What other cars have you considered?
#41
Racer
Thread Starter
I was set to buy a 2015 MDX but cancelled that order. I read some stories on this board that scared me w the MDX, specifically the car losing power at times. Since my wife drives the kids around in it sometimes I didn't feel comfortable knowing that the car had some possible safety issues.
Then my wife wanted to test drive an ML 350 so we did. I was very impressed w the interior quality of the vehicle but wasn't excited about performance. But since my wife liked it I went ahead and agreed to buy one. The day I went in to sign the deal I noticed another one similar to the one I was getting but with the AMG package. It was also an ML400. Sales guy told me all about it but all I heard was biTurbo and 20" AMG wheels. I test drove it and never looked back. Bought it on the spot.
We've had it for 4 months now. We got it in polar white w poplar wood interior and real leather in black. I say real leather because MB also offers a cheaper alternative called MBtex. The car is a dream to drive. The turbos kick in without lag and you hear and feel the power instantly. I also like the leather stitched dash, puddle lights, and ambient lighting.
I will say the Acura sound system is better than the Harmon Kardon the ML has. Also the nav and phone features on the Acura are much easier to use than the MB offerings. Also the ML does not have a 3rd row seat but I never really used mine anyway and I don't miss it.
All in all I couldn't be happier w my choice. I'll always be a Honda/Acura fan but the ML400 was love at first drive and continues to be every time I get to drive it.
One more thing I will say is Dealership experience w my MB dealer vs Acura is completely different. Outside of one Acura Dealer 40 miles away from me that I like, the rest of the Acura dealers (2 miles, 15 miles, 25 miles in distance) made me feel like I was walking into a honda or Toyota dealership w bad service, stale bagels, and sometimes rude people. At MB, it's fresh coffee, full cafeteria, shoe shines, billiards, fresh fruit, ice cold waters, weekly car washed for the life of the car, yes sirs, and overall better service.
Then my wife wanted to test drive an ML 350 so we did. I was very impressed w the interior quality of the vehicle but wasn't excited about performance. But since my wife liked it I went ahead and agreed to buy one. The day I went in to sign the deal I noticed another one similar to the one I was getting but with the AMG package. It was also an ML400. Sales guy told me all about it but all I heard was biTurbo and 20" AMG wheels. I test drove it and never looked back. Bought it on the spot.
We've had it for 4 months now. We got it in polar white w poplar wood interior and real leather in black. I say real leather because MB also offers a cheaper alternative called MBtex. The car is a dream to drive. The turbos kick in without lag and you hear and feel the power instantly. I also like the leather stitched dash, puddle lights, and ambient lighting.
I will say the Acura sound system is better than the Harmon Kardon the ML has. Also the nav and phone features on the Acura are much easier to use than the MB offerings. Also the ML does not have a 3rd row seat but I never really used mine anyway and I don't miss it.
All in all I couldn't be happier w my choice. I'll always be a Honda/Acura fan but the ML400 was love at first drive and continues to be every time I get to drive it.
One more thing I will say is Dealership experience w my MB dealer vs Acura is completely different. Outside of one Acura Dealer 40 miles away from me that I like, the rest of the Acura dealers (2 miles, 15 miles, 25 miles in distance) made me feel like I was walking into a honda or Toyota dealership w bad service, stale bagels, and sometimes rude people. At MB, it's fresh coffee, full cafeteria, shoe shines, billiards, fresh fruit, ice cold waters, weekly car washed for the life of the car, yes sirs, and overall better service.
Last edited by ntwillie1; 01-10-2015 at 09:38 PM.
#42
I will say the Acura sound system is better than the Harmon Kardon the ML has. Also the nav and phone features on the Acura are much easier to use than the MB offerings. Also the ML does not have a 3rd row seat but I never really used mine anyway and I don't miss it.
At MB, it's fresh coffee, full cafeteria, shoe shines, billiards, fresh fruit, ice cold waters, weekly car washed for the life of the car, yes sirs, and overall better service.
At MB, it's fresh coffee, full cafeteria, shoe shines, billiards, fresh fruit, ice cold waters, weekly car washed for the life of the car, yes sirs, and overall better service.
