 The 2012 Acura MDX is a 7-passenger crossover sport utility vehicle with plenty of attraction for buyers. This luxury SUV features an expansive cabin department, is powered by a potent V-6 engine, and is recognized for its excellent handling characteristics. At David McDavid Acura of Plano, we’ve highlighted 10 cool reasons to love the 2012 MDX.
1. The Acura MDX fulfills your need for speed. This crossover has been clocked at 6.1 seconds when traveling from 0 to 60 mph by AOL Autos.
2. With the available Towing Package, you can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the MDX. A stabilizing features with this model’s stability control system helps you keep your boat, camper, or utility trailer under your firm control.
3. There is no lack of 12-volt power outlets in the MDX. Acura has placed them in the front and center consoles as well as in the cargo area.
4. Acura has taken all-wheel-drive technology to the next level with the MDX. Its “super handling” feature is most noticeable on long, twisting roads as power is proportionately sent to the outside wheels when cornering for a safer and more secured ride.
5. Steering wheel-mounted controls for the audio and cruise control are standard. Choose any one of the four package upgrades and you’ll gain steering wheel controls for the Acura’s voice recognition system.
6. The MDX’s available collision mitigation braking system uses a radar sensor, brake assist, and seat-belt pretensioning to help you avoid or minimize the effects of an accident. When the system is activated, the brake lights are turned on to warn drivers that are following you.
7. Every new and certified pre-owned Acura comes with Total Luxury Care®, a complimentary service which includes 24-hour emergency and travel services and roadside assistance. See your dealer for details.
8. Dual-level heated front seats are standard, and can be upgraded to heated and ventilated seats with the Advance Package. The Entertainment Package adds outboard second-row heated seats.
9. Included with the MDX is a rearview mirror with rearview camera display. Upgrading to a Technology or Advance package replaces that with a multi-view rear camera. Normal, wide, and top-down views are offered, giving you a greatly expanded view of your surroundings.
10. The MDX features a tri-zone climate control system specially designed to control humidity for improved cooling. Its air-filtration feature ensures optimum cabin air conditions.
You can test drive the Acura MDX today at David McDavid Acura of Plano!
 Road trips can produce some of life’s most fun memories. However, they can also produce numberless annoyances, inconveniences, and misadventures if not planned properly. Luckily, even these can sometimes produce amusing memories in retrospect. Still, save yourself a headache by taking control of your next road trip with these tips from David McDavid Acura of Plano.
The Route
Chances are you have a destination in mind when you start planning your road trip–a sporting event, ski weekend, family reunion. It’s just as important to map out your route. The internet has made finding the fastest way from point A to point B easier than ever. You can even find out where your favorite restaurants are before the key is even in the ignition. Always check the weather along the route and bring a map, just in case.
The Budget
Nothing ruins a road trip faster than running out of money and gas 74 miles short of your destination. Make sure you honestly calculate expenses to make sure you have the money to handle them. Obvious budget items include gas and food. Make sure you have emergency cash or a credit card to handle any unforeseen repairs. Ways to save money include bringing a cooler and stocking it with beverages, snacks, and sandwiches to defray the expense of eating out.
The Vehicle
All those little things you’ve ignored for the past few weeks–the busted taillight, the brittle windshield wiper, the sluggish starting–need to be checked or fixed before you leave. Not only will you feel stupid if you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery, you’ll probably end up paying more. Even if you don’t sense any problems with your vehicle, get the brakes and tires checked and the oil changed, if needed. If you’re overdue for routine standard maintenance, take the vehicle in and get it done.
Safety
The most important aspect of travel safety is making sure the vehicle is in top running condition. Don’t let a smooth running vehicle, however, lull you into a false sense of security. Always travel with extra water, especially in the summer. Make sure you have blankets in the winter. Carry a first aid kit any time of year. Your spare tire and jack should be inspected before you leave, as well.
Fun
No matter how great the destination, it’s the time spent on the road during a road trip that can be most memorable. Don’t travel with people who you know are going to get on your nerves. When traveling with young children, plan stops at parks and other family-friendly establishments to break up the monotony of being strapped in a car seat for 17 straight hours. Bring games. Play games. Sing songs.
Well, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next road trip!
 David McDavid Acura of Plano was the proud host of March’s Annual McDavid Regional Walk-Around Competition. In total, seven salespeople from the Honda, Acura, and Nissan stores competed. The prize? The opportunity to advance to May’s National Walk-Around Competition.
We are proud to congratulate David McDavid Acura of Plano salesman Dan Ulmer as this year’s regional winner! This is the second year in a row that Dan has “walked away” with the prize (pun intended). We know he’ll do great at the national competition.
This year’s event was a passionate and hard-fought competition—but as always, the real winners are our customers. Stop by our dealership today to experience one-of-a-kind customer service!
