| BostonX |
Looking for advice from fellow MDXers.
Was planning on trading the '05 for an '08 this past fall but got caught up in life and didn't have the time. Also, considered going for something different (this would be my third MDX), but checked out everything and kept coming back to the 2nd generation, despite not being blown away by the styling and lack of hybrid/diesel option. Now the '05 has 55,000 miles (no extended warranty) and I'm not sure I want to wait for an '09.
Some questions:
1. Any significant changes due for '09? I doubt it and so does my dealer. New color maybe. When did the 1st generation go with clear taillights and stuff, fourth model year?
2. iPod interface. Does it still suck? Does it work at all? What's up with it?
3. Why do the Sport wheels look worse than the standard ones? Am I the only one who feels this way?
4. 2.9% Honda America financing. Could it go lower? My dealer says no way, but when was the last time you believed your dealer?
5. Chelada. Why? |
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| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by BostonX
Some questions:
1. Any significant changes due for '09? I doubt it and so does my dealer. New color maybe. When did the 1st generation go with clear taillights and stuff, fourth model year?
2. iPod interface. Does it still suck? Does it work at all? What's up with it?
3. Why do the Sport wheels look worse than the standard ones? Am I the only one who feels this way?
4. 2.9% Honda America financing. Could it go lower? My dealer says no way, but when was the last time you believed your dealer?
5. Chelada. Why?
Some answers:
1. Changes in '09? That's a million dollars question.
2. I've used an after market interface, seems fine for a year now.
3. Sports wheels look awesome. Beauty is in the eye thing....
4. Don't know this one. I've paid cash for mine.
5. Chelada? well, try it & you won't be asking this silly question. ;) |
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| craniotes |
quote:
Originally posted by BostonX
1. Any significant changes due for '09?
2. iPod interface. Does it still suck?
3. Why do the Sport wheels look worse than the standard ones? Am I the only one who feels this way?
4. 2.9% Honda America financing. Could it go lower?
5. Chelada. Why?
1. No idea. I doubt they'll do anything major -- maybe a new color as LS said, or some new options/standard equipment.
2. Yes, it still sucks. I thought Acura stopped selling it, but apparently that's not the case. Anyway, they deserve all the crap they get for this POS "interface".
3. You're definitely not the only one who feels this way, but yours is a lonely group. Personally, I love the Sport wheels (titanium finish looks $$$ and they're a breeze to clean), whereas the base wheels look to me like they belong on a 90's vintage Hyundai. If you wind up buying a Sport, one thing's for sure -- you won't have any trouble unloading your rims...
4. Like LS, I paid cash. As such, any insight I could provide you with would be suspect at best.
5. No idea (and no, I'm not trying any).
If you're ready to buy there's no time like the present, IMO.
Regards,
Adam
PS - I've got dibs on your wheels... |
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| BostonX |
Maybe if I drank a whole bunch of Chelada the Sport rims might start looking better than the standard ones...
I would be going Sport/Ent.. Figuring on an invoice of about $44,000. |
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| csmeance |
| ALL acura models besides the RL follow the pattern of same design for 3 years, then a refresh for the 4th and 5th year, then a total redesign in the 6th year. The 2010 MDX will be refreshed. It will most likely have revised grille to follow the acura lineup, new headlights and tail lights, upgraded interior parts such as cooled seats. |
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| Fabvsix |
| Chelada makes it look good........burp! |
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| BostonX |
Update:
Test drove an '08 Sport/Ent. model today. Was surprised and impressed with the memory tilt/telescopic steering wheel! The stereo sounded blah with my regular CD (even though it was a recently re-mastered version of Electric Warrior). Salesguy had some demo CD that sounded great, mentioned that to fully experience the new sound system you have to play DVD-audio format material. Great. I'll go out and replace all my CDs with new ones in the DVD-audio format.
The car felt very tight. Steering was stiff, way stiffer than my '05. Acceleration was much more sluggish than I expected. Cornering in Sport mode was great.
They didn't have the color combo that I was looking for in stock (Sterling/Ebony). They had a Sterling/Taupe but I don't like the Taupe. Salesguy said they are consistently getting $2000 over invoice, and when I mentioned that $500 over invoice was my target price he said that he wouldn't even negotiate from that area.
Right now I'm looking very seriously at an '08 X5. |
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| craniotes |
I'd be looking seriously at an X5 as well if I dealt with the same salesguy you did. Heck, I'd be looking at anything other than an MDX. Question: is this the only Acura dealer in your area? I ask because I don't know what's considered a fair deal on a Sport/Ent these days, but I'm pretty sure that $2k above invoice isn't it.
As for the X5, it's a great vehicle to be sure, but be prepared to spend a lot more to get the same equipment level as the MDX (up to $15K more). Also, if you thought the MDX felt sluggish, then I can only imagine how slow the X5 is going to feel, seeing as how the MDX is faster (almost 1 second faster to 60, over 3 seconds faster to 100 and almost a second faster from 50-70).
