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Have MDX on order but seeing some of the comments on the board is making me a bit nervous.
I am not really into the Macho, SUV type thing.. A little bit mroe conservative. Have a 10 month old and hopefully will have a second one in the next year or so.
We are used to driving Camry's but need more space to take Baby stuff. I am not one who does any cargo hauling from Home Dept--really looking for a Car that has more space but not looking to feel like I am driving a Truck.
Dilemma is MDX has great additional space V. the 300--but how much do I really need it. And Second- it seems to be much bigger and Truck like.
Can anyone help me out with this issue?Name plate and all that other stuff is not really relevant to me-- |
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Just judging by what you say is important to you right now, I think you might be happier with the RX 300 - it's more car-like, and if you like the Camry feel the RX 300 will feel more like home. But if you think you might be having a third and then maybe a forth before too long, or if you think you'll be taking the family camping, boating, etc. where you'd appreciate the extra room, you might be better off with the MDX.
I'd drive 'em both a couple of times, and judge for yourself which one would better suit your needs. You also might want to consider a station wagon, including those made by Audi or Volvo, if real car-like handling is your No. 1 priority. |
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We (my wife and I) test drove the RX300 as well as the Toyota Highlander. My mom has had an ES300 for a few years and she loves it. I've driven it for extended periods while visiting them, and have always thought it was a solid and well-built (if somewhat unexciting) car, reliable with good ergonomics. The RX300 is basically a glorified ES300 on stilts, so I figured it would be similar, and I wouldn't feel like I was driving my mom's car.
So our prime decision was between the MDX and the RX300 (also looked at the X5, but it was too expensive and even less practical than the RX300). We droved the RX300 first, and thought it had everything we needed.
Then we drove the MDX. We both LOVED it. It felt sportier, no less car-like in handling, larger and better designed (e.g., we liked the Nav system better, loved the way the seats felt front and back, and appreciated other niceties like the steering wheel audio controls). While we don't have kids, we have friends with two kids who have to take two cars everywhere when parents visit...so we figured the MDX might be good minivan prevention. And...it's well-priced vs. the RX300. The Highlander, IMHO was no comparison, just a much cheaper-feeling RX300 (without being all that cheaper).
We can't wait for our MDX! Good luck--you can't lose either way.
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We looked at the same cars (and the ML). The RX is a great car. But, the RX lost the battle in favor of the MDX, for myriad reasons. My wife wanted the RX more (more feminine, she thought). I wanted the MDX for the same reason (more masculine). But, our friends with 2 kids showed us the amount of gear they drag along with them. One of our friends actually sold her RX after just a few months after struggling with the relatively small storage space.
There's barely sufficient room for 2 kids worth of gear in the back of the RX. Of course, if all you carry is a couple of umbrella strollers, you'll be OK. But if it's the full-size strollers and other paraphernilia, you might need more space.
Wife now loves the MDX, the ride, the featuers, and all the room. We've just got 1 kid, but also a dog.
Bottom line: You've just got to go look @ them, and drive them both, and eyeball that cargo area. |
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It's a tough decision, especially with the significant improvements made to the 2001 RX (HID's, stability control, slightly tighter suspension), and the BIG discounts that are now available with the RX.
A few observations that may play into your thinking ...
- The RX is smaller and fairly car-like, but I don't find the larger MDX to feel much less car-like. Some of the reasons are that the MDX still has less body roll, and, most importantly, the MDX has a more car-like turning circle; the RX is famous for having a wide turning circle that requires some thought when pulling a U-turn and sometimes even when parking.
- The MDX may seem more truck-like than an RX but it's definitely no truck-ish. It's smoother than most traditional truck-based SUV's (though not as smooth as the RX).
- The RX can be bought with some of those nice options you can't get on the MDX -- namely, better paint schemes, and xenon headlamps. Stability control is standard, as is brake assist.
- Payload -- overloading a vehicle is a major cause in many rollovers. The RX has a payload limit of something over 900 lbs, the MDX's is over 1,200 lbs. This may not be a problem for you unless you have in-laws over and baby rides between them.
