[Silver2002]

Hey, just wondering if any new MDX owners in Canada can answer a few questions for me. First, are the numbers between the 2HNYD_ _ _ _ _ H000001 suppose to be the same for all MDX's built, or are they suppose to be different for each vehicle built? (the 5 numbers between the "D" and the last "H")

Does anyone know what each letter or number stands for in the VIN?

What about side body molding? Is it available in Canada? Has any Canadian owners or purchasers put body molding on their truck? If so, what colour is it? Does Acura custom make them to match the body colour of the vehicle?

 

[Robbie]

BSM in Canada

The dealer knew nothing about the BSM's - other then to tell me he felt it would not look good. Showed him some pics I downloaded from the forum and 5 minutes later came back with a price of $310+/- but remember this is installed . Told him I could get them from US (Tim) @ $98 US ($155 CDN) and he told me "that can't be Acura's. (It is amazing how much this guy learned in 5 minutes) Anyway I'm going to get them from Tim (I'm only 2 hours away and have relatives that live 20 minutes from Tim.

 

[admin]

Which dealership was it? I presume it's in Toronto?

 

[Silver2002]

Hey robbie,
What other assessories did you order with your MDX, and did you get any discount for them? As for the BSMs, I got a quote of $250 installed. But if Tim can send to Canada, I would order one from him instead. $310 is a bit steep for simple plastic strips, even$250 is on the high side. The greatest con about the MDX is the price of the assessories.

 

[mdxpursuit]

Canadian Accessories

Asked Tim for a quote on the following:

sports bar (installed)
cargo cover
BSM (installed)

With the exchange on the US dollar I am still much further ahead to visit Buffalo. My local dealer quoted $100 higher for just the sports bar and cargo cover. Wasn't aware of the BSM's

So when I get my X, I think I will be "shuffling off to Buffalo". Don't mind keeping America rolling, if it is saving me significant $$$.

Deal with Tim, he's great.

 

[ablank]

Re: Canadian Accessories

Asked Tim for a quote on the following:

sports bar (installed)
cargo cover
BSM (installed)

Hey, Tim is putting a sports bar in your 'X? Cool. Must come with a satellite dish for all the games.

- ablank

 

[Robbie]

Hey robbie,
What other assessories did you order with your MDX, and did you get any discount for them? As for the BSMs, I got a quote of $250 installed. But if Tim can send to Canada, I would order one from him instead. $310 is a bit steep for simple plastic strips, even$250 is on the high side. The greatest con about the MDX is the price of the assessories.

No accessories from Dealer. If I had my way I would have ordered MDX somewhere else (I had a few disagreements with the sales rep. and a dealership who's idea of selling me a $48K car is doing me a favor. (Even M-B and BMW was SO FAR AHEAD with there attitude.and sales approach.) Biggest problem was with the dealer was he expects 2 weeks notice in order to provide a loaner. I must have talked to him at least 3 or 4 times regarding loaner. Finally after he talked to his manager and service manger they assured us we will get loaner regardless of lead time. But it the wife's and it is the most convenient dealer for her.

Lets hope that the MDX is as great as everybody says.

 

[Robbie]

Which dealership was it? I presume it's in Toronto?

Fairview Acura in Kitchener.

 

[Wongster]

Re: Canadian Accessories

So when I get my X, I think I will be "shuffling off to Buffalo". Don't mind keeping America rolling, if it is saving me significant $$$.

Deal with Tim, he's great.

Hi there Canuck gangs
My car has arrived and the dealer is installing some options in the next few days, so I should have it by Friday. What a Merry Christmas !!!!

The options I order from the dealer are those required installation: flare, autostart, mud guard, BSM, etc. The rest, I am going to Tim (e.g., W/T mat, cargo net/tray etc.) For the BSM, my dealer knows absolutely nothing until I pointed him to www.english.acuracanada.ca, these guys need more product/sales training.

I did compare the product and installation price between my dealer and Tim. While Tim beat the product price in all categories, the installation price (hour and rate) is quite competitive, but I am paying C$ here and U$ to Tim, plus I get 3 year wty on dealer installed accessories (except nose bra, not sure why???).

