| KrisKT |
Hi to all! I picked up my new Acura MDX Touring/Navi with body side molding yesterday. I was treated great at Buerkle Acura in Brooklyn Park, MN. I paid MSRP and the body side molding cost $169 including installation. Because I had bought my last 2001 Acura MDX there, they didn't charge me anything to do the paperwork (pass-through) and I sold my old Acura to my Mom. So that saved me ~2000 in MN taxes. The sales person (Sandi Nobbe) gave me 2 leather key fobs to give my Mom and she gave my kids a couple of toys, and my husband an Acura hat and insulated coffee mug.
I will attach multiple pictures separately so it will download quicker.
I drove it home today (~80 miles). I haven't figured out yet how to make the voice navigation work. I pushed the buttons on the steering wheel multiple different ways and kept asking "What time is it?", but nothing happened. I need to read the manual. I felt the leather on both cars side by side and they are pretty similar. I like the head console with the moon roof controls. The dash lighting is really nice. The heat warmer button configuration now makes better sense compared to the 2001. The reverse rear view camera is great! The fabric along the side pillars will prevent all the nicks. The floor mats say MDX. There is more room to get into the 3rd row-my 11 yr old son did a little jig because he hated getting in the back seat previously.
As you can see from the pictures, the outside stying is different. I really don't have a preference between the two. I got the new car because of the side curtain airbags (I have 4 kids) and the rear view camera, plus my Mom wanted to buy my old Acura (only 10, 800 miles and in great shape).
Take care! |
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| 4HICKSMDX |
| Priceless! Looks great! |
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| KrisKT |
| rear view, 2004-left 2001-right |
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| EXCALIBUR |
KrisKT,
Greetings and salutations. Both MDX's look great.:29: |
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| KrisKT |
| front view 2004-left 2001-right |
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| KrisKT |
| new Acura 2004 meters |
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| KrisKT |
| acura mdx floorboard |
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| KrisKT |
| 2004 center console |
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| hammermdx |
| Congrats and great pics! Could you please post one showing the fabric on the pillar? |
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| KrisKT |
| larger entry to 3rd row |
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| KrisKT |
What do you all think of the side molding? Just curious.
I don't think I'll miss the side steps at all. Although my kids did use the step, when I got out of the car, my leg would brush it and my clothes would get dirty-especially in the winter. We never towed anything in the last 2 1/2 years with the MDX so I didn't get the towing package this time. Our Honda Odyssey does have the towing hitch though.
Good luck to all of you waiting for new cars! |
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| hammermdx |
quote:
Originally posted by KrisKT
side pillar
Thanks, please keep us updated if the new fabric eliminates the nicks. Good luck, it looks great! |
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| Dale MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by KrisKT
I haven't figured out yet how to make the voice navigation work. I pushed the buttons on the steering wheel multiple different ways and kept asking "What time is it?",
What time is it? It's time to read the owner's manual!:)
I think that lots of us are wondering if the new fabric-covered side pillars will fit into earlier years, and if the interior color is still a perfect match. (Tim - Group buy?) Seems like Acura, through the warranty, could do anyone that complains a favor, though, and give us the parts for free. |
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| Captain MDX |
| Very nice. Hey moderators, give him a million points!!!! :29: :29: :29: :29: |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by hammermdx
Thanks, please keep us updated if the new fabric eliminates the nicks. Good luck, it looks great!
I'd like to know too, it'd be a solution to a silly annoyance that's been there for three full model years.
Though I'm disappointed that it takes a woven fabric cover to get rid of the door pillar nicks -- I'd have preferred using an appropriately durable vinyl with soft-touch material underneath, or a tougher hard plastic. It'd be more in character with a leather/vinyl interior, but I guess woven fabric is cheaper. |
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| twosomeca |
quote:
Originally posted by KrisKT
Hi to all! I picked up my new Acura MDX Touring/Navi with body side molding yesterday. I was treated great at Buerkle Acura in Brooklyn Park, MN. I paid MSRP and the body side molding cost $169 including installation. Because I had bought my last 2001 Acura MDX there, they didn't charge me anything to do the paperwork (pass-through) and I sold my old Acura to my Mom. So that saved me ~2000 in MN taxes. The sales person (Sandi Nobbe) gave me 2 leather key fobs to give my Mom and she gave my kids a couple of toys, and my husband an Acura hat and insulated coffee mug.
