| sapiansays |
i've spent the better part of this year deciding on my next vehicle. had my heart set on the mdx. but the wait in northern nj is ridiculous.
so i gave up looking over the summer. thought maybe my 1993 honda accord would hold up for another year. now with the winter weather...it's not doing too well. and my wife doesn't want to spend money to fix it up. service work estimated at $2000. it's probably not worth it.
anyways...now we're back in the market for a suv. so i've read and done countless hours of research on the best suv for my family.
narrowed it down to the mdx and rx300. both 2003 models. if a 2003 mdx with navigation was available today...i'll probably go with it. but the problem is...the wait. it's still 2 to 3 months. maybe more. and with no price or option negotiation. everything at msrp.
i prefer not to wait. rx300 is readily available and discounted. initial quotes are around $3700 off invoice. basically...i can get fully loaded rx300 with navigation for around $38500.
whereas the mdx is still going for msrp in my area. $41000 for the touring with navigation.
btw...i really like the rx300. i also have an is300...and love it. and lexus service is still light years ahead of acura. at least in this area.
but the mdx with the enhanced navigation sounds really cool. and the 260 hp. tough decision.
am i making a rash decision to go with the rx300? help please! |
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| JimH |
Sounds to me like you have things preety well figured out. You know the pros & cons for obtaining each vehicle now, and reasons you like each one; price difference vs. navigation, etc.
Seems like you just need to list the pro/cons and decide.
I for one do not see a 2-3 month time-lag (as far as getting a vehicle delivered/built) as a major deterrent for getting a vehicle you truly desire as you will keep it for 5-10 years possibly. I think pricing and service might be more of a reason for choosing one over the other.
When we purchased our MDX in Sept., it also came down to choosing between the 02' Lexus rx300 and our 02' touring MDX. The price was better for the rx300 ($ 3000 less than MSRP), but we opted for the extra space, 3rd tier of seats, and a vehicle that we just plain liked better in appearance; which became the difference in making the final choice. |
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| sapiansays |
thanks for your comments. yeah...already been down the pros/cons list. was even thinking of generating a spreadsheet and assigning values for each category. decided that's going a bit too far.
the one thing is that i know we'll be getting a first-rate vehicle either way.
i'm leaning towards the rx300...mainly because of comfort/quietness, lexus service, cheaper, and that it's available. but i'm too keen with the appearance. that's my only grudge.
as for my wife...she's leaning towards the mdx. she's always wanted one and she thinks the 3rd row will come in handy when we have kids. she also feels that the rx300 is too feminine and we would be made fun of. hehe. but she admits that the rx300 is much more luxurious and comfortable. and she likes the smoothness.
decisions decisions... |
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| mauigrl721 |
Have you driven an '03 MDX? I have not yet, and am anxiously awaiting mine, but I hear (check other threads) that it is MUCH improved over the '02 model. True, you won't find a discount on the X. Check other threads because I seem to recall somewhere that there were one or two '03's up for grabs in NJ. Someone cancelled their order, I think. I have to agree with your wife on one point, though--the 3rd row seat will definitely come in handy someday. I bought this car for me alone, no kids, no nothing to haul around....but I'm sure glad I have that extra 3rd row in case I ever need it. Another selling point to the X (my, aren't we biased around here?!;) ) is the Nav. System. Everyone has raved about it, and it really is the best out there in terms of ease of use, functions, and quality. Ok, so that's my humble opinion. Guess which one I'm rooting for?
'03 Touring w/Nav. Midnight Blue Pearl/Saddle |
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| sapiansays |
it's funny...because i'm rooting for both at this point. both my wife and i really like both vehicles. not "love" though.
i've driven the 2003 model twice now in the past two weeks. it is more peppy and less noisy in terms of ride quality. but still not overly impressed. i have to admit...i've never owned a suv type vehicle. so i might be biased to how smooth and quiet cars are.
but from research...its seems most people think the mdx is one of the best (if not best) riding and performing suvs out there.
as for the navigation...my acura salesperson got one in a few days ago. he was raving about it and says that acura out did themselves this time. he said the 2003 navigation alone is worth purchasing the mdx. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
saypiansays,
My recommendation is go with the MDX. While the RX300 is a nice vehicle, I chose the MDX for its styling, power, and hauling capacity. Sure the price difference is a consideration and you might have to wait, but I feel the MDX is worth it. Good luck |
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| srpbep |
Both are good vehicles:
Lexus pluses include better ride, quiter, solid, less expensive, higher quality interior, available now and the legendary Lexus service
MDX is bigger, has 3rd seat, and the Nav is reported as superior.
