new suv for growing family

[BlessedOne]

Ok this may not be the correct place to post this, but I was wanting to get peoples opinions on two SUVs that I am looking into.
So if this is better suited somewhere else, then feel free to move it.

Ok I am looking into buying either the Trail Blazer EXT or the Acura MDX.

Neither are probably the most "frugal" of vehicles. But I plan on having this vehicle for a long time so I am not trying to cut corners on price...but instead just get a good vehicle that I will be happy with for a long long time.

I was wondering if anyone had experiences with either or perhaps both of them.

We are buying used, so we are getting a decent deal.

The 2004 MDX is 17K (about 25k miles)
The 2005 Trail Blazer is 15k with about the same amount of miles.

they pretty much have the same amenities.....although the blazer is still under warranty.

Just by a glance the blazer looks like a better deal, but a part of me wants the MDX over the blazer.

So any suggestions would be great.

[Knittin' in the Shade]

With 4 kids, can I ask why you're choosing SUV over minivan? When we were looking for our 4-kid family, all the SUV third rows were really akward and uncomfortable to get into. Also, the gas mileage is far better on minivans than on SUVs - DH could e xplain it all in great detail, but essentially I think it's becuase minivans are built on a car "base" whereas SUVs are built on a truck "base." With the skyrocketing cost of gas, I think that MPG should definitely be a primary concern. Also, in most cases, the minivans are superior in crash test safety and overall comfort amenities

[my2girlz]

We just traded in our 2005 GMC Envoy and got a 2005 Honda Odyssey. Definitely a lot more space with the van. The gas mileage in the SUV sucked. We only got 15/18 in that thing. In the van we get 22 with combo city/hwy driving.

One big problem was getting into the 3rd seat. We looked at the MDX and access to that seat was awful. At least in the Envoy it moved out of the way, but if you have carseats in the middle seat it's a pain.

[Jilian]

I agree that a minivan would be more practical. Gas does not look like it will be going down anytime soon. It is wise to get the best gas mileage you can, and a minivan does much better on gas. We have an '07 Honda Odyssey and get about 22 MPG city miles. We've gotten up to 25 MPG HWY miles. The Odyssey gives you the option of removing the jumper seat in the second row to create a pass through to easily get to the 3rd row.

Also, with gas prices going up so high you can barely give an SUV away these days. To say it will lose its value is an understatement. Minivans are becoming more and more desireable because of their gas mileage and space.

[shelbean91]

I'd check edmunds.com for known issues on each model for the specific year you're looking at. I thought I had a great deal on a minivan a few years back, until i found that there were major engine problems common at the mileage I was looking at (not a huge amount, either).

I also agree w/PP about minivans vs SUVs, but that wasn't your question. If you like the look of the suv, there are some minivans that look more sporty, like an suv, but get the better gas mileage, easier access, etc.

[SAHDS]

The MDX is actually a crossover, not an SUV, so you'll get a lot better MPG out of it than you will the Trailblazer. The MDX also got way better crash test ratings than the TB (which scored very poorly).

Also, have you looked at Honda Pilots? They are nearly identical to the MDX but cost quite a bit less.

Remember too, minivans have horrible resale value, while a crossover is going to hold it's value a lot better. Not that you mentioned it, but others did so I thought I'd bring that up.

[lucyem]

I would buy the Acura.
Thats based on my experience with those manufacturers. But do check edmunds.com and so forth for reviews of those model years.

[PassionateWriter]

the gas mileage on teh MDX made me pass that one up.

we ended up getting a Mercedes R Class for as good a price (its diesel and gets 28/32...at least thats what we are getting..im not sure what the "official" mpg is)....also got our car (2007, 10k miles) as CPO and still have 4 years on the warranty.

it has 3 rows and each are convenient and accessible. there are also LATCH in each 2nd and 3d row seat.

i just didnt want a mini van.

[Knittin' in the Shade]

Originally Posted by SAHDS

Remember too, minivans have horrible resale value, while a crossover is going to hold it's value a lot better. Not that you mentioned it, but others did so I thought I'd bring that up.

Horrible resale on minivans? huh? Not on the siennas or the oddyseys, that's for sure everything I've read and personal experience completely contradict what you've said - that minivans like the toyota and honda hold value FAR better than crossovers, especially moreso now with the current gas pricing.

[Aries1985]

I have an 02 Trailblazer (not EXT) and I wouldn't buy one. I've had a host of annoying issues with mine that did not start until right AFTER the warrenty was up. I got it new and while I love my car, I've had to spend at least $1,000 every summer for the last 3 years fixing things that shouldn't be happening.

I'd go for the MDX or even a Pilot because they will last much, much longer than the Trailblazer.

[Amila]

Friends of ours have a 2003 MDX and love it. We have a 2005 Honda Pilot, and also love it. Gas mileage IS a problem- we only get like 16 mpg. But it is very spacious, can seat up to 8, although only 3 carseats with room to spare. It has the best crash ratings, and has basically the same rollover ratings as the Odyssey and the Sienna.

Good luck!

[BlessedOne]

thank you all SOOOOO much for replying!

Mini van vs. SUV or crossover-
well honestly, I just do not like minivans.....even though I have 4 kids and it may be a little bit more practical.
I have actually been using my mom's 99 caravan for a year or so now and have not been too overly happy with it. I do like the extra roominess....but not all of its space is practical.....atleast not in my opinion. For instance, the back cargo area does not really have anymore space than the two vehicles that I am looking into...and cargo space is important because I recycle and haul my recycling back there. (sadly the MDX has less space than the TB EXT). I do like that I can climb in the back and shut the doors if I need to nurse or change my kids. I feel like I have adequate privacy and space. I am not sure that I would have the same feel with the two I am looking at....but I am willing to sacrifice that small perk for something I like better. Like I said, I am going to have this for a long time. We do not go out and buy vehicles every couple of years like many people. So I do not want to compromise on something that I like just for something that may have a few small perks.