Regards,
Adam |
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| BostonX |
quote:
Originally posted by craniotes
I'd be looking seriously at an X5 as well if I dealt with the same salesguy you did. Heck, I'd be looking at anything other than an MDX. Question: is this the only Acura dealer in your area? I ask because I don't know what's considered a fair deal on a Sport/Ent these days, but I'm pretty sure that $2k above invoice isn't it.
As for the X5, it's a great vehicle to be sure, but be prepared to spend a lot more to get the same equipment level as the MDX (up to $15K more). Also, if you thought the MDX felt sluggish, then I can only imagine how slow the X5 is going to feel, seeing as how the MDX is faster (almost 1 second faster to 60, over 3 seconds faster to 100 and almost a second faster from 50-70).
Regards,
Adam
I like the dealership. I bought my last MDX there. I told the salesguy I wouldn't be paying $2000 over invoice under any circumstances, even for an '09, which he insisted would be selling for sticker when it's released. I just laughed.
The 4.8 X5 is slower off the line than the MDX? Doesn't seem possible.
The options list is dizzying. I've got the price down to about 60 grand with navi, heated seats and rear seat entertainment. Even auto dimming mirrors (inside and out!) is an option. The vehicle is gorgeous, though... |
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| craniotes |
I was comparing apples to apples, hence I was referring to the inline six. Optioned to the roughly the same level as an MDX Sport/Ent, it lists for $61.5K (without BMW's Mickey Mouse RES, but with a few toys the MDX is missing).
However, if you're willing to forego some bells and whistles, and take home the mega-motor for pretty much the same price, my only question to you is this: what the hell are you waiting for?
Regards,
Adam
PS - Or you could simply wait for the 3.0 twin-turbo mill to make its way to the X5, by which time it'll also be sporting a torque-vectoring AWD system similar to Acura's SH-AWD... |
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| dory |
Not sure who you will have riding in your vehicle, but we considered an X5 until we sat in it. The kids HATED the 2nd row compared to the MDX. It was "too flat", "too hard", "too ugly", etc. :) And don't get me started on the 3rd row. Our tall 10 year old sat in and could barely see over the back of the 2nd row seats. It was like some sort of rumble seat, it sucked.
I also thought the 2nd row was no comparison to the MDX. Sometimes one of us sits back there with the kids on a trip, and I sure as heck didn't want to have to sit there. I didn't the X5 was worse than other vehicles EXCEPT for the MDX which I think did a stellar job on considering 2nd row passengers. One of our rear seat passengers is old enough to know when she's getting ripped off in the comfort department....thus why we excluded any vehicle that didn't have heated 2nd row seats. :D
Oh, and the DVD player placement sucked in the X5. Anytime you weren't using the DVD player, it was in the way of getting into the centre console.
I will say that I LOVED the tailgate and how it has the flip down portion. VERY clever and useful. Keeps stuff in the cargo area when you open the tailgate and when flipped down, makes things way easier to get in. |
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| BostonX |
Honestly, the MDX still looks like the best way to go. I'm just exploring all my options.
My dilemma still stands: I could have the MDX that I want (Sport/Ent. in Sterling/Ebony), but I'll have to wait until April. That means that in six months my car will effectively be one year old. And the '09 will have a useable iPod interface... |
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| craniotes |
1. Get the X5 4.8i (yes, I love my Sport/Ent, but it's hard to argue with a 350hp V8).
2. How are you so sure that the '09 MDX will have a viable MDX interface? (I still can't believe how badly they screwed this up...)
Regards,
Adam |
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| BostonX |
quote:
Originally posted by craniotes
1. Get the X5 4.8i (yes, I love my Sport/Ent, but it's hard to argue with a 350hp V8).
2. How are you so sure that the '09 MDX will have a viable MDX interface? (I still can't believe how badly they screwed this up...)
Regards,
Adam
Talk here of a USB port in the center console of the forthcoming 2009 RL.
Almost reason enough to wait until fall... |
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| dj-mdx2 |
Why don't you take the X5 out for a test drive and then pick up your Acura salesman and take him for a ride on your next vehicle? :D That should shake him up.
Seriously, the current MDX is the most bang-for-your-buck among all the SUVs I looked at (namely the Mazda CX9, 08 Highlander, Audi Q7, Lexus RX400, BMW X5 3.0, Porsche Cayenne, MB GL and Acura's own RDX). I didn't bother with the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, although the latter did pique my interest. I would have waited for the next Lexus RX but it was too far away at the time. The next X5 looks interesting too.
The GL to me is the closest balance in terms of luxury, room and V8 power, but the bloated price and MB reliability outweigh the pluses. |
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| bimmerguy288 |
| dj-mdx2, I looked at the same list of suvs like yours. I liked the MB GL, but it's too big and masculine for the wife, besides, it's a lot of $$$ too. |
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| dory |
quote:
Originally posted by dj-mdx2
I looked at (namely the Mazda CX9, 08 Highlander, Audi Q7, Lexus RX400, BMW X5 3.0, Porsche Cayenne, MB GL and Acura's own RDX). I didn't bother with the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, although the latter did pique my interest.
We looked at the same list, except for the Porsche, but we also looked at the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook (skipped the Buick). You didn't miss anything by not checking out the Acadia/Outlook/Enclave. It's got clunky GM styling on the inside, and it is sluggish to drive. Darn GM doesn't even include bluetooth handsfree because they want you to subscribe to their OnStar phone service.
