once again my family is interested in getting rid of our American crap box 1997 Grand Caravan (a lession I will NEVER forget, DONT buy American. Learned that a long time ago..). Anyway, we need a sport-ute around 30k. My 1st thoughts were a 9-2x and future RDX. My parents arent into the wagon and they say if the RDX is as big as the CR-V, its a no go. So ruling out the MDX, Toureg, FX35, and RX330, I thought of the Highlander and Pilot. Only complaints we have about the Pilot are the interior colors and the lack of a moonroof. I do know that that will come around for '05.

So, that in mind. What are we to do? If we do wait for the 2005 Pilot, what else can we get? I remember something about Cylinder deactivation and a moonroof. Anything else? I already did a search although I am a semi-noob. FYI I'm not to big on the Highlander's uber crap styling. The Pilot at least has some ok lines. The dealers are clearing out the 2004's, but should I wait for the 2005's good features? (what are they, if anyone can answer?) Thank you for any input, I know I have asked this before but my mom is fairly on and off with this topic and the Caravan seems like its life is running on fumes. Again, thank you.

 

I was hoping the '05 Pilot would get the TSX navi with the bigger screen and improved head unit... but I am not sure of that, just hoping.

I agree with you on the Highlander... want to like it, but I just can't.

Probably buying an '05 Pilot myself in Q1... hopefully with an 8" Navi screen and an in-dash 6-disc.

 

I heard rumors of the Pilot gettign a shit load of new features, ala the TSX navi, the moonroof, and much more. Nothing concrete tho. I have the 2004 pilot with navi and the navi is so slow. not like my 2001 acura CL-S. Also, the Piolot is no acura in terms of interior materials and styling. But It gets then job done at a cheaper price, My wife already dinged it up and I'm glad I didn't go with the MDX, cuz that would have been a waste. If you have kids, than go pilot, if not than MDX, and if you have the dough, go Lexus, but the pilot is still the best bang for the buck. highlande is overpriced and way smaller, FX35, is great, but def cramped and not for a family. you get the idea. I plan to upgrade to the MDX when My kid is a bit older without a child seat. try HondaPilot.org for the best info. good luck.

 

I'm only 16 so kids are not something I'm worried about . I submitted this just to get some opinions for my parents. My dad and I usually recommend (I myself recommended the TSX ) and Mom would make an approval. Well its down to 4. RX, MDX, Pilot, or Highlander. It'd be a no-brainer, but the Pilot really should come with some better options. Shame.

 

We have a 02 Highlander Limited and the tsx to but the highlanders steering is crap it is so loose its not even funny very scary on the freeway.The interior is nice looks like a lexus.But thats about it it doesnt have enough power for a V6 and it is small. WE might get rid of it and get an 05 TL.But you should tell your parents to look at other cars because the pilot and the MDX is ugly!! Its their choice in the end . The RX is looking very nice now days.

 

All you say is true. The MDX isn't ugly though, it's just too plain. The RX330 is my favorite out of the bunch. Too bad it's a little too expensive. I would think though with edmunds.com saying TMV is about 2-3k less, and the 2004's being thrown away at this time in the season, they'd be able to negotiate.

 

Aren't the RX330 and MDX out of the price range. I thought they were closer to 40k.

gocubsgo55, you're actually from my hometown. But I live in North Chicago now.

 

Yep, good ole' "MG". Well the preferred price is 30k, but 35-37k would be the highest possible number. If we get an RX330 FWD, Premium Package, HID, Heated seats w/ rain-sensing function, that'd be 39k msrp. Of course we won't buy at MSRP. My dad is confident he can get it down to 35-36k. I am a little skeptical about that, but I'll take his word for it. He did wonders with the TSX (not that i'd reveal my family's financial records, so please if you'd be kind enough not to inquire on price, thanks.) He knows he can get an MDX Touring for 37k, fyi.

 

 

Volvo XC90

 

common knowledge would think the same. But he does it some how. He has a guy that can do it.
It's basically a matter of whether my mom is willing to pay 1-2k more than the 35k maximum for a much better car in either an RX330 or MDX.

The Volvo is too plain/cheap for our tastes. The Toureg was beautiful . Too bad it has a VW badge that will make the ignorant degrade it. That thing has some gorgeous materials (only Audi). Why wouldn't they put this car under the Audi nameplate as the A5 or A7?

 

Huh? How is telling us what you paid for your TSX revealing financial records?

I paid 27,117 for my navi...Uh oh, now everyone knows, oh no, what am I going to do

 

ok so aside from the price issue, does anyone else own a Pilot or Highlander? If so, what are your impressions?

 

I've got a 04 Pilot EX which I believe was around $34k there's a little room to deal but not a lot, up here they literally can not keep pilots on the lot! I have driven countless toyota's and there is NO comparison between the two, even the sequoia(or however its spelled) is pretty lame. And I wouldn't even think of liking the toyota suv's to a lexus quality interior, because it just isn't so. Similar shapes, but that's where the similarities stop, materials and fit and finish are not up to lexus standards. I have no complaints with the pilot its not my cup of tea, but for the money I don't think it can be beat in its segment.

The VW is going to have all of the VW quirkyness with in a few years, so if you plan on keeping it more then 2-3 years just forget it. Until VW proves they can build a reliable, quality vehicle, I wouldn't think of buying another. Not to mention build a dealer network capable of serving clients who buy vehicles like the toureg and phaton, et al..

You will not get a lot off MSRP on a lexus, don't kid yourself.

 

For a FWD RX330 with Premium Package, HID, and combined Heated Seats+ Rain-Sensing wipers MSRP is about 39k. TMV is about 36k. Would Lexus go down that low, because TMV IS what other people in this area are paying for this same exact car.

Well if not the RX330, I'm not going to let my parents buy an MDX because of its JD Power rankings (not bad, just not as good as the Pilot) and because the Pilot is more value compared to it of course. Highlander would be another option. However it seems as if we are putting the plans behind AGAIN. This is all my mom. She gets angry about a 2k bill at the dealer and says thats enough were getting rid of it, then does nothing. God damn American shit box.