| renov8r |
When you look at the front 3/4 shot (#4) and the dead-on front shot (#5) the MDX resemblence is VERY noticeable.
I would be shocked to find the the same styling of the "underlip" of the '03 MDX...
Then again the Pilot of the turntable is a good foot or so higher than if you were standing next to it... |
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| rliggayu |
| um!, where's the fog light? |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by rliggayu
um!, where's the fog light?
Supposedly fog lights won't come with the vehicle, but will be available as accessories. I'm not sure how hard it'll be to install it by yourself, as there may be cutouts in the bumper for them. |
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| srpbep |
Fairly common with Honda. As an example, fog lights are optional on all Accords, even the EX-VL [top of the line with all bells/whistles incl 3L V-6, leather interior, moon roof, keyless/alarm, garage remote thingy, etc.].
Heck, it's 8,000 bucks less, they gotta drop something!! :D
Then again, the Pilot has stuff the MDX doesn't like side molding, auto-up window, etc. ... Hmmmmm ... so why does the less expensive vehicle have standard stuff that the luxury vehicle only has available as an option? :mad:
Then again, I understand the body colored door edge guards are going to be a Pilot option. Assuming they are like the other Honda edge guards [nice fitting, painted metal], they are real nice ... I wish they were available for the MDX ... I'd do it in a NY minute. :confused: |
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| Soichiro Honda |
To MDXLuvr:
That topic was supposed to be funny :cool:
Boring badge aside, I would still buy the Pilot even if it looked like an Aztek. (That would make it an even better value due to the clearance sales :D ) |
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| MDXLuvr |
quote:
Originally posted by Soichiro Honda
To MDXLuvr:
That topic was supposed to be funny :cool:
Boring badge aside, I would still buy the Pilot even if it looked like an Aztek. (That would make it an even better value due to the clearance sales :D )
I realize that, but i think i am irritated at the fact that honda is selling my 'X with a $8k discount. WTF!!!
oh, and btw, there are plenty of aztek's available at discount if u are interested.;) |
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| dwawindsurfer |
I'm in a position to choose between ordering a Pilot EX-L with the dvd player for $32,710 (dealer guarantees this price or MSRP, whichever is lower) or keeping my deposit on a MDX base for $35,200. I'm leaning toward the MDX for three major reasons:
1) The sunroof - I drive most of the day, love the outdoors and don't mind the noise (must be from learning to drive in a TR 4a irs)
2) The heated seats - it gets cold on powder days!
3) The 50K Warranty - I drive 28k mile a year
I also like the fog lights, lumbar support, outside temperature gauge, compass and auto-dimming rearview mirror. The magazines also indicate that the MDX is a little sportier in its' handling and road manners, i.e. "fun to drive". I don't care about the features of the Touring model MDX; in fact from what I've read I'd rather have someone install real roof racks than get Acura's.
The Pilot offers a lower price, more storage in the center console, standard bsm and uses regular gas. The dvd player I don't really care about, but I'm going to have to get it if I order this vehicle.
The exterior styling is a wash for me. I think the MDX looks too much like a minivan, and the Pilot is too generic looking. Delivery for either one will be June or July.
I'm curious to read what others think of my asessment... |
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| SonShine |
Hi all - I'm new here (1st post!):
Basically, my wife and I are having the same dilemna: MDX Base vs. Pilot EX-L (non-Navi, no DVD)
We really like the MDX, but we're thinking we should wait to check out the Pilot as well. We're not in a great hurry, and we're on the waiting list for both. The only catch is that the color we like on the MDX is the now-discontinued Granite Green, and I may be able to get one of the last ones that were produced...but then a decision would have to be made this week or next by the latest.
My main concerns with the Pilot are somewhat similar to dwawindsurfer's (no sunroof and less warranty)...but I think I could live with those for $5-6k less. I don't need heated seats because I live in the desert. On the plus side, I know a really good Honda dealer for sales and another for service (that is closer), so these would be advantages.
I suppose I won't lose with either, and that's a good thing overall!
