After looking at 2nd gen CR-V's, we are almost ready to pull the trigger on one. However today on the lot I saw an '02 Acura MDX that looked real nice for not much more than say an '03 or '04 CR-V. The AWD MDX has the 3.5 vvt engine,157k and timing belt/water pump were done @136k. The leather and options are pretty nice especially considering Mrs drainoil will be driving it. Oh it's also got 4 almost new tires and brakes are good for another probably 15k. They are asking $5300. Is there a particular area of concern on these? Any reason to run away fast? When looking at the CR-V we had envisioned a vehicle that would last 300k+ miles. As far as I can tell the MDX should in theory be able to do the same?
01/02's had some seriously crappy transmissions. If it hasn't already been replaced, budget for one. Used ones are just about unobtanium at this point and OE remans are north of $3k. Expect 17-18mpg. check the mounts... front and rears were the usual offenders. rear shocks on the 01/02 were weak and loading 4 people in them would lead to blow outs. They are really easy to replace so no biggie there except the cost to buy.
I personally was never fond of them. They seemed like a half-assed attempt at "luxury" from Honda and they road a bit stiff, handled mediocre and weren't exceptionally good at anything
Also... $5300 seems awfully steep for a 14 year old family hauler with 160+k miles. I've seen them go closer to $3k.
yeah, too much money. Based on the description I'd say that's worth about 3k. The auto in the MDX should be the redesigned 5 speed, updated from the previous somewhat failure prone 4 speed in 6th gen Accords, 2nd gen TLs.
I condemned three in one week for rusted out rear suspension mounts. It allows the rear aluminum frame piece that the whole rear suspension is mounted to to float around. Inspect them very carefully.
This dealer goes closely off KBB for what it's worth on most of their vehicles. Mom and pop operation and they are flexible in price on certain vehicles.
The info in this thread is exactly the insight Im looking for so thank you!
The next few days we will have a new to us vehicle in the driveway, either a CR-V or MDX.
the 01/02 were the first year 5-spds. They were trash. It will die. It will get replaced. no "ifs" there.
