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Personally, I consider the seats to be just as important as the engine, suspension, etc. I recommend asking each dealer about seating options/upgrades. After having rented, driven, or owned many Acura, Porsche Cayenne, BMW, Audi, Cadillac, and Lexus vehicles, I personally prefer BMW's upgraded contour/comfort seating over anything else that I've experienced. I would vote for them as the the best front seat in any vehicle in that price range.
To contrast with anon3, I've had 1 Mercedes ML320 in almost 10 years, and frankly, it's been very reliable. Now, if you check Consumer Reports, Edmunds, and every forum, you'll easily find out that the Mercedes is the junkiest piece of c**p out there. Is there something wrong there? No, it's just my dumb luck. But I'm not about to push it again. I'm expecting to keep my next car 10 years. And that's why I'm buying the MDX.
PS
Welcome to the Forum.
I'm concerned about what was in the above thread about the MDX 3rd row being in the crumple zone.
Any thoughts on the 3 vehicles are considering? X5 is out b/c of price. Audi is obviously more expensive than the volvo or MDX. Price is a concern but safety and handling come first.
Thanks, Kai
"I'm concerned about what was in the above thread about the MDX 3rd row being in the crumple zone."
Consider the source. That's something a BMW sales person told a potential buyer. I have no idea if that information is correct or not, but I have treat it with a very healthy does of skepticism.
Safety
The MDX is ahead of the competition with regards to its construction in rear collisions: It will withstand a rear collision up to 50 miles an hour, well above the the basic 35 mph standard currently required by the NHTSA.[citation needed]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acura_MDX
Again, I don't have any data from a credible source to back this statement up, so take it for what it is.
BTW, do check out the next issue of Car and Driver (I think May) - they have a SUV comparison and rate 07 MDX #1.
Looking at the raw data, it looks like the MDX ranks above the XC90 and Q7 when it comes to rollover tests. However, the XC90 does have a very nice anti-roll system built into the stability control programming. Then again, the MDX is the only one where the stability control ECU can route power via SH-AWD as well as use the brakes to stabilize the vehicle. Who can say which method is more effective?
In a rear crash, the IIHS ranks the XC90 higher than the MDX, and the Q7 is untested. But that test looks only at whiplash, not motion of the whole body or resistance to intrusion.
With the NHTSA and IIHS front and side impacts all of these rigs do well. Looking at the raw data you'll probably find only the difference between an A grade and an A+. At that point, we're starting to split hairs.
While safety is king, I'd probably let other factors dictate my choice between these three. They're all safe. Or, as safe as we can tell with the limited data available.
It looks like Acura has done a nice job with the MDX, although I still wouldn't buy one for the following reasons: 1) there's no V-8 option, 2) the exterior is plain and unattractive, and 3) the MDX is the mini-van of my area: there's a sea of MDXs at every soccer game, grocery store, and private school pick up area. I'm not into mini-vans.
I have driven all the luxury models I think the new mazda cx9 kicks all their asses.
BMW is too heavy/slow in the 3.0, no powerliftgate and not as much fun to drive. (yes, even with the sports package) Other than that it looks the best. If they improve the power I will probably get one.
ML350- actually very impressed but the shifter on the steering column is a no go..don't care to manually shift only when my hands are in the 10 and 2 position. They are part of the steering wheel. Also, Mercedes has the worst navigation I've seen.
MDX-would buy it in a second if it had comfort access. What the hell is wrong with them? An Altima has keyless start but only the big sedan acura has the keyless start. They also have the best nav I've seen.
As a Realtor I feel luxury is important but I have to say I keep coming back to the price and driving fun and the Mazda does a great job.
Compared to the other six cylinder SUVs, it ranks as one of the most expensive ones out there, I guess it is leading the segment in terms of being the most expensive one.
Comparing the respective engine outputs, the X5 3.0i is the weakest of the bunch.
It is never too old to be surprised.
p
While styling is very subjective, it is my opinion that the X5 is the best looking vehicle, inside and out. It has the best ride but the base engine needs a bit more tuning. The soon to be available diesel option would be very attractive. Lot's of torque and good fuel economy. The downside is the price tag. For a comparably equipped model, X5 to MDX, I would need to spend another $9k. While within my financial reach, I'm not sure that I can justify it.
The MDX is a good vehicle. The front could use a redesign but in a dark color it doesn't look as bad. Again, this is my opinion but also is noted in most auto reviews. At a potential $44k purchase price, fully loaded, this is a bargin. I wish the MDX had the smart key access, 6-speed auto and real wood (the fake stuff is a bit shinny) but it is not a deal breaker for me.
Why would someone want a V8? A V8 provides better low-end torque which results in a better setup for towing. While the MDX might be rated for 5000 lbs of towing, it may struggle a bit under full load.
