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After 11 painful weeks, my MDX has finally arrived. Yesterday I received a call from Montclair Acura Dealer. My MDX GG w/ Navi had arrived there. They asked me to pick it up tomorrow (Saturday). I am very excited. However, I do not understand why I didn’t get VIN # until today (Usually, people would have got it a week or so earlier).
I ordered MDX base + Navi without Touring package. Because I think $2600 for the Touring package was just not worth it.
1) The Touring package has better-looking wheels and Michlen tires that do not differ much with the Goodyear tires. It may be worth $500 more.
2) The Touring package has a 6 CD changer and Base stereo system.
I can copy all my favorite music in one disk to play or ask my wife to change it. Base system may have better sound but with the driving noise can you really hear the difference? Worth $600 more?
3) The Touring package has a Roof Rack, I can install it by my self for $130.
4) The Touring package has passenger side mirror tilt-down. It is cool but sometimes it isn’t safe when you back up. It is difficult to see the car coming from back right side.
5) The Touring package has front passenger power seat and driver power seat memory. I don’t care about passenger power seat because it doesn’t get adjusted too often. Driver power seat memory is the only good thing I really like, but dealer do not install it. I will buy a service manual and I hope that the inside door wires are pre-wired. Therefore, I can buy the memory part and install it by my self later.
Instead of buying the above, I would rather spend $2600 for Accessories for the MDX. I ordered Tailgate Deflector, Side Steps, Rear Splash Guards, Wheel Locks, All Season Mats, Roof Rack, Wood Shift Knob, Fender Flares and Lower Trim most of Accessories for $2000 from Hondacurawold, I will order the Wood Trim later and do the installation by myself.
Nevertheless, on this Forum, polls state that about 34% ordered the MDX with a touring package and 36% ordered touring + Navi. Why are so many people willing to pay $2600 for the Touring package? Maybe the people, who can spend $37k for the MDX, do not care about the $2600.
Is the Touring package really worth it or necessary? What is your opinion?
S W
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pick up my Mdx GG W/Navi tomorrow!
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Everyone has different needs, I for one don't need to spend $2,000. extra for a navigation system that I would hardly ever use. I listen to alot of music so better sound system is important.
I would like to add some more accessories, but I don't need to all at once. Some of us are not gadget masters like you and able to install all these things ourselves. What may not be worth it to you, may be worth it to some one else...
Your choice is not the best choice for another person.
I think the touring package is a little pricey myself but will pay because I for one don't like the wheels on the base model. I also heard that unless you are in a metropolitan area, the navigation doesn't show alot of the smaller streets.
I say to each his own. Be satisfied with what you got and let others be happy with what they have....
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A loaded MDX costs 13% more than a base? I mean I like the options they bring to the table, but for that price, I can get the options I want for less. Now I did get the running boards (yet to be received/installed) and the CD changer on my base. If I had found this board with some additional information on the CD changer before I ordered, I would have put it in myself. I’m just of the opinion that options are almost always overpriced. So it does come down to personal perference but also resell. Sometimes when people are buying used cars they only want the loaded version of the vehicle. To each his/her own.
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quote:
Originally posted by nycMDX
After 11 painful weeks, my MDX has finally arrived. Yesterday I received a call from Montclair Acura Dealer. My MDX GG w/ Navi had arrived there. They asked me to pick it up tomorrow (Saturday). I am very excited. However, I do not understand why I didn’t get VIN # until today (Usually, people would have got it a week or so earlier).
I ordered MDX base + Navi without Touring package. Because I think $2600 for the Touring package was just not worth it...
Like other posters have said, it's a matter of personal preference. My opinion on the Touring Package components:
1. Memory Seats
Absolutely great when different people drive the car. It's equally great when valets and car wash people screw around with the seats and mirrors.
2. Bose Stereo
I wish I had the audio skills and knowledge some of the posters on this board have. Audiophiles talk in detail in other threads about the deficiencies of the Bose system and some of the improvements they intend to make. For me the sound is fine, love the 6-disk in-dash player, and like the steering wheel controls and Nav integration. The biggest benefits of "factory install" are the 4-year warranty and not having to worry about getting your money back for an expensive custom system at resale.
3. Roof Rack
Never used it on other SUV's I've had - probably won't use it on the MDX. For me its just cosmetic "trim".
4. Wheels
More attractive than base but I doubt they cost Acura any more.
5. Tires
Michelin’s seem to be better than the standard Goodyear’s.
6. Power Passenger Seat
Totally unimportant but the passengers I've had like to play with it.