As for service, i agree. However, wait until you get your car service for a simple service...the bill that you get IS WHY you're getting the shoe shine, fresh fruits, etc.. For me, i take my car in when i have day off...so, no need for loaner and i certainly do not need to pay top dollar for fresh bagel when i can get one a lot cheaper from Starbucks (and that is already expensive!).
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ntwillie1 (01-12-2015)
#43
Racer
Thread Starter
Wow, ELS and NAVI good...shocker for a few folks around here!! ELS is very good IMHO. NAVI, i disagree with you, but i use my phone anyways.
As for service, i agree. However, wait until you get your car service for a simple service...the bill that you get IS WHY you're getting the shoe shine, fresh fruits, etc.. For me, i take my car in when i have day off...so, no need for loaner and i certainly do not need to pay top dollar for fresh bagel when i can get one a lot cheaper from Starbucks (and that is already expensive!).
As for service, i agree. However, wait until you get your car service for a simple service...the bill that you get IS WHY you're getting the shoe shine, fresh fruits, etc.. For me, i take my car in when i have day off...so, no need for loaner and i certainly do not need to pay top dollar for fresh bagel when i can get one a lot cheaper from Starbucks (and that is already expensive!).
As far as the shoe shine, full service cafe, etc....., I like it. You get what you pay for. I'm not diminishing Acura in any way and I may be buying a CPO TL in the near future as I need another AWD car.
#44
Volvo XC90
If you can wait a couple of months, 2016 Volvo XC90 should be also on the list. Its dimensions and capabilities is comparable to the MDX and I think it looks better! I haven't drive one yet so I don't know if it handles as well as the MDX, but the specs are really impressive!
Volvo is one of the first cars to support Apple's carPlay, which is something that I really want.
Also don't forget the Volvo XC90 T8 plugin hybrid! 400 HP and 59 MPGe! Wow! I want that!
Volvo is one of the first cars to support Apple's carPlay, which is something that I really want.
Also don't forget the Volvo XC90 T8 plugin hybrid! 400 HP and 59 MPGe! Wow! I want that!
#45
^^
Strange, reading the last few replies, Acura doesn't give loaners? My local Acura dealer gives Acura loaners no problem at all.
As someone who mentioned the fresh bagels etc, I agree, even my Lexus dealer is 5x better than the best Acura dealer in terms of facilities, kindness, professionalism, and better food/coffee.
ANy pics of that ML400 with the 20s?
Strange, reading the last few replies, Acura doesn't give loaners? My local Acura dealer gives Acura loaners no problem at all.
As someone who mentioned the fresh bagels etc, I agree, even my Lexus dealer is 5x better than the best Acura dealer in terms of facilities, kindness, professionalism, and better food/coffee.
ANy pics of that ML400 with the 20s?
#46
Has anyone compared MDX with Lexus GX? Would like to hear about it.
#47
Racer
Thread Starter
here's a pic
^^
Strange, reading the last few replies, Acura doesn't give loaners? My local Acura dealer gives Acura loaners no problem at all.
As someone who mentioned the fresh bagels etc, I agree, even my Lexus dealer is 5x better than the best Acura dealer in terms of facilities, kindness, professionalism, and better food/coffee.
ANy pics of that ML400 with the 20s?
Strange, reading the last few replies, Acura doesn't give loaners? My local Acura dealer gives Acura loaners no problem at all.
As someone who mentioned the fresh bagels etc, I agree, even my Lexus dealer is 5x better than the best Acura dealer in terms of facilities, kindness, professionalism, and better food/coffee.
ANy pics of that ML400 with the 20s?
Anyway, as requested here is a pic. You can't tell in this photo but it has cross drilled brakes as well which look nice behind the wheels. Thanks.
W
Last edited by ntwillie1; 01-12-2015 at 10:34 PM.
#48
The only dealer around me that consistently gave me an Acura loaner was 40ish miles away. The other 2, one would always give me an enterprise fleet car and the other sometimes a loaner, sometimes not. Also, it had to be major service to get a loaner, other wise they wouldn't do it. At my MB dealer, it can be for an oil change and they'll put me in a loaner even if I only needed it for an hour.
