I just spent the better part of my weekend shopping for a new SUV, CUV, pickup truck, and mini-van. Basically anything that we could want to replace our 2007 MDX Tech/Ent. My range was wide to start, and my purse was as wide. To understand our thought process, the 2007 MDX was bought under the gun in a pinch and was never our first choice in size. We have always liked larger SUVs and or pickups. The MDX has served us very well since new. Better then either of us expected. It's the only reason we waited until the new one came out before looking for another vehicle. I expected to shell out between $50K-$80K for what we would like. We looked at the following vehicles:
Mercedes GL350 Bluetec with P2, Lighting package, Leather, Park Assist, Pano Roof, Multi Contour Seats, Heated and Active ventilated seats.
Honda Odyssey Elite Touring
Toyota Sienna Limited FWD
Toyota Tundra Crew Cab Platinum 4X4
Ford F150 King Ranch FX4 4X4 Crew Cab
Lexus RX350 AWD F Sport
Lexus GX460 Premium
Lexus LX570 (used, yet a 2013)
Inifiniti JX35 AWD with every option package available
MDX Advance SH
All vehicles were 2013's, except the MDX. That was the 2014.
After numerous hours and conversations with the wife, I am extremely tired. Here are our thoughts and comments, as we took notes and went back and drove three for a second time. Well actually four, but more on that in a little while.
Mercedes GL350 Diesel: Gees, we love a diesel. Drove them in Europe and Japan every time we could. We both detest the price of options, and more than likely the less than reliable electronics we will receive from this beast (past experience with two E-classes). Also, actually finding one that is not already spoken for is basically unheard of. MB has found a niche in this segment and they are under producing to maintain and improve values of new and used GL350s. Three dealers told me to order, as they will not have any stock items at all. One even showed me the whole southeast all accounted for with orders, and port units. I have an in @ MB Manhattan, and called him as well. Same story. If we could have drove one, I'd bet the farm we would have spent the money. However, I do not speculate on $80K that we are going to like a vehicle, without testing it. On to the next.
Honda Odyssey: What a great minivan. Drove beautifully, had almost every creature comfort and configuration you could want. Never owned a van at all. Though this would definitely work if we wanted one. No ventilated seats available. That was a deal breaker on arrival. Dealer offered $40800 with the accessories on it. DOA to me though. Next.
Toyota Sienna: I thought the Odyssey was nice. This one is much better. Drove better, more pickup and road feel, much better fit and finish. Foot rests on the second row! If I hire a chauffeur this could work! Storage and more storage. Again, no ventilated seats. Was DOA on finding out that aspect. Dealer offered $41500. Still DOA to me. Next.
Toyota Tundra: This was the 5.7 liter version. Man, this moves. My daughter and I could do somersaults in the back of the cab while my wife drives. I thought I was in an RV for a few minutes in the back of this cab. End of the day, it was a great pickup truck, cheaply appointed for a $52K price tag though.
Ford F150 KR: Very nice pickup truck. I love the leather. The Sync was miserable. Light years ahead of what Ford had (nothing), yet light years behind Toyota and Honda. Comfortable ride, very capable. The ventilated seats almost made me hover. However, $52K for what? I could not see it. Felt like highway robbery to me. $42-45K this may have been the ticket.
Lexus RX 350 F Sport: Looked at it, while the salesman went to get the keys. By the time he came back, we asked him to move onto the next model. He looked perplexed at us. I explained I already had too small of an SUV that went fast, and I did not need a smaller one that looked like it wanted to go Fast.
Lexus GX460: Biggest surprise of the day after the Sienna's foot rests (man I liked those!). We really enjoyed this ride. While slightly narrower than the 07 MDX we have, this vehicle felt safer than an armored car in Mexico City. The vehicle exuded confidence in safety and movement. Plenty of room for me in the second row with front seats all the way back. Capable third row seating and attempting to be manageable fuel economy of 15/20, while hauling 5200 lbs of curb weight plus me and the wife. Felt absolutely great to be back in a truckish SUV that you felt good in. Down side was the rear door. What heck happened here! I looked at my wife who is Japanese, and asked her if relatives had not heard of pull handles! Really a sideways tail door, so the shorter less weighty people of the world would not have to pull down if their power tailgate failed? What a failure here in my mind. However, we really like the way the SUV drives and feels. And that Sepia interior color is yummy. I did not finalize pricing on this one. I left it open. After some research back home, I believe this one can be had around $59500 the way we want it. Back to this one a few.
Lexus LX570: Ok, even though our budget was varied and high, this one new is way over the top for us. They happened to have a lightly used 5K mile one that was a CPO. I figured negotiable might get it to where it would be acceptable to me. We drove it. I had not had a feeling like this since I was pre-natal. Truly a womb like sensation. I forgot just how good these gussied up Land Cruisers are. Speaking of Mexico City, I'd take this down there and dare a carjacker to try. This thing is the Epcot Geo Dome on wheels! 12/17 MPG Rating however was terrible. Considering its curb weight, I guess its actually good. Very pricey and capable of things I would never dream of doing in this (dare I say again pricey) SUV. If money and fuel prices were no consideration, say I owned a refinery perhaps? I would get this in a heartbeat! Out the door used for $76500.
