| DaleB |
Hi, folks, I am finally a full-fledged member. I will be quite busy the next few days installing accessories, and cleaning, etc.
But I wanted to give you my impressions of this great vehicle while it's all so fresh in my memory.
DEALER : My original salesman, Dan Dixon has changed jobs, he was very helpful, and I wish him the best.
However, being recently retired myself, I understand the transitions in the workplace are not always smooth. My free wheel locks, cargo cover, and rear guards were not installed as promised.
The fleet manager, Scott Johnson did not even blink. He jumped in my X and drove it straight to the service bay. Fortunately service is open Saturday.
My wife and I lost time we could have used to see some more sights in Palm Springs, and it was difficult to judge how long it would take. The cargo covers were not in stock, and they are shipping one to my home this week.
The big one is the tow kit, I was told over a week ago by Dan that is was late arriving. Well, turns out it is back-ordered almost 2 months. So they will ship it to a local dealer of mine, and they will install it. (It is pre-paid).
All in all, these were misforturnes which I can hold the dealer somewhat responsible for, but it sounds mostly like an Acura problem that became mine. The dealer was good all around, and did get me the car I wanted, added freebies when delivery slipped, and delivered the car spotless, and based on this drive running perfectly.
FINISH: We are both jazzed over the GG finish. It's a great color. The green comes out mostly at dusk, most of the time it has a gray metallic look, almost like anthracite but a bit lighter.
Wife noticed one hair line scratch on a rear door, about an inch long, and you would really be pressed to find it. Looks like a surface scratch.
Otherwise, it's one very clean machine.
INTERIOR: Very nice! We could not find a stitch out of place, or a scratch anywhere.
NOISE LEVEL: Very quiet, road noise moderate to low depending on the road surface. Those Michelins feel great!
Our food cooler in the back seat squeaked sometimes, and that was it for the inside noise, no seat belts swinging, etc.. We never even heard clunking, or the rear brakes or the fuel tank!
Maybe I just never noticed it, and I have only had it now for 3 days, so we will see.
POWER: More than adequate, but driving it easy, I only had short glimpses of the potential. It was hard, but I kept it below 55 for the first 200 miles to get the tires worn in a bit too.
After that, I went up to 60 and 65, keeping the speed varied every several minutes, by kicking it into a lower gear for a bit more acceleration, and then backing off again, and regularly shifting to 4th.
One thing that surprised me was how fast the temp gauge gets to normal when starting a cold engine. I always baby my cars until they warm up. Once the temp gauge was at normal (about 1/3 up the dial) it never budged.
TIRES: Tires were preset at 32 psi cold. I may run them about 34.
FLUID LEVELS: Everything was topped off, and still topped off 500 miles later.
NAVIGATOR: If you saw the posting Saturday night, you know my navi was not working. Mr Feldman to the rescue. I took his suggestion and did a quick clean of the disk, and from that point it worked perfectly!
And I do mean it. It worked just great! The only glitch was near our house. We had it set for our street, and it plotted a longer route to get us there. By the time we realized that, it had already done a recalculation and gave us the route we were already travelling. It was really a godsend getting us through all the freeway interchanges especially around LA. Very impressive.
The volume of the 'voice' was a bit low for on the road, and I cranked it up. At times it seemed it could be more clear.
MILEAGE: Well, it's all acamedic at this point, I would not even try to check it close until it had a good 1000 miles on it. When we picked it up (delivered with a full tank of premium) it was reading about 10.4, when we got home, 20.3.
I did 2 fill ups (on about 1/4 to 1/3 full tanks). I left the nozzle on automatic, and never heard any 'wooshing' and it never over flowed.
BRAKES AND STEERING: I can't add to what's been said by most Handling and braking and are optimal for a vehicle of this class and purpose.
I consciously applied lateral pressure to the brake pedal, and yes there was a bit of play. It did feel different, but when using the brake normally I noted nothing out of place.
SEATS: The seats are on the firm side. We were riding in a Lincoln taxi to the airport, so the difference was noticeable. But it never really phased us at all. We think the room available is wonderful, and the seat adjustments adequate for most any driving postion.
