New Suv Buyer: 2001-2003 Acura MDX vs. Lexus RX300 vs. Honda Pilot:P

[bahasad]

My family wants to get a new suv after driving our somewhat boring and crappy camry for many years. This will not be our primary car, as we are getting a cheap corolla for around the city. But we want an SUV for trips, summer, and for general occasional driving. Our priority is that it is 7 seaters, and that is why we have cut a lot of potentials (X5, QX4, P. Another important thing is reliability and brand image. We also want some luxury and technology. This is going to be a used car, and our budget is about $20 000 max.

So which of the above is best?

Our first choice is pretty much the MDX. We went to Markham (Markville) Acura today, and actually got to go check out one, and find some more info. We are really starting to like it. The problem is...as far as online reviews go...its reliability has been sketchy. We cannot afford a lot of maintenance, so we would like a car that will not give us much problems. Other then that the MDX is top choice. RX300 is an okay SUV and great in terms of reliability, but it is small, too car like, and not 7 seaters. The Pilot is another option we are considering, but it lacks the exclusivity/premium of the MDX.

Also, we found out that you cannot lease a used car (we don't know about these things, cause we mostly bought cars that were private sales, and cheap). Is it better to fork out 500/month for one of these cars, or is it better to lease another option (GMC Acadia or the like)?

Thanks for the input.

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

Old M-class is the car for you. Just try not to drive it very much.

[bahasad]

we were considering M class. It's hard to find a 7 seater ML320 though, plus I heard dreadful reliability problems about it.

[jm1]

When we were looking around in 2004, the MDX's third row was only accessible from the passenger side. The Pilot, however, allows you to access either the driver or passenger side, and seemed to have more footroom (maybe it was slightly farther back). If having 7 people is important, then take a good hard look at the 3rd row differences:

- How easy to access? Driver's side, passenger's side or both?
- Is 3rd row splitable? Somethings you just need seating for six and it would be good to fold part of the 3rd row down to get more trunk space (one reason we eliminated the Highlander, which is one bench seat for the 3rd row.)
- Amount of trunk space remaining after you put up the 3rd row? If you're using it for trips, you'll need space for your stuff.
- Any airbags in the 3rd row? The 2004 MDX had side curtain ones for the 3rd row and the Pilot didn't.
- LATCH anchors in the 3rd row if you have kids in baby seats?
- # of seats in the 3rd row? The 2004 MDX had two decent width seats, the Pilot had 3 smaller seats, but then you could fit eight people.
- ease of storing away the 3rd row.

So check out stuff like that on the model years you're considering, if the 3rd row really is important. However, it sounds to me that you're focusing too much on "prestige", "flaunting to neighbours", etc. so just buy the MDX then (although if your neighbours know anything about cars, they would not be impressed by an older used car; if you want to impress them, lease a brand new car every year and tell them you got bored of the last one).

[bahasad]

jm1 thanks for that great post. Hmm, those questions I will definitely consider. As for the prestige thing, its mainly the fact that we want a car that is a bit luxurious, and something that I guess is more upscale than say ... a basic Ford Explorer. The prestige thing is not a huge issue, it's just the premium brands are what we prefer after having driven a 1994 camry for 4 years, a 1989 camry for 4 years, and some other..."average" cars. Now
As for the other questions, our family is a 4 person family. The reason why we would prefer the back seat is because for hauling other family members, friends etc., we think its a nice option, especially after renting a 2007 7 passenger Ford Explorer. We would like a comfortable backseat ... we have been in a 2006 Honda Pilot, and it's backseat is a bit smaller than the Ford's in terms of legroom.
The main questions we ask is on reliability - We know the Pilot has had rock solid reliability, and the Lexus too, but the MDX, although not bad, has some spotty areas. How much mileage should we get on one of these?...Some of the ones we looked at from dealers had anywhere from 125K-150K km's.
Also, another question, Is it possible to get dealer installed navigation/dvd player if the car doesn't have these? How much do they roughly cost...we forgot to ask :p

[ES_Revenge]

Personally I think you picked some of the worst vehicles there. Pilot, do they even still make that thing? I should hope not. It's a weirdo SUV, IMO. It's a pretty forgettable vehicle.

That gen MDX is a minivan-wannabe-SUV without a doubt. The newer one is a bit nicer but the old one? All it has going for it are those ingenious EM clutchpacks ;) Other than that, yeah it's pretty much a minivan.

