HSV Avalanche or Honda MDX

[VX-355]

Well looking to get a new car and prepare for family. Looked at the SS Crewman and honestly the rear seats are a f**king joke. Clubsport R8 would be great but no real gain over SS Sedan, space wise that is. So been trying to look at the HSV Avalanche but can't even get one in NSW to test drive until mid to late June. Drove the Honda MDX on saturday ans was pretty impressed.
I hate the idea of an automatic but I really have no choice as all the lazy SOB's out there have stuffed it for the rest of us. So I figure it is down to the MDX or Avalanche.
Avalance - For:
V8, AWD, Leather, decent brakes, probably goes alright, plenty of space (according to the pictures anyway), looks tuff
Avalnche - Against:
how good is the AWD, resale value unkown, 4sp automatic
MDX - For:
AWD, nicely finished, good resale value, comfortable, DVD player, good rear space
MDX - Against:
not a V8 (loss of grunt), not a HSV.

I know they are totally different cars and I really should wait until I drive an Avalanche, but what would be the recommendation?
(And I aint even looking at a Toyota, Nissan, or Ford)

[bigdongers]

The father in law drives a MDX and its a sweet ride. The V6 has great poke for such a big car. Its got 7 seats also which is a bonus.

The avalanche is not something I would consider. Just don't like how it looks.

[Swordie]

Another option is a Supercharged Adventra. The current Motor Magazine has attached a special edition Tuner Mag, there is review of one there. It's $10,000 cheaper than an Avalanche. I think it looks heaps better than an Avalanche and performance wise it's in another league. The car is lowered quite nicely too.

Honda's are great cars. I sat in a MDX and it felt smaller than a Holden Wagon. The boot, leg room and width will be better in a Holden. Honda's generally are quite reliable, well engineered, last well and are a little easier on depreciation.

Here's an example of Supercharged Adventra Part 1 (http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_2246/P_2/article.html) and Part 2 (http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_2250/article.html) .The one on the Tuner mag looks better, I think it's from Starr Performance.

[Ghia351]

Well looking to get a new car and prepare for family. Looked at the SS Crewman and honestly the rear seats are a f**king joke. Clubsport R8 would be great but no real gain over SS Sedan, space wise that is. So been trying to look at the HSV Avalanche but can't even get one in NSW to test drive until mid to late June. Drove the Honda MDX on saturday ans was pretty impressed.
I hate the idea of an automatic but I really have no choice as all the lazy SOB's out there have stuffed it for the rest of us. So I figure it is down to the MDX or Avalanche.
Avalance - For:
V8, AWD, Leather, decent brakes, probably goes alright, plenty of space (according to the pictures anyway), looks tuff
Avalnche - Against:
how good is the AWD, resale value unkown, 4sp automatic
MDX - For:
AWD, nicely finished, good resale value, comfortable, DVD player, good rear space
MDX - Against:
not a V8 (loss of grunt), not a HSV.

I know they are totally different cars and I really should wait until I drive an Avalanche, but what would be the recommendation?
(And I aint even looking at a Toyota, Nissan, or Ford)

As you included a low-body AWD & high body AWD have you also looked at the Subaru Liberty GT wagon. Does it have to be AWD and whats your budget which might open some more possibilities?
e.g. from Berlina wagon V8 to Land Rover Discovery 3 to BMW X5.

[COOKIE!]

I actually ordered a Crewman SS and then cancelled it and went for the statesman because of ther rear seats....
They are worst thing holden has released in a long while, They are flat and on almost a 90 degree angle VERY bad to sit in, My 4 year old at the time of the test drive said "why is your seat touching my legs dad" :eek: :eek:
Anyway the Honda is a Great car and as said above the reslae Value is better but ther services are 5 times the price. My boss has a Odessy and at the 40k service they replace the gaskets and retension the tapits or something like that and it was over $1400 Thats right $1400 for a service.

Good luck with the choice mate.

Anthony

[VX-355]

Good point, doesn't have to be AWD and I do not want a Subaru.
Budget is about $70K max (drive away no more to pay), except for insurance, wheels etc.....

[chops]

Clubsport R8 would be great but no real gain over SS Sedan, space wise that is.

Are you looking for more interior space, or more "luggage" space?

[VX-355]

Bit of both really.

[alexcs]

how about lexus rx330. theyre very nice.

[Ghia351]

Bit of both really.

I think you mentioned you're getting ready for a family so having gone through the shopping car thing myself a while back ( 2 years ago) you probably need to work out what it is you actually will have to carry regularly and if it's your 1st child this won't be easy unless you can ask another friend/family member. Just an example...prams, some won't even fit into the sedan boot opening unless you remove the wheels which with a young child, bad weather etc is a MAJOR pain in the backside. Add a porta-cot during overnight stays or holidays, baby clothing including nappies, some toys and as much as the heart would say a sedan (in my case XR6T or ghia) a wagon was the only choice. Sure you'll miss the power but with your most precious gift (child) on board, safety is the most paramount thing and in my case my wife drives our wagon 95% of the time so it was an academic decision in the end. I get my sporty car later again but in 4 months we're into a Territory (sorry for mentioning a Ford but I get big discounts). A station wagon is not sexy but it carries everything more easily (get good tint) and even I would gladly drive a Berlina V8 wagon or SS wagon if they released a VZ model.
I favour the MDX over you're other choices.

[Frankster_P]

How about the Territory?

Stuff the hondas

[Danv8]

He already said "And I aint even looking at a Toyota, Nissan, or Ford"

So the territory is out!

[PJK]

I rekon an Adventra like This (http://www.jhp.com.au/img/products/exteriors/suspension/Adventra-stage-3-susp-h.jpg?imagealt=) with the guards painted in and lowered with a set of These (http://www.jhp.com.au/img/products/wheels/holden/200501/vy%20gts%2019-h.jpg?imagealt=) wheels would be farken nice. Then add a supercharger for good measure :D

[Blown 454 AWD]

Well looking to get a new car and prepare for family. Looked at the SS Crewman and honestly the rear seats are a f**king joke. Clubsport R8 would be great but no real gain over SS Sedan, space wise that is. So been trying to look at the HSV Avalanche but can't even get one in NSW to test drive until mid to late June. Drove the Honda MDX on saturday ans was pretty impressed.
I hate the idea of an automatic but I really have no choice as all the lazy SOB's out there have stuffed it for the rest of us. So I figure it is down to the MDX or Avalanche.
Avalance - For:
V8, AWD, Leather, decent brakes, probably goes alright, plenty of space (according to the pictures anyway), looks tuff
Avalnche - Against:
how good is the AWD, resale value unkown, 4sp automatic
MDX - For:