I will attach multiple pictures separately so it will download quicker.
I drove it home today (~80 miles). I haven't figured out yet how to make the voice navigation work. I pushed the buttons on the steering wheel multiple different ways and kept asking "What time is it?", but nothing happened. I need to read the manual. I felt the leather on both cars side by side and they are pretty similar. I like the head console with the moon roof controls. The dash lighting is really nice. The heat warmer button configuration now makes better sense compared to the 2001. The reverse rear view camera is great! The fabric along the side pillars will prevent all the nicks. The floor mats say MDX. There is more room to get into the 3rd row-my 11 yr old son did a little jig because he hated getting in the back seat previously.
As you can see from the pictures, the outside stying is different. I really don't have a preference between the two. I got the new car because of the side curtain airbags (I have 4 kids) and the rear view camera, plus my Mom wanted to buy my old Acura (only 10, 800 miles and in great shape).
Take care!
Congrats. After looking at both models and being undecided between the '03 and '04, it is amazing to me how similar the models are. I guess there won't be any major changes until a model redo. I am glad you are happy with your choice. Looks great. :D |
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| catzx6 |
quote:
Originally posted by KrisKT
roof console
Finally someone used some common sense about the moonroof controls!!:claphead: |
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| Pauls MDX |
Excellent pic's for comparison. Good job!!! The headlight on the 2004 look very slightly different in size and shape, at first thought could be inter-changed with the 2001-2003 but I'm not thinking so after these pic's. I just noticed that Tim had stated they can be swapped out for the 2001-2003, that's great! Tim's the Man.
:29: |
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| laborlitigator |
| Nice job with the comparisons! |
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| hockeyplayer |
| I noticed on the picture showing the rear of both models that the 04 plastic bumper looks like it would effectively hide a full size spare. Does the 04 come with a full size spare? Congratulations on your new purchase. |
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| Jim03MDX |
| Great pics. Thanks for posting! :29: |
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| inky |
Wide molding looks great on the red. Neat color overall.
Please gives us your take on the 04 leather over the 01. Acura says nicer but some posts say otherwise. Pictures hard to tell. Please touch and tell. |
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| MDteX |
quote:
Originally posted by inky
Wide molding looks great on the red. Neat color overall.
Please gives us your take on the 04 leather over the 01. Acura says nicer but some posts say otherwise. Pictures hard to tell. Please touch and tell.
The 04 Silver one I test drove had the new BSMs. They look great and much more functional. They are wider and just look like they belong there. Since they are wider I'm sure they will help eliminate at least of the dings from some of the careless "ding-dongs" that will inevitably park next to you.
Maybe we can get a close up pic. |
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| bob_weather |
quote:
Originally posted by hockeyplayer
I noticed on the picture showing the rear of both models that the 04 plastic bumper looks like it would effectively hide a full size spare. Does the 04 come with a full size spare? Congratulations on your new purchase.
The 04's that I saw at the dealer didn't have a full size spare.
Bob |
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| donsev |
quote:
Originally posted by hockeyplayer
I noticed on the picture showing the rear of both models that the 04 plastic bumper looks like it would effectively hide a full size spare.
I agree that it appears they made that change to the rear bumper to cure the "peek-a-boo" of a F.S.S. But now it appears that the valance would now have to be trimmed away for a hitch install. Does anyone have an '04 with a hitch and could you show pics? |
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| baekho6879 |
Nice Comparison pics.
Congrats on the new X. Looks very nice !!! :cool: |
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| RonH |
quote:
Originally posted by donsev
I agree that it appears they made that change to the rear bumper to cure the "peek-a-boo" of a F.S.S. But now it appears that the valance would now have to be trimmed away for a hitch install. Does anyone have an '04 with a hitch and could you show pics?