RX300 though I've never thought that highly of anyway, is still the clear winner in this group IMO. I wouldn't buy any of them but if it has to be one of the three, take the Toyota. (Wow did I just say that? LOL.)

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

Personally I think you picked some of the worst vehicles there. Pilot, do they even still make that thing? I should hope not. It's a weirdo SUV, IMO. It's a pretty forgettable vehicle.

Are you confusing the Pilot with the Passport? The Pilot only came out in 2002, it's newer than the MDX. The Passport is a full blown GM truck, pushrod engine and everything with a Honda badge! :lol:
Not that it matters much, they're all just gussied up Odysseys.

Good call on the RX. Has anyone ever seen one that wasn't driven by some middle aged woman? A Lexus crossover SUV, that's gotta be some kind of soccer-mom trifecta record. Won't have to worry about stiff suspension or locking center diffs on that baby.

[ES_Revenge]

Are you confusing the Pilot with the Passport? The Pilot only came out in 2002, it's newer than the MDX.

LOL perhaps I am but what makes this funny is that really I don't remember either of them--they are both really forgettable models. And I don't think they are among those "little-heard-of-gems" either. I think they are just forgettable cars because, well, there wasn't much to them.

Good call on the RX. Has anyone ever seen one that wasn't driven by some middle aged woman? A Lexus crossover SUV, that's gotta be some kind of soccer-mom trifecta record. Won't have to worry about stiff suspension or locking center diffs on that baby.

LOL, I'm having trouble deciphering whether that was sarcasm or not... But then again I think I've had the same "problem" with other posts of yours ;)

[smartcdn]

LOL perhaps I am but what makes this funny is that really I don't remember either of them--they are both really forgettable models. And I don't think they are among those "little-heard-of-gems" either. I think they are just forgettable cars because, well, there wasn't much to them.



LOL, I'm having trouble deciphering whether that was sarcasm or not... But then again I think I've had the same "problem" with other posts of yours ;)

Just because you don't remember either of them doesn't mean anything. I don't particularly like the Pilot or the Passport either, but I've still heard of them. But then again, maybe you don't know too much about vehicles...

[smartcdn]

My family wants to get a new suv after driving our somewhat boring and crappy camry for many years. This will not be our primary car, as we are getting a cheap corolla for around the city. But we want an SUV for trips, summer, some flaunting to neighbours :cheesygri , and for general occasional driving. Our priority is that it is 7 seaters, and that is why we have cut a lot of potentials (X5, QX4, P. Another important thing is reliability and brand image. We also want some luxury and technology. This is going to be a used car, and our budget is about $20 000 max.

So which of the above is best?

Our first choice is pretty much the MDX. We went to Markham (Markville) Acura today, and actually got to go check out one, and find some more info. We are really starting to like it. The problem is...as far as online reviews go...its reliability has been sketchy. We cannot afford a lot of maintenance, so we would like a car that will not give us much problems. Other then that the MDX is top choice. RX300 is an okay SUV and great in terms of reliability, but it is small, too car like, and not 7 seaters. The Pilot is another option we are considering, but it lacks the exclusivity/premium of the MDX.

Also, we found out that you cannot lease a used car (we don't know about these things, cause we mostly bought cars that were private sales, and cheap). Is it better to fork out 500/month for one of these cars, or is it better to lease another option (GMC Acadia or the like)?

Thanks for the input.

What kind of neighborhood would have neighbors that are flaunted by someone else's old Camry's, and yet another old MDX/Pilot/RX330?

The only way to flaunt neighbors would be to change cars often or buy classy ones. If you're looking for an older MDX (I heard they've dropped in price to around $35,000 for one with moderate km's) why not consider a new mid-to-highend 2007 CR-V? The CR-V was designed with luxury in mind - one review/online article mentioned how it could be mistaken for a Lexus or BMW or Volvo.

As for maintenance costs, the 2007 CR-V would make the most sense. They start at just $27xxx and go up to $38xxx or so. You would have a new vehicle and new warranty. And you would get to flaunt to the neighbors with the exclusive arched chrome windows (luxurious)

By the way, the liftgate of the 07 crv (if with chrome on EX+ trim) is supposed to look nicer/as nice as the previous MDX you're thinking about...

