New (used) MDX

[Mike Thompson]

Just bought my wife a 2001 Acura MDX, 49K miles. The previous owner was obviously a fanatic, because it is virtually impossible to tell this is a 2 year old car. At any rate he had it serviced at the local dealer at the recommended 7500 mile intervals, with dealer parts. Does anyone know what oil Acura generally uses? The reason I ask is that when checking the oil I see varnish covering the dipstick, which won't wipe off; also peering into the valve cover the same is obvious. The manual calls for 5W30; since we live in SoCal where we have to plug the cars in when it hits 40 deg. ;-) I may go w/M1 10W30 year round. I hate to think it needs an A-Rx treatment so young in its life, and am wondering if anyone has any experience with this engine (3.5 VTEC) as far as sludging, etc. Also, is there an Acura users group/board anyone knows about?
Mike

 

[uconn1150]

I would Auto-RX, just for the peace of mind then swap to syn...

 

[pinoy99]

The dealer near me uses Pennz bulk oil. It is a good idea to go thru its service record since the 50k warranty period is almost up. Check out acuramdx.org and ahm-ownerlink.com.

 

[Mike Thompson]

quote:

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Originally posted by Spector:
I find it interesting that you say he was a fanatic but did 7500 mile intervals with dino oil, the max allowed under the manual I believe. Thus the varnish build up. Sounds like he was a fanatic to go by the book and assure the dealer signed off on it. I also would suggest a synthetic that will over time remove some of the varnish but the RX or Neutra treatment may be worth it if the varnish bothers you a little.

I assume you have the records as to when he changed the transmission fluid as well.

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Interestingly enough the dealer where I bought it was the original, and servicing dealer. They would relate what service he had done, but wouldn't print it out for me to see. He had it in for every recommended service, as far as I could determine. Also the mileage was obviously all freeway, and I think his use constituted "normal" service rather than "severe". I based my fanatic comment on the cleanliness in general of the car; not 1 door ding, only 1 sm. rock chip on the hood, leather looks like it hasn't been used, etc.
Mike

 

[Mike Thompson]

quote:

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Originally posted by pinoy99:
The dealer near me uses Pennz bulk oil. It is a good idea to go thru its service record since the 50k warranty period is almost up. Check out acuramdx.org and ahm-ownerlink.com.

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This is an Acura "certified" used car, and thus gains extended powertrain coverage up to 4 more years/100K miles. Also full coverage for another 12 mos/12K miles. thanks for the links.
Mike

 

[Spector]

I find it interesting that you say he was a fanatic but did 7500 mile intervals with dino oil, the max allowed under the manual I believe. Thus the varnish build up. Sounds like he was a fanatic to go by the book and assure the dealer signed off on it. I also would suggest a synthetic that will over time remove some of the varnish but the RX or Neutra treatment may be worth it if the varnish bothers you a little.

I assume you have the records as to when he changed the transmission fluid as well.