My 22 MDX Advance lease is expiring in August 2024. I have 20,200 Miles on the Clock. In Fathom Blue Pearl with Grey Leather Interior. The MDX has been completely problem free with only a "weird" Gremlin which appears now and then where the Auto Entry and Exit function has hiccups - especially noticed in cold weather. And a Parking Pawl issue which has never been pinpointed at the Dealer. Parking on just the slightest inclines, the MDX will have an abrupt shift into Rear from Park - also intermittently. Overall, I truly enjoy this MDX, reserving the word LOVE for people not Things.- so I really LIKE the MDX. I'm still confounded by the TTIP, but have learned to live with it. Having HUD helps dealing with it.

I have three options available to me :1) Buy it outright now for $38,500 (plus Taxes) ; 2) Extend the Lease @$610 for 6 months [my current monthly], just pay 6 months of sales taxes upfront. This action will reduce the Buyout in January to $35,500; At that same pay rate, and the Future value equates to the a lease rate fo about 3.25%. Then I can keep my cash in a T-Bill for 6 months earning about 5.4% per annum. or 3) Trade the 22 MDX for a newer model (either a 24 or 25) [ a 25 Type S is tempting but will be very expensive]. I have "equity" (which has not been formally determined by any Dealer), of approximately $6-7K based on the CPO Used car MDXs with low miles on various lots at $48-50K. Without actually pricing out a New 25 MDX, I'm figuring with a $66K MSRP, applying the "equity" a new 36 month lease with the nice New Higher Lease rates will come out with a Monthly payment $200 more a month!! I'm strongly considering option 2. That would give me the option to consider a 25 Non Type S or a Type S in the ensuing months later into 2025 or a new 2025 RDX that should be coming out or other Model cars as well. Or just Keep what I have fully paid for. I guess I would need to consider a Extended Warranty since the New Car Warranty will be over.

I'm 72 going on 73, and really don't need a 3 Row SUV, but LIKE the extra room and comfort of the MDX, except for the MPGs. Fun Life Options. Whatta Ya Think?

 

I would first go to a couple of dealers to see what they propose is the equity in your current MDX. Likely it would be less than you are hoping for. Also extending your lease will bring you to the end of calendar 2024 and manufacturers and dealers always are pushing for year end sales to meet their goals so the incentives and dealer discount should be better then. I too have had several MDX's that served me very well including a Type S. When it was in the shop I was provided an RDX Advance and had so much fun driving it for a week that I decided a smaller sporty vehicle served my current needs. When visiting a dealer now to get a feel for the equity in your current vehicle, I suggest driving either an Advance or A Spec Advance (which is what I am now currently driving). It may surprise you as much as it did me. I do not miss the MDX at all and parking the RDX is a pleasure compared to the MDX of course!!!

 

That is My Thinking too.... PS: How has the MPGs been with your A-Spec Advance RDX? I would expect that at least in City (Suburban) driving that it would be better than the MDX (getting maybe 13.5-14 MPGs in Normal Mode with Premium gas as Real Numbers).

 

I only use Shell or Mobil premium and have averaged 25.6 mpg over 6,500 miles (not much bumper to bumper traffic). I consider it a smaller MDX with better mpg and a lower monthly payment to boot !! Don't regret the switch at all.

 

I elected to extend my 22 MDX lease for the allowed 6 Months. The extension keeps my payments at $610 per mo. until Feb 2025. The buyout now is $38,500 Plus Taxes (of course) dropping to $35,400 in February. I really LIKE (I prefer to use the word LOVE for people) my MDX but I remain open for other models or other car makes. I just learned of the new 25 RDX - sadly disappointed that Acura did not do the "facelift" of the interior similar to the 25 MDX - going to a TouchScreen and other nicieties that go with that Google Based system eliminating that silly Split screen. If Acura had made those changes / upgrades, I would have been more tempted to go that route a 25 RDX.
My Dealer's salesman has been "hounding" me for months to do a deal for anew 25 MDX Advance. They are well aware of expiring Acura leases. While I was there this week for a service item, we reviewed a potential deal. Much to my chagrin they told me that "you don't have theb $6K of Equity you thought". Why? because Used Car prices are falling. I need to see that for my self by Shopping ariound with other dealers. I will say, that a few months ago, I saw a number of low mileage 22 MDX Advances with dealer asking prices circa $48-50 K. Now not so, more like $44-45K . That has cut my so-called Equity.

