Easy decision? I think not...
 

So, Im on the "other" side of the see-saw today, and have decided that the BMW X5 is just "too good" for me. There are way too many things this thing does, that I will probably NEVER use. Not to mention I have a 6 year old with friends-nuff said.

So, where do I need to go? A little smaller maybe, and a little more fuel efficient preferably. I've had the MDX in the corner of my eye for years. Relatively inexpensive, decent mpg, 3rd row seating for midgets, and reliable. So, its simple, right? Wrong. Of all the "conveniences" of the X5, I thought to myself, what would be important in my next ride?!

360 different models and trims of Sport Utility Vehicles are currently on the market....TWO that I know of have REAR RECLINING SEATS!!

The BMW X5, and the Honda Pilot. Please tell me I am missing something here. I was told that the GX has them, but havent found any proof, and Id be going the wrong way on the price AND the efficiency. ALl have stationary seat backs. WTF?!?!?!:confused:

my parents have an MDX and i think the rear seats are the most umcomfortable seats i've ever been in. not that ur gonna be back there much, but u might get a lot of complaining from the 6 year old.

Do you mean the second, or third row? I love MDX's, but the seating thing for me is very important. So DOES the second row recline at all? IMO the 3rd row would only be 4 emergency last minute seating. If the second row reclines, then it would be OK for me. Cheers!

The price differential between those others and an X3, X5 3.0 or even a 4.4 is so negligable in my mind that I would have a hard time not just downgrading to a 3.0 or even an X3.

bozo, while I admire your thoughts you are going to lose a lot of $$$ trading in your X5. The $$$ you lose, plus the purchase price of the used vehicle (plus any automatic depreciation once you drive it off the lot) really makes an idea like this not worth it. Just my $.02, I understand your situation.

Why not buy a 'beater'? :) I drive a Pontiac around the city and it's perfect for the traffic and commute. It sips 87 and gets 30mpg on the highway.

i don't think any of the rear seats are comfortable. i've sat in both during 2-3 hour drives. it is not fun. i don't believe either row of seats recline. :dunno: i'll have to check that out.

Thanks for all your inputs, guys...Hey Chris, no money lost, just a class level (or two). LOL..If I buy and sell over here, I usually MAKE money on the sale. (Short supply + high demand = $$$.) However, if I ship it back to the US, I dont know if I would stand to make (or lose) the same amount of $$$ on the sale. I mean, hell, I even thought about just getting an E90 here, and getting a minivan when I get back. (Jan-Feb 2006.)

The problem is, Ive come to realize Im paying more for things that are either a) irrelevant to me, (i.e., Trip Computer, Bluetooth, etc.) or,
b) I would abuse. (i.e., Plush leather seats, Dual climate control, etc)

Just browsing around the i-net. I see an abundance of 2002+ MDX's for less than 30 grand that pretty much all have less than 40K miles on the clock. I just think at this point in life, that would be more practical..BUT NOT WITHOUT RECLINING REAR SEATS DAMMIT!! :bustingup:...IM SERIOUS!

Ahhhh I gotcha. I forgot about overseas sales. Fair enough :thumbup:

From the Lexus website regarding the GX....
Adaptable Seating
The GX allows itself to conform to most any need, thanks to a highly intelligent seating configuration. First, there’s a 60/40-split folding/reclining second-row seat. There’s also an optional third-row seating package that includes rear air conditioning, bringing the total passenger capacity to eight.

So this is really more about the third seat than anything else?
 

I have been in that back seat for 30 miles from Providence to Boston...at 5'10 195 lbs....I was counting the miles until we got to the city...it was aweful...if I am 4'5 and 70 pound I might have found it fun but it was torture.

Acura does make a nice ride and the MDX was also a consideration for me before I found a great buy on an 01..From a cash flow perspective how much to you really think that your going to save each month by flipping the vehicle and getting the extra row?