That was my first thought on the rear pictures .... well, second actually. First was "like the exhaust" ... second was "how do you mount the hitch?" |
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| ayanomich |
For inky,
Didn't see anyone answer your inquiry yet on the new 04 leather, I was in the showroom last weekend and looked over an 04 Bronze (I believe it was the Bronze, kind of milk chocolate color). The leather seats have a top-grain appearance (the leather is grainy, not butter smooth) and the perforated seats feel thicker to the touch. There is definitely a different "feel" to the leather, a bit softer than the earlier models, but personally I don't the difference is much to stroke out over. My co-worker has an 04 Pilot he bought last month and I think the leather in his car is really nice, smells like real leather and feels great I thought it was better than either the 02, 03, and 04 MDXs. |
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| zafer |
quote:
Originally posted by KrisKT
rear view, 2004-left 2001-right
...what the heck is that looking out the bonus room window??? :13:
Did they do away with the sunglass holder, or move it elsewhere?
Nice color, good move :29: |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by zafer
...what the heck is that looking out the bonus room window??? :13:
Good eyes zafer. What the hell is that?:confused: |
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| rjmitche |
quote:
Originally posted by zafer
Did they do away with the sunglass holder, or move it elsewhere?
Steameng8 posted over here that they did indeed do away with the sunglass holder in the '04. :( |
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| RonH |
quote:
Originally posted by rjmitche
Steameng8 posted over here that they did indeed do away with the sunglass holder in the '04. :(
Ouch! I may be odd, but I use mine all the time. |
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| KrisKT |
In answer to your questions:
My husband LOVES seasonal decorations. That is a skeleton head in the window over the garage and at night a strobe light goes off on it. You can imagine our house at X-mas, last year we won a city decorating contest. Not quite like the Griswolds of Nat'l Lampoon movie fame, but pretty close. I have to reign him in a little!
I can't feel a difference in the leather. My own preference is that the 2001 black leather is classier looking (probably just because of the color).
NO full-size spare tire.
NO sunglasses holder, but the moonroof controls, inside light control and homelink buttons are well laid out and I think it was worth losing it.
The fabric for the pillars is the same as that on the sun visors.
I can't really discern the difference in the upgraded 2004 Bose radio.
The rear-view camera has been great for easing my mind when backing up with children/dogs around, although I still look around and listen to be sure.
I miss the clock that you could enlarge on the starry night background of the navigation screen that the 2001 has.
Happy Halloween!!! |
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| ayanomich |
KrisKT,
Fantastic job with the pictures and your observations. I also miss the old "starry" background and clock on the 01/02 Nav, now I can barely see the time in the left corner of the radio screen. In addition, after filling up with gas, the 03 Nav only shows one previous MPG info screen instead of the half dozen lines of info you could see before...maybe the 04 NAV is different? |
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| inky |
THANKS FOR your take on leather. the pleather of the 98 accord vintage was disgusting. The 01-03 MDX is somewhat better but not close to Lexus. If the leather is like my TSX with grainy feel--I will like it. My 03 Accord also had the grainy leather which was nicer.
INKY |
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| grumpygolfer |
:) A comment on the new body side moldings. I saw them installed on a Sage brush 04 and I didn't care for them at all, really took away from the smooth lines of the vehicle. I have an 03 Sage and I was considering the BSM's but now I may wait.
Just my opinion.
GG:roadtrip: |
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| rfowkes |
Thanks for the comprehensive pictures and other information. Nothing beats information from actual owners.
Well done! |
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| elli |
KrisKT,
Thanks for the pictures and information. Since you have both 2001 & 2004, do you think the noise level is greatly improved on 2004's X?
Thanks, |
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| Steameng8 |
My new 04 MDX is many times quieter than my 01 MDX. It is amazing. I turn off the radio just to listen to nothing. The new assembly method of placing a new material between the part of the body and frame really works well. I have not had time to find out just what they did, but combined with the new acoustical glass windshield it really works well.
