[mvl]

The 20 MDX (to my knowledge) still uses the same infrared headphones that my 08 Odyssey used. Amazon has tons of no-name brands that are Honda/Acura compatible and work fine for under $30. You can add as many as you like as the infrared light is beamed anywhere except the front row.

I still hold firm that Acuracare is worth the $$ if you buy it online where it is sold near cost.
1) Acuracare pays the dealer for parts without markup, and forces a low/no-margin labor rate. My view is that both of these factors result in coming out ahead on average.
2) I had an Acura person tell me once that after the finance agent takes their markup, American Honda makes makes very little margin on people who keep their car for all of the Acura care duration. Most of the American Honda margin is from people who trade in their cars, and either forget to ask for the prorated refund, or even those who get a prorated refund pay proportionately for early ownership years where less repairs occur.
3) Acuracare is priced per model not per trim, eg: all MDXs get the same price if the same MY/mileage. So Advance owners have all non-Advance customers subsidizing the cost of all those electronic features.

I know I'm an unlucky one, but I've already got $5000 worth of repairs covered free by Acuracare in just the first 5000 miles after the factory warranty expired.

 

[mdxstang]

I know I'm an unlucky one, but I've already got $5000 worth of repairs covered free by Acuracare in just the first 5000 miles after the factory warranty expired.

Looking at it another way - you're a lucky one for being able to get the value out of the extended warranty you bought despite the odds (IMO). It's a bittersweet type of victory but in your case I'm glad it ended up to be worth the gamble for you...sorta...but would've been better to have no problems and leave it unexercised...I guess.

 

[mrgold35]

I have until the end of February of 2023 before my 4/50k basic warranty expires with time. Really leaning towards getting 5/120k Acuracare because I’m planning to keep my 19 MDX hybrid around 150,000 miles and anything that breaks on this vehicle seems to be +$1000. There is a standard EV component warranty of 8/100k for those parts .No issue or warranty work so far with +41,000 miles.

 

[Krauthawk]

Thanks so much for the great replies everyone!
@Krauthawk yes I am a Hawkeye fan. Nearly lifelong Iowan except for 5 years when I lived in Ohio and North Carolina. Watch a lot of Hawkeye basketball and football. Haven't gotten as much into wrestling yet which is ironic because that's the sport I think we are probably best at!

I ended up putting a deposit on a 2020 Advance w/Entertainment and Towing packages. Had everything I wanted so just went for it!

I tend to usually buy black but this one is silver with the lighter colored interior leather. does that light colored leather tend to hold up or look stained and worn faster than the black would? I know it all depends how well you care for it...I have kids though so I'm slightly worried about the light colored interior, but it's a change from the previous black/black MDX's we've owned in the past so thought we'd try something different. Any recommendations for cleaning the ligher interiors? Armor-All wipes or soap/water or a specialized cleaning product?

I have a deposit down but haven't signed the purchase agreement yet but everything is aligned to go with it.
Tried to sell me extended warranty for $3790 and I thought about it but declined since we were already at top of budget.
Did go with a $400 "diamond" coating for the windshield that supposedly reduces glare and halo-ing. I have trouble at night...anyone else try such a coating? Supposedly lasts 5 years.
Also having running boards installed. Will help with the kids and older mother-in-law get in the vehicle easier.

You can run extra headphones with the entertainment package right? So everyone in the rear could use headphones if they wanted? Vehicle comes with two but thought about getting more for other passengers. Will likely drive this vehicle to OHio within the next few weeks and the kids and mother in law will likely want to watch some movies.

Excited but also still thinking I'm crazy for spending this much.
In the past we bought our 2005 MDX for around $10k (in 2012), and our 2007 MDX for $8700 (in 2017).
Most we've ever spent on a car was my wife's 2017 Chevy Volt @ $13,500. Spending triple that on this MDX, including all out the door costs, windshield coating, and delivery ($600 delivery charge).

Although I think it will last us quite a long time. The Volt is the commuter car that gets mosto f the miles. I work from home. We might keep the 2007 MDX as a beater/back-up vehicle. so the 2020 MDX will likely just get taken on road trips and times when we feel like taking the "nice car."

Was also considering a Ford Bronco Sport, Chevy Bolt EUV, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, or waiting for the EV Blazer, but the '07 MDX is getting rougher and we need two reliable vehicles right now. One has to be AWD, and 7 seater is a big plus so the MDX makes a lot of sense for us. Ideally wanted to stay under $30k but stretched a bit for the Advance MDX.

Would consider the VW ID.Buzz or Ioniq 7 or Blazer EV next I think. We do like electric vehicles. My wife gets average 84 mpg in her hybrid Volt. All electric seems like a no-brainer for a commuter car.

Anyway rambling now but glad my current car search appears to be over and I think I found a good one with the 2020 MDX Advance/Entertainment and towing packages!

