| davethebossman |
Hey, all! Looks like a good, clean site here.
I'm in the process of convincing myself that i NEED an MDX, and i thought i would come here for some knowledge. There are a few things on my mind.
I'm already quite well versed with the features since my wife and i were looking into an Elite, but have since realized it may be overrated. The entertainment package - for the money acura wants- could be better spent on aftermarket sound and DVD, so the Tech seems more appealing to us. (For those of you who think MDX sound is "good", step into any of the Lexus RX SUVs with a decent trim level. WOW!)
My big question is something that i have for MDX owners, something that Acura can't objectively answer: Does anyone really appreciate their Active Damping System? Was it worth it? Would you buy it again?
I'm not even sure if it's a totally different suspension setup than the Tech. If i could guess, it would be a few really expensive shock-absorbers with some form of electronic/hydraulic system. I'm really not sure if it's all that important to me.
Any other comments on the MDX in general would be appreciated as well. And thanks to anyone who comments, in advance.
Dave |
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| dj-mdx2 |
You NEED a Sport MDX!
You NEED a Sport MDX!
You NEED a Sport MDX!
You NEED a Sport MDX!
You NEED a Sport MDX!
You NEED a Sport MDX!
You NEED a Sport MDX!
You NEED a Sport MDX!
You NEED a Sport MDX!
You NEED a Sport MDX!
Is that convincing enough?
:D
Seriously, take the Sport MDX for a test drive on some twisty roads at speed and if that doesn't put a smile on your face and make your salesman riding shotgun squirm in his seat, nothing I can say will convince you to blow the money on one. There are some threads discussing this topic and the consensus is go for it if you can afford it but you won't really miss it if you don't have it.
As far as the RES is concerned, although I agree that some aftermarket setups can be better, the way it is integrated into the MDX and the cool folding headphones make it worth it in my book. |
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| kgb |
First of all, welcome to this board!
As for answer to your question: I drove all models and trim levels before I made a decision to buy the tech package. To me, driving mostly in the city - it did not make a difference. The handling of the MDX is by far better than the Lexus RX that I test drove as well. If you are driving like a maniac in the mountains - may be it will be worth your money to get into the sport package. For my driving expirience it was not worth it. I am a fairly aggressive driver and I am very pleased with the vehicle. I do like the tech package.
Just keep in mind that this is very personal opinion.
Good luck no matter what!! |
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| davethebossman |
Thank you for the welcome!
I have only tried out the Elite (US Sport), and the Comfort Mode was indeed splendid, but Sport Mode didn't seem particularly Sporty to me. I suppose i don't have accurate expectations since it would be our first SUV.
Maybe i just need to take another sitting and find some harsh roads for both models to test. My wife and i are not a settled family yet, so the MDX purchase needs to be a moneywise decision. I'm already greedy for wanting such a nice ride! I still feel like i will be moving towards the Tech. Hmmm...
I will cruise some of the threads for more discussions on this. Thanks.
Btw...
Upon more research, this Active Damping System (actually "MagneRide") in the Sport is actually some highly advanced shock absorbers that are sensored and controlled by the ECU. They are filled with an oil having magnetic properties and are controlled by electromagnets. This can change viscosity of the fluid from "runny" to nearly solid! Pretty neat. Just some useless knowledge for you guys :)
P.S.
ECU flashes? Turbos, anyone? Exhaust? A little more? Reliability is nice, but so is 50hp more. Greedy, i know.
Dave |
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| HwyRogue |
..on the MDX base model they had a huge price reduction here in .ca - $44k for the base.
I bought my Tech last December when they had the 8k incentive and I paid $52k... |
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| dj-mdx2 |
quote:
Originally posted by davethebossman
P.S.
ECU flashes? Turbos, anyone? Exhaust? A little more? Reliability is nice, but so is 50hp more. Greedy, i know.
Dave
Not much in the way of performance parts yet for the X, there never was. Sounds like you're wanting a Porsche Cayenne Turbo and not a glorified minivan (OK flamesuit on). The Cayennes are going for much cheaper now due to the gas crunch. |
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| XbynorthX |
My wife and I had similar discussions about spendng the extra money on an elite/tech. In the end we kept more money in our pocket and chose the base model (which already has a lot of features). She drives it more and has no need for Sport Mode (I couldn't even tell the difference between C/S during the test drive). She found the Navi challenging to use (so used to her Garmin Nuvi and really doesn't use navi often) hence opting out of the tech. Our kids prefer to listen to music instead of watching movies so no need for a DVD (our DVD system in the old minivan was collecting dust hence another reason not to get it).
