| cr |
PREFACE: Please do not flame me, this is all IMHO...
Packed up the wife, kids, the Motor Vehicle Title for my 2001 MDX-Touring, and a check ready to be signed last weekend and headed over to the local Acura dealer.
We drove a great looking Sport/Ent for about 10 miles. Played w/the electronics, looked it over in all sorts of lighting conditions, checked out the other inventory..Headed back into the dealership. Wife and I looked at each other and said, "not ready to do this, it doesn't really 'wow' me."
I have to admit, the sport suspension was great, but overall, the new 'X didn't scream to me "dump the old lady and take me home."
Thee fundamental things stood out. 1. the new 3.7L engine doesn't feel like it has 300HP, also, it is not nearly as smooth as the old engine, it is, as C&D said, one of the more rough Honda engines in recent memory.
Second, the overwhelmingly complicated dash was a bit much. I'm a tech-guy, but the new dash is way too busy and too complicated. Lastly, stupid thing, but the sport wheels are not that "sport". Base wheels are more appealing.
Styling is great, seats are solid, but the new MDX didn't sway me. I wanted to be sold on it, but I wasn't.
Apparently, I am not alone, the dealer has dozens on the lot and keeps offering 4k off sticker on the existing inventory.
If I didn't already own one, and was moving up from a Pilot or Highlander, I think I would have pulled the trigger, but frankly, it made me realize that the old lady isn't so bad afterall..
Let the flaming begin. |
|
|
| phins2rt |
cr,
What area of the country are you located? Did you at least have a brochure of the new NDX or were you really going to buy based on just the fact there is a new design? |
|
|
| Rojo |
| Ditto - I too took my '01 MDX to my nearest dealer with the idea of moving up to the new model. After a test drive of a base model, I could not justify the price difference for the new model when I felt my '01 had just about as much sport as the new model and had more utility due to the taller rear door opening. I guess its back to more research. :( |
|
|
| Northern_MDX |
Ditto here.
The 2nd Gen MDX just didn't wow me enough. It's a great vehicle but not impressive enough for me to dump my trustworthy 02 X for it.
The MSRP in Canada is about 51-61K CDN. With that money
there are several other strong competitors on the market today.
I was even looking into a 05 Cayenne S with 20K miles on the odometer. :4: |
|
|
| crazymjb |
Not everybody is going to like every new car, and thats ok. So don't worry about it, just don't buy it.
Mike |
|
|
| cr |
quote:
Originally posted by phins2rt
cr,
What area of the country are you located? Did you at least have a brochure of the new NDX or were you really going to buy based on just the fact there is a new design?
Before I went to the dealer ready to buy, I saw the car on the lot of another dealership, sat in it at a car show, read the brochure, and also, subscribe to 4 car mags and read reviews. What was left was the drive. |
|
|
| zubinh |
Quite Frankly, the improvements made are nice but are they really worth paying an extra $8k over the previous generation's model?
Are buyers just being drawn in by marketers who make people think that because it costs more you must be getting more?
Could I afford the extra 8 grand? Yeah. But I bought an 06 just before the new model came out. I saved my $8k in pennies, took half of it to Costco and bought a 60" plasma.
Watching the plasma is a heck of alot more fun than Super Handling All Wheel Drive could ever be. IMHO.:4: |
|
|
| Johnnyoz |
Ok, so last week I got serious about buying the MDX with the Tech/Ent package. I already did all my research and located a dealer who had 2 with the proper color and trim. I contacted them and I was told I could have this vehicle for $2500 off MSRP. It sounded OK and that was alot better than the local dealer who wouldn't budge on sticker. But I did not pull the trigger. I waited...
This week the dealership calls me and another fellow says he will give me the car for $2000 off MSRP and throw in the roof racks and running boards. We start talking lease numbers...Cap Cost, residual value, money factor etc, we even got down to doc fees, tags, license, bank acquistion fee...All I really needed to do was run the numbers past my wife who is the most frugal person in the world....My plan was to go down to the dealership the next day.
Meanwhile I get another call from the same dealer from the same guy who told me the previous week that he would give me $2500 off MSRP. He starts pressuring me to come down and asks me what does he need to do to get me to buy the vehicle. ( I was already sold) I told him the numbers the previous guy had given me and he went beserk. He says that he is the boss and those numbers didn't sound right and he went on and on...I interrupted him and I reminded him that we had spoken the previous week and he himself told me $2500 off invoice and that I had documented the conversation.
