Acura MDX or T4R Limited?
- Thread starter luv2sleep
- Start date
stanleybb50
New member
But you don't have to be an ''off roader'' to buy/enjoy a t4r...
JohnnyT
New member
+1 to that.
jca21
New member
you certainly dont.
but because its an off road vehicle (body on frame and very capable off road in its stock form) the sportiness that the owner is desiring is lacking (he previously drove a g35).
the OP never plans to take the time to go off road and leave pavement.
why not let him sell the 4runner to someone, hopefully, that will enjoy the 4runner for what it is?
he can then buy the MDX and drive that around. if hes happy so be it. personally i think he'll see some buyers remorse down the road but heck, he should get what he wants and drive what he wants in the mean time.
the mdx has electrical issues, transmission problems and has recently had a recall notice.
however, if the OP desires to drive one he should get it.
jca21
New member
here are some of the problems that the mdx has:
Audio system: When the hands-free system is used, in vehicles with the navigation system, the radio may come on spontaneously, and/or the CD may eject requiring reprogramming the audio system software and, in some cases, replacing the amp. (2007)
Door handles: Door locks may not work in cold weather due to ice forming on the latch requiring installation of an improved latch. (2007)
Fuel door: The fuel-fill door may freeze shut in cold weather due to ice in the hinge assembly and a revised part has been issued. (2007)
Navigation system: The navigation system may quit working and a DVD error may be reported due to the DVD player scratching the disc(s). (2006-09)
None: The tire pressure warning light may stay on despite proper inflation due to problem with the sensor(s) in the wheel(s). (2007-08)
Sunroof/moonroof: Water may leak from the rear of the moon roof requiring installation of a seal. (2007-10)
Suspension noise: Clunking or knocking noise from rear suspension on some vehicles due to distorted shock bolt. (2007)
Windows: During auto-up, the power window may reverse directions possibly due to dirty window guides or a need to reprogram the control unit. (2001-10)
Wipers: The windshield wipers may come on themselves or may not shut off due to a faulty switch. (2007-09)
here are the problems listed for the 4runner:
Check-engine light: The check engine light may illuminate due to malfunction of the evaporative emissions charcoal canister. (2010)
Entertainment problems: Some iPod and USB devices may not work properly unless a revised multimedia control unit has been installed. (2010-11)
the information was c/p from consumer guide auto
Audio system: When the hands-free system is used, in vehicles with the navigation system, the radio may come on spontaneously, and/or the CD may eject requiring reprogramming the audio system software and, in some cases, replacing the amp. (2007)
Door handles: Door locks may not work in cold weather due to ice forming on the latch requiring installation of an improved latch. (2007)
Fuel door: The fuel-fill door may freeze shut in cold weather due to ice in the hinge assembly and a revised part has been issued. (2007)
Navigation system: The navigation system may quit working and a DVD error may be reported due to the DVD player scratching the disc(s). (2006-09)
None: The tire pressure warning light may stay on despite proper inflation due to problem with the sensor(s) in the wheel(s). (2007-08)
Sunroof/moonroof: Water may leak from the rear of the moon roof requiring installation of a seal. (2007-10)
Suspension noise: Clunking or knocking noise from rear suspension on some vehicles due to distorted shock bolt. (2007)
Windows: During auto-up, the power window may reverse directions possibly due to dirty window guides or a need to reprogram the control unit. (2001-10)
Wipers: The windshield wipers may come on themselves or may not shut off due to a faulty switch. (2007-09)
here are the problems listed for the 4runner:
Check-engine light: The check engine light may illuminate due to malfunction of the evaporative emissions charcoal canister. (2010)
Entertainment problems: Some iPod and USB devices may not work properly unless a revised multimedia control unit has been installed. (2010-11)
the information was c/p from consumer guide auto
Atlanta_man
New member
you can't beat the T4R's engine arrangement and in-line transmission using planetary gears that's mechanical serendipity
transverse engines / fwd with their automatic transmissions that are really multi shaft computer controlled things that resemble manual transmissions are a lot more troublesome it seems lost count after 6 installed in my 2001 Acura CL-s, and they stuck with that problematic design for several more years and burned out lots of customers the fix was to make a bigger lube hole in something inside to squirt more oil on one of the internal parts (3 gear clutch pack). Normal shifts ran the temperature of that part to over 800deg F, Later design used an oil pipe on the outside of the trans to do the oil thing.