Bottomline, I can just Wait and See to either proceed with the buyout of my MDX in January or February, move on to a different vehicle, or go forth with a new 25 MDX Advance (a MDX A-Spec Advance in Liquid Carbon with the light leather interior in the dealer's showroom was "winking" at me !!).

 

Whenever a dealer quotes a used car value they are leaving a lot of room to negotiate as they always start with a rock bottom number of course and refer to Galves which dealers use as a reference because it is usually the lowest trade in amount available.

Better perhaps to buy out the lease and get off the dealer game playing merry go round?

Of course then you don't get the new car smell!!

So pros and cons both ways I am afraid.

 

Yep, a dealer Merry go round is right. By my calculations, at my current monthly, and the residual in February of $35,400, I'm paying about 1.9% lease rate. I have the funds invested in a T Bill at 5.2% for now yielding me the difference.

 

If it helps. I just bought a 2025 MDX Advance in blue for $68,500 including NY taxes and DMV fees. One lump sum payment. I came out of a 20222 RDX Advance for which I was paying a whopping $818/month with 6 months left in the lease but only 8k miles on it. I had originally gotten the RDX because I thought it was a mini-MDX. It was that only in features. The RDX pumps fake engine noise into the car which I don't like. I have always been looking for a smooth/quiet ride premium/luxury Japanses car (for the resale value and lower maintenance) that was less expensive than a Lexus. I also like the way you just order by trim. There aren't tons of "packages" where you need to track down a vehicle with what specifically you need.

I haven't really driven the MDX yet but I am hoping I got what I was looking for. I didn't "need" bigger, but it is nice to have the extra room. I would have kept the RDX had it not been for the high monthly payments.

 

I'm sure you brought a smile to your dealer's face when you turned in a newer, low-mileage RDX 6 months early! This is why I try to put as little down as possible in the beginning of the lease!
Whatever discount you think you got on the MDX was more than made up for by this gem of an early trade-in!

 

I didn't put anything down at the beginning of my lease. And my lease terms weren't great. The current buyout now was MORE than offers from CarMax and Carvana. The buyout after the lease was up (what was in the agreement) was about what I was being offered now.

 

I didn't think CarMax or Carvana could make you an offer since Acura has the embargo on trading to 3rd parties!

Hopefully your lease terms were 7500 miles/year and not 10k/year (or more). That's a lot of unused miles for which the residual value is based on!

 

They did make offers so I am not sure. And I think that, at that time, I could only get a 10k lease. Like I said, it was a bad deal but all I could get at the time. That was part of the reason I was eager to get out of that lease and why I bought the MDX.

 

I would think that there must have been some "Equity" in the 22 RDX you early terminated with the dealer? For an All In w/Taxes at $62K - reasonably good deal. My Dealer was pushing me for end of month (July) deal for a new 25 MDX (Lease) for a Avance model. I didn't like the number - decided to wait, extended my 22 MDX lease and at this point find that "buying" my MDX in FEb 2025 for $35,400 (plus Taxes) with low mileage is the way I'm going for now. I'll keep my eye out if a "swet deal" should come up for new 25 MDX Advance (maybe a A-Spec Advance) in the near future. Good Luck with your new MDX !!

