Acura MDX or T4R Limited?

luv2sleep

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I can get a sweet deal on a brand new MDX. I don't do any off roading but I like to go snow skiing. I know that most of you guys/gals are just a little biased towards the T4R:D, but I need some honest opinions. Which one would you choose for the same $$$?
 
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I can get a sweet deal on a brand new MDX. I don't do any off roading but I like to go snow skiing. I know that most of you guys/gals are just a little biased towards the T4R:D, but I need some honest opinions. Which one would you choose for the same $$$?

Well I would choose the T4R (and clearly did myself). However if you're only concern is the ability to handle snowy roads either vehicle will work . . . with the right tires that is.

Choose the one that floats your boat.
 
The new Acuras, IMO, are ugly as hell. You are also comparing an apple to an orange, you should be comparing to a Highlander.

That said, 4R>MDX.
 
I can get a sweet deal on a brand new MDX. I don't do any off roading but I like to go snow skiing. I know that most of you guys/gals are just a little biased towards the T4R:D, but I need some honest opinions. Which one would you choose for the same $$$?

...I thought you already owned a 4Runner, a 4x4 SR5.
 
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...I thought you already owned a 4Runner, a 4x4 SR5.

You are correct, sir! I'm kinda tired of the SR5's sluggish handling abilities and it's nose slump as it comes to a stop. I test drove the MDX the other day and I really liked how it handled. Don't get me wrong.... I still love my T4R! I realized that I'll never take this thing four wheelin', living in SoCal, atleast where I live. You guys are right though.... it is apples to oranges.
 
As has been said time after time, it depends on what you want. The MDX is an Acura-ized Pilot, which is certainly not a bad thing at all. I've never seen a real one, but it resembles CRV styling in pictures.

I'm on a boating Forum, where SUV/CUVs are often discussed and some members report being well-pleased with the MDX.

And "apples-to-oranges"? Perhaps, but what else do you compare a 4R to? As a niche vehicle, oranges become the other choice.

Honestly, lately I find myself tiring of the exact symptoms as you (especially steering wander .... yes, still .... in spite of the 'fixes').

/Aside/ I have finally figured out what mine is doing: The steering does not "center" itself. Correct it a smidge to the L and it stays L, correct it a smidge R, etc. I'm in a constant state of smidge L/R correction. Tiring.

But what to do? Does the LE resolve this? Been thinking of test-driving a GX.
 
Does it have the SH-awd ? I can't keep up with all the MDX options over the last few years. Incredible rear wheel management. I've got it on my RL.

Once the 4R dropped the V8, it's become worth looking around at the competition.
 
As has been said time after time, it depends on what you want. The MDX is an Acura-ized Pilot, which is certainly not a bad thing at all. I've never seen a real one, but it resembles CRV styling in pictures.

I'm on a boating Forum, where SUV/CUVs are often discussed and some members report being well-pleased with the MDX.

And "apples-to-oranges"? Perhaps, but what else do you compare a 4R to? As a niche vehicle, oranges become the other choice.

Honestly, lately I find myself tiring of the exact symptoms as you (especially steering wander .... yes, still .... in spite of the 'fixes').

/Aside/ I have finally figured out what mine is doing: The steering does not "center" itself. Correct it a smidge to the L and it stays L, correct it a smidge R, etc. I'm in a constant state of smidge L/R correction. Tiring.

But what to do? Does the LE resolve this? Been thinking of test-driving a GX.

Sounds like it needs more ''caster'' from an alignment.
 
My mother and father in law have a new MDX...it is a very nice car. I'd say that if your #1 goal is handling and on-road driving dynamics, then the MDX is right for you. It actually out-handles my dad's Mercedes ML550.

The 4Runner is for a specific target demographic. I know I wouldn't be happy with an Acura MDX, but that's because I like all the stuff the 4Runner offers that the Acura doesn't...like true off-road ability, legendary Toyota reliability, rugged looks, truck-based frame, etc.

Good luck with your choice. :)
 
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I looked into the MDX as well as several other "crossover" vehicles. I admit it is a very nice car.

But I decided that I just did not want to deal with anything with timing belts. Especially with the motor sitting crossway. They make it hard enough just to change the serpentine belt and the rear spark plugs. I would have had to pay somebody to change the timing belt every couple years and that was a deal breaker for me. Same for the Honda Pilot and most of the other crossovers.

I know most people do not drive 50k miles a year like me and the $1500.00 or so to change the timing belt may not seem like all that much if they only do it every 4 or 5 years. But that is just not for me.
 
I have LTD and both my brother and sister-in-law drive MDXs...

While my offroading will be rare to say the least and primarily limited to driving on the beaches for surf fishing I love the size and tons of storage in my truck, as well as its' capabilities in the snow etc. but for their all onroad driving the MDX serves their needs better, and that does include plenty of snow and ski trips etc...

YMMV but the LTD blows me away with how well it handles at alllll speeds and I get practically zero nosedive even when braking hard. That being said their MDXs are nimbler and quicker off the line and *really* nice inside so I suggest basing your decision on both the seat of your pants so to speak while driving them both as well as your space needs.
 
I looked into the MDX as well as several other "crossover" vehicles. I admit it is a very nice car.

But I decided that I just did not want to deal with anything with timing belts. Especially with the motor sitting crossway. They make it hard enough just to change the serpentine belt and the rear spark plugs. I would have had to pay somebody to change the timing belt every couple years and that was a deal breaker for me. Same for the Honda Pilot and most of the other crossovers.

I know most people do not drive 50k miles a year like me and the $1500.00 or so to change the timing belt may not seem like all that much if they only do it every 4 or 5 years. But that is just not for me.

This man has an excellent point.....I too looked at the MDX before buying my Limited, to me the interior of the MDX was too small for my needs, I have two large dogs and i needed more room in the back for them, plus the rear sliding winbow IMHO is the best thing in the world.
Also to me and again this is just my opinion, I think the MDX and the Lexus RX are girl cars :girl:,
I haven't owned a SR5 but my limited does not nose dive under braking, I also love the driving position of the Toyota compared to the MDX, also I noticed the MDX having quite a bad blind spot.
Whatever you decide it's your choice and like you have already stated you will get biased opinions on here. You could always write down the features and benifits from each vehicle, including insurance costs, MPG etc and see what you end up with.
 
plus the rear sliding winbow IMHO is the best thing in the world.
Also to

So true! That alone is one helluva selling point to me and I use it just about every day, whether for the air flow or for grabbing my fishing rods etc.

Not to mention the times I roll it down just to rub it in the face of the jeep, escalade and range rover drivers :flipoff::banana::zoom:
 
Thanks for all the posts! I love the ruggedness(sp?) of the T4R and the reliability of a Toyota. Had I bought a Limited, I guess I wouldn't be pondering this issue right now. At the time, I didn't want leather so I opted for the SR5. I came off a G35 before the T4R and I thought I'd never miss a sporty car, but I guess I do. I guess I'm a wanna be offroader "city folk":D.

I'm probably going to pull the trigger on a '12 MDX; $8k off the sticker is a pretty good incentive. Anybody want a nice '10 SR5 4x4 with 16,000 miles on it? I'm in SoCal. PM me if interested.
 
The MDX is a great vehicle. Excellent quality build, reliability, and better resale because it appeals to a much larger market.

Basically, if you want comfort, features and driving performance over the ruggedness the T4R offers then the MDX IS A GREAT CHOICE. especially if you can get a nice deal.
 

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