Either way you can't go wrong. You simply need to decide which you want. If the MDX is your choice, then consider renting a car until the MDX becomes available (does add to the cost but solves the other problem). |
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| imdx |
What do you mean compared to your car?
You should compare it to other SUVs.
What's to think about?
Definitely MDX!
My love grows every minute driving it. |
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| paul123 |
| Hold out for the MDX you will not be sorry, and it's worth the wait. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by srpbep
If the MDX is your choice, then consider renting a car until the MDX becomes available (does add to the cost but solves the other problem).
Great idea about the rental car. Why force yourself to buy something right away when a rental car can provide basic transportation until your MDX arrives at the dealer? |
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| sapiansays |
rental car would be way too expensive to get for 3 months. that's not really an option.
i'm so indecisive. such a big decision. i mean i know i'll be happy with both. but i just want to make the right choice.
honestly...i'm thinking if one of the lexus dealers offers a fully loaded rx300 with navigation for $38000...i would probably do it. too good of a deal to turn down.
but my wife keeps saying that all of our friends will make fun of us. she thinks that the rx300 is for soccer moms with 3 kids. we both think the mdx is more stylish and nice looking.
were any of you battling back and forth deciding on a suv? or did you pretty much decide on the mdx and nothing else? |
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| mystic |
quote:
Originally posted by sapiansays
rental car would be way too expensive to get for 3 months. that's not really an option.
I think that if you shop around, you can get a rental car for not-much-more than a car payment. Maybe a little, sure, but a small price to pay to get what you want. |
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| vcolangelo |
sapiansays,
Don't get the Loaded RX300 for $38k; not when the MDX is at $41k.
The new RX330 is due out in a few months and your 2003 RX is going to drop in value like a rock, plus be the "old" model real soon. Yes, Lexus service is far superior (and expensive) compared to Acura (our #2 car is a Lexus GS300), but service wasn't the deal point.
Deciding factor for me was this. When we bring our GS300 in for service, our dealer has a fleet of young RX's that he uses for loaner cars. It's nice, quiet, feels right and all that stuff, but I feel like I'm driving a Camry and I look like I'm driving a mini-van.
My opinion; the MDX is an MDX, but the RX has the look and feel of a car that's still trying to find its personality. I've seen photos of the new RX and, while it's definitely been updated, it still just a Camry to me.
Choose wisely.
vcolangelo |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by vcolangelo
It's nice, quiet, feels right and all that stuff, but I feel like I'm driving a Camry and I look like I'm driving a mini-van.
That's because the RX300 is a Camry. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by sapiansays
i'm so indecisive. such a big decision. i mean i know i'll be happy with both. but i just want to make the right choice.
Might as well just flip a coin. |
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| srpbep |
quote:
EXCALIBUR wrote:
That's because the RX300 is a Camry
Following this logic, one could say:
that's because the MDX is an Ody
My point is that the RX300 is a heck of a fine vehicle, as is the MDX. So each is based on an existing platform ... same diff ... how does that affect the resulting product? |
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| MrPrescott |
Here's something else to consider. I know a man who is about 6' and who just traded his RX for a Pilot. One of his beefs against the RX was that the proportions are designed for women. One thing he liked about the MDX and Pilot is that he felt they were made more for men vs. women.
Other than that point, I've heard the fit/finish and material quality is better on the RX. It has a smoother/carlike ride, but is more limited for off piste driving.
Finally, the RX will be redesigned next year, if that matters to you. If it were me and I knew that the RX was better for me, I'd wait. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by srpbep
Following this logic, one could say:
that's because the MDX is an Ody
One could say that. On second thought, this logic does not follow. vcolangelo said,"...I feel like I'm driving a Camry...," in reference to driving an RX300. Therefore, one might logically say,"That's because the RX300 is a Camry," because it is. Such being the case, would it not be illogical to reply, "That's because the MDX is an Ody?" |
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| vicpai |
quote:
Originally posted by sapiansays
........were any of you battling back and forth deciding on a suv? or did you pretty much decide on the mdx and nothing else?