 

As an Update to the Crossroads issue...me I extended the lease of my 22 MDX Advance with Acura FInancial for 6 months 8/24 to 2/25. My current dealer has "pushing" me to get into a new 25 MDX Advance (or A-Spec Advance, although I'm still "digesting" hat front Fascia with big Block front cutouts) since July. With lots of back and forth as of Yesterday 11/29/24, I was able to renegotiate the Out The Door Cash from $6995 , 39 month lease, 7500 miles per year (plus my extra mileage left on my current lease can be rolled into a new lease) with a $686 per month payment for the A-Spec Advance. I had to bring my 22 MDX to Service because a few weeks ago, it shut down while stopped at a traffic light and with horns blaring behind me, after a few times was able to re-start it and take off. Then it happened again yesterday but i had shut off the engine and tried to re-start it a few times, then it fianlly started. It turned out that upon system check at thhe dealer, the battery showed failure codes. They replaced the battery undder the 4 year /50,000 mile warranty! I hope that's it? Never had a car turn off while in Drive due to a bad battery - but with these newer designs and Auto Start /Stop crap, anything is possible. While I was there, I saw the salesman and I was able to bang out a slighly better deal : $4900 OTD, $726/ month which saves me about $400 over the cost of the other deal on the table over the 39 months. I shopped for Used Car loan rates recently as well. Best I found was via a Federal Credit Union at 5.85% for 5 years. That is better than just a few months ago - for Top Tier credit which I am. Those rate may reduce a bit more by February. Bottomline...... I can buy my MDX which has 22.2K miles on it for $35,400 Plus taxes (say $38,000 +/- ) take a 5 year loan with an amount to equate to circa $700 per month, and I will Own the car. I think I will be taking that path. The loan is prepayable, and allows for sending extra money tom pay it off sooner if I like.

 

Is that $35,400 set by the dealer or Acura Financial?

 

Elin, That is the anticipated Buyout Price per the lease in February. In August it was $38,400 reducing by about $500 each month with each payment on the extension of $610 per month. I just made the Nov payment today. Prior to this payment I could buy my MDX for $40K which includes all the sales taxes - mine are 8.375%. By February 2025 - that should be circa $38,500+/- . I just inquired at my Federal Credit Union (Affinity FCU) about Used Car Loan Rates - 5.89% for 5 years and add'l .25% reduction if I do Autopay! I'm thinking they may be slightly less by February. My thinking is this.... a New 25 MDX Advance (or an A-Spec Advance which is about $1400 more) Lease would be $5K Out the Door which includes $1K Loyalty money from Acura, and about $1500 "Equity and "bonus Dollars", 39 months, 7500 miles per year (to which I could add my rollover miles from the 22 MDX about 12K miles) . for $726 per month. Alternately, put down $5K cash on the Buy, Auto loan for $33,000 at 5.54% for 5 years = $632 per month , adjustable at $19 per $1000 loan amount. At the end of 5 years or sooner (they allow penalty free prepayments of Principal , which will shorten the term. I will own the car which will probably have 45- 50K miles on it. Another Plus most people are not realizing going for he New Cars - Increased Car Insurance premiums!! It also allows me the "luxury" of selling it - going for something different if conditions warrant it for us Old Folks (the wife and I are in our 70s). Hey I could be facing Knee Relacements and maybe Cervical spine l surgery as those physical issues worsen.

 

Update to my comments... Even tho I'm 73, a retiree since May 2021, I suffer some OCD. Having OCD at any level SUX. The worst part of it is the "strive for perfection" - in no matter what you get involeved in. In my case, right now, it is the Cross Roads of this car decision. Either buy my 22 MDX Advance with 22.3K mile on it for $38,500 (+/-) by February 2025 Or about $39,400 doing it now OR lease a new 25 MDX A-Spec Advance with the following terms : $4995 OTD total (that has dropped to $4500 the other day as they chase me) , 36 Month lease (which was 39 months B4), 7500 miles per year + my Excess Miles of 11,000 from my 22 MDX lease, for $686 per month. On the Buy side I have a Preapproved Used car loan at 5.89% (which may be reduced by .25% if I agree to auto pay) for 5 years for $35,000 , Monthly payment at $671.00 @5.89% or $667 @ 5.64% . There is 8 months of new car Warranty remaioning (4 years / 50K miles). There have Zero problems with my 22 MDX. Leasing a new one will leave me with no Repair expenses, tires, etc. Based on the 3 year term, after 3 years buying my MDX it will have a maximum of 55K miles on, with a loan balance of $15,000 (if I don't send in extra payments and/or refinance the loan if rates come down some more in a year or so). Writing this kinda seeems like doing the Buy may be the road to take. I can always trade it in in the near future after I see the new 2026 RDX come out, or any other car ofr that matter. Owning the car gives me more control. I have spinal issues that have recentl;y flared (in the neck mostly), which May require surgery - this is another consideration for owning. I don't really needf a 3 Row SUV, too bad the new 25 RDX is basically unchanged. If Acura put the new Touch Screen in it, I would have opted for the new 25 RDX A=Spec Advance Lease.

