| its-a-honda |
| My wife and I are not financial comfortable but we were looking to spend around 30k. But the mdx caught my eye and its a little over her price level..... Ok heres the problem i read all the problems that happened right after some people bought the mdx we are having a new member in our family soon so we cant have a little problem come up. She is worried..........and if you can let me know what you don't like about the mdx that would be great :1: |
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| EXCALIBUR |
its-a-honda,
With a budget of $30,000, maybe you should be looking for another SUV besides an MDX. Perhaps something in the Mini-SUV class would be more affordable. Good luck. |
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| its-a-honda |
| we are thinking of streching it to get the MDX |
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| ucsdtriton |
Essentially the same vehicle. Many here prefer the looks of the MDX, but other than that, you can practically get the same features for less, or save even more and don't get all the options.
We purchased one of the first batches of MDX's (Dec. 2000), and I must admit, we had more than our fairshare of first year glitches (infamous "Thud" from the loose front suspension bolts, leaking rear strut, "weeping mirrors", and a noisy passenger side lock mechanism), but everything was fixed under warranty. And, most of these issues were fixed in the '02s and '03s. I considered all these problems to be first year glitches, and wouldn't hesitate to buy another Honda or Acura product.
If the Pilot was available way back in Dec. of 2000, I'd have a much harder time justifying the MDX. Good Luck with whatever vehicle you buy. :) |
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| laborlitigator |
Firstly, I'd suggest that you look into getting the Pilot since it is very similar to the X.
But if you heart is into getting the X, why not looked for it used?
However, in the long run, the difference between a used model or similar vehicle for $33,000, and a brand new premium model (no extra accessories of course, but that's what Tim is for anyway, right) would only be about an extra $20 a week on the payment. Mind you, American Honda Finance Corp 3.49% rates right now which would further lower your payment.
If you can stretch your dollar, that would be my suggestion. The worst thing is to buy a car you really don't want knowing full well a couple extra dollars gets you the one you want.
Good luck and congrats on the baby to be. . . |
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| laborlitigator |
| Also, I noticed you are in the New York area, I'd read in the Daily News some Acura dealers that were selling their left over 02's for under MSRP but that was in December. . . |
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| spain |
| Have you considered an American made car?;) |
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| cmdpm |
its-a-honda,
IF you really want an MDX and can stretch your budget and make the payments (3.49% from honda definitely helps) then just do it. do not worry so much about what others dont like about the MDX. no car is perfect, but the MDX has many great qualities.but other choices are available.
i test drove the honda pilot and can tell you that it is similar to the MDX but clearly not the same. it has a softer ride and handles/brakes less crisply, has more cargo capacity,more seat configurations including seating for eight and is designed more for general family use than the much sportier and upscale MDX.
honda created these two different suvs to offer us a choice depending on our needs and or wants.
you and your wife can decide which one would suit your particular needs/wants better.
from one family man to another, i would suggest you all go out to look over and test drive both suvs, if you havent already, and then go home and discuss things with your wife in private and then sleep on it. this will give you a chance to really decide what is best for you without the salesperson interefering and before you make the final decision and commitment.also, in addition to our website you can visit www.honda-pilot.org for additional info and opinions.
good luck and a happy and healthy new year to you and your family,
chris |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by spain
Have you considered an American made car?;)
Q: Weren't you the poster that started the, "American Made Cars Suck!!" thread? Just wanted to be sure:confused: |
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| ghost |
I'm of the reach-for-the-stars school - if you can make it to 30K, and if you really want the 'X (as opposed to casually wanting the X), I bet you could find a way to make up the difference.
I certainly wouldn't use reliability as a deterrent - I have an early model (Nov 2000) and have had no troubles after 42K. You do see a lot of problems discussed on this board (heck, you see every problem discussed on this board), but mostly because its more interesting than posting lack-of-problems. And Acura is generally pretty good about keeping people satisfied.
The Pilots, Outbacks, and others in the 30K range are great cars, they're just not X's.
One thing I ask my kids when they're after something: "How bad do you want it?"
Good luck & happy newborn!
PS - want some positive rationale - the 'X has a great safety rating. Can't put a price on safety! :D |
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| ghost |
quote:
Originally posted by EXCALIBUR
Q: Weren't you the poster that started the, "American Made Cars Suck!!" thread? Just wanted to be sure:confused:
Note the wink - spain just has a great sense of humor! :D |
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| spain |
quote:
Originally posted by ghost
Note the wink - spain just has a great sense of humor! :D
Thanks Ghost! I am glad that someone else caught my humor.. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by spain
Thanks Ghost! I am glad that someone else caught my humor..
Just wanted to be absolutely sure. You had me worried there for a moment.:D |
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| MIKEinTN |
Your wanting an MDX is understandable. I stretched my $ last March and could not be more pleased with my MDX.
I have seen a few used MDXs recently in the 32K range. That might be a good fit for you. I guess the Pilot is a good option also, but frankly they have always looked like CRVs on steroids to me.