I did like that the lambda trio had lots of space inside and a person could actually fit through the 2 centre row seats to get to the 3rd row. But, they have these huge tracks in the floor so that the 2nd row can adjust fore/aft and they look cheap and tacky, not to mention that they would get filled with ice, snow, gravel, dirt, etc. and be a pain to clean out. If you covered the tracks with mats, then you wouldn't be able to adjust the seats. The whole vehicle was filled with these "what were they thinking" moments. Buttons are jammed together in groups all over the vehicle, not even nice looking buttons. |
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| BostonX |
I'll be test driving the BMW this weekend, bringing along my two boys (ages 6 and 8) to see how they like the back seat and the DVD screen.
I'm beginning to have my doubts, though. You need to buy the whole Premium package just to get a Homelink-type garage door opener! Also, the Bimmer's iPod interface appears to be just as flawed as the Acura's. But how about that sunroof!
Unless I have some sort of epiphany this weekend I might just be waiting 'til September for an '09 MDX. |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by BostonX
I'll be test driving the BMW this weekend, bringing along my two boys (ages 6 and 8) to see how they like the back seat and the DVD screen.
Isn't the DVD screen on the back of the front console? Isn't the cd changer in the glove box? BMW has some nice things but it just seems that Acura has a more elegant way of presenting them. |
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| sdginz |
$60,000 for the X5 w/ the same equip? I bought my 2008 MDX Tech/Ent for invoice (42,397) which would be a discount of almost $18K from the BMW. In my opnion, not worth it.
My kids love the back seat of the MDX, especially the rear heated seats.
When the 09 MDX comes out, do you think you will be still be able to buy it at cost as you can now?
As for the rates, 4.9% for 60 mos is ok. You can most likely do better. Remember that the dealers pack on to whatever buy rate they get so that is also a point of negotiation.
This is my 3rd MDX and the changes they made were substantial.
Like you I had a 2005 Sage MDX which I traded for the 2008. So far, I can say that its a substantially better driving vehicle. |
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| Fabvsix |
| Boston: You will wait for the better equipped 09 MDX is my gut feeling from your read....You have an 05 MDX which were better than the 06 MDX's from what I recall .... |
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| dj-mdx2 |
quote:
Originally posted by phins2rt
Isn't the DVD screen on the back of the front console? Isn't the cd changer in the glove box? BMW has some nice things but it just seems that Acura has a more elegant way of presenting them.
Yup. These are excellent examples of "what were they thinking" by BMW. The MB has the same setup for the older ML and R Class for the DVD and CD changer. The GL has the flipdown CD changer hidden behind the display, just like the third gen Ody.
The 08 Highlander, OTOH, has NO RES controls accessible to the driver - they're mounted on the roof, meaning a child has to be old enough to reach up there. Not good for Daddy.
Acura/Honda has mastered the RES setup from experiments with the early generation Odyssey. The detachable remote and folding headsets that turn off when folded are a godsend. They have to work on ipod and rear audio/power hookups though. |
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| lausy |
quote:
Originally posted by BostonX
I'll be test driving the BMW this weekend, bringing along my two boys (ages 6 and 8) to see how they like the back seat and the DVD screen.
I'm beginning to have my doubts, though. You need to buy the whole Premium package just to get a Homelink-type garage door opener! Also, the Bimmer's iPod interface appears to be just as flawed as the Acura's. But how about that sunroof!
Unless I have some sort of epiphany this weekend I might just be waiting 'til September for an '09 MDX.
From what I remember, you can order the homelink as a stand alone option for about $200. At least I was able to when I bought my 04 330. I know it's a different car, but I'm sure it's the same module that pops into the precut hole in the roof. It was a dealer installed item. |
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| BillHeart |
We have no info yet on the 09 MDXs.. doubt we will until July/August when we can order our first 09s, and then they will probably just give us colors to start out with.
As far as finance rates, ditto.. we don't get a lot of advance warning on them.
$2k over invoice? That's not market in most parts of the country, perhaps if you're in an isolated market with one store I could see it, but we're selling them all day long for $500 over. Now, you can't blame a salesperson for asking, that's their job, but $500 over should be doable within minutes.
The only exception that I could possibly see is perhaps a Tech/Ent, we're VERY tight on inventory on those. But I'm in NY and you're 3k miles away.. as a reference, if they made Pink MDXs we'd sell more of those than we do Sports. |
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| sg1717 |
| Bill, does that pink reference mean that you sell less sports and that we should be able to get a better deal on them? |
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| gmc74 |
quote:
Originally posted by BillHeart
as a reference, if they made Pink MDXs we'd sell more of those than we do Sports.
those New Yorkers always did have poor taste...
:) |
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| craniotes |
quote:
Originally posted by gmc74
those New Yorkers always did have poor taste...
:)
Hey, GMC don't mix us up with those hayseeds in Wappinger Falls. :mad: Only those of us who have the good fortune of being born and bred in New York City can wear the title of "New Yorker" (and even then it should be reserved for those who reside in Manhattan).
