quote:

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Originally posted by inthedeep
Just got a Tech & Ent, Billet Silver Metallic / Taupe, Build Date: 10/07, ODO: 5mls, Dealer: Crown Acura in Richmond. Fairly quick and pleasant experience, very nice people, I highly recommend them. Paid $44,851 OTD which is ~1K more than I would have in DC area but I wanted to do business closer to home this time. We looked at BMW X5 3.0 (heavy and way overpriced especially compared to my X3), Lexus RX350 (very comfy but designed for old ladies) and the others (snoooooore).

Here is some info that may help future buyers:

What comes with the car at delivery:
NAV DVD – already installed by dealer under drivers seat
Acura DVD-Audio Demonstration Disk (Nice demo of 5.1 surround)
MDX Advanced Technology Tour DVD (Basically the same video demos of technology as is on acura.com)
2 wireless headphones for rear entertainment system
Security code card for radio and NAV systems
XM – already activated by dealer using radio code
Standard MDX carpeted floor mats (these are OK but nothing great)
2008 MDX Users Manual
2008 MDX Navigation Manual
2008 MDX Warranty Booklet
2008 MDX Maintenance Journal
Acura Consumer Information Booklet
Owners Guide to TLC Pamphlet
Tire Warranty Pamphlets
Front license holder
Front wheel strakes
2 normal keys
1 valet key

Size of the MDX:
I also have a BMW X3 so the MDX is about 10” longer and 12” wider and 500lbs heavier than the X3. Size was somewhat important to me as they have to fit side-by-side in my garage. As it turns out both fit fine (standard size 2 car garage with 1 large door) and with careful parking all doors open without interference.
Acura MDX Length: 190.7”, Width: 78.5” + Mirrors = 88.5”, Weight: 4588lbs
BMW X3 Length: 179.9”, Width: 73.0 + Mirrors = 76.0”, Weight: 4067lbs

Pluses:
- Automatic rear door – totally worth it – totally.
- I had no idea but the Acura ELS 5.1 Stereo is awesome – seems way better than BMW’s Logic7, might be due to larger acoustic environment. Very sharp, transparent.
- SH-AWD really is what makes this car shine and the steering is almost as accurate as the X3 with a lighter steering feel especially on center and at higher speeds.
- Is it me or are the wheels on the Tech & Ent better looking than those on the Sport ?
- The ride, it moves with authority and is glued to the pavement.

Minuses:
- Automatic rear door will not open from the remote unless the car is unlocked so you have to hit 2 buttons to get it open when approaching.
- The remote/key is the switchblade type with really smallish lock/unlock buttons (not very ergonomic) and they are really heavy!
- No power folding outside mirrors.
- Can’t find setting to disable the feature that rolls down windows and sunroof if you hold the unlock button on the remote after the 2nd press – I do this accidentally a lot – not fun. Did switch key setting to one press to unlock all doors so I should do it less often.
- The 2nd row seat is high making the usable door opening small so getting your child into a car seat is tougher than with X3. Might look for a lower car seat, have Britax now.
- Backup lights are not very bright, especially with the privacy glass being so dark – luckily the camera works pretty well at night (also a problem with the X3).

Accessories:
IMO not high enough for the running boards & the body side molding does not add anything to the appearance but I do have these on order: Cargo Tray, All weather floor mats, PIAA Super Silicon wipers.

I know TTIWWP – maybe later but you know what it looks like.

Thanks to all the posters here for your contributions, it helped a bunch with my purchase and is very much appreciated.

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quote:

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Originally posted by inthedeep


Needsdecaf: Those little spash guards behind front wheels - I found them in this dealer prep TSB for the MDX. http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/B07-044.PDF

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quote:

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Originally posted by Mike_TX


Actually, the picture shows the strakes to be installed IN FRONT of the front wheel. That is, toward the front bumper. So they are not the splash guards behind the wheels.

I'm checking with my dealer to see why I don't have these ... I have 3 empty holes where the pictures shows these going!

.
.

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quote:

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Originally posted by inthedeep

"- Is it me or are the wheels on the Tech & Ent better looking than those on the Sport ?"

"IMO not high enough for the running boards & the body side molding does not add anything to the appearance but I do have these on order:"

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quote:

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Originally posted by eujinc
First off, welcome to the forum. Nice write up on your observations.

Here's what the front strake looks like. Although strakes are typically used to enhance aerodynamics, in the MDX I seriously doubt they add to any aero gains. Except maybe to keep dirt off the undercarriage.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Needsdecaf


Ah, ok, I have those on my X. Good to know someone was thinking. Wasn't aware that they didn't come on from the factory.

And while not enhancing aerodynamics, I am sure they do perform some kind of function.......

