After giving up on finding an MDX earlier in the year, I am again looking around. By some miracle, my local dealer has a Black/Ebony 02-Touring model on the lot now (I test drove it today), and three others coming in before Christmas. Prices are fair too (MSRP). Right now, I am inclined to wait for one of the Redrock models, as the Black/Ebony combo seemed to be warm even on this 70F day. It would probably be crazy hot in the 95F days we get in the summer.
After a thorough test drive, I came away somewhat disappointed, and would like to get some feedback on a few issues from current MDX owners. I really like the MDX, but have a few nagging doubts. Here are my concerns:
1) Wind noise still seems to be a problem even on the 02 model. Overall, the car is quieter than my current ride (00 Subaru Outback), but the wind noise really stuck out on the MDX.
2) Roof racks seems to be there for show -- I can't imagine a more useless configuration. What's more, the antenna is really in the way (why hasn't Acura gone to an in-glass antenna on the MDX?). I know I could install my own racks (requiring some drilling), but that seems like a cruel joke when I am paying $38K for a vehicle.
3) Bose Stereo -- is it my imagination, or is this not very good? It actually sounded worse than my Subaru radio, which was shocking to me. I brought a few CDs along for the test drive, and was very underwhelmed. One of the CDs was even mastered with higher sound levels and enhanced equalization (for testing purposes) and usually makes any stereo sound good. The MDX stereo was kind of flat. Nowhere near as good as the unit I had in a recent model Honda Prelude, by the way. If there was a subwoofer in the MDX, I couldn't really tell.
Overall I like the MDX. It rides and drives great, and the engine/transmission combo is just about perfect. But these issues make me question the vehicle's "value". It just seems overpriced at $38K. I have no problem spending the $$, but I am starting to wonder if it may be better spent on something else. I would really appreciate the comments of other owners and shoppers.
Thanks for your help,
Craig
After a thorough test drive, I came away somewhat disappointed, and would like to get some feedback on a few issues from current MDX owners. I really like the MDX, but have a few nagging doubts. Here are my concerns:
1) Wind noise still seems to be a problem even on the 02 model. Overall, the car is quieter than my current ride (00 Subaru Outback), but the wind noise really stuck out on the MDX.
2) Roof racks seems to be there for show -- I can't imagine a more useless configuration. What's more, the antenna is really in the way (why hasn't Acura gone to an in-glass antenna on the MDX?). I know I could install my own racks (requiring some drilling), but that seems like a cruel joke when I am paying $38K for a vehicle.
3) Bose Stereo -- is it my imagination, or is this not very good? It actually sounded worse than my Subaru radio, which was shocking to me. I brought a few CDs along for the test drive, and was very underwhelmed. One of the CDs was even mastered with higher sound levels and enhanced equalization (for testing purposes) and usually makes any stereo sound good. The MDX stereo was kind of flat. Nowhere near as good as the unit I had in a recent model Honda Prelude, by the way. If there was a subwoofer in the MDX, I couldn't really tell.
Overall I like the MDX. It rides and drives great, and the engine/transmission combo is just about perfect. But these issues make me question the vehicle's "value". It just seems overpriced at $38K. I have no problem spending the $$, but I am starting to wonder if it may be better spent on something else. I would really appreciate the comments of other owners and shoppers.
Thanks for your help,
Craig