Thinking about trading in my Lunar 21 Pro

So I’m looking for opinions and hopefully helpful ones. I came from two diff Jeep Grand Cherokee Overlands with Hemi engines (09/14) before upgrading to the 21 pro. Paid 3k over sticker on my Pro. I’m very familiar with cars and wanted to go to the 4runner originally for the simplicity of everything.

However, I’m still a person at 47 years old that misses the creature comforts I got used to. Memory seats, cooled and heated seats. Heated steering wheel. Panoramic roof. A very good sound system. Etc. sans heated seats, none of which are on the 4runner.

Insert the 2022 Acura MDX type s with advance package. 4 cylinder turbo 10 speed transmission. 0-60 under 6 seconds. Panoramic roof, heated and cooled seats, memory seats rear climate with heated rear seats. Massaging front seats. 25 speaker sound system designed by a symphony conductor. Air dampening suspension. Etc etc. I could go on. You get the point.

Now, I keep my pro flawless. I mean absolutely paint corrected ceramic coating wrapped and applied refreshes multiple times per week. Heftyfab rock sliders on. Oil changed 3 times already and only have 8400 miles on it. Car is basically paid off already. I own under 10k.

Acura is going to give me in trade in close to 57k for it. MDX sells for 73.5k I’d have around a 20k loan so it’s a minimal difference.

Thoughts? Now I’m sorry, but I live in metro NY so there are less options for real trails so I, just trying to be realistic. The Acura isn’t marked way up but I’m obviously getting back more than I paid for a car I drove nearly 9k miles in.


All opinions welcome but please let’s be respectful.

 

I'd get what's most comfortable for your situation. The Runner doesn't fit everyone's situation.

 

Well only you can decide what is best for you.

If you want all the creature comforts, then go for it. The Acura sounds like a very nice ride.

Drive what makes you happy.

 

Have you priced other dealerships - Toyota, for example, for selling your Pro? $57k seems low for what you're describing.

 

My FIL has some special Acura tlx…one of x amount made. They make some badass vehicles. I think if I lived somewhere like you, I’d entertain that option.

 

Please let us know what you ultimately sell it or trade it in for. Always good to have a true comparable. I also have a 21 LR Pro that is 10 months old with 16,000 miles. I paid $2,000 above MSRP ($54,000). I hope to keep it for 12 years!

 

Doesn't sound like you really want a 4Runner, since you didn't mention anything you like about yours, but you did mention all the things it doesn't have. My only recommendation is that you look at the total financial picture before deciding which way to go. $73.5k + tax, title, doc fees, etc., etc., plus the real number they're paying for your 4R, etc. Decide what you want to pay first, then get the total out-the-door number they're offering. I bet you're closer to $80k when all is said and done. If you don't mind paying $20-25k additional for creature comforts, then go for it.

 

My business partner drives an MDX. Its very nice. I rode in it and was shocked at how much things popped, creaked and rattled inside. I could barely stand it and it wasn't my vehicle. Its way too much tech for me. I love the simplicity of the 4R.

 

The fact that you're considering replacing a 4Runner with an MDX shows that there's no reason for you to own a 4Runner at all. That is, unless you just really like the 4Runner. And, it appears you don't.

Life is too short to drive a vehicle you don't like. You might as well take the opportunity to get a vehicle you'll actually enjoy driving.

 

It makes sense to pick the Acura over the 4Runner. But I don't understand when people trade in a vehicle they just bought. At least you won't lose money on it in this market.

 

Have you considered the Lexus GX460?

Has the creature comforts you are looking for and that solid V8 engine.

 

I bought a vehicle in November 2020 and sold it early this year because it gave me reasons to be concerned about its' longevity. I was fortunate enough to sell it for more than I bought it for due to the used car market. If you've decided the 4runner isn't the right fit for your needs, you won't come across many opportunities to walk away without losing money after driving it for a year.

The market could be in a much different place 12-18 months from now so you may not get the same for the Acura if you buy it and change your mind, so you may want to take that into consideration.

