[Juballharshaw]

Alright, so I know I made a thread like this a while ago, but I wanted a fresh one with a poll.

I've decided to sell my RSX for a number of reasons (commuting in stop and go traffic with a clutch sucks, want 4wd/awd for snow/ice and a want a bigger car to haul things in if need be).

I've narrowed my choices down to two vehicles, both used.

A '98-'03 Toyota 4Runner or an '02-04 Acura MDX.

The 4Runner is truck based and has high and low 4wd gearing in case I need it comes with leather and will run forever like almost all Toyota trucks.

The MDX has far more creature comforts, better looks IMO, but lacks low 4wd gearing (though gets 17/23 mpg vs the 4Runner's 15/1.

I don't go off-roading and if we end up getting a blizzard with 3+ feet again, I'm not really going to be driving around in it.

For reference I live on the south end of Denver so while snow isn't uncommon, it's not an every day/week sort of thing. (We're getting 1-4" about every 9 days or so.)

[gB dAvId x]

'02-04 Acura MDX

[smirnoff]

I'd have to agree about the looks. I too prefer the MDX, but that's not to say that either is good looking, cause they aren't.

If it had to be one of the two I'd go with the 4runner.

But for the needs you descibed I'd consider getting a Subaru wagon of the same year as a superior option. Good and reliable, awd, cargo room, and much better milage.

[SoulAssassin]

Edit: NM. Forgot about the stop/go traffic. Get the MDX but the Subaru's have become popular around here for the AWD.

[ninefivezero]

I have a 2001 4Runner and love it. Of course I went through the same pros/cons you listed, and in the end it came down to the fact I like and trust Toyota, I believe the cargo areas is larger, and, well.... the MDX is for 30 year old Asian men.

[sims]

Before actually even clicking you’re thread, I was preparing to write “I think you forgot the 4 runner” and then voting for that had you not had it on you’re list already, so I think you know where my vote goes.

I will however provide you as unbiased opinion possible.

Both would be spectacular vehicles. The 4 Runner is much more rugged and will hold up to abuse much better, but if you don’t off road it(which is incredibly fun by the way) the MDX is going to be extremely reliable anyways unless you get a lemon. Honda’s are a little pickier about maintenance, but assuming you’re not and idiot and follow the basic’s you shouldn’t ever have a problem for every day use. Its just that 4 runner will take an ungodly amount of abuse. When I first got my Hilux(Diesel 4runner) I was pretty gentle with it when I went off road, but the last few times I’ve taken it to our floodway and seriously thrashed the shit out of it and so far the biggest problem I;ve had to deal with on my 15 year old Hilux is an oil leak when its colder then -35C. My friend comes and does the same thing with me on his 93 taco with 230K on it, it leaks some oil...

The 4 runner is a pretty heavy duty truck, it will be way better for any truck like purposes, like hauling large shit, offroading, taking abuse, getting around in crazy 3+ feet plus blizzards, etc. if maintained properly from new, you could honestly get 25 years out of one if you took care of it.

The MDX will still be damn good at above mentioned things, but it’s going to be a lot more luxurious, have more safety features, more creature comforts , smoother and overall more civilized, it should easily hold up for 15+ years if taken care of from new.

From the sounds of it, the MDX is probably more suited to what you’re after. A 99-00 4 runner is a fair bit cheaper then an 02 MDX though, aren’t they?

Fiddy does has a point though. I Don’t think you’re a 30 year old asian man.

[Scooby]

I agree with everything Sims said. I honestly think if you were to test drive both for a day, he 4runner would be the easy pick.

[Juballharshaw]

Originally Posted by sims

The 4 runner is a pretty heavy duty truck, it will be way better for any truck like purposes, like hauling large shit, offroading, taking abuse, getting around in crazy 3+ feet plus blizzards, etc. if maintained properly from new, you could honestly get 25 years out of one if you took care of it.

The MDX will still be damn good at above mentioned things, but it’s going to be a lot more luxurious, have more safety features, more creature comforts , smoother and overall more civilized, it should easily hold up for 15+ years if taken care of from new.

From the sounds of it, the MDX is probably more suited to what you’re after. A 99-00 4 runner is a fair bit cheaper then an 02 MDX though, aren’t they?

Fiddy does has a point though. I Don’t think you’re a 30 year old asian man.

The 4Runner is about 1-2k cheaper for a 1-3 year old model. If I was doing crazy off-roading stuff, this would be a no brainer and the 4Runner would win hands down. But, I live in Suburbia and will be the first to admit I'm a quasi-yuppy. (Don't quite have the professional thing down yet. ) Plus, supposedly the MDX handles snow incredibly and will plow through 4+ feet with studded tires.

As for the 30 y/o Asian thing, I wouldn't know. I left LA 3 years ago and Colorado seems to be 0.0000000001% Asian, if that.

