As it seems lately....
This thread started out as a MDX question, and half way through turned into a comparison thread. It is now moved to the comparison section and retitled accordingly.
And since it is now a comparison thread, I'll chime in on my decision not to purchase another MDX.
I have owned several Expedition 4X4s since 1997 when they were introduced. The size was perfect and the BOF with V8 and 4X4 was great for anywhere I wanted to go. As the years passed and the family grew the Expedition fit even better. I ordered a 2007 Expedition sight unseen in May of 2007 and took delivery in August of 2007 with a 4X4 Eddie Bauer in Rust color and Black and Tan two tone interior. It was beautiful SUV. I should also mention here at this point, this SUV is my wife's ride mainly and mine when on long trips or hunting. I daily drive either a V8 MB E class, or now a LS430 Lexus through these years and I have a fun weekend car in a Porsche 911 4S. The 07' Expedition came with a poor design TPMS sensor strapped to the rims. These failed multiple times and I subsequently Lemon Law filed the vehicle and succeeded at hearing. That left me in a quandry in July 2008 looking for a SUV that my wife would drive and yet meet what I wanted for long trips and hunting.
At the time MB had MLs were horrible on build quality, GLs were astronomical in price, Gs were ridiculous looking and priced. BMW had an X5 that was trying to figure itself out, Audi had a Q7 that was a bloated Touraeg. GM had the Tahoe/Suburban of which I despise any GM product, Chrysler had a joke of a Durango. Infiniti had a QX56 that was weird, and Lexus had GX470 that was not quite sure what it was yet and an LX570 that was through the roof on price. The Toyota 4Runner and Nissan Pathfinders felt small.
Along comes me on the way home from work a different way and I stop in at the local Acura dealer after seeing a 2007 MDX on display out front. I drive it and discount it as too small, yet it drove terrifically on the road, had numerous tech items, and price was well in budget. Wife inquired why was I late coming home and I explained. Next day she went by there and drove the same MDX (2007 Tech/Ent). The third day I drove by the dealership again and watched a hauler unload seven MDXs. They had a mixed batch of 2007 & 2008 models. I went in and picked out the Dark Cherry Pearl 2007 they had. It was built in August in August of 2007. With the rebates and motivation of the dealer to clear 2007s off the lot, I purchased it for $38K plus tax and dealer fee and no accessories.
Over the last several years the MDX has held up to its reputation of quality and driveability, however on long trips I have detested driving it. From the sweaty back to the uncomfortable seat position for me it never really clicked with me. It did click with my wallet though.
Now, I eagerly awaited the 2014 MDX as I have looked for the least several years to dispose of the 07' MDX with something. I have come close to a Mercedes GL Diesel three times (2011 & 2012, and now 2013). A Landcruiser twice (2011 & 2013), and was hoping for the redesigned Expedition to be in 21014 which it wasn't and was pushed to 2015 with the new F150. So July 2013 came and went and we drove the first 2014 MDX tech/ent SH that arrived at the dealership. An Advance was not due in for two months. It drive too much like a car and not enough like a SUV for both of us. My wife commented on how it felt like a tall and shortened LS430. While she was not dead on, I got what she meant. Neither of us liked it and we agreed to hold onto the MDX a little bit more until I figured out we were going to do.
I test drove the 2013 GL450 (No diesel was available, order only), the Landcruiser, LX570, QX56, and GX460. The X5 was too small and weird for me. The Land Rover was far too problem prone for me, so we did not even look at it. The GX460 was ideal in size, ride and options, but it was lacking in appearance. I liked the Landcruiser a lot, yet despised the third row seats. Ditto on the LX570 and the $91K sticker price. I do believe if the GL350 had test driven well, we would have ended up with it. Since it wasn't available, I will not buy a vehicle that I cannot drive first when the drivetrain is significantly different from the year prior. The QX56 model we liked could only be had with the second row buckets and that was non start for us. That left the Landcruiser and the GX460. Then the 2014 GX 460 pictures started to leak with the facelift and minor changes inside. Only a couple more months and we could see and drive one in person. When the 2014s arrived we went down together and drove one. We drove a Landcruiser the same day. This was after numerous other models of minivans, pickup trucks etc. It had been narrowed down to two.
I made purchase quotes on both the 2014 GX460 and a 2013 Landcruiser. After a meal out we decided we hated the third row of the Landcruiser (and no option for a cargo cover due to the seats) more than the barn door of the GX460. Plus the GX460 looked a ton better and modern. Additionally, we did not need the size of the Landcruiser anymore either. So in October of 2013 I special ordered a 2014 GX460 Luxury with Driver's Support Package and few other items. It arrives in JAX Port this month and will be in our hands first of next month.
With all that being said, the MDX served us well. Albeit not exactly what we wanted, however true to its design and form. I also received an outstanding residual on it when I sold it last month. I do keep my vehicles fairly pristine with all maintenance records too include oil and bulb changes.
So while I will be here on the forum and with spirit of the MDX, we will now have a GX460 in the garage. I should also note here that I still have an Acura TL that remains in the garage for family use.
Randy B