Hey people,

I saw the "sign in" thread but it looked a bit dusty so I thought I'd post here.

My name is Jeff, I'm in the process of buying a 2009 MDX Tech with 62,000 miles. I've been on the lookout for a low mileage cream puff for a couple of years and I have come upon a car I like. After negotiations the price of the car is $14,800 or $16,500 out the door. It's one owner with a full dealership service record. It was in a front-end collision but airbags did not deploy. 60k service has been completed, 2 newish tires and 2 decent tires. Interior/exterior condition is 9.5/10. Test drive was A+, I listened for the noises and shaking and other stuff I've read about that would indicate trouble, the car seems to be in great shape. I'm a car guy so I feel pretty confident shopping for a car.

Anyhow I wanted to ask you fine folks for your opinion on:

1. Is this a decent price?
2. Is there anything else I need to think about before purchasing? (I've read about the common issues such as torque converter, AT, burning oil, etc.)

Carfax if it helps:

https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistor...311&source=BUP

Thanks! And thanks to all in advance who have contributed to this forum.

Hoping to find some good community here, I'm big on modding and DIY and have a super-modded Fiesta ST which will share the garage with the MDX should I buy it...so I'm excited to learn from you guys about DIY stuff, tips and trick and upgrades and such.

 

Hi and Welcome to the Forums!

1.- I would have the car inspected by a dealership anyway before buying, That price is not a super deal considering it has been in an accident.
2.- You must absolutely make sure that the service records show the 105K Service being done (Timing Belt Service). As that service can cost up to 1200dlls and its way overdue if it hasn´t been done.. The 105K is done every 105K OR 7 Years what ever comes first and Involves the change of: Timing Belt, Water Pump, T-Belt Tensioner pulley, T-Belt Hydraulic Tensioner, T-Belt Idler Pulley..

None of the common issues you found are common for a 2009...
Real common issues: HFL going bad, Radiator strawberry milk of death..

 

OK thanks for the quick reply. I will check into those things. Could you please link me to the HFL and radiator issues so I may research more?

 

Also, one other question - does the NAV service have to be renewed every so often? It's a 2009 and the NAV works, just wondering if there is a re-subscription every 5 or 10 years or something.

 

1.- HFL: https://acurazine.com/how-tos/a/acur...-module-424493

2.- Radiator SMSD.
This is more of a preventive Maintenance thing for the early 2G (2007-2009)..
The issue is: The OEM Radiator ATF Warmer is badly designed from the factory and with time rust breaks an important component that allows the Mixture of A/F and ATF which will eventually destroy the transmission... More info here: Radiator comparison: Denso/Spectra/OSC - Honda Ridgeline Owners Club Forums

It can be prevented in 2 ways::
By-Pass the ATF Farmer (In Hot Climates) = https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-2g-m...2g-mdx-946052/
or
Replace the Radiator before it fails (Do not buy OEM DENSO Radiator as it still holds the bad design, Aftermarket DENSO fixes the problem): https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-2g-m...2g-mdx-966225/

3.- NAV and Live traffic is lifetime, You can update the NAV Maps by changing the DVD version although it may be a little expensive (Latest version for your 2009 MDX) here: http://acuranavi.navigation.com/prod...US/AcuraNA/USD

If you have any more questions dont hesitate to ask.

 

OK super, I will research those, very much appreciated.

Update, I called the dealer, was scheduled to buy the car tomorrow morning, I told them I wanted the timing belt job done or -$750 off the sales price (this is how much my mechanic charges for the service) or no deal. So they are going to get back to me tomorrow. I really want this car but I'm not going to buy it without this service done especially since it's 3 years overdue. I assume whomever just thought (as I did before posting earlier today) that 105k was the deal, but wasn't aware of the 7 year rule. My mechanic said he saw one break (Odyssey, same belt I believe) at 82k so it needs to be done asap.

I'll report back after tomorrow. Thanks again.

 

I highly recommend the AISIN KIT TKH-002 LINK: More Information for AISIN TKH002
AISIN was the OEM Supplier for the Water Pump and KOYO for the Pulleys that kit contains both.. What you only need to get is the OEM T-Belt as the one in the Kit is not the OEM One.
That kit is very affordable at 176dlls and its the closest to OEM you will get without going with Dealership Parts for the 105K Service.

Do not use Sub-par aftermarket T-Belt Kits.. Use AISIN as your first choice then GATES as your second.

Your mechanic is correct, All J-Series are Interference engines which means if the T-Belt snaps is engine totaled for sure... The J37 in the MDX is the most expensive J-Series on the Used Scene too often going for 1K at the minimum.

 

$16,400 is full retail, if there were no accidents involved.

How did your price jump from $14,800 to $16,500?

What are you getting for the $1,700 jump?

 

Thanks man this is super helpful, I will keep in mind if they sell it to me considering my new negotiations.

$14,800 is sale price, $16,500 out the door means after tax/tag/title/fees which add $1700. Sorry about that.

 

Hey guys,

More help needed and time sensitive if anyone is reading this while sitting around doing nothing....

So I go in to the dealership in 2 hours to negotiate, and unless they'll do the timing belt service (or prove it was done) I'm not buying this car. However in scanning the internet I'm not able to find it in writing that the service should indeed be done every 105k OR 7 years. I did find this for the 2006 MDX, it's very clear, but in the 2009 MDX owners manual it leaves off the "or 7 years" clause and simply says 105k or 60k in extreme conditions. Manual link below, pages 390 and 402.

