Can anybody give me any advice on deciding between an 06 Acura MDX and an 06 Mercedes ML? I currently own a CRV and am looking to upgrade but I don't know much about long term ownership issues with either of these vehicles. I'm having a hard time getting real info about maintenance and dependability from the dealers or some of my "enthusiast" friends. Thanks and help!!!

 

I'd say stick with the MDX if you are looking to upgrade to something without many problems. The ML is going to give you a ton of trouble, and finding one with all the right combinations is going to be harder.

 

the newer ML's are okay... the earlier models looked like vans to me.

but if we're talking about current models... between the two, I think you're better off with the MDX. (unless we're talking about the ML63, then that's a different story)

 

do you really think people on this site will tell you to go with anything other than Acura?

 

With that said Id go for the MDX because you get more for your money.

 

actually, you guys haven't been around here much, have you?

this is one of the most unbiased car forums I've ever been in... well, it IS in the "Off Topic" section... Most people here have gone on to other cars, especially BMW's and Infinitis

 

Well most people on Cartalk don't even have Acuras anymore.

As far as reliability goes, the Acura is sure to be much more reliable than the MB ML. I'm not being bias, historically MB's are known to be somewhat unreliable.

 

Touche good sir. Touche.

 

i agree with what he said ^

 

<my dad="" bought="" our="" first="" back="" in="" 1999="" 2000="" forgot.="" updated="" later="" 03="" or="" something,="" then="" to="" 07="" model="" now="" we="" have="" an="" 09="" ml="" 320="" cdi="" can="" tell="" you,="" suck="" ass!="" i="" hated="" them="" all,="" horrible="" ride="" quality="" and="" cheap="" build="" for="" the="" price.=""></my>

 

Fixed?

 

What exactly do you expect a dealer to tell you about dependability of something they are trying to sell?

Start with unbiased sources. Consumer Reports and car magazine long term reviews for instance I think you will find MDX wins nearly 100% of the time.

I have a 2002 MDX purchased new. It only has ~50,000 miles but we have had zero problems. I highly recommend the MDX 2005 or after.

 

OP: I think you put this in the right place, as is300eater said, we're pretty unbiased. WE all appreciate good cars regardless of place of origin (Yugu excluded, as it was a piece of from day one).

MDX > ML The newest ML is nice if you have the $$$

 

have you seen the reliability ratings on the benz suv's?



btw mdx

 

MDX, if dependability and reliability are important to you research the ML and compare to the MDX.

 

MDX gets my vote. I honestly don't like how the ML looks then you add the crappy reliability, just not worth it

 

Mdx

 

Mdx > ml all the way ml sucks!

 

As others have said, you get the right blend of sportiness, luxury, reliability, maintainability, and cost-to-own in the Acura MDX.

 

Prior to getting our 09 MDX, we were also debating between the purchase of an 04-06 MDX or a cert used 2G ML350. Honestly, the wife and I have loved the new ML since driving one at an M-Class rally a few years ago.

While the 1G ML was riddled with problems, I've not heard that much of any issues in the 2G ML. Does anyone here have any actual experience with the newer ML??

 

MDX if reliability and low maintenance is a concern.

 

MDX looks awesome.

 

[QUOTE=F23A4;11698470]Prior to getting our 09 MDX, we were also debating between the purchase of an 04-06 MDX or a cert used 2G ML350. Honestly, the wife and I have loved the new ML since driving one at an M-Class rally a few years ago.

While the 1G ML was riddled with problems, I've not heard that much of any issues in the 2G ML. Does anyone here have any actual experience with the newer ML??[/QUOTE]



Good point, no first hand experience here.

 

An 06 MDX's Navi will be better than that of the ML. The ML is a more solid construction and has a 7 speed auto. I would guess the ML would do better when AWD is needed. It also has descent control which the MDX doesn't have. No tiny 3rd row in the ML of course. Adding Bluetooth to an 06 ML will be expensive if you go factory. In 07 I believe an option was to have the bluetooth ready puck interface.

Tougher to find an ML with the options you want. I would take an 06 ML500 over an 06 MDX any day but if I had to get a V6 I'd go with the Acura but the V6 ML will have more power across the revs than the MDX will.

I work for an MB dealer, btw.

 

MDX.. you won't regret it.

 

Do you notice rust on the newer ML models with chrome? I had to use pepsi and tin foil to get it out . AWD is my sisters C280 is better then in our ML320, but I do admit the Diesel engine is very nice.

 

In SF I never see rust even on 30 year old cars so I'm the wrong person to ask about that. Chrome and salt don't mix so I don't doubt there is some rust. If you chrome the factory wheels no warranty will cover rust on them.

The diesel is nice, I love the torque, but few people out here seem interested in it.

With chrome it's best to apply wax to it once it's clean.

 

I would vote for the ML if it's the new edition. The previous one is ugly. MDX for sure if you are getting used. If you go Mercedes, you better have deep pockets.

 

mdx

 

I worked at a Benz dealership... ML's (any model) I thought rode way too hard and was just all around junk. MDX IMO. ML's not worth the money.

 

mdx

 

07 mdx tech pkg, or elite.

 

The MDX is the only Acura I like.

I'd get one if that's my choice of either/or.

If not, the FX35 ... *drool*