Oppo, take me to the Pilot...err, MDX

"BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind" (briangriffinsprius) 07/18/2018 at 09:56 • Filed to: None

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Other than having friends that love their Pilot, I don’t have much history with working or living with them. I’m looking for an affordable older SUV that my kids and large dog can life with. I’m probably gonna get a MDX, because they’re the same price as Pilots and seem nicer inside.

I like this one better (1st gen, up to 2006). But I’ve heard the beaked gen (2nd gen) might be more reliable and a better buy.

Anyone have experience working on one yourself?

Long-Voyager > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 10:14

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Reliable older SUV:

Tahoe, Suburban.

Or just buy the damn minivan already.

Under_Score > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 10:17

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I’ve heard that the 2001-2003 models (red taillights) have the same transmission issues of other Honda models of the era. However, the 2004-2006 model seems better (the one with pink and white taillights). If you look hard enough, you can even find them with factory screens with backup cameras, which is pretty cool.

If you are gonna get a crossover, may I suggest a Highlander? It’s like a Pilot, but nicer, especially in c.2006, and you have to realize you’re paying for Premium gas with a luxury brand. The Veracruz is newer and will probably be cheaper, too, if you can find one. Both are sized like the Pilot and the MDX.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 10:20

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I’ve never liked how the MDX drives . Do yourself a favor and check out a RX400h.

and 100 more > Long-Voyager 07/18/2018 at 10:29

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Not gonna lie, Stow-n-go is a game changer. 

Zaxbys > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 10:45

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I know the 2011 loaner I had dro ve nicely. Of course, my daily was a ‘90 I ntegra, so I didn’t have the best frame of reference.

Lokiparts > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 10:55

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Take it from someone who; has three kids, had a Tahoe, planned on buying an MDX, but ultimately b ought a Odyssey.

... Best decision ever. MDX / P i l o t with two kids would have been doable. With three a n d t h e t h i r d r o w u p , there isn’t enough space in the back for anything. n o t t o m e n t i o n g e t t i n g s o m e o ne i n t h e t h i r d r o w w i t h s e c o n d r o w c a r s e a t s i n s t a l l e d w o u l d h a v e b e e n j u s t a b o u t i m p o s s i b l e . The minivan may not be cool, but for the same or less money you get a vehicle that is better in almost every conceivable metric.

Which to be fair my wife absolutely fell in love with the MDX on her test drive. She already told me that once our oldest is out of the house, that is going to be her next car.

ToyotaFamily > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 10:56

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I’d be weary of any Honda transmission paired with a 6 cylinder. 

OmerCarrothers333 > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 10:59

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Don’t do it. We’re financing a second-hand 2007 MDX and I fucking hate this fucking car.

There’s weird tics with these things: there’s a “tighten gas cap” warning that keeps coming on (we replaced the cap already), random “check charging system” warnings (even though the battery and alternator were replaced in the spring) which require putting the car in N to start it, the stereo’s integrated into the dash and the CD changer has given up the ghost.

That’s all the shit I don’t want to deal with. I’ve had this thing two years, and spent money I was not wanting to spend on it for repairs. My GTI is proving more reliable than this thing. If one more thing goes, I’m trading it in despite the loss.

interstate366, now In The Industry > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 11:04

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Unless you need the extra space, look at an RDX instead.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 07/18/2018 at 11:09

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I personally *want* a Lexus LX or GX, but the risk of failing air suspension scares me. The RX is what my fiancée wants, but doesn’t do much by way of allowing us more room for passengers + stuff + dog. She currently has a Honda CRV and it’s really too tight. 

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Under_Score 07/18/2018 at 11:10

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I like the Highlander, but it’s just a lot more money for less features.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Long-Voyager 07/18/2018 at 11:11

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How reliable are Tahoe’s, really?  Minivan is a no-go due to my job (rocky and dirt roads are common, as well as driveways that are just two dirt tracks through a field and/or sand). 