Infiniti JX35AWD: I'll start by saying I understand how CVT's work and what they do. They are a mechanical wonder that makes sense. They are not to be thrown upon the mainstream likely though. My wife kept waiting for the slipping in the torque converter to stop (She knew what this sound and feel was from our 2007 MDX having had two failures). The salesman almost died when he heard her complain about the transmission whine and hang. They put together a nice product though. Every bell and whistle you could want or need. Unfortunately they all lead through an antiquated theater package road, that you have no choice but to drive down on and purchase in order to get the rest of the packages. If you put it in sport mode, you get simulated shift points, that basically make it tolerable. The 18/23 MPG is nice though. Unfortunately, this vehicle just does not hold its value. The dealer's first offer was invoice minus $2K in rebates. Essentially $50K. It had a lot of accessories already on it too. I hate when dealers do that. We did like it though. More on that in a moment.
2014 Acura MDX Advance SH: My hopes were good for this one. Unfortunately they were not met in reality. What a disappointment from what I had hoped for. It is roomier in the second row, however they cheaped out on everything in the finish department. This MDX drove well, yet lethargic. We did not like the touch screen for basic functions. The angle of it is not pleasing, and the sub menu pages are a nuisance. The salesman kept stressing the voice control. The point for me being in the car is solace to and from work. I'm not looking for another conversation, let alone with my car. I can envision family drives up the east coast with everyone asleep and now I have to change something and use the voice control while they sleep. Not a good execution.
After all this we went back and drove the Sienna, GX460 and the JX35 AWD. While at the Lexus dealership, I grabbed the LX570 one more time. Damn I like this SUV/Truck. Just can't get past the price and the fuel consumption. But man I like/love this truck. Kind of like lust and love for me as a teen. Some foolish adult had to explain the difference to me and my world shattered. (Matrix reference coming) In this instance NEO, I'll take the blue pill. This is one heck of a truck! That being said, the GX460 is a superb second/first place finisher for us. I could not do the Sienna or the JX. The JX seemed fake and trying to impress too much. The resale values were horrible on it as well.
So, fire away if you like. This was our experience this weekend. We just didn't dig the MDX at all. Our 2007 has served us well. It just never fit. We had had Expedition 4X4s for years, and when we lemon law returned the 2007 we had to find something in a pinch. The MDX was it. And boy did we choose right at the time. This time however, I do not see Acura in our future.
Randy B
Mercedes GL350 Bluetec with P2, Lighting package, Leather, Park Assist, Pano Roof, Multi Contour Seats, Heated and Active ventilated seats.
Honda Odyssey Elite Touring
Toyota Sienna Limited FWD
Toyota Tundra Crew Cab Platinum 4X4
Ford F150 King Ranch FX4 4X4 Crew Cab
Lexus RX350 AWD F Sport
Lexus GX460 Premium
Lexus LX570 (used, yet a 2013)
Inifiniti JX35 AWD with every option package available
MDX Advance SH
All vehicles were 2013's, except the MDX. That was the 2014.
After numerous hours and conversations with the wife, I am extremely tired. Here are our thoughts and comments, as we took notes and went back and drove three for a second time. Well actually four, but more on that in a little while.
Mercedes GL350 Diesel: Gees, we love a diesel. Drove them in Europe and Japan every time we could. We both detest the price of options, and more than likely the less than reliable electronics we will receive from this beast (past experience with two E-classes). Also, actually finding one that is not already spoken for is basically unheard of. MB has found a niche in this segment and they are under producing to maintain and improve values of new and used GL350s. Three dealers told me to order, as they will not have any stock items at all. One even showed me the whole southeast all accounted for with orders, and port units. I have an in @ MB Manhattan, and called him as well. Same story. If we could have drove one, I'd bet the farm we would have spent the money. However, I do not speculate on $80K that we are going to like a vehicle, without testing it. On to the next.
Honda Odyssey: What a great minivan. Drove beautifully, had almost every creature comfort and configuration you could want. Never owned a van at all. Though this would definitely work if we wanted one. No ventilated seats available. That was a deal breaker on arrival. Dealer offered $40800 with the accessories on it. DOA to me though. Next.
Toyota Sienna: I thought the Odyssey was nice. This one is much better. Drove better, more pickup and road feel, much better fit and finish. Foot rests on the second row! If I hire a chauffeur this could work! Storage and more storage. Again, no ventilated seats. Was DOA on finding out that aspect. Dealer offered $41500. Still DOA to me. Next.
