I'm considering getting the "Z" as you guys call it, but can't decide between the two model years. The 2012's are by default 1 year old taken out of the lot, but might be deeply discounted. The 2013 seems to have been consolidated with some features from both the Tech and Advance packages of 2012. The 2013 is supposed to have LED tail lights, but this is not true as far as I can tell. Some of you guys have been looking, researching, and in some cases, driving the Z for a while, would you care to share your thoughts? Which one would you opt for and why?

 

For me, it would be price, so I don't mind a used one, some 2010s are half the price of the 2013.

 

since 2013 doesn't have some features that 2012 Advance has, I would definitely get 2012 (or even 2011) Advance for a good price

 

I do like the electric folding mirrors, new grill, and darker rims on the 13. but for the new 13 price I'd want the full CMBS feature, and radar cruise control, don't think the 13 offers that.
The new RLX will offer more of the Advanced features than the 13 Z. The new slow-speed advanced cruise control looks interesting. Just saying a new priced 13 Z doesn't seem as valuable, and the new Acuras have improved mpg too.

 

I believe there is no IDS in 2013 too

 

I am cost conscious as well. Since my wife really likes the car and the ideas behind its design, I think we are going to keep it for a long time. I don't want to make a bad purchase decision. There are a few 2012 left, but it is by default 1 year old right after you drove it off the dealer's lot.

I have been trying to research the differences between the 2012 trim levels and the 2013, but haven't been successful with finding a reliable source. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places.

I know the 2012 Advance has IDS. I haven't driven one to know what it does and how it feels, but I worry about its reliability. More electronic gizmos and possibly more time in the shop?

Comparing the 2 model years:
2013 ZDX:
Folding and heated side mirros
Darker wheels
BSI
FCW
LDW

2012 Advance trim:
No folding side mirrors
IDS
CMBS
ACC
BSI
No LDW or FCW

I think the interior material is the same for both years.

 

2 new int colors for 13. a light cream and a light gray.
very diff from the older taupe.
Only black int was kept from previous years.

 

I would definitely NOT buy the 13! The biggest drawback to the Z is price to me, and being able to buy a 2010 Advance for half of a 13, yet with more features I wanted was a no brainer. I wanted the IDS, no longer available on the 13 because it costs Acura a great deal and they were cutting corners for 13. The folder mirrors are the only feature I actually like, as I see the dark wheels as a style that will fade and do not set this car off like brighter wheels especially if you buy black. I actually did a wheel swap with the factory 19s to make them true chrome instead of auras polished wheels. The grills was never a bothersome trait to me. Hope this helps!

 

You guys have been very helpful. I didn't think I would want a 2013 either. I didnt' want to give up all the features of the Adv ZDX. After looking at all the color choices, I am liking Palladium metalic the most. It contrasts nicely with the panoramic glass roof, which is one of the best external designs of the coupe. (BTW, I am going to call the ZDX a coupe, not an SUV/sedan/CUV/etc.)

 

I wish I liked the silver (or white) cause they are so plentiful in the used market.
but the darker colors look better to me on the Z. Black looks best, but too hot and hard to keep clean. Bronze and cherry are unique now, but over time??
Only leaves Grigio. which is nice, but my current car is that color. They should have made a med grey metallic and a deep blue.

 

btw I got my second ZDX just two weeks ago
Its a CPO 2010 ZDX Advance bronze/umber with 26k miles, the deal was 35k total with all fees

 

Damn Sandro that's an awesome deal. Congrats on that as that's one sexy color combo. If you get a chance would love some pics and especially interior shots. Umber is so hot!

 

damm, great choice. probably one of the most exciting and rarer combos in the Z.
I wonder if it is too flashy for me.
To find any Advance in umber, with good miles, warr, and price ain't that easy.
I've considered Grigio/umber also.
damm again. enjoy it!

 

Took me 3 months of searching on cars.com across the USA (except the east coast). Eventually found one in Atlanta. Now its in LA at my friend who will ship it to Russia. Long way

Most bronze/umber Advance ZDX were produced on 12/09 so now is the time when they are being offered for sale. Not all of them are in great condition though

 

I would definitely go with a Used Advance over the new one. It seems as though the only 2 features I would love to have from the 2013 are the power folding mirrors and the new grille. Besides, my favorite combo is White with Sumatra interior (which I currently have )

 

Sandro, what does it take to ship the ZDX to Russia? Cost? Custom?