 

The reason to pick a 4Runner and MDX are totally different. A 4Runner is for folks that like to take their rigs to places a car can't make it, and deliver solid reliability/simplicity with just enough creature comforts to make it a decent, comfortable Daily Driver on road. The MDX is for someone who wants a luxury vehicle for the pavement, with all the latest Creature Comforts that segment has to offer, but with trips to the snow or an occasional gravel road thrown in. Totally different target audience than the 4Runner, though there are plenty of people out there that buy 4Rs just for the look or image. My brother drives a two year old MDX. He takes it out the 17 miles of dirt Forest Service roads I do, but know he would have trouble on old logging roads that have deep ruts, rocks or offsets with the lesser ground clearance. But he loves his. One thing the 4Runner has that no other SUV has except for the 2022 and older Sequoias is a roll down back window...I LOVE that thing! And coming from owning nothing but pickup trucks and a '99 4Runner, I personally prefer a more functional, yet well equipped interior to a fancy, swanky, luxury one. Just more gadgets to remember how they work (that video of the tour dash of the MDX was frankly intimidating and VERY busy interior to keep track of), more to go on the fritz, and more nice stuff to get messed up. Next thing you know, they'll be equipping car seats with a Bidet for people stuck in traffic!
Sounds like you're more of an MDX guy, and like others have said, now is the time to make the change as the market for Used cars has never been better, and could be different next year.

 

I actually tested an MDX, what do you want to know: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgQdgNfu3YE

 

According to Alex on Autos-Auto Buyers Guide Live | 2022 #5 Honda reliability is little questionable nowadays. Personally I know 2 Honda Pilots suffered with premature injector failures on their 3.5 direct injector engines. As for their Turbo engines its famous for oil dilution problems on 1.5T on Civic & CRV (Autos-Auto Buyers Guide Live | 2022 #5 talked about this too). He voted for Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride more.

With my personal experience driving both (owned by my friends), Though they both lack in spirited driving dynamics I do like the tech and comfort for the price. Of cause the interior space is really good including 3rd row seat.

 

Sounds like the MDX is a better fit for you. I think they are cool vehicles by the way and have had nothing but good luck with any Honda I have ever owned. I say take advantage of the market and get what you want.

 

OMG, that was a bit much! Wouldn't mind the Seat Memory and stereo, but you can keep the rest. Guess I'm just an old Analog man at heart!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56qyILcZZuY

 

It sounds like you should buy a sports car or sports sedan to me. I bought my pro to go through mud and rocks and offroad the hell out of it.

 

Excellent! Haven't heard that song in a long time. Here's another one...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YkAnv8inQE

 

Well, I think the 4runner pros speak for themselves. I did buy it for a reason lol. I wasn’t going to post all the obvious things. Was more posting on my reasons for considering the change.

 

Awesome. I’ll check out your video later if that is yours?

 

Got 63k for my pro.

 

I have but I just can’t justify the Lexus even with the updated infotainment. It’s still very dated.

 

Well fair enough but that’s kind of harsh. I do love the 4runner but it’s less functional in my opinion if you live on the east coast than say other areas of the country. Appreciate the help though

 

Didn't mean to sound harsh. Sorry.

Just saying, if you don't specifically need a BOF 4×4, there's better options. If you like the other vehicle more, you might as well have it.

Post pictures of the Acura!

 

I tried to convince my wife to take my 2020 AG Pro 4runner before I traded it in. But she has been driving Acuras for years. She did not want to drive that big beast around and color was for a guy. So she got her new 21 Acura RDX. Me personally I would take the ASpec over the MDX if I was trading my 4runner in. Pretty much a wash since there not as much. Also I think you can get more for your Pro if you shop around at other dealer’s. I know where your coming from because I can compare her Acura to my 4Runner I had. But she loves driving in my Tundra Pro. When we go some where she wants to go in that. Lol.

 

If you are 47 my suggestion is take that $20-25k and put it towards your retirement, as you approach age 50 you will be eligible to contribute an additional $6,500/year as a catch up in your 401k (assuming you have one). You will be also be eligible to contribute an additional $1k (total of $7,000) to a ROTH IRA.

That's just me though I would rather retire early or at least have the ability too and that 4Runner will become your retirement vehicle.

Pay yourself first is my opinion, the 4R will most likely also have less maintenance cost over the long haul as well.

Everyone is different though; maybe your retirement is already well funded and on track; myself I like the idea of calling it quits earlier and earlier.

 

My retirement and pension is pretty well funded. If I didn’t have the money for this, I wouldn’t even be looking in the first place but thank you.

 

If the 10 speed transmission is anything like the one that is in the RDX I'd say go for it. I have a 2021 RDX A-Spec and that car is fun to drive. I still can't believe it squeezes 272 HP out of a 2.0 liter turbo. The 10 speed Acura designed has to be the smoothest transmission I've ever driven.