Also, I just refinanced my MDX with PeopleFirst and saved quite a bit, so that could keep your payments where you want them with their rates.
Good luck in your quest.
MIKEnTN |
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| EXCALIBUR |
its-a-honda,
Like MIKEin TN suggested, a previously owned MDX might be just the ticket. The MDX is only in its third production year. If you look around, you might be able to find a very clean 01 or 02 for sale. Just a thought.:) |
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| its-a-honda |
| if i get used what year would be the best..... i know the early modles have a few bugs. Dont want those :4: |
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| EXCALIBUR |
its-a-honda,
Look around and see what's available. I have a 2002 and it has been great. The only times I have been to the dealership after my purchase were to pick up my license plates or to say hello. YMMV, but again, good luck. |
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| ghost |
quote:
Originally posted by its-a-honda
if i get used what year would be the best..... i know the early modles have a few bugs. Dont want those :4:
Yes, but the early models have clocks.
:) |
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| its-a-honda |
| is it just the 2000 that had problems |
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| dmyles |
Seems like the Pilot would still put you close to or over your $30K limit.....
Why not a fully loaded CR-V?? I'd buy a Honda CR-V before I bought an american made ANYTHING. It may not have all the creature comforts of the MDX or Pilot, but at least you'd know it be reliable (which I'm sure is one of your top priorities with a new family member on the way). |
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| EXCALIBUR |
dmyles,
A fully loaded CR-V just wouldn't seem to cut it next to an MDX. In the Mini-SUV class, I would go with a fully loaded Mazda Tribute ES. A Pilot, maybe if its-a-honda still wants a Mid-Size SUV...but then again why not save up and go for an MDX, or a clean previously owned MDX?:4: |
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| its-a-honda |
| im now looking at used mdx..any info on buying a used mdx would be great :2: |
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| frostyra |
| Ours has been extremely reliable in the year-and-a-half that we've owned it. If you can make the stretch, do it; I don't think you'll regret it. If the stretch is too much, AND YOU DON'T NEED THE ROOM THAT THE MDX OFFERS, I'd go with the Honda CR-V. My daughter just bought a new one, and I have driven it a bit. Lots of passenger room and comfort, drives and handles well -- a really nice vehicle. |
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| mjhorwitz |
Acura has a great program for selling used cars at their dealerships call "Certified Pre-Owned" (CPO). The cars get an additional 12 month/12,000 miles added to the 4/50 warranty, and get a 7/100 powertrain warranty. There are also special finance rates with approved credit. All of the cars services have to be brought up to date, and all wear items must have at least 50% of their life left (tires, brakes..).
A CPO 2001 Premium MDX might still cost more in payment than leasing a 2003 Premium on a 48 month/ 12,000 mile/year lease. MDX has some of the highest residual values in the industry, and combined with a 4 year warranty that allow you to safely take a 4 year lease (assuming you can stay in the miles) should make the payment relatively low even compared to a Pilot. If payment is your biggest concern, a lease may be the way to go. |
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| jswift2000 |
| My wife and I are having the same discussion right now about which car to buy. We had an order placed on a Honda Pilot EX-L NAV ($33,000) and cancelled that yesterday. Drove the mdx yesterday and it was nice. We have our little one now and her college savings comes first. If we can swing the mdx my wife and I will be buying it. If we cant afford the MDX then I will order a 2004 pilot w/ no regrets. Under the sheet metal its the same car. Oh well. Such is life... and remember its only a car. :) |
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| its-a-honda |
| you guys are great... ill see what happens in about 2 weeks i should know by than |
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| remery |
Its-a-Honda,
Erase the bugs-in-the-first-year-MDX from your mind. A lot of the problems were minor despite the whining in this forum. My 2001 had those and I could have gone without fixing them but I did since they were covered by warranty. If your budget is truly $30K, get a used 2001 or buy a Subaru Outback VDC wagon new like the one I have. With one child, it has more than enough room and would be a comparable value to a used MDX but it would be new. You could get one for pretty close to $30K including sales tax. I love both vehicles but if money were limited, the Subaru is the better value so consider this along with the advice others have given you up to this point. |
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| acurasandiego |
| If you're still interested in the MDX, MDXNYC is selling his 2002. Since you're both from New York, try getting a hold of him. Maybe he'll give you a good deal. Best of luck with your decision. |
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| buhmabee |
Hey its-a-honda,
Being that your stretching, have you also considered insurance cost for the X. Again just one of the many factors that go into selecting a vehicle. You need to know what's most important to you. Choose wisely, you don't want to be driving around in a car and see me pass by and say to yourself "Whoa, he's cool" No, I mean "Dang, I wish I had purchased THAT car." By the same token you don't want to be driving around in an X saying to yourself "Whoa he's cool" No, I mean "Dang, why did I purchase THIS car?"
Good luck with what ever you choose. |
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