Anyone else with thoughts on these two? |
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| MDXtrous |
| You can always install aftermarket sunroofs for less than $1000. |
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| srpbep |
Are aftermarket sunroofs as good as the factory units? I have never had the "guts" to do this because of the problems I have seen with aftermaket units [NEVER seem to be as good as the factory installed units]. My concerns would include:
** Water drainage
** Wind noise
** Water leaks
** Rusting
Maybe I am simply out of date!! |
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| sgtglok |
my opinion on PILOT vs MDX may be somewhat biased towards the later, especially since I (as anybody else on this board) did NOT get the chance to see/feel/smell/test/taste the PILOT, but here are my 5 cents:
MDX looks much sportier and classier, and I just do not see anything minivanish about it. Yes, it does not have the 'rigged SUV' look, but then it's an endless discussion. Although I'm not thrilled with the quality of interior/exterior, I don't think Honda's will be any better and I'd suspect - more 'plasticy'!
Regardless to what other members say about PILOT hurting MDX resales, I doubt it, as any luxury vehicle holds value better than it's lower-cost sibling. It may put an end to 5-6 mo. waiting period and 2-3k 'premiums', but for used cars - don't think so.
Plus, there are other things, like you mentioned: sunroof, better warranty, heated sits + mirrors! If those or the options available on Honda are not the deciding factors, consider comparing the dealerships you will service your suv. Usually, Acura dealerships are of higher class + quality of service. |
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| A2MDXer |
quote:
Originally posted by srpbep
Are aftermarket sunroofs as good as the factory units? I have never had the "guts" to do this because of the problems I have seen with aftermaket units [NEVER seem to be as good as the factory installed units]. My concerns would include:
** Water drainage
** Wind noise
** Water leaks
** Rusting
Maybe I am simply out of date!!
My opinion is that aftermarket is never as good, mostly b/c the operation is not as smooth and the controls are not as integrated as the factory one. However, it's still a viable alternative and one that I would do if the factory didn't offer it. I only have experience with one on my 1997 RAV (the dealer had it installed prior to purchase) but I have never had any leaking, noise or drainage problems (not sure about rusting?? - none yet). |
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| MDXtrous |
| I think it's a similar comparison to a fully loaded Camry and a Lexus ES300. Not much difference there, at least not one that justifies the $6000, $7000 difference except the "prestige" of owning a Lexus. |
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| wmquan |
http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/03pilot.htm
Positive review.
Note that their model has heated seats. Doesn't mean the U.S. Pilot will have heated seats, though, as sometimes the Canadian models have more cold-weather equipment then their U.S.-market siblings.
Also note that both portions of the second row seat slide forward to allow access to the rear, unlike the MDX, which only has the 40% portion that can slide. I wonder if one can "lock" both sides in a forward position, like you can with the 40% of the MDX.
0-100kph was kind of slow, but Motor Trend timed the Pilot at 8.1 seconds 0-60mph. |
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| SonShine |
Thanks for all of the responses:
Actually, it appears that the price difference between the Pilot and MDX may only be 4-5k if you get a base MDX. That doesn't seem quite as bad ad 7-8k! Also, the fact that the suspension is tuned differently concerns me a little since I like the way the MDX rides/handles.
As far as aftermarket sunroofs, which srpbep mentioned...I don't think I'd be comfortable with that option. If it really matters that much, we'll probably just get the MDX instead (the price difference would then be only 3-4k!). |
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| paul123 |
| The MDX, Pilot and honda Odessey will all be comming out of canada. How is this going to increase production of these vehicles. I hope and wish they would build the MDX out of Japan like the RL. |
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| srpbep |
I think that I have read that a LOADED Pilot will be in the $32K range. As I understand it, that would include mapping system or video system.
The base MDX is $35,200 ==> a price difference over a loaded Pilot of $3,200 [just what you suggested]. HOWEVER, the Pilot price INCLUDES the mapping system [or Video System if this is your preference]. Assuming the mapping system is your preference [$2,000 option on the Pilot and MDX], that makes the actual difference $5,200 comparing either:
Pilot w/o [$30,000] Nav to Base MDX [$35,200]
-- or --
Pilot w Nav [$32,000] to Base MDX w Nav [$37,200]
That is a significant amount of money [at least to me]. Additionally, it would appear the units are comparable in features [e.g. leather, front/rear air, 7 speaker stereo, auto-off headlights, etc.].
Actually, the Pilot EX is in some respects better equipped:
** Body Colored Rear Spoiler
** Auto-up Driver Window
** Cargo Net
** Body Side Moldings
** Usable roof rack [at least appears to be so]
Only thing that I see that the Pilot is missing is the moon roof and fog lights [avail option].