........on the MDX, I was very much in your shoes, with the "other" choice being the 2003 4Runner Limited V8. I can't even begin to describe in words, how difficult the final decision was for me!! :(
With the new 4Runner being such a FANTASTIC MACHINE - I test drove it several times and fell in love with it's ULTRA-QUIET MOTOR (to give you an idea of how quiet and BUTTER SMOOTH this engine is, an RX 300 would sound like it had a noisy engine, in comparison!! :eek: - Yes, that's how quiet this engine is ....and the same applied to interior noise levels as well - The truck was quieter at 75mph than some luxury cars, let alone SUVs :eek: .....and at idle you can hear absolutely NOTHING, even if you strain your ears!! ......then there was the UNBELIEVEABLE performance of the V8 .....this vehicle has so much torque, that off the line it feels like a ROCKET!! ........the third big surprise was ride and handling.....What a shocker, here!! Even though they always claim improvements, I didn't expect too much from this body-on-frame design, but boy was I in for a more-than-pleasant surprise!! the ride is so fluid like (can't really tell if I'm in a truck or a car), and dare I say almost sports-car-like handling!! (with X-REAS sport suspension) ........all of this with true-off-road ability to boot!!
With SO MUCH going for the 4Runner (I'm single, foot-lose and fancy free, and don't need the 3rd row - so that's a totally useless option for me) it was very very very hard for me to make a choice, and here's why I finally chose the MDX:
The Acura Navigation System, excellent fuel economy and some of the most comfortable front seats I've ever sat in.......... Besides this, the MDX (2003 model) came very close to matching the 4Runner's traits of quietness, smoothness, handling and performance (which it supposedly equals, but didn't feel as spritely off-the-line from a "seat-of-the-pants" perspective, probably because of the extreme off-idle torque of the V8)
However, I have to mention that, even with the practical reasoning mentioned above, the key factor for me, in choosing the MDX was the NAVIGATION SYSTEM .......when Acura introduced it, there was absolutely nothing out there that could touch it, and to this day there is still nothing that can touch it, especially the new 2nd generation voice-activated version!
Like mauigrl721, I too am alone, no kids and nothing to haul around, yet decided that the MDX was the perfect choice!. Besides, I'm a prime example of what your salesperson says: "The new 2003 Navigation system alone is worth buying this vehicle over everything else out there" - How true!
Good luck deciding......and let us know what you buy in the end! :) |
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| pwdavid |
| I would agree that you certainly have done your homework. I for one found the MDX to have the best stats for interior room. We moved up from a 1999 Chevy Blazer, and the interior space improvement is terrific. The MDX was a great alternative to the bulkier full-size SUVs. |
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| pdempsey |
Check out the Lexus SUV forum on Edmunds. Owners report outragous costs for regular scheduled service.
If you have not driven the 03 MDX, drive it before making your decision. Also, read the thread with the pics of owners who have received their 03 X with NAVI. The Voice Activation really sounds cool.
The third row seats are also important to some people.
Just a few points I used when I made my decision. :1: |
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| MDXLuvr |
If you really wanted to save money, then get a 02 RX. I doubt there are any significant changes since it is at the end of its run.
Remember, u can't just look at drive out price. U also have to consider: 1) resale value, 2) maintenance expenses, 3) insurance costs, 4) actual value of vehicle. In my book, the MDX has more value, i.e. it gives me more features, equipment, room, seats etc per dollar. Using that logic, the mdx is the clear winner.
then again, we are all biased here. |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by sapiansays
but my wife keeps saying that all of our friends will make fun of us. she thinks that the rx300 is for soccer moms with 3 kids. we both think the mdx is more stylish and nice looking.
were any of you battling back and forth deciding on a suv? or did you pretty much decide on the mdx and nothing else?
3rd Seat Option Although it has been casually mentioned in this discussion, there has not been a real focus on the biggest difference between the two cars in my opinion. You have 3 kids which means you need 5 seats just for your family. Do you ever see needing another seat? Relatives, kid has a friend sleepover, etc.