- The MDX is wider; make sure there's no problem getting into an older garage with a narrower opening.
- Both vehicles do not have rear side airbags. With the MDX's greater width, you can easily leave one child in the center while the other is in the outboard position. With the RX's narrower dimensions, it may be better to put both children in the outboard seating position.
- I believe the RX has ISOFIX attachments for car seats. It's not as critical today because there are relatively few ISOFIX seats out but is a factor later on.
- As far as cargo room goes, you're the best judge of that if your child is ten months. We drove over 140 miles over two mountain passes to visit the in-laws during Christmas, and our son was 3 months old at the time. The MDX's cargo area behind the second row seat was packed to the gills, and one person was able to ride in the second row next to our son to help keep him calm.
With the RX, we would have had to fold down part of the second row seat, putting cargo uncomfortably close to the child seat (would have had to buy some kind of hard divider, if there's such a thing for the RX), and possibly making it so that an adult couldn't ride with him back there, or just making it uncomfortable.
The MDX's greater width will help future situations when you have two children and both are in car seats. An adult can ride comfortably with them, and it's much less likely you'll need part of the second row for cargo room. Then again, if the Lexus's cargo room behind the second row is enough, then you won't have to worry about folding the second row either. Remember that you should never load cargo above the window line.
As to whether or not the Lexus's cargo room is enough, some of that will depend on the bulkiness of your strollers, whether you want to eventually carry kid's tricyles or bikes, etc. and whether or not you'll take short trips that require that you bring the playard and other kiddie paraphernalia.
Good luck! They're both excellent vehicles. |
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It's not as powerful and is cheaper than the MDX, and is certainly not as luxurious as the Lexus, but the Highlander is "in-between" in terms of cargo room, and has been noted for being car-like too. Sort of a tall Camry station wagon, which some people like, some people hate. It's also based on the Camry so may feel quite familiar to you.
And within a few months, the newness of the model will die down and you'll see fully loaded ones going for $32k or so, and less-loaded ones for significantly less. |
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The RX300 looks like a bug. The MDX could squash it anyday. Saw the RX300 at the car show, its way too small and I hate Lexus, I hate the Lexus name can't stand the front ends on all Lexus cars, especially that unshapely L. I would not go there. Save face and buy the MDX.
The ML320 is also unsightly. I won't go there either. Just add a star to the Hyundai SUV , it looks just like Mercedes ML320.
As far as safety goes. The one upstairs will pick you up when its time, Nothing or noone can stop it, it won't matter how many airbags you have.
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Well...I'm not biting...BUT...I saw a sweet RX today. Dark Blue (not sure of their color label) with cream interior and gold packaging. It was really very nice. I've driven them and they are fine riding SUV's...but they still harbor that tippy cornering feeling...or maybe it's the way I drive. But I currently have a Blazer...and don't want a similar feeling.
Plus...the Blazer has wind noise...like is the window up or down? Also, has issues with Brakes...yikes...is it antilock or antistop? In addition, the crash tests were miserable...but who knew in March of 95?
This RX today almost lost that "pulled up"look that I've noticed on the cars. Maybe it was the clear rear lenses...but it looked nice. It also had the dealer logo...so was brand new.
Anyway...hats off to the RX because it really comes in a close second. Especially for those of us who are stuck on color options and are dedicated to what's ON the hood instead of what's UNDER it and can take or leave the extra seating and space. If they can come up with a less pulled up design next year...it might be a nice addition.
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There are lots of posts here and on Edmunds about the differences between the two vehicles with wmquan leading the charge here and with Tonychrys on Edmunds. Both have excellent comparisons on the differences. As for me, I have a deposit on a MDX in, but this week I took both for an extended test drive and found that I am not 100% comfortable in either of them as they just do not have drivers seats that are sufficiently supportive. So I may in fact abandon Suv-land for the world of the Volvo XC or, forgive me all you SUV fanatics, a Saab 9-5. These vehicles are simply the best fitting for a 6'4" long legged individual.