The Pilot does seem to have some nice accessories available including:
** Rear view camera kit [I think this is neat]
** Back-up sensor |
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| srpbep |
quote:
paul123 wrote:
The MDX, Pilot and honda Odessey will all be comming out of canada. How is this going to increase production of these vehicles. I hope and wish they would build the MDX out of Japan like the RL.
I think that Honda has finished [?is finishing] a new plant somewhere in the Southeast US [forgot what city/state]. As I understand it, Honda is going to move some/all of the Odyssey
manufacturing to this new site. If this is true, this will free up manufacturing capacity in Canada indicating that the supply of MDXs does not have to be impacted by the production of Pilots.
Since the Pilot could [will?] compete with the MDX, the demand for MDXs may soften??? |
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| SonShine |
| Good point - I forgot about the Navi being on the loaded Pilot. At this point, unless I find a Granite Green base very soon, it looks like I'm going to at least wait for a chance to see/drive the Pilot before I make a decision. I just hope our other car lasts long enough (we have to make a few repairs this week!)... |
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| wmquan |
I think a lot of folks will hysterically shout out $8k or $10k or more as the price differences between the vehicles. I've even seen one poster in another system saying he'd buy a Pilot LX, save many thousands, and not have the "frivolous" extra equipment he doesn't need. Everyone's mileage is going to vary.
There are a lot of subtle differences in equipment that some may prefer to save the money with. I think I posted a message early in this or another thread listing some of them. Yep, the Pilot does have some stuff the MDX doesn't have. But besides the lack of a moonroof and fog lights (latter which can be added as an acces$ory), there are lots of smaller things that add up. The electrochromatic mirror is an accessory, heated seats don't seem available (warm weather residents won't care but those toward the north will), you can't combine the Navi with an in-dash CD changer, the in-dash CD changer MAY be an accessory on all Pilots, etc. etc.
That's not to defend the MDX; Acura should quickly act to differentiate the vehicles better. But let's face it, the Pilot is basically the family vehicle for the masses, and for now, the MDX is the higher trim level version. I don't think anyone should be shocked, a Honda version of the MDX was always planned, and Honda doesn't differentiate Hondas and Acuras a huge amount.
I think the price difference for a comparably equipped vehicle won't be as sharp as some are predicting.
The new Car & Driver has a look at the Pilot. The article mentions that the handling isn't as sharp as the MDX because the suspension is tuned softer. I guess Honda softened it up for the family market they're going after with the Pilot. |
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| srpbep |
IMHO:
** The Pilot LX will not compete with the MDX. It will be one heck of an SUV at one heck of a price ... Absolute dynamite!! ... should really kick some butt in the marketplace.
** The Pilot EX is very close to the MDX base and $5K+ less. In my opinion, TOO CLOSE.
** The Pilot EX is still close to the MDX Touring, but then again, so is the base MDX!! We have the Touring, but I don't think that the "package" was a really great deal!! We wanted the in-dash CD changer and power passenger seat. Also got Bose and memory seats/mirrors, upgraded rubber. As it turns out, this was an expensive way to get the CD changer and pwr seat!! On top of this, the Bose is a little less than awe inspiring.
I don't think that Honda made a mistake, I think that their move is pure genius [for Honda dealers]. I suspect that this will force Acura to upscale the MDX [they need to do something in my opinion]. |
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| sgtglok |
| just a quick question. when toyota released highlander did they care to distance it further from rx3k? i believe a fully loaded new highlander 'weighted' 33-35k comparing to 38-39k, but rx usually is sold at invoice 36-37k. did that hurt rx sales or it's resale value? let's just say much less than MDX did! :) |
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| sgtglok |
| ...then again, most of the people that post here spent 40k+. sure tough to justify extra 8k, but... BE HAPPY WITH YOUR CHOICE - MDX IS STILL THE BEST BANG... Now, as to those that 'shelled' premiums, aka 2-3K over MSRP?!?! *ouch* |
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| dwawindsurfer |
Thanks for all of your input - there are some very knowledgable people on board!
Ultimately I feel better going with the MDX.
1) I'm told by the dealer that a sunroof is not available even aftermarket because the roof of the Pilot has 6 structural "ribs" that were added to insure that it has the highest crash test results.
