So, I think we have decided on a new vehicle
The Accord has racked up 330K and, while still dead reliable, it is showing its age. We will hang on to the Accord for the time being and use it for in-town (Toronto) duties.
We are looking for something that is comfortable, has style, is reliable, has room for stuff, and AWD for less than $20K. Just kidding about the last part. We decided on an SUV/crossover type vehicle and started test driving just about everything:
07 and 05 4Runner – liked the style, utility, capability, but not the overall size (too high for our garage)
07 Highlander – like it from the outside, but the inside is quite dated. Just didn’t do it for us, but primarily from a styling perspective
07 Rav4 – rented this for a week in Florida. Likely has enough room, but the interior is bland and road noise was unacceptable.
07 and 04 Pathy – liked it quite a bit, but the 07 rear seats don’t actually fold flat, so that was a complete deal breaker. The 04 did feel comfortable enough and the trucky ride was pronounced
07 Pilot – not inspiring
07 CRV – too small
07 Acura RDX – too small and there is something about the styling that appears off. Its ass is too big for its wheels and it looks bottom heavy
07 LR2 – liked it quite a bit, but my wife didn’t like the ride
07 X3 – loved the ride and handling, nicely appointed, but you pay for it. And pay, and pay.
06 Jeep GC – liked the ride, and with some options, it is a really sharp vehicle. However, the 4.7 is not particularly stirring, and the Hemi is just too much. The CRD was a consideration, but the premium they are asking would pay for a lot of fuel.
07 Explorer Limited – took this as a rental for a few days. Quite liked the ride (sedate) but the seating position was weird and didn’t quite fit me.
07 GMC Acadia – quite liked this vehicle. Nicely appointed, really quiet, nice road manners. However, it is huge and won’t fit into the garage.
07 Santa Fe - my wife said no. 'nuff said.
So, it looks like we have narrowed it down to an MDX. Since I don’t love the styling of the 07s (what is it with “the shield”?) and it is damn pricey, I think we are aiming for a 2004 to 2006 vehicle. 2005 appears to be the best bet at this point. We test drove an 04, and were pleased with the comfort, quiet ride, decent performance, and roominess.
I am looking to put this to bed by year’s end, so there will be some shopping to do in the next while. There is also the matter of US vs. Canadian sourcing, and I will have to make a decision on pros and cons on that issue too.
Any ownership experiences (MD?) or other comments?