[bahasad]

The CRV is a small SUV, and not the type we are looking for.
I did not mention anything about flaunting our POS camry. We have driven basic cars for too long, and now we are thinking of getting something slightly more upscale

[Evil Techie]

but lexus RX300 dont have 3rd row do they?
i dont even think RX330/350 does either

correct me if im wrong

anyways
badge premium, luxury, and reliability wise, Lexus > Acura
if u can afford it, get an used RX330

[lexani]

yea you're right, as the OP said lexus does not offer the 5 seaters on the RX series

[mau108]

This thread is jokes. Show off to neighbors ? LOL you live in Canada dude!

And the dude that says he won't buy forgettable vehicles, a big lol, i don't even know what to say to that.

Of the 3 you chose, if you have a big family id go with the Honda Pilot, RX300 if you have a small family.

RX300 is more of a "womens" car, Pilot is more practical and looks decent, older MDX just doesn't appeal to me.

[Asad_A203]

Don't buy a car for brand image. A budget baller never works, it is only really cool in high school where the chick can't tell the difference between your 1998 Audi A4 and a 2007 A4...

Out of the list, go for the MDX. The design was actually quite revolutionary at the time, and the MDX has constantly been a best seller along with being placed in the top ranks of Luxury SUVs at the time. The Lexus would be the next one in line, but repairs might be costly.

If you really need an SUV, have you considered an Infiniti QX4 if you are after brand image? They have a wonderful engine in there and are loaded to the peaks with luxury features.

[ES_Revenge]

Just because you don't remember either of them doesn't mean anything. I don't particularly like the Pilot or the Passport either, but I've still heard of them. But then again, maybe you don't know too much about vehicles...

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Riight I don't know too much about vehicles. LMFAO. Oookaaay there dude. Let's add another one of these guys for good measure... :rolleyes:

And I'm sure I'm not the only one who forgot these rather forgettable vehicles. In fact I'm sure more people can recall the Aztek better than these models (and almost everyone hated the Aztek). When I said I don't remember them I mean that in a figurative way just to say they were not very memorable, just run-of-the-mill boring models that no one cares about. Obviously I've heard of them :rollyes: (oh there he is again!) If I actually had never heard of them I would be like "Passport, Pilot? What are those???", which I clearly did not say.

[ES_Revenge]

but lexus RX300 dont have 3rd row do they?
i dont even think RX330/350 does either

correct me if im wrong

The Highlander does but it is a really small foldable "3rd Row", more just for small children than anything. Since the Highlander does it's quite possible the RX330 does as well though I'm not sure.

[googoo]

"I think they are just forgettable cars because, well, there wasn't much to them."

Of course of the 80 different cars/trucks that GM sells in NA all but 2-3 models are completely forgettable LOL LOL, but of course they have big engines LOL and that makes them better LOL.

Notice the use of the LOL? it seems to be your way of disarming your arrogant nature.

You know your stuff, try to be helpful,and not arrogant about things ......LOL

Brent

[bahasad]

Cmon dudes get back on topic. I agree with most of the constructive advice I recieved. (I am also considering a QX4 btw).
I read that the premium cars (the infiniti, acura, and lexus) require premium fuel. Is there anyway to get around this :P

[blainehamilton]

I read that the premium cars (the infiniti, acura, and lexus) require premium fuel. Is there anyway to get around this :P

Sure, you pay $$$ for premium repairs in the long run.

Switch your budget to $40000 for an suv to 'show off to the people next door' or budget $2000 to $5000 for maintenance and repairs at your 20k limit. Most of the models you mention in the sub $20k bracket are going to be used up or beat to crap.

Either way, the SUV will be worth peanuts in 5 to 7 years.

[ES_Revenge]

Of course of the 80 different cars/trucks that GM sells in NA all but 2-3 models are completely forgettable LOL LOL, but of course they have big engines LOL and that makes them better LOL.
Huh? :confused: Who said anything about cars and trucks that GM sells? What planet did that come from?

I don't even think one person mentioned a GM vehicle on this thread prior to that. I see Volvo, BMW, Lexus, Honda, but never once any GM brand, not even Hummer was mentioned.

Also it looks like I used "LOL" like three times in this thread in total, in four posts (make that five now). Admittedly I'm guilty of overusing the stupid term, but the three times in this thread wasn't really excessive.

Oh well whatever, enough OT for me... Hopefully the OP finds the vehicle they're looking for.

