| bj72 |
Hope someone might be able to help a bit. We currently own (outright) an '01 Odyssey (1st yr it looked like a minivan) EX-L. We have been thinking about getting a Pilot for months now, but I was waiting for the '05s as I wanted a sunroof. It is one of the main reasons I got on board with getting a new vehicle....my husband just wants AWD. Also liked the idea of the VSA and side curtain airbags being added to the Pilot, however, rumors of the side curtain airbags were untrue...though it does have a lot of good stuff this year. Basically the Odyssey has been a really good vehicle, but we don't need some of the features (like sliding doors) and I want less of a mom-mobile driving around town.
We were looking at the EX-L, EX-L RES, & EX-L NAVI models for the Pilot. Don't know if they'll have RES & NAVI mid-year together, but doesn't look like they do at the onset.
So, here's the real question...do Acura dealers offer any good deals w/the new model year out. If the Honda dealers don't budge from MSRP, or *heaven forbid* over MSRP for the 05 Pilot, would an MDX 04 be even close in price? What are your experiences from last year on this?
Also, if the MDX 04 is in the ballpark to overpriced 05 Pilots, would you take an 04 MDX, even with the slosh in the tank? Is it that big of a deal? I keep seeing it mentioned on both Pilot and MDX forums. The 05 Pilot will not have this problem just as the 05 MDX won't if the bigger tank fixed it.
I guess the only thing really keeping me from a Pilot is the side curtain airbags. The MDX price is so much higher though and we have been fine without the side curtain air bags thus far (plus I think the SUVs do better than the minivans at side impact crashes, so we should be doing a bit better).
I do like some of the other features the MDX has that are like our 325i BMW....rain sensing windshield wipers, finishing details, etc., but don't think my husband will go for it for that alone.
Oh, we have two small rugrats (3yr old & 1 yr old), and may add another eventually. The Pilot we tested did fit both their Britax Roundabout carseats on the outboard 2nd row and a Peg Perego infant carseat in the middle (my husband humored me and brought it along to try...don't know if he'll do it again to test the X). Has anyone tried that in the MDX? We will usually have our 1 & 3 yr old side-by-side as they like to play & hold hands (that & my 3 yr old daughter hands my son snacks when he is fussy). I heard there is less space, but is it really that much less space? The Pilot also fit the single and double strollers in the back, but it was definately less room than the Odyssey, but we don't carry much gear other than the strollers and a small diaperbag.
If the price could be close for an 04 X to 05 Pilot....and the sloshing isn't that big a deal, I'll probably drag both kids out to test drive. Thanks in advance! |
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| wmquan |
The slosh in the '04 MDX is similar to the slosh in your Odyssey. Thus, I would imagine that if your Odyssey's slosh is unnoticeable to you and not an issue, then the MDX's won't be. Supposedly the '05 Odyssey, Pilot, and MDX have measures to reduce the slosh. Only time will tell if it's effective.
Various posters here have reported getting near-invoice pricing on '04 MDX's (though there have also been reports of low Pilot prices). The level of discounts will depend on where you live. E.g:
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...&threadid=18548
It is true that side curtains in a vehicle the height of an MDX or Pilot are not as useful in all side impacts. E.g. side-impacts from smaller vehicles (as measured by the NHTSA side-impact teset) usually don't need the side-curtains. However, it is also true that impacts from larger, taller vehicles could be where the benefit of side curtains become important. In any event, the MDX's side-curtains will inflate during a rollover in an attempt to keep occupants inside (apparently sometimes folks slip out of their restraints even when belted in!).
The lack of side curtains in the '05 Pilot is a glaring omission, and I wouldn't buy one simply because of that. Not when every one of its major competitors have side curtains standard or available.
We've had a number of different carseats in our MDX, usually a Britax Roundabout (facing backward and forward), a Britax Marathon (forward-facing), a Graco Snugride, a Century Advanta, and a Britax Husky. We haven't had a problem getting a solid fit.
If you put both seats in the outboard position, it's a bit of stretch between the seats. It is possible to put the seats next to each other, depending on the bulk of the infant carrier.
The Pilot has only very slightly more passenger space, I don't think the difference is significant.
The rain-sensing wipers only come in the Touring edition of the MDX, which unfortunately commands another price upgrade over the Pilot.
Either way, you won't regret buying either vehicle. |
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| BaldEagle |
| What gas tank slosh? |
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| trixie |
BJ72,
First of all, welcome to the board. I think that you've come to the right place if you're considering the MDX. The MDX is a great vehicle with a loyal following.
The problems with the MDX are microanalyzied on this site. Don't be frightened, the X is a loyal steed. Although not perfect, the X is close.