2) wmquan is right about the price difference being less than you might think. The real world availability of a Pilot with the features I want means I must buy it with some features I don't (sound familiar?). The price is only about $2500 different at that point between a loaded EX L RES and the base MDX, and I'm giving up the sunroof, heated seats, fog lights, etc.
3) The MDX is more distinctive looking (whether you like it's looks or not), the suspension is tuned more for performance, and the dealers seem to treat customers better than the Honda dealers I've talked with. Though still not as good as the BMW dealers! |
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| sgtglok |
quote:
Originally posted by dwawindsurfer
Thanks for all of your input - there are some very knowledgable people on board!
Ultimately I feel better going with the MDX.
my job is done, khe-khe... now, where do i go to get my commision from acura? ;) |
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| A2MDXer |
quote:
Originally posted by dwawindsurfer
1) I'm told by the dealer that a sunroof is not available even aftermarket because the roof of the Pilot has 6 structural "ribs" that were added to insure that it has the highest crash test results.
Yikes, that sounds like marketing speak for "We found a potential problem with the MDX sunroof!" or "we aren't sure about the MDX in a rollover so we added protection":eek: Or maybe it's just a way of saying "oops, we forgot to incorporate a sunroof".
Wmquan, help me out with this. |
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| wmquan |
| Dunno about the extra structural ribs in the roof. I'd wait for confirmation about that from more reliable sources. Please note that I don't consider dealers to be reliable sources! |
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| A2MDXer |
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
Please note that I don't consider dealers to be reliable sources!
I hear you on that. Just ask some dealers (not all, some actually know some facts about the vehicle) to explain VTM-4 and you could get a novel of idiotic responses! |
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| srpbep |
| If I'm not mistaken, Honda doesn't offer a sunroof in the Odyssey platform either!! I wonder if this is a coincidence or what???? |
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| Soichiro Honda |
| I am absolutely not positive on this, but one member at the Pilot Club has said it *might* be released on June 3rd. |
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| wmquan |
LX $26,900
EX $29,270
EX-L $30,520
EX-L w/DVD Entertainment System $32,020
EX-L with Navi System $32,520
Destination is $460.
Price difference between a Pilot EX-L (leather) and a base MDX is thus $4,220. |
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| dwawindsurfer |
| Manchester Honda quoted me $1500 for the aftermarket sunroof (if it can be done) and almost $2000 to add heated seats to the Pilot. For $750 more dollars, the base MDX seems like a much better vehicle! |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by dwawindsurfer
Manchester Honda quoted me $1500 for the aftermarket sunroof (if it can be done) and almost $2000 to add heated seats to the Pilot. For $750 more dollars, the base MDX seems like a much better vehicle!
The difference is severe because of the heated seats in your quote. I'd rather live without them than pay $2,000 for them. I assume the heated seats were replacement seats? In which case, what about the airbags, which are built into the seats? |
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| mpk |
So the Pilot still has the same affliction. You gotta choose between getting lost on a long road trip, or unhappy kids in the back (== unhappy adults in the front)
This doesn't seem like it should be a big deal to get both. Others have commented that there isn't enough room in the console for both head units. Maybe they could share one?? |
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| dwawindsurfer |
| I haven't bothered to follow up with Manchester Honda on the specifics of the aftermarket heated seats (or sunroof) for the Pilot because I don't think the quality would be comprable to what I would get by just buying the base MDX with its standard heated seats and sunroof. The price difference between the two vehicles (Pilot EX L plus aftermarket seats & sunroof vs. base MDX) is not that great, and I really like having heated seats in the cold New England winter. |
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| me95124 |
I don't know how someone could continue with an MDX purchase with this available so soon. The price and much better functional integration seems unquestionable.
For $10k less, 1 extra seat (for those little "pile in and I'll take you" emergencies), and the chance to not have to work with Acura dealers, I absolutely have buyer's remorse. |
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| SonShine |
10k less? The difference is much smaller, especially when you are comparing the MDX base to the Pilot EX-L. But, $4k is still a fair amount of money, although the "extras" the X has make that difference even smaller. If you figure $1000-1500 for a sunroof (which is what a factory option would roughly cost) and $500 for seats, the difference is probably $2k. There are other features as well (i.e trip computer, better warranty etc.).