Anyway, as requested here is a pic. You can't tell in this photo but it has cross drilled brakes as well which look nice behind the wheels. Thanks.
W
Anyway, as requested here is a pic. You can't tell in this photo but it has cross drilled brakes as well which look nice behind the wheels. Thanks.
W
Your ML looks sharp. LOVE those wheels. My friend had the ORIGINAL ML back in the day. Didn't even have body colored bumpers. ML has come a long way.
I haven't had an Acura since Legend and Integra (LONG time ago), I just got my TSX Wagon, due to wanting a Japanese wagon, and didn't want another Outback. I don't see anything else in the Acura line up I could really get passionate about....that other makers aren't doing better.
Thank you for the pic.
Similarly like you, dealer service and things they offer are important to me as well. I realize that the shoe shine and bagels are coming out of my pocket.... but a certain time in my life I am tired of being nickel and dimed. Being treated well has non tangible value, to me.
The following users liked this post:
ntwillie1 (01-12-2015)
#49
I was set to buy a 2015 MDX but cancelled that order. I read some stories on this board that scared me w the MDX, specifically the car losing power at times. Since my wife drives the kids around in it sometimes I didn't feel comfortable knowing that the car had some possible safety issues.
Then my wife wanted to test drive an ML 350 so we did. I was very impressed w the interior quality of the vehicle but wasn't excited about performance. But since my wife liked it I went ahead and agreed to buy one. The day I went in to sign the deal I noticed another one similar to the one I was getting but with the AMG package. It was also an ML400. Sales guy told me all about it but all I heard was biTurbo and 20" AMG wheels. I test drove it and never looked back. Bought it on the spot.
We've had it for 4 months now. We got it in polar white w poplar wood interior and real leather in black. I say real leather because MB also offers a cheaper alternative called MBtex. The car is a dream to drive. The turbos kick in without lag and you hear and feel the power instantly. I also like the leather stitched dash, puddle lights, and ambient lighting.
I will say the Acura sound system is better than the Harmon Kardon the ML has. Also the nav and phone features on the Acura are much easier to use than the MB offerings. Also the ML does not have a 3rd row seat but I never really used mine anyway and I don't miss it.
All in all I couldn't be happier w my choice. I'll always be a Honda/Acura fan but the ML400 was love at first drive and continues to be every time I get to drive it.
One more thing I will say is Dealership experience w my MB dealer vs Acura is completely different. Outside of one Acura Dealer 40 miles away from me that I like, the rest of the Acura dealers (2 miles, 15 miles, 25 miles in distance) made me feel like I was walking into a honda or Toyota dealership w bad service, stale bagels, and sometimes rude people. At MB, it's fresh coffee, full cafeteria, shoe shines, billiards, fresh fruit, ice cold waters, weekly car washed for the life of the car, yes sirs, and overall better service.
Then my wife wanted to test drive an ML 350 so we did. I was very impressed w the interior quality of the vehicle but wasn't excited about performance. But since my wife liked it I went ahead and agreed to buy one. The day I went in to sign the deal I noticed another one similar to the one I was getting but with the AMG package. It was also an ML400. Sales guy told me all about it but all I heard was biTurbo and 20" AMG wheels. I test drove it and never looked back. Bought it on the spot.
We've had it for 4 months now. We got it in polar white w poplar wood interior and real leather in black. I say real leather because MB also offers a cheaper alternative called MBtex. The car is a dream to drive. The turbos kick in without lag and you hear and feel the power instantly. I also like the leather stitched dash, puddle lights, and ambient lighting.
I will say the Acura sound system is better than the Harmon Kardon the ML has. Also the nav and phone features on the Acura are much easier to use than the MB offerings. Also the ML does not have a 3rd row seat but I never really used mine anyway and I don't miss it.
All in all I couldn't be happier w my choice. I'll always be a Honda/Acura fan but the ML400 was love at first drive and continues to be every time I get to drive it.
