SUV thoughts
 

Anyone have any experience with the new MDXs, Q7s or xc90s. I think it is time to replace our old mdx. Things like "well known transmission issues" would be good to know prior to a purchase decision. TIA

How about the new Honda Pilot?

Or (not an SUV, exactly) the Flex?

I see the Pilot and the MDX as basically the same mechanically, I'd go MDX for the upgraded materials and SH AWD

I haven't looked at a Flex, mostly because every experience I've had with Ford vehicles have been miserable. Granted they were mostly rentals, from V6 Mustangs to previous Gen Focuses, but the ergonomics are sh*t the driving feel is zero and they have more lawyer induced bells, dings, stickers and menus than I have interest in living with. The new Explorer is nice looking, but I just can't imagine it living up to its looks.

I am going to check out the CX-9 though.

what exactly are the differences among the Flex, the Explorer and the Edge?

it's confusing to me that they sell all three.

Flex--minivan substitute. Low ground clearance. Three rows.

Explorer--SUV. Three rows, highish ground clearance.

Edge--smaller SUV. Only two rows.

Honestly, it makes just as much sense as Toyotas lineup. As between the Flex and Explorer, which to buy is basically down to styling preference--and, for people on this board, the Flex is the only one of the three that has the 3.5TT engine.

But back to Josh's question--I wouldn't buy a Geely/Volvo. The Q7 is appealing, sort of, but its powertrain options seem overmatched by its girth, and holy crap it's big.

Of that group, I'd probably go with the MDX, but why not an X5?

Oh. I was just asking if they used the same chassis or if they are mechanically different.

The X5 seems stupid expensive the way I would option iit, the 3rd row is silly small and irrationally feels a little too nice to be sh*ted up by my kids. I will do a look for a used diesel, but my guess is pickings are slim.

Why would you steer clear of the Volvo?

Is the Audi that much less expensive? I thought they all priced out about the same--50K plus for the three row, lightly loaded version.

My anti Volvo feeling is probably irrational, but I feel like there will be a pretty steep learning curve for Geely in figuring out how to run Volvo and I wouldn't want to be part of that experiment. Also, the XC90 is near end of life and has really, really small third row seats.

How about an Acadia/Enclave? My sister in law has an outlook thattheyve been nothing but happy with, and it's been pretty solid in terms of reliability.