So then he says that maybe those numbers are OK but that the other guy needed to get HIS approval before we could close the deal. He then started to ask me a series of dumb questions and started to make me angry. Basically he wanted to know what he needed to do to get me to come down to the dealership. I told him to give me a definite cap cost and promise that any money I put down would reduce the cap cost. He couldn't do that and then started to tell me that I needed to pay thousands of dollars for TAXES? I am like "What are you talking about?" "Oh yeah", he says, "You have to pay the taxes on the car, come down and we'll talk about it"..
I told him that I had alrady discussed taxes, tags, doc fees etc, with the other guy and had those numbers worked out. I jthen said that it sound like he didn't want my business and he pretty much hung up on me.
Needless to say, the MDX way back on the back burner. Perhaps next month they will come out with better money factors. The Mazda CX-9 looks like a pretty good alternative and comes with a remote start and seat memory configurations for two, dependant upon the key used. Fantastic lease numbers too. |
|
|
| srtbeem |
quote:
Originally posted by zubinh
Quite Frankly, the improvements made are nice but are they really worth paying an extra $8k over the previous generation's model?
Are buyers just being drawn in by marketers who make people think that because it costs more you must be getting more?
Could I afford the extra 8 grand? Yeah. But I bought an 06 just before the new model came out. I saved my $8k in pennies, took half of it to Costco and bought a 60" plasma.
Watching the plasma is a heck of alot more fun than Super Handling All Wheel Drive could ever be. IMHO.:4:
They should have just kept making the previous model. At least until your 06 was at least 5 years old. |
|
|
| dj-mdx2 |
quote:
Originally posted by zubinh
Watching the plasma is a heck of alot more fun than Super Handling All Wheel Drive could ever be. IMHO.:4:
Not when you're taking a 90 degree-turn at 45+ mph at 0.82g while listening to a DVD-A screaming full-blast on the ELS system. :2: |
|
|
| crazymjb |
Zubinh, it's ignorant comments like those that piss people off.
The generation gap between the MDX's may as well mean they are different cars. The only thing they share is the name.
Is 8K worth it to you for two different cars, maybe not. But it is stupid to say its not worth it to many others. Personally I would rather buy a new car than a 5 year old car. The previous generation MDX is nice, but IMO, the new one is a helluva lot nicer, and more up to date.
Mike |
|
|
| Fabvsix |
I know the feeling as when I bought that "Old conservative" 2004 RL (only 4 remaining on the lot to make room for the "all new" 05 RL) it has been the most SOLID trouble free vehicle I've bought. Consumer Reports rating on the 04 RL is SOLID RED DOTS ! Nothing is wrong with the 1st generation MDX's.......But as Mike said, the only thing they share today is the NAME !
Now what vehicle do I have more fun in? The 07 MDX without a question......My partner drives the 07 RDX so I can't comment on that one.......I'm only asked to wash it and change the freaking oil every 5K miles....:mad:
"Change is good for everyone from time to time"......My dad just published a book named "Hoorah Plantation". He shares how much times have changed since he was a child during the great depression which many here no nothing about.......He will be 78 this year....The book is about his life from 1930 to 1945 living in Louisiana! |
|
|
| drjay |
This is an interesting thread, which simply proves the old adage, “different strokes for different folks.” I’ve never owned or even driven an Acura previously, so I can’t compare my new X with the first-generation model. What I can say, however, is that my new X is one impressive vehicle that offers a truly satisfying and enjoyable driving experience.
:D |
|
|
| kflint |
quote:
Originally posted by drjay
This is an interesting thread, which simply proves the old adage, “different strokes for different folks.”
:D
Absolutely true. I have an 02 MDX. My employer offered to replace it with a company vehicle. I looked at the 07 MDXs, and just wasn't wowed. I looked at (and test drove) virtually everything in the market with three rows of seats. In the end, I ordered a GMC Acadia. Surpised the heck out of me me, as I never expected to buy another "domestic' vehicle, but it fits my needs. So, I'll soon be selling the old MDX (which I truly have enjoyed).
