rai

While back I had posted a thread about 2014 MDX we were considering, top of the line was what we were looking at $55,400 with best deal I could find which was $2k discount.

We decided to wait a bit for better deal, but in the meantime I looked at the 2014 Santa Fe limited awd with technology package same or similar size and power, the limited has a second row captains chair for 2,2,2 seating.

There is also a lower level version with the conventional second row, few less features but with options almost the same features as limited minus Hid lights.

But we liked the Hyundai Santa Fe has about 95% of the Acura features for 80% of the price, looks like $38k loaded.

If we back out the MDX Advance package to just technology package same or similar features to Santa Fe we'd be at $46k

So an. $8k bump to get the Acura.

Any thoughts? We like both but saving $8k does not suck and Hyundai has feature like heated steering wheel and parking sensors not on MDX with technology.

We prefer MDX with Advance but not sure I can justify $17 difference, plus we are looking for a new car for daughter next year that $17k or $8k could go a ways towards that next car.

rai

Here is a mini review comparison of the two cars:

http://portlandtribune.com/pt/11-fea...-for-the-money

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

The Santa Fe is a compelling vehicle. Great stats and good value. I personally don't believe the quality is "there yet" though, as some Hyundai's are still teething through fluff.

Chocolate

That's not even a question. Just for the mediocre reliability for the Santa Fe, between those two, get the MDX. Also keep in mind how the resale on the Hyundai will compare.

rai

Saigax,

Not sure I understand your reply? Are you saying the new MDX is more reliable than the Santa Fe? I have read many problems with the 2014 MDX (too new to say how reliable it will be) but has a recall 'do not sell' report on all awd MDX. I have a 07 MDX and it has had many recalls as well.

I also see reports of Hyundai having very good resale value as well as Santa Fe in particular having great resale value, and if starting at $8k cheaper it should cost less to buy and lose less overall money.

http://www.realcartips.com/news/0759...le-value.shtml

https://www.alg.com/insights/residual-value-awards/

stlgrym3

iTrader: (4)

for what it worth, Motortrend did rate Santa Fe over the new MDX in the '14 SUV of the Year contest. MDX didn't even crack the finalist round.

Chocolate

For what it's worth:

Cheapest 2010 Santa Fes in the country: Around 10,000 dollars.

Cheapest 2010 Acura MDXs in the country (similar mileage): Around 20,000 dollars. That's more than the difference in sale price.

I have several magazine subscriptions, including Car and Driver and Motor Trend. They are light entertainment; comparison tests are not serious buying advice and often contradictory, even within the same publication.

Chocolate

The Volkswagen Passat is the 2012 Motor Trend car of the year. Not sure I agree with that as the most remarkable car of 2012.

rai

The 2014 Santa Fe limited replaced the Veracruse so not sure you can look at the cheapest 2010 Santa Fe also the limited is 95% content and specs as MDX

Maybe you should look at 2010 Santa Fe vs. 2010 CRV

The cheapest Veracruse is more like $16000

pbm317

Well, this isn't worth much. Santa Fe (and most Hyundai's) make some pretty dramatic leaps from generation to generation. Entirely unfair to look at the 2010 values. And even then you'd need to look at how far apart the median selling prices were for the respective 2010 models. This is a terrible data point to use.

rai

My point being the 2010 Santa Fe was probably more like the size features of a Rav4 now the new Santa Fe limited is a full on MDX clone only comes with 290hp V6 same full size in and out as the MDX

keyframe13

You must be joking. Acura is one of the most reliable autos on the market and it holds the value like a luxury brand.
Hyundai on the other hand depreciates as fast as american cars. Just like other states, go on autotrader and see the real value comparing 2-3 years old vehicles.
This comparison is apple with oranges anyway. It's not like you compare two luxury brands. Acura will always hold the value better. I think in the long run you will lose more money when you'll trade it your Hyundai than you are trying to save right now at the purchase moment.

LexBob2

I agree. Looking at the recent Consumer Reports reliability information, as brands, Acura and Hyundai are pretty far apart, with Acura being in the top 3. The MDX shows Predicted Reliability as Above Average and the Santa Fe has dropped to Below Average.

Chocolate

Okay, feel free to spend 38,000 dollars on a Hyundai crossover.

Chocolate

I feel the vehicle has potential, but not for 38,000 dollars.