 

I am (much ) younger but also get very analytical when it comes to these decisions. Purely monetarily, it seems buying your car makes the most sense. But there are so many other factors that you should consider. The first few that come to mind are:
- Reliability: Older cars WILL need maintenance. How inconvenient is it for you to bring the car for service and be without your own car for some time? Dealing with the repairs, etc.
- The thrill and fun if having newer tech. We don't take our money with us when we depart this world. You WILL get enjoyment from a brand new car (or maybe you won't if all you will do is second-guess your decision).
- No one really knows what the future will bring in terms of car values, unexpected expenses, etc.
We are not talking about buying a $200k Lambo here as a mid-life crisis. The net actual costs difference with your two options will ultimately be less than $10k. Will you get that amount of value in having a brand new car?

BTW, I went from a 2022 RDX Adv to a 2025 MDX Adv. I don't need the third row either but the MDX drives like a sporty luxury car. The RDX was a luxurious sporty car. I got the RDX originally because I thought it was a mini MDX and I was wrong. I am very happy with my MDX purchase. Good luck!

 

Assuming you get the balance of your original Manufacturer's warranty (if it hasn't run out), did they offer an extended warranty if buying outright? I know you can sometimes pursue this on your own but I don't know if anyone in AZ is actively selling Acura extended warranties.

Staying w/Acura has certainly limited your options. Have you considered any other brands so that you have more choices?

 

This is exactly why I enjoy these forums. gadgetfreak, you are Bringing it..... There are few factors that "Feeds" the OCD to an extent. The 22 MDX only has 22.3K miles on it (like a New car!); has been totally Trouble Free; I love the Color [Fathom Blue Pearl / Grey leather combo - the Honda color Canyon River Blue is not as nice IMHO). OCDers take analytics to extremes - that's the nature of the disease. Notwithstanding that, part of the frustration is that there is little or no "equity" being realized for my 22 MDX. My Buyout from Acura Financial includes about $2900 in Sales taxes I must pay. It's here that the dealers make $$$$$. They pay those sales taxes. They will buy it from Acura for $35K +/- , spend maybe $1K for detailing and marketing, put it on their lot at $43K or more (comparables for 22 MDX Advances with low miles). Originally, I anticipated I had at least $4K in equity when we started discussions in July - a month before my original 3 year lease matured (now extended for 6 months). But was told ai have virttually No Equity.....The used car market Moved Down big time according to the sales manager. I don't know how you calculated the $10K difference on the monwetary side, but your point about Having That New Car is a intangible factor. Staying on the monetary side - after 3 years with the lease, I would have tom do this all over again (many do - in my area 80% of deals are leasing) , with buying the MDX, after 3 years $15K remains on the loan, with an MDX with less than 50K miles - worth doubkle that. Facing a Prospect of spinal surgery (the neck) enters the thinking here too. My wife has her 16 CRV Touring with 49K miles on it. If I were to get laid up, she could always sell my 22 MDX, with the lease You are Stuck.

 

quick answer ... No offer made for Extended Warranty. The lease buyouts are done via Acura Financial directly. I buy the car form Them. If I want to get a CPO certification, The Dealer has to buy the car from me , certify it, making it a CPO. I saw an earlier post here whereby, someone said for a $1k fee his dealer would certify the used MDX he was test driving. But that's not available to leasee's buying out their vehicles.

 

Elin, yes I have considered some other vehicles. X5 - far more expensive; I may re-look at a 2025 Kia Sorento either the SX Prestige Hybrid or non Hybrid with the 2.5 Turbo; Honda Pilot Elite (?); 2025 Jeep GC Limited - test drove one, I'm spoiled by the MDX, but the Jeep may still be considered.