Having said that I haven't cancelled my order yet... |
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| You should check out the Audi Allroad in addit to the Volvo XC; it looked pretty cool. Wife decided she wanted to take a look @ it the day our MDX arrived after an almost 4-month wait. I balked as it was high 40's MSRP but it still looked very cool, plus *I* wanted the MDX :) |
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Can't try the Audi. It's over my budget.
Why fall in love if you can't consummate the relationship! |
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quote:
Originally posted by DMor
Well...Especially for those of us who are stuck on color options and are dedicated to what's ON the hood instead of what's UNDER it and can take or leave the extra seating and space.
Dmor,
Help us hopeless left brainers out on this one! |
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sabah,
Just curious as to why you're so passionate about hating Lexus. Do you also hate Toyota?
BTW - in Japan, there is no Lexus, no Acura, and no Infiniti. The Japanese big three car manufacturers sell pretty much all the vehicles they sell here under those labels, albeit with different model numbers and somewhat different specs, but they sell them as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan which is exactly what they are. Remember these three labels are done to differentiate their products to be able to sell more highly engineered, more feature laden vehicles against the likes of Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, etc.
IMHO, all three produce good vehicles in all classes and ranges and the only thing I hate is that I cannot afford to buy fifty or so automobiles from manufacturers all over the world! There are so many great cars today than at any time to date. I would like an M5, a Testarossa, a Miata, a classic vette, a new Z, - I'm rambling and this calls for a new thread on top ten vehicles - see you there.
BTW - in Japan, they also sell some screamers they don't export. Too bad, there are some great cars we're missing out on.
KOT! |
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Dmor
I don't hate Toyota, I have a toyota truck, it's great..
For some reason, I just don't like the Lexus, especially the RX300, it just looks like a small bug.
I would not buy it, Mercedes is way better. |
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The Lexus's that I have been in (either as a passenger in a friend's/associate's) or for a test drive all seem kind of "souless". I have not been in a new IS or a GS400, so I'm not saying the whole line has a sterile feel, but the majority do.
This is especially true of RX300. It is really nice and not "trucky" compared to other vehicles with a similar 'target', but it seems so numb and "unspicey" that it turns me off.
The MDX feels better to me. The ride is less "artifical". Certianly the power seems better at highway speeds. The "pass arounf merging traffic" that takes you from 60-65 to 75 seems to happen way quicker in the MDX than the RX300. A characteristic of the other Lexus models I have been in. I don't know if it is a designed in thing, with a "soft downshift" and quiet engine, or something else, but I do not like the feel of it. |
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Well,
For those of us still running carpools of gymnasts who need 7 passenger seating and need to stay in a budget, the MDX rocks and the Lexus RX300 is too small. I love the LS470, but for that, I wouldn't need a car loan, I would need a MORTGAGE!!! |
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Just thought I would convey my experience of owning a Lexus RX300...
I leased a 2001 RX300 about 4 months ago, I just sold it 2 weeks ago. It was a really fantastic vehicle - superb build quality, unmatched customer service, supreme comfort and lots of gizmos (VSC, Optitron, self leveling HIDs etc.) However, the ergonomics of this vehicle (obviously not felt at the time of a test drive) were just plain horrible.
The CD changer in the glovebox just sucked - scratched and destroyed a few in my coveted CD collection. And the navi system stops working as soon as the vehicle moves which is really inconvenient - especially on the freeway when it is relatively safe to operate it. The turning circle was really bad and it was very difficult to make U-turns on most roads.
The cupholders are very strangely placed. Driver/Pass. cupholders reside above the main storage compartment which means that if you have something in the cupholders you can't open the storage area - bizzare! And the rear cupholders are placed near the front seats - plain stupid! Several times rear passengers had complained that they could not bend forward to access the cupholders!