Don't flame me. I hope to still hang around here. It's a nice community.
Kelly |
|
|
| Fabvsix |
AND the first gen's do to.......some folks can't handle "change" as well as others. I'm not one for major change either....that is why I got the 04 RL because I didn't like the body style of the new one and that remains today! The ruined the Accord too as far as I concerned. All new one is due out soon however....change change change, been happening for 1000's of years and ain't gonna stop now.....;)
Talk about change: Today it is 68 degrees (northern california bay area), sunny out. I am around my pool while it's freezing back East!
Back to my spring garden preparations.....:1: |
|
|
| hr_seattle |
I've been a lurker for a long time, waiting for the '07 for a long time. I agree with the original poster that the new MDX is some what of a let down. It doesn't feel like 300HP, the engine sounds rough (sporty to some) when pushed. It idled with a touch of vibration - like my 9 year old Accord. There was entirely too much road noise on my 30 minute test drive on what is supposed to be a "luxury" vehicle.
(flame on!) |
|
|
| mesalum |
I am a former 1st gen MDX owner and now I am a 2nd gen MDX owner. I think the improvements are wonderful over the 1st gen.
FYI: crazymjb when someone puts "IMHO" that means In My Honest Opinion. Don't get all bent out of shape when someone posts their opinion, that's why these forums exist. I don't have a problem with someone buying an 06 MDX and spending the savings on a Plasma TV. I love my plasma when watching a sporting event in HDTV. |
|
|
| hr_seattle |
| mesalum, what are some of the improvements you like? |
|
|
| Fabvsix |
I too am a former 1st gen MDX owner (2003/2005) now a 2007 Sport/Ent.....
What I like:
Handling
Sport car feel (for the driver)
300 hp engine (you have to wait for it to break in to really enjoy it)
Easier to access the vehicle (it seems lower to the ground)
Sport shift option
Gearing
VTECH engine sound
ELS 410 watt surround system
Upgraded Voice controlled NAVI
BLUETOOTH controls (new to me)
SH-AWD for the twisties
HID Projector head lights
Split arm rest
On your ASS front grill !
Dual AC climate controls |
|
|
| crazymjb |
Sorry, I didn't notice the IMHO, however I still found the comment abrasive. Big screen TVs are fun, but c'mon, the argument is more complex than "SH-AWD" vs. VTM-4. Don't oversimplify it.
I know this is the 2nd gen forum so experiences should be shared, but if you like your first gen, no need to come here and justify your purchase to us "IMHO."
Both vehicles are excellent. I am sorry you didn't like the 07.
Mike |
|
|
| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by crazymjb
Sorry, I didn't notice the IMHO, however I still found the comment abrasive. Big screen TVs are fun, but c'mon, the argument is more complex than "SH-AWD" vs. VTM-4. Don't oversimplify it.
I know this is the 2nd gen forum so experiences should be shared, but if you like your first gen, no need to come here and justify your purchase to us "IMHO."
Both vehicles are excellent. I am sorry you didn't like the 07.
Mike
This is a "2007 didn't wow me thread". You do come off sounding way too over-defensive. There was nothing abrasive in that post. It was his opinion. He never compared VTM-4 to SH-AWD, he implied he was happy with VTM-4 and a plasma. If you can't take peoples opinions (in this case critical) of the 2007, then perhaps you should just ignore this thread. |
|
|
| mesalum |
quote:
Originally posted by hr_seattle
mesalum, what are some of the improvements you like?
I purchased the Tech package.
My opinion is the leather is better. The seats are more comfortable.
I like the improved navigation. I don't mind that it's not touch screen. The 1st gen touch screen really wasn't a true touch screen becaue it has an ir field projected across the front of the screen. So in bright sunlight it was useless. The voice recognition is nice but has a hard time understanding me. I get XM scan or XM 42, when I say "XM 8". It's easier to push the pre-programmed button.
I like the bluetooth for my cell phone. The voice recognition on the HFL works much better than for navigation or xm. Not sure why that is.
I like the interior design, how the doors curve into the dash. I wasn't crazy about the faux dark wood but it has really grown on me.
The sound system on the tech is good. I like the fact that I can put in 6 dvds with mp3's on them. I don't own that much music.
