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Acura MDX vs BMW X5

185 messages,  Last post on Jan 03, 2012 at 7:28 PM

You are in the Acura MDX Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura MDX, BMW X5, SUV

Messages Page 9 of 19

#79 of 185 Re: May '07 Car and Driver Comparison [love2driveinct] by chrism124

Jan 09, 2008 (11:02 am)

Replying to: love2driveinct (Jan 09, 2008 7:26 am)
We considered another XC90 but kept it as a fourth choice behind the MDX, X5 and Q7. Do not misunderstand me; the XC90 is a good vehicle. In my opinion, it has a classic exterior design, great V8 engine, good cargo capacity, and the general sense that if you were in an accident, you and your passengers would survive. It also has been very reliable. While others have had problems, mine has never been in the shop except for an inspection sticker and oil changes. The Volvo is an old design. I believe the first model year was 2003. The vehicles that we are looking at are newer but not first year run (which can be problematic). My wife and I made a list of options that we wanted on the next vehicle. This included Bluetooth, Rear Camera, Nav, 3 rows of seats and iPod connectivity. Volvo does offer most of these options but their implementation is a bit poor. We have only two kids and need the 3rd row for, believe it or not, the dog. He wears a harness and is seat-belted in.
 
The XC90 is a good “family hauler”. However I would not want to put a teenager in the 3rd row. It might be a bit tight. The 4-year old should not have a problem. I also found the front leg space to be a bit tight. Noticeable on longer car rides.
 
The X5 would be my first choice but the 9k difference is a bit much. I agree the MDX doesn’t look as clean as the X5 but the 9k can be use elsewhere. If I was leasing the vehicle, I would go with the X5. But I am jumping off the leasing merry-go-round.
 
For the argument of reliability of Asian built vehicles over others, we had a 04 MDX for 2-years. It was in the shop 6 times for warranty related work. My 07 Lexus has been in the shop 5 times. Both of my prior BMW’s and the current Volvo never had warranty related work done. It could be luck or another reason but just my .02.
 
Regards,
NHman

#81 of 185 Re: May '07 Car and Driver Comparison [chrism124] by upstatedoc

Jan 09, 2008 (11:30 am)

Replying to: chrism124 (Jan 09, 2008 11:02 am)
Chris,
So did you end up going with the '08 MDX? I think the 2nd gen MDX is sharp. Not too many of them around here but when I see one coming towards me from the other direction I say "Hey that's a sharp looking vehicle". The X5 and XC90 look like their sedan counterparts, only higher. I like the transformer look, it's futuristic.

#82 of 185 Re: May '07 Car and Driver Comparison [upstatedoc] by love2driveinct

Jan 09, 2008 (11:56 am)

Replying to: upstatedoc (Jan 09, 2008 11:30 am)
Just have to comment on this... I had to LOL about the transformer comment -- that is so true!
 
I'm not really sure if I like the new style...I can't quite figure out if it's actually the design that I can't get used to, or just the fact that it's such a big change from the '06...
 
I also have to say, and I hope this is okay to say here, that my hubby and I, and some friends of ours, all think the dashboard set-up reminds us a lot of female reproductive organs, and thus it has been deemed a "chick car".
 
Hope I didn't ruin it for anyone... hahaha

#83 of 185 Re: May '07 Car and Driver Comparison [upstatedoc] by love2driveinct

Jan 09, 2008 (12:05 pm)

Replying to: upstatedoc (Jan 09, 2008 7:55 am)
Thank you for your input, much appreciated...
 
I try not to get overly caught up in the reliability thing -- everyone seems to have a different story in regards to that. We will lease a brand-new vehicle for 3 years, so in some ways I think it probably doesn't matter as much. ??? (Not that I want to frequently end up in the waiting area at my local dealer, free or not.)
 
But I know you are right about the spaciousness -- it was one of the reasons we leaned toward the MDX in the first place. Our last new vehicle decision was a choice made between the XC90, Ody, and MDX. We were also coming from an 04 Ody, so we weren't sure how much we could handle in terms of downgrading in size, lol. But looking to a year from now, when I'll be down to one booster seat (as opposed to one booster & one car seat right now), I feel like I have more choices in the space category. And any vehicle that has a built-in booster seat is going to be on my list.

#84 of 185 Re: May '07 Car and Driver Comparison [chrism124] by love2driveinct

Jan 09, 2008 (12:19 pm)

Replying to: chrism124 (Jan 09, 2008 11:02 am)
Ah yes, I remember now that the 06 XC90 did not have bluetooth and that was another deterring factor for me... Does it finally have it now??
 
Thank you so much for your response; all of the things you have said are things to consider. It is interesting how there are so many horror stories about Volvos needing constant repairs, but then it seems there are just as many stories about happy owners. And yes, I have a good friend whose Volvo literally saved her life in a rollover crash.
 
