Tech v. Advance Package
 

Guys-

Hopping over from the TL forums... My wife is interested in a 2010 MDX.

We test drove one today with the Technology package, however, I am trying to determine whether or not we want to pay extra for the Advance package.

The Blind Spot sensors seem like a good safety feature, and the Active Dampers seem "cool" - and of course who doesn't like bigger wheels? I live in Texas so to find an option that actually cools my seats in addition to heating them also seems attractive.

What are the opinions on the two? It seems like quite the price jump for these options...

Also - is anyone willing to share what the "bottom line" price is I should be paying for either of these Trim levels? I've seen a few signs indicated that a '10 with Tech should go for around ~43.5k - I'm hoping to not spend over ~45k which may put the Advanced package out of range.

Any and all opinions welcome!

both are great trim levels but if you have the money around then go with the Advance package. The radar cruse control is a really nice feature if you do a lot of highway driving.

This link will take you to edmunds TMV pricing which should give you the amount people are paying in your area. http://www.edmunds.com/tmv/index.html

I bought the advance and I love the additional features. If you like the toys then go for it, if you don't you will be always thinking about what you could have had. I made that mistake and it's costly because I then had to trade a 2 year old car for the one that I really wanted and should have bought in the first place.

Totally agreed with db22...same situation as me.

Don't forget, you can also get the Umber interior with the Advance package:thumbsup:

I went advanced with no regrets.

Texas, you got to go big or go home! Just kidding.

I purchased the tech and am very happy with it. I paid about $42,800 for mine plus tax and lic. Got mine the end of February.

I really had no use for most of the advanced stuff. The cooled seats are a fan that blows in the seat cushion if I remember correctly.

Advance v. Tech Package
 

I bought the tech package after looking at both. What convinced me was the resale value after three years. The dealer told me that the Advance package, i.e. the one with the most options, will hold less of its value. The base model holds the most while the Advance holds the least. The base model is worth about 5% more than the Advance model and about 3% more that the Tech model. I was also concerned about untested reliability of the new technology.

I finally decided that I did not need the extras for the kind of driving I do and because my wife is the primary driver.

Other than the blind spot indicator, none of the technology is new to Acura. Most of the features on an Advance package MDX existed since 07 on the Sport package MDX. The CMBS and ACC systems have been available in the RL since 2006.

In reality, the tech package has as many new features that haven't been around for long in the Acura line. The HDD nav system has only been in play since the 2009 as well as the HDD music storage. This is the 1st year of the tri view rear view camera as well. All 2010 MDX's have a new 6 speed transmission.

Definitely right about resale value though. You aren't going to recover the extra $6000 the Advance package cost you in 3 years. My guess is that used Advance package will sell about 2-4K more than a comparable Tech package in the used market 3 years from now.

Thanks for the responses guys - we've decided to go with the Technology package - for many of the same reasons described here. It really just seems like a solid trim level for the MDX and I think we'll be extremely happy.

If I could get everyone's input, I have one last question: I've got two dealers negotiated down to $43,800. Now, they're trying to add in some "options" to beat each other. One is offering tint and wheel locks, for example.

Any thoughts on what options I should be pushing them for? I'm definitely interested in tint, but also would like the trunk mat (which I know is vastly overpriced, as I bought one for my TL after market) - and think the side steps and roof rack are a probably future addition.

What in everyone's opinion would be the best request from a dealer/negotiations standpoint?

All and any input would be desired, and timeliness appreciated. I'm due to talk to both dealers tomorrow when they open to "finalize" the deal...

If they really want your business try to get some big ticket items thrown in like side running boards, body side molding, and a roof rack. Wheel locks only cost $35

$43,800 sounds like a good price for a tech !