But I am not crazy about XM. I had Sirius in my last two vehicles and it's been hard for me to find the station that i like. I think I have settled on 54 "Lucy". It's very similar to Sirius 22 "First Wave". I like alternative music when alternative actually meant alternative.
I like the front end design. I like the dual exhaust look in the back. I think this generation is quieter on the road.
I wish the front steering wheel was as fat as the 2001 steering wheel. I have big hands and this steering wheel seems small in my hand.
I am still formulating my opinion of the split center armrest. I am still trying to determine how to use. I wish Acura had put a power outlet in the middle console storage bin right next to the AUX port. I know it's there on the Ent package. It is on the back side of the bin so I will probably install one inside myself.
I like the MID and the customizable settings avaiable. I don't like my vehicle automatically locking when I start driving. My mother's Ford Explorer does that and I really dislike it.
I am taking it up to the fresh snow in the Sierras this Saturday to see how it handles. I liked how my 2001 handled in the snow. Years ago I learned how to drive in the snow of Colorado. I'll give this 2nd gen a good test in the snow.
I haven't really pushed my new X yet in terms of the engine. I am still under 600 miles. I commute one to two days a week on my bike. I like putting the 35 miles on my bike instead of my X.
So far that's about it. |
|
|
| baltviet |
quote:
Originally posted by mesalum
I don't like my vehicle automatically locking when I start driving. My mother's Ford Explorer does that and I really dislike it.
I think that's a user setting that you can adjust. check your manual. |
|
|
| crazymjb |
I have no qualms with the original posters post, I just felt comparing a first gen to a second gen on the grounds that a plasma TV was better than SH-AWD was somewhat ridiculous.
Mike |
|
|
| mesalum |
Yes I know. I was giving that as a reason I like all the customizable features.
quote:
Originally posted by baltviet
I think that's a user setting that you can adjust. check your manual.
|
|
|
| zubinh |
quote:
Originally posted by crazymjb
I have no qualms with the original posters post, I just felt comparing a first gen to a second gen on the grounds that a plasma TV was better than SH-AWD was somewhat ridiculous.
Mike
Thats not what I was trying to say. What I was trying to convey was that IMHO, there comes a pricing point where the value proposition of the mdx or any product for that matter is no longer appealing. I think my fully loaded 06 is a better value than a fully loaded 07 and that the difference can be used to obtain something I would enjoy more than the new features in the 07.
Why didn't the original poster buy the new X? Because they said to themselves, You know what this car is nice but the improvements over my curent X don't justify the extra costs. And I'll go ahead and agree with them.
Never said I dont like the 07. I'm envious of anyone who owns one. |
|
|
| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by crazymjb
I have no qualms with the original posters post, I just felt comparing a first gen to a second gen on the grounds that a plasma TV was better than SH-AWD was somewhat ridiculous.
Mike
Why is it ridiculous to compare the value of a product that you are going to spend your own hard earned dollars on? He decided that there was greater value for himself in a 2006 and a plasma screen TV. We all understand what he is saying.......... |
|
|
| crazymjb |
I understand everyone values their money differently.
When I first saw it I may have jumped the gun on it being abrasive, but that is only because it is not unheard of to hear a member make stupid comments about one vehicle to justify their purchase of another. I just felt that the model differences don't really compare to a TV, and upon first seeing it I thought it might have been another "attack."
Sorry for the misunderstanding and I am glad you are happy with both of your purchases, enjoy them.
Mike |
|
|
| renov8r |
...always have to compete against more than their direct competition. If you read any of the articles that are popular in MBA schools you'll see that there is a realization that the person shopping for an Escalade is also thinking about instead getting a Suburban AND a Rolex. It is not just luxury good either. Even "regular goods' like food and clothing are under enormous pressure to stay on the tops of consumers minds. Formerly "can't miss" retailers like Gap & Abercrombie have reported disappointing sales. Fast food sellers like Wendys are scrambling to find their sweet spot -- they sold off the Baja Fresh chain, and THAT was supposed to be the "next big thing"...
What does this have to do with Acura? Well, in addition to the explosion of various SUVs that now are more direct competition, the marketplace continues to offer more and more products that target the "luxury/ near luxury" consumer. Worse, as the automotive marketplace forces Acura to move its pricing up, the world of many other products becomes more affordable. High end TVs ARE a great example -- what only a year or so a go would have been north of $10K is now well under $5K. A similar situation exists with high digicams.