We ruled out the RX300 easily on size alone - we needed room for 7. |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by EXCALIBUR
Might as well just flip a coin.
Nice one! :D |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by msu79gt82
...We ruled out the RX300 easily on size alone - we needed room for 7.
Same here...:4: |
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| sapiansays |
but i don't have 3 kids...yet!! as much as i would like to plan to buy a vehicle with enough room for 3 kids...it might be a little too much forward thinking. 1 at a time first. hehe.
3rd row is a nice to have luxury. not a necessity at this point. |
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| Robyjo |
quote:
Originally posted by sapiansays
rental car would be way too expensive to get for 3 months. that's not really an option.
i'm so indecisive. such a big decision. i mean i know i'll be happy with both. but i just want to make the right choice.
honestly...i'm thinking if one of the lexus dealers offers a fully loaded rx300 with navigation for $38000...i would probably do it. too good of a deal to turn down.
but my wife keeps saying that all of our friends will make fun of us. she thinks that the rx300 is for soccer moms with 3 kids. we both think the mdx is more stylish and nice looking.
were any of you battling back and forth deciding on a suv? or did you pretty much decide on the mdx and nothing else?
Sapian,
I was stuck in the same quandry, and it came down to ride, space, and performance for me. In all 3 areas, the MDX won out. Go to the comparisons section of the forum, and you'll see plenty of threads around the RX300 vs. MDX. And btw, I gotta agree with you--the RX really looks like a bug you want to squash... That said, you'll have a fine vehicle whichever way you go.
Best of luck, and keep us informed,
Rob:31: |
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| Eric@McDavid |
quote:
[i]
am i making a rash decision to go with the rx300? help please! [/B]
I took an RX300 trade-in home for the night. It only took one turn on my favorite Expressway On-Ramp, one time backing out of my driveway, and one time trying to turn on the heated seat when I had a cup of coffee in the cupholder to decide how superior the MDX is.
If you need a car right away with Navi, I have a White/Saddle NAVI-RES in ship status.
BTW: I was born in Point Pleasant, NJ. |
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| sapiansays |
if you had another color...i would totally consider it. white is the least favorite of the colors.
i'm looking for silver or sage brush pearl. prefer silver.
do you have any of these colors? |
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| Eric@McDavid |
Sage Brush is better. Looks like Mid-January Delivery.
Sandstone or Redrock has left the factory unsold.
Let me know. |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by sapiansays
but i don't have 3 kids...yet!! as much as i would like to plan to buy a vehicle with enough room for 3 kids...it might be a little too much forward thinking. 1 at a time first. hehe.
3rd row is a nice to have luxury. not a necessity at this point.
I read your earlier post too fast:rolleyes: |
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| pdempsey |
Sapiansays,
I think there is an MDX in your near future :rolleyes:
Let's see some negotiation here. The lurkers will love it. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by mdxxxx
Nice one! :D
Q: Has this ever happened to you? RX300 or MDX? Still can't decide? How about thermo-nuclear weapons at thirty paces?:8: |
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| sapiansays |
looks like the decision has been made. wife wants the mdx. she'll be primary driver...so her opinion wins out.
i could have gone either way...but i was leaning a bit towards the rx300 for awhile. then i got a chance to play with the navigation at the local dealer. woohoo!! nice!
i could live with some of the annoyances i had with the mdx. whereas...my wife could not live with the annoyances of the rx300. mainly appearance. she would be embarrassed to drive the rx300...because she feels it looks like an eggshell on wheels. hehe. besides that...she actually slight preferred the smooth and quietness of the rx300. not by much though. and she much liked the power and pickup of the mdx.
so in the end...the overall value and navigation of the mdx won out.
almost forgot...another reason for picking the mdx. my local dealer has a possible cancellation of a silver touring with navigation. 50/50 chance. it would be available this coming saturday. typically it's a 2-4 month wait in my area.
if that wasn't good enough news...if this works out...we'll be able to get the 3.99% financing special.
wish me luck! |
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| microman |
Your makin the right choice there bub:29: , welcome the club;) .