One more thing I will say is Dealership experience w my MB dealer vs Acura is completely different. Outside of one Acura Dealer 40 miles away from me that I like, the rest of the Acura dealers (2 miles, 15 miles, 25 miles in distance) made me feel like I was walking into a honda or Toyota dealership w bad service, stale bagels, and sometimes rude people. At MB, it's fresh coffee, full cafeteria, shoe shines, billiards, fresh fruit, ice cold waters, weekly car washed for the life of the car, yes sirs, and overall better service.
#50
The OG ML was one of the worst vehicles made in recent times with respect to reliability. It made me sketchy on buying the current one. You're right, the new w166 ML has come a long way. It is impressive inside and out. And, the reliability is now top notch.
#51
The ML400, what motor is that?
The new diesel is a 250?
#52
Racer
Thread Starter
The new ML is a bi-turbo v6. HP is 329 and TQ is 369. Not bad for the size of the car. I would have gotten an ML550 if they could still be found. Those are bi-turbo v8s albeit very thirsty .
I'm getting about 20-22MPG on about 75% highway driving. We do warm it up about 10 min every morning before driving because it's usually very cold when we get up. I think that eats a bit into my mpg.
#53
^^
We have a 2012 E Class that the lease will be up in our NC home. Gets about 4500 miles a year at most. I got about 6 more months. Deciding what to replace it with.
We have a 2012 E Class that the lease will be up in our NC home. Gets about 4500 miles a year at most. I got about 6 more months. Deciding what to replace it with.
#54
Checked out both, here is my take...
GX is not a crossover platform, its a rugged SUV and imo outdated. The swing gate was a game changer for me. Who wants to open the "swing" gate towards the curb? No remote control feature there! Asthetically I prefer it over MDX, but the comfort I prefer MDX.
Test drive was only on local side streets so can't really say.
Cars I compared:
-Toyota Highlander AWD Platnium ($10k less from MDX, tons of features like the rear window opening, bucket seats as 2nd row, tons of storage compartments, cheaper gas etc) However my wife hates it. She says its a down grade from our Audi Q5...smh
-Lexus GX
-Waiting for revised Lexus RX to debut in May at NY Auto Show
-2016 Honda Pilot- curious to see
-2016 Audi Q7 does not look impressive/worth the money from just what Ive seen online
GX is not a crossover platform, its a rugged SUV and imo outdated. The swing gate was a game changer for me. Who wants to open the "swing" gate towards the curb? No remote control feature there! Asthetically I prefer it over MDX, but the comfort I prefer MDX.
Test drive was only on local side streets so can't really say.
Cars I compared:
-Toyota Highlander AWD Platnium ($10k less from MDX, tons of features like the rear window opening, bucket seats as 2nd row, tons of storage compartments, cheaper gas etc) However my wife hates it. She says its a down grade from our Audi Q5...smh
-Lexus GX
-Waiting for revised Lexus RX to debut in May at NY Auto Show
-2016 Honda Pilot- curious to see
-2016 Audi Q7 does not look impressive/worth the money from just what Ive seen online
#55
Three Wheelin'
iTrader: (2)
I came very close to buying a Infiniti QX60 because of the luxurious interior and roomy 2nd row seats but hated the CVT transmission. The car felt heavy and under powered and drove like a minivan.
Glad i picked the MDX, its just a lot of fun to drive and it handles very well for a SUV.
Glad i picked the MDX, its just a lot of fun to drive and it handles very well for a SUV.
#56
We just bought a 2016 MDX SH-AWD with Advance and Entertainment Packages. Traded a 2011 Infiniti QX56 as we did not need the additional room and wanted better fuel economy.
The interior was far nicer on the QX compared to the MDX but the handling is leaps and bounds ahead on the Acura. Trying to adjust to the power difference, the MDX feels slower and does not appear to have the get up and go like the QX. Probably the torque difference.
Overall we are very pleased with the vehicle. This is our second Acura suv, the first was a 2007 RDX turbo that was very enjoyable to drive and trouble free.