Regards,
NHman
FWIW:
My wife and I recently alternated between driver and shotgun driving new V-8 X5's around the off-road circuit at their performance driving school. It was uncanny how far the X5 could lean sideways and not tip over. The instructor said the max left-right tilt we encountered on that course was + / - 35 degrees, and the X5 is capable of up to 45 degrees.
We also took turns driving a 3.0 I-6 X5 around a short road race circuit, going as fast as we wanted to / as fast as we could go, over the same course where we were driving sedans and coupes. I was absolutely amazed at how well the X5 did. It wasn't as fast as the cars we drove, but the handling really impressed me, especially considering the mass and height.
Bruce
You mentioned the XC90 as your "family hauler", so I am curious what the downsides are in that capacity?
I have three children, who will be 11, 8, and 4 when we replace our MDX. Any thoughts? TIA
We narrowed our choices down to MDX, X5 and Q7 and then started thinking about gas mileage and eliminated Q7 (I really did like it but 12/17 is a buzzkill). I thought that the MDX and the X5 both handled really well. Neither has a spacious 3rd row, but it's only for kids and they fit just fine. My husband has the Acrua RL and I have to say that the nav stinks compared to the BMW. I liked the one knob that controls all on the BMW. Acrua you have to hit a diff button for ac, nav, audio and there isn't a split screen like BMW where you can have nav on and music details up at the same time.
I'm a little embarassed to say that in the end, it came down to looks for me. I chose the X5 because I think the MDX looks like a Transformer. So I paid an extra $9k got the better nav with the better looks.
I've had the X5 now for a month and I LOVE IT! Best decision for us. Best of luck!
The XC90 is a good “family hauler”. However I would not want to put a teenager in the 3rd row. It might be a bit tight. The 4-year old should not have a problem. I also found the front leg space to be a bit tight. Noticeable on longer car rides.
The X5 would be my first choice but the 9k difference is a bit much. I agree the MDX doesn’t look as clean as the X5 but the 9k can be use elsewhere. If I was leasing the vehicle, I would go with the X5. But I am jumping off the leasing merry-go-round.
For the argument of reliability of Asian built vehicles over others, we had a 04 MDX for 2-years. It was in the shop 6 times for warranty related work. My 07 Lexus has been in the shop 5 times. Both of my prior BMW’s and the current Volvo never had warranty related work done. It could be luck or another reason but just my .02.
Regards,
NHman
So did you end up going with the '08 MDX? I think the 2nd gen MDX is sharp. Not too many of them around here but when I see one coming towards me from the other direction I say "Hey that's a sharp looking vehicle". The X5 and XC90 look like their sedan counterparts, only higher. I like the transformer look, it's futuristic.
I'm not really sure if I like the new style...I can't quite figure out if it's actually the design that I can't get used to, or just the fact that it's such a big change from the '06...
I also have to say, and I hope this is okay to say here, that my hubby and I, and some friends of ours, all think the dashboard set-up reminds us a lot of female reproductive organs, and thus it has been deemed a "chick car". :P
Hope I didn't ruin it for anyone... hahaha
I try not to get overly caught up in the reliability thing -- everyone seems to have a different story in regards to that. We will lease a brand-new vehicle for 3 years, so in some ways I think it probably doesn't matter as much. ??? (Not that I want to frequently end up in the waiting area at my local dealer, free or not.)
But I know you are right about the spaciousness -- it was one of the reasons we leaned toward the MDX in the first place. Our last new vehicle decision was a choice made between the XC90, Ody, and MDX. We were also coming from an 04 Ody, so we weren't sure how much we could handle in terms of downgrading in size, lol. But looking to a year from now, when I'll be down to one booster seat (as opposed to one booster & one car seat right now), I feel like I have more choices in the space category. And any vehicle that has a built-in booster seat is going to be on my list.
Thank you so much for your response; all of the things you have said are things to consider. It is interesting how there are so many horror stories about Volvos needing constant repairs, but then it seems there are just as many stories about happy owners. And yes, I have a good friend whose Volvo literally saved her life in a rollover crash.
Interesting you mention leasing, since that is what we are doing, also. When we shopped in Feb 06, Volvo gave us no incentive to lease with them -- the RV wasn't great, the MF stunk, and they weren't selling at any kind of discount. Maybe things will be different next time around...
But getting back to the topic of this forum -- the biggest thing that will change the next time around is the addition of the X5 in our choices. With the new third row seat, we can actually consider this vehicle for our family. My late father was a big-time BMW enthusiast, so I feel like I have a predisposition to the bimmers... especially when I remember the way fellow BMW owners would give a little "beep" when they saw one another on the road, back in the early 80's before they became so mainstream.
