Hopefully my LAST post about MDX check engine lights

So here's my latest and hopefully last update regarding the recurring check engine light for my 2007 Acura MDX. I'm only sharing because I hope it might help someone else out in a similar situation.

In mid-February, I took it in to the Acura dealer for a regular oil change. And yes, the check engine light was still on. The gentleman checking me in was really friendly and asked about the light (he noticed it when checking my mileage).

The error code was P0420.

I just simply said I was trying to ignore it, since anytime I brought it in, I either had to fork over another $500, or I was told everything is fine and the CEL (check engine light) is turned off by a mechanic.

The service tech said he would look into it for me, free of charge, and sent me off with a loaner car which I wasn't expecting.

In my original post about check engine lights (about a year ago now), I expressed concern that it needed a new catalytic converter. Sure enough, after all that time, that's what was causing the CEL. I knew from the beginning that the catalytic converter was covered under an extended warranty by Acura. So fortunately, it was covered. Unfortunately, 1. I was told it also needs a new gas tank ($1800+) and 2. It took almost a year, and at least 6 documented trips, for them to figure it out!

I won't go into all the other issues I had regarding this particular visit to the dealer, but it is now 2 months later and the car is running great. I'm just glad it's all over.

So, to summarize,

February 2014 - I spent $492.98
November 2014 - $513.00
February 2015 - $2,112.90

Here's the thing about buying used cars, in my first 13 months of ownership, I've spent another $3,118.88 on unexpected repairs. That comes out to another $239 per month. I could own another car for $239 per month, maybe a Nissan Leaf so I wouldn't have to pay for gas anymore. Anyway, I digress. Like I said, I'm glad I don't have a check engine light anymore.

1994 Ford Ranger ignition coil - before and after

After trying to figure out what was wrong with my truck for several days, it turned out to be another bad ignition coil. I'm going to have to avoid buying these from O'Reillys, it's on it's 3rd ignition coil since I've owned the truck (almost 5 years, since mid 2010).

2007 Acura MDX clearance with an Inno Shadow roof top box

After purchasing my Inno Shadow 16 roof top box from the Bellevue Rack n Road last Labor Day weekend (2014), I've been avoiding many parking garages.

I found out pretty early on that my 2007 Acura MDX could clear 7'0" easily, so I could get into most garages in the Puget Sound without issues. However, anytime I saw the garage clearance start with a "6", I got really nervous.

Well, now I know, it can clear 6'10"! (assuming the sign saying 6'10" is accurate)

The main garage at Bellevue Square says it has a clearance of 6'10", and I was able to get in and out without any issues. There's even an inch or two to spare.