Cross shopped:
Audi Q7
MB GL450
BMW X5
Infiniti QX60
The interior was far nicer on the QX compared to the MDX but the handling is leaps and bounds ahead on the Acura. Trying to adjust to the power difference, the MDX feels slower and does not appear to have the get up and go like the QX. Probably the torque difference.
Overall we are very pleased with the vehicle. This is our second Acura suv, the first was a 2007 RDX turbo that was very enjoyable to drive and trouble free.
Cross shopped:
Audi Q7
MB GL450
BMW X5
Infiniti QX60
#57
I considered the following cars
1. Toyota highlander
2. Toyota Sienna
3. Acura MDX
4. Honda Odyssey
5. Honda Pilot
6. Lexus RX350
7. Infiniti QX60
Because of this crash test, we chose MDX.
Minivans were eliminated from my list because of poor driving experience and safety concerns. RX350 was removed due to lack of space/3rd row seats. Eventually, MDX won the race with overall driving experience and package that comes with the car for the price.
It's been a month and so far, I am pretty happy even though I see minor issues such as uneven gaps between doors and the body, noise from the steering wheels and etc. If I didn't have to consider space, I would've gone with a RX350 because my previous two Lexus cars and overall customer service experience were great.
1. Toyota highlander
2. Toyota Sienna
3. Acura MDX
4. Honda Odyssey
5. Honda Pilot
6. Lexus RX350
7. Infiniti QX60
Because of this crash test, we chose MDX.
Minivans were eliminated from my list because of poor driving experience and safety concerns. RX350 was removed due to lack of space/3rd row seats. Eventually, MDX won the race with overall driving experience and package that comes with the car for the price.
It's been a month and so far, I am pretty happy even though I see minor issues such as uneven gaps between doors and the body, noise from the steering wheels and etc. If I didn't have to consider space, I would've gone with a RX350 because my previous two Lexus cars and overall customer service experience were great.
#59
@edadams3 @orion603:
how did you like the QX60 in comparison?
Wife and I test drove a '16 MDX today and came away pretty impressed. The 9AT scares me a little, but so does the CVT on the QX. We're still going to test drive the QX but i was curious about what you all liked and didnt like about it compared to the MDX
Thanks.
-Chris
how did you like the QX60 in comparison?
Wife and I test drove a '16 MDX today and came away pretty impressed. The 9AT scares me a little, but so does the CVT on the QX. We're still going to test drive the QX but i was curious about what you all liked and didnt like about it compared to the MDX
Thanks.
-Chris
#60
The MDX is top spot on our shopping list, but we are still having a hard time deciding. We've eliminated off our list the QX60 (too minivanish), the Highlander (too bland), the Acadia Denali (too outdated), and the new Kia Sorento (too cheap).
Someone mentioned the Land Rover Discovery Sport, and that is actually at the top of our shopping list. I test drove it, and although the interior is not the prettiest, it drives much better than the MDX and is better made. It also has a third-row option even though we really don't need it. It's also freaking sexy and off-roads like a champ if needed. We would have gone with that one if it wasn't for the scarce availability, and a ridiculous waiting list for special order (would arrive in September if ordered now). Mind you, we are leasing so Land Rover reliability is not really an issue here.
The other option on our list, is the Nissan Murano. You would be surprised by the quality of this car, and the seat comfort surpasses all the vehicles we're considering. It is also the cheapest fully loaded and is the most luxurious in my opinion (shocker, I know), however the drivability is just.. meh. Very comfortable and good looking although quite boring to drive.
So that leaves these three- MDX, Discovery Sport, and Murano. Tough choice indeed, but I should also add that a 2016 MDX FWD Tech. Pkg. was offered to us for 44500. Not bad. Decisions!!
Someone mentioned the Land Rover Discovery Sport, and that is actually at the top of our shopping list. I test drove it, and although the interior is not the prettiest, it drives much better than the MDX and is better made. It also has a third-row option even though we really don't need it. It's also freaking sexy and off-roads like a champ if needed. We would have gone with that one if it wasn't for the scarce availability, and a ridiculous waiting list for special order (would arrive in September if ordered now). Mind you, we are leasing so Land Rover reliability is not really an issue here.
