I've been reading this forum for over a year now and have learned a great amount of info about the MDX as well as other SUV's, thanks to all of you. Excuse me for this long post, but this is my first and I'll keep any future ones short.
I've test driven about 15 models including the MDX. Some of them were the RX300, BMW X5, GMC Envoy, Toyota 4Runner, Rav4, Highlander, Sequoia, Chevy Tahoe, Nissan Pathfinder, Inifinti QX4, and a few others. I know many of these cannot be compared in the same class as the MDX. But I've narrowed my choices down to the MDX, the Nissan Pathfinder and/or cloned (Infiniti QX4). I test drove the Pathfinder 5 times and the MDX 3 times and I have to say that there are pros and cons with both based on what I'm looking for.
The MDX wins out with better quality materials, build, safety, size and ride quality. The Pathfinder wins out with price, quick availability, a little more rugged for off-road.
From a style standpoint I like both, the Pathfinder body appeals to me for its tapered lines, not as boxy as some SUVs. The MDX appeals to me as clean and elegant with more luxurious appearance. I could go on and on, but let me save that for future discussions. So how am I dazed and confused.... well after some debating about what to do, I went ahead and placed an order for the MDX Touring w/nav with a deposit of $1000 at Hopkins acura in Redwood City, (great dealer experience). They said the wait is about 6-8 months, I said OK that's fine with me. But the next day I found at a Nissan dealer, the exact Pathfinder I wanted right down to the color and accessory packages. The dealer had it on sale for $4000 below MSRP. So I had a thought come to me, buy it now and drive it for a few months and see if I still want the MDX, if so I can sell or trade the Nissan without much loss. So that's where I am right now, I've had the Pathfinder for about 6 weeks now and I'm starting to see the pros and cons with both SUV's much better. I'll summarize that the pathfinder is made with lower quality materials, a slightly less comfortable ride and more I can mentioned later. The only thing I wasn't comfortable with about the MDX was the driving seat position. I couldn't find a comfortable seat setting or where to rest my arms. I still don't know If I want to keep it or go with the MDX when it is ordered, but Hopkins just call me and said they had a cancelation and have the MDX I want ready to go. As I gave it some thought I decided to have them put me on the list for the 2003's and I'll keep waiting. Drive the Pathfinder a little while longer and see how it feels until I have to make my decision again when Hopkins calls me for the 03 MDX when available.
For those interested, I got the top of the line LE Pathfinder for $34600 out the door, the MDX will come in at $43400. Just wanted to share with all of you how confusing and frustrating it can be to find the right vehicle. I know all of you are happy with your MDX's and if I choose to go that way, I'm sure I'll be another one. One last thing, has anyone compared these two vehicles and foiund similar pros and cons?
Again, thanks to this great forum.
I've test driven about 15 models including the MDX. Some of them were the RX300, BMW X5, GMC Envoy, Toyota 4Runner, Rav4, Highlander, Sequoia, Chevy Tahoe, Nissan Pathfinder, Inifinti QX4, and a few others. I know many of these cannot be compared in the same class as the MDX. But I've narrowed my choices down to the MDX, the Nissan Pathfinder and/or cloned (Infiniti QX4). I test drove the Pathfinder 5 times and the MDX 3 times and I have to say that there are pros and cons with both based on what I'm looking for.
The MDX wins out with better quality materials, build, safety, size and ride quality. The Pathfinder wins out with price, quick availability, a little more rugged for off-road.
From a style standpoint I like both, the Pathfinder body appeals to me for its tapered lines, not as boxy as some SUVs. The MDX appeals to me as clean and elegant with more luxurious appearance. I could go on and on, but let me save that for future discussions. So how am I dazed and confused.... well after some debating about what to do, I went ahead and placed an order for the MDX Touring w/nav with a deposit of $1000 at Hopkins acura in Redwood City, (great dealer experience). They said the wait is about 6-8 months, I said OK that's fine with me. But the next day I found at a Nissan dealer, the exact Pathfinder I wanted right down to the color and accessory packages. The dealer had it on sale for $4000 below MSRP. So I had a thought come to me, buy it now and drive it for a few months and see if I still want the MDX, if so I can sell or trade the Nissan without much loss. So that's where I am right now, I've had the Pathfinder for about 6 weeks now and I'm starting to see the pros and cons with both SUV's much better. I'll summarize that the pathfinder is made with lower quality materials, a slightly less comfortable ride and more I can mentioned later. The only thing I wasn't comfortable with about the MDX was the driving seat position. I couldn't find a comfortable seat setting or where to rest my arms. I still don't know If I want to keep it or go with the MDX when it is ordered, but Hopkins just call me and said they had a cancelation and have the MDX I want ready to go. As I gave it some thought I decided to have them put me on the list for the 2003's and I'll keep waiting. Drive the Pathfinder a little while longer and see how it feels until I have to make my decision again when Hopkins calls me for the 03 MDX when available.
For those interested, I got the top of the line LE Pathfinder for $34600 out the door, the MDX will come in at $43400. Just wanted to share with all of you how confusing and frustrating it can be to find the right vehicle. I know all of you are happy with your MDX's and if I choose to go that way, I'm sure I'll be another one. One last thing, has anyone compared these two vehicles and foiund similar pros and cons?
Again, thanks to this great forum.