 

If your MDX is still under warranty, you can forgo the CPO route and buy an extended warranty from any Acura dealer that posts on AZ. I can point people to Mercedes and BMW contacts but not Acura, unfortunately!

The legit offers you get from forum dealers are often half or less than what a local in-store dealer will offer you so hopefully someone chimes in for you!

 

Yes, a loaded X5 can get up there but there are also some things you can never get on an Acura like Highway Assist, which is a near autonomous hands-free driving mode (I think it's only one step down)! My GLS450 is about one step down from that where it will stay centered in lane w/a following distance and change lanes for you once prompted w/stalk but it's not 100% hands-free up to 85 mph like BMW (a nanny comes on to tell you to put your hands on the Mercedes steering wheel)! I find myself enabling this mode often when I get tired or driving in the dark. Being older also means this automation offers additional handrails that other companies can't!

Also, BMW has been doing wireless CP/AA far longer than Acura and it just works!

Have you considered the bigger Telluride or cousin Palisade?

 

Elin, actually no on the Telluride or Palisade. I have not test drove a Mazzda CX-70 yet, but trolling their forums does reeveal a number of Unhappy Campers with lots of Issues. That scares me off for now. I truly LIKE ( I use Love for Family mostly) my 22 MDX Advance....the ride, the handling, the room, the comfort, the ELS sound system, the entire design [She still kinda "winks" at me sitting in my driveway], and although I have become accostumed to the TTIP (still very disappointed with the function of it in AA and don't use it much except on long trips to visit Family, I'm grateful for the HUD which makes it easier. Hence, my Tug of War with leasing a new one - 25 A-Spec Adavnace or just the Advance vs buying mine.

 

The CX70 will have very minimal resale value compared to the CX90 since they're nearly the same price w/one less row. I've always fantasized about owning a Mazda and was close to pulling the trigger when the CX90 first came out but luckily the stupid ADM ask scared me off!

Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll be happy you stuck w/Acura!

 

I think so as well. No car is perfect despite how hard you try to find one. But the MDX is pretty close. The new touch screen would be nice, but Se Le Vie.

 

I have recently driven a CX-90 3.3T 280hp version, and I can tell you MDX non-S is nicer almost everywhere. Bear with me Mazda fans, the following is going to sound brutal.

The powertrain is terrible on Mazda at stop-n-go traffic. The idle stop is not as smooth as BMW even if it is 48V mild-hybrid, the transmission shift quality is incredibly rough at low speed, like someone who does not know how to shift manual transmission smoothly. More often than not, the car downshifts aggressively when slowing down for no reason. Furthermore, the powertrain sounds diesel or truck like, and the throttle response is nonlinear depending on the mood of the car. Sport mode is unusable, simply because the powertrain buzzing unbearably as soon as it crosses 2k rpm...

There is a serious calibration issue with the powertrain, I don't know if it is purely on the transmission tuning, or on the mild-hybrid system as well. Braking has zero feedback and has a delayed response, making modulation at low speed tricky until I gave up and braked earlier than I need to.

The AWD does not feel rear-biased at all. In normal mode, adding more throttle input mid-corner tends to induce indersteer instead of oversteer. Forget about anything sporty on this car - Mazda copied the specs, but dropped the goodies during the translation.

To be fair, CX-90 does drive nice when it is up to speed in the 30-50mph range, and is much more fuel efficient than MDX. The ride and handling is decent, but MDX still has the upper hand. I think the sweet spot on CX-90 3.3T is too narrow to justify the low-speed tortures. Unless you are thinking about PHEV version, I would say skip CX-70/90.

 

sonyfever, you honest opinion of the Mazda about the driveability is somewhat confirmed by comments on the CX-70/90 Forums. I am not a Troller, but I have looked at comments on the forums - many of which are derogatory and also lists numerous issues. Some honest reviews on line - You Tube, also affirm the slow speed issues you depicted. Especially when coming to a Stop with their 48V mild hybrid system which runs the Engine On /Off feature. I would NOT be a Happy Camper dealing with that for the next 3 yeras or more in a lease. The old saying goes.....Haste Makes Waste.