As for our taste, well let's just say that it's "acquired"... ;)
Regards,
Adam |
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| gmc74 |
quote:
Originally posted by craniotes
Hey, GMC don't mix us up with those hayseeds in Wappinger Falls. :mad: Only those of us who have the good fortune of being born and bred in New York City can wear the title of "New Yorker" (and even then it should be reserved for those who reside in Manhattan).
As for our taste, well let's just say that it's "acquired"... ;)
Regards,
Adam
I see the Sport listed in your signature, your taste was never in question! |
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| BostonX |
Update:
I gave up trying to option out an X5 for under 60K and the 4.8 gas-hog engine was seriously bumming me out.
I went to the Acura dealership where I bought my '05 and made a very aggressive offer on an '08 Sport/Ent. ($45,000 for the car and $22,000 in trade for my Touring/Nav. '05 w/ 59,000 miles). They came back at $1,800 above that and I told them that my offer was final...and I walked. I got my figures straight from Edmunds TMV, it wasn't like I was being unrealistic.
So now I'll probably be waiting until late summer to see what the '09 MDX looks like. I'm hoping it will have power folding mirrors, clear taillights, real iPod interface and body color-matching door handles (the chrome plastic ones are way too cheesy!). My salesguy suggested that they might even be tweaking the look of the grill (?).
Will also be keeping an eye on the X5 (my first choice, but not my wife's!) and the new engine configurations. If I get another MDX it will be from another dealership. |
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| craniotes |
Given that the new Pilot Touring model has the built-in USB iPod port (and it's 100% controlled through the interface dial and nav screen), I see no reason why this won't be available with the '09 MDX. Hell, with any luck they'll be able to retrofit it as an option for us suckers with '07s and '08s. However, two model years seems a bit soon for a grille update from Acura (three's usually the charm with them), but if they've been getting heat for it, perhaps they're ready to call "uncle" and attempt a redesign. Mind you, after seeing what they've come up with for the "new" RL and TSX, I wouldn't hold my breath for something better looking. As for the door handles, I doubt that they'll go for body color, but here's to hoping -- for your sake, that is; I prefer the chrome. Same goes for the clear taillights (nice if you're a ricer, I suppose).
Regards,
Adam
PS - Sorry the X5 4.8i didn't work out, but there's always the new 3.0 twin turbo, which should be available by the time the '09 MDX is on the market... According to most who've tested this engine in the 3-series and 5-series, it's pumping out way more than 300hp. |
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| spiders808 |
Since you're in the Pacific Northwest, get Internet Sales quote from other Acura's. I got from Seattle Acura and Tonkin Acura in Portland. Also Oakland Acura. Took lowest quote (Oakland) to my dealer, and they came close to meeting. They were not budging until I did the homework and showed them their competitor's bid.
I agree that X is best all-around of the offerings in its class, by far the most car for the money! |
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| MDX4now |
While there might not be excessive styling updates with the '09, the '03 MDX saw some pretty nice upgrades only three model years in.
The '03 brought:
- automatic headlights
- automatic wipers
- new 5 speed automatic transmission
- upgraded headrests
- new wheel design
- 20 HP increase
- DVD system
- upgraded Nav
- Back-up camera
- more sound insulation
- upgraded VTM-4
- VSA (vehicle skid control)
Granted these items have nothing to do with what might be available on the '09's, but I'm just pointing out Acura may very well have some new items up their sleeves for the '09's.
Actual design updates probably won't come until '10.
I wouldn't be surprised if items like Smart Key and USB iPod connectivity be added to the lineup, among other things for '09. Bluetooth and Nav upgrades are a strong possibility also. |
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| BillHeart |
quote:
Originally posted by craniotes
Hey, GMC don't mix us up with those hayseeds in Wappinger Falls. :mad: Only those of us who have the good fortune of being born and bred in New York City can wear the title of "New Yorker" (and even then it should be reserved for those who reside in Manhattan).
As for our taste, well let's just say that it's "acquired"... ;)
Regards,
Adam
Ahh, I didn't say that I didn't like the Sports... just that they don't sell.
Perhaps it's price, I dunno.
Oh, and I happen to be from the City as well, (Manhattan) I just have a nasty commute ;)
Actually, I don't have a nasty commute. Friend of mine lives in Edison, NJ, works in Brooklyn. He spends 80-90 minutes a day in his car, gas and tolls for him average $4 more than what I pay. I'm in the car for an hour and I never hit traffic.
As far as 09 Changes, it'll probably show up on Autoblog before we get them. We got pricing on the new TSXs from Acura the day AFTER they were posted on Autoblog, and that was about a week ago. We got our first 09 TSXs last night. |
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| craniotes |
quote:
Originally posted by BillHeart
Oh, and I happen to be from the City as well, (Manhattan) I just have a nasty commute ;)
Actually, I don't have a nasty commute. Friend of mine lives in Edison, NJ, works in Brooklyn. He spends 80-90 minutes a day in his car, gas and tolls for him average $4 more than what I pay. I'm in the car for an hour and I never hit traffic.