P.S....hope u listen to ur wife a LOT! |
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| Machog |
Sold my RX300 to purchase the MDX. Big differences between the 2 in my opinion. MDX, vastly superior in most cases
RX has TERRIBLE turning circle, you have to have 2 shots at pulling into parking spaces in many cases-take a test drive.
Front seats are too small, the cushion finishes halfway under my thigh.
Could not get the seat to steering wheel ergonomics comfortable.
Could not get my throttle foot comfortable, couldn't rest it, because it was too light, couldn't wedge it too far away from the fire wall.
Moonroof was very noisy when open (didn't have the plastic cover)
Less cargo space than MDX.
Ride and road noise about the same, I have non-tourning with same tires as RX, touring has more aggressive tread and maybe a bit louder.
MDX Nav system is outstanding, even better on the O3's I'm told
Full auto heat/cooling is great-only made minor adjustments in 6 months
Sound systems are about the same.
MDX has 3rd row of seats, only used them once-so didn't really figure in my decision.
Downside on the MDX-Acura dealers are not in the same league as Lexus, bit better than buying a Ford or GM, but a very average experience. Lexus treat you like a King (or Queen)
No auto on lights with MDX, (you can fudge this, but if you leave the keys in the ignition-you get a dead battery)
Gated shifter takes a bit of getting used to
Lexus name has much more kudos than Acura in my mind-but who cares!
Get the MDX you won't regret it. |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by Machog
I have non-tourning with same tires as RX, touring has more aggressive tread and maybe a bit louder.
:confused: :confused:
I believe the touring tires are quieter that the Generals.
This opinion is not from personal experience but from reading others post on this forum. I can recall a few posts about upgrading to the Michelon's and they were quieter per the posters. |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by sapiansays
looks like the decision has been made. wife wants the mdx. she'll be primary driver...so her opinion wins out.
i could have gone either way...but i was leaning a bit towards the rx300 for awhile. then i got a chance to play with the navigation at the local dealer. woohoo!! nice!
i could live with some of the annoyances i had with the mdx. whereas...my wife could not live with the annoyances of the rx300. mainly appearance. she would be embarrassed to drive the rx300...because she feels it looks like an eggshell on wheels. hehe. besides that...she actually slight preferred the smooth and quietness of the rx300. not by much though. and she much liked the power and pickup of the mdx.
so in the end...the overall value and navigation of the mdx won out.
almost forgot...another reason for picking the mdx. my local dealer has a possible cancellation of a silver touring with navigation. 50/50 chance. it would be available this coming saturday. typically it's a 2-4 month wait in my area.
if that wasn't good enough news...if this works out...we'll be able to get the 3.99% financing special.
wish me luck!
Good Luck, and Congratulations. You won't be sorry. Your wife seems like a character... "rx looks like an eggshell on wheels" LOL!:D |
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| sapiansays |
congratulations not in order yet. hasn't been confirmed yet. although you can congratulate for coming to my senses. hehe.
the main thing about the mdx that bugged me was how physically large it is. was afraid my wife won't be able to handle driving such a big vehicle. same with me. in my test drive...i ran over a curb. it was hilarious. freaked out my salesperson...although he said luckily it was a mdx and not a tl/cl/rl.
but what convinced about the size was...if people can drive those big surbubans...i'm sure we can handle the mdx. and from what i've experienced and read...mdx handles like a champ for its size. |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by sapiansays
congratulations not in order yet. hasn't been confirmed yet. although you can congratulate for coming to my senses. hehe.
the main thing about the mdx that bugged me was how physically large it is. was afraid my wife won't be able to handle driving such a big vehicle. same with me. in my test drive...i ran over a curb. it was hilarious. freaked out my salesperson...although he said luckily it was a mdx and not a tl/cl/rl.
but what convinced about the size was...if people can drive those big surbubans...i'm sure we can handle the mdx. and from what i've experienced and read...mdx handles like a champ for its size.
