| jkotovsky |
I am looking at buying my first SUV and I have test driven the Mitsubishi Endeavor, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX-330, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and Acura MDX. The vehicle will be used for comuting to work and limited off the road activites related to work. I am in the real estate development business. At this time I have narrowed my choice down to the Pilot EX-L or MDX.
My question is whether the price differential for the Base MDX is worth it? Based upon the 2004 model, I was leaning towards the MDX because of the moonroof. Now since Honda has added the moonroof and vehicle stability control to the Pilot for 2005, the differences seemed to have narrowed substantially. The MSRP difference is $4,635 ($32,635 Pilot vs $37,270 MDX). Also, the 26 month residual for the Pilot is 2 basis points higher than the MDX (62 versus 60).
How do Pilot owners compare the two vehicles? Which is the better ride? The MDX adds plastic wood to dress-up the interior and it appears to be more refined, but is the leather a better quality than in the Pilot? Any differences in operating costs?
One last point, is the moonroof on the Pilot smaller than the moonroof on the MDX? It may be an optical illusion, but it appears to be smaller to me.
Thanks |
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| rtresco |
Quick comment on operating costs:
Acura recommends premium fuel for the MDX, where-as Honda recommends only standard fuel for the Pilot. |
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| Oldoarsman |
I also went through a similar process in deciding between the Pilot and the MDX back in 2003. I ended up purchasing the Pilot EX-L due to the price difference, lower gas (regular versus premium) cost, more usable space, and because the cost of installing a Webasto 749 moonroof was a more cost effective solution.
Given what gas prices have done over the past year, I am much happier paying for regular, and my vehicle and after market moonroof have performed very well.
I didn't see any reason to spend more money for a smaller, more costly vehicle.
Good luck with your decision process.....both are good choices. |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by rtresco
Quick comment on operating costs:
Acura recommends premium fuel for the MDX, where-as Honda recommends only standard fuel for the Pilot.
In a 15,000 mile year, at 18 miles per gallon, and 20 cents more for premium, we're talking an additional $166.67 in fuel costs, just to add some perspective.
On another note, though, for that $4k plus additional for an MDX, you don't get any additional sound deadening material in the vehicle, like you do in an RX 330 vs. a Highlander. At least you didn't when I decided to trade my Pilot for either an MDX or RX 330, and ended up with the RX. |
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| spongebob |
| Not to mention that several magazines that reviewed the pilot mentions that the pilot is acutally slightly less harsh or quiter than the mdx. |
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| dragoncoach |
| We went through the same decision process. As a matter of fact, we put down $500 on an MDX before deciding on our Pilot. The main reason we went with the Pilot is the cost. We couldn't justify 7K more for a vehicle which was bascally the same as the Pilot. Two other considerations were the Pilot ran on regular gas and the second row seats moved foward, allowing more room for third row passengers. Granted, the MDX is more plush and the amenities are nicer, but we were buying a SUV and didn't need them. We decided to save the $ and put it into our next vehicle. Good luck with your decision. |
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| FamilyGuy |
quote:
Originally posted by dragoncoach
the second row seats moved foward, allowing more room for third row passengers
On the 04 and newer MDX models the 2nd row seat does slide forward and back vs the Pilot.
In August my family went through the same decision process. Ours was very similar to dragoncoach's experience in that we were set to do the MDX. I actually was there ready to take delivery. Did not take delivery due to logistics. Wife called me next morning after dropping the kids off at school (there are a couple of MDX in our neighbourhood) and for some strange reason said "I really don't care for the MDX, it's styling just doesn't appeal to me." This came as a shock to me as I thought I was purchasing the MDX mainly to please her.
I actually regretted purchasing the Pilot over the MDX for at least the first week or so. The '04 MDX was $33700 for a "premium" (their base model). It had VSA, a sunroof, side curtain aibags, 17" wheels, a better warranty, a little more upscale perception, etc. The Pilot with RES was $29650. So it was only $4000 difference for us. The Touring / Nav (another $3500 more) was the way to go in the MDX. Which would have put us a over budget. I did not really want to try and afford it (more cash down or a lease or 72 months or a bigger payment etc).
I have grown very attached to the Pilot now and do not regret the decision at all at this point. If I really get the itch to get an MDX, I will go for the new body style, which is due in approx. one year. I doubt it though. The Pilot provides all the style and roominess that I could ask for.
I don't know if you can or will consider an '05 Odyssey, but the touring model is really a nice vehicle. Great gas mileage too!!
Had I compared the 05 Pilot as you are, it really would have been a no brainer for me, I definitely would have done the Pilot. The VSA and sunroof are now on the Pilot and they weren't on the '04.
You really can't go wrong with the MDX either though. Good Luck! |
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| dragoncoach |
| Sorry, but I'm almost positive the seats in the MDX do not move. I test drove a MDX Touring model and checked out the seats, and those didn't move. A friend of mine also has an '04 MDX and his seats don't move either.... Actually, it doesn't matter as we bought a Pilot and are happy with our decision. |
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| Jin_Chris |
I have been long term dreamer of Pilot ever since it was introduced. I have never even looked at the Acura MDX not because I do NOT like it, (I love it!) but just because the operating cost is more than pilot. And I couldn't justify myself such additional operating cost for the very similar vehicle.