Great to hear you are finalizing a deal on a 20 Advance. I think you will like it a lot with all of it’s features and it should give you many years and miles of trouble free driving. Just make sure you perform all the required maintenance yourself or by a reputable shop. It really is an easy vehicle to maintain yourself if you are up to the tasks, but can understand if you wish to opt out. And not many Acura dealers in IA (Des Moines is the only one I can think of), but there are numerous Honda dealers around the state if you decide to go that route.

Sounds like you have received a number of good responses to your inquiries so I will only add that I’m not big on extended warranties. I read a study a couple years back that showed only 1 in 5 individuals that took one out, recouped all or more than what they paid in. So I would tend to steer away from them (Dealers offer them because they are BIG moneymakers!), but with all the features new cars give you now days, can understand why some people get them. And as stated above, if I was to get one, it would be AcuraCare. Having worked and retired from American Honda, AcuraCare is (or was when I retired) probably the better option.

Let us know what you ended up with and if you have any additional questions. I‘m not on this forum as much as I used to, but many good resources here.

And lastly, glad to see another Hawkeye fan on this forum. I was born and raised on an eastern Iowa farm and although I haven’t lived there since 06 (worked the last 10 years in OH and retired 7 years ago to TN), I get back to IA a couple times a year for FB games and visit friends/family. Once a Hawk, always a Hawk!

 

[elvisfan]

I have until the end of February of 2023 before my 4/50k basic warranty expires with time. Really leaning towards getting 5/120k Acuracare because I’m planning to keep my 19 MDX hybrid around 150,000 miles and anything that breaks on this vehicle seems to be +$1000. There is a standard EV component warranty of 8/100k for those parts .No issue or warranty work so far with +41,000 miles.

17 hybrid advance. Zero warranty issues. I have the 7/100000. Almost wishing something would break.

 

[Av8rtrav]

Thanks so much for the great replies everyone!
@Krauthawk yes I am a Hawkeye fan. Nearly lifelong Iowan except for 5 years when I lived in Ohio and North Carolina. Watch a lot of Hawkeye basketball and football. Haven't gotten as much into wrestling yet which is ironic because that's the sport I think we are probably best at!

I ended up putting a deposit on a 2020 Advance w/Entertainment and Towing packages. Had everything I wanted so just went for it!

I tend to usually buy black but this one is silver with the lighter colored interior leather. does that light colored leather tend to hold up or look stained and worn faster than the black would? I know it all depends how well you care for it...I have kids though so I'm slightly worried about the light colored interior, but it's a change from the previous black/black MDX's we've owned in the past so thought we'd try something different. Any recommendations for cleaning the ligher interiors? Armor-All wipes or soap/water or a specialized cleaning product?

I have a deposit down but haven't signed the purchase agreement yet but everything is aligned to go with it.
Tried to sell me extended warranty for $3790 and I thought about it but declined since we were already at top of budget.
Did go with a $400 "diamond" coating for the windshield that supposedly reduces glare and halo-ing. I have trouble at night...anyone else try such a coating? Supposedly lasts 5 years.
Also having running boards installed. Will help with the kids and older mother-in-law get in the vehicle easier.

You can run extra headphones with the entertainment package right? So everyone in the rear could use headphones if they wanted? Vehicle comes with two but thought about getting more for other passengers. Will likely drive this vehicle to OHio within the next few weeks and the kids and mother in law will likely want to watch some movies.

Excited but also still thinking I'm crazy for spending this much.
In the past we bought our 2005 MDX for around $10k (in 2012), and our 2007 MDX for $8700 (in 2017).
Most we've ever spent on a car was my wife's 2017 Chevy Volt @ $13,500. Spending triple that on this MDX, including all out the door costs, windshield coating, and delivery ($600 delivery charge).

Although I think it will last us quite a long time. The Volt is the commuter car that gets mosto f the miles. I work from home. We might keep the 2007 MDX as a beater/back-up vehicle. so the 2020 MDX will likely just get taken on road trips and times when we feel like taking the "nice car."

Was also considering a Ford Bronco Sport, Chevy Bolt EUV, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, or waiting for the EV Blazer, but the '07 MDX is getting rougher and we need two reliable vehicles right now. One has to be AWD, and 7 seater is a big plus so the MDX makes a lot of sense for us. Ideally wanted to stay under $30k but stretched a bit for the Advance MDX.

Would consider the VW ID.Buzz or Ioniq 7 or Blazer EV next I think. We do like electric vehicles. My wife gets average 84 mpg in her hybrid Volt. All electric seems like a no-brainer for a commuter car.

Anyway rambling now but glad my current car search appears to be over and I think I found a good one with the 2020 MDX Advance/Entertainment and towing packages!