Now I wish Acura would put some real wood in the MDX and the plastic door handles look really cheap. The MDX is WIDE (88" with side mirrors I believe). If you have a narrow garage, that will be a pain. I think they should have power folding side mirrors. The MDX has its own share of problems too but I think it's the best bang for the buck if you could get over the style and if you don't need to be seen driving a BMW.
I am starting to see more of the newer MDX's but it is still an uncommon vehicle around my area.
The front could use a redesign but I have seen worse (and certainly better). However the design is starting to grow on me.
Just think of the added bonus, besides getting a good SUV, you would also have a robot protector!
Regards,
NHman
When we leased our Volvo, summer 2006, the m.f. was .00001 with a good residual. Our payment is $500 per month. The only $$$ required was first and the $650 acq fee. This was for a fully loaded (minus Nav) XC90 V8. I believe the MSRP was $52.6k. There was an incentive on the V8 models, which was the model that we wanted. Leasing can be attractive if the right combination of m.f. and residual is available. When looking at the lease deals from Audi and BMW, I found the financing interest rate to be better.
I am also a BMW enthusiast but I just can not justify spending the extra $$$ for the X5. Perhaps after test driving the MDX I might have a different opinion. Stay tuned!
Regards,
NHman
If I was to nit pick the MDX, I would want real wood instead of the (very) shiny plastic trim. The center stack could/should be simplified. For the price tag I would want Smart Key Access ($1k adder in BMW) and AFS lights. But none of these are deal breakers. I have all of the options in my current car and while nice to have, I can live without.
I must confess, if my wife and I like the MDX. I would be able to sell or trade-in my car for a 08 BMW 335Ci (convertible). Plus being a BMW CCA member, I could use the rebate for my car instead of hers. This is my hope. We'll see what happens.
Regards,
NHman
In my opinion, in the entire Acura lineup, the MDX is the only one that comes close or equal to a BMW in the same class in terms of balance of comfort and driving dynamics. The MDX's 3rd row seat is also more "spacious" than the X5's. I agree, I am still not warming up to the front design of the MDX but nothing is perfect.
Sounds like you got a good deal in summer 06. When we looked at the pretty-well-loaded V6 (leather, ent sys, 3rd row seat) in winter 06, I think the payment was around $720! Needless to say, when compared to $610 for the Ody and $588 for the MDX, it wasn't even in the running when you factored in the features we'd be giving up (bluetooth, for one).
Alas, we will likely not end up with an X5, and probably not an XC90, either. But we may find that the MDX's are out of our league as well, if there aren't any good incentives at that time. Then we'll be forced to look at the Acadia and some others that we hadn't previously considered. We would look at the Pilot, but I think my hubby will be trading in his 05 Pilot for an 08 Pilot soon -- they are leasing locally at $361 a month for 36m/12K/$500 down. It was weird deciding to have both a Pilot and an MDX, but having two Pilots would be just a little TOO weird... lol
PS: My Dad was also a member of the BMW club, and enjoyed the one time he got to show off his 2002 540 at a local show in Mass. My Mom still has this vehicle sitting in her garage, but is just about ready to part with it and list it for sale (he passed away a year ago). He put so much time and energy into his vehicles, something that I think only BMW people can appreciate.
I am getting the MDX with tech/entertainment package. For our needs, it's not too big, not too small. It has comfortable ride & handling, good resale value, nice navigation/stereo. It's replacing our 2005 Toyota Sienna and the 2004 Lexus RX330. I can't find anything better for the price. But there is still a list of features/improvements I wish the MDX had...
For those who really need the space, practicality and utilty, nothing beats a minivan. I really don't mind being seen driving a minivan and I am a GUY.
But now that I've gone from minivan to suv, I can't imagine ever going back.
You may want to look at the Mazda CX9 in addition to the Acadia. While I haven't looked at it, it seems to be a similar vehicle to the MDX. I know there is another topic comparing the two.
If your Dad had an 03 540i Sport, I would be very interested. BMW made enough changes in the last year model that made it an attractive alternative to the M5.
Regards,
NHman
I'll ditto that. The CX9 has style, utility, and good performance. Personally, I'd rather have the MDX, but that Mazda is a fine machine.
I think the 750i is 1of the most comfortable car and very safe is that the reason u got the 750i? I went to check out the 5 series for a friend few months back checked out the other bmw's 7seri was great and the x5 is my favo car after checking it out the very first time,very nice driving position and great interior. dont know much abt the volvo or the mdx but strange to compare the q7 with the x5, q7 is sooo big and the back is really not nice. dont really consider the x5 such a big car its only a little bigger in length than the 5 series.
