| mark_12345 |
I'm in the market for an SUV and have considered X5, ML500, Toyotas, and Lexus and have driven all of them except for the MDX.
I currently own a '02 325Xi but am looking for a larger vehicle.
Well I went into the local Acura dealership today and took a 2002 white fully loaded MDX (showroom vehicle) for a drive. Well my first impression of the interior was spacious, nicely laid out and alot of features. Seats were comfortable w/multi adjustments and heated! Steering wheel had a nicely weighted feel. Back seats were very nice as well.
Okay off we go. I was pretty impress with the ride and handling. Its not as sporty as the X5 but it was a very strikingly nice balance package for the $$$$ However, the MDX is probably the best combination of the bunch when it comes to ride and handling. The engine had a nice punch to it with plenty of passing power. Merging on the highway was a breeze.
So we get back to the dealership and I just had a weird feeling about the MDX. Impressive handling, comfortable interior, excellent quality BUT it looks so similar to my friends Honda Odyssey!!! :confused: :eek: :(
Thats the only thing that made me think twice about the MDX...it looks like a freakin' minivan!!! Especially the rear view. Its not as bad as the ML500 or the Lexus RX300.
Too freakin feminine! Augh!!!
Now I'm starting to sway towards the new 4Runner.
- Mark |
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| rroof |
Is there a question somewhere in there? You are preaching to the choir here as to the MDXs virtues. If you are buying it because of "looks" anyway - Oh, I won't say it. I'm sure the 4Runner will suit you just fine.
My wife loves her MDX (and I like it too). My "rugged good looking" SUV is a vintage '89 Trooper (just now broken in with 140K - hell the new Isuzu warranty is 120K miles!) with 32 inch mudd tires and lifted suspension that hasn't been washed in over a year. I might sell it to 'ya for the right price :p
Point is: from your "driving impressions" you appear to like the MDX a lot. Go drive a Sequoia and imagine it a bit smaller and you will have the new 4runner (same engine). If you REALLY do go off road a lot, the 4Runner is certainly better than the MDX - Acura makes no bones about that. Is the MDX a better SUV - you 'betcha. Just get YOUR priorities straight and have fun shopping!:1: |
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| DaleB |
Interesting impression. Even though based on the Odyssey platform, there is quite a difference in overall feel in the handling department, and it's overall load capability, interior layout, passenger and cargo accommodations. Larger wheels, the VTM-4 and luxury appointments.
And few of us ever felt it looked feminine, especially compared to the egg shaped RX300.
Not quite as conventional looking as a 4Runner, QX-4, or most domestics.
That's one of the things we like about it, it stands out.
But you would be foolish to purchase a vehicle that does not meet your criteria for looks, especially since you have to look at it every day!
But there are also many accessosries than can change it's looks quite noticeably.
Personally, I doubt I would even bother to test drive a vehicle that had styling that turned me off. |
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| mark_12345 |
I know my priorities...mostly on-road, perhaps some off road.
I did not say I didn't like the MDX...yes, its better looking then the egg shape RX300. :D |
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| hockeyplayer |
| I was in the market for an RX300. I still like the shape and all but they are small and too many housewives drive those things. Too many on the road too.But it is something the MDX will never be.... a LEXUS.I think the MDX has alot of "masculanity" to it. At first I didn't think it was a good looking vehicle but it just grows on you. Now I hurt my neck "craning" to look at one passing. Soon hockeyplayer, very soon.:( :( :) |
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| A2MDXer |
mark 12345,
If you like those qualities but hate the looks why not go for a loaded Pilot? It shares most features but has a more "truck-like" look. I prefer the looks of the MDX but maybe you will like the pilot better. |
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| sivaveera |
it looks much macho with the lower trim.
and with a tail gate deflectors it changes the
oval look from the back.
again its a personal choice which goes with
what one needs. |
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| Fireblade6 |
quote:
Originally posted by mark_12345
[B
So we get back to the dealership and I just had a weird feeling about the MDX. Impressive handling, comfortable interior, excellent quality BUT it looks so similar to my friends Honda Odyssey!!! :confused: :eek: :(
Thats the only thing that made me think twice about the MDX...it looks like a freakin' minivan!!! Especially the rear view. Its not as bad as the ML500 or the Lexus RX300.
Too freakin feminine! Augh!!!
Now I'm starting to sway towards the new 4Runner.
- Mark [/B]
Dude-
That is because it is BUILT on the Odyssey minivan platform. It is INTENT to be an ALL Around cross-vehicle. So if that is what you are looking for, then the MDX is it if not...Go buy a 4Runner. What astounds me is when people are out looking for an all around vehicle...they ten to compare the Envoy, Runner and other truck based SUV with the MDX cross-over vehicle.:rolleyes: |
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| rogerk |
| I have now owned mine for 2 days. I agree with everything you said about the feel of the car. I am amazed every time I drive it. Regarding the looks, I think they are great too. Not one iota of buyer's remorse in this area. |
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| laborlitigator |
Although the interior isn't as quiet as my BMW 3 series (which is the only complaint I can think of- - but then again, beemer is on a different platform), its engine is smooth and it's a comfortable car. . . no remorse here gentlemen.
BTW, the Lexus also looks like pig from behind. . . :4: |
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