tomkirklan

iTrader: (2)

I have a pristine CPO 06 LS430 with 65,000 that I drive maybe 4 times a month. I am getting ready to start a new job and will be driving a lot more and will be required to carry equipment occasionally. I'm thinking of trading in the LS for a CPO 2010 Acura MDX with 20,000. I'm curious if anyone has driven both of these vehicles for an extended period of time that can give me their opinion on the comfort and versatility of both?

Thank you,
Tom

JasonRN87

Just curious (as I personally have not), have you test driven any of the Lexus suvs?

GLIDESUL

In my case I have a ul and trunk space is limited. So we traded our merc c300 in for a rx350 awd so we can go out with fam and stroller and still have room for shopping. The mdx is a nice choice with awd and third seat standard I think, plus the styling looks modern. I didn't answer your question but the ls should have enough space depending on what you'll be lugging along with you while working on new job.

caddyowner

My late father-in-law used to run field service for a European optical firm in the U.S. back in the 1970s. He bemoaned the company's decision to replace their Ford sedans with station wagons. They didn't gain much more storage space and the open storage area was an invitation for thieves in the large cities where their customers were located. A big TV lens still looked like something worth stealing even if there was a blanket thrown over it.

One of my neighbors manages sales of industrial cutters (read diamonds) and they use non-descript Ford Taurus sedans. Granted, it takes him quite a while to fully unload that large trunk to take the car on a weekend family trip.

I drive about 25K miles a year on my commute and much prefer driving my LS to any SUV or crossover I've owned or leased. Plus, the LS provides me with better MPG. Unless I was carrying some really large cargo, I'd use the large LS trunk to my advantage.

Joe Cat

i just bought and sold the top tech package mdx- i hated it- seriously uncomfortable and NO padding in the seat - I will go a step further and tell you i sold my ls460 to buy a ls430. didnt like that toyota camry feel of the ls460

joe Cat

Jabberwock

I know this isn't specific to MDX but as a former Acura owner (2 RLs) I second the caution to beware of the traditional Acura super hard seating surface.

I had to sell my last RL primarily because my wife could not sit in it for more than 30 minutes without getting a sore butt.

LS430 seats aren't perfect but they are much more comfortable than an RL.

AlexusAnja

I'm your man, I have an '04 LS430 CL and a '10 MDX base. Both are very different vehicles and don't know where to start and what to tell you. Is there anything specific you want to know?

I'm just curious why the MDX? You really need room, or you just want something bigger? I have three kids and I've found that I'm flipping easily between LS430 or MDX when going on trips.

Anyway, drop me PM if you want with any specific questions.

LS430Man

The LS430 is a real gem of a car, and it sounds like you've got a nice one. I would really think twice about selling the LS430, you could regret it. Like the other person said, why the MDX? Have you considered the Lexus RX? I recommend checking out the RX, its smaller than the MDX, but still a decent sized vehicle, and its within the Lexus family, so chances are, if you do decide to trade in your LS430, it'll be an easier adjustment. Just my thoughts, but ultimately, it's up to you. Good luck.

AlexusAnja

Having owned the MDX for a while now, and driven the RX350 as loaner a few times, I actually like the MDX better. It seems quieter, the materials better, and I like the symetrical dash layout, instead of the "pilot" look of the RX.

The bigger size I feel is a plus when having kids.

The only "plus" I give to the RX350, the push start. That's neat coupled with the true keyless entry.

warminwisc

I think i an attempt to make the RX drive more like a car Lexus made the suspension too soft in my opinion. You sit higher of course and it was too spongy and nose divey to me around corners. I bet the MDX is better in that regard.

dubsta1

You'll get better mpg from the LS

AlexusAnja

I'm comparing my '99RX to '10MDX, so that's 11 years of advancement, but the SH-AWD is really super and it really does feel like you're driving on rails. The handling is far superior to my '99 and even the RX350 I feel.


Oh, that's for sure. I get 26 highway with LS, lucky to get 22 in MDX in same conditions. Hey, what do you expect, one is shaped like a bullet, the other a fancy mailbox.