Can anyone provide what I'm looking for? I need written proof that it is indeed 105k OR 7 years for the 2009 MDX. I can see how, based on what the owner's manual says, they could say the 7 years is not an issue for the 2009 model.

Thanks! It's very much appreciated.

http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/p...9/TX0909OM.PDF

 

You don´t need to find specifics on the 2G MDX, Acura/Honda has had the same procedure since 1997 for all J-Series and has never changed even today..
Where does the 7 years come out from? Its the formula 105,000 / 15,000 (Average yearly anual mileage) = 7 years.

Why did Honda specified this? because the T-Belt is made out of RUBBER and rubber dries up, cracks and snaps.
So that is the reason why the T-Belt is changed regardless of mileage. TIME has a big important factor in its wear.

Now is it going to snap just in the 7 year mark? NOPE I have seen several members going out as much as 10 years with it...
Is it good? nope.. That T-Belt is the only thing between having a working Car and having an oversized paper weight.

 

Thanks. I understand all of what you're saying, I was just hoping to find it in writing for the 2009 in particular in case the dealership used the lack of it being in writing in the manual to say it wasn't necessary until 105k. The fact that the 2006 manual specifies the 7 years but the 2009 doesn't could be used by them as a bargaining chip.

My mechanic, who is a 30-year Honda/Acura only specialist who works alone out of his shop on his property, said he's seen them snap at 82k miles. So while it probably won't happen, it could, and as you said being that this is basically the jugular vein of the car, it should not be left undone.

In any case it's no matter, I talked with them today and they became pretty unhappy that I suggested the price lowering to compensate for this, or them doing the service themselves....the phone conversation ended very quickly, I think they were a bit miffed at my obstinate position on this. I did really want that car and it's the nicest/lowest mileage/best 1-owner I've found in years of searching, but it's just not meant to be.

So thanks to all for your help, particularly Skirmich who was very helpful and welcoming, unless they call me back which I doubt, I won't be driving an MDX any time soon.

 

Your welcome!

Sad to hear about this, I think they are pretty dumb to let go of a sale like that considering you were not even asking an absurd price reduction, seeing how much a dealership ask for the T-Belt service? you were being more than reasonable.
But hey if you ever find yourself buying an Acura you already have the account here

Happy car hunting! and Good luck!

 

Everyone, when driving to the car dealership, should turn off their radio and practice yelling "No".
The more times you yell "No", on your way to the dealership, the better you will feel about standing your ground and telling them "No".

If their MDX doesn't sell in 10 -14 days, they'll give you a follow up call.

 

I appreciate it. My wife has wanted a 2nd gen MRX for a few years so I've been on the lookout. Our 2 oldest kids are gone or about to leave (USAF) so we no longer need the Odyssey. I've been casually looking for an MRX for a few years and this one fit all my qualifications so I decided it was time...but alas. If another one comes my way I'll look into it though I'm not desperate or anything, if we keep the van we'll likely get her something new in about 2 years when my Fiesta is paid off, but by that time there won't be many low-mileage (if any) 2nd gen MRXs around so we'll likely go with a newer CX-9 which are quite nice actually. But back to the MRX, I'm glad I poked for more info and learned what I did about the timing belt.

Anyhow we'll see, thanks again for all the help and the warm welcome.

Yeah it stinks I was excited about the MRX and joining this community but I've been around the block and I'm good at that "NO!" thing. Maybe they'll call back but I doubt it, they were pretty upset with me on the phone. But we'll see, if not goodbye to all...if so, I'll be back like Arnold!!!

 

Have you looked at the 1st gen RDX? Its smaller, cheaper but its faster and has the same great SH-AWD, The Acura ZDX is also a great choice if you are not looking for 7 seat capacity, Its faster than the RDX and MDX but its the most expensive of the 3 choices. I say this because I regret not taking advantage of the MDX 7 seat capacity and cargo capacity most of the time, so its always 2 people in mine and well.. Needless to say I would take a ZDX over my MDX any day of the year.

Acura RDX 2010:

Interior:



Acura ZDX 2010:

Interior:

 

Yes, I drove a 1st gen RDX in the past, it's nice but we want something a bit bigger. We don't need the 6th and 7th seats, but do want them for those rare occasions, and the very large trunk (with 3rd row folded) is a must because our little girl has multiple disabilities so we need space to haul her supplies around especially on any road trips. Plus my wife is so used to the Odyssey, she enjoys having something where she sits up higher, she's pretty small so that is important to her. So the ZDX and RDX aren't really options. They are both very nice for sure though.

The 2nd gen MDX always struck us as such a balanced car for someone who wants a medium-sized SUV - great looking, decent performance, reliable, luxury, etc. Road manners are FTW. That's what drew us to one and has had me looking for the last few years. About the only think I don't like about it is that wimpy steering wheel, but it's really no big deal. What a great car.

In the end though, unless the dealer calls me back which I don't think they will, I think we'll wait. We pay off all our debt in about 2 years and at that point I'll be able to comfortably get about anything we want. I'm not a fan of the newer MDXs, right now I'm thinking a barely used 1-2 year old CX-9 or Edge Sport or ST. We'll see.

Thanks again!

 

The early 2G (07-09) can use the beefier steering wheel from the facelift 2G (10-13) just need to swap it over.