Interesting you mention leasing, since that is what we are doing, also. When we shopped in Feb 06, Volvo gave us no incentive to lease with them -- the RV wasn't great, the MF stunk, and they weren't selling at any kind of discount. Maybe things will be different next time around...
 
But getting back to the topic of this forum -- the biggest thing that will change the next time around is the addition of the X5 in our choices. With the new third row seat, we can actually consider this vehicle for our family. My late father was a big-time BMW enthusiast, so I feel like I have a predisposition to the bimmers... especially when I remember the way fellow BMW owners would give a little "beep" when they saw one another on the road, back in the early 80's before they became so mainstream.

#85 of 185 MDX vs X5 by bimmerguy288

Jan 09, 2008 (1:06 pm)

I am a bimmer fan (as you could tell by my sreen name) but not a fanboy. I am also a BMW club member and receive their monthly magazine "Roundel". In April 2007's issue, they did a comparison test X5 (not the V8) vs. MDX (with sports package). The author, whom I assume is a BMW fan since he writes for the magazine, says there is NO reason to justify the extra $14000 for a similarly equipped X5 except for the badge.... The MDX performed equally as the X5, and better than the X5 in some areas. The 3rd row seat in the X5 is an option and you will only get those infamous run flat tires (no spare) with the 3rd row in the X5.
 
Now I wish Acura would put some real wood in the MDX and the plastic door handles look really cheap. The MDX is WIDE (88" with side mirrors I believe). If you have a narrow garage, that will be a pain. I think they should have power folding side mirrors. The MDX has its own share of problems too but I think it's the best bang for the buck if you could get over the style and if you don't need to be seen driving a BMW.

#86 of 185 Re: May '07 Car and Driver Comparison [upstatedoc] by chrism124

Jan 09, 2008 (1:47 pm)

Replying to: upstatedoc (Jan 09, 2008 11:30 am)
upstatedoc, My wife and I haven't decided yet. We have looked at it but didn't have the time for a test drive. We have scheduled time for this coming weekend to drive a Sport model. Our current lease doesn't expire until June 08 but still may buy a replacement vehicle before June.
 
I am starting to see more of the newer MDX's but it is still an uncommon vehicle around my area.
 
The front could use a redesign but I have seen worse (and certainly better). However the design is starting to grow on me.
 
Just think of the added bonus, besides getting a good SUV, you would also have a robot protector!
 
Regards,
NHman

#87 of 185 Re: May '07 Car and Driver Comparison [love2driveinct] by chrism124

Jan 09, 2008 (1:58 pm)

Replying to: love2driveinct (Jan 09, 2008 12:19 pm)
love2driveinct, Bluetooth is available in the 06 and newer XC90's but only as a dealer add-on. A very large and unattractive button is installed along with the communications module. I would rather have a system integrated into the vehicle from the factory. In my opinion, this feature was an afterthought.
 
When we leased our Volvo, summer 2006, the m.f. was .00001 with a good residual. Our payment is $500 per month. The only $$$ required was first and the $650 acq fee. This was for a fully loaded (minus Nav) XC90 V8. I believe the MSRP was $52.6k. There was an incentive on the V8 models, which was the model that we wanted. Leasing can be attractive if the right combination of m.f. and residual is available. When looking at the lease deals from Audi and BMW, I found the financing interest rate to be better.
 
I am also a BMW enthusiast but I just can not justify spending the extra $$$ for the X5. Perhaps after test driving the MDX I might have a different opinion. Stay tuned!
 
Regards,
NHman

#88 of 185 Re: MDX vs X5 [bimmerguy288] by chrism124

Jan 09, 2008 (2:12 pm)

Replying to: bimmerguy288 (Jan 09, 2008 1:06 pm)
bimmerguy288, I am also a fan of the BMW brand and like you I am a BMW Club member. I remember reading the article comparing the MDX vs. X5 3.0si. I believe they also compared the RDX and X3 in the same publication. They did rave about the MDX and didn't like the RDX. Their argument is the same as mine now, why should I spend the extra $$$ if I get the same or similar performance (not the 4.8 model).
 
If I was to nit pick the MDX, I would want real wood instead of the (very) shiny plastic trim. The center stack could/should be simplified. For the price tag I would want Smart Key Access ($1k adder in BMW) and AFS lights. But none of these are deal breakers. I have all of the options in my current car and while nice to have, I can live without.
 
I must confess, if my wife and I like the MDX. I would be able to sell or trade-in my car for a 08 BMW 335Ci (convertible). Plus being a BMW CCA member, I could use the rebate for my car instead of hers. This is my hope. We'll see what happens.
 
Regards,
NHman

Messages Page 9 of 19

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