 David McDavid Acura of Plano collects donations for local food pantry
When most people think of February, they think of Valentine’s Day—and probably of chocolates, as well. Unfortunately, some people in our community (and many other places around the world) still have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. In our continuing quest to make a difference in the community, David McDavid Acura of Plano held a February Food Drive to support Minnie’s Food Pantry.
This Plano-based organization offers free food to families that can’t afford to buy groceries. Our drive ran through February and collected 5 crates of non-perishable food for Minnie’s. Thanks to everybody who participated!
Fighting hunger in Plano year-round
Even though the drive is now over, there are still ways to fight hunger in our community. You can make a financial donation to Minnie’s Food Pantry online through PayPal—donate $25 or more and your name will be added to the website. You can also contribute much-needed volunteer hours at the pantry sorting food, packing groceries, and more.
Those with special skills (such as photography or computers) and a passion to help are invited to contact Minnie’s Food Pantry directly. You may be able to contribute in a way you never thought possible!
Together, we can fight hunger here in Plano. David McDavid Acura of Plano thanks all those who have made contributions in the past, and encourages you to consider how you might give in the future. Visit http://minniesfoodpantry.org/mfp/index.html for more information.
 You did it—you finally decided to spring for the car of your dreams. What now? Of course, you’ll want to keep your car running like new for as long as possible. In order to do that, you will need to maintain the prime condition of your engine. These easy steps from David McDavid Acura of Plano will keep your high-performance engine running smoothly.
Regular Maintenance Early and Often
It’s tempting, especially as money or time gets tight, to push regular maintenance aside until the next payday or an extra thousand miles. In terms of cost to your engine, however, it doesn’t quantify. Make sure you take your engine in for regular oil changes before your mile limit, not after. Assuming you don’t do it yourself, your best option is to go to your local dealership to have them check your engine over. A good technician naturally checks for hoses and belts, although you will want routine inspections of these as well as your coolant system. Keep tires inflated properly and rotated often to keep your engine from working too hard. Do not forget to have the air filter changed to keep dirt out of your engine. Keep the outside of your engine clean as well because dirt keeps your engine from cooling properly, and an overheated engine can bake plastic parts until they are brittle.
Buy the Good Stuff
A premium engine needs premium gasoline, and many engines require it outright. However, given the volcanic rising of gas prices this can be an issue. Look carefully to gas stations that sell high grade unleaded for the same price as regular. The reason for the price hike on premium gasoline is traditional. Back when gas was a dollar at the pump and ethanol cost two dollars per gallon, adding octane to premium gas made the price higher. Ironically, the price of ethanol hasn’t risen as much. So unless a premium gas features cleaners and additives that help your car run, it really should not be more expensive. Regardless, you want to avoid putting regular gas into your premium engine as it can build up sediments inside. Consider using a fuel filter to keep dirt out of your fuel line altogether.
Be Smart
Your engine rocks, and sometimes you’ll be tempted to rev your engine just to hear how powerful it is. Don’t. Over-revving your engine while stationary can ruin your connecting rod and makes your engine hotter than it needs to be and breaks down the oil. If you have a garage, use it. Fluctuations in temperature aren’t devastating for an engine, but they are problematic. Consider conditions when you drive. Engines are primarily made of aluminum and steel, both of which will corrode when exposed to excessive water. If you really, really love your car, consider air drying and wiping the engine down after driving in the rain. This will officially be considered obsessive behavior by your loved ones, but at least your car won’t judge you—and neither will we at David McDavid Acura of Plano.
 The Acura ZDX is a very recent addition to the market, having only gone into production in 2010. Don’t let its young age fool you, though—it’s been growing in popularity and sales as buyers start to learn about the brand. The 2012 Acura ZDX is a great balance between luxury and practicality. David McDavid Acura of Plano has 10 reasons why drivers are discovering that this is a cool car.
1. Despite the car’s cabin space and size, nobody could accuse the ZDX of being slow off the mark. The 3.7-liter VTEC V-6 engine boasts a startling level of acceleration and power, including 300 brake horsepower. Variable valve timing increases the high rev horsepower and the lightweight design improves the overall balance and power-to-weight ratio.
2. 48 percent of the ZDX’s body structure is manufactured from high-strength steel, which adds rigidity and protection in the event of a collision. It’s also lighter than conventional steel, contributing to improved gas efficiency. A further 5 per cent of body components are made from even lighter aluminum.
3. Steering on the Acura has been optimized to improve handling and control. The system has been designed to ensure that drivers receive the sort of subtle steering feedback they need to maintain absolute control over the vehicle. The power-assisted steering adapts at different speeds to ensure that it is firm at high speeds, but much easier to control around town and in the parking lot.
