Merc or Honda?

[Dottore]

Anyone have any experience with either the new Mercedes M320 Diesel or the new Acura MDX?

We are replacing my wife's Highlander and seem to have narrowed the field to these two. Optioned as we like them, they're both a similar price. I like the Diesel in the Merc, but the Acura is much nicer to drive, and generally feels like the better car.

The wife is happy with either one.

What say you?

[Dantilla]

I thought this might be about outboard motors. Oops.

[Komenda Fan]

No experience with either, but just a thought...you are looking at two vehicles that are on opposite ends of the reliability scale. I remember when Merc was at the top, but that certainly isn't the case anymore. For my money, that's important to remember.

[legion]

Evinrude.

[Dottore]

Originally posted by Komenda Fan
No experience with either, but just a thought...you are looking at two vehicles that are on opposite ends of the reliability scale. I remember when Merc was at the top, but that certainly isn't the case anymore. For my money, that's important to remember.

I was under the impression that the new generation M-class was very good - particularly with the diesel - but would be interested in comments.

[911teo]

I would go for the diesel.

[osidak]

while i favor diesels MB quality tanked and it is still pretty much sitting firmly there.

electrical systems are horrible in all of them.

go jap

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by Dantilla
I thought this might be about outboard motors. Oops.

LOL, that is exactly what I thought when I saw the title to the thread. Either way I would still go with the honda.

[williecoyote]

Car & Driver did a recent comparo on SUVs. The MB was down the list a ways due to reliability issues. I don't know if it was the diesel or gas. The Acura was the top finisher on their list fwiw.
Since it is for the wifey, I'd lean toward the gas burner.

[Tobra]

If you get the MDX, you won't ever regret it, or that is what my sister would tell you 2 years after buying one. Can't truthfully say that about the MB

[ChemMan]

Maybe check out Benzworld. I am sure someone over there was a ML320 diesel.

[unimog406]

how is the reliability of the merc nowadays?

[tdatk]

Johnson seahorse

[Dottore]

Many thanks for all the replies esp. the tip re benzworld. Seems to me there are a lot of unhappy Merc SUV owners out there! Ouch!

[nota]

spend the downpayment on a good 80's 300td wagon
get one as low mile and unrustie one as you can
the newer M B look like a miniVAN
unless you go offroad in that case get a jeep

[gas] Sucking Useless V's are so 15 minites ago
and a good 300td will retain it's value long term

[billyboy]

Johnson seahorse

I thought this might be about outboard motors. Oops.

Fisher Pierce Bearcat 55 hp. 4 stroke