One hour with no traffic is a walk in the park. Now if you want to talk about a nasty commute, one of the art directors at my old ad agency lived in the suburbs of Philadelphia and commuted back and forth to and from lower Manhattan every day. Ouch.
As for Sports not selling, it doesn't surprise me. For most, the MDX is a value proposition and frou-frou like active dampers and "Milano" leather don't factor into that equation. Heck, in Westport, most of the MDXs I see these days are Tech/Ents driven by soccer moms (I guess a lot of ladies came off their 1st gen leases and stuck with what they knew); a stark contrast to the early days when the 2nd gen first hit the market -- then what few MDXs I saw were Sports driven by men.
Regards,
Adam |
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| BillHeart |
quote:
Originally posted by craniotes
One hour with no traffic is a walk in the park. Now if you want to talk about a nasty commute, one of the art directors at my old ad agency lived in the suburbs of Philadelphia and commuted back and forth to and from lower Manhattan every day. Ouch.
That's insane. Unless you take the train there's no way I would do that.
quote:
Originally posted by craniotes
As for Sports not selling, it doesn't surprise me. For most, the MDX is a value proposition and frou-frou like active dampers and "Milano" leather don't factor into that equation. Heck, in Westport, most of the MDXs I see these days are Tech/Ents driven by soccer moms (I guess a lot of ladies came off their 1st gen leases and stuck with what they knew); a stark contrast to the early days when the 2nd gen first hit the market -- then what few MDXs I saw were Sports driven by men.
Regards,
Adam
Well, I should partially take that back, we're so short on Tech/Ents right now that the handful of Sports that we got with entertainment sold very quickly because it was that, or, well, that. Personally I like the wheels on the sport myself.
But when we have them, people rarely want to pony up for the sports. |
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| BostonX |
| Paid $3.96 for premium gas yesterday. Went to a Toyota dealership today to look at the Highlander Hybrid. Test drive on friday... |
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| laborlitigator |
Ditto. Test drove the Highlander Limited with all the trimmings. . . was offered the top of the line for 42.5. Really considering it since it gets 27 mpg.
Also, it's quiet as heck. When you start the car, it doesn't sound like the engine is on. |
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| BostonX |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Ditto. Test drove the Highlander Limited with all the trimmings. . . was offered the top of the line for 42.5. Really considering it since it gets 27 mpg.
Also, it's quiet as heck. When you start the car, it doesn't sound like the engine is on.
I couldn't wait until friday so I drove one today. Acceleration wasn't bad; similar to my '05 MDX. Ride is noticeably quieter, even on the highway. Passing power at speed (70 mph) wasn't bad but didn't seem as ballsy as my 'X. Cornering was horrible; lots of body roll.
Overall I wasn't blown away, especially when the sales manager insisted that the almost loaded (navigation but no DVD player) Limited version was selling for 45k and not much less! To me it seems like a $30,000 vehicle that sells for $40,000 plus because it's a hybrid and it has leather seats...
I'm right back where I started from; on the fence! |
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| dory |
Our top 2 contenders were the Highlander Hybrid Limited and the MDX. After doing all of our towing calculations, we really needed more towing capacity than the Hybrid could handle, so we considered the regular Highlander Limited. Once we weren't going with the Hybrid anymore, the Highlander really lost its appeal compared to the MDX. The MDX is GORGEOUS inside, the Highlander much more boring and the wood trim colour is terrible, especially with black. Seats aren't heated in the rear, and our older child who is now out of booster seats, didn't want to sit on ice cold leather in our winters.
We took the Highlander and MDX to show my parents and compare side by side. My dad thought the Highlander had a less stylish, less modern feel to it. He liked the low entry into the vehicle and the roominess inside. In the end he told me it was more boring and had less style, so was better for old people like himself (a joke on his part as he's only mid 50's). He actually would have leaned towards the Highlander for himself, but figured the MDX would suit us younger folk better. :D
I think he was correct though as to what age group they were marketing the Highlander towards as I watched the Driving Television review (http://drivingtv.canada.com/video_reviews.php) and Zack says quote:
the front seats are soft and wide, kind of like the boomers who will be buying this SUV
And since my dad is the baby boomer generation, I keep bugging him now that he's "soft and wide". ;) |
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| craniotes |
quote:
Originally posted by BostonX
I'm right back where I started from; on the fence!
So, when does the revamped X5 3.0 with the torque-vectoring xDrive and twin-turbo mill make its debut? ;)
Regards,
Adam |
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| BostonX |
quote:
Originally posted by craniotes
So, when does the revamped X5 3.0 with the torque-vectoring xDrive and twin-turbo mill make its debut? ;)
Regards,
Adam
Hopefully around the time that the price of premium gas goes back down to three dollars a gallon... |
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| BillHeart |
Those Highlander Hybrids are nice, but as much as they cost (Plus, the Toyota dealers that I know are getting MSRP for them) makes ya think...
27mpg vs 22mpg, it's not that much of a savings, and I think that (I don't sell new ones) the MDX is just such a nicer vehicle that it's not worth it IMO.
Wait a year or two, the MDX Diesel is coming. I know we get the TSX Diesel next year and supposedly the RDX Diesel soon after that. There is an MDX Diesel test mule out there as well.