Hey, every desicion has steps, you've just taken a significant one, (coming to your senses) LOL. In coming from a Toyota Celica, I too had an adjustment period... all of 2 to 3 days. You'll quickly get used to maneuvering, parking ext. The biggest adjustment was city driving in the right lane by parked cars and people trying to get in them! Needless to say, I slightly underestimated the width and was a little too close at times... |
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| mauigrl721 |
sapiensays--
Funny comment about running over a curb, I bet your salesperson was as white as a ghost! Just wanted to let you know that the X (I have an '03) is AMAZING on the road. I just picked mine up yesterday and it occurred to me today that, I never ONCE thought I was driving an SUV. Honestly--I made my normal turns, accelerations, and stops and not once did it occur to me that I was driving a big car. It just feels like a car, not an SUV. It's phenomenal, absolutely amazing. You will not be sorry with this car, I guarantee it. Now, off to do some more "practice" driving...;) |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by sapiansays
looks like the decision has been made. wife wants the mdx. she'll be primary driver...so her opinion wins out.
Congratulations! You have made a wise decision. I shall alert the press! |
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| vicpai |
quote:
Originally posted by mauigrl721
.............You will not be sorry with this car, I guarantee it............
related to that CEO from the "Men's Wearhouse" who comes on the TV commercials?? :D :19: |
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| mauigrl721 |
Oh yes, I am.:15:
JK!!!:D |
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| jurincie |
quote:
Originally posted by Machog
Sold my RX300 to purchase the MDX. Big differences between the 2 in my opinion. MDX, vastly superior in most cases
RX has TERRIBLE turning circle, you have to have 2 shots at pulling into parking spaces in many cases-take a test drive.
Front seats are too small, the cushion finishes halfway under my thigh.
Could not get the seat to steering wheel ergonomics comfortable.
Could not get my throttle foot comfortable, couldn't rest it, because it was too light, couldn't wedge it too far away from the fire wall.
Moonroof was very noisy when open (didn't have the plastic cover)
Less cargo space than MDX.
Ride and road noise about the same, I have non-tourning with same tires as RX, touring has more aggressive tread and maybe a bit louder.
MDX Nav system is outstanding, even better on the O3's I'm told
Full auto heat/cooling is great-only made minor adjustments in 6 months
Sound systems are about the same.
MDX has 3rd row of seats, only used them once-so didn't really figure in my decision.
Downside on the MDX-Acura dealers are not in the same league as Lexus, bit better than buying a Ford or GM, but a very average experience. Lexus treat you like a King (or Queen)
No auto on lights with MDX, (you can fudge this, but if you leave the keys in the ignition-you get a dead battery)
Gated shifter takes a bit of getting used to
Lexus name has much more kudos than Acura in my mind-but who cares!
Get the MDX you won't regret it.
I have had my 03 Sandstone touring nav since Wednesday night and I agree with everything above (with a couple exceptions of course).
-I think the Bose is better than the Nakamichi in my 99 RX300.
-I had the Michelins on my RX and the the MDX is just as quiet.
-The X shifts much smoother than my RX ever did.
-The headlights are much bette on the X, I am wondering if I should even bother installing the Silverstars that I bought.
-I second the comment about the turning radius, the X is so easy to park compared to the RX, it's hard to believe it is larger.
Got to bet back to reading my voice command manual....... |
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| sapiansays |
just curious...does the 2003 come with mud flaps? my salesperson says he might be able to throw in mud flaps and a cargo tray to my purchase. not really things i need...but better than nothing.
for some reason...i thought mud flaps came with every mdx. |
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| Eric@McDavid |
| Splash Guards are standard on the '03. Cargo Tray is not. |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by sapiansays
just curious...does the 2003 come with mud flaps? my salesperson says he might be able to throw in mud flaps and a cargo tray to my purchase. not really things i need...but better than nothing.
for some reason...i thought mud flaps came with every mdx.
The 03 comes with 4 "mud flaps", the 02's came with just 2 in front. I believe most purchased the rear slash guards as an accessory after the fact.
If a dealer says to you that he's going to throw in mud flaps, he's either trying to "yank your chain" (to put it nicely), or he is incompetent.:4: |
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| doggiedog |
I live in Northern NJ too (Fort Lee). Please tell me where you got such good service from Lexus. I had a 99 GS300 and had nothing but terrible service from Lexus. I've been to about 5 different dealerships and they all treated me poorly. In fact, the Lexus of Manhattan made me walk in a downpour to the subway because they wouldn't drive me 3 blocks to the subway station.