I am also planning to visit Tim, probably between Christmas and New Year, may be I’ll bump into you guys while lining up to cross the border. I’ll keep an eye on the Xs there.

I had a brief discussion with mdxpursuit off-line about the possibility of a Cdn group buy from Tim, any interests/comments/suggestions?

 

[Robbie]

Count me in on a group buy (Depending when)

Rob

 

[mdxpursuit]

Canadian Group Buy

I would be interested in participating in a canuck group buy. It will depend on timing and what items are available. Not sure if we have the numbers, but will wait and see.

Wongster....lost your email addy, couldn't respond. Seems like you received your X in record time. Was it even three months?

 

[Wongster]

Record time???

I put in the deposit on Oct 26. Now that I have seen my X and have the VIN, dealer promise a Thursday delivery, we shall see.

On another note, wouldn't be nice if we canucks can get nav system retrofit to our boring LCD screen???? If that becomes a reality, I see that is a good candidate for group buy. Keep dreaming, you never know.

 

[Silver2002]

Hey Wongster, if you don't mind me asking, which dealership did you place your order with? That is a remarkably short waiting period between order and VIN #. I placed my order in late August, and was only given a VIN a few days ago. I was "guaranteed" an early November delivery. This is why I believe I'm being jerked around by my dealer. Now that I have my VIN there's nothing much to do but wait until all my assessories are installed, and then go over and pick up my baby. I knew I should have placed deposits with a few dealers, that way I could have gaged whether or not I was being jerked around.

If you have kids, one of the cheapest form of entertainment is the PS1 with the attachable screen (about $400). That way the kids can play and be entertained on long trips. A win win situation for everyone. Or the other option, which isn't as cheap is the portable DVD player.

 

[frostyra]

Silver2002: From a post I made about 6 weeks ago:

According to the '01 MDX Service Manual, VIN is as follows:

2HN = mfr, make, type = Honda of Canada Mfg.; Honda Canada Inc.; Acura, Sports Utility Vehicle

YD1 = line, body & engine type = MDX/J35A3

8 = body & transmission types = 5 door/5-speed automatic

2, 4, 6, or 8 = vehicle grade (series) = 2: MDX; 4: Nav; 6: Tour; 8: Tour & Nav. For Canadian vehicles, 6 = MDX

Next = check digit

1 = 2001; 2 = 2002

H = Factory Code = Ontario factory in Canada

Remaining numbers = serial number; first number is 5 if destined for US, 0 if destined for Canada.

Hope this helps.

 

[Silver2002]

Frostyra, thank you for the info regarding the VIN #, it was very helpful.

 

[Wongster]

My dealer.

Silver2002,
I ordered mine with Casino Acura in Hull, PQ. Don't ask me why I went there but if I can do it all over again, I'll go elsewhere. I did end up getting most of what I asked for at a price that I can accept, but it wash't a decent experience dealing with the people there. With the exception for the salesman, you can see the dollar sign on everyone eyes (sales manager, business manager, service manager). The salesman is a new guy and he is the meat in a triple decker.
But what's important is I am getting my X this Thursday (so they say), and I agree that the wait, relatively, is not bad.

BTW, thanks for the tips on the on-board entertainment, I have 2 tots, will be quite handy. What did you get your PS1, FutureShop?

 

[Silver2002]

Hey Wongster, we just picked up our MDX today. And yes, it was worth the 4 month wait. No, I got the PS1 and PS1 monitor from the Sony Store, but its about $300 for both if you buy them together (i'm not sure which store, but i remember seeing it, may have been Futureshop). we got the PS1 last Christmas, and the screen only came out this year. But, if you have kids and need a relatively inexpensive entertainment unit, especially for those long trips, then this is a pretty good combo.

We ordered the SS with side steps and rear wind deflector. IMO, the MDX longs extra sharp with the side steps and rear wind deflector, very sporty. You will definitely love your new ride, it is quite smooth and easy to handle.

My next task is to learn and program the homelink. Looks pretty easy, hope it is in reality.

 

[Wongster]

Its delayed.

Now the folks at Casino are saying Friday, they have problem scheduling my X for rust proof (which is a must in eastern Ontario). So Friday it shall be.

Silver2002 = Thanks for the pointer, I'll check out the Sony store on boxing day to see if there is any deals.