Thinking of buying a used MDX, please help!

[heathersantos27]

Hello,

My family and I are in need of a good size vehicle and we are interested in an MDX. It's 2001 with 180k miles, I know its a risk because I've heard of stories about the transmission on these cars. I was wondering if some that has a CARFAX membership help me out and give me information regarding the car.

here's the VIN number...

2HNYD18281H543817

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Hondacuraplanet]

I ran your VIN in Interactive. There is an unperformed safety recall on this MDX involving replacement of the front springs. The bulletin was issued on December 13, 2006, so it's a safe bet to say that the vehicle hasn't seen an Acura dealership for anything in at least 6 years, and some previous owner ignored a recall letter. Not good.

I've attached a copy of the bulletin below.

In the bulletin, it specifically states, "According to federal law, these vehicles cannot be sold or leased until they are repaired." I've attached a copy of the bulletin below. If this is at a dealership of any sort, they didn't do their homework.

That aside, unless you have an idea with some records of the maintenance that the vehicle has seen, as far as timing belt replacement, repairs, maintenance(highlighted, because I can't stress enough how important this is on this vehicle as far as what you'll see down the road), etc, you will be buying a 13 year old premium luxury SUV that could potentially cost you thousands in repairs in a short amount of time. Couple that with 180,000 miles of driving.

Sorry, but unless this was the deal of the century, I'd pass.