That will, IMO, be the ultimate. A 30+ MPG MDX with roughly 2/3 the CO2 Emissions and all that torque! |
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| BostonX |
quote:
Originally posted by BillHeart
Those Highlander Hybrids are nice, but as much as they cost (Plus, the Toyota dealers that I know are getting MSRP for them) makes ya think...
27mpg vs 22mpg, it's not that much of a savings, and I think that (I don't sell new ones) the MDX is just such a nicer vehicle that it's not worth it IMO.
Can I really expect to get 22 mpg from a new MDX? I get around 17 in my present one so I have my doubts. |
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| kdfdawg |
quote:
Originally posted by BostonX
Can I really expect to get 22 mpg from a new MDX? I get around 17 in my present one so I have my doubts.
drove the x close to 900 miles over the weekend (nyc - buffalo - nyc) averaged about 23 mpg. not too shabby |
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| brydon |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Also, it's quiet as heck. When you start the car, it doesn't sound like the engine is on.
that was tongue in cheek right? Until you go over 5-15mph, a lot of hybrids don't even turn on the gas engine. |
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| BillHeart |
quote:
Originally posted by BostonX
Can I really expect to get 22 mpg from a new MDX? I get around 17 in my present one so I have my doubts.
I do it all the time. I took an 08 MDX home not too long ago, 67 mile trip, mostly highway, cruising along the NYS Thruway at 75 or so and 60-65 on Rt 17 and Rt 4 in NJ.. I averaged around 22.5
If I take it to my girlfriend's home which is 38 miles of mostly 2 land and 4 lanes with stoplights and includes a drive over a 1,400ft mountain I average around 19-20.
Better than I get in the Audi S6 that I am driving at the moment, that gets 17... but is scary fast :D |
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| brydon |
quote:
Originally posted by BillHeart
Better than I get in the Audi S6 that I am driving at the moment, that gets 17... but is scary fast :D
You're driving an S6?? :drool: |
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| laborlitigator |
So we went back on Sunday to pull the trigger on the 08 Hybrid Limited Highlander. They offered 42.5 from 47.6. For the 02 MDX, they previously offered 9K - 82K miles in very good condition.
After making us wait 45 minutes, they finally get an "appraiser" who says since we drove the MDX another 100 miles, they had to offer us only 8700.
Well, that really ticked us off. Then, the sales person said, you should have taken the deal when we first went in a week ago. We walked out.
We live about 5 minutes away. As soon as I step in the front door, the sales manager calls and says they would offer us the 9K. That ticks me off even more. But I still said we'll come back tomorrow.
Overnight, I do the math. We've got 3 cars already and do I need to really pay 1K a month? Even if I save on gas, it won't be that much.
I call the sales manager back the next day to thank him for not giving us the 9K on the MDX since it was probably for the better. . .
:2: |
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| punprankster |
quote:
Originally posted by BostonX
Hopefully around the time that the price of premium gas goes back down to three dollars a gallon...
you mean, as in, never? :2: |
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| punprankster |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
So we went back on Sunday to pull the trigger on the 08 Hybrid Limited Highlander. They offered 42.5 from 47.6. For the 02 MDX, they previously offered 9K - 82K miles in very good condition.
After making us wait 45 minutes, they finally get an "appraiser" who says since we drove the MDX another 100 miles, they had to offer us only 8700.
Well, that really ticked us off. Then, the sales person said, you should have taken the deal when we first went in a week ago. We walked out.
We live about 5 minutes away. As soon as I step in the front door, the sales manager calls and says they would offer us the 9K. That ticks me off even more. But I still said we'll come back tomorrow.
Overnight, I do the math. We've got 3 cars already and do I need to really pay 1K a month? Even if I save on gas, it won't be that much.
I call the sales manager back the next day to thank him for not giving us the 9K on the MDX since it was probably for the better. . .
:2:
sad to say, and i don't know if this is really the case most of the time, it seems that some dealers smell fresh meat whenever they see an asian walk through their doors. there was this gmc salesperson who tried to lease a 26k acadia to me for 900/mo. x 4 yrs with 5k down on top of that; or this manager from vw who tried to quote a 16k rabbit for 440/mo, and then tried to skip out and justify his numbers by saying he was leasing it for 18 mos when i told him that i have an offer for a 36k infiniti g35 for only 360/mo. i'm like wtf, you want me to bend over, too? i mean, do i have "sucker" tattooed on my forehead?
that's why sometimes i find it better dealing with "luxury" car dealerships because unless you give all the signals that you want to be shafted, they treat you with better respect (although that doesn't take away from the fact that they still want and have to make money off of you) |
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| BillHeart |
quote:
Originally posted by brydon
You're driving an S6?? :drool:
Being the used car manager has its' benefits :D
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| BillHeart |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
So we went back on Sunday to pull the trigger on the 08 Hybrid Limited Highlander. They offered 42.5 from 47.6. For the 02 MDX, they previously offered 9K - 82K miles in very good condition.
After making us wait 45 minutes, they finally get an "appraiser" who says since we drove the MDX another 100 miles, they had to offer us only 8700.