As for the Nav system, it really is cool. I'm kind of a techno geek by trade so for me it was worth it. I needed cash for the car wash the other day and the Nav system found an ATM four blocks away that I never would have been able to find on my own. I drive in NY and NJ where traffic can spontaneously implode. The detour feature found a route through local neighborhoods from Manhattan to JFK that was actually faster than my regular highway route. If you live in a major urban area you could probably justify the expense based on “safety” because you can never get lost and you always know your exact location. I do wish that Acura integrated a cell phone/On Star into the system the way MB did in the ML.
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Well, I was in the situtation where I made my first call to Acura thinking the basic SS system would be fine , and found out first that they were taking orders for March (this was November, I was naive back then), and then found out that there was an SS with touring and navi that someone turned down coming in the next week.
After several seconds of soul-searching, I thought "I bet I could learn to live with that." Put my $500 deposit down.
Financially, it went from a real lot (and no car)to a real lot and then some, and an incredible machine that I just turned 6K on, and still wipe off those road salt spots each time I pull it in the garage.
Had I passed on this, my back end would be black and blue, from kicking myself, on a daily basis. |
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Is it worth it?
In a word-- NO.
It is a total rip-off for what you get.
Having said that, I've got it. Lots of nice to haves. Bose is better than base, still so-so. I use the rack. Like the tires. Memory seats are the biggest advantage.
Heck, $2600 on a 35k vehicle. Besides, Acura needs to make some money, and they make alot on the touring- probably 1400 profit. (Thats corporate, not including the dealers cut.)
Ard |
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It is DEFINITELY worth it !
:D
Starlight Silver Metallic with Navigation & Touring package.
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| To repeat the others, it really does come down to preferences. I have no need for the extra options, I personally don't think they are worth the extra money. But that's my opinion. I frankly would rather save the $3000.00 in options + tax,and do something else with the money. I really can't see how you can wrong once you've gotten your MDX, the touring +/- Navi is simply icing on the cake. |
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| Personally I think when you spend close to 40 grand on a luxury vehicle I don't think an additional 3 or 4 grand is a big deal in the general scheme of things to get the additional features both these packages offer ESPECIALLY THE EXCELLENT NAVIGATION SYSTEM - I personally find it hard to believe that anyone can say that the Navigation system is not worth it for them - You may not use it all the time like some of us, but hasn't anyone ever been in an unfamiliar neighborhood, maybe visiting someone and needed to find the nearest ATM urgently ?? ......well but that's just my opinion ;) |
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I DON'T CARE.
YES, they are too much (Tour/Navi).
BUT, I LOVE them anyway!!! :) As my wife and I frequently switch cars, the Memory Seat has been a treasured commodity.
If you're worrying about 2 or 4k at this point, buy an RX300, they're practically giving them away. ;) |
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Whether or not it's "worth it" is purely personal preferences. No one thinks less of you if you don't get it, or do get it.
We love having the 6-disk in-dash CD changer (unlike the RX's "in-dash" changer which is in the glovebox! or the ML320's current CD changer which is in the cargo compartment!). The memory seats are a luxury-convenience for when we switch drivers.
And when we do switch drivers, having power adjustments in the passenger seat is another luxury touch in getting it the way the passenger wants it. Plus we can get more comfortable because it has extra adjustments in it (seat height up/down, cushion tilt up/down). If there's switching between passengers of sharply differing height, it's a real drag to not be able to adjust the seat height (in the base) (others don't have this issue, and could care less, and that's fine too).
The tilt mirror actually works for us. The roof rack for us is purely a styling element (we think the vehicle looks naked without one), though that can easily be added if you don't buy the Touring Package.
The Michelin Cross-Terrain SUV tires are definitely better than the Goodyear Integrity's. The Integrity's are good enough, but have been criticized in tests on vehicles like the RX300, which also has them. Hopefully the MDX's better handling will make up for the rubber. On Edmunds, a few test drivers have gotten the Goodyears to squeal but haven't been able to do so with the Cross-Terrains.
Sure you can replace the Goodyears with Michelins for the money, but realistically, how many people actually replace brand new tires? If you replace them when they wear out, that's fine too. But having them to start means you have 2-4 years of enjoying them, which could be most or even the entire term of your ownership.
Bottom line for us, and this is purely personal preference and there's nothing wrong with going either way, is that we thought the MDX without the Touring Package wasn't what we, personally, expected in a luxury SUV. Our definition of "luxury SUV" was not being stuck with a manual passenger seat that we couldn't raise or lower, and having seat memory, like other luxury SUV's have. Our accountant might not find it worth it, but yes it was definitely worth it. |
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Here are a couple of other things to think about. All but a few of us are paying MSRP for the MDX. MSRP is full retail price except for those exercising their right to pay more for something. Dealer invoice is the wholesale price. If you turn over vehicles frequently, the wholesale price is important since some discount off of that is what most often you are going to receive on a trade-in. A better equipped MDX will have a higher value in the future than a base model and most likely will be easier to sell as a used car - excuse me - a previously owned vehicle, than one that is not. If you plan to drive the MDX into the ground within 8 to 10 years the above won't matter much, but if you try to get rid of it much sooner, think seriously about get the touring package.