It's interesting to note that although Acura is the "luxury" or "upscale" brand, and therefore is theoretically supposed to provide better customer service, I know a really good Honda dealer that is better than any Acura dealer I've been to. |
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| dwawindsurfer |
The few thousand dollars difference in price is negligible when I factor in that I'll own this vehicle for 6 years. If the Pilot becomes as ubiquitous as the CRV is around here, the MDX is worth the premium just for its' exclusivity!
And my local Acura dealer has been a lot easier to work with than the Honda dealer. Honda dealers on the whole are rated very poorly, according to the Consumer Reports owners' surveys (24th out of 30). |
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| donsev |
quote:
Originally posted by me95124
I don't know how someone could continue with an MDX purchase with this available so soon. The price and much better functional integration seems unquestionable.
Could you please explain what you mean by "much better functional integration"?
quote:
For $10k less, 1 extra seat...
The $10k differential can only be achieved (if at all) by rather aggressive elimination of comfort and convenience options from the Pilot versus standard features of the MDX. In which case, the buyer is not truly seeking a "luxury SUV" in the first place.
The "1 extra seat" is rather a stretch (or is that a squeeze ;) )
since the floorplan layout is virtually identical to the MDX with the Pilot having, at best, .5" of extra hip room in the third row. (I don't know many people that are 1/2 inch wide - Kate Moss excluded of course) |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by donsev
The "1 extra seat" is rather a stretch (or is that a squeeze ;) )
since the floorplan layout is virtually identical to the MDX with the Pilot having, at best, .5" of extra hip room in the third row. (I don't know many people that are 1/2 inch wide - Kate Moss excluded of course)
I dunno ... I think Kate Moss has put on a few ounces recently, and now couldn't squeeze into the middle of the third row. :D |
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| BaldEagle |
| Ordered a MDX about 10 days ago. I considered waiting for the Pilot but decided on the MDX because of the following:
MDX more upscale.
Liked the looks of MDX better
More Luxurious interior
Better warranty
Moonroof, 8 way driver & passenger seats, memory on mirrors, seats, heated seats
Bigger better tires & wheels, console vrs dash shifter
It was my opinion that the extra $3000 to $5000 was worth it. We were looking for an upscale vehicle and the MDX meet our needs. For others looking for value the Pilot would make more sense. I was considering waiting for the 2003 MDX but decided to buy now because our for needs, current vehicles are getting too old. I am guessing that the 2003 will increase in price and have a larger engine, perhaps 3.8L with 280-290 HP. Honda has a history of equipping the Acura with more power.
Even after getting additional information about the pilot after ordering the MDX I have no "buyers remorse", am only more convinced that it was the right move for us. |
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| dwawindsurfer |
[QUOTE
It was my opinion that the extra $3000 to $5000 was worth it. QUOTE]
I have to agree with your logic. IMO this is all about finding the best combination of the features you need or want and the lowest price that offers you them. For me, the best combination is still the MDX.
What did they quote you fo a delivery time? I ordered mine March 22 (Red Rock base model) and I just got my build date of late June... |
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| BaldEagle1 |
quote:
Originally posted by dwawindsurfer
[QUOTE
What did they quote you fo a delivery time? I ordered mine March 22 (Red Rock base model) and I just got my build date of late June...
Mine (Nighthawk Black Pearl, touring w/o navigation) is due to be delivered late this month. Paid MSRP, checked with 3 other dealers and non of them would sell for under MSRP. Two added to MSRP $1000-1500. Checked with one dealer on the pilot and they would be $2000 over MSRP but he couldn't give me the exact price yet.
Dealer prices on accessories are outrageous for the MDX and they wont budge...Except for the tow package (want that to be fully warranted) I'll be buying extras from other than the dealer. This site has informed me of great places for accessories at reasonable prices. I assume the pricing on the Pilot accessories will be the same.. |
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| renov8r |
The "10K difference" is not comparing apples to apples, more like comparing a Chevy Impala to a Cadillac Brougham (or at least a Buick).
Never the less, I do think that the difference will help keep Acura dealers honest. |
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| srpbep |
quote:
renov8r wrote:
The "10K difference" is not comparing apples to apples, more like comparing a Chevy Impala to a Cadillac Brougham (or at least a Buick).