Congrats!! I think you were smart on a newer model. I plan to take my mdx in the spring for the transmission reprogram service bulletin, which allegedly the 19 and newer models don't suffer from. Mine is 18 ADV. Bought mine CPO and no problems other than frustration over the non-adjustable roof crossmember mounting location. Can't mount a bike front facing because the gate spoiler will crush into the bike tray. Thanks, Acura. BTW, buy a healthy supply of name brand fob batteries. We seem to go through them rather quickly, but bought Amazon off brand fob batteries and they are not lasting long at all.

 

[Icculus]

IMO the 2018 Advance comes with enough extra features to justify it over even a newer 2020 tech model. The Tech models haven't changed much over time, and a 2020 Tech is basically the same as a 2018 Tech. The only items that the 2019/2020 Adv models have over the 2018 Adv are the adaptive suspension and wider rimes/tires. The base suspension is good enough (which you'd have in a 2020 Tech anyway) and you can always upgrade the rims/tires if you really wanted to.

 

[Icculus]

I'm surprised auto dimming side mirrors are adv trim only, they are a must have for me - extremely useful.

Once you go Advance you can't go back. I feel like I'm spoiled and couldn't live without some of the Adv-only features.

 

[Icculus]

I tend to usually buy black but this one is silver with the lighter colored interior leather. does that light colored leather tend to hold up or look stained and worn faster than the black would?

I have the Graystone interior and think it looks great with the Blue exterior. IMHO not sure how I feel about it on silver. Anyway, take good care of it and it will continue to look good.

 

[Av8rtrav]

Once you go Advance you can't go back. I feel like I'm spoiled and couldn't live without some of the Adv-only features.

Agreed, especially the heated wheel. My Altima heated steering wheel pails in comparison, it is such a joke. Takes several minutes to get warm, and never gets hot. With that said, I can't help but think the clock spring on the Acura is going to be a maintenance item with that much power running through such a skimpy device.

 

[Icculus]

With that said, I can't help but think the clock spring on the Acura is going to be a maintenance item with that much power running through such a skimpy device.

Clock spring?

 

[Av8rtrav]

Clock spring?

That is what sends power and communicates with your steering wheel electronics.

 

[Icculus]

That is what sends power and communicates with your steering wheel electronics.

Ah. Didn't know those are called "clock springs." Learn something new everyday I suppose!
Anyway, I doubt there are any problems with them. I've never heard of them failing and these have been used for decades on many different vehicles. Tens and Tens of millions of cars, most of which have some degree of steering wheel controls.

 

[Av8rtrav]

Ah. Didn't know those are called "clock springs." Learn something new everyday I suppose!
Anyway, I doubt there are any problems with them. I've never heard of them failing and these have been used for decades on many different vehicles. Tens and Tens of millions of cars, most of which have some degree of steering wheel controls.

Agreed mostly except with heated portion. That is a ton of current traveling through a very thin ribbon to heat the steering wheel. There have been several folks on here also who have experienced the dash lit up like a Christmas tree because of shorts on the clock spring. Unfortunately has been reported on here a few times as needing replaced.

 

[Hawkeye83]

Agreed mostly except with heated portion. That is a ton of current traveling through a very thin ribbon to heat the steering wheel. There have been several folks on here also who have experienced the dash lit up like a Christmas tree because of shorts on the clock spring. Unfortunately has been reported on here a few times as needing replaced.

Good to know on this!
So IF we buy something now it will be a 2020 MDX Advance with Entertainment and towing packages. Sticker price just under $36k. I have a refundable deposit on one but I'm getting cold feet. Like I said previously, most we've ever spent on a car was $13.5k on my wife's 2017 Chevy Volt. Doing the math, we can clearly afford this vehicle (thanks to my wife LOL) but it's a matter of "should we" not "could we." Other option is to just run the current vehicles into the ground and hope for the best. 2007 MDX has 196,000 miles on it. 2017 Volt has 140,000.

More rough math - between "estimated" yearly maintenance on the 2007 over the next 7 years (I figured $1400 year, maybe, average?...some more, some less, some none?), cheaper registration, and cheaper insurance, it will cost around $17k over that time. Meanwhile, the 2020 will cost $63k between car payments, increased insurance, and MUCH high registration fee ($50 for the 2007 vs. $650 for the 2020). $46k difference. Again we can afford it but...should we?

To get personal, Full disclosure household income is a little over $200k and we live in a cheap house (under $100k) in the middle of nowhere Iowa. No other real debt besides the house. We've got $2700/month extra to play with, after all bills and after socking away 40% of our take-home pay, right off the top (and that doesn't count medical and 401(k) already being deducted). Monthly payment would be only $470. Just getting cold feet! We could pay off the house with that $63k over the next 7 years, or re-side it, or other home improvements. Take a lot of vacations, etc.

On the flip side of the coin, we'd have a reliable vehicle for the next decade or more, with some really nice safety features.