I test drove a 750i for fun and fell in love with it. I knew the controversal styling and the infamous iDrive stuff, but the thing is quiet, smooth, comfortable, has excellent balance of ride and handling for its size, solid as a tank, last but not the least, the V8 engine is Sooooooooooooo smooth and powerful, it just pulls and pulls. I was sold. Now I have something nice to drive when I take my family out.
We sold the Sienna recently since it sat on the driveway most of the time. We do want to get something a bit bigger than the wife's Lexus RX and that something needs to have 3rd row seats for occasional use. We looked at the MB GL450, MB R350, Mazda CX-9, BMW X5, Buick Enclave, and the Acura MDX. The MDX is far from perfect but it meets most of our needs, has nice ride/handling balance, priced reasonally for what it is. We ordered a MDX with tech/entertainment package ( the only reason we want the entertainment package is the power rear hatch, we don't need the DVD player, our two teenage kids have other forms of entertainment). It has silver exterior, and taupe interior, black interior is too depressing for our taste. BTW, I really regret getting my 750i in black color (exterior), it looks real classy when it's just washed but a few days and some rain later, it looks like cr#p. Dark color also hides the curves of the car. Unless you enjoy washing cars, avoid black.
Interesting. I had a 2002 MDX until late 2004 when we bought the Sienna. The MDX was too small for our needs then, car pooling, scouting, biking... It was a pain to get to the 3rd row too so we bought the minivan. We passed that stage now and I think getting a MDX to replace both the Sienna and the Lexus RX is a good compromise.
I drove the 750i only once in very very light snow. It was fine. We haven't had much snow (but lots of rain) in our part of Maryland. If there is more than one inch of snow on the ground and the streets haven't been plowed, I would not take the 750i out. Being RWD, it WILL have trouble going up the incline near my house. I have "all season performance tires" on it. BTW, the next generation of the 7 will come out maybe in a year.
• The plastic wood trim is reflects a lot of sun light back to the driver. I would rather pay a bit more for real wood.
• The trim pieces on the center console and door areas appear to be prone to chipping and scratches. The one on the showroom floor had a lot of wear on the door handles.
• The engine, while powerful for a V6, requires a lot of pedal travel to make good speed. While unfair to compare it to a V8, I do like the feel of torque being built up at a lower rpm.
• The two rear windows should be one touch up/down.
• Add Smart Key Access
• Add power lift gate and AFS lighting on technology option. The power lift gate should not be part of the Sport pkg.
• Ventilated seats on the Sport model would be nice.
• A slightly more aggressive suspension setup on the Sport model. I can see this one issue varying from driver to driver. My wife liked the Comfort setup.
• If backup sensors are going to be a dealer add-on, a grid on the backup camera showing a distance up to 5 feet from the rear bumper would be helpful.
• Clean-up the center console. A lot of buttons for my liking. Yes, voice control can help but it is not my preferred method.
I’m sure there are other items as well but this was the bulk of it. I realize that buying a car while maintaining a certain budget I will need to comprise on features. The question for me is at (roughly) $44k, does the MDX offer enough for wife and me to be happy for the next 5-6 years. Perhaps, only time will tell. A decision will be made by the end of this week.
Regards,
NHman
I was at the Lexus dealership last week and the salesperson showed me a picture of the next RX. It is going to have 3 row seating. However the slope of rear might make for very limited cargo and/or passenger space. Hard to stay without looking at actual vehicle but it looks like design is the key factor vs. functionality.
The X5 would still be my top choice but again a 10k difference is a bit much. I even looked at a 2007 CPO with 7-15k miles. There are a few choices in the area; however the asking price ranges from $53-56k for the 3.0 liter version. I would rather buy a new MDX for $9k less.
Regards,
NHman
Good luck with your search.
I have asked the dealer to submit to me their sell price for the MDX Sport/Ent. Hopefully I can complete this deal within the next few days. If not, I will move on.
Regards,
NHman
1) The V-6 MDX doesn't beat a V-8 BMW.
2) I questioned whether it's worth a $10,000 premium to buy the V-8 X5 needed to out perform a 300 hp V-6 japanese or american suv.
3) Since you asked, I live the county with the highest median household income in the nation, so the MDX is the mini-van of this area and I just don't identify with the soccer mom image of the MDX.
I have always been willing to pay the BMW premium to get superior performance and BMW's particular brand of ride and handling dynamics. But BMW's performance lead is closing and I'm seriously questioning my continued loyalty to BMW when a fully loaded 535xi station wagon now costs over $70,000, a fully loaded X5 is approaching $80,000 and the new X6 will have a sticker of well over $80,000 fully loaded with the twin turbo V-8. I probably couldn't actually go through with switching to another manufacturer, but I recognize that several other vehicles are closing the performance gap and the BMW premium is getting more expensive by the day.