Lexus support is way overrated if you ask me. |
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| vicpai |
quote:
Originally posted by doggiedog
I live in Northern NJ too (Fort Lee). Please tell me where you got such good service from Lexus. I had a 99 GS300 and had nothing but terrible service from Lexus. I've been to about 5 different dealerships and they all treated me poorly. In fact, the Lexus of Manhattan made me walk in a downpour to the subway because they wouldn't drive me 3 blocks to the subway station.
Lexus support is way overrated if you ask me.
I'm not trying to say that what you're saying is not true, but every Lexus dealership I've been to has treated me like Royalty!! (and I've had the opportunity to deal with over 10 different ones in this area and other parts of the country - not on the east coast though) Your experience is probably the exception and not the rule.
By sharp contrast, 75-80% of the Acura dealers I've dealt with are either rude, dishonest, sleazy (or a combination of all of them) - and trust me, I've dealt with several of them too. I have been to excellent Acura dealers, but they are definitely a small minority!
My brother used to own an RX 300 (he owns an Acura TL-TypeS now ;) ) and he has dealt with 4 different Lexus dealers in the Southern California area to service his RX, and he always made it a point to say how well he was treated by Lexus. Even though he absolutely loves his TL-S (except for the transmission fiasco :rolleyes: ), he sorely misses the "Lexus red carpet treatment"
That said, the only reason Acura can sell the MDX, TL etc. so well is because they have an EXCELLENT product. God help them, If they had an average product!! |
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| microman |
Welcome to the club jurincie, specially since I share the same taste in colors as you (tho I not so secretly prefer the MBP).
I agree with you on the Michelins, they do well on this vehicle, not noisey and handle just fine. |
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| sapiansays |
one of the main reasons i considered the rx300 is because of the lexus red carpet treatment. 2 out of 3 lexus i've dealt with have been amazing. the 1 bad seed was average.
if you are looking for an excellent lexus dealer in northern nj...go to warnock lexus. it's in livingston, nj. that's where i bring my is300 for service. first class always.
if the mdx wasn't such a great bang for the buck and such a nice vehicle...i would definitely stay with a lexus product. lexus service is known to be legendary...and it's absolutely true.
the acura dealers i've spoken to have been average...better than honda and toyota dealers...but not by much. actually...bmw and audi dealers in my area have been quite friendly and knowledgeable. surprisingly. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
sapiansays,
You have a point about the red carpet treatment at the Lexus dealer. Over the years, I have purchased Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Ford, and now Acura. I tend to buy the vehicle because of the vehicle itself. I may own a vehicle for up to ten years, so I want to be happy with it. In that time, I may be in to see the dealer upon purchase and to pick up my license plates. Hey, good luck with the Acura MDX.;) |
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| sapiansays |
ok...so i'm a little peeved now. goes to show the difference between acura and lexus sales service.
my salesperson promised to call me friday night if i'm able to get the silver touring with navigation...no matter what. if i got the vehicle or not. no word. so i called him today (saturday) and he lets me know there's no mdx available. real blunt and not too comforting. already sold. ahhhh!! it would have been nice to receive a courtesy call that it was taken already.
my lexus salesperson would have been more considerate...at least that's my expectation. now i won't be able to take advantage of the 3.99% financing. sucks!
so far so bad with the acura customer service. what to do now! the other acura dealers in my area are either un-helpful or with substantial 4 month waiting lists.
i'm now thinking of just ignoring the appearance factor and go with the rx300. i was so set on the mdx...but the acura service experience has left a sore impression on me.
i know the vehicle is more important than the experience...but not sure if it's worth it anymore. especially since i know that the rx300 is a solid vehicle with its appealing traits.
but it's going to be difficult to convince the wife. although she's pretty sick of the acura sales experience. maybe we'll contact acura dealers farther away from the north nj area. suggestions? |
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| Eric@McDavid |
| We might be able to help?? Shoot me an email. |
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| sapiansays |
for the 5th time...i test drove the mdx. this will probably be my last test drive before deciding on which vehicle to get.
i plan on making the call this weekend.
