[DaleB]

I am curious how many members find themselves on the fence like me, and seriously considering a 2003 MDX?
Perhaps we can start a thread as more information becomes available. I was told by dealers they do not know that much more in advance of what's released to the media about next year's models.
But rumors are fine too, and I do believe the larger engine will make more sense with the debut of the Honda Pilot.

 

[versatility]

I am probably waiting on a 2003 as well. But not necessarily because of a more powerful engine. A more powerful engine is not important for this car. However, I would be happy to accept a more powerful engine if it didn't compromise mileage. What usually happens to a car in the third model year is you may see some nice, albeit probably small, interior enhancements.

The bigger reason I am waiting is twofold. Right now the MDX is pretty much what I am looking for. However, a lot of cool hybrid/crossovers are coming out next year. When this happens, I will either be enticed to get something else, or if nothing else, the price of the MDX will start to become negotiable.

Of course you could always say, "wait until next year for something better" but right now the industry is really changing and more and more crossover/hybrids are coming out which will create better consumer value.

By the way, where is the rumor of the more powerful engine originating from and what HP figure is being touted?

 

[DaleB]

Motor Trend mag on their website, there are a couple of others. They suggest about 3.8 liters and hp anywhere from 260 to 280 .. probably a more significant torque increase, I would think.

According to one dealer I talked to there is a enough meat in the 3.5 to easily go out to 3.9....I don't know where he gets the info, maybe a trade mag.

I agree, it doesn't need more power, and if there is a significant drop in mileage it is certainly not worth it, unless that is to be an optional engine.
Of course, they may temper a drop of a 1 or 2 mpg with the engine only needing regular fuel.

I am not holding out because of the engine either, and agree the crossover market is just beginning to blossom. But I like the MDX, it's a good balance of many qualities, and is sure to spur some real competition. But I doubt if that will be much incentive for me, as there are only a couple of auto companies I would go with anyway, and they are Japanese.
I think Infiniti could make a real showing here, they need to beef up their safety ratings, and put a little more pizzaz in the QX4.. but there is potential there, among others.

 

[sdath]

The reason I am thinking about waiting for an '03 is that if I were to place an order now, I'm told locally it will take about 2 months. That would mean I would get an '02 in about June, which would mean it would be the "current" model year for only about 4 months (since I understand the new models usually arrive in October). So a 4 month wait gets me a car that will be current for a year rather than 4 months, and is a year "newer" whenever I go to sell it. This makes particular sense to me in light of the full MSRP pricing being quoted locally. Thus, the only downside on pricing is whatever increase in MSRP would occur in '03, which I'm guessing is not going to be more than $500-800 (based on what happened for the "02 MSRP, I believe). When you add whatever small "fixes" might be incorporated into the new model year, the 4 month wait seems to make a lot of sense to me.
P.S. I'm enjoying this site.
P.P.S. The spell check function appears to be an outdated link.

 

[DaleB]

A month ago I put down a deposit and was told I would likely get a 2003, that is to say it would take 6 months.
They just called me yesterday and told me they had a cancellation and a car coming in May if I was interested.
It was a false alarm and the dealer called back and apologized, as there was one more person in front of me and they wanted the car.
Now he tells me due to some cancellations and more availability I probably will not have to wait very long at all.
So I don't know what's going on. But common sense tells me to just sit it out, and maybe get a 2003 and also have more color choices.
Of course emotions tell me something else when the phone rings.

 

[Only_Acura]

We ordered our X in early January and were told we would get it late April. Well, we took delivery last Friday, so they seem to be running ahead of delivery schedule. I know I would have trouble waiting, that is not my style. For those of you that can, more power to you. As the time gets closer for the '03, it will be a harder decision to make, wait or not to wait. I'm glad I'm not in that boat. Good luck.

 

[gadgetdog]

>>>>According to one dealer I talked to there is a enough meat in the 3.5 to easily go out to 3.9....I don't know where he gets the info, maybe a trade mag.

I've found that many dealers can pull these "data" from thin air. Anything to keep you from running to anther vehicle once they determine that you are not ready to get one immediately...

 

[DaleB]

I've found that many dealers can pull these "data" from thin air. Anything to keep you from running to anther vehicle once they determine that you are not ready to get one immediately...

Except in this case there were none available anyway, so it would not have mattered if I was ready. Had they had the exact one I wanted, I could get ready very quickly!

 

[golfinvestor]

<Of course, they may temper a drop of a 1 or 2 mpg with the engine only needing regular fuel.>

I'm definitely waiting for the 2003. The wait in Southern California is 3-4 months, so it just makes good sense. DaleB, are you confident Acrua is changing out the 2003 engine to regular fuel? You can find the MDX selling at MSRP, but they do try and sell a "protection package". Anyone know how much that costs what it includes? I'm in the San Diego area so if anyone can recommend a good dealer in the area it would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

[DaleB]

<
Of course, they may temper a drop of a 1 or 2 mpg with the engine only needing regular fuel.>

Oh, not at all! I was just offering that as a suggestion. If the engine is a little more thirsty, but runs on regular, that might be a fair trade off.

