5-19 mpg combined for my 11 MDX currently in the same driving conditions.
10-05-2018, 10:33 AM
#13
mrgold35
I think the only difference between the 17 compared to the 18/19 MDX is Apple/Android Carplay if that is important down the road for you. I don;'t know if the 14-17 MDXs can be upgraded with factory Apple/Android Carplay?
10-05-2018, 02:23 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
10-05-2018, 07:57 PM
#16
CURRENTLY, the newest styling is the version released in 2017, making the 2017 “current” style.
i can’t believe I had to explain that. Lol.
The following users liked this post:
Comfy (10-05-2018)
10-05-2018, 08:36 PM
#17
Considering the 2020/2021 are not available... and no one knows what they look like, or even what model year the redesign will be... that makes those “future” models.
CURRENTLY, the newest styling is the version released in 2017, making the 2017 “current” style.
i can’t believe I had to explain that. Lol.
10-05-2018, 08:43 PM
#18
You aren't understanding my point, why buy a 2017 now and pay good money when there will be a total redesign in the near future which will further devalue it? If I'm not buying a couple generations behind, I'd much prefer to buy a car used 1 or 2 years after a complete redesign so that it will be current for a while.
You either need (or want) something now, or you don't.
The following users liked this post:
Comfy (10-05-2018)
10-05-2018, 11:50 PM
#19
That is very true. You either get the newest design and have all those bugs which needed to be sorted out, or you wait a few years but then there will be a mid cycle refresh coming to confuse you. Within a few years another generation awaits you. Basically you buy the car when you need it and whenever you feel the time is "right" for you (in terms of product cycle). There are many who buy the outgoing model of a previous generation (during model change) for a lofty discount and are happy that the car will have all bugs sorted out and is to their liking. If you always want the latest and greatest, then you may be disappointed within a few years of buying one, or you should consider leasing.... which I do not favor much anyway.
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