my impressions on the mdx test drive. it was in a sagebrush touring with quartz interior. sagebrush is a very nice deep color. i characterize it as a charcoal gray with hints of green.
not too fond of the quartz. it's significantly better looking than pictures i've seen...but it doesn't do it for me. i prefer the ebony. the quartz looks odd with the wood trim.
the mdx is a beast. i pushed it to the limit. i estimated 0-60 in 7.7 seconds. it was definitely less than 8.0 seconds. it's funny...the salesperson told me to gun it and timed it for me.
if anyone has questions on the sagebrush exterior or the quartz interior or the 03 performance...let me know. i'm an experienced 03 test driver now. |
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| Bob Grammar |
| ...one other thing you may want to consider is how the vehicles handle in the snow. I've driven my 03 X in 18" of snow south of Buffalo over Thanksgiving, and looked for reasons to run errands today in the 9" of snow that just fell here in Maryland. I can definitely say that the X goes through anything that mother nature can drop on the planet--without blinking an eye. Other SUVS were fishtailing and spinning tires while the X just plowed through everything--without skidding, fishtailing, or tire spinning. It is rock-solid on snow and ice. |
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| sapiansays |
please keep the bashing to minimum. thanks!
i've crossed over to the other side. will pick up my brand new 2003 awd rx300 with navigation on saturday.
i've been battling between the rx300 and mdx for awhile now. rx300 won out at the end. too nice of a price point to overlook.
besides the difference in price and discount...i felt the rx300 road smoother, nimbler, and quieter. just felt better to drive. can't explain it. maybe because the mdx seemed a bigger load to drive.
and the interior is signficantly more luxurious in my book. i'm also thinking the rx300 will be more reliable in the long run.
surprisingly enough...i even got a $500 loyalty discount since i've been a lexus customer before. didn't even know about this. cool!
if it's ok...i would still like to stay as a member of this fantastic forum. the club lexus rx300 forum is less active than this one. i almost eliminated the rx300 just because the forum was a bit lacking. while this acuramdx forum is one of, if not, the best discussion out there.
how about that? if the rx300 doesn't work out...don't be surprised if i jump ship back to the mdx. you never know! |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by sapiansays
...i've crossed over to the other side. will pick up my brand new 2003 awd rx300 with navigation on saturday...
Good choce. I'm sure you did what was best for you, and that is what really matters... Congratulations!:4: |
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| sapiansays |
it just amazes me the promptness, courtesy, and helpful responses from this forum. it feels like a close knit family in here.
i'll continue to be active on this forum. |
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| JTM |
You could be active as long as you want. :D
Maybe you will turn in your RX300 and get a MDX after RX330 is on the market. :2:
Anyhow, congrats with your new purchase on RX. |
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| texrb |
sapiensays I know it was a tough decision but both vehicles have their good points. If you haven't picked up your RX yet take a look at this comparison link. I own both an 01 RX & '01 MDX so I have plenty of experience with both. Overall I like the MDX - however my wife like the RX.
I would also shoot an email to Eric @ McDavid (this is the dealer I bought 3 4 Acuras & a Honda from over the last 13 yrs) I don't know Eric personally, but I am sure he can help you.
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...x300+comparison
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...on&pagenumber=2
good luck |
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| sapiansays |
| texrb...i did read those comparisons. it was very helpful. i probably read everything on the internet concerning rx300 versus mdx. ok...maybe not every single thing. but i know i was close. |
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| texrb |
ok - well then it sounds like you are well informed!! The RX is a very nice SUV & I am sure you wil be very happy with it. Please stay in the forum though - like you , I found the RX forum to be "stale" and haven't been there in over a year. This forum is terrific.
Be sure to put Zaino on the RX. The RX paint quality is much better than the MDX & the Zaino stays slick for a long time :2:
I have a mirror shine on White & that is tough to do :4: |
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| sapiansays |
thanks for the advice. that was my plan.
picked up the rx300 today...very nice! i now know why the craving for suv vehicles. especially ones like the rx300 and mdx. it rides so smooth and powerful. and the elevated stance makes driving easier and visibility better.
if the suv "thingy" works out...i might even consider trading my is300 for a mdx next year. that would be cool. |
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