| Roofer |
With the market being in its present condition, I've been stalling on the decision to order my MDX. I've even been looking at alternatives.
I've even looked at (ulp) a minivan.
The Odyssey. For less than 34k (list) I can get leather, NAV and other assorted goodies. I plan on putting about 10 k down, so the monthly would be about $150 less.
I'm 6'7". Since the Ody doesn't have a moonroof, it also has 2.5 inches more headroom.
Its the best minivan out there. Unfortunately it doesn't handle as well, doesn't have AWD and its 12" longer. And no matter how you slice it, its still a minivan.
Maybe I've become less likely to indulge myself since we've had our son. Frightening. My big splurge last year? Not a 60" plasma. A sprinkler system. Ooh, how sexy.
I know I'll get some biased opinions. I may post this on an Ody forum as well. So what are your recommendations?
Regards,
Roofer - maybe I should change my name to WaffleBoy |
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| A2MDXer |
| No doubt the Ody is an attractive and practical vehicle and IMO a better "value" than the MDX. To me, if you need a minivan or if you don't value the AWD, better handling, more HP or "style" than why get the MDX? Two years ago, I didn't need the minivan features and wanted the MDX features. That said, the next vehicle I get (to go alongside the MDX) is likely to be the Ody. Yes, it's a minivan but a very nice one. |
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| phins2rt |
| I too considered the Odyssey but my issue was the cargo room. With 3 kids, I would always need the 3rd row seat available. If we go anywhere I would lose cargo space because that 3rd row would have to be used by the third child. I know the Dodge's 3rd row splits so you can gain some room that way, but I will not go back to a Chrysler product. So the SUV was the way to go. I can get all 3 kids in the second seat and still have plenty of cargo space. I looked at the Pilot but really wanted heated seats, moon roof, etc. The MDX was the most logical choice for us. AND WE LOVE IT!! Just my thoughts.:) |
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| kishino |
| IMO, I would stick with the Ody. as you are quite tall and the Ody will provide more headroom. |
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| JTM |
| I was looking at Ody before the MDX is out of market. Every year, I have visitors come over to visit me, so I need the seven seats vehicle. Ody was the best at that time. (I only consider Japanese cars) Once MDX is out on the market, I knew that will be my perfect car. (Seven seats and 4WD and fit into my price range) |
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| renov8tress |
Don't buy it unless you can live with NOT having the X! We are in a similar place and we try not to go there, although we know that we will have to put up with the aggravation at the dealer and probably waiting and all that other stuff, and have to spend more money than on many many other vehicles that would be 'serviceable'.
I wish we were like so many other people seem, just able to do it. It's a tough one. Hopefully we will go to the Chicago Auto Show next week and get the chance to enforce our decision. :twak: Then there's getting renov8r, one of the oldest members of this board to finally get this vehicle!!! |
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| dvilla |
Roofer, you probably have to take a look at the new Sienna (unless you are a diehard Honda fan).
Good luck!! |
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| mdxxxx |
Roofer,
Looks like the ODY is for you. Get it and don't look back. :4: |
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| TYP |
Hi..
I droved both Sieana.. and Ody..
No way that Toyota car is better..
I too was looking at Ody before the X...
So.. here's my 2 cent: If you have the $$
get x. If $$ is big problem, get Ody.
After all, what you like the most is not as important then your family. (not that Ody is a bad car)
I'd think you will enjoy Ody too, but I love my X :2: |
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| jofam |
| The new Sienna will be bigger than the current one, probably as big as the current Ody. It will have third seats fall flat to the floor, the third seats will be split seats (so you have the flexibility of folding only one seat to the floor, I guess). It will be available in AWD and it will be out next month. New, stronger engine too. Same as in the new RX? |
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| iceman1331 |
Before the X was in the market, everytime when I saw a Honda Ody, I always dreamed of having a SUV based on the Ody platform. My dream came true 3 years ago when the X was first introduced. I kept waiting and continually reviewed comments on this board which has become very helpful for me to make up my mind to purchase the 03 X.
Like many X owners said in other threads, if you constantly need a third row seat, you are better off to buy the Ody, otherwise, an occasionally use of the third row seat could justify you to buy the X instead. You can also consider the Pilot which can seat 8 people.
It is a hard choice, but it all depends on your need, your budget, and your personal satisfaction of what you get.
Good luck with your decision.
:4: |
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| A2MDXer |
quote:
Originally posted by dvilla
Roofer, you probably have to take a look at the new Sienna (unless you are a diehard Honda fan).
Good luck!!
Wow. That looks like it will be pretty nice as well. Hmm...maybe in 2005. |
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| TopDog |
quote:
Originally posted by renov8tress
It's a tough one. Hopefully we will go to the Chicago Auto Show next week and get the chance to enforce our decision. :twak: Then there's getting renov8r, one of the oldest members of this board to finally get this vehicle!!!
I went to the auto Show last weekend in Baltimore. I am more confused about what to do now than I was before. :confused: :8: |
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| laborlitigator |
| Get the 'X. . . you'll like it more than the *sigh* minivan. |
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| laborlitigator |
| Plus you can't pick up chicks in a minivan. . . |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Plus you can't pick up chicks in a minivan. . .