The shifter is wierd and sometimes you can hit your hand against the dash because there isnt much space. |
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| Is the "in-dash" CD Changer always in the glovebox? I saw an ad in Newsweek for the Lexus Value Package, and it said that the CD changer was "in the dash, thank you," almost like they were jibing at MB for having the changer in the cargo area. If it's in the glovebox, that's hardly a marketing plus especially with the MDX's (Touring) changer's placement. |
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quote:
Originally posted by csxpert
Just thought I would convey my experience of owning a Lexus RX300...However, the ergonomics of this vehicle (obviously not felt at the time of a test drive) were just plain horrible.
So, where's your MDX? If not, why not?:confused: |
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quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
Is the "in-dash" CD Changer always in the glovebox? I saw an ad in Newsweek for the Lexus Value Package, and it said that the CD changer was "in the dash, thank you," almost like they were jibing at MB for having the changer in the cargo area. If it's in the glovebox, that's hardly a marketing plus especially with the MDX's (Touring) changer's placement.
The CD changer is mounted in the glovebox. Worse, it is magazine based which means that you have to unload this 6-disc magazine. Inside the magazine there are 6 extremely delicate crystal like plates that are suspended from some spring like device. You have to use your nails to "extract" the correct plate (which is very hard to do because they are so thin!!). Then you have to load the CD face down and push some spring loaded locking device to load the CD back in before finally reloading the entire magazine into the magazine bay!! well..with this much of hassle who wants to listen to music anyway :-( |
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quote:
So, where's your MDX? If not, why not?:confused:
My two prior leases were Honda Accords ('96 LX and '99 EX-V6) and loved them both to death, so I am familiar with how the MDX interior feels. One of the features that I found very useful in the RX that is missing in the MDX are the self-dimming exterior mirrors - they really reduce the glare from rear traffic. The HIDs also arent available as an option.
At this stage I am thinking about which would make better sense for me - MDX or TLS (i.e. SUV or sports sedan :-). Had the time of my life test driving the TLS...it is simply awesome - a better package than the Audi S4, however I go to the mountains a lot and don't want to put chains, I guess I have a tough choice to make :-) |
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CSxpert
The choice is simple then, MDX it is!!!!!!:D:D:D:D:D.
Newjack aka Mt. Patience
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| And does the RX300 still not have steering-wheel-mounted audio controls? As much as I hear RX owners trumpeting their one-touch up/down on all windows and the moonroof, you'd think it'd have the audio controls. Thanks. |
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The upgrqded system with the high end package now has it in the dash. It's actually a very nice sounding Nakamichi system. Better than the Bose IMHO.
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
Is the "in-dash" CD Changer always in the glovebox? I saw an ad in Newsweek for the Lexus Value Package, and it said that the CD changer was "in the dash, thank you," almost like they were jibing at MB for having the changer in the cargo area. If it's in the glovebox, that's hardly a marketing plus especially with the MDX's (Touring) changer's placement.
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quote:
Originally posted by mogur
The upgrqded system with the high end package now has it in the dash. It's actually a very nice sounding Nakamichi system. Better than the Bose IMHO.
If you order the Nakamichi package then you can't order the Navi, go figure!
...so I had to go with the regular "premium" audio. There are no steering wheel controls whatsoever but the wood steering wheel is incredibly gorgeous! The MDX wood steering wheel looks a little cheap!
