kealonnix

As requested, here are my $.02 Long story short, bought a 2014 MDX, had serious problems, traded it in for a new GX.

The MDX was our ideal vehicle on paper. It was less expensive, had 3rd row, better fuel economy, more advanced technology.

I personally was never a fan of the look of the MDX, but my wife was quite fond of it.

I feel like the MDX is a 5 year vehicle and the GX is a 10+ year

The GX just feels like a much better quality vehicle. I'm sure that the MDX was probably quicker off the line than the GX, but God Almighty I enjoy the feel of a V8. When I made the decision to buy the Lexus I considered resale values at the 5 year mark. The MDX would depreciate by 47% in 5 years. The GX would depreciate by 42%. So the cost difference would actually be re-cooped upon resale at the 5 year mark. The net cost of the vehicle would really be the same. The difference however, is I wouldn't want to drive an MDX past 5 years really. I don't mind at all with the GX. So really my 10 year cost for vehicles is much less with the GX.

The one complaint that I have found with the GX (and it is very petty) is the turn signals. Since about 2005 all of our vehicles had one touch turn signals for changing lanes. I can not wrap my head around why Lexus would not make this standard on all of their vehicles. I will say that if this is my biggest complaint I will be one happy camper.

kealonnix

Warning!!! Long Post. Bring a snack!

Here are a couple posts that I made about my MDX on another forum in case you guys are interested in the issues.

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We bought one of the first MDXs at Acura of Orange Park in Jacksonville, FL. Within a month it was at the service department due to a rearview camera malfunction. While there, they found a VSA error which led them to replacing the control module for the lift gate motor. They also replaced the driver's seat bottom cover because there was a very thin spot in it.

Fast forward to now. We have 5,800 miles on it. The FCW is going off when there are no vehicles even close to it. The biggest worry was upon acceleration from a stoplight my wife said that the car would "lurch". She actually said that she thought that she had been rear ended as it was very violent. It probably did this 5 times before we could get it to the dealership. We also had condensation in the driver's side headlight.

The dealer found another VSA light on. They replaced the VSA modulator and bled the system. In addition, we are averaging about 21 MPG. I don't know if that is normal or not.

Ok, I don't feel comfortable with my wife driving this car with my 2 year old son. I have lost all confidence in the car and I want it gone.

I called the dealership I purchased from. They said they would swap it out. I was happy and excited. Then they called back and said that they would need $8,000. Not happening. I'm running into roadblocks. I called Acura and a case manager called me today and said that she would follow up on Tuesday. I told her I wanted the car replaced. She pretty much indicated that it is their policy to fix any defective issues. Didn't sound promising on the replacement.

So, what are my options? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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I've got an update. First of all, our plan is to trade the car in on a Lexus GX460 this weekend. They are giving me $40k in trade. That's the plan, but we will see.

I filed a complaint with Acura customer relations. They opened a case and then closed it on Wednesday of this week. "Christine" called me back and in short said that they will continue to fix the car, but they would not consider replacing it. We picked the car up from the dealership last Friday. The lurching is still happening. I explained this to Christine and she just kept saying that she "understands". I finally hit the roof and told her that she obviously does not understand because if she did she would be doing something about it. I asked her, "if i call you tomorrow and tell you that my wife and child were in a fatal accident because of faulty equipment, would you be able to sleep at night?" She said, "no i wouldn't sir" to which i replied, "well i'm surprised, i didn't think you placed any value on that"

I hung up the phone and called headquarters in Torrance, CA. I asked to speak to John Mendel, Executive VP. I got his secretary and explained what was going on and asked for him to call me. A couple hours later I received another call from Acura Client Relations, I did not catch the guys name (i was actually at a guy's house buying a new guitar). He said that Mr. Mendel asked him to call me and at this point they could not replace the car, but they would like to attempt to fix it again. He said we may be able to replace the car, but not yet. I explained to him that I was not willing to risk it and was trading the car.

I'm going to call back tomorrow and ask if they will just purchase the car back from me because at this point I don't want to own an Acura at all. I very seriously doubt he will, but we will see. If they don't, I plan to contact Consumer Reports, US News (and anyone else who rated this as the #1 Luxury SUV), Better Business Bureau, NHTSC, and the Attorney General.

I realize that this is probably the exception to the quality of Acura vehicles, but we've just lost all confidence. I'd be fine driving it myself, but I don't want my wife in it.

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UPDATE:

I emailed Mr. Mendel back and copied Acura Client Relations about the response to continue repairing the vehicle and requested that they purchase the vehicle back from me. I didn't really expect them to step up to the plate and they didn't. They called me back and said that they would like to bring the car back to the dealership and repair it. I'm trading on Saturday for the Lexus, but I figured that I had nothing to lose. The guy I talked to wanted me to explain to him why I thought this was a safety issue and how it could lead to an accident. I happily did to which he replied, OK thank you. I really believe that he thought that he could refute my claims, but he did not. I'm really displeased with the whole experience. I KNOW that Acura makes a good vehicle. My wife owned a 2008 TL Type S which she loved. However, I feel like that they must have had a bad day at the factory the day mine was made. In addition, one of the general managers I spoke with told me that they have seen a decrease in quality since MDX production moved to Alabama from Canada.

I think that we should have waited for the 2015 MDX to allow them time to work out the kinks. I could be wrong, but I see some recalls in the near future for this year model.