Additionally there is another factor that puts the squeeze on automakers -- energy costs. No one, even those with money to burn, feels good about spending money to fill up the tank. A driver gets no more value out of burning a tank at $4/gal than they would at half that, and when it comes time to replace a vehicle it doesn't ake much effort to figure out that an extra $1000 /year could be saved /spent by a 30% change in either fuel price or MPG -- only one of those is controllable when purchasing a vehicle...
Finally I think that something went wrong in the designers heads on several points with the 07 MDX. From a basic visual impression the "dramatically stylled" vehicles from Infiniti, Cadillac , BMW and Lincoln have NEVER done as well as the "pleasently low key" vehicles that they and other luxury brands (like MB & Lexus) have offered. I think it has a lot to do with the mindset of the luxury buyer: gaudy is soon discarded while elegant will be around for a long time. Some of this carries through to the dash & electronics too. Who has NOT seen/felt that the simple interface of an iPod is the winning UI for technology? Everyone of the car mags was HARSHLY critical of the BMW system for controling nav/audio/climate, and when one has a superior interface (like the touchscreen -- hello iPhone!!!) it is ALWAYS better to stick with that than to try and "fix" the inferior interface of the wheel...
Having said all that, I cannot really be critical of anyone who has picked up an 07 MDX, becuase, as others have said, I too believe in "different strokes" AND I do feel that Acura tried to go in a different direction -- a somewhat bold, perhaps even brave move!
Based on the trouble free service we've had so far with our 03 Acura will remain on our "will consider" list if/when we are in the market. |
|
|
| Luke |
Is the '07 styling dramatic? Not sure. I think the infinity and a few others would invoke more love/hate feelings. I can see though it's more daring than the '06. I'm happy Acura/Honda doesn't go the same route as Toyota... Way too predictable/boring.
The diff is less than $3k I believe. I don't think that's a huge jump and I assume you do get more standard options.
Hmm, in my opinion the ipod's and iphone were definitely not the first with their design... Especially the iphone. But image is clearly just as important...
Also I think any new design can be better if they do test it properly for usability. I can't imagine BMW, Audi etc. really did this properly. I think most of us see the potential but would find it easy to improve upon it...
To get back to the subject:-). I didn't drive the previous model but I think one good reason to buy a new vehicle every 3-6 years or so (and as long as you can afford it), is increased safety.
The '07 has now active head restraints and better frame. Also the SH-AWD system as a whole should be slightly safer.
That said I wouldn't trade it in either if I were happy with the old model. |
|
|
| Johnnyoz |
Well things have changed. I am no longer a "went to buy and didn't".
On Feb. 19th my wife and I went to a local dealer and pulled the trigger on a lease.
We came home with a Black 2007 MDX Tech/Ent with a parchment interior. Tomorrow I'll go back and get the roof rack, cross bars, running boards, cargo net and cargo tray. Sad that they try and get you last minute with the alarm system. In any event we were able to get that thrown in last minute with no change in our monthly payment ($599 tax included). We were able to get the acessories at dealer cost with no labor charges for installation.
They also took our 2003 Mazda Tribute lease vehicle which had 6 months left on contract. Seemed like the dealer really wanted to sell.
But it took me a long, long time to get him down to where I wanted him to be. Initially he offered me $500 off MSRP (Costco pricing) but I laughed and and I showed him other deals I previously negotiated on the phone with other dealers (2K off MSRP)
We also put down $3500 to reduce the cap cost. All in all a very sweet deal and we are very pleased. Now we just have to learn how to use all the bells and whistles.
Anyone know what shows better on a black MDX? The sport running boards or the plain black ones? Your feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks |
|
|
| dj-mdx2 |
| I know what looks better to my eye on my black X - Sport Running Boards! Initially, I was concerned about the silvery reflection on the side as others have posted but when you look at the X in semi-side view (2/3 view), it actually complements the Visigoth shield grill well. The black running boards look a little minivanish, IMHO (no pun intended). |
|
|
| Husker4theSpurs |
| With the formal black you ABSOLUTELY want the sport running boards. |
|
|
| drjay |
quote:
Originally posted by Johnnyoz
...what shows better on a black MDX? The sport running boards or the plain black ones?