We felt somewhat tired after long stretches of driving, but never fatigued, or sore in anyway. A great drivng machine!, PICTURES TO FOLLOW IN A DAY OR TWO! |
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| PolyTat |
Congrats Dale.....you are an official owner now after all those postings.
Glad things worked out with you at Palm Desert Acura. I almost got mine from Dan Dixon and offered to drive the MDX down to my office but, I was not ready at the time to purchase it. He must do a lot of MDX business.
Anyhow, enjoy and post the pics soon. |
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| jj_mdx |
| congratulations, dale!!! finally....:cool: :D |
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| GCK |
DaleB:
Congratultions!! Welcome to the Club. |
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| Robyjo |
It's been a long hard wait for you, Dale, I know--enjoy! You deserve it...
Rob |
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| MDXtheFIXX |
| Congratulations! If anyone “deserves” a MDX it’s you. As a non-owner representative of this forum I look forward to your future posts that will be oozing with all of your newfound MDX-wisdom. Now turn off your NAV and go get lost somewhere in your new toy… |
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| ifeldman |
Congratulations again Dale. Im glad the MDX lived up to your expectations. It will only get better the more you drive it.
You will find some quirks with the Nav system. But it is still worth it. |
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| DaleB |
UPDATE: While cleaning the bugs of the front noticed the P/S and tranny cooler ARE installed!
I left a message with the dealer, as I am only missing a hitch. Maybe not such a long wait! |
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| SonShine |
Dale:
Any advice on dealing with Acura of the Desert? I spoke with Scott once and he appeared to be fairly honest. However, at that time, they wanted just over MSRP on the MDX that I was interested in, although he indicated that he would be willing to come down "in a few days". Obviously, there's no way I'm going to hassle with buying a car that is 300+ miles away if I don't get a decent price... |
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| paul123 |
| Your finally a real member of the club, before you were a viewer. Now as an owner how does it feel? I'm sure you have alot of installs with your add on's that you purchased. Wonder how fast it will take to put all the options you've been gathering? You will probably have them all done by the weekend! I'm sure you now know every little quirk or detail needed if something should come up. I'm sure you'll love it and have no problems at all. Look forward to Pic's of the new addition to the family, and don't waste any time with an application of zaino. Well save driving and try to take it easy during the initial miles. I'm sure you can't wait to open her up all the way. Try to hold back a little and cruise.:D |
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| msu79gt82 |
| I guess there may;) be a slight drop in posting rate as you will be a little busy:p |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by SonShine
Dale:
Any advice on dealing with Acura of the Desert? I spoke with Scott once and he appeared to be fairly honest. However, at that time, they wanted just over MSRP on the MDX that I was interested in, although he indicated that he would be willing to come down "in a few days". Obviously, there's no way I'm going to hassle with buying a car that is 300+ miles away if I don't get a decent price...
They normally try to sell with a protection pkg. I told them I only wanted MSRP on the car and that's it.
So they agreed. But when the delivery was delayed over a week late, they threw it in for free anyway! |
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| srpbep |
DaleB,
How does one say "welcome" to a SS Member with alot of posts?
quote:
WELCOME
:D
quote:
ENJOY YOUR MDX
:D :D |
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| Lrpba300 |
Dale B, CONGRATS!
Now you can start experiencing the pleasure of the MDX instead of just talkn' about it! ENJOY;) |
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| ghost |
Dale - wow what a great first post as an owner! A model for all you waiting for your X!
Congratulations and Enjoy! :D:D |
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| DaleB |
One thing I forgot to mention, was the sound system. The Bose leaves something to be desired, but it's adequate untill the mods begin.
Today I got front sides tinted. Not quite legal shade, but the standard (70% light transmission) is a joke. (Pics to follow).
I also found out I can get a front hood coating, plus trim around the lights for $250. Discounted, as it's the same place I got the tint. It's called Clear Shield. I may want to sell my Form Fit Deflector. Or send it back to Tim. It is not installed, but I destroyed the cardboard container. (Tim's going, "Oh no, I knew he was going to say that!") It is fully intact still sealed in plastic. Let me know. If you are within a 100 mile radius of San Jose, I may even deliver it and all for a very low price.