Never the less, I do think that the difference will help keep Acura dealers honest.x
I find the difference closer than the Chevy-Cad comparison but do acknowledge there are some differences. I was at the local Acura dealer this past weekend discussing two new probs [well 1 new, 1 newly discovered] and spent some time talking to the sales people while service took a look at the X:
(1) I mentioned that I might have gone the Pilot route had the Pilot been avail and was curious what they saw as the future. The salesmen were quick to point out that the Pilot only had a 3yr/36K warranty!! I asked them what else would have motivated me to spend the $8,000 extra for the X. Seems like I was asking a tough question!!
(2) They then mentioned that things were better than ever and that they now had X's in inventory, in fact, had 4 on the lot. Wow, said I, I have never seen an X here that was not customer owned. Seems that these Xs had been reserved and cancelled. I suggested "what's new about that, such is life
simply call the next people on the waiting list". Appears that the waiting list has "recently been exhausted".
Well, something is going on here. I tried for months to get an X from this dealer and finally went remote, now they have Xs in inventory and more on the way and the waiting list is gone.
SOMETHING IS CHANGING IN THE MARKETPLACE |
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| wmquan |
Ha, all your dealer could think up of was the longer warranty?
As you know, even the warranty stuff kind of pales when one buys an extended warranty, bringing both vehicles up to 7 years, 100k. I wouldn't be surprised if the Honda extended warranty to increment up from 3/36k is cheaper than the Acura one at 4/50k! But I haven't seen numbrers so am not sure.
There are distinctive differences between the vehicle, and just as there'll be reasons for people to buy the Pilot, there'll be reasons for people to buy the MDX.
The incremental stuff the MDX Base adds over the Pilot EX-L is not too unlike the incremental differences between the MDX Base and Touring, which has long been the subject of debate. Basically, the cost of each individual component in the Touring Package does not necessarily add up to the cost of the package. Especially if you don't care about some of the pieces.
In similar fashion, the incremental differences between the Pilot EX-L and the MDX base may not add up to $4,220. Especially if a potential buyer doesn't care about some incremental pieces, e.g. styling that's more sporty, slightly less handling and power delivery, etc.
That's why it's great to have choice! |
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| SonShine |
I agree - choice is definitely good. In my case, like BaldEagle, I decided to forego the Pilot and get an MDX. For me, color was actually one of the important factors since the Pilot's initial colors aren't all that exciting. My wife really liked Granite Green, and I was able to find one that fell out of deposit (I had to look really hard for this one - probably contacted 30-40 dealers total in 4-5 states).
Also, she really wanted a moonroof, and we weren't fond of the column shifter. The styling differences are somewhat important, but the bigger wheels are definitely a plus.
I would have been able to get the Pilot for MSRP, and I ended up paying MSRP for the X. It's interesting to note that some dealers have MDXs available; others don't have any. Here in AZ, all 3 dealers are quoting 60-90 day wait times. This may change on June 3... |
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| rliggayu |
| I just saw the TV commercial for the Honda Pilot and I think it's there's going to be a lot of buyers out there that can't wait. But I will not trade my MDX.:18: :29: |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by rliggayu
I just saw the TV commercial for the Honda Pilot and I think it's there's going to be a lot of buyers out there that can't wait. But I will not trade my MDX.:18: :29:
The commercial is making like the old Infinity commercials by not showing the vehicle and trying to build up your expectation. I'm surprised to see this type of marketing on a Honda. I was used to seeing Lexus or Infinity using this type of campaigne.
1. Just showing scraping of ice off window
2. shows wipers clearing mud off window
They really want to play it up! |
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| RedMdxMemphis |
quote:
Originally posted by srpbep
IMHO:
.. I suspect that this will force Acura to upscale the MDX [they need to do something in my opinion].
I suspect that Honda will do extremely well as a company when Pilot comes out, but they may also steal many customer from the would-be MDX buyers.
It is true that Acura MDX is an upper scale vehicle and it will continue to be my favorite car. Just by reading the Pilot articles, I am sure there are many angry MDX salesmen out there. Perhaps it is safe to say Acura does not have the "up scale" name like the Lexus. If we are talking about prestige, the $$ save would be my choice.
On the other hand, many of us will go out and buy a more "advanced" computer now. Six months later, the computer will be worth about 50% of the purchase price. So guy.. enjoy what you have. And buy what you can get when you need the car. |
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| RedMdxMemphis |
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
..
That's not to defend the MDX; Acura should quickly act to differentiate the vehicles better. ..
Honda doesn't differentiate Hondas and Acuras a huge amount.
