Acura MDX or T4R Limited?

[Okki]

Not sure why folks don't also consider the Jeep Grand Cherokee , my wife drives it.. the 5.7L hemi is... nice. Interior with Saddle Leather is.... nice. So far we've had less issues (as in none) with that vehicle compared w/ my T4R. We test drove MDX, ML, Touareg, Pilot.. Didn't drive an Audi, so won't comment.

Overall- the T4r and JGC are the two top picks for us. Won't get into the reliability religious war on JGC, but we've had zero problems, other posts on that. Logically T4r is better choice on that front from historical perspective.. and I love my 4r too..

I took a REALLY long look at the JGC Overland before getting my Limited. and it was the historical quality records that did the most to sway me to the T4R. The exterior design is nice; the interior design is nice... features are great. But the 4R is easier to mod I think. sooooo darn many electrical gizmo's on the JGC; I'd hate to have to splice into any of those looms.

Okki

 

[1engineer]

Not sure why folks don't also consider the Jeep Grand Cherokee , my wife drives it.. the 5.7L hemi is... nice. Interior with Saddle Leather is.... nice. So far we've had less issues (as in none) with that vehicle compared w/ my T4R. We test drove MDX, ML, Touareg, Pilot.. Didn't drive an Audi, so won't comment.

Overall- the T4r and JGC are the two top picks for us. Won't get into the reliability religious war on JGC, but we've had zero problems, other posts on that. Logically T4r is better choice on that front from historical perspective.. and I love my 4r too..

Not to get OT much (the OP has left the building to Audi) but the answer for me is simple why I don't buy a Jeep GC: I will get rid of the 4Runner for another one at around 100K miles, same as I have done with my Hondas for several years. That equates to about 3 1/2 years of time. Look at what a 4 year old Jeep is worth vs. what a 4 year old Toyota or Honda is worth. Simple.

 

[Bourbonator]

....as our cars got older it seemed that every service cost us $300 minimum........

Lucky. the minimum service cost for my mercedes was $600...

 

[AustinCyclist]

Not to get OT much (the OP has left the building to Audi) but the answer for me is simple why I don't buy a Jeep GC: I will get rid of the 4Runner for another one at around 100K miles, same as I have done with my Hondas for several years. That equates to about 3 1/2 years of time. Look at what a 4 year old Jeep is worth vs. what a 4 year old Toyota or Honda is worth. Simple.

I think you'd also have to take into account the new JGC vs old models in terms of its game changing engineering and design for 2011 in conjunction with the brief Mercedes ownership.. ie. historical resale trending may not apply as much in this case.. although still something to consider, so I agree.. We're keeping it for at least 7 years, so we'll certainly find out which one is more reliable

 

[Bay33saw]

Lucky. the minimum service cost for my mercedes was $600...

I was guessing on the low side...LOL

 

[1engineer]

I think you'd also have to take into account the new JGC vs old models in terms of its game changing engineering and design for 2011 in conjunction with the brief Mercedes ownership.. ie. historical resale trending may not apply as much in this case.. although still something to consider, so I agree.. We're keeping it for at least 7 years, so we'll certainly find out which one is more reliable

I understand. I have been around the block a few times though and now realize that there is "always" going to be game changing engineering, or a complete new redesign, or wonderful new features. The trend for Toyota and Honda and their superior resale has been going on for over 30 years while domestic brands continue to have less than stellar resale. Even though a lot of Toyotas and Hondas are built here now the trend continues. You speak of Mercedes - I remember when Daimler partnered with Chrysler. All the automotive pundits thought that Chrysler products, due to their association with Mercedes, would build credibility, reliability and better resale value would follow. See, there is always going to be "that next great thing." I hope you have zero problems and enjoy the Jeep because they are really nice. Just don't hold their value, which makes them very expensive to keep unless you drive it for 250K miles.

 

[smilycook]

I understand. I have been around the block a few times though and now realize that there is "always" going to be game changing engineering, or a complete new redesign, or wonderful new features. The trend for Toyota and Honda and their superior resale has been going on for over 30 years while domestic brands continue to have less than stellar resale. Even though a lot of Toyotas and Hondas are built here now the trend continues. You speak of Mercedes - I remember when Daimler partnered with Chrysler. All the automotive pundits thought that Chrysler products, due to their association with Mercedes, would build credibility, reliability and better resale value would follow. See, there is always going to be "that next great thing." I hope you have zero problems and enjoy the Jeep because they are really nice. Just don't hold their value, which makes them very expensive to keep unless you drive it for 250K miles.

I took a bath on two Chrysler products when I was young and won't ever go back. Both had to be sold due to major mechanical issues and I lost a lot of money on both of them. Just recently sold a Mazda 3 and a Tacoma both held there value extremely well. The Tacoma only cost me $1500 a year to own and maintenance cost was only around $500 for the six years of ownership. Why would you make car ownership an even worst investment by buying Chrysler?

 

[luv2sleep]

I drive a sexy Le t4r, but I also love the audi. Have fun!

Although the apples vs. organic ground sirloin argument still exists. You have your apples, I still have my lean, strong, powerful and dynamic 4runner.

Hah. Farewell!

I would have loved to have kept the T4R but I can't justify it as I don't drive a whole lot. Besides, I would have gotten that evil look from my wife:ak472:

 

[luv2sleep]

My original apprenticeship was on Volkswagens, which is what Audis are. Dealer service: it's Ford service quality at a BMW price. I have no clue why they can't find people who won't screw something up every time you take a vehicle to them.

Then there is the biodegradable electrical wiring. There are two kinds of VW owners: ones with electrical problems, and ones that don't know they have electrical problems.

It's a shame because mechanically they're wonderfully engineered.

ETA: If a MDX can be had for a price close to that of a 4Runner and you're not going off-roading or towing often, go for it. When I looked, they were around 55k, which is the GX470 price range, and IMO a more comparable vehicle.

That's why I'm a DIYer. Believe or note, German cars are pretty easy to work on. I've owned several Mercedes and I've done all the maintenance on them; they were actually easier to work on than the T4R, believe it or not! This is my first Audi so we shall see.

 

[Net4n6]

That's why I'm a DIYer. Believe or note, German cars are pretty easy to work on. I've owned several Mercedes and I've done all the maintenance on them; they were actually easier to work on than the T4R, believe it or not! This is my first Audi so we shall see.

Are you kidding? I'm afraid to put air in my wife's MB. Hahaha.
One time, she accidentally (somehow/someway) "killed" the battery. I didn't know where to jump start the car. Without the battery, you can't open the trunk. I know now that you have to use a small "metal key" to open it.

 

[Atlanta_man]

I had to go to the dealer to change an Audi 6 taillight a couple years ago. Unbelieveable I know. And that was the least of its problems.

 

[jca21]

congratulations on the new audi!

 

[CO-Cygnus]

I was seriously tempted by the JGC Overland before I bought my 4Runner. The interior is seriously nice, the car handles well, and the V8 comes on strong & easy and you don't have to flog it like our V6. For as nice as it is though, I keep my cars 5+ years so there is no way I am going to buy a Chrysler. They may have turned over a new leaf with this re-design but I’m going to need a few years of history here before I’d feel comfortable with the reliability issues.

My folks own a Q5 but they’re Audi people, so they’re used to the quirks and cost. I’d never buy one but it is a nice car.