The other option on our list, is the Nissan Murano. You would be surprised by the quality of this car, and the seat comfort surpasses all the vehicles we're considering. It is also the cheapest fully loaded and is the most luxurious in my opinion (shocker, I know), however the drivability is just.. meh. Very comfortable and good looking although quite boring to drive.
So that leaves these three- MDX, Discovery Sport, and Murano. Tough choice indeed, but I should also add that a 2016 MDX FWD Tech. Pkg. was offered to us for 44500. Not bad. Decisions!!
#61
@edadams3 @orion603:
how did you like the QX60 in comparison?
Wife and I test drove a '16 MDX today and came away pretty impressed. The 9AT scares me a little, but so does the CVT on the QX. We're still going to test drive the QX but i was curious about what you all liked and didnt like about it compared to the MDX
Thanks.
-Chris
how did you like the QX60 in comparison?
Wife and I test drove a '16 MDX today and came away pretty impressed. The 9AT scares me a little, but so does the CVT on the QX. We're still going to test drive the QX but i was curious about what you all liked and didnt like about it compared to the MDX
Thanks.
-Chris
We previously owned a 2007 RDX Turbo before the QX56 and children. It was a fun car to drive. Never had any issues except for the rattling interior that Acura could never silence.
I hope that our 2016 MDX will be as reliable and trouble free as the Infiniti. The QX56 was in the shop only one time for a broken passenger side mirror that would not power fold and the dealer replaced it out of warranty no charge.
#62
The QX60 had the better interior hands down. Unfortunately, it drove like a minivan and the CVT was plain awful. We have been Infiniti customers for a very long time but we needed a replacement since our 2011 QX56 was out of warranty and had 100k on the odometer. Not to mention it did not pass a gas station that it wanted to befriend. Wanted another QX56 but a redesign would not have been available for several years.
We previously owned a 2007 RDX Turbo before the QX56 and children. It was a fun car to drive. Never had any issues except for the rattling interior that Acura could never silence.
I hope that our 2016 MDX will be as reliable and trouble free as the Infiniti. The QX56 was in the shop only one time for a broken passenger side mirror that would not power fold and the dealer replaced it out of warranty no charge.
We previously owned a 2007 RDX Turbo before the QX56 and children. It was a fun car to drive. Never had any issues except for the rattling interior that Acura could never silence.
I hope that our 2016 MDX will be as reliable and trouble free as the Infiniti. The QX56 was in the shop only one time for a broken passenger side mirror that would not power fold and the dealer replaced it out of warranty no charge.
I havent driven a QX60 but I did sit in one to look over the interior. I have to say I came away LESS than impressed. Its nice, but the rave reviews of it made me expect an exceptional interior....exceptional it was not, at least IMHO. We are still going to test drive one anyway, but the CVT issues might steer me away.
Granted, the 9AT in the MDX might eventually have its own issues as well, so its making me weary of that purchase too.
#63
Audi Q5/Q7 - Reliability wasn't quite there and I didn't want to keep spending money to get it fixed later down the line
Lexus NX F Sport - Loved the look at first, but when I looked at it more and more, it started waned and was too aggressive for me.
Lexus NX F Sport - Loved the look at first, but when I looked at it more and more, it started waned and was too aggressive for me.
#64
@edadams3 @orion603:
how did you like the QX60 in comparison?
Wife and I test drove a '16 MDX today and came away pretty impressed. The 9AT scares me a little, but so does the CVT on the QX. We're still going to test drive the QX but i was curious about what you all liked and didnt like about it compared to the MDX
Thanks.
-Chris
how did you like the QX60 in comparison?
Wife and I test drove a '16 MDX today and came away pretty impressed. The 9AT scares me a little, but so does the CVT on the QX. We're still going to test drive the QX but i was curious about what you all liked and didnt like about it compared to the MDX
Thanks.
-Chris
QX60 is louder than MDX when you push the gas. You get to hear the engine responds. I personally like it but my wife prefers quieter cars. In addition, safety tests shows better with MDX than QX60(or pathfinder).