:22: |
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| ghost |
quote:
Originally posted by Roofer
Maybe I've become less likely to indulge myself since we've had our son. Frightening. My big splurge last year? Not a 60" plasma. A sprinkler system. Ooh, how sexy.
Roofer - too cool, what kind of sprinkler system did you get? I've got a buried line system for my raspberry patch - triple branched and I can add in a fertilizer feed. It's over the top!:18:
Rock on, dude!
PS. Get the X. |
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| Roofer |
Mostly Hunter components. 102 heads, 20 zones. We've got about an acre and a whole lot of beds. The water bill should be impressive.
Beats the heck out of dragging the hose around tho...
I'm still leaning toward the X. The finances are more an issue of what is the smart thing vs what I really want.
'Course the FX35, RX330, new Sienna and even the double cab Tundra offer interesting alternatives.
I think I need a fleet of 3 or 4 cars.
Roofer |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by Roofer
Mostly Hunter components. 102 heads, 20 zones. We've got about an acre and a whole lot of beds. The water bill should be impressive...
Wow! :eek: |
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| MDXor |
quote:
Originally posted by Roofer
I'm still leaning toward the X. The finances are more an issue of what is the smart thing vs what I really want.
'Course the FX35, RX330, new Sienna and even the double cab Tundra offer interesting alternatives.
I think I need a fleet of 3 or 4 cars.
Roofer
Get the Ody if you cannot wait too long. The Sienna will be nice but in its first year demand and possible defects will come with it. X is based on the ODY so you are getting the X "backbone".
You cannot go wrong with either one, but if finance is an issue (even a small one) go with the one that meets your "NEEDS" and not your "WANTS".
You can always do the typical PROS & CONS Column analysis... :27: That's how we keep ourselves "somewhat" rational in a usually emotional decision.
Good Luck!!!! and let us know what you decide... :29: |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by Roofer
Its the best minivan out there. Unfortunately it doesn't handle as well, doesn't have AWD and its 12" longer. And no matter how you slice it, its still a minivan.
Well, if you think you really need the extra passenger and cargo room of a minivan, go for the minivan. If not, go with what your heart tells you, you really can't go wrong either way.
The Odyssey is the best minivan out there -- right NOW. But I think that's going to change real soon with the new 2004 Sienna. It'll be out within a few months (though dealers probably won't give good discounts immediately, but the Odyssey doesn't discount really well either). It would appear that the Sienna has finally caught up to and surpassed the current Odyssey (whose design has been around for a while now).
The new Sienna has more passenger and cargo room than the Ody, available AWD, safety features simply not available on the Ody (side curtain airbags for all three rows, VSC, Brake Assist, available xenon headlights, etc.), and even a better-designed Magic Seat (60/40 split). And, IMHO, it looks a lot better than the Odyssey, if you can judge a minivan by looks!
The big problem could be the price. I bet it won't be cheap when it's loaded.
See:
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...=&threadid=9516 |
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| ghost |
quote:
Originally posted by Roofer
Mostly Hunter components. 102 heads, 20 zones. We've got about an acre and a whole lot of beds. The water bill should be impressive.
Beats the heck out of dragging the hose around tho...
Roofer
Roofer - I'm in awe! :6: Go off topic and post some pictures of this setup when you have a chance! What part of the country are you in?
Imagine an early morning photo, sun glinting off the mist from your sprinklers, shiny new MDX in the foreground.... |
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| laborlitigator |
Roofer,
I've got the Hunter one also. . . unfortunately only have 6 zones.:headshake |
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| crmsnidol |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Roofer,
I've got the Hunter one also. . . unfortunately only have 6 zones.:headshake
I've got a Hunter/Rainbird system and it's also 6 zones. Of course, with the drought in NJ last spring/summer it did little good. I think I ran it a total of 2 weeks before it became illegal to do so. |
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| Roofer |
Spent a lot of time researching the sprinkler system. Most vendors install one brand of components – no mixing and matching for some reason. Should be receiving the as-built diagram soon. The components include:
40 Hunter I20 turf rotors
17 Hunter 4” Pro Series turf sprays
45 Hunter 12” Pro Series bed sprays
20 Hunter ICV valves
Hunter ICC controller
Hunter SRR remote
R&D wireless rain sensor
Febco 825 Y Backflow
.75 hp Meyers pump
I think I’ve turned into a sprinkler geek. I tend to do that with technical and/or large purchases. Now I want to learn how to take everything apart and fix it if necessary. I’ll research something and then go with what I feel best meets my needs and is the best value for the money, even if it costs more.
Yes, I know. That indicates I’ll probably go with the X. Admittedly, the AWD Sienna and RX330 look interesting. I don’t like first year vehicles tho. Too many bugs, typically. I tend to be a late adopter of technology.
If you’re going to look into sprinklers, I can provide some good sites and pros and cons regarding brands and models.
Maybe my problem with the X is the monthly payment. I’ve never had one above $400. This could be $600. I can afford it, I just tend to be conservative when it comes to spending my $. I think I just contradicted a prior statement.
I read on the web that people typically spend no more than 15% of their net salary on car payments. I think that’s very high. Being a consultant, I’m subject to the capricious whims of the market to some extent. That’s probably making me even more cautious.
I’ll stop blathering now.
Roofer |
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