Toyota Tundra: This was the 5.7 liter version. Man, this moves. My daughter and I could do somersaults in the back of the cab while my wife drives. I thought I was in an RV for a few minutes in the back of this cab. End of the day, it was a great pickup truck, cheaply appointed for a $52K price tag though.
Ford F150 KR: Very nice pickup truck. I love the leather. The Sync was miserable. Light years ahead of what Ford had (nothing), yet light years behind Toyota and Honda. Comfortable ride, very capable. The ventilated seats almost made me hover. However, $52K for what? I could not see it. Felt like highway robbery to me. $42-45K this may have been the ticket.
Lexus RX 350 F Sport: Looked at it, while the salesman went to get the keys. By the time he came back, we asked him to move onto the next model. He looked perplexed at us. I explained I already had too small of an SUV that went fast, and I did not need a smaller one that looked like it wanted to go Fast.
Lexus GX460: Biggest surprise of the day after the Sienna's foot rests (man I liked those!). We really enjoyed this ride. While slightly narrower than the 07 MDX we have, this vehicle felt safer than an armored car in Mexico City. The vehicle exuded confidence in safety and movement. Plenty of room for me in the second row with front seats all the way back. Capable third row seating and attempting to be manageable fuel economy of 15/20, while hauling 5200 lbs of curb weight plus me and the wife. Felt absolutely great to be back in a truckish SUV that you felt good in. Down side was the rear door. What heck happened here! I looked at my wife who is Japanese, and asked her if relatives had not heard of pull handles! Really a sideways tail door, so the shorter less weighty people of the world would not have to pull down if their power tailgate failed? What a failure here in my mind. However, we really like the way the SUV drives and feels. And that Sepia interior color is yummy. I did not finalize pricing on this one. I left it open. After some research back home, I believe this one can be had around $59500 the way we want it. Back to this one a few.
Lexus LX570: Ok, even though our budget was varied and high, this one new is way over the top for us. They happened to have a lightly used 5K mile one that was a CPO. I figured negotiable might get it to where it would be acceptable to me. We drove it. I had not had a feeling like this since I was pre-natal. Truly a womb like sensation. I forgot just how good these gussied up Land Cruisers are. Speaking of Mexico City, I'd take this down there and dare a carjacker to try. This thing is the Epcot Geo Dome on wheels! 12/17 MPG Rating however was terrible. Considering its curb weight, I guess its actually good. Very pricey and capable of things I would never dream of doing in this (dare I say again pricey) SUV. If money and fuel prices were no consideration, say I owned a refinery perhaps? I would get this in a heartbeat! Out the door used for $76500.
Infiniti JX35AWD: I'll start by saying I understand how CVT's work and what they do. They are a mechanical wonder that makes sense. They are not to be thrown upon the mainstream likely though. My wife kept waiting for the slipping in the torque converter to stop (She knew what this sound and feel was from our 2007 MDX having had two failures). The salesman almost died when he heard her complain about the transmission whine and hang. They put together a nice product though. Every bell and whistle you could want or need. Unfortunately they all lead through an antiquated theater package road, that you have no choice but to drive down on and purchase in order to get the rest of the packages. If you put it in sport mode, you get simulated shift points, that basically make it tolerable. The 18/23 MPG is nice though. Unfortunately, this vehicle just does not hold its value. The dealer's first offer was invoice minus $2K in rebates. Essentially $50K. It had a lot of accessories already on it too. I hate when dealers do that. We did like it though. More on that in a moment.
2014 Acura MDX Advance SH: My hopes were good for this one. Unfortunately they were not met in reality. What a disappointment from what I had hoped for. It is roomier in the second row, however they cheaped out on everything in the finish department. This MDX drove well, yet lethargic. We did not like the touch screen for basic functions. The angle of it is not pleasing, and the sub menu pages are a nuisance. The salesman kept stressing the voice control. The point for me being in the car is solace to and from work. I'm not looking for another conversation, let alone with my car. I can envision family drives up the east coast with everyone asleep and now I have to change something and use the voice control while they sleep. Not a good execution.
After all this we went back and drove the Sienna, GX460 and the JX35 AWD. While at the Lexus dealership, I grabbed the LX570 one more time. Damn I like this SUV/Truck. Just can't get past the price and the fuel consumption. But man I like/love this truck. Kind of like lust and love for me as a teen. Some foolish adult had to explain the difference to me and my world shattered. (Matrix reference coming) In this instance NEO, I'll take the blue pill. This is one heck of a truck! That being said, the GX460 is a superb second/first place finisher for us. I could not do the Sienna or the JX. The JX seemed fake and trying to impress too much. The resale values were horrible on it as well.
So, fire away if you like. This was our experience this weekend. We just didn't dig the MDX at all. Our 2007 has served us well. It just never fit. We had had Expedition 4X4s for years, and when we lemon law returned the 2007 we had to find something in a pinch. The MDX was it. And boy did we choose right at the time. This time however, I do not see Acura in our future.
Randy B