I know only I can decide this, just having a hard time pulling the trigger for some reason. I have until Saturday to decide.

 

[Hawkeye83]

On another note, what's y'all's impression of the Acura Lane Keep Assist? Work well, basically drive itself for the most part? I drove a Ford Bronco Sport (2022) this past winter and it was awesome, it would take reasonably sharp curves at 80 mph, no problem, all on its own. I watched a Youtube video and it looked like the Acura RDX did a good job, other than around some exit ramps, when it lost sight of the lines and the driver had to intervene. One big plus for me with the newer MDX is ease of driving with the Lane Keep Assist, especially on long trips (which we only take maybe 5 per year, but still).

 

[maliszewski18]

I have a 2000 and

Hey All,
It's been awhile! This board looks a lot different than last time I was here, which I suppose is a good thing. Meaning it's still up and running, and active! And I typically only stop by when I have a problem to troubleshoot, meaning I haven't had any Acura troubles in awhile!

This will be our 3rd MDX.
In the past we have owned a 2005 and a 2007.

Just wanting to know if I need to consider anything...anything I am not thinking about or should know about...when deciding between a 2018 Advance pkg vs. a 2020 Technology pkg? Same price, same mileage,both good shape.
I do like 2 years newer, but the Advanced package does have some nice features.
Are the 2020 models much/any more reliable than the 2018 models?
I seem to be seeing transmission problems on the 2017's so avoiding those.

Which would you choose and why?
From what I'm seeing the Advance would have the captain's chairs, surround view camera, heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel, and sunshades. Anything else I'm missing?
I just wish the captain's chairs were like they are in the new models, with the center completely removable.
Just seems a bit worthless as they are. You can't walk through the center two. The center console may as well just be another seat with fold-down armrest/cupholder. I guess unless you need more storage in the 2nd row, it looks like a decent-sized storage bin? Anyone here have the captain's chairs and regretted it or ended up liking it?

Or I could get a 2018 base model for $6k cheaper than these, but it's been in two accidents (clean title). I think I'd miss some of the features such as the blind spot warnings. I think the Base model also doesn't have remote start, correct?

Appreciate any input/things I should be considering!

I have a 2019 advance if I could go back and do it all over again. I would have gone with the tech and saved a few thousand bucks.

 

[mrgold35]

On another note, what's y'all's impression of the Acura Lane Keep Assist? Work well, basically drive itself for the most part? I drove a Ford Bronco Sport (2022) this past winter and it was awesome, it would take reasonably sharp curves at 80 mph, no problem, all on its own. I watched a Youtube video and it looked like the Acura RDX did a good job, other than around some exit ramps, when it lost sight of the lines and the driver had to intervene. One big plus for me with the newer MDX is ease of driving with the Lane Keep Assist, especially on long trips (which we only take maybe 5 per year, but still).

I like the LKAS and RDM. I keep RDM on all the time and use LKAS on road trip. Not really a self driving or self steering system. I use it more like a steering assist system for long road trips. Sometimes the roads are a little uneven with a crown in the center, LKAS helps with a lot of slow curves at hwy speeds, or you might have stiff crosswind is when LKAS really comes in handy to reduce driver's fatigue on a 4-12 road trip. It also keeps me honest when lane changing because I have to use my signal to deactivate LKAS/RDM for a few seconds so I don't get the warnings.

 

[Hawkeye83]

I like the LKAS and RDM. I keep RDM on all the time and use LKAS on road trip. Not really a self driving or self steering system. I use it more like a steering assist system for long road trips. Sometimes the roads are a little uneven with a crown in the center, LKAS helps with a lot of slow curves at hwy speeds, or you might have stiff crosswind is when LKAS really comes in handy to reduce driver's fatigue on a 4-12 road trip. It also keeps me honest when lane changing because I have to use my signal to deactivate LKAS/RDM for a few seconds so I don't get the warnings.

Thanks for the reply. I watched this video and it appears like it "can" largely-self-drive. But yeah reducing driving fatigue is the big thing on those long trips. Seems like it's going to react much like it did in the 2022 Bronco Sport I drove. It was awesome!

Also watched this GM Super Cruise video. Seems even better, but only on GM-mapped roads.

Video on the Bronco Sport I drove (not my video)

Bronco sport practically drives itself w adaptive cruise and lane assistance

Bronco sport with co pilot assist plus almost drives itself . Very impressive and stress free driving.

www.youtube.com

 

[plympton]

Thanks for the reply. I watched this video and it appears like it "can" largely-self-drive. But yeah reducing driving fatigue is the big thing on those long trips. Seems like it's going to react much like it did in the 2022 Bronco Sport I drove. It was awesome!

The LKAS and ACC on my 2014 aren't perfect, but I'll echo that they really reduce the passive stress of driving. I feel like I can focus on the potential dangers more, and engage with my passenger more.