For now here is one pic on the first morning of our new family member before hitting the highway. |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
First morning....
Lookin Good watch out for the tree sap!!! |
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| DaleB |
I was worried about the 'sap' in the Escalade next to me, we both kept our distance. I am sure he took my space the instant we left.
More pics of the interior........ |
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| DaleB |
If you check the first inside pic you can get an idea of the tint on the front sides...
I will have better pics of it as I go.... |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
If you check the first inside pic you can get an idea of the tint on the front sides...
I will have better pics of it as I go....
What percentage tint? |
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| DaleB |
You know I never thought of asking .. duh. My original plan was just to go legal, so I was not concerned about the percentage.
Well, what happened was he gave me the next darkest after legal. The lightest illegal if you will, that he had, that most people get and never return with complaints.
My guess it's around 40%. It's it lighter than the 3 rear windows, but not by much. |
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| MDXLuvr |
Congrats dale. Good choice on the color!;) glad the navi wasn't a big issue.
regarding the seats, make sure u take time to go thru most of the power adjustments. Most people donot try out the various power adjustments. especially, make sure u have plenty of thigh support, it helps reduce leg fatigue if you drive long distances or spend a lot of time in the 'X.
good luck |
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| MDXcrazed |
Dale,
You should win the award for having the most postings before you get the MDX, and having the most congratulations after you get the MDX.
It feels like we have all been through the ride with you for getting this car! Enjoy! |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by paul123
What percentage tint?
Here is the difference between front & back tint (note tint in front is not totally cured). |
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| Robyjo |
Dale, are you at all worried about being pulled over and getting a fix-it for having the tint on the window?
Rob :cool: |
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| DaleB |
Not much. Compared to some cars I see around I don't think it's that bad. A sunlight shot would have been better. That will come in my next foto series.
The place that did the tint is one of the most popular in the San Jose.
This is also their most popular tint. I am sure they would be getting lots of negative feedback if people were getting ticketed. Guess I'll find out. |
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| paul123 |
| That tint looks great, it's very close to the rear. I do like that look. It looks like my 35% hp solarguard. The other picture from the inside made it look much lighter, but after seeing it from the outside I think you did a great job. |
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| DaleB |
Problem solved, Rob! Paul will take care of my tickets!!
yeah, I think it looks good. My wife wanted it done too, so she can share in the consequences. The car just 'feels' cooler and visbility is just fine.
I am adding the little inside mirror, the Autobahn for the blind spot. I never thought there was a blind spot on the left, until I was on an LA freeway! |
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| MARFONG |
DaleB,
Where in San Jose did you have the tinting done? What % tint and how much did it cost? I live in the San Mateo area, do they have a store up here? |
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| DaleB |
Mr. Tint at St. Tomas Expwy. and Stevens Creek.
They are only in San Jose. I am sure others are similar. As I said in a previous post, I am not the sure of the exact % but it was the lightest one that was 'illeagal'. |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Problem solved, Rob! Paul will take care of my tickets!!
No problem just mail them to me or better yet tell the police officer that Paul123 from Acuramdx.org is covering all tickets on MDX's throughout the country! If that doesn't work offer him $100! |
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| srpbep |
quote:
DaleB wrote:
I am adding the little inside mirror, the Autobahn for the blind spot. I never thought there was a blind spot on the left, until I was on an LA freeway!
Where is the blind spot on the left?
What is this little mirror? Where does it go? What does it look like? How does it solve the problem [which I hope you are going to explain]?
... Thanks :confused: |
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| Robyjo |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Problem solved, Rob! Paul will take care of my tickets!!
yeah, I think it looks good. My wife wanted it done too, so she can share in the consequences. The car just 'feels' cooler and visbility is just fine.
I am adding the little inside mirror, the Autobahn for the blind spot. I never thought there was a blind spot on the left, until I was on an LA freeway!
