crazymjb

Newton is different...I'll say, this is the most spoiled, overpriced city on the east coast... Eitherway, there is definatly a large price gap of at least 5k, probably closer to 8 or 9 when all is said and done. The thing is my mother decided to ride out the warranty on the van and get it 100% paid off before trading it. And with that time period through she will have saved up enough money for the MDX. I do not want to completly rule out the subaru, but I would say the odds are currently with the MDX, though my mother tends to waffle. I like both cars very much, however, my father told me today I would be registered as an occasional driver in both cars(got my permit today), and frankly, if I can somehow convince my mom to spend more money on, not neccessarily a nicer car, as subaru makes a great car, but something that is a little bigger with more power and toys, I am going to go for it(id again prefer an STI, but mom wont go for that) I also want to add that I am a good customer to home depot, frequently buying plywood, metal, and 2X4s, which the van has served well. I also have a large air compressor and a few full sized coffins(halloween animatronics I built, can be seen here: http://media.putfile.com/MOV0086188 ) that occasionally need to be moved around. I will keep you guys updated Mike

Acura I believe will overtake sales of the RX330(overpriced underpowered peice of...) with there new RDX. At 35k its loaded with better everything than the RX except no turning headlights or power liftgate(to my knowledge), and its making 240/260 with SH-AWD. As for the MDX the refresher will hopefully have HIDs, and a better nav and sound system(off the RL and TL). Now there is just a 8 month wait until they bring it to the floor... Mike

Thanks, if I ever get my licence(!@#$%^& SSA hasnt sent my card yet, expecting it by tommorow. Subarus are great cars(though my heart lies with Acura) and I would not mind an STI for my first car(not gonna happen). As of pricing right now we were looking at about 32 for the subaru and 38ish for the MDX, though I recently learned that there is a 90% chance of an MDX refresh(not full redesign) for the mid-end of this year, so that will probably drive the price up a little. Thanks again, Mike

It turns out we will likely not be getting a subaru. I don't mean to sound attack subarus in anyway, but am happy that we will be getting an 06(or 07 if its a redesign) MDX with touring and navigation for about 5-7 more than we planned to spend on the VDC Limited. We looked into the subes more but found out they were too small for what we needed them for(family of 5 and a labrador, likely soon to be 2) and my mother really likes my fathers TL and her friends MDXs. I would like to thank everyone here for the good information and kind attitudes(some of these other forums are !@#$ing shooting galleries!) Mike

Screw the starter I dont want to be a human marshmellow. Stopping for gas maby acounts for 10% of starter usage, and starters don't work as well cooked(yes they have some plastic inside, I have rebuilt a few).

I agree with Loyale, If it is OBDII then the sensor after the cat could be reading that there is too much O2(since some of the CO is leaking out) and telling the engine to run richer. Is the engine shaking at all during idle?

I think I know what you are getting at. All I know is the h1 at 140k should be able to do that

dunno if this was said but could you pul the passenger seatbelt over?

Id get a jeep before an H2 or H3, however I do plan on one day owning an H1, and though I have to say I personally would probably not buy myself a subaru, except maybe an STI. I don't have anything against them. I see the H2 and H3 as poser mobiles, for people who want something to boost there ego thats really not that capable and relativly cheap. The H1 I see as more of a "serious" vehicle that actually has both bark and bite. Also note I would not use it as a daily driver, I, unlike most, would actually take it off roading on the weekends and use it when we get 3+ feet of snow. As far as Price wise I agree, we are looking at the 3.0R VDC limited with an MSRP around 36-37, for that reason we are concidering waiting to see if there is an MDX redesign for the end of 06(or 07 model year). Also I would say you have a lot of play power with your parents as if they want the H3 for a family car they probably have no clue what they are talking about(like mine). As far as off road ability I would take a wrangler of an H3 in a second(with its leafsprings underpowered engine). Just my 2 cence.

How much do bearing varie from car to car? In school we replaced a set(just for learning purposes) on a rear axle which I believe was from an older saturn. All we needed was a set of open ended and ratchet wrenches, a pipe wrench(big rump roast plyers), and some WD-40. Note: If the setup was like the one on the car we did once you tighten down the spindle nut pull it back a quarter turn or the bearings will fry.

4 runner is GX470s poor twin, right?

Iq thingies is good cause you can pocket it. My grandparents but a roadmate and they have to take it down when they park(someone will break your window for it in a second), it also vibrates a ton when driving and leaves marks on the windshield. Your best bet would probably be to replace the stock radio too. I recomend alpine, good audio and navi(we have an OEM alpine system in our 05 TL).

My mom likes to drive fast :shrug:

I would first recomend wearing the thing, but since its clear that isnt an option, just get an extra belt buck from a junkyard. Most accidents occur close to home or work

H3 screams poser if your parents want it for a family car, though I would still take it over the forester. Sorry if I missed this, but why not recomend the tribecca, or a high end outback? I personnaly strive to one day own an H1, I absolutly love that thing. If they are in the market for a small SUV here is what I would recomend( * show favorites). I exluded the Land Rover series, though I like them, they arent too reliable, and I don't know too much about them. Small: 1. Acura RDX(07)******** 2. Lexus RX330******* 3. Jeep liberty** 4. Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner*** 5. Infiniti FX35****** 6. Chevrolet Equinox* 7. Chrysler Pacifica**** 8. Subaru B9 Tribecca***** Mid Size: 1. Jeep Grand Cherokee*** 2. Infinity Q45** 3. Chevrolet Trailblazer(ss is fun)**** 4. For Explorer/Mercury Mountaneer/Lincoln Aviator* 5. Acura MDX***** Large: 1. Jeep Commander**** 2. Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator** 3. Chevrolet Tahoe*** 4. Hummer H3* 5. Infinity QX56****** 6. Lexus GX470***** Supersized: 1. Chevrolet Suburban*** 2. Ford Excursion** 3. Hummer H1 Alpha**** 4. Hummer H2* This is just my slightly educated opinion