I am even more inpressed with the Touring Radio. I never dreammed a car radio and speaker system could be so good.
These same two items(Radio and Interior nosie) were my two biggest complaints against my 01 Base MDX.
I also am very impressed with the rear view camera picture and how well it works - even at night. How did I ever back up without it.
Now I need to lean the GPS Vioce Commands. I have not yet read the manual on anything. A vacation trip from Florida to North Carolina in about a week will give me more time to lean about my new MDX. |
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| hockeyplayer |
| I was at the dealer today and peeked inside an 04. The seats were the first thing to stick out. They look and feel horrible!!!!!!(IMO) The side bolsters that everyone has complained about have been changed to a softer and different textured leather(Felt like vinyl to me) Definitely softer than previous models but does not look good. They have even made an attempt(successful IMHO) of softening up the perforation part of the seat. That impressed me but the side bolsters:28: I didn't have time to sit in the 04 but really like the chrome accents on the radio knobs. Are the chrome pieces just covers for the plastic knobs?? I would love a set if they can be slid over the radio knobs. The exhaust looks great. Tail lights..........not sure why they went that route but still look good. Tim.....can you find out if the chrome accents for the raio are available?? Cheap but classy accessory. Thanks |
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| inky |
| comments about 04 leather are very interesting. I believe you will all find the 04 leather is same rough textured but softer stuff from TSX and accord. Not sure about new TL. In black it is OK. IN tan no so cool. I will go look and see for myself. So far not much reason for me to upgrade from my 03 to 04. |
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| KrisKT |
After driving the car all this week, I agree that it is quieter. I still don't like to drive with the rear windows open. There is a buffeting sound of the wind that hurts my eardrums a little. My 2001 did the same thing.
I noticed last night that there are little blue lights that illuminate the roof console at night. So now I can see which button to push to open the garage door instead of guessing. You can also easily see the inside light switch and moonroof controls.
The leather is rougher on the side bolsters than the 2001. But honestly, I am not that picky about it.
The radio is really nice with good bass sound. The buttons have chrome built into the edge. It doesn't appear to be a separate cover.
The voice command Navi has worked well. But since I am used to the buttons, I find it easier to just push the buttons when I am at a stoplight. I have used it to tell me the time so I don't have to glance down at the radio controls to see the tiny clock while driving. Maybe I'll use it more in the future when I learn all the commands.
I am still trying to find the perfect seat adjustment. The power lumbar support has been nice to have. My prior Ford Explorer had that almost a decade ago it seems.
The car came with the leather zippered folder for all the manuals, leather keyring that says Acura, silver Acura key ring with the Acura care phone # on it, a nice Acura Pen, and a laminated small quick start guide for all the controls which is nice.
The dash brightness control has a maximum level and then if I turn it all the way to the right it pauses and then clicks. Is this to lock the level at high? The manual doesn't say anything other than using it to adjust brightness. Just curious. |
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| KenF |
| Most all cars will have significant wind noise if you drive with just the back windows down. It's a fluid dynamics issue, just crack the sunroof or the front windows and it will go away. |
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| JBmdx |
Hi,
Your new MDX looks great. Can you post a picture of the 2001 gauges so I can compare the change in the '04? Thanks.
JB |
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| inky |
Say this at dealer Friday--
I did listen to the 04 Bose Friday and would comment that it appeared better then the 03 Bose.
The 04 leather is softer but not sure if I like it. It is the new Honda Acura grainy type right out of TSX and Accord. It is softer.
I did notice the 04 had different bottom side sills than my 03 (on the outside). I have had lots of mud come up under the door. I wonder is new plastic strip on the 04 is better that way.
If anything these 04 botton door sills look more substantial across the bottom of the doors.
I was impressed by the fact the 04s are sitting around. I never remember that situation. I drove the Lexus RX 330 Friday and will admit it is much more luxury car with better features and higher quality for about $1500 more.
Jim |
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