| Dr.X |
After owning a 2001 MDX Touring with NAV (which was totalled in a confrontation with an errant semi pulling 2-trailers and replacing it with a 2003 MDX Touring with NAV and DVD, my wife "convinced" me after 44,000 miles to "sell" it to our son to replace his 130,000 mile Yukon.
In my search for something that would have similar attributes to the MDX yet be "different" I looked at the VW Touareg and the BMW X5. The VW drove like a truck, switch gear felt cheap and fuel mileage info that I read was pretty poor for the V8 version. The Turbo Diesel with it's improved fuel economy is not yet available in California. The X5 is dated inside and has much less interior room.
I had always liked the E500 4Matic Wagon and the new body style is much improved (though my wife refers to it as an "Old Man's Car"). In addition, the MB Wagon has only 2-cubic feet less cargo room than the SUV Touareg. So, after test driving it, we now have a 2005 E500 4Matic Wagon in the garage.
Some initial comparisons and impressions of the 4Matic Wagon versus the MDX:
The MDX NAV system is so superior regarding intuitive, ease of use that there is no comparison.
The MDX cargo room is exceptional.
The MDX reliability was unbelievable (42,000 miles in the 2001 and 44,000 miles in the 2003) without any major problems.
On the other hand, the MB Wagon feels much more substantial compared to the MDX (and I think curb weights are very similar).
Surprisingly, fuel mileage on the freeway might be slightly better for the V8 MB at over 21 compared to 17-20/21 for the MDX. I don't know if anyone else has commented, but I experienced better mileage in my 2001 MDX than in the 2003 MDX.
Ride quality in both vehicles is very good.
Bottom line is that I could not find any other vehicle that compares to the Value of the MDX for quality, reliability, room, functionality and performance for even twice the price. I am not sorry for selecting the MB, which is a great vehicle, but continue to be amazed by how well the MDX does so many things for the price.
I may be back.
:) |
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| MacJag |
Good Luck in your choice.
But why not stay with the tried and true? |
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| JeffK |
You forgot two very important items:
Price and reliability!
In any event good luck!
Why did you not consider the Audi Allroad?
JeffK |
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| Dr.X |
Yes, the Audi Allroad was a contender, but the key item that eliminated that vehicle was driver's legroom. I am 6'2" and driver's legroom was too tight in the Audi while the MB is one of the only vehicles I have ever driven where I don't have to move the seat back as far as it can go.
Another concern I had was long term reliability. Yes, I am aware of the problems that MB has been facing in that area, but my feeling is that being a 2005 the issue (hopefully) has been at least partially addressed. Also, I have always felt that Audi's make great lease vehicles because you can move on to another before the warranty is up.
As far as staying with the tried and true MDX, I wanted to try something different. My only other comment on the MDX (and I mean this fondly) is that it lacked a feeling of excitement/passion. I described it to friends as driving an appliance. It does everything well but the interior in general and the dash in particular is not what should be in a $40K vehicle (not talking quality which is great, but looks/impression).
:) |
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| JeffK |
Dr X:
Not to create a conversation:
I too am 6'2", and find the my Audi A6 Avant quite comfortable - I in fact do not have to move the seat all the way back.
MB: This I believe is the 3rd year of the current series, so you are correct, all the bugs should be worked out.
MDX: Reliable, bland and dependable - but not exciting! On other hand I am now going to Vermont, ahead of our storm, and would rather be in my MDX than my Audi A6 Avant!
Good luck with your new ride!
JeffK |
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| renov8r |
quote:
Originally posted by Dr.X
.. My only other comment on the MDX (and I mean this fondly) is that it lacked a feeling of excitement/passion. I described it to friends as driving an appliance. It does everything well but the interior in general and the dash in particular is not what should be in a $40K vehicle (not talking quality which is great, but looks/impression).
:)
From little things like the shift knob and interior lighting to the gauges, Acura's updates have made several changes to address the "pedestrian nature" of the MDX's driver environment. Simply comparing an 01 to an 04-5 point to the direction that Acura is moving.
The power/MPG is best in class for three-row SUVs. The handling numbers are in the top ranks of that class too.
The subjective "feel' is very hard to pin down, but I suspect that Acura was reluctant to go too radical when the '01 came.
With the success of the FXs & the Cayenne (and the range expansion of that Acura looks to be committed to with the RDX) it makes sense that the "redone" MDX (that is still due in calendar 06...) will be even sportier than the 04-5 update... |
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| Fabvsix |
I bounce back between an 05 MDX and a 04 RL (not the new 05). Them MDX is WAY faster than my RL, but I prefer the RL .....mums the wood he he......
I always liked the look of the BMW/MB wagons ! |
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