I have an 03 model. To date, I think that I heard the gas tank slush one time. It seems that the problem has been fixed. Additional search on the site and you'll be an expert.
If there is a reliability concern with the X, it is the transmission. Honda has experienced problems with transmissions on several models for several years--the MDX and Pilot included. Starting with the 03, the transmission was redesigned and there's a bunch of us holding our breathe. I am not totaly convinced that Honda has fixed the problem. However, I'd buy another without second thought.
Both the Pilot and the MDX are very safe vehicles, scoring at the top of every evaluation and comparable to the safest of minivans. Every year they get a bit safer. The main problem with any SUV, center of gravity, is minimized via the unusually wide track. Great for stability, not so great for parking.
The Pilot and MDX are very similar. The X is a bit less minivan and a tad more premium SUV than the Pilot. As for utility, the Pilot has an extra inch in a few places. This could come in handy if your primary mission is to move furniture. However, you owe it to yourself to check out the X--it's huge. In a few width dimensions, it's actually wider than a Suburban.
I did not know that the Pilot was still moving at MSRP. The X starting moving at discounted pricing during the mid-03 run. If you are correct, you have a strong argument in favor of the X--better value. If you're looking for justification to make the leap to Acura, you've come the the right place. We look forward to having you as a regular. |
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| MDXin |
| Greetings, I was in the same situation as you. After researching the o4 MDX vs an 05 Pilot, the 04 MDX has everthing your waiting for and then some. As far as cost, I got a Premium (Base model) that lists for $36,940 for $33,700. The only thing I had to sacrifice was a navigation system that I could have bought on the Pilot, but became out of budget on an MDX. Very happy with the purchase though, and no gas sloshing from the tank! |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by BaldEagle
What gas tank slosh?
What he said.:4: |
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| BLEXV6 |
| I have heard the sloshing noise but it is not obtrusive, and only hear it when the tank is full and the radio off. My advice is to crank the tunes and you will never hear it.:D Get that sub woofer pumping. To me this is a non issue. |
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| bj72 |
Thanks everyone. I'll definately put it in the running and check it out now.
BLEXV6...no need to crank the tunes, I have a 3 yr old and a 1 yr old that give me more than enough noise to not hear it :-)
wmquan, didn't realize that the slosh would be in our Odyssey 01 as well...duh, should've realized it though! Like BaldEagle & Excalibur, I haven't noticed it (in our Odyssey at least) and if my husband has, he never mentioned it. I'm guessing our almost constant background noise from the kids has drowned it out if it ever did occur.
trixie, thanks for the welcome. I knew the MDX was a tad more premium all around, but didn't realize it was less like a minivan...I'm guessing it drives sportier maybe? Um, that would be good :-) I like driving our BMW a lot, but don't get to often. Maybe I can get dh to sell the BMW w/ the Odyssey, he could get a Civic for commuting his 4 whole miles to work and I can get the MDX for me and the kids ;-) Not likely, but I can dream. O4 Pilot's aren't moving at MSRP; they definately are close to or at invoice. However, since the 04s aren't offering a sunroof, tpms, or vsa, I'm only looking at 05 Pilots. I am anticipating that Honda, in typical Honda fashion, will not be offering the 05s much below, if at all under MSRP & wouldn't be surprised around here if they try to add a $1000-$2000 popularity markup for at least the first 6 months or so. Could be wrong though, it's just what they have been doing with the Pilot and Odyssey in the past.
MDXin...that is a great price! I really would like the touring though if I bump up to an MDX. I know I'm asking for the sun, moon and stars at a bargain price. In the 05 Pilot I wanted both NAVI & RES but they aren't offering it together now (maybe mid year the dealer says). I am having a hard time choosing which is worth getting through the dealer and which would be better aftermarket. Then there is still the lack of side curtain airbags in the Pilot. So, I'm thinking there seems to be a strong arguement for getting both RES and NAVI aftermarket from people on hondapilot.org...if I do that, I could just haggle a deal with a MDX and add the other stuff later when I have save more $$. I can justify to my husband that he was almost ready to do NAVI & RES on the Pilot for me & the kids even though he could care less, so it would be close in price to switch to the MDX w/o those and we can add them later. I'm definately watching the bottom line, as I'm trying to do this with the money we'll get when we sell the Odyssey (which we have long paid off) and $$ we're saving up so as not to finance anything. That said, I want to be happy with the purchase for the long haul, or at least 4-5 years ;-) |
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| trixie |
BJ72,
You may want to rethink your logic of adding navi to your MDX at a later date. Adding the OEM unit is not a practical option. Not being integrated into the car's design, aftermarket units are awkward. The X's navi system is the slickest gadget that you didn't know you can't live without.
In argument for aftermarket navi, at least you can move it between vehicles. In addition, they are relatively affordable.
