I need assistance

"dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11) 05/16/2016 at 23:34 • Filed to: None

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I looked at a 2002 Acura MDX today. And I’ll be looking at a few others tomorrow.

But first, the Acura. It’s got a few dents, nothing huge.

One of said dents.

There’s the other. It’s 99% rust free, which is pretty good considering I’m on the edge of the rust belt.

245k but it had the tranny replaced at ~180 and was flushed a couple of months ago. He also replaced the brake pads and rotors at around that time.

The interior is in really nice shape, considering the age and mileage.

Only major staining is on the passenger side foot well.

Also has a crack in the windshield.

It has a neat little screen thingy. It also has proper diff-locks and stuff.

Rear seats are in really nice shape.

So anything beyond rough shifts I should look for?

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Now for the other cars I’m looking at tomorrow (or today, depending on when you’re reading this/what time zone your in)

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Needs serp belt, possibly rotors, and REALLY needs new front tires. It’s got 150k miles and is really clean. I looked at it Saturday but the battery so little juice they couldn’t even jump it. Anything I should be aware of, beyond the overall beige-ness?

http://www.girardauto.net/stock.asp?m=4

And the 5th one down on that link (the Infiniti). That sounds really nice as far as my criteria go. It’s fast (340 HP from a 4.5 L V8), luxurious, decently sporty, cheap, reliable. The only complaints I’m seeing are from the trunk: too small, lid closes too easy and from fuel economy: 18 mpg normal driving on premium. Anything you guys are aware of that I’m not?

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/16/2016 at 23:43

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Edit: read that it was replaced, Do not touch this thing

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/16/2016 at 23:44

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I don't hate the MDX

Sovereign, Purveyor of Coupes > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/16/2016 at 23:53

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Q45s are awesome, but I wouldn’t buy one without expecting to do a little work regardless of what the seller says.

Then again that’s my policy for all used cars.

Big Bubba Ray > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 00:00

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These are great cars but I wouldn’t touch it with a 10 foot pole simply because of the shitty wheels. The dents don’t help much either.

The passenger foot well stains may be caused from a clogged evap. Easy fix but the stickers and wheels would have sent me running from the second I saw the car.

RyanFrew > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 00:06

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Are Pilots of the same vintage cheaper than their MDX counterparts? I think that’s what I would buy if I was in this market.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 00:17

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I wouldn’t even go near this thing if I were you. The wheels tell a story on their own. Not a good story either. The automatic transmission on this generation of Hondas does not like being flushed either. I would advise you run away.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 00:22

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Looking through the MDX craigslist ad, I noticed a newer MDX in the garage behind this one, and subsequently read the write up, where the owner details purchasing a newer 2008 MDX.

The fact that they purchased a second newer MDX leads me to the idea that they were quite satisfied with this one, satisfied to get the exact same car, rather than a competitor. I’d say if the price is right, go for it. Aside from the dents, it looks very clean and well taken care of for a car with this many miles. Yeah the wheels are kinda shitty, but that just is gonna be more of a motivating factor for you to modify it and make it your own.

I’d say an MDX with 250k has a good bit more life than a 100k Sonata.

TheHondaBro > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 05/17/2016 at 00:27

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This. I’d start the negotiations at $2,000. If I can’t get it for below $2,750, I’d walk.

Steve in Manhattan > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 00:42

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Newer Honda CR-V? Loved the one I rented 3 years ago.

Amoore100 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 01:48

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Replaced transmission makes it a safer bet, and it seems mostly mechanically sound. Personally I don’t really like the taupe-on-black scheme and would avoid it since my parents likely wouldn’t want to spend money to change the wheels unless it’s absolutely necessary, but that’s just in my case. YMMV

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 02:52

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Our mdx has the same dent in the rear quarter.

We sold it last week but it served us well for the 180k miles we had it, and all on the original tranny. As long as the shifting is good, the dent’s don’t bother you, the AWD systems works and the timing belt isn’t due, you should be set. They’re fairly bulletproof. Feel free to come back with more questions. we only had that car 16 years, but I learned a thing or two.

E92M3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 06:55

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I had a 2006, and now a 2009. Awesome vehicles. I think I’d look for a slightly better one, but if the price is right.

Stapleface > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 08:04

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Yeah, I’m just not digging that Acura. Something just isn’t right to me.

On another note, I found this amusing by browsing your local craigslist. If you’re going to scam people, at least give them a way to contact you!

https://springfieldil.craigslist.org/cto/5590218960…

jkm7680 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 08:05

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Looks like a piece to be honest.

