New SUV Owner

[vaff3]

Well, new for me at least...The kids keep growing; too bad the car doesn't.  I traded in my 00 Acura EL for an 01 Acura MDX.  It's a big step up in terms of size and fuel consumption; hopefully it'll be as bulletproof as my EL.

Anything, generally, that you like or dislike, with driving an SUV instead of a sedan?  Would you say a SUV is reliable as a sedan?  Any general "cost of ownership" things to be aware of, beyond fuel consumption?

Thanks

[kardood69]

I doubt there's any real ownership difference between an EL and the MDX, as the MDX is car-based SUV.    Mechanically, it's really a beefed up car that's a little higher and heavier.    AWD has more going on, so more to break/go wrong, but I would imagine the Honda AWD is pretty reliable.

[mmorriso]

big, expensive tires.  more oil to change in bigger engine.  awd maintenence.  premium fuel?

...all very acceptable trade-offs to accomodate your growing needs.

have fun!

[initial_D]

I've both, SUV and sedan. fuel and tire cost are the two biggies in term of operating cost. Insurance, car wash expenses are slightly higher. Modern AWD system does not need any special regular maintenance, rather just check ups. 

I found the S/CUV vehicles, in the entry luxury class, are good high way cruiser, in term of comfort and interior room. They are more capable in the winter months, when equipped with proper tires. Hard to go back to regular sedans once used to an S/CUV, for me anyway.

Enjoy your new MDX, it will provide loads of automotive fun.

[vaff3]

Just took a trip with the family out to the West Coast.  I have to agree that it may be hard to go back to a sedan after taking the MDX.  We had one 11 hour day in the vehicle, on mountain highway (Crowsnest #3) and I never felt tired or cramped, and the kids had more room than they ever had before. We averaged around 27 mpg; 10L/100 km, so not bad considering the amount of climbing.  The amount of body roll still takes a bit of getting used to; perhaps a RDX would be the ticket...?

BTW; a tip of the hat for those who drive the Crowsnest in winter.  There are some crazy sections of that highway that I could not imagine driving in snow and ice!

[Honda Owner]

I agree on Highway 3, do not drive in winter unless you absolutely have to, have the best snow tires and are driving only in daylight hours. Even better is not to drive it in winter unless you really must. Same goes for most of the interior of British Columbia.

SUVs in my experience don't really roll that much more, it is just that they are so high the feeling is much more pronounced than in a passenger sedan.

[vaff3]

For some reason, our insurance went down from the EL to the MDX.  It makes no sense at all, and we're looking into it to make sure the coverage is the same. Only thing I can think of is that we hit a deer 3 years ago, but other than that we're not sure why a newer (01)SUV is cheaper than a (00)sedan.

[rzramon]

Hi Friends,
          Sedans are having better mileage then SUVS, but in SUVS you can carry more people that's approx 8-9 people where as in sedans you can carry upto 4 peoples. So in order to carry extra number of people you need make arrangement for another sedan, so as it doubles your fuel cost and expenses. With this perception SUVS or Minvans are better to opt for.

Regards,
Razor

[quadzilla]

.....but in SUVS you can carry more people that's approx 8-9 people where as in sedans you can carry upto 4 peoples.

8-9 people in a SUV? Seriously

[airbalancer]

Hi Friends,
          Sedans are having better mileage then SUVS, but in SUVS you can carry more people that's approx 8-9 people where as in sedans you can carry upto 4 peoples. So in order to carry extra number of people you need make arrangement for another sedan, so as it doubles your fuel cost and expenses. With this perception SUVS or Minvans are better to opt for.

Regards,
Razor

I guess it would depend on the vechicle

[tpl]

Do ANY SUVs have 8 or 9 seatbelts?  I thought even the really big ones ( Suburbans and Excursions) only got to 7.

[initial_D]

Seating 9? ... that is a mini bus.

[airbalancer]

Do ANY SUVs have 8 or 9 seatbelts?  I thought even the really big ones ( Suburbans and Excursions) only got to 7.

I guess it depends if the stupid 3 row has 2 or 3 seat bealt. All I know, I do want to go back there 

[ktm525]

Suburban with the front bench seat has seats and belts for 9. Front bench may only be available with the 3/4 ton though.

[initial_D]

^^ That would be a bus for sure if I ever see one ...