I'm excited about the new Lexus. All in all I'm not losing as much money as I thought I would. I paid a little less than $45,000 for this FWD tech package with roof rails and side molding. I am getting $40,000 minimum in trade (going to try to get $500 more). The fuel economy on the GX460 will be less than the Acura, but we were only getting about 21 mpg on the MDX and my wife drives like a grandmother. The good thing appears to be the resale value, it appears that the Lexus will hold its value much better.

Thanks for all of the advice I've received on here. I am going to report my experience with BBB, NHTSC, Consumer Reports, and US News. I wish all of you the best of luck.

Here is the link to the thread:

http://www.mdxers.org/forums/94-new-...unction-2.html

tecman

Acura/Honda has some issues with the transmission in my experience and I was looking forward to the 2014 MDX until I saw it.....I would consider that a sedan, not a SUV. Lexus GX460 is a true SUV to me and is better inside and out compared to my last 3 Acura's. The 2014 MDX has some cool features (love the 2 touch screens) but not enough to stick with Acura in my buying decision. With the experience you have had I feel good with my decision.10 years owning with limited problems, yes I expect the same.

GX4704ME

After owning 3 MDXs and 2 Lexus GXs I can say they both are comparable when it comes to quality, resale value, and reliability. There are several highlights that differentiate the two. The Acura MDX is more fun to drive, sportier, and very agile. Technology in the MDX is slightly above the GX but still lacks other in the same class. Personally I don't consider Acura a luxury brand....premium brand at best. The Lexus GX feels like the luxurious vehicle that it is. Closing the doors on the GX doesn't sound tinny like the MDX and the technology (although still behind others in its class) is well integrated whereas the MDX seems technically disjointed in certain areas. The Lexus GX has a more upright seating position and provides a more commanding view of the road.

I considered my 13 MDX as nothing more than a tool to get from point A to point B....it's was so uninspiring. Acura vehicles in general are uninspiring although I suspect that will change with the new TLX. On the contrary, I look forward to driving the GX and feel comfortable hopping out of it whether in a suit or jeans. I suppose both vehicles are safe but without question I feel safer in the GX than I ever did in the MDX. To put it plainly, I traded in a 2013 MDX for the 14 GX and haven't once looked back

MyGX460

I almost bought the mdx ... Glad I didnt.��

T4Fun

this is like comparing a camry to civic. total different classes and people who comparison shop due so by price here. bottom line, stay away from honda/acura. Even nissan is way better than them at this point.

caha14

Welcome to GX ownership! Your experience pretty much summarizes my own experience with Acura - different vehicle issues, but same customer "service". Similar solution too, except in my case I traded for a GX470 (back then).

I have owned many wonderful Hondas and one lousy Acura. The result of their poor service? I have been a Lexus owner for 10 years and have no intention of going back.

tecman

Customer service is a dealer problem not a BRAND problem... Thoughts?

GX4704ME

Agreed! I routinely get crappy service at BMW of (insert any city USA here) and still am a fan of the vehicles. I also had a horrible experience at Pohanka Lexus back in the day.

caha14

I'd agree that dealers, being the main/first point of contact, create the bulk of the customer experience, and every manufacturer has some dealers that are better than others. However, in my view, manufacturers do set the tone in what they encourage/discourage from their dealers and their general attitude towards customer service.

I had difficult issues with my Acura and with one of my Lexus vehicles. In both cases, corporate was involved. Acura washed its hands. Lexus stepped up to the plate. The Acura dealer went from "we can't figure out what's wrong" to "the car is operating normally", and corporate didn't give me the time of day. The Lexus dealer worked with corporate and with me to fix every single issue. That is standing behind their product, and it builds brand loyalty. The dealer was most certainly a big factor here, but the backing from the factory and the field specialist was instrumental.

SLC71

Thanks for sharing your experience. I have been a little torn about my decision to go with GX460 because, as a post indicates, the MDX appears perfect on paper -- more room, much better MPG, etc. There were, however,voluminous MDX troubling owner experiences reported online. I was able to find NOTHING online regarding reliability issues for the GX460. Don't have my GX delivered yet, but nice to read confirmation of making right choice!

frank69m

GX: Japanese Built
MDX: American Built

nuff said :-)


I also found it funny how you dealt with someone named "Christine"....we all know the movie :-)

T4Fun

I thought the engine and tranny are made in japan and shipped here for hondas like some of the toyotas made here

kealonnix

"Customer service is a dealer problem not a BRAND problem... Thoughts?"

Well, I believe that I got pretty crappy customer service from both Acura corporate and the dealership that I purchased the car at. I really believe that it is a culture thing and should be preached from the top down.

Acura Client Relations called me back the Monday after we bought the GX. They wanted to know if I followed through with the trade (probably thinking that one of their small problems went away). The guy said, "we really do regret that you did not give us the opportunity to fix the vehicle". At that point I released all of the anger that I had been holding inside. I'm really just glad to be done with Acura.

I have a question for everyone. How would Lexus have handled the situation that I had with my Acura? Tell me something good.......

frank69m

Hard to say. Never had a problem with my GX460 :-)

Every brand is different. I had seat problems with my 4runner about 10 years ago and it took about 5x bugging the dealer and 3 calls and a letter to corporate to get them to replace my entire seat from Toyota. They aren't stupid and aren't gonna replace something immediately.

Make sure you fill out the JD Power and Associates and Consumer Reports forms they send out for your Acura :-)

Lessons learned here is never buy the first year of a total redesign. I never do. I always buy year 3 or 4. They are the safest and usually the most reliable for a particular brand.

Doesn't your state have a lemon law?

So, you ended up trading in your MDX. That's kinda bad because the next "sucker" who buys it, might get into an accident.