As for the RES, aftermarket addition is a viable option to save money. Most aftermarket units are less expensive than the OEM option, even with installation. Integration into the head unit may not be as slick. Just don't wait too long, parents love RES more than the kids. |
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| msu79uh04 |
quote:
Originally posted by BaldEagle
What gas tank slosh?
:cool: :1:
I'm on my second MDX; and am pissed off that Acura has denied me this feature twice now ;) |
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| msu79uh04 |
quote:
Originally posted by bj72
I do like some of the other features the MDX has that are like our 325i BMW....rain sensing windshield wipers, finishing details, etc., but don't think my husband will go for it for that alone.
Both are great vehicles; we have really enjoyed the rain sensing wipers however I do not consider items like that to be decision makers. To me styling and Nav are more important considerations. We now consider Nav a must have option. I much prefer the MDX styling, but that is a very subjective personal thing.
Call me old fashioned (my youngest child is 16.5) but I am not in favor of built in entertainment systems. I simply do not see the need to entertain kids with DVD 24/7. I am astonished by all the people who use them on short 10 minute trips for errands :( :confused:
I'd consider a portable system for longer trips; these can also can be taken into the hotel room, Grandma's house, etc when you arrive at your destination. Portable is also substantially cheaper than built-in. |
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| bj72 |
Yea msu, that is why we are leaning with the portable now. We see our neighbor's built in unit come down every time they are in the car, even to run to get groceries a mile away. While I could just say no viewing, except long trips, it would be much easier to do that if the unit was portable and it just wasn't in the car on a daily basis. I love that my 3 yr old looks out the window and asks tons of questions now. With a built in RES, I'm sure there will be an ongoing battle to whether it is on or not. If it is on, she and her brother certainly won't be taking in the scenery. Plus, she watches too much tv as it is while playing (background noise usually). However, I do think having one for long trips (especially when we move every 1-3 yrs....husband is a Marine pilot), is worth it. The only advantage the built in RES has in my mind is less cords, no object to fly about in a crash (skeptical how the after-market straps do if they're not crash tested), and perhaps better viewing for both kids. Disadvantages is it is always there for the kids to beg to see and the price is definitely high.
Not sure about the NAVI. Since we do move a lot, I think it would be useful to find my way around each new place. I hate realizing I'm an hour across town, both kids in the car, can't find my destination, and oh btw, the maps are in dh's car:3: However, it is a pricey luxury. The move up to touring would also be a pricey luxury for the memory seats (I'm 5'2", my husband 6', so this is a feature we both really like in the BMW), among some of the other stuff, and isn't there different tires? My husband is more into the tires than me, but usually upgrades in vehicles (though every once in a while he stays with the package). We could probably do without the touring as it is then in line with a Pilot EX-L.
As far as styling, while part of me likes the sleek exterior of the MDX, another part of me likes the more truck like, boxy, rugged look of the Pilot...hope I don't get crucified for saying that ;)
Guess I just need to test drive the MDX, and then the Pilot again. We are a couple of months out still to pay cash, unless we get a deal we can't refuse. Look forward to gleaning this board for information in the meantime. Thanks again and any other thoughts/comments are appreciated :4: |
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| msu79uh04 |
quote:
Originally posted by bj72
As far as styling, while part of me likes the sleek exterior of the MDX, another part of me likes the more truck like, boxy, rugged look of the Pilot...hope I don't get crucified for saying that ;)
Guess I just need to test drive the MDX, and then the Pilot again. We are a couple of months out still to pay cash, unless we get a deal we can't refuse. Look forward to gleaning this board for information in the meantime. Thanks again and any other thoughts/comments are appreciated :4:
Yes I'd recommend test driving both. You can probably get a Pilot w/ Nav for the cost of a base MDX. BTW have you visited: http://www.honda-pilot.org/ |
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| bj72 |
Yep, I have, thanks though. Actually, I found ya'll here from the Honda-pilot.org site. The lack of side curtain airbags in the 05 Pilot had me exploring other avenues even though my husband seems quite happy with the idea of a Pilot even w/o side curtains (he just wants the awd). I think I'm gonna try to get him onboard with a MDX, but if $$ is too much of a concern in the end, I'll probably say we should at least wait till the 06 Pilot to see if they finally add the side curtain airbags. We really are in no hurry, both our vehicles are running fine, just itching for a change.
He may surprise me though and go for the MDX. He mentioned the other night that he might want to sell the BMW for a Jeep Rubicon. I could then argue we "need" at least one luxury car and why not the one that gets more use? :D
Have to say, both sites are wonderful...lot of great people and knowledge. Strong reasons to purchase either. It's gonna be a tough decision when we make it. |
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