Gas mileage- the MDX and minivans seem to get about the same gas mileage....I am not sure about the TB EXT.

Crash Test ratings- Actually the MDX has excellent ratings. I believe it got all 5s and only has 15% chance of a roll over. The Trail Blazer was averaging about 3-4 on ratings and had like a 21% roll over chance (if I remember all the stats correctly). I do not know vans crash test ratings.....to compare.....but honestly I really do not want a minivan. I have been using one for free for a year or so now and have not been too overly happy with it, I sure would not want to actually pay money to not be pleased (and yes I know not all minivans are the same...plus that one is pretty old).

I am not too overly fond that with the two that I am looking at that they have to have the seat bent down to get into the back. I would actually prefer two buckets in the second row and an isle in the middle but all of the vehicles outside of vans that have that are way bigger and horrible gas suckers. So I think I will manage. We did test drive the MDX from a person that we know. I will say it had some downfalls...such as less "get up and go"....but honestly I do not need much...hehehe. I just like to know it is there when I want it...lol. But the one that we test drove was 2 years old and they have increased horsepower since then.


We have been breathing down edmunds neck and all of the other sites like that and have been comparing and reading reviews. But I like to ask people their opinions directly ....not just read posts.
The MDX had great reviews for the most part. Of course there were some complaints but all things will have some of that...but nothing too bad. I think the biggest thing I saw was that it was lacking in power (which some said it had a lot of power....but I know from experience) and that during the "break in period" the brakes were noisy....but I actually really liked the braking system of the one I drove.
The Trailblazer had decent reviews too. Nothing too major of complaints (if I remember correctly).
I have never drove a Trailblazer....although I have a family member that has one....I am thinking about calling them. But they would not be able to help answer the question as to how family friendly it is...since they only have one child that does not live at home anymore. But they could tell me about how reliable it is.

I really think I am leaning towards the MDX more. It seems like it would treat me better in the long run.....even if it has a higher sticker price.


P.S. We were considering the third row Ford Explorer...but it had horrible reviews and I talked to people I know that have one and they said to run from it! hehehe

Thank you all again for your replies!

[Om Girl]

The MDX is a better buy. It will hold it's value better than a Trailblazer. Plus the safety ratings are better, but repairs could be costlier on an MDX than a Trailblazer. Also is there an Acura/import repair shop near you when you'll need repair.

The MDX is a cross-over vehicle so it's more car like. It doesn't have a super convenient 3rd row, will this be an issue for your family? Gas mileage will be better and the interior will be more luxurious than the Trailblazer. Financing on a new MDX will probably be equivalent to a used one with super low interest rates.

[gentlemango]

How long can you wait? After this winter I predict people will be practically giving their suv's away. We are trying to trade our ford in and dealerships won't even take them, it's that bad. Electricity is going to skyrocket, food costs and gas costs will be through the roof. If you can wait until spring I bet you'll save a load of money.

[BlessedOne]

I did think about a Pilot.....but for some reason my hubby just really did not want to get one.
When I first found out I was pg with number 4, I started looking into vehicles that have 3rd row. The Pilot was one of the first that I saw and for some reason I was not too overly fond of it. I can not remember why. I later found others that I liked more....such as the MDX. But had read on a review that the Pilot was very simular to the MDX but cheaper. So I told my hubby that I wanted to check into them. He looked into them (without showing me the info) and said that he did not want one....and that was that.

[PassionateWriter]

Originally Posted by BlessedOne

I am not too overly fond that with the two that I am looking at that they have to have the seat bent down to get into the back. I would actually prefer two buckets in the second row and an isle in the middle but all of the vehicles outside of vans that have that are way bigger and horrible gas suckers.

check out hte car i posted about. it has 2 buckets in the middle row and a console that is removable so you can get to the 3d row. its about the same size as a MDX and like i said, im getting great gas mileage. not trying to push it but this is something that i found very attractive w/ our car and didnt mention it in my previous post.

[MistyB]

I would go with the acura hands down. More fuel efficient, will retain it value over time. I am still firmly in the "I will NEVER drive a mini-van" camp. I have a small cross over SUV and love it.

[BlessedOne]

Originally Posted by Om Girl

The MDX is a better buy. It will hold it's value better than a Trailblazer. Plus the safety ratings are better, but repairs could be costlier on an MDX than a Trailblazer. Also is there an Acura/import repair shop near you when you'll need repair.

The MDX is a cross-over vehicle so it's more car like. It doesn't have a super convenient 3rd row, will this be an issue for your family? Gas mileage will be better and the interior will be more luxurious than the Trailblazer. Financing on a new MDX will probably be equivalent to a used one with super low interest rates.

yes there is one about an hr away

I will probably have older kids in back....they can make it anywhere...lol..........I should have taken all my kids when we test drove the MDX.
duh....

[BlessedOne]

Originally Posted by gentlemango

How long can you wait? After this winter I predict people will be practically giving their suv's away. We are trying to trade our ford in and dealerships won't even take them, it's that bad. Electricity is going to skyrocket, food costs and gas costs will be through the roof. If you can wait until spring I bet you'll save a load of money.

I could wait longer but I really do not want to. I have been using someone else's vehicle for a year now.

[BlessedOne]

Originally Posted by PassionateWriter

check out hte car i posted about. it has 2 buckets in the middle row and a console that is removable so you can get to the 3d row. its about the same size as a MDX and like i said, im getting great gas mileage. not trying to push it but this is something that i found very attractive w/ our car and didnt mention it in my previous post.

the mercedes? Is it the boxy suv?