[ES_Revenge]

Cmon dudes get back on topic. I agree with most of the constructive advice I recieved. (I am also considering a QX4 btw).
I read that the premium cars (the infiniti, acura, and lexus) require premium fuel. Is there anyway to get around this :P
Put regular in and see how they run. Any modern day car will ****** the spark if it gets octane lower than it needs and knock (detonation) occurs... If the vehicle can run fine on ******** spark then regular gas isn't really that big of a deal for it. However you will likely lose a bit of power that way. Also while engine controls may be able to allow the car to run fine at lower RPM with lower octane, you may encounter knock at higher RPM.

Another thing to look out for is the fact that lower octane gasoline will create higher combustion temperatures and therefore higher engine temperatures. With higher operating temps, the car may enrich the mixture to cool combustion as well, therefore you'd just be burning more fuel (running less efficient) which may end you up back at square one in terms of the $$$ spent on fuel.

[Tijuana]

why not the new CRV?

[impulsebuyer]

My Experiences:

2006 Honda Pilot EX-L

- Friend who owns one loves it to death in every way.
- EXCELLENT FUEL ECONOMY for an SUV
- 7 Passenger seating
- Car like feel when driving / easy to park
- Loaded with all features that an SUV should have
- TONS of safety features! Dual front/side air bags, a gazillion sensors everywhere to control the speed, timing, etc of each air bag
- Good accelleration
- Price varies greatly on the model / USD or CAD truck etc
- Love it or hate it looks - A little plain looking, but atleast it still looks like an SUV

2005 Acura MDX

- EXCELLENT FUEL ECONOMY for an SUV
- Acura name brand - a bit more "Executive"
- Love it or hate it looks
- TONS of safety features! Dual front/side air bags, a gazillion sensors everywhere to control the speed, timing, etc of each air bag
- Car like feeling when driving - very much like Pilot in a lot of ways
- Not fond of the HUGE display in the centre of the non-navi model - looks tacky and doesn't really show you anything that important that you need a big tv for!
- Price is higher than Pilot for essentially the same options / truck
- Exclusivity is going down. I see more of these on the road that Pilots
- Hard to access rear bench
- Looks more like a crossover vehicle, rather than an SUV.

2003 RX300

- I don't like the way it looks and don't know much about them - Never sold or drove one. A friend owns a 2000 RX300, and he has nothing but good things to say about them. He said that he has never had a more reliable, and trouble free truck in his lifetime. I guess Toyota's reliability has passed onto this truck as well.

[Madrid2k]

I am a proud owner of a 2005 Honda Pilot EXL RES.

This is a great mid-sized SUV! Sure you might think I'm biased, but Consumer Guide, Car and Driver, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IHHS) and Edmunds.com all hold the Pilot in the highest esteem as well.

The Honda Pilot is not the most exhilarating ride out there, but you certainly get a lot of value in one package.

It seats up to eight people, has a towing capacity of 4500 lbs, yet has a relatively fuel-efficient V-6 engine.

The rear seats fold flat giving you a ton of cargo space and utility.

I've transported a brand new 65" big screen t.v. (in its box) in my Pilot.

I've also carried over 2000 lbs in limestone screenings and other landscaping items.

One time, I rented a table top brick cutter, a gas powered sod cutter and a power plate compactor. It all fit in the Pilot's cargo area!

With all this utility and versatility, the Pilot still drives like a car.

Most importantly, the Pilot has probably the best safety features of any SUV in its class. It's got Variable Torque Management 4WD, 4 wheel ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, 3-row side curtain airbag, Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control. It's also the IHHS' Top Pick for crash safety.

My Pilot is now two years old, and I have had no maintenance issues with it.

However, here are my minor quibbles with the Pilot:

- with some of the windows open at around 80 km/hr, the buffeting noise from the wind can be extremely loud
- the 3rd row seats are not meant for adults, but great for children and adolescents
- the OEM DVD remote is useless
- if you let the seatbelt retract quickly, it can leave a visible "nick" in the side pillar
- the stock rims are 16" which I think is too small for the wheel well
- the styling isn't very inspiring (that's why I dressed mine up with an aftermarket grille, chrome side steps, front bumper trim...)

No doubt, the MDX is a really good SUV, but is it really worth $10,000 more than a similarly equipped Pilot - when basically they have the same underpinnings and power train?