As other have said, sport running boards is the clear choice, hands down. Glad to see that you're no longer a "went to buy but didn't." |
|
|
| dvilla |
| A day after my wife received her signing bonus, we (together with the kids) went to the Acura dealership less than two miles from my home. When my tech savvy kids commented about the controls as not very user friendly I felt like a stone hit my head. I'm further surprised when they started asking about the MDX's mpg. Are they smarter than I am? Maybe, I'm not sure but they are the reason why we did not pull the trigger. |
|
|
| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by dvilla
A day after my wife received her signing bonus
Who does she play for??:2: |
|
|
| Johnnyoz |
We ended up with the regular black running boards. It seems that the sport boards are mostly for show only as they are very narrow. We have a 7 month old daughter and the wider black boards give us something to step on when we reach inside and place her in a center infant seat.
Also the wider running boards make the car look like it hugs the road. Almost sinister. I like it... |
|
|
| gurneyeagle |
quote:
Originally posted by drjay
This is an interesting thread, which simply proves the old adage, “different strokes for different folks.” I’ve never owned or even driven an Acura previously, so I can’t compare my new X with the first-generation model. What I can say, however, is that my new X is one impressive vehicle that offers a truly satisfying and enjoyable driving experience.
:D
No flame here.
This is a very interesting thread, and maybe I can add a different perspective.
I went to my Acura dealer with the intention of trading in the wife's '01 Odyssey for either an '07 RDX or a leftover '06 MDX. The dealer also had an '07 demo on the lot.
I first drove the RDX and loved it, but it was just too small, especially coming from the Odyssey.
Next I drove the '07 MDX and thought it was amazing - Japanese reliabiity and a German feel. I thought it was incredible, but out of my price range.
Next up was the '06 MDX - a car I have always loved. I grabbed the key from the sales manager and headed across the lot to take a test drive of the car I was sure that I would be taking home. After unlocking the door, I noticed the same switch gear and basic dash as my Oddy, and didn't even bother to take a ride.
As I walked back into the showroom, I noticed an '07 base MDX - Aberdeen Green and Parchment. Absolutely beautiful, but with a big "SOLD" sign on it.
The salesman and I got to talking about what I was going to do, and I told him that the RDX was too small, the '06 MDX looked too dated (sorry guys, no offense), and the '07 MDX was too expensive.
Well, it turns out the '07 in the showroom was available. The person that had put down a deposit on it walked, and they wanted it sold. I got a $2,000 discount (this was November) and a break on the extended warranty. I bit the bullet and wrote the check. Three months later, absolutely no regrets!
Without a doubt this is the best car I have ever owned. I like it more than my TL (the MDX is actually the wife's).
The Gen I MDX is a great car, but IMHO, I think the Gen II is head and shoulders above it.
Remember, that's only my opinion.
gurney |
|
|
| dj-mdx2 |
quote:
Originally posted by Johnnyoz
We ended up with the regular black running boards. It seems that the sport boards are mostly for show only as they are very narrow. We have a 7 month old daughter and the wider black boards give us something to step on when we reach inside and place her in a center infant seat.
Also the wider running boards make the car look like it hugs the road. Almost sinister. I like it...
I didn't know the black ones were wider. IIRC, the Sport boards were cheaper for some reason. |
|
|
| Fabvsix |
| I can't agree with you more. The sport boards are all cosmetic and stain prone! I like it "plain jane". Perhaps some "nice" aftermarket rim with some toyo summer rubber......They even messed up the sun roof visor where is it larger, has some square center mold design that looks like a box to me.....Leave it lean and clean.......;) |
|
|
| dj-mdx2 |
quote:
Originally posted by Fabvsix
I can't agree with you more. The sport boards are all cosmetic and stain prone! I like it "plain jane". Perhaps some "nice" aftermarket rim with some toyo summer rubber......They even messed up the sun roof visor where is it larger, has some square center mold design that looks like a box to me.....Leave it lean and clean.......;)
Lean and clean doesn't work if you have small children. No stains on my sport boards. I think BSMs disrupt the aesthetic lines on an 07 more. |
|
|
|