Our non-negotiables were a power sunroof, HIDs, AWD, Leather Seats, a 3rd row, AUX input and Bluetooth..simple pleasures I know...but we got more than we bargained for with the base. FYI the Highlander Limited, Buick Enclave, and the Mazda CX9 were on the list too...very happy we chose the X.
Happy shopping! In the end you can't go wrong with any trim level. |
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| davethebossman |
quote:
Originally posted by dj-mdx2
Sounds like you're wanting a...glorified minivan (OK flamesuit on).
You have successfully reduced my life to one big lie!!! I told myself i would cut both my legs off before i ever purchased a "minivan". For my dignity's sake, i will pretend you didn't call my next purchase a "glorified minivan".
The cayennes are still out of my reach :(
But like i said, this is a moneywise decision... im trying to go down, not up. That would be nice though...
And as for upgrades, im sure Honda and Acura use the 3.7 (or at least a variant of it) somewhere else in their lineup. So when i ask about perf upgrades, im assuming they exist for the variant engines. My search WILL continue, though!! Where there's a will...
Dave |
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| davethebossman |
XbynorthX, thanks for your input. As posted earlier, a 2nd test is in order to really check out this suspension setup. I'm gonna bring that thing onto two wheels.
And we checked CX-9, RX350Q, and LR2 (<---awesome!!!). All were very cool and had something unique to offer. But the MDX is in our sights for the same reasons you underlined. It is truly a ride to be respected for such a price. |
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| dreamcast18 |
ditto...was down the the Audi Q7 and Mazda CX9. MDX base won out with a OTD price of $33K+tax...for the value of a brand new ride; it was a no brainer. Didn't need the rest of the add-ons; needed a family ride that can take us on ski/road trips.
quote:
Originally posted by XbynorthX
My wife and I had similar discussions about spendng the extra money on an elite/tech. In the end we kept more money in our pocket and chose the base model (which already has a lot of features). She drives it more and has no need for Sport Mode (I couldn't even tell the difference between C/S during the test drive). She found the Navi challenging to use (so used to her Garmin Nuvi and really doesn't use navi often) hence opting out of the tech. Our kids prefer to listen to music instead of watching movies so no need for a DVD (our DVD system in the old minivan was collecting dust hence another reason not to get it).
Our non-negotiables were a power sunroof, HIDs, AWD, Leather Seats, a 3rd row, AUX input and Bluetooth..simple pleasures I know...but we got more than we bargained for with the base. FYI the Highlander Limited, Buick Enclave, and the Mazda CX9 were on the list too...very happy we chose the X.
Happy shopping! In the end you can't go wrong with any trim level.
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| craniotes |
I'm the first person to tout the virtues of the Sport package, nevermind the fact that I leave it in "comfort" most of the time. What can I say, I like a nice, smooth ride when I'm cruising around with the family in tow, but I love having the option to firm things up and hit the twisties when no one's looking. Hell, I'll even switch it on when I'm on the highway if the need arises. The difference isn't so pronounced in a ten minute test drive, but it's night and day once you've got in your garage. Another thing to note here is that the system is always on, regardless of which mode it's currently in. Even if you're in comfort mode, the ADS will still selectively dampen each shock based on steering wheel input, yaw, and acceleration/deceleration rates. Also, the Sport package features larger stabilizer bars, front and rear.
Phew.
That said... If you're not going to be using your X for back road hell-raising, then perhaps your money is better spent elsewhere. In its base form, the suspension on the MDX is still better than 90% of the CUVs out there, IMO. As for the Entertainment package (which can be had separately here in the States), I love it. The integration is top-notch, and the thanks to its low-profile installation, the flip-down screen in doesn't block the rearview mirror. The integrated remote is also a nice touch, as are the folding, wireless headphones. Just my $0.02.
Regards,
Adam |
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| 2001MDX4me |
quote:
Originally posted by craniotes
The difference isn't so pronounced in a ten minute test drive, but it's night and day once you've got in your garage.
Totally agree. You really can't tell until you driven it extensively. When you finally do notice the difference, it puts a smile on your face. It's harder to tell on small bumps at slower speeds. Where you can tell is at higher speeds over larger bumps. The Comfort mode floats whereas the Sport mode does not. The sport mode feels much more like my 325i.
On top of that, all the other benefits of the Sport package extensively discussed here are well worth the money in my opinion. |
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