Good luck w/ your choice.

[bahasad]

Wow thanks guys for the advice. Now I am not so sure if MDX is priority, We are heavily looking into a Pilot and an Infiniti QX4. We find the RX300 a little too small for an SUV.

What is the "RES" stand for in the Pilot naming? How is the Pilot on Gas?...Is it safe to get like a 120-150K Pilot?

We are going on Saturday to Canadian Fine Motors and checking out some of the selection there.

[ES_Revenge]

2005 Acura MDX
- EXCELLENT FUEL ECONOMY for an SUV

If it were an SUV. It's a wannabe. It's a minivan, plain and simple.

[TKOWKD1]

I am a proud owner of a 2005 Honda Pilot EXL RES.

This is a great mid-sized SUV! Sure you might think I'm biased, but Consumer Guide, Car and Driver, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IHHS) and Edmunds.com all hold the Pilot in the highest esteem as well.

The Honda Pilot is not the most exhilarating ride out there, but you certainly get a lot of value in one package.

It seats up to eight people, has a towing capacity of 4500 lbs, yet has a relatively fuel-efficient V-6 engine.

The rear seats fold flat giving you a ton of cargo space and utility.

I've transported a brand new 65" big screen t.v. (in its box) in my Pilot.

I've also carried over 2000 lbs in limestone screenings and other landscaping items.

One time, I rented a table top brick cutter, a gas powered sod cutter and a power plate compactor. It all fit in the Pilot's cargo area!

With all this utility and versatility, the Pilot still drives like a car.

Most importantly, the Pilot has probably the best safety features of any SUV in its class. It's got Variable Torque Management 4WD, 4 wheel ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, 3-row side curtain airbag, Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control. It's also the IHHS' Top Pick for crash safety.

My Pilot is now two years old, and I have had no maintenance issues with it.

However, here are my minor quibbles with the Pilot:

- with some of the windows open at around 80 km/hr, the buffeting noise from the wind can be extremely loud
- the 3rd row seats are not meant for adults, but great for children and adolescents
- the OEM DVD remote is useless
- if you let the seatbelt retract quickly, it can leave a visible "nick" in the side pillar
- the stock rims are 16" which I think is too small for the wheel well
- the styling isn't very inspiring (that's why I dressed mine up with an aftermarket grille, chrome side steps, front bumper trim...)

No doubt, the MDX is a really good SUV, but is it really worth $10,000 more than a similarly equipped Pilot - when basically they have the same underpinnings and power train?

Good luck w/ your choice.

Massive RESPECT to Madrid2k and Impulsebuyer!!!
These are prime examples how posts should be answered.
Informative, concise, to the point and with personal insight.

OP, to impress your neighbours get some 19'' rims, better yet 22''.
The ride may be a bit rough but the girls and the neighbourhood car thieves will like it, alot. :!:

Seriously though, read some reviews on Edmunds.com and get a copy of Lemonaid Truck and Van Reviews from the library. Both sources are free.

IMHO, Pilot is a better bang for your buck as it seats 1+ than MDX.
Don't forget to factor in the $.10 premium for driving a Premium truck.
Downside Pilot has the gear change on the steering wheel column.

Either way, please drive carefully and Happy Thanksgiving to all.

[Asad_A203]

If it were an SUV. It's a wannabe. It's a minivan, plain and simple.

Do you really think people spending 60k on a SUV or whatever you would like to call this segment will ever need the SUVness though? I doubt it. Say what you say will about Acura, but if they can make this one of the top ten selling luxury vehicles; I believe they have done their job at making those consumers happy.

[Madrid2k]

Wow thanks guys for the advice. Now I am not so sure if MDX is priority, We are heavily looking into a Pilot and an Infiniti QX4. We find the RX300 a little too small for an SUV.

What is the "RES" stand for in the Pilot naming? How is the Pilot on Gas?...Is it safe to get like a 120-150K Pilot?

We are going on Saturday to Canadian Fine Motors and checking out some of the selection there.


Yeah, the MDX name has more cachet than the Pilot's. It also has a more interesting look to it. But, I did some simple and inexpensive upgrades to my Pilot and I think it looks pretty slick. (Other than the small 16" wheels.)

http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/507/pilotyf0.th.jpg (http://img161.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pilotyf0.jpg)


The "RES" stands for Rear Entertainment System.