Well, that really ticked us off. Then, the sales person said, you should have taken the deal when we first went in a week ago. We walked out.
We live about 5 minutes away. As soon as I step in the front door, the sales manager calls and says they would offer us the 9K. That ticks me off even more. But I still said we'll come back tomorrow.
Overnight, I do the math. We've got 3 cars already and do I need to really pay 1K a month? Even if I save on gas, it won't be that much.
I call the sales manager back the next day to thank him for not giving us the 9K on the MDX since it was probably for the better. . .
:2:
You should have walked! When I appraise a car 1 week and 100 miles isn't going to cause a 3% drop in the value of the trade, VERY rarely and if it will I'll say so upfront, like the X3 we recently took in on trade, it had 49,800 miles on it when we appraised it, had it hit 50k and gone out of warranty, my # would have absolutely dropped but we told the customer that upfront.
I'm not a fan of doing business that way, thank you for not rewarding it with a purchase. |
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| BostonX |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
So we went back on Sunday to pull the trigger on the 08 Hybrid Limited Highlander. They offered 42.5 from 47.6. For the 02 MDX, they previously offered 9K - 82K miles in very good condition.
After making us wait 45 minutes, they finally get an "appraiser" who says since we drove the MDX another 100 miles, they had to offer us only 8700.
Well, that really ticked us off. Then, the sales person said, you should have taken the deal when we first went in a week ago. We walked out.
We live about 5 minutes away. As soon as I step in the front door, the sales manager calls and says they would offer us the 9K. That ticks me off even more. But I still said we'll come back tomorrow.
Overnight, I do the math. We've got 3 cars already and do I need to really pay 1K a month? Even if I save on gas, it won't be that much.
I call the sales manager back the next day to thank him for not giving us the 9K on the MDX since it was probably for the better. . .
:2:
That is so similar to the experience I had! They were pushing hard the price of 45K for a loaded limited, showing me all their "hidden costs". I told them there was no way I would be paying that for a Highlander when I could get a loaded MDX for the same price. They also didn't have the color I wanted (green) and said that no one in the Northwest had one.
When I got home I received TWO calls from the sales manager. He said he managed to find my color but in the same breath mentioned that my trade in would only fetch 18 or 19K, this after they showed me a print out with the figure of 21K and Edmunds/KBB both put the trade in at 21K. Needless to say, I haven't gone back.
I'll probably go for the MDX. The only question is whether to wait the four or five months for an '09.... |
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| BillHeart |
| If you want, post the specs on your trade, KBB and Edmunds are often way way way off the mark. |
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| brydon |
quote:
Originally posted by punprankster
sad to say, and i don't know if this is really the case most of the time, it seems that some dealers smell fresh meat whenever they see an asian walk through their doors.
There may be a personal bias at that dealer for screwing over asians but I tell you what dude, I have purchased enough cars and heard enough stories from friends in the car business to know that some dealers are just plain crooked
Problem is, sometimes you have to deal with the crooked guys because they're your only local dealership or whatever.
Your only recourse is be very well informed, have all your information figured out before you go in, and walk if you don't get the deal you want. I feel bad for anyone walking into the sizeable number of crooked dealerships out there without being prepared, being taken for a ride to the tune of thousands of dollars.
I have found some very reputable dealers who will be very up front with you about their costs and who have never lied to me about pricing/trade-ins etc. Sad to say, my personal opinion is that these honest dealers are a small exception to a big scary rule. |
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| BillHeart |
It's like anything else, there's good and bad in dealerships.
But something that I have always stressed, if you feel that a dealer is dealing with you in a less than honorable manner, use the most powerful tool that you have, your legs.
Get up and walk out.
Let's face if, if you are buying even a cheap used car you're spending thousands of dollars, that's a lot of money and you deserve to be treated with respect. As a dealer there's nothing wrong with making a profit, and of course if we didn't make money then this store would quickly become a strip mall, but there's NO excuse for unethical dealing.
I can't stand screamer ads and high pressure nonsense. However, and I hate it, it works. If it did not work, these clowns would stop it.
I bought my last new car in 15 minutes, got a very good deal on it and it was a simple and pleasurable experience, only when I was filling out the credit application for the lease did I let on what I do for a living :D |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by BillHeart
If you want, post the specs on your trade, KBB and Edmunds are often way way way off the mark.
Please explain. . . |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by punprankster
that's why sometimes i find it better dealing with "luxury" car dealerships because unless you give all the signals that you want to be shafted, they treat you with better respect (although that doesn't take away from the fact that they still want and have to make money off of you)
When I dealt with BMW, Mercedes and Acura they were very straight up. I was actually taken aback by the the treatment.
I don't think it's a bias thing since the color of money is what drives most dealerships. |
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| ductman |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
When I dealt with BMW, Mercedes and Acura they were very straight up. I was actually taken aback by the the treatment.
I don't think it's a bias thing since the color of money is what drives most dealerships.