The one touch up/down for all windows is a non-issue. How often do you lower all the windows? At least I don't on a regular basis! The auto-up for the driver is a plus though. |
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| To answer your question IMHO of course I would go with the MDX. I considered alot of things when I finally made my choice and it came down to our 2 little boys (3yrs and 6yrs). First of all we've only have had cars, this will be our first suv. As our boys continue to grow the more room we need. We still haul around the big stroller (sometimes an umbrella stroller)..when our sons were younger we had to haul the porta crib around too. In the car we have right now they're both in carseats and if they stretch their arms out they can touch each other which causes alot of fights in the car. In the MDX we put both car seats in to make sure they fit right plus they wanted to go on a test drive too ( we were lucky to be able to go on 3 test drives). In the MDX they couldn't touch each other..someone can sit between them comfortably. I at first didn't really care for the 3rd row option, but now I'm glad it's available because as my sons get older eventually I'll be hauling other kids around. Basically you need to think long and hard about what you want in a vehicle now and in the future (our thing was space)...I guess it all depends on how long you plan on keeping this vehicle. Us, we're planning on keeping it until it's paid off as long as it remains a reliable vehicle. Sorry this was so long...I hope I made some sense. Good luck. |
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| VaBch...You got that right. You will certainly be hauling around the kids with two little guys those ages. I won't have a car with less than 7 seats until my 12 year old can drive herself. Until then, I steal my husband's two seater occasionally for the "light" feeling. Car seats are hard on Acura leather, though. My old Acura was punctured by the seat. I took to putting a very heavy towel under the seat to minimize the damage. |
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Weird! I just rec'd the December 2000 issue of Consumer Reports in the mail (and the Post Office wants to go to 5 days a week!!). Anyway there was an interesting Consumer Alert regarding SUV cargo capacity.
In an Alert entitled "Don't overload your SUV" they discussed the cargo load limits of the RX300, QX4 and the Explorer. First they define load limits, which I will quote from the MDX manual (I assume all vehicles are similar).
Load limit includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, accessories, and the tongue weight if you are towing a trailor.
In the first Consumer Reports example they state the Explorer's load limit as 1000# (to which an editorial comment is added that the Taurus station wagon is 1200#). They then hypothesize 5 adults at 180# each which will thus limit the luggage to 100#.
The second and third examples were the RX300 and QX4. The factory limits were not stated, but they point out that 5 adults at 180# each exceeds the cars limit! Thus 5 adult males can NOT ride in an RX300 nor a QX4.
The manual states the load limit for the MDX at 1267#. Thus in CU's example of 5 adults at 180# each, there will be capacity for 367# worth of luggage in the Base MDX. The Touring model will have that capacity reduced by the combined weight of the Nav and Roof Rack.
Recall that the load limit includes people, cargo AND accessories. Thus the total capacity will be reduced by the combined weights of any add-ons: e.g. Roof Rack, Towing Package, Rear Flaps, Cargo Cover, Liner, & Net, All Season Mats, Tailgate Deflector, Visor, Running Boards/Steps, etc.
May not be a bad idea to calculate individual effective load capacity by adding up the total weight of accessories added and subtracting from 1267.
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| We're defiantely going to be putting down towels under both car seats...hopefully I can find ones that will match the leather pretty good. Also gonna buy a few extra to keep in the truck for occasions such as going to the beach. I don't want to be sitting on the seats all wet and full of suntan lotion if you catch my drift! |
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| VaBch...good move with the extra towels. My other recommendation is that when you pick up the boys from the playground, you make them dump out their shoes (as they will be filled with sand, mulch, pebbles or whatever they use around the equipment at that particular playground!) I always vowed with my first nice car that we wouldn't EAT in the car, and my husband still doesn't understand it. But when you have to pick up 5 girls at 3:30 to get them to 4:30 gymnastics practice which doesn't end until 8:30, you do what you have to do. I have learned to love my cars for how well they serve me rather than how perfectly well kept they are. I try to keep them picked up, and I have them detailed occasionally, and then...leave it at that. I got some vindication from my husband the other day when he said that my car seemed pretty clean compared to alot of the other moms in the neighborhood. I do hate a mess. |
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| Yeah I do hate my cars being a mess also but when you have two boys it's hard to not have them a mess. I bought the all-season mats to help with the sand especially since we go to the beach almost every day of the summer. I don't mind the eating since we do travel...I just hate when my hubby has to drink coffee while he's driving..and I mean he uses a regular coffee mug, not the kind that has the top! He's spilt in my car before. This car I have now I told him when we were buying it that there will be no coffee drinking in my car, do you think he listened? Heck no! I told him this again when we were ordering the MDX ..he'll probaly ignore me again as usual. Thank god I'm gonna be the main driver! |
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VaBch....
What in heavens name does he have against travel mugs?!?