In my own situation, I like toys and gadgets plus my previous SUVs all had most of this stuff with the exception of the navigation system. Bottom line, I am used to creature comforts and do not mind paying for them. But remember your accountant may recommend taking the $2,500 and buy a 100 shares of a mutual fund but memory seats and a better stereo are a lot more fun! |
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| YES, YES , YES! THE ADDITIONAL $ IS NOTHING IF IT WILL BE PUT ON YOUR MONTHLY, WHICH IS ROUGHLY $ 20.00 TO $50.00 THE MOST. WHEN YOU DO YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENTS YOU WILL NOT NOTICE IT AFTER AWHILE. YOU GET ALL THE HOP UPS FOR A FAIR AMOUNT OF MONEY WITH THE ADDITIONAL PEACE OF MIND IN THE FORM OF A FACTORY WARRANTY. THE ONLY THING THAT WAS NOT WORTH IT IS THE BOSE SYSTEM. IT REALLY BITES THE BIG ONE. IT WAS VERY DISSAPOINTING BUT OF COURSE I CONSIDER MYSELF AN AVID AUDIOPHILE AND THERE ARE NOT A LOT OF OEM SYSTEMS THAT WILL SATISFY ME. THE MARK LEVINSON SYSTEM ON THE NEW LS AND SC LEXUS MODELS I READ IN CAR STEREO REVIEW DID GET A REALLY GOOD REVIEW BUT OF COURSE THIS IS A $ 3000.00 OPTION. BESIDES THE STEREO SYSTEM EVERYTHING ELSE IN THE TOURING MODEL IS WORTH THE EXTRA PAYMENTS. |
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It is a good value when you consider what it would cost you for all the individual pieces.
Good luck with your choice. |
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"worth" is a funny word, no?
Even folks who recommend buying the package, say it is not "worth" it. (or some parts aren't) But still recommend it.
I think this paradox is the reason it is a tough decision.
Some of you folks may have been around (over at town hall, I mean) when there was no pricing announced. (September 00) The only glimpse of the touring price was in a review article where they were told by Acura "around $1000".
This is what it is worth. Maybe 1500.
As a result almsot EVERYBODY was ordering the package. or getting on the dealer waitlists. Acura looks at all the dealer's waitlist reports- heck, lots of Touring packages, don't you know. Acura THEN set the price, and all the early orderers got to eat the $2600 tag.
I'll say it again- IMHO not "worth" it, but what the heck, sure has a few nice touches- go for it.
Ard |
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What's up Ard!
I agee with your last reply on this subject. I like your take on this matter. Now that you showed us where our extra $$$$ went; straight to Acura's deeper pockets! Then I would have to agree that it was not worth it, but as you said it still nice to have it--got that straight to the point. Good point Ard!!!! |
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| "Is it worth it ?" which I think it is a very subjective question and I bet that you will get a lot of different answers. For me, if I only have 2-2.5$K to spend on option, I will choose the Touring package over the Navi system in no time; especailly if you have two adult drivers alternately driving the car and you will love the memory package. The Touring also help the re-sale value of the car too. But that is only my personal opinion and which shall not be yours. Anyway, let's enjoy what you picked and don't bother other people choice. Happy MDXing. |
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Last week I was cleaning out my garage. Thought I had everything put back. A while later as I was backing out, I glanced in the passenger side mirror (which, you'll recall, angles down in reverse in the Touring edition), and noticed my wheelbarrow. It was right in line for me to run over. When I pulled forward and the mirror returned to it's normal position, I could not see the wheelbarrow. Don't think there would have been too much damage, but it got me thinking...suppose that was a little kid, or a dog or cat or anything at all that you value?
Is the Touring package worth it??? |
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and what if that cat/dog/child/barrow was in the middle and not on the right side? the tilt down feature may be useful there, but i'd rather rely on being more cautious going backwards, especially pulling in reverse from garage.
on the contrary, when i drove my friends' 540 beemer, and tried to park it standing on double parking on the street - i set on reverse and started moving and at the same time the freaking side mirror tilted down and showed me the pavement instead of the sides of the parked car! I almost hit it.
IMHO, if I need to see the curb when parking the truck, I will apply my fingers to MANUALLY tilt it down! |
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| If you don't like the passenger window tilt down feature, you can always suppress it by "not" putting the power mirror switch in the middle / off position. |
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| Yes... I'm quite happy with Touring / Navi... origially, was planning on ordering base, then thought...(certainly no hard data) that 4-5 yrs down the l,ine, would recoup a higher percentage of cost on selling/trading. Also, I do enjoy the Bose...(certainly not perfect, but good)... like the wheels, love the Michelins, and both my wife and I like the power passenger seat.... so, for me, "worth it"! |
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Touring package is worth it to us. One big reason was the memory seat and you do get other options for the money. It's alot of money but "worth" it to us.