That experience, drove me to the 4Runner, and the depreciation of the Acura was painful. The word was out on the transmission failures. Great failure mode too - on the road, never in the driveway.
transverse engines / fwd with their automatic transmissions that are really multi shaft computer controlled things that resemble manual transmissions are a lot more troublesome it seems lost count after 6 installed in my 2001 Acura CL-s, and they stuck with that problematic design for several more years and burned out lots of customers the fix was to make a bigger lube hole in something inside to squirt more oil on one of the internal parts (3 gear clutch pack). Normal shifts ran the temperature of that part to over 800deg F, Later design used an oil pipe on the outside of the trans to do the oil thing.
That experience, drove me to the 4Runner, and the depreciation of the Acura was painful. The word was out on the transmission failures. Great failure mode too - on the road, never in the driveway.
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jca21
New member
i've heard similar stories from friends and family who have owned hondas and acuras in the past.
seems like the transmissions are their weakest link.
Batang.Gapo
New member
I have owned Honda and Toyota vehicles in the past. You can't go wrong either way.
Bottom line is what makes you happy...
Bottom line is what makes you happy...
stanleybb50
New member
I was obsessed with Honda's when I got my license in '98. I drove an '86 Civic Hatch, an '88 Accord Coupe 5 manual, a '91 Accord Sedan, and then an '01 Accord manual. (Yes, some older varieties that were ridiculously reliable on my High School/college/early working years budget). But like was stated here, the reliability of Honda really dropped around the turn of the century and hasn't been improved. (The main culprit of this is the auto tranny's). But still much better than American cars.
I'm now a Toyota convert. I go to where the complete reliability is!
Now, if the op wants Toyota, the Highlander could be a great choice, or the Lexus RX, both of which were mentioned. They may not be as sporty as the MDX, which I had considered as well, but they are great vehicles and fun to drive.
There is something to be said about the truck like ride if the t4r however, even on-road. You can see that I never drove Sports cars, but I did aspire to have one.. haha. My t4r has changed that and I love every second that I'm behind the wheel of my '06 t4r. And I believe the driving experience of the 4th and 5th gens are quite similar.
Just some of my thoughts & observations.
I'm now a Toyota convert. I go to where the complete reliability is!
Now, if the op wants Toyota, the Highlander could be a great choice, or the Lexus RX, both of which were mentioned. They may not be as sporty as the MDX, which I had considered as well, but they are great vehicles and fun to drive.
There is something to be said about the truck like ride if the t4r however, even on-road. You can see that I never drove Sports cars, but I did aspire to have one.. haha. My t4r has changed that and I love every second that I'm behind the wheel of my '06 t4r. And I believe the driving experience of the 4th and 5th gens are quite similar.
Just some of my thoughts & observations.
Dongbeiren
New member
I think the inside of the MDX isn't that much smaller than the 4Runner, both very nice cars. If I live in a big city and don't do much offloading, I'd pick the MDX, it just makes more sense, and you have a 4runner already, why would you have two of them while you can have the chance to drive another wonderful car?
But since I live in the lovely Rockies, I gotta pick the 4Runner
But since I live in the lovely Rockies, I gotta pick the 4Runner
GoHerd
New member
Ugh - premium fuel
I just traded a 2012 Pilot Touring 4wd for a 2012 T4R Limited -- both silver. Neighbors don't even notice.
Pilot was way softer and a great ride, but I really wanted a 4r when I bought it in October. Seven months later, I'm excited to be in the new 4Runner.
