Considering switching to a 2001 Acura MDX
08-20-13, 02:14 PM
#1
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Considering switching to a 2001 Acura MDX
I bought a house this past April, and I think it's time to switch from sedan to SUV. I had a white 99 GS300 from March 2010 with 235k miles but totaled it this February with 274k miles. Everything was working like it should, well, much better than an average car with same age and mileage.
I loved the 99 so much that I looked for another 2nd Gen GS and got a 1998 burnish gold metallic GS300 but I have not been a happy camper. When I bought the car the front passenger side door lock actuator was not working. I lived with that but now the rear passenger as well as the driver door lock actuators are not working.
I also have a check engine light with code P0763 which is apparently an infamous shift solenoid. I have drained and filled the trans fluid hoping for a cheaper/easy fix in vain. Also needs 2 oxygen sensors. I replaced the lower ball joints in spring at Big-O tires but ended up with ABS/VSC/VSC OFF lights calling for a front driver side speed sensor. All this left a sour taste compared to the 99 I owned prior to this. Before joining the Lexus wagon I has a 99 Acura TL, loved the car except for the typical Honda road noise.
However, I found a 2001 Acura MDX with 166k miles asking for $4,100 and I offered $3,700 which was accepted. Now, should I pull the trigger or not..? I prefer the looks and 7 passenger capacity better compared to the same year RX300. I want something that's still got good gas mileage but can haul stuff like furniture as well as me and my 4 year old son.
I loved the 99 so much that I looked for another 2nd Gen GS and got a 1998 burnish gold metallic GS300 but I have not been a happy camper. When I bought the car the front passenger side door lock actuator was not working. I lived with that but now the rear passenger as well as the driver door lock actuators are not working.
I also have a check engine light with code P0763 which is apparently an infamous shift solenoid. I have drained and filled the trans fluid hoping for a cheaper/easy fix in vain. Also needs 2 oxygen sensors. I replaced the lower ball joints in spring at Big-O tires but ended up with ABS/VSC/VSC OFF lights calling for a front driver side speed sensor. All this left a sour taste compared to the 99 I owned prior to this. Before joining the Lexus wagon I has a 99 Acura TL, loved the car except for the typical Honda road noise.
However, I found a 2001 Acura MDX with 166k miles asking for $4,100 and I offered $3,700 which was accepted. Now, should I pull the trigger or not..? I prefer the looks and 7 passenger capacity better compared to the same year RX300. I want something that's still got good gas mileage but can haul stuff like furniture as well as me and my 4 year old son.
08-20-13, 07:32 PM
#4
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NC
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My parents have a 2002 Acura MDX (original owner). Has been problem free.
Just a few things:
Since you had a 99 TL, I assume you know the 5AT is not the most reliable transmission.
Gas mileage is ok, around 15-17 all city. 23-24 highway.
Fitting some furniture is more difficult b/c of the shape of the SUV. Something like Pilot fits things better.
Braking has never been as good on Acura. I've never felt as confident in the MDX for short stops. Def push it a bit in test drive to see how you feel.
Just a few things:
Since you had a 99 TL, I assume you know the 5AT is not the most reliable transmission.
Gas mileage is ok, around 15-17 all city. 23-24 highway.
Fitting some furniture is more difficult b/c of the shape of the SUV. Something like Pilot fits things better.
Braking has never been as good on Acura. I've never felt as confident in the MDX for short stops. Def push it a bit in test drive to see how you feel.
08-20-13, 07:38 PM
#5
Its a good truck, in fact an excellent truck, but
1) The transmission is a hit or miss.
2) That iron block with aluminum head starts to leak like a pig after 10 years.
3) Expect to have to redo power steering and cooling system.
4) Expect to deal with EGR problems.
If you're good with hands and don't mind working on your vehicles, then it may be worth to get an MDX that's in good condition. Otherwise, just don't.
1) The transmission is a hit or miss.
2) That iron block with aluminum head starts to leak like a pig after 10 years.
3) Expect to have to redo power steering and cooling system.
4) Expect to deal with EGR problems.
If you're good with hands and don't mind working on your vehicles, then it may be worth to get an MDX that's in good condition. Otherwise, just don't.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post