Noticed you opted for the Navi. We did not get the GPS. It was NOT "worth" it to us. Everyone has their own needs.
Repeating what others said, "To each his/her own." |
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The resale or trade-in value alone justifies paying for the touring package on the front end.
What with inflation as it is, the $2500 won't mean much to you 3 to 10 yrs from now.
But in the meantime you'll be enjoying the top of the line MDX.
Also, I understand that Honda will soon begin selling their scaled down version of the MDX.
Honda's may have a different name and all that sort of smokescreen.
All the more reason to own the Luxo version if it fits into your budget.
Have the fun, have the luxury, have the prestige.
"Never buy what you don't want just because it's cheap"
Thomas Jefferson |
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| As the old saying goes.... "He (she) who dies with the most toys, wins!" The upgrades in the touring package were worth it for me (personal preference). |
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Now that my car has been at the dealer 5 (!) times in the last 3 1/2 months, and each time they had to take it on a test drive (resetting my mirrors/driver seat to their liking), I wish I had opted for Touring package just for "Memory" feature!!! :( I did not care too much about Bose in the 1st place, tilt-down mirror - no biggie - I anyway have a right mirror set-up to the low-outside position (for better road observation/blind spot elimination). Any lower, I'd be seeing my front wheels. :) I bought the roof rack separately. So, I thought to myself - since I am the only driver in the family, who needs the memory seats for $2K? If I could only know that my dealer would drive my car almost as often as me. :( :( :(
Next time (tomorrow) I bring the car in, I should ask them if they can give me just the memory seats/mirrors!!! :) Ot shouls I call Acura TLC? They just have to make sure they keep the old leather - all the fuzzy hairs have been plucked out with eye-brow tweezers. :) |
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| I did not need any of the features that the Touring package had to offer. Saved the $2600 + tax and spent it on the accessories instead. To me, it is important that they both have the same engine and same chasis design. Touring or no touring, it looks better and performs better than any SUV currently out on the market at this price. |
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quote:
Originally posted by vip9
Now that my car has been at the dealer 5 (!) times in the last 3 1/2 months, and each time they had to take it on a test drive (resetting my mirrors/driver seat to their liking), I wish I had opted for Touring package just for "Memory" feature!!! :( I did not care too much about Bose in the 1st place, tilt-down mirror - no biggie - I anyway have a right mirror set-up to the low-outside position (for better road observation/blind spot elimination). Any lower, I'd be seeing my front wheels. :) I bought the roof rack separately. So, I thought to myself - since I am the only driver in the family, who needs the memory seats for $2K? If I could only know that my dealer would drive my car almost as often as me. :( :( :(
Next time (tomorrow) I bring the car in, I should ask them if they can give me just the memory seats/mirrors!!! :) Ot shouls I call Acura TLC? They just have to make sure they keep the old leather - all the fuzzy hairs have been plucked out with eye-brow tweezers. :)
Hey vip9
could you tell me what your MDX has been in the shop for 5 times?? Would you consider the vehicle not very reliable?? Have you owned other Hondas/Toyotas before and is the reliability subpar in comparison to a Typical Honda??? Your response will greatly help me!!!
Thanks!
Vic |
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Hey, Vic.
There are detailed reports of "my" problems in the Problems folder (most recently in The Thud thread). If that will not be enough to satisfy your need for information, email me. No need to litter this thread with "whining" (as Remery would say :))
Honoring the topic of this thread, Touring package or not, I find my MDX (so far) MUCH LESS reliable than my Subaru Outback I drove for the past 5 years. |
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quote:
Originally posted by vip9
Hey, Vic.
There are detailed reports of "my" problems in the Problems folder (most recently in The Thud thread). If that will not be enough to satisfy your need for information, email me. No need to litter this thread with "whining" (as Remery would say :))
Honoring the topic of this thread, Touring package or not, I find my MDX (so far) MUCH LESS reliable than my Subaru Outback I drove for the past 5 years.
......Don't know why I didn't think of it ! :o Anyways did a search under your name and found all the info I needed
Thank You! |
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| when did you order your MDX from Montclair? I have one on order. |
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fuelna:
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when did you order your MDX from Montclair? I have one on order.
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I ordered my Granite Green. W/Naiv on 10/28/00 at Montclair Acura N.J.
I was the #1 for this Color/Trim MDX on this dealer's list since Nov./2000.
My dealer said they never receive this type of MDX since beginning.
I received My MDX on 2/23/01.(11 weeks waiting)
I do not know the status in Montclair now.
______________________________________________
N.Y.C. Queens, GG W/Navi MDX |
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