:D
Hey Paul--I'll tint my front windows if you can give me the same deal on the windows...;) |
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| paul123 |
| you don't have to worry about a blind spot, just swing the MDX to the left or right depending which lane you are changing to and if a horn blows you know someone's in your blind spot. That's my simple fix to that problem. There could be a problem if the person horn doesn't work you'll smash him. Oh well. Maybe that contraption would be a good idea. I actually swing my head to check before changing lanes to the left or right. |
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| DaleB |
| I usually swing my head too, and have been surprised more than once to see a car there...like where did they come from? |
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| srpbep |
| Thought the MDX had good side impact protection. If so, what's the problem? :rolleyes: |
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| MDXLuvr |
This what i have done. I made sure the side view mirrors are turned away from the 'X so that there is no blind spot. That way, If a car is in the Rt. lane, I can track that car from my rearview mirror. when the car is "disappearing" from my rear view mirror, it should be appearing in my side view mirror, when the car is "disappearing" from my side view mirror, it will show up next to me thru the passenger window. :)
i did the same for the Lt. Blind spot issue resolved without spending money. besides, if u have the touring option, the memory seats will keep your odd side view mirror angles in memory.:p
hope this makes sense. |
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| DaleB |
| It makes sense, and the X's memory is probably more reliable than mine anyway. |
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| ifeldman |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
I usually swing my head too, and have been surprised more than once to see a car there...like where did they come from?
Dale,
In LA, there have been many times when my side seems clear then all of a sudden someone shows up. Some people will zip in and out of lanes without even signalling, so blind spot or not, you cant win with these people.
I read somewhere a technique recommended by the police to eliminate blind spots. You move as far left in the car as you can, and adjust the left mirror until it just shows the left side of the car. You then move as far right as you can in your seat so you are about in the middle of the car, and then adjust the right mirror until it just shows the right side of the car. This is supposed to eliminate blind spots. I forgot where I read this. |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by MDXLuvr
This what i have done. I made sure the side view mirrors are turned away from the 'X so that there is no blind spot. That way, If a car is in the Rt. lane, I can track that car from my rearview mirror. when the car is "disappearing" from my rear view mirror, it should be appearing in my side view mirror, when the car is "disappearing" from my side view mirror, it will show up next to me thru the passenger window. :)
i did the same for the Lt. Blind spot issue resolved without spending money. besides, if u have the touring option, the memory seats will keep your odd side view mirror angles in memory.:p
hope this makes sense.
I was under the assumption that there is always a blind spot. No matter how you adjust your mirrors there will always be a small area where you cannot see without actually turning your head or using one of the contraption mirrors to see. Unless they have changed something with location of auto mirror's in recent years. Almost all the defensive driving courses still recommend turning you head. |
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| DaleB |
That's always been my assumption too. I think it would be dangerous to think you have your mirrors adjusted to eliminate any blind spot and you don't need to turn your head.
Turning your head is one sure way, and even with an aid like the Autobahn mirror, or stick-ons, it's not a bad habit to get into.
The adjustments recommeded reduce the blind spot, but do not eliminate it. They actually change the field of vision to an area where you are "most likely" to see a car coming up on you, and reduce the likelihood of seeing objects in other areas. It's a compromise, like most things.
Not everyone has optimal peripheral vision, and like everything else, eyesight suffers with aging, as does response time. |
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| srpbep |
About 7 years ago I went in for an eye exam because I was having trouble reading small type [note I had never worn glasses in my first 46 years]:
The optomistrist examined by my eyes and announced that I had great eyesight.
I then asked why was I having trouble reading if her evaluation was correct?
The optomitrist [who by the way was quite young] replied that what she meant to say was that I had great eyesight for a man of my age.
Just thought I would share ... DaleB's post reminded me of the experience.
:D |
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| DaleB |
OK, I am loving this vehicle more and more. At first I was treating it so gingerly, now I jump in and feel right at home with it.
I love the power, just over 600 miles, so I am still not going too crazy, but that engine does sound great. Nothing sounds as good as a well tuned V8, but this has to be about the best sounding V6.