4. For its occupants, the ZDX is astonishingly quiet on the road, thanks to a host of developments made by the engineers. Composite seals, acoustic windshield glass, carpet and padding on the floor, and other insulating materials are all employed to minimize noise from the road and to maintain the harmony within.
5. Every attempt has been made to make the best use of the rear seating. The second row can comfortably seat three adults, or when only two are on board, a large center armrest can be folded down to offer additional space and comfort. If there is only one passenger, then the seats can be split-folded to make better use of the cargo space.
6. The Acura features an optional GPS-linked climate control system, which tracks the position of the sun and adjusts the temperature on one side of the car as appropriate. How cool is that?
7. The cargo area on the Acura has been designed to consider every eventuality. Lowering the rear seats more than doubles the overall capacity from 27 to 57 cubic feet. Small metal door-pulls on either side reveal secure, additional storage areas. Similarly, a door-pull on the floor gives access to a hidden area beneath. Cargo loops in either corner can be employed to keep the cargo secure.
8. The Acura’s optional navigation system includes a database of addresses and places of interest that can drill down to a startling level of detail. If you’re looking for a nearby ATM, the system will tell you what you need to know, but can also refine the list to include only your bank if you are looking to avoid unwanted charges.
9. An optional voice recognition feature can be activated from the steering wheel, after which more than 600 voice commands can be used to control the car. This is not just about navigation and audio controls. You can change the climate control settings, too, and plenty more besides.
10. The center panel display presents all the information that you need while you are on the move. If you’re happy to go without, though, then you and another driver each have the option to load up to ten images of your own choice. These can sit as a friendly wallpaper to keep you company on long drives.
 Just about every individual who’s ever picked up an instrument, turned on the radio, or watched MTV has dreamed of becoming a rock star. Just about nobody, however, wants to put in the work it takes to become one. Even those willing to put in the work don’t always become stars. Most, in fact, become ordinary musicians, playing backup for studio gigs or getting a weekend gig at the local drinking establishment to supplement his or her income. David McDavid Acura of Plano offers a look at a typical day in the life of a rock star.
Common work activities. Musicians of all levels of fame and fortune must do one thing and they must do it well: play a musical instrument or sing. Other work activities include the following.
- Study and rehearse music. It’s probably hard to imagine your favorite rock band doing anything in their free time that doesn’t involve semi-legal activities with throngs of adoring, scantily-clad, unable-to-walk-a-straight-line fans, but most musicians spend much of their free time practicing, studying, and rehearsing.
- Perform auditions. Even Ringo Starr had to audition for a spot in the Beatles. There is no such thing as an overnight sensation. It just appears that way.
- Perform in public. This can be done as a member of a group or as a soloist. If you are afraid of being in front of people or are thin-skinned when it comes to criticism, musician is not the job for you.
- Schedule work and activities. Until you become a multi-million dollar rock star, you’ll have to be able to schedule concerts and other activities. It takes a great deal of proactivity to start out in the music business and a great deal of proactivity to make the most of your career.
- Communicate with others. You would be wise to learn interpersonal relationship skills. This will help you get gigs and other rock star after-party perks.
- Learn basic business skills. If you want to be a rock star, you’d be wise to learn basic business and money management skills; otherwise, you’ll end up on a VH1: Behind the Music tragic story about some rock star who made millions and spent it all on a house with 48 hot tubs and a rain forest in the foyer.
Working conditions. Musicians and entertainers usually work late into the evening in areas where alcohol flows in abundance. Studio musicians do most of their work in a studio (as the name implies). A typical day might consist of waking up and heading to the studio to “lay down tracks” for a more popular singer. Part of your day may need to be dedicated to networking and advertising your ability and willingness to perform. Part of your day should include practice and rehearsal by yourself and with band members. Your day will most likely end with an evening gig or concert. If you become famous, the evening gig or concert will be followed by wild parties that the police will come to break up, landing you on page three of the local newspaper, increasing your notoriety and leading to more record sales. That money will either set you up for life or lead you to act stupidly and end up on a VH1: Behind the Music special.
There’s more to being a rock star than being a “rock star.” Learn what it takes, make it happen, and stay out of the tabloids.
 Impressive savings for recent graduates
At David McDavid Acura of Plano, we think that graduates should be rewarded for their work. But we don’t just think it—we show it, through the Acura Graduate Program. This special program from Acura Financial Services makes the car-buying process easier for graduates entering the workforce.
How does it work?
Through the Acura Graduate Program, recent graduates are eligible for exclusive and flexible financing, leasing, and purchase-plan packages on new or Certified Used Acura Vehicles. Graduates can also opt for traditional financing plan with a deferred first-payment of 90 days—that’s 60 days with no interest.
How can you take advantage of it?
