Will be moving part way across the country, and looking at an SUV that has some room to haul my things, but still drives well.
For those that have owned 2011-2013 ... would you buy another? Or should I bite the bullet and spend more for a 3rd gen?

 

Stay away from the 2010 thru 2013(inc.) MDX. 2010-2013 MDX not recommended

 

If you can spring for 2014+, you'll be slightly happier than 2010-2013. Those have oil burning issues, some of them have new engine components that shouldn't burn.

 

Didn't realize the 3.7 oil burn was an across the board issue for 2010-2013.

Im a former 2012 TL owner. My never burned oil. I did oil changes every 6k with Pennzoil Platinum 5-30.

I had a coworker who did 10k intervals with 5-20 Mobil 1, and he did burn oil.

Anyway, will definitely lean towards 2014+. Any other SUVs worth considering that drive as well as the mdx, and are as reliable? (and similar price range)

 

I still have my 11 MDX Adv+Ent with +144,000 miles. I'm at 1 to 1 1/4 qts of oil per 9000 oil change interval. The big issues with the 10-13 MDX is the oil burning issue that can be as bad as 1 qt per 1000 miles. The 07-09 MDXs have an issue of engine coolant mixing with trans fluids from the radiator and bluetooth module causing a 12v battery drain. The 07-09 MDX Sport and 10-13 Adv models have an issue with failing magnetic struts/shocks from the Active Damper System (ADS) that will fail between 30,000 to 100,000 miles and cost $500-$700 per corner to replace. Then you have all the usual long term issues all older models have of leaking P/S pump, P/S rack, A/C compressor, or alternator. You might even find some owners delayed or even skipped the 2nd Gen 7 year/105,000 mile timing belt service that can cost around $1600 at the dealership (timing belt, serpentine belt kit, water pump, coolant, spark plugs, oil change, valve adjustment).

You will have way less issues with a sh-awd +14 MDX. The +14 MDXs will have:
- outstanding LED headlights
- 2nd gen sh-awd system
- can run on reg 87 octane gas (I use 91 Octane for max performance)
- you can see +26 mpg on the hwy at 70-75 mph compared to 18-20 mpgs with the 2nd Gen MDX
- same 2nd Gen 5000lbs towing capacity if you go for the sh-awd model+trans cooling kit
- updated info-tainment tech and full Acurawatch if you go for the 14-15 Adv models (acurawatch an option of base/tech, acurawatch std on all +17 MDXs)
- 2nd row seat that are more kid friendly and easier to get into the 3rd row
- +14 MDX drives more like a sports wagon compared to large SUV like the 2nd Gen

Test drive them both to see if the +14 price hike and upgrades are worth it compared to the 2nd Gen.