acura mdx : Even though MSRP prices are somewhat similar to the Explorer, you'll mostlikely not get much of a discount on the Acura, those folks have anarrogance about them and don't dicker much. The other PROBLEM I see withAcura is the HIGH cost of repairs once out of warranty, as well as theoutrageous cost to have any work done at an Acura dealer. I owned a '93Integra and they really stiffed me everytime I had anything done at thedealer - much more than typical American cars. And, do they still use thosestupid timing belts that cost $500 or more to replace every 100k miles?Boy - I've been waiting for all of you to mention the MDX! I've seen theford/mercury products and the MDX:On paper - the ford twins read great. Basically all improved over a goodvehicle to start with, but there are big differences between it and the MDX.Here are pros & cons of both vehicles, as I see it.1) Fords have pop-out rear windows. Acura is fixed shut.2) Ford has nicer entry to 3rd row seats. 2nd row folds up& away, MDXjust folds forward. Enter MDX's 3rd row from the right side only, Ibelieve. Ford from either side. MDX folds true flat! But you must remove3rd row headrests! Not so w/ Ford. MDX can hold 4' wide drywall flat. ItsWIDE! Not sure w/ Ford.3) MDX has split 3rd row. Ford does not. Fords 30/40/30 (or whatever)2nd row makes the seats feel really small, and uncomforable.4) MDX v6 gets better power, ULEV, and much better mileage than Ford v8!Probably much more reliable too5) MDX awd, like mountaineer - no "low range."6) Ford will have stability control, and has better side impact bags.MDX does not.7) Ford easier to have repaired anywhere in the country. MDX not8) MDX has 4 year bumper-to-bumper warranty. Ford is only 3year.9) MDX has unibody. Ford has good ladder frame10) Ford comes w/ hitch. Acura is $600!11) Interior of Ford is definately cheaper, and just plain ugly. Acura,while not great, is definately nicer. More refined feeling, less plasticy.12) MDX comes fully loaded, including limited slip diff. Must upgradetowing package on ford for limited slip. Kind of beat, if you ask me.13) GPS on MDX. NoWay on Ford!14) Bose stereo on MDX. Nice.15) 17" wheels on MDX. Real nice, but expensive tires!
acura mdx : Anyway, thats enough for now. They're still both very good vehicles. Itrust the Acura much more in reliability and resale value. It looks nicer,and just seems more refined. Still, the ford lower models (not limited orEB) are good values when not fully loaded. Don't go crazy w/ options, andyou'll have a good vehicle for the dollar. Load up w/ options - you're afool - buy the MDX!I was seriously considering the '02 Explorer..... but now I may have to takea look at the MDX. But I have a few questions:1. How does the MDX ride compare to the Explorer? The Explorer ride iswonderful, but not all as quiet as they have been bragging about. I canstill easily hear wind and engine noise in the 02 Explorer.2. And did you say the 2nd row windows on the MDX do NOT open at all???3. Can the MDX be ordered w/o the 3rd row seats? With Explorer you can, butit appears you MUST have them with the MDX.By the pics on the Acura web site, the MDX does have a nicer interior -however, I hate that damn woodgrain (I thought that crap went away in the1960s). And it appears that you cannot order it w/o the woodgrain.....
acura mdx : Sorry if I wasn't clear. The REAR windows does not pop out at all. If youwant to put even a small item in the "trunk," you have to pop the entirehatch. The Explorer/Mountainner have the best popout rear window I've seen.The MDX can NOT be ordered w/out the rear seat (like the Mountaineer) Its abit easier to fold down, as its split. The Ford twins are 1 large 3rd row.Heavier, and more awkward. Acura has the edge here, but entry to the 3rdrow is easier w/ the fords. Its a tough call.Just remember, the MDX is more expensive than the Fords in their lower trimlevels. Its not a real fair comparison, until you load up the fords, andthen prices are similiar.As far as wind noise, I have seen reveiews that do mention the MDX as havinga high db level of noise at highway speeds. Not totally surprising - itsSUPER-WIDE, and pushes a lot of air around it. Incredible it gets 17mpg inthe city! You're right - maybe it will be improved w/ the 2002, but I doubtit. Really gonna miss that popout hatch window for sure.
acura mdx : The lease is coming to an end on our Jeep Grand Cherokee. I love thisvehicle, and will feel bad saying good bye. Among other things, it hasbeen an excellent machine for towing the 19 footer. The new Jeeps areidentical in every way except the dashboard and transmission. The new 5speed transmission is great, but the new dashboard drives me insane -black on a white background. The night glare is unbearable - what werethe folks at Daimler/Chrysler thinking. This stupid blunder will costthem a sale - no way I could force myself to drive at night like that.So here I am shopping around, and I nothing I've seen in the high endSUV category has fit my desires, needs or taste. The GMC Envoy is toocramped and the steering is to, well, GM like. The BMW is too stiff.The Nissan Pathfinder/Infinity QX4 too narrow. The Mercedes toostuffy. Didn't like the Isuzu, the Ford Explorer, Toyota's 4 Runner.The Lexus and Toyota Highlander are just Camry's. But I have fallen inlove with the Acura MDX. Just the right size, comfort and feel.
acura mdx : The only downside I see to the MDX is that it isn't really a "truck". Idon't really do off-road driving, but I need a 4WD SUV for cargo, badweather driving and, now, hauling the boat up the launch ramp. Acuraclaims the MDX will handle a 4500 boat rig, but I'm still a bitconcerned. It's platform is based on the Honda Odyssey minivan. Itdoesn't have a two speed transfer case. It's basically front wheeldrive - with power going to the rear wheels when needed (you can push abutton to lock four wheel drive in). Boating Mag gave it a goodwrite-up (but they've never given anything a bad write-up). I'mwondering if anyone out there has had experience with this vehicle,especially towing.Larry Weiss"...Ever After!'"a little after...""Larry Weiss" wrote in message...Keep the Jeep? Re-lease or buy.Just faced a similar quandry and have decided to get a Toyota TundraV8 4wd with extended cab and paint-matched cap. It will end uplooking like a sport utility but have 2x to 3x the cargo room. Towingcapacity of 7,100# is respectable also. Stay tuned, everything onorder - truck should be in next week, cap the week after.
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