I want a SUV because I'm tired of not being able to haul stuff with help. I have about 15k to spend. What is the most reliable model of Acura SUV and year with least problems and most functionality? Any other tips, further questions,and things I haven't thought about feel free to reply.

 

Why don't you go to the Acura SUV specific threads and see from actual owners? That would be the most logical way to solve your inquiry.

 

Well I wasn't sure what year or model that's why I posted under car talk. I didn't know car talk forum wasn't for discussion about cars my bad. Delete my post I don't think I have the ability to do so.

 

If you want to haul stuff without needing help you need a truck, not a SUV...let alone an Acura SUV lol. If you must stay with the SUV type thing I'd look into something like a Yukon/Tahoe or even a Ford Flex as they'll be best suited for hauling stuff.

 

relaxed83 - first questions are what are you hauling and what do you have now that isn't working for you?

 

My recommendation is just get you a clean 00-06 GMT800 platform SUV. They're dirt cheap, generally last forever but shitty MPGs. Can be had for around $5k and you'll have $10k leftover to get the maintenance up to date, do any tech upgrades and stuff with will definitely not cost that much. For instance I averaged mid 13s in my Yukon with a 5.3 on regular gas. An MDX might get you 15 or 16 mpg average for the ones selling under $15k (like a 10-13) maybe a little better with a 14-15. The 10-13 does burn oil and the 16+ have the god awful ZF9 and are probably out of your budget anyway. The MDX runs on premium so the 2-3 mpg benefit is going to be lost at paying 30% more on average a tank.

 

The +14 MDX runs on 87-91 octane with zero issues (states octane requirement on gas door). The +14 MDX gets the best balance of mpgs, performance, and handling out of all 4 gens of MDXs. The MDX has a very good tq vectoring system that makes the suv drive similar to a sport wagon compared to a top heavy body on frame suv. I would go for the sh-was model because you get a spare tire and only 1 mpg less compared to the fwd model (seeing 26-30 hwy mpgs very common for 3rd gen depending on speed).

You get 3500lbs out the box with fwd or sh-awd. You have to add the trans cooler to the sh-awd for 5000lbs of towing. You still have a lot of interior space for 6-7 passenger or cargo and roof rack for 185 lbs for a roof box.

I would test drive a 14-15 MDX in tech or adv trim with sh-awd. Triple check if the timing belt was changed because that can save you +\- $2000 down the road.

 

This.

 

You could even go a generation newer & you're still looking at around 8-12k for a clean Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon
Cheap to run, the 5.3 is largely reliable, but the MPG sucks.
My dad's 12 Denali XL, 2wd with the 6.2, was in the teens daily driving & 8-12 pulling a trailer.

We had a 2013 Flex for years. Great SUV/wagon for hauling people & stuff. I'm 6'0" & fit in the 3rd row easily, and made many a Home Depot run with it. Even filled it floor to ceiling with bagged mulch

 

What are you towing / plan on towing?

If it’s just folding rear seats to haul stuff around, MDX will fit the bill just fine.

My wife’s 2014 MDX (FWD) has been absolutely bulletproof since ownership and it’s at 156k miles. 22ish mpg after each oil change.

We’ve towed a small pop up tent trailer and I would not feel comfortable doing the full 3500lb rating unless you had some kind of brake controller - far from ideal lol.