We looked and looked and drove and drove before buying the Pilot. The MDX outshines all SUVs/Crossovers for drivability. That thing handles like a sports car with its SuperHandling AWD. I hear it's great in bad weather.
But it was just too "posh" for my tastes. I didn't see me taking my son camping in a couple years. I didn't see me hauling mulch in the carpeted back. And the space-age shapes of the center stack turned me off.
My wife LOVED it. But I didn't think it was practical. And I hated the premium fuel requirement and poor mileage. So in the end, well, I bought a Pilot. Great car but God it was boring. The minivan of SUVs. Sweet ride, but too wide and lumbering for my wife.
I LOVE the bouncy and jiggly ride of the 4Runner. Hope that feeling lasts.
I just traded a 2012 Pilot Touring 4wd for a 2012 T4R Limited -- both silver. Neighbors don't even notice.
Pilot was way softer and a great ride, but I really wanted a 4r when I bought it in October. Seven months later, I'm excited to be in the new 4Runner.
We looked and looked and drove and drove before buying the Pilot. The MDX outshines all SUVs/Crossovers for drivability. That thing handles like a sports car with its SuperHandling AWD. I hear it's great in bad weather.
But it was just too "posh" for my tastes. I didn't see me taking my son camping in a couple years. I didn't see me hauling mulch in the carpeted back. And the space-age shapes of the center stack turned me off.
My wife LOVED it. But I didn't think it was practical. And I hated the premium fuel requirement and poor mileage. So in the end, well, I bought a Pilot. Great car but God it was boring. The minivan of SUVs. Sweet ride, but too wide and lumbering for my wife.
I LOVE the bouncy and jiggly ride of the 4Runner. Hope that feeling lasts.
jspagna1
New member
My wife drives a 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD and I love the car for sure. But having to choose between the MDX and the T4R, it would be strictly a matter of interior cargo capacity for me. I looked at the Pilot which has more cargo room than the MDX, just did not like it. So you really need to decide what is important to you and your priorities.
luv2sleep
New member
Thanks ya'll and goodbye
Well, I pulled the trigger! I got rid of my faithful 4Runner and bought a fun little CUV. No, I didn't go with a MDX. After staring at that ugly Acura facia, for what seemed like eternity, I ended up buying a Audi Q5. I spent more than what I wanted to but man, what a fun little car! I'm sure you guys don't want to hear about it:boink:.
It's been fun. This is a great website with tons of insight and great wealth of knowlege. Godspeed!:guitar2:
Well, I pulled the trigger! I got rid of my faithful 4Runner and bought a fun little CUV. No, I didn't go with a MDX. After staring at that ugly Acura facia, for what seemed like eternity, I ended up buying a Audi Q5. I spent more than what I wanted to but man, what a fun little car! I'm sure you guys don't want to hear about it:boink:.
It's been fun. This is a great website with tons of insight and great wealth of knowlege. Godspeed!:guitar2:
Bourbonator
New member
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!
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!
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philsey
New member
Always good to hear back on the ultimate choice of one of these threads.
A Q5 - much nicer choice than the MDX chic car - that's what I call steppin' up! Which model/options?
An S5 blew by me the other day, man did that sound sweet!
luv2sleep
New member
Got the 2.0T Premium Plus w/Navigation. Though a small engine, the turbo and the low end torque (258 lbs-ft @ 1500 RPM) makes the car a blast to drive in addition to getting really good gas mileage; the 8 speed transmission helps also with the MPG.:cheers:
Bay33saw
New member
Great choice, Audis are great cars, we have had two A4's and although we live in Las Vegas where the turbo struggles a little in the heat we did like the free services (can't remember how long they were) but after that Boy oh Boy the services are steep....as our cars got older it seemed that every service cost us $300 minimum........Good luck though and they do look sweet, shame they run on premium gas too...Hope you don't live in Cali.
AustinCyclist
New member
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..
homeyclaus
New member
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.
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Darkshines629
New member
Whoa, please post or PM me the details of your offer on the MDX. that sounds like one of those "too good to be true" deals. thanks.