However, I actually ended up buying 04 MDX Base model in the early of October, purchase date is 10/07/04 instead of Pilot. In my case, the purchase price difference was around 5k consider the "Actual" market price. Here is what I considered
04 Honda Pilot EX quote : 28.3k
04 MDX Base quote : 33.3k
Pros for 04 Pilot EX over 04 MDX base
1. Less operating cost
2. Less purchase price
3. Roomier
4. Softer ride
Pros for 04 MDX Base over 04 Pilot EX
1. Side Airbag
2. Side Aircurtain upto third row
3. VSA
4. Newer A/T design
5. more horses and torgue
6. 4year/50k Warranty
7. Sunroof
8. Acura roadside assistence
9. Better interior layout (subjective opinion)
10. Better exterior style (subjective opinion)
11. Tighter/Sportier ride (subjective opinion)
To myself, other than these above listed items, both have very similar pros and cons.
Now, the question to myself was, "am I willing to pay for extra 5k for the above items???".
I ended up shelling out additional 5k mainly because of "Side airbag & curtain" and "new A/T". Well, actually to me the question was more like, "am I willling to pay for extra 5k for my wife and new-born baby's additional safety whose going to be sitting on the new car?"
Well, as a novice farther, I ended up squeezing a little more.
:D
I believe both are equally nice. You would't go wrong picking up any of the model.
Good luck on your decision! |
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| PILOT4JH |
I test drove the Cadillac SXR, Lexus RX-330, BMW X5, MDX, and the Mercedes ML 350.
I bought the Pilot based on price and the fact that most of the auto magazines recommended the Pilot.
I still like the styling of the ML350 and so does my wife but, the price and the reliability turned me off that make.
Your choice... |
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| nVhn |
This question reckoned me for a while.
I made my deposit and waited for a year when the Mercedes-Benz ML320 was first introduced. My order specified a manufactory-installed third row of seat (Why would I want another M-Benz when they both can take only 5 passengers, and our young daughters have many friends?). A year and some months later, the vehicle arrived in the lot, but the third row of seat was no where to be found. I cancelled that ML320.
Several years later, I found myself studied the Pilot's specs in its first season. Instantly fell in love with its design/specs, and rating approval. But I was more patient this time, waited beyond version 1.0! Meanwhile, the MDX came, and we both love it so much. Back to the drawing table with specs, comparison, etc...
After much agonizing, two months ago, we went for a 2004 Pilot EXL-RES for exactly 30K. It's been nothing but satisfaction. Well, actually I do have one criticism (somewhat major: the plastic covering the windshield frame on both driver and passenger sides are too large. they block a large portion of your direct and critical-for-safety view, especially on the driver side. WOnder what the MDX experience is???).
My decision factor:- A very well thought out, very functional design
- 8 passengers, and not just tiny passengers
- Honda value: quality, residue value
- 8K less for the comparable MDX
- I don't want to even think about gasoline cost when I drive, and we travel frequently
- Extra money for better perception doesn't demand my attention (any more!)
The mileage just keeps getting better. First few tanks, it averaged 18+ MPG, now it's steadily 20 MPG. My driving pattern is 100 miles every 5-day work week, and roughly 260 miles weekend, than replenish the tank with 18 gallons of regular gasoline. I don't expect this MPG will get any better, but where can I find an 8-passenger SUV with this mileage??? |
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| Wannabe Pilot |
| The deciding factor for me was about $150/month in lease payments when comparing the 05 Pilot EX-L RES with the MDX w/ RES. I don't care if people think I'm driving the poorman's Acura. |
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| dragoncoach |
| I wouldn't consider our Pilot a poor man's anything. I would consider it a smart man's Acura..... |
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| FamilyGuy |
quote:
Originally posted by dragoncoach
Sorry, but I'm almost positive the seats in the MDX do not move. I test drove a MDX Touring model and checked out the seats, and those didn't move. A friend of mine also has an '04 MDX and his seats don't move either.... Actually, it doesn't matter as we bought a Pilot and are happy with our decision.
You are completely right.....
The seat does not slide forward and back as our Pilot seats do. The sly Acura sales guy was implying that to me though. I've believed it for the last couple of months too.
After further investigation, it has been determined that the change in the 04 MDX 2nd row is that the seats slide forward 40% farther (than 03 and earlier MDX models) to ease entry to the rear seat(s). Once returned to normal, they DO NOT move forward, as you correctly stated. Sorry for attempting correcting your earlier statement with my incorrect information. :) |
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| dragoncoach |
| Not a problem. Just glad we got it straightened out. Enjoy your Pilot! |
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| robrecht |
The 2001-02 MDX did not have VSA. The 2003 MDX received a relatively mild form of VSA, which was upgraded to a more aggressive system on the 2005 MDX.
Does anyone know if the 2005 Pilot received the improved VSA? |
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