 

[CJIMBO]

Damn........3 month wait? I live in Hawaii and theres MDX shipments practically every week! I ordered mine four days ago and they said itll take 3 weeks to get the one I ordered for. Red Rock Premium model.

 

[Pauls MDX]

Rumors of no change for 2003

I recently heard a rumor of no change in even the engine for 2003, but positive for the 2004 model. I heard they are working on an 8 cylinder which will be used as an option for the MDX and RL. I believe they may hold out until the 2004 model.

 

[DaleB]

Hmm. That's interesting. A V8 option makes some sense, but for 4300 lbs it does very well with a beefy V6.
After all, it's not as big as a Sequoia or Land Cruiser, or a 'burb....
So far most rumors on the pop magazines do predict a more powerful V6 but that could change.
And of course they could be fixing a couple of complaints with the 2003 that they never resolved with the 2001 or '02 models. But that would not be much.
I am still tempted to hold out until about July when the real truth should be out.
But if my dealer calls soon, which I think he will, I don't know if I can say No to a 2002. It would take a lot of will power!

 

[sdath]

<Of course, they may temper a drop of a 1 or 2 mpg with the engine only needing regular fuel.>

I'm definitely waiting for the 2003. The wait in Southern California is 3-4 months, so it just makes good sense. DaleB, are you confident Acrua is changing out the 2003 engine to regular fuel? You can find the MDX selling at MSRP, but they do try and sell a "protection package". Anyone know how much that costs what it includes? I'm in the San Diego area so if anyone can recommend a good dealer in the area it would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

The latest word I received is also a 3-4 month wait. In San Diego I have not purchased an Acura yet, but have had pleasant, low-key experiences with 2 sales people. I just met with Carolyn Clark at Cush Acura, who is in the fleet department (dealing with Costco members). She was very pleasant and low key; took me on a test drive and didn't even get my last name. I previously had a similar very good experience with Michael Eastey at Cush Acura of Escondido. Can't speak for the dealerships as a whole, just that these two sales people seemed knowledgable and not slick.

I believe the "protection package" is wheel locks, mud flaps, and trunck mat. I was quoted about $270 as a discounted price.

 

[DaleB]

The latest word I received is also a 3-4 month wait.

Are you both saying a 3 or 4 month wait for a 2003? How do you figure? They normally don't come out before September, do they?

 

[DaleB]

More news:

http://www.autonews.com/page.cms?pageId=114




AUTOMOTIVE NEWS FUTURE PRODUCTS

MDX
Acura’s sport wagon arrived last fall and has been a hot seller since day one. A more powerful 3.8-liter V-6 will replace the 3.5-liter V-6 for the 2003 model year.

 

[oceanMDX]

It looks like my prediction was right after all. I like the engine in the current MDX, a bigger engine will likely result in poorer fuel mileage. Acura still has to do more to make the purchase of an MDX over the Pilot make sense to me. I would say as a first priority that Acura must improve the quality of the interior, such as using mar-resistant plastic and better leather, etc.

 

[davisdog]

3.8 is in the ballpark of what everybody thinks but I wouldnt necessarily believe that site since if you scroll down a couple to Honda and look under the plans for the passport, they don't even know the name of the Pilot and say that it will have a longer wheelbase then the MDX ///seems like this is just another speculation site (and old data)

 

[sdath]

Are you both saying a 3 or 4 month wait for a 2003? How do you figure? They normally don't come out before September, do they?

No, the wait is for a 2002 currently. They expect 2003's in late October. I was told that last year at some point the factory decided to start making the new model year, regardless of there being orders for 2001's still unfilled. So there were people who ordered a 2001 that had no choice but to take a 2002, at the slightly higher price, unless they just wanted to cancel.

 

[Pauls MDX]

Received my 2002 in November

I was able to get my 2002 in November of 2001, so I would assume the 2003 should be available in late October or November at the latest. I placed my order two months prior to November to assure delivery. I would advise if want the 2003 put a $500 deposit in early September or even August. Don't worry about losing the deposit it is refundable if you don't take delivery. I actually ordered at three dealer to assure I would get it the fastest. One dealer in New York State, another in Florida, and a third in Conn. Best of luck to you 2003 buyers!!!!


____________________________________________________
2002 Acura MDX Touring with Navagation, Wood Wheel, Wood Shift Knob, Wood Meter Panel, Side Steps, Tailgate, Lower Trim, Wheel Locks, Clifford Solaris Alarm System with Auto Start, Piaa Ion Yellow 2500K Fogs, Piaa Super Plasma 5000K High Beams, HID 6000k Low Beams, Zaino Polish, Valentine One Radar Protection, 35% HP Solarguard Tint Front Windows, Acura Floor Mats, and Cargo Tray.
____________________________________________________