It is very comfortable. The ride is excellent, I did feel what felt like bottoming out of the front end over very steep speed bumps I thouhgt I was traversing carefully, is that my imagination? Looks like a lot of wheel travel, could the springs be too soft, or the shocks on the light side?
On most road surfaces it simply glides like nobody's business.
The seats are just fine, it has been mentioned they will soften up, but they seem OK to me.
Biggest disappointment is the quality of the plastic. Leather could be 'thicker'.
I was snooping around at everything and decided to check out the fuse box on the passenger side. My left thumb is banged up a bit, so I had a problem flipping the fuse door open. Without thinking, placed the end of the key under the tab and that worked perfectly. But left a small split in the rounded plastic by the thumb hole, which was used as the fulcrum. I could not believe that would happen so easily!
I forced a tiny bit of epoxy in the crack and will use black shoe polish to finish it off later. Hmmm....Still hasn't dampened my overall enthusiasm, please wait for my best pics, rain may be on the way, and I want to get it polished up! |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
OK, I am loving this vehicle more and more. At first I was treating it so gingerly, now I jump in and feel right at home with it.
I love the power, just over 600 miles, so I am still not going too crazy, but that engine does sound great. Nothing sounds as good as a well tuned V8, but this has to be about the best sounding V6.
It is very comfortable. The ride is excellent, I did feel what felt like bottoming out of the front end over very steep speed bumps I thouhgt I was traversing carefully, is that my imagination? Looks like a lot of wheel travel, could the springs be too soft, or the shocks on the light side?
On most road surfaces it simply glides like nobody's business.
The seats are just fine, it has been mentioned they will soften up, but they seem OK to me.
Biggest disappointment is the quality of the plastic. Leather could be 'thicker'.
I was snooping around at everything and decided to check out the fuse box on the passenger side. My left thumb is banged up a bit, so I had a problem flipping the fuse door open. Without thinking, placed the end of the key under the tab and that worked perfectly. But left a small split in the rounded plastic by the thumb hole, which was used as the fulcrum. I could not believe that would happen so easily!
I forced a tiny bit of epoxy in the crack and will use black shoe polish to finish it off later. Hmmm....Still hasn't dampened my overall enthusiasm, please wait for my best pics, rain may be on the way, and I want to get it polished up!
It just keeps getting better and better!!!! The more you look, the better it gets!!!!! |
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| DaleB |
Over 1300 miles now! We headed from San Jose to the Central Valley (Clovis, for CA readers) to for a mixed business and pleasure trip.
Left at 8 am and just got back at 6pm.
Oh it does keep getting better. I had my Passport turned on, and kept the cruise set for around 77 on the straight-a-ways.
The real kick was the hilly terrain (Pacheco Pass for CA readers).
I had it set for just under 80 most of the way, and all I did was stay in the left lane and steer. Some of the more sweeping turns intmidated me a bit a first, but with every mile my confidence in this vehicle kept growing.
So smooth, with little lean, it never faulted, there were maybe two spots where it was steep enough, and it downshifted from 4th down to 3rd, reaching about 4500 rpm max. Most of the time it stayed in 4th, and it never missed a beat or felt the least bit strained.
Even when I had to pass on the right because a couple of idiots would pull in the left to get around a truck, and either do it at the last minute as I was bearing down, or never move back to the right. (GRRRRrrr!)
But I would push the pedal to the metal and ease around them, re-engage cruise and just steer and I guess grinning a lot!
Warm day too, did not notice any new noises, or old ones for that matter, just some of our gear sliding around in the car now and then.
yes, Loving it more!!!!!!!!!
Now to peel the bugs off...and maybe couple of left lane stragglers.... |
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| PolyTat |
Dale,
I like the Pacheco Pass . .40 miles of fun between the 101 and the 5. There is a little stretch where it is a narrow two lane in the mountain passeswhere you get no mobile reception or FM channels (a virtual blackhole) and once you get a good jump on that hill....its smooth sailing......did you hit Casa de Fruta at all?? |
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| DaleB |
no, not this time. We were just flying ;)
But the garlic is one month away from full bloom in Gilroy! |
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