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Lokiparts 07/18/2018 at 11:12

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Can’t do a minivan, I need decent ride height and some type of 4WD for my job (often have to drive through sand and/or fields). 

jasmits > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 11:14

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My dad’s had a post face-lift first-gen since 2004, so it’s basically the car that I spent the latter half of my childhood in, took countless family road trips in, learned how to drive in, first vehicle I did anything resembling off-roading in(don’t tell dad about that part!) etc. He doesn’t drive a ton so it’s only at like 150,000 miles but it’s had no major issues and very few minor ones as far as I know.

I can’t speak much to how easy it is to work on as he pretty much always took it to the dealer, though I did change the oil on it once and it wasn’t tooo bad though the oil filter was in a weird spot(like behind a wheel if I recall?). Based off the engine bay I’d expect it to be a bit like any transverse-V6 Honda, not bad but still not an ideal layout.

It was a good vehicle for an active family. It’s ‘good’ at pretty much everything without being ‘great’ at anything. Drives pretty well but nothing special, good at swallowing people and things but it’s no Suburban or minivan , good in the snow, the 4WD system is actually pretty decent, it’s about as capable you’re going to find in a soft-roader and comfortable but not perfect . As an enthusiast I don’t really want one but as a family vehicle it did a good job.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 11:16

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Go grab a GX470 a nd do a conversion for less then $500-700 when they fail .

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-1st-gen-2004-2009/685807-those-who-have-converted-the-air-suspension-please-chime-in.html

jasmits > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 07/18/2018 at 11:16

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Funny, my dad has an MDX and my mom has an RX400h , I’d take the MDX over the RX any day.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > jasmits 07/18/2018 at 11:19

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I’ve always liked the concept of Hondas and Acuras but I just have never liked the end result. Always too loud and too cheap feeling. My wife has a RX350 and it’s okay but the RX400h my parents own of the same gen is fantastic.

RT > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 11:52

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Um.

Ah.

  Get a  Volvo XC90.

jasmits > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 07/18/2018 at 11:53

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I mean keep in mind that the MDX(especially in the 2005ish timeframe we’re talking about , Acura’s moved a bit more upmarket I think) was a 40k SUV and an RX400 was a 60k SUV so of course the fit/finish and materials are going to be different levels but I find the front seats/driving position in the MDX to be much more comfortable, especially on long trips , the cargo area is much larger and more useable, the visibility is way better and the nav system is more dated looking but it is way nicer to use and easier to read

Long-Voyager > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 12:04

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Tahoe’s are damn near bulletproof. Any we’ve had in the family have gone well over 200k without major issue.

Honestly, a minivan with good tires will go anywhere either of the CUVs you listed will go.

Source: I take my minivan places most 4x4s shy away from.

Long-Voyager > and 100 more 07/18/2018 at 12:08

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Honestly, stow-n-go is part of the reason I won’t buy a new Caravan. I hate it.

I much prefer my van’s layout. I can haul lumber and such under the seats while still having 7 passengers. I can swap seats around if I need more cargo space, I can remove them completely for large loads,  and it keeps my van light.

and 100 more > Long-Voyager 07/18/2018 at 12:12

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You have a hot take! Why do you hate it?

Long-Voyager > and 100 more 07/18/2018 at 12:17

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1. It’s uncomfortable.

2. I requires giving up seating to be useful.

3. It adds 800+lbs of useless weight.

Lokiparts > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 12:28

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Tahoe drivetrains are nearly indestructible. However t h e i r electrical components tend to fail with great frequency, and often in bizarre ways. This is from first hand experience with my own Tahoe, and through second hand experience of several friends and family members who a l s o own Tahoes and Suburbans, ranging from ‘04-’13 models t h a t have all had v a r i o u s electrical issues.

Under_Score > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 14:17

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I realized that when I started looking for you. However, if you can find one, the Veracruz is a good bet.

Under_Score > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/18/2018 at 15:26

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I don’t know where you are , but excellent example.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/741597612/overview/