Interior wise, I think QX60 looks better personally but seems a little smaller. Also, the one touch button to fold 2nd row seats with MDX was a very attractive feature for us with kids.
Overall, very similar cars, pretty same price range and both nice looking but we chose MDX.
#65
The MDX is top spot on our shopping list, but we are still having a hard time deciding. We've eliminated off our list the QX60 (too minivanish), the Highlander (too bland), the Acadia Denali (too outdated), and the new Kia Sorento (too cheap).
Someone mentioned the Land Rover Discovery Sport, and that is actually at the top of our shopping list. I test drove it, and although the interior is not the prettiest, it drives much better than the MDX and is better made. It also has a third-row option even though we really don't need it. It's also freaking sexy and off-roads like a champ if needed. We would have gone with that one if it wasn't for the scarce availability, and a ridiculous waiting list for special order (would arrive in September if ordered now). Mind you, we are leasing so Land Rover reliability is not really an issue here.
The other option on our list, is the Nissan Murano. You would be surprised by the quality of this car, and the seat comfort surpasses all the vehicles we're considering. It is also the cheapest fully loaded and is the most luxurious in my opinion (shocker, I know), however the drivability is just.. meh. Very comfortable and good looking although quite boring to drive.
So that leaves these three- MDX, Discovery Sport, and Murano. Tough choice indeed, but I should also add that a 2016 MDX FWD Tech. Pkg. was offered to us for 44500. Not bad. Decisions!!
Someone mentioned the Land Rover Discovery Sport, and that is actually at the top of our shopping list. I test drove it, and although the interior is not the prettiest, it drives much better than the MDX and is better made. It also has a third-row option even though we really don't need it. It's also freaking sexy and off-roads like a champ if needed. We would have gone with that one if it wasn't for the scarce availability, and a ridiculous waiting list for special order (would arrive in September if ordered now). Mind you, we are leasing so Land Rover reliability is not really an issue here.
The other option on our list, is the Nissan Murano. You would be surprised by the quality of this car, and the seat comfort surpasses all the vehicles we're considering. It is also the cheapest fully loaded and is the most luxurious in my opinion (shocker, I know), however the drivability is just.. meh. Very comfortable and good looking although quite boring to drive.
So that leaves these three- MDX, Discovery Sport, and Murano. Tough choice indeed, but I should also add that a 2016 MDX FWD Tech. Pkg. was offered to us for 44500. Not bad. Decisions!!
The new Murano was very nice also with lots of cargo room etc but it fell short for us as it cant tow, etc
Highlander (Boring and interior quality got a lot cheaper as you moved back in the interior)
QX60 (Nice, but never overly impressed us and the seating in the rear was horrible for tall people as the floor seemed way to high)
After we looked at the QX60 at the car show and walking through the Dodge section otw to see the MDX we noticed the Durango. Why isn't this thing advertised more (Especially in Canada)?? We never even considered the Durango, but after test driving all the vehicles we mentioned, we narrowed it down to the MDX (Used 2014 Tech) and Durango Limited (New/Old Stock 2014).
You will be surprised how well the Durango drives and if you're looking at the Fwd MDX, the Durango IMO drives way nicer. IMHO you need SHAWD to make vehicles like the MDX handle nice.
The Durango has similar build quality and features as the MDX depending on what packages you choose and overall it really surprised us.
In the end we just bought our Durango Limited (Rallye) this weekend and couldn't be happier as when we compared value between the two, you just couldn't pass up the better overall value of the Durango.
On a side note though, if your buying new and only keep your vehicles until the warranty is up you may want to consider the MDX much closer as the resale of the Dodge is not good early on. Their is nothing wrong with the Durango as even CR recommends it but its just the Dodge nameplate unfortunately and that is too bad because just about every Automotive review names the Durango the best buy in the Midsize market.
Either way, you have a great shortlist of vehicles and im sure you wont go wrong with your choice but if you're board this weekend you should go drive a Durango to see what I mean.
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Soul_Deamon
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Mugen TSX
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