...
That is the problem, I'd say. When I looked at the Highlander, I was able to come to the conclusion that if I want the Highlander, I'd rather pay about $2500 to get the Lexus Rx300. That difference will be "tolerable" as the Lexus package still appeal at a higher price.
If the Pilot drags down the MDX price in the next six month, we the MDX drivers will feel like driving a Pilot at a premium MDX+ price. :eek: I don't know the ride will be significantly different since the base frame, the engine, and the seating all sound too close to MDX. |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by RedMdxMemphis
I don't know the ride will be significantly different since the base frame, the engine, and the seating all sound too close to MDX.
You may have already seen this, but we've tried to summarize the real differences in this thread:
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...=&threadid=5727
Basically for now the MDX becomes a more expensive/exclusive Pilot with sportier sheet metal, sportier handling, maybe a tad bit more power delivery, and generally some more comfort/convenience features. I don't mean that in a negative way, I think both are very good vehicles. And I think a lot of folks will gladly pay the $4,220 premium to get some of the differences. Just like a lot of folks will gladly save the bucks and go for the Pilot.
Unfortunately, there are lots of reports on Edmunds on dealers already marking up their Pilots. That's pretty ridiculous if you can find an MDX in the area for MSRP. |
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| srpbep |
Stopped in at my local Honda dealer this weekend:
(1) Wanted to see a Pilot. They said not is stock yet. Hope to have one in the next week or two!! Golly, might not have one on June 3!!!
(2) Was quoted MSRP + $3,000!! Won't tell you what I said [have 2001 Accord that I purchased elsewhere because they are not competitive]. Sales manager indicated that could be negotiated down to MSRP + $1,000, didn't want to loose our business again!!
(3) They view the competition as the Highlander. When asked about the MDX, said not the competition. I suggested that at MSRP + $3,000, they should look at the MDX as competition!! |
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| SonShine |
$3000 over? I doubt that most Honda dealers will be able to get that kind of a premium with MDX availability improving; most areas also have Acura dealers who are willing to stay at MSRP. The $4220 difference ultimately was acceptable for us; a $1220 difference is a no-brainer.
The Honda dealer I've dealt with in my area is selling at MSRP; another I talked to "thought" they would be at MSRP or possibly $500-1000 over. It'll be interesting to see how the pricing will go once the Pilot is available. I will go check one out just to see how much different it is. Personally, I have no regrets about getting the X, even though it's not here yet! |
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| Foxbat |
Honda dealers are marking up Odyssey for years. I won't be supprised to them doing the same for Pilot. After reading Edmunds' recently published First drive: 2003 Honda Pilot article, three things really turn me off:
(1) less torque at low end compared to MDX. Probably the result of tuning for regular gas.
(2) crappy 235/70R16 tires.
(3) softer suspension.
All these make Pilot more a Minivan rather than a SUV. Plus those redicules dealer mark up, it makes MDX a much attractive buy. |
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| paul123 |
I wish I had a scanner to give you guys a more detailed look.
$33,000 ex leather with dvd $1000 over msrp-firm
$31,500 ex with navi about $1000 over may negiotiate?
No options at all just base models wouldn't talk fee's on options yet! |
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| JohnW |
Thanks for all the pix of the brochure!!! Couple of comments:
1. The body-styling of the Pilot just doesn't do it for me. Too plain-jane. The MDX is much more sexy/appealing.
2. It looks like the rear-camera is integrated in the read door next to the licence plate frame. If that's true, does that mean no way to add to the MDX?
3. They do a nice job of showing off all the features in that brochure. It'd be nice to have a comparable one to the MDX.
4. Yes, it would be nice to scan them so we could read the details ;)
Regards,
JohnW |
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| MDXtrous |
quote:
Originally posted by JohnW
Thanks for all the pix of the brochure!!! Couple of comments:
2. It looks like the rear-camera is integrated in the read door next to the licence plate frame. If that's true, does that mean no way to add to the MDX?
The main thing that would keep it from being used with the MDX would be the Navi software in the MDX is not designed with the reverse camera feature. If they change that in the future and assuming the control unit can feed into the existing navi dvd player then I don't see why not.
But you can also consider an aftermarket camera. I got mine for $145 at www.lightav.com and you can get this even if you don't have Navi:
http://www.savinglots.com/lotprod.asp?item=AVRM |
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