The Acura Graduate Program is open to those who have graduated with a master’s, bachelor’s, or associate’s degree in the past two years or are set to graduate in the next four months, and who also have verifiable proof of employment or a commitment from an employer with a start date within 4 months. The graduate must also have no adverse credit history. A 5% minimum down payment is required.
If you’ve recently graduated, congratulations on all of your hard work. Now is the time to take advantage of the Acura Graduate Program from David McDavid Acura of Plano. Come in today to test drive a new or Certified Used vehicle and find the Acura that’s right for you.
 Auto fans know that the Chicago Auto Show is North America’s largest auto show, first held in 1901. Of course, the new 2013 Acura RDX and all-new ILX had to make an appearance at the recent 104th edition, which started with a Media Preview on February 8. These vehicles will soon be available at David McDavid Acura of Plano, and now is the perfect time to start considering whether one or the other is right for you.
Both the Acura RDX and ILX are set to launch in the Spring and were previously revealed to an eager audience at January’s Detroit auto show. Together, these two vehicles will help usher in Acura’s next 25 years and introduce a whole new generation to the brand’s unique premium luxury value.
The 2013 Acura ILX is a brand-new compact sedan that will serve as the brand’s new gateway vehicle. If you’re looking for standard luxury features and great value, look no further than this roomy 5-passenger sedan. Drivers will have the opportunity to customize their ILX with one of three powertrain choices, including Acura’s first gas-electric hybrid—a 1.5-liter engine with an Integrated Motor Assist® electric motor.
The other powertrain options include an entry-level 2-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 2.4-liter option. The ILX will also feature Amplitude Reactive Dampers and Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering for an incredibly rewarding driving experience.
The 2012 Acura RDX is a returning model, but it is fully redesigned for the new model year. The differences are evident from the outside, where you can take in the RDX’s longer wheelbase and wider track. The 2013 RDX will also feature new Amplitude Reactive Dampers and Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering, and is available in either front- or all-wheel-drive.
The RDX also has a new powertrain—a standard 3.5-liter V6 that replaces the previous 2.3-liter 4-cylinder and achieves 33 more horsepower for a total of 273. Inside, matte surface trim and leather give the RDX an extraordinary luxury feel.
Both the Acura ILX and RDX will be manufactured exclusively in the United States at state-of-the-art plants. This spring, Acura is set to change the face of the luxury game once again. Stay informed with David McDavid Acura of Plano as the release date draws closer.
 The 2012 Acura TSX isn’t your typical sedan—just take a look inside to see why. Black leather meets brushed aluminum in a swoopy, driver-centric package best described as functional techno-chic. A little bigger than a Honda Civic and only slightly smaller than an Accord, this good-looking four-door caters to the driver who values technology and appreciates a well-engineered chassis. David McDavid Acura of Plano has 10 cool reasons why the 2012 TSX may be right for you.
- If you’re pushing on enthusiastically through a favorite stretch of winding road, a poorly-timed gear shift can really upset the car’s balance. This won’t happen in the TSX because Grade Logic Control and Cornering G Shift Control manage the 5-speed automatic transmission, hanging on to ratios longer for optimal stability.
- Steering-wheel paddle shifters are standard on the automatic TSX, but that’s not what’s cool. What’s cool is that selecting Sport mode puts the driver 100% in charge of gear changes. Rev to the red line, then flick the paddle for maximum acceleration.
- In bright sunlight a car can feel like a greenhouse, especially for the occupant sitting in the sun. With GPS-Linked Temperature Control, the climate system in the TSX understands this problem and adapts airflow and temperature to suit. This very smart feature is part of the Technology package upgrade.
- The TSX comes with excellent audio, but the Technology package takes listening pleasure to a new level with a 10-speaker, 415-watt Acura/ELS Surround® system.
- If incredible audio isn’t enough, consider this: the TSX V-6 has Active Sound Control. This uses a reverse-phase audio signal to cancel out unpleasant background noise, while at the same time letting occupants better appreciate the throaty exhaust tone.
- The Special Edition turns a sporty car into something altogether racier. Metal racing pedals, red instrument markings, and red stitching in the leather add extra style and panache.
- Combine the Special Edition with the short-throw 6-speed manual transmission and you’re looking at a car that loves to be hustled through rolling countryside.
- The interior. Leather is standard, as are heated power seats for driver and front passenger.
- Plenty of storage space. The TSX features 13 storage spaces, with at least six in easy reach of the driver.
- The TSX is also available as a Sport Wagon, providing 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 66.2 with them down. It’s proof that sports and practical don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
The Acura TSX at David McDavid Acura of Plano is the perfect car for the technophile in us all. It doesn’t pretend to be a horseless carriage with lots of lovely yet useless trim. It’s an upscale, 21st-century conveyance built to be driven and enjoyed for what it is: a sporting sedan.
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