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quote:

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Originally posted by bimmerguy288



Maybe to make noise to let you know you stick your X's front too much over the curb when you park? If the curb is high and the car's clearance is low, you would hear some noise when the strake hits the curb. Ask me about it :1pat:

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quote:

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Originally posted by inthedeep
Just got a Tech & Ent, Billet Silver Metallic / Taupe, Build Date: 10/07, ODO: 5mls, Dealer: Crown Acura in Richmond. Fairly quick and pleasant experience, very nice people, I highly recommend them. Paid $44,851 OTD which is ~1K more than I would have in DC area but I wanted to do business closer to home this time. We looked at BMW X5 3.0 (heavy and way overpriced especially compared to my X3), Lexus RX350 (very comfy but designed for old ladies) and the others (snoooooore).

Here is some info that may help future buyers:

What comes with the car at delivery:
NAV DVD – already installed by dealer under drivers seat
Acura DVD-Audio Demonstration Disk (Nice demo of 5.1 surround)
MDX Advanced Technology Tour DVD (Basically the same video demos of technology as is on acura.com)
2 wireless headphones for rear entertainment system
Security code card for radio and NAV systems
XM – already activated by dealer using radio code
Standard MDX carpeted floor mats (these are OK but nothing great)
2008 MDX Users Manual
2008 MDX Navigation Manual
2008 MDX Warranty Booklet
2008 MDX Maintenance Journal
Acura Consumer Information Booklet
Owners Guide to TLC Pamphlet
Tire Warranty Pamphlets
Front license holder
Front wheel strakes
2 normal keys
1 valet key

Size of the MDX:
I also have a BMW X3 so the MDX is about 10” longer and 12” wider and 500lbs heavier than the X3. Size was somewhat important to me as they have to fit side-by-side in my garage. As it turns out both fit fine (standard size 2 car garage with 1 large door) and with careful parking all doors open without interference.
Acura MDX Length: 190.7”, Width: 78.5” + Mirrors = 88.5”, Weight: 4588lbs
BMW X3 Length: 179.9”, Width: 73.0 + Mirrors = 76.0”, Weight: 4067lbs

Pluses:
- Automatic rear door – totally worth it – totally.
- I had no idea but the Acura ELS 5.1 Stereo is awesome – seems way better than BMW’s Logic7, might be due to larger acoustic environment. Very sharp, transparent.
- SH-AWD really is what makes this car shine and the steering is almost as accurate as the X3 with a lighter steering feel especially on center and at higher speeds.
- Is it me or are the wheels on the Tech & Ent better looking than those on the Sport ?
- The ride, it moves with authority and is glued to the pavement.

Minuses:
- Automatic rear door will not open from the remote unless the car is unlocked so you have to hit 2 buttons to get it open when approaching.
- The remote/key is the switchblade type with really smallish lock/unlock buttons (not very ergonomic) and they are really heavy!
- No power folding outside mirrors.
- Can’t find setting to disable the feature that rolls down windows and sunroof if you hold the unlock button on the remote after the 2nd press – I do this accidentally a lot – not fun. Did switch key setting to one press to unlock all doors so I should do it less often.
- The 2nd row seat is high making the usable door opening small so getting your child into a car seat is tougher than with X3. Might look for a lower car seat, have Britax now.
- Backup lights are not very bright, especially with the privacy glass being so dark – luckily the camera works pretty well at night (also a problem with the X3).

Accessories:
IMO not high enough for the running boards & the body side molding does not add anything to the appearance but I do have these on order: Cargo Tray, All weather floor mats, PIAA Super Silicon wipers.

I know TTIWWP – maybe later but you know what it looks like.

Thanks to all the posters here for your contributions, it helped a bunch with my purchase and is very much appreciated.

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quote:

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Originally posted by techm8n

We are one of the few people who prefers the 6-Spoke over the Sport wheels.
Congrats and enjoy!

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quote:

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Originally posted by HuMan321
Did anyone receive any kind of leather (pleather) holder for their manuals, registration etc?
I received a nice one with our Honda, but my 07 MDX came with all the booklets stuffed in an envelope...

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quote:

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Originally posted by craniotes


I got an embossed leather holder for the manuals (well, I think it's embossed -- I'll have to take another look at it). Seems odd that they left yours out. In any case, it's supposed to come with one, so go back to the dealership and tell 'em to cough it up.

Regards,
Adam

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Originally posted by Needsdecaf
What are front wheel strakes?

I agree with the running board comment. I'm 6'2" and have no problem getting into the X without climbing onto a running board first. I frequently (well, daily actually) take the X off road, and all the running boards do is collect mud and get it on the cuffs of your pants as you climb in.

I do like the way the sport boards look but after living with my Pathfinder for 5 years and getting mud all over myself (and having to blast it off with the spray gun) no thanks.

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