Andrew > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 08:56

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For the MDX make sure when starting it doesn’t take too long or sound a little wheezy. Could be a clogged EGR valve. Also, like you said, make sure the transmission isn’t shifting roughly. And if it’s in your price range, maybe consider looking at a 2004-2006 MDX since they sorted most of the issues out.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 05/17/2016 at 11:10

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Why not? If it’s replaced thats one less thing to worry about.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Sovereign, Purveyor of Coupes 05/17/2016 at 11:11

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Its more a matter of how little work they need. But I’m getting any car I seriously consider taken to my mechanic for an inspection.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 11:13

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Replacing a time bomb with a time bomb isn’t solving much. Check the mdx forums; everyone will tell you to stay away from Acura cars with a replaced trans

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Big Bubba Ray 05/17/2016 at 11:13

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They volunteer at the local animal protection agency and the wheels are from when they drove on a flat too long and ruined the rim.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > RyanFrew 05/17/2016 at 11:13

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Yes, but they’re more expensive, mostly b/c they’re lower mileage than this.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 05/17/2016 at 11:14

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This trans only has ~75k on it tho.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 05/17/2016 at 11:16

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Everything I’ve read has told me to get the trans flushed every 30k miles and the wheels are from when the guy drove on a flat too long and bent the OEM rim.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Steve in Manhattan 05/17/2016 at 11:17

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About 10k too expensive.

RyanFrew > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 11:18

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Someone who drives on a flat for so long that they ruin a rim, sure as hell doesn’t maintain the rest of their car correctly.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 11:18

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But it’s been flushed, which is a huge “no no” for acura/honda trans of the time.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Amoore100 05/17/2016 at 11:20

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I would agree, OEM would look better, but they’re darn expensive.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 05/17/2016 at 11:20

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Would the trans last another 10k miles?

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > E92M3 05/17/2016 at 11:21

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At this price, this is it. Most are $4-6k

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Stapleface 05/17/2016 at 11:22

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Is is the stickers or the wheels that concern you?

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 11:22

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Could last a mile, could last 100k.

If you can swallow the price of replacing it if it blows, then i say buy the car if you need it.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Andrew 05/17/2016 at 11:23

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Way outta my price range, the only reason this one is is because it has really high mileage.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 05/17/2016 at 11:24

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I cant, I’m a poor teenager.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 11:25

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Yeah don’t do it then.

I owned a TL from 03 and the thought of my transmission shitting itself kept me up at night. A rebuild was ~1200, a replacement was around the same price

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 05/17/2016 at 11:27

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Ugh y these desicions be so hard. Hopefully the Infiniti’s good, other wise I’ll kms.

Stapleface > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 11:28

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Oddly enough, it’s neither of those. I don’t like the body damage. Someone who would bounce their car off of something and not get it fixed has probably neglected other stuff as well. How up to the date have they really been with routine maintenance is something I would question.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Stapleface 05/17/2016 at 11:56

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His words were: “It’s 13 years old with almost 250k miles, I don’t want to sink a few grand into it to make it look a little better.”

From what he was saying, all he did was routine maintenance. Obviously I’ll get it checked out by a mechanic if it becomes one of my finalists.

Andrew > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 11:56

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Holy cow you’re right. Just noticed that, only reason I mentioned the refreshed ones is because my dad has one (2006) and he’s had no problems with it so far. It’s a 200 000km. MDX is a solid choice.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Andrew 05/17/2016 at 12:02

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Everyone is scarred because the trans was flushed. Thoughts?

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 12:13

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Interesting. I remember hearing that you should change the fluid every 30k miles but by draining and refilling. Flushing has the possibility of dislodging some bits that were happy where they were into crevices and ports you don’t want and causing transmission failure.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 05/17/2016 at 12:17

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At this point I’m tempted to just get the 2000 Jaaag XJ8 I saw for $2200.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 12:22

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Well that escalated! Not sure which would be scarier to maintain though.

Stapleface > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 12:22

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Agreed, but there’s rust on the one in the front, which means it’s been there a while to me. I dunno. Something just doesn’t seem right about that one to me. Although part of that is its a Honda automatic transmission.

Andrew > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 12:28

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I don’t think it should be too much of a worry. It says he replaced the transmission so that’s good. Acura sorted them out and gave good replacements. Flushing the transmission is to, for the most part, clean out the internals and flush out all the gunk. Other then the cosmetics, it looks like a solid car. Oh and if you’re gonna tow, keep it in D4. Helps with fuel economy and stops the transmission from jumping from gear to gear.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 05/17/2016 at 13:37

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I’m loosing all sense.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Stapleface 05/17/2016 at 13:38

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He said he was at fault so he didn’t want to spend the money to fix it. He bought it at 180k.

E92M3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/17/2016 at 15:15

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Fair price, but those dents would really bother me. I’d rather wait, save up $5k, and get one that isn’t damaged. If you get a first gen, definitely get one with a documented transmission replacement. Other than that they are bullet proof.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > E92M3 05/17/2016 at 19:55

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This one does have the docs. For $3200 I can’t complain about the dents, they’re not that bad in person.