Yes, you can buy a cheaper aftermarket DVD system, but I like the fact that the dvd/radio controls of the OEM unit are built into the front console.

It's a lot more convenient than stopping the car to switch dvd's. It's also safer than your kids having to unbuckle their seat belts to reach up and eject/insert a dvd.

In regards to gas mileage, the Pilot is considered "fuel-efficient" for a V-6 SUV, but I wouldn't say it's great on gas. I would say its pretty comparable to a V-6 minivan.

If the fluids were changed regularly, 150K is nothing on a Honda. I've had a CRX with almost 400K on it. I've also had a prelude with almost 290K on it.

If possible, you should definitely have a mechanic look it over.



Similar to the MDX/Pilot, the QX4 is essentially an upscale Pathfinder. However, they stopped making the QX4 in 2003.

While the QX4 has a 3.5L engine, like the Pilot, it has significantly worse fuel economy. As well, it has a reputation for noisy engines.

For a couple of thousand more, I would go for the redesigned 2005 Pathfinder. It's got sexier styling, with more features and better engineering. And most likely, any used 2005 Pathfinder will have less mileage than a 2003 or older QX4.


The RX300 is essentially an upscale Highlander. They're both very good SUV's. You're right though, it is significantly smaller and doesn't give you the option of 7 or 8 passenger seating.

[Madrid2k]

Massive RESPECT to Madrid2k and Impulsebuyer!!!
These are prime examples how posts should be answered.
Informative, concise, to the point and with personal insight.

IMHO, Pilot is a better bang for your buck as it seats 1+ than MDX.
Don't forget to factor in the $.10 premium for driving a Premium truck.
Downside Pilot has the gear change on the steering wheel column.

Either way, please drive carefully and Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Yeah, good points.

The Pilot runs on regular grade gas which makes a difference when you've got a 70 litre gas tank.

And yeah, I'm not too crazy about the steering column shifter either

[Gogi]

Driven all 3 vehicles, definitely the MDX. Despite the fact that i'm selling mine (hint hint lol), it's the best vehicle I've owned. You won't be disappointed.

[bahasad]

I have gotten a lot of good advice here. Right now the RX300 is out of the picture - we have narrowed it down to pretty much the QX4, MDX, and Pilot. Pilot and QX4 have taken a little bit of a preference now because the Pilot is overall a bit more reliable than the MDX, saves on gas (regular), and seems to offer pretty much the same, except the brand premium. The Pilot also sort of looks bland. The QX4 is good too (its price is also more reasonable), and we would have definitely made it our first choice, except for the definite lack of a third row.
Today I am going to a couple of Car Stores/Showrooms and hopefully checking the Pilot and QX4 more closely in person. We did that to the Acura last week.

[GTABuySell]

I replaced my family van with a 2003 MDX in June. I almost ended up buying a 2007 Pilot because I couldn't find a reasonably priced MDX. My budget was $30,000 for a 2004 MDX.

I choose the MDX over the Pilot primarily because I like the MDX styling.

2003 and newer MDX's are pretty reliable. Pretty much all the major issues with the MDX's can be found on www.acuramdx.org forum. Most issues with the 2003+ model years are pretty minor. I fixed the faulty rear AC for less than $10 after reading the forum.

Since your budget is $20,000, I do not recommend you get an MDX because most likely you will either get a 2002 model with decent mileage (and not as reliable) or newer model year with high mileage.

If I were you, I would get a Pilot for three reasons. Pilot is roomier. It uses regular gas, and is almost $10,000 cheaper for similar vehicle.

FYI, I paid $30,000 for my 2003 MDX with 65,000KM (tax includes) from a private seller. It came with some extras (as seen in the pictures below).

If you are still considering an MDX, do check out www.acuramdx.org

Here are pictures of my 2003 MDX (with 18" RDX wheels):
http://www.acuramdx.org/gallery//500/198112003mdx_600_480.jpg
http://www.acuramdx.org/gallery//500/198112003mdx2.jpg

Let me know if you have any specific questions on the 2003 MDX.

Good luck.

[bahasad]

We have looked at most of the cars we are interested in, and so far the Pilot is our top choice, along with the MDX. I realize it might be better to get the Pilot, but I must say that inside it is relatively...spartan. There is no trip computer, no sunroof. Those are sort of detracting me from it.