Toyota dealerships are know for their " sales tactics", I once tried to
purchase a 4 runner and was " attacked" by every sales manager in the entire place with tactics you wouldn't believe, it was the same way at another toyota dealership, high pressure and HIGH PRESSURE!!!!! |
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| brydon |
quote:
Originally posted by ductman
Toyota dealerships are know for their " sales tactics", I once tried to
purchase a 4 runner and was " attacked" by every sales manager in the entire place with tactics you wouldn't believe, it was the same way at another toyota dealership, high pressure and HIGH PRESSURE!!!!!
It's hit or miss with Subaru here in the bay area. I've never heard of anyone getting the shaft at Subaru Santa Cruz, but Santa Clara Subaru is well-known in the Subie community for raping customers badly on new car sales, trade-ins, used car sales etc etc. |
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| BillHeart |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Please explain. . .
Gladly!
The one single information source on the web that tends to drive us nuts in the business are the websites that give online appraisals as they are usually wrong.
Case in point, 2002 X5 3.0L 98k miles. HIGHEST KBB # is $11,500. I'll take 500 of them at that price please as I can make an easy $2k wholesaling them at that figure. We gave the customer $14,000 on it to make a deal, I STILL made $200 on it at the auction after fees and cleanup!
Another case.. 2003 Liberty Limited, Gold in color, immaculate, 69k miles. Edmunds shows TMV Trade-In of $10,000.
They are doing $10k at the auction with, I dunno, 30k miles and a free Plasma TV in the back. Highest bid I could get on it was $7200, I figured it would do $7,500 at the auction so I'd end up netting $7250 or so after fees and cleanup.
Yet Edmunds is showing a TMV Value of $9-10k.
So the customer sees this, I appraise it at $6800-7k to stay safe and I look like a criminal.
NADA is even worse. I just sold a 2001 Range Rover for $1,500 under NADA LOAN and made money on it. Clean low-mile truck too. And it was one I went out and bought at auction to boot!
The most accurate guide that you can find here in the northeast is going to be Galves, it's what we all use and the values are based on what wholesalers are actually paying for cars. Galves was a big wholesaler themselves and they are located in a building in NJ that houses about 15 large wholesalers, they are surrounded by actual market activity.
(www.galves.com if you want to check em out)
They don't give their info out for free but they have, by far, the most accurate information. Unfortunately, it's also not what people generally want to hear but the market is what the market is. Also Manheim Auction data is not available to the public but I use Galves and Auction data to appraise cars, this way I have a very good idea of what dealers are actually willing to pay for a wholesale unit or how high I can go on a trade if I have to. |
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| BostonX |
| Dilemma has been resolved. Pictures to follow (tomorrow). |
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| BostonX |
After much thought I went with another MDX. There's nothing out there that balances performance, value, and fuel efficiency like the MDX. This is my third one.
Pardon the cell phone photo and the "naked" appearance (I ordered sport running boards from Tim today and will follow those up with some roof rails next month).
Love the Sport mode and the surround sound stereo!
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| dory |
| Sweet! Excellent choice! ;) |
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| MDX4now |
Congrats on your 3rd MDX! I'm on my 2nd!
Out of curiosty, what did you receive on the '05 for trade?
When I traded in my 3 year-old '03 Sage Touring Nav with 50,000 miles back in '06 , I received $20,000.
Given that I paid MSRP of $41,000 for the '03, it retained 48.78% of it's value over 3 years.
I'll be curious to see how much lower of a trade I will receive on our present MDX, but I have to factor in the fact I was able to buy the '06 for $5,000 less than what I paid for the '03, and that the SUV landscape has changed a lot in the last two years.
Oh well, a car purchase is never an investment by any means! |
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| BostonX |
quote:
Originally posted by MDX4now
Congrats on your 3rd MDX! I'm on my 2nd!
Out of curiosty, what did you receive on the '05 for trade?
When I traded in my 3 year-old '03 Sage Touring Nav with 50,000 miles back in '06 , I received $20,000.
Given that I paid MSRP of $41,000 for the '03, it retained 48.78% of it's value over 3 years.
I'll be curious to see how much lower of a trade I will receive on our present MDX, but I have to factor in the fact I was able to buy the '06 for $5,000 less than what I paid for the '03, and that the SUV landscape has changed a lot in the last two years.
Oh well, a car purchase is never an investment by any means!
I got $21,000 in trade for my '05 that had 60,000 miles on it. Keep in mind that I dealt very aggressively for several weeks with the same dealership I bought it from. Also, the car was in great shape with new tires. |
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| laborlitigator |
| Congrats. It looks great! |
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| hammermdx |
| A three-peat, congrats and good luck with the new one!:4: |
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| kingmdx |
| Nice :29: ...welcome to the "sport" family :) |
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| MDX4now |
Well, that seems like a fair price for trade and in line, give or take, with what I was seeing when I shopped my old MDX two years ago.
If I can get anywhere near that on trade after 3 years on my '06, I will have done better than how I did on my '03 trade
(given that I got nearly $7K off on the '06 vs. $0.00 off on the '03) |
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| craniotes |
Hey, Boston, congrats on your new Sport. Given all you've been through, and all the research you've done I think it's safe to say that you made the right choice.
Now get busy breaking that rig in, and then let the VTEC sing (with the ADS set to "Sport" and the tranny in manual-mode, naturally).
Regards,
Adam |
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