They are a life necessity! By the way...stop telling us about being able to go to the beach every day in the summer. You're killing me! I booked our family vacation trip today to Litchfield, SC in July. I am counting the days. I am so jealous of you for living near the beach! I am a total beachbum wannabe. There is a dire shortage of Radiologists nationwide and I have been hassling hubby to find a job within an hour of the ocean. I think I'm starting to wear him down! |
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quote:
Originally posted by debrockman
VaBch....
What in heavens name does he have against travel mugs?!?
They are a life necessity! By the way...stop telling us about being able to go to the beach every day in the summer. You're killing me! I booked our family vacation trip today to Litchfield, SC in July. I am counting the days. I am so jealous of you for living near the beach! I am a total beachbum wannabe. There is a dire shortage of Radiologists nationwide and I have been hassling hubby to find a job within an hour of the ocean. I think I'm starting to wear him down!
Hi!!! from a long suffering fellow Radiologist in NYC,
originally from the Caribbean who is now counting the days
to his new MDX and moving to warmer temps.:D:D:D:D
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NewJack,
Hopefully, I will be able to talk my darling husband into warmer temps as well! I'm working on it. I'm trying to convince him that he will enjoy having 300+ days of motorcycle riding weather a year! Where are you going, you lucky dog? After practicing in NYC, anything would sound good to me! |
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bjacob--
I went to the Peoria (Illinois) auto show this weekend and MDX is quite more roomier than the RX300. If you only have one kid now the RX300 would be fine, but when you have 2,3 or more and then when their friends come in the picture, the RX300 is way too small. The navi screen on the RX300 is quite a bit smaller than the one in the MDX, harder to read (I would think). The MDX gets thumbs up on both hands from me.
lmeans |
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quote:
Originally posted by debrockman
NewJack,
Hopefully, I will be able to talk my darling husband into warmer temps as well! I'm working on it. I'm trying to convince him that he will enjoy having 300+ days of motorcycle riding weather a year! Where are you going, you lucky dog? After practicing in NYC, anything would sound good to me!
Debrockman,
You are soo right!!!
First stop is Jacksonville, Florida for a few years and then
back to the lovely island of St. Lucia. I hope I will be able to take my MDX with me. It would be perfect for the rainy seasons and all those hills:D:D:D |
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| Ok Ok I'll stop talking about how I live like 5 min away from the beach lol. We were gonna move next summer to Texas or something but I just couldn't give up the beach and the warm weather. I should put beachbum on my MDX lol...good luck on getting hubby to move! I like the bribing part lol....have fun on your vacation....and enjoy the beach! |
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NewJack,
Can we have the first meeting of the AcuraMDX club at your place in St. Lucia? |
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quote:
Originally posted by debrockman
NewJack,
Can we have the first meeting of the AcuraMDX club at your place in St. Lucia?
Absolutely!!!! Unequivocally yes!!! All are welcome.:D:D:D |
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this past weekend decided to go back to Lexus dealer to talk figures on fully loaded rx awd - hek, i needed self-assurance and entertainment while i wait for 3 months for my GG base! :)
i visited the same dealer in february and i got a quote on the same (or so i thought) fully loaded AWD, and they were waiving a sec. deposit at that time!
i'm planning to lease, so last time it came down that the lease on rx was about $25 cheaper comparing to my GG on order. yet, i left...
now, they asking $25 MORE vs my GG + sec. deposit (but, of course!) :) the reason the dealer told me that now lexus sells only Silversport edition on their AWD models(?) Oh, yeah, and that's why the MSRP went up (thus, the discount of ~$3,500)! DAMN! So, even if i would consider rx now (having to wait for this long does some non-permanent damage to the brain i guess), i have no option BUT to get that trim + silvery insterts vs wood? What a load of crap!
i wander if this is indeed true, 'cause i thought it was just an optional package parallel to their regular wood-trimed 2-colored model.
if you ask me, now i dont even get it, how will they move those rxs. well, in the end i got what i came for - REINFORCEMENT FOR MY 3-MONTH LONG WAITING... :D
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