Scooby, I'm going to test drive both of them before I make a final decision. Though if the 4Runner is anything like the 00 Camry and 91 4Runner that the TheDarkseed had it'll feel funky driving.

ninefivezero, Subbies are really popular around here too. Unfortunately I think they're old lady cars unless it's a WRX which as fun as it would be are incredibly hard to find in not manuals (for good reason) or have been abused to all hell by some teenaged. One day though, a WRX might be in my driveway.

[sims]

Originally Posted by Juballharshaw

The 4Runner is about 1-2k cheaper for a 1-3 year old model. If I was doing crazy off-roading stuff, this would be a no brainer and the 4Runner would win hands down. But, I live in Suburbia and will be the first to admit I'm a quasi-yuppy. (Don't quite have the professional thing down yet. ) Plus, supposedly the MDX handles snow incredibly and will plow through 4+ feet with studded tires.

I live in Suburbia and I'm a banker, what do you think people think when they see me driving a lifted 4 runner that sound like a bus and has a steering wheel on the wrong side. :laughing:

I'm don't doubt the MDX is a solid winter ride, i'm just very confident a 4runner would be superior, but that doesn't mean necessary.

Originally Posted by Juballharshaw

Scooby, I'm going to test drive both of them before I make a final decision. Though if the 4Runner is anything like the 00 Camry and 91 4Runner that the TheDarkseed had it'll feel funky driving.

You'll probably like the MDX more. A 4 runner is pretty basic and feels pretty run of the mile, but its plan and basic for a purpose. I honestly don't doubt it could last 25 years if taken care of. You don't buy a toyota because its fun, you buy it for its value and reliability and in this case capability and durability if you need it. And MDX is still a great SUV, and the better gas mileage will be nice.

I would still personally prefer a 4runner, but its exactly what I'm looking for in an SUV, in almost any other case I would take the Honda alternative. Toyota hasn't made a fun car in over a decade. The same can't be said with Lexus VS acura though :P

[Scooby]

Ah, well coming from a '74 blazer, driving a 4runner felt very good

I don't want my truck to drive like my galant

[ninefivezero]

Originally Posted by Juballharshaw

ninefivezero, Subbies are really popular around here too. Unfortunately I think they're old lady cars unless it's a WRX which as fun as it would be are incredibly hard to find in not manuals (for good reason) or have been abused to all hell by some teenaged. One day though, a WRX might be in my driveway.

Yah, I thought about getting an Outback myself for a bit. It is a bit more reasonable as a daily driver (in terms of gas) but I just couldn't do it. EVERYONE drives an Outback in Seattle! I mean shit, my brother, and BOTH sisters have Outbacks

(great cars btw)

[smirnoff]

If you don't want your Subaru to look like an old lady car just but put some manly stuff on the roof rack. A moose carcass and kayak or something.

[Juballharshaw]

But then I'll look Canadian which would be worse than looking like an old lady!

[super_Chris]

I've heard good things about both vehicles. I've heard the Acura is more of a car, turns better, less body roll. The Toyota is more of a truck, easier to work on, less crap breaking, better off road, and probably(completely opinion) will last longer. Personally I'd get the Toyota.

[smirnoff]

Originally Posted by Juballharshaw

But then I'll look Canadian which would be worse than looking like an old lady!

[gB dAvId x]

Originally Posted by super_Chris

I've heard good things about both vehicles. I've heard the Acura is more of a car, turns better, less body roll. The Toyota is more of a truck, easier to work on, less crap breaking, better off road, and probably(completely opinion) will last longer. Personally I'd get the Toyota.

Remember your opinion is worthless cause your a smoker j/k j/k

[MSP]

I voted MDX, just because it would better suit my needs. Isn't the gas mileage better too? Both are great vehicles, so you really can't go wrong.

[Juballharshaw]

I've pretty much decided on the MDX at this point mostly because if I wanted a basic SUV I'd get a 4Runner. (It would be great if Honda made a basic SUV that didn't look like ass and came with a V6) Plus as MSP said, the higher MPG will help in commuting. Ideally an RDX would be a nice upgrade because it's smaller and sportier but it's out of my price range atm.

I've got my eye on an '04 that's a few thousand under blue book in my area, I just need to get my RSX sold.

Thanks for your input all.

[super_Chris]

Originally Posted by gB dAvId x

Remember your opinion is worthless cause your a smoker j/k j/k

LOL *insert random acronym*

Originally Posted by Juballharshaw

I've pretty much decided on the MDX at this point mostly because if I wanted a basic SUV I'd get a 4Runner. (It would be great if Honda made a basic SUV that didn't look like ass and came with a V6) Plus as MSP said, the higher MPG will help in commuting. Ideally an RDX would be a nice upgrade because it's smaller and sportier but it's out of my price range atm.

I've got my eye on an '04 that's a few thousand under blue book in my area, I just need to get my RSX sold.

Thanks for your input all.

Wasn't my first choice, but to be honest, your two choices were still good. You can't go wrong with a Honda or a Toyota.

[Juballharshaw]

Alright so just to make things more difficult the 2005 Legacy GT (Automatic with the 250hp Turbo) dropped below 15k.

So, I guess the choice is getting a SUV that drives like a sedan or a sedan that wants to be a SUV.