 

custom is about 17k$ if its 3-5 years old or 26k$ if its under 3 years old. pure ripoff
shipping is about 1500-2000$ for a container + delivery to port and from port to your destination

 

As a follow up, we bought a 2012 ZDX Adv in Palladium Metallic/Black interior. I agree with you all that the '13 is not a good buy due to Acura removing some tech features. My wife and I felt the Palladium Metallic makes the black panoramic glass roof of the ZDX more prominent. Our hot climate steers us away from the darker shades; our black TL gets really hot in the summer heat and sun.

The coupe drives very different compared to the TL and MDX. The steering is lighter than both. It is not as quick as the TL, but is more willing to be challenged compared the MDX. The interior is very nicely appointed as you all know. Now that we have had more time to spend with the coupe, its exterior design has grown on us even more.

As we get to know and appreciate the coupe, we also found that the HID head lights have shifted in color. One is warmer than the other. The power tailgate buttons left of the driver and keyfob do not open the tailgate when pressed down (the tailgate closing button at the tailgate itself works fine). Luckily, the coupe is under warranty, so these can be fixed at the dealership.

Well, just thought I would share this update. Thanks for the lively discussion!

 

congrats!
I acutally liked the ZDX in silver exterior but my previous car was silver so I looked for something different

As for tailgate, unless its broken you need to press and hold the button (both on dash or key fob) to make it open. The car doors also need to be unlocked unless it wont open. I guess you know this from owning the MDX but just in case...

 

Congrats TL and welcome to the ZDseXy club.

 

Congrats T0L8

 

I finally had time yesterday to quickly flip through the owner's manual. The function isn't broken. Just stupid operator!

Thanks for the warm welcome all!

 

I do have to say that the tailgate is a pain in the neck. When I started flying out of Boston for work, when I pull in to Central Parking, they ask you to open your trunk so they can look around real quick. I have to put the car in P, unlock the doors and hold the button to open it. Now they just peek through the glass

 

you just need to get used to it

 

Are the 2013 ZDXs being discounted now that we are in the year 2014? Would people prefer to get a new or low-milage 2013 over a 2011 or 2012 Advance?

 

You'd be lucky to even find a 2013 since it's out of production now.

 

Yes, the 2013 is out of production. However, there are three 2013 ZDXs available within 25 miles of me. Do you think the dealerships will be offering a substantial discount on a car that they apparently have trouble selling?

 

Hello everyone, I'm considering purchasing a 2010 ZDX Tech, Black on Black. It's being transferred from up north so should be here any day now. They are asking $26k with only 37k. Any thoughts on this?

Also, is it possible to swap the grille from a 2013? Or would I have to swap the bumper as well?

Thanks guys, hope t be joining the Z family soon.

 

There is a 2012 ZDX with tech package with about 14,000 miles for about $33K. There is a 2013 ZDX (only comes in one package) with less than 200 miles for $44K. What are the pros and cons of each and which would be the better buy?

I know we've been discussing this for a while, but it seems most of the focus was on the 2012 with Advance package, not Tech package. How do people feel about the 2012 with Tech package?

 

I was in this position 8 months ago. I was torn between a 2012 tech (white with tan interior) with 9k miles for $34k and a 2013 (silver with black interior) with 165 miles for 42k (not bad at all). I opted for the 2013 because of the new grille, dark wood trim interior, power folding side mirrors, lane departure warning, and parking sensors. Fast forward 8 months later and I am highly considering trading for a 2012 Advance, which is what I should've gotten in the first place. I'll just have to suck it up and paint the beak. I really want the IDS system though. In your case, I would go for the 2012 tech. The 11k difference is steep for the few added features you'd get on the 2013.

 

Thats what I've been telling to everyone in doubt

 

I'm inclined to agree, but what about the milage difference? The 2012 was owned for about a year, but it has over 12,000 miles on it vs. the new 2013 with less than 200 miles. Also, should I be suspicious about a car that was owner for just one year?

 

I wouldn't be suspicious of a 2012 with just 12k miles. You say it was only owned for about a year. 12k miles is about average.

 

I bought 2012 ZDX AD with 3800 miles from dealer by 40500 USD. It's real, but i sought it 6 months