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Yessssssssssssss! Finally!!!!!!!!
That about covers it! I picked her up yesterday ;-))))))))
First of all, I want to apologize for starting a new thread, but what I want to say does not really fit into any current thread (or so I think)
Brief facts: I am 30, 6'1", 210 lbs male. Live in NYC.
My MDX is Starlight Siver Base at MSRP + roof rack, cargo net and cover and wheel locks (close to MSRP). My dealer - Acura of Brooklyn (HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!) Previous car 1996 Subaru Legacy Outback (great car!!! - too small for my family needs as well as my own size ;-)). Started shopping for a minivan ;-( - thank GOD for MDX display at the NY Auto show.
Ordered on Oct 25, was promised by Christmas, became impatient around New Year, got a vin 1/3/01, the car arrived at the dealer 1/11/01.
So far, after putting all of about 50 miles mostly driving around the block ;-), I can certainly say that it was well worth the wait. (especially after being HUGELY disappointed test-driving the ML... - wanted 7-sitter, so RX, X-5 were out)
Right off the bat, what I was intuitively looking for and did not find, but would have wanted...
1. Longer seat cushions - I can see where it MAY (hopefully will not) become a problem. I think, even my Subaru had longer ones.
2. An indicator on a gear-shift pointing to a selected setting.
3. "Parking assistant" - I coud not see the car in the back - risking damage to both that and my vehicles.
4. Horn - you have to press it in the middle - that's at least 1/2 a second to move your hand - may be critical in real emergencies. Subaru had any part inside of the steering wheel sound the horn.
5. Some less-intuitive A/C controls - probably just need
some time to adapt.
6. No daylight-running lights, no "true" lights auto-shutoff.
7. Loud[er than Subaru?] highway noise (5 minutes at 50 mph)
8. Accelerator pedal is too "soft" (I am not really a lead-foot)
Some quick good points:
1. Size - I do not have to think of how to get in or out, there is at least 4" headroom clearance, Subaru (with the sun roof) had 0.1"!
2. Luxury - I never had a car like that.
3. Flat floors
4. Plenty of room in the 2nd row even with the car seat. In Subaru, once a car seat was in, only 1 person could semi-comfortably seat in the back.
5. Ride, turns, the overall feeling are just soooo much better than ML (IMHO)
To address some other points of concern voiced here:
1. For my "size", the car fits perfectly - even with some room to spare.
2. "Dead pedal" - my left foot rested comfortably on that pedal with the knee leaned against the door.
3. Steering wheel offset - what offset? Maybe my MDX does not have it? ;-) I really do not feel (nor even see) it. The visibility of the instrumental panel is perfect!
4. The dealer made a HUGE point of "acing" their performance on the Acura survey. Well, they have nothing to worry about with me. You probably can use it as a leverage if your dealer is getting on your nerves.
5. Cannot comment on the base radio - it was mostly off as I was listening to various misterios sounds which were discussed on this forum. So far, my MDX is silent! ;-)
My questions:
1. The dealer suggested 3,500 miles oil changes rather than recommended 7,500 and no need for the first one at 1,000? Who suggested the first one at 1,000 miles?
For rear differential - 7,500. With the way I drive, that's about 12-15 months! Is there a time factor besides milage?
2. Speed-wise, my dealer said that "limit 50" is non-essential. As long as I do not red-line it, and DO NOT use cruise control for the first 1,000 miles. Do you guys observe 50 mph?
3. When does the security system arm itself? Does it do it at all? Do doors lock automatically?
4. Do I need to "reset" the lights auto-shutoff every time or is it a 1-time setting?
5. Did you install a regular alarm in addition to the security system? Who did it - dealer or aftermarket? (My dealer wants $600 ;-( )
Sorry for such a long post - too many emotions! ;-)
Happy motoring. |
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Here are some answers to your questions.
1) As for oil changes I would go with that your dealer is saying. 3500 miles is about right if you live in NYC since they have a little cold weather there. Also with any Honda/Acura that you buy new, never change the oil early. Always leave it until the 1st oil change is do which is either like 3500 or 7500 miles depending on your driving conditions cause Honda/Acura cars come from the factory with a special break in oil that is designed to help new engines develop there "wear patterns"
As for the rear dif fluid change I would check the manual to see if they have a certain time limit.
2) As for the speed in which you should drive your new MDX there isn't really a "limit" or anything but you got to try and varry the speed as much as you can. Also for the cruise control your dealer is right on the money. Ohh ya, forgot to mention that you should not take your MDX to high rpm's (4000-6200 rpm) for at least 600 miles.
3) I can't answer this one since I don't have an MDX yet. Check the owners manual for more information.
4) Same thing as #3.
5) As for the standard alarm it should be ok. Remember now matter what you have if they want it, they will get it.
Congrats on a great choice!! If you have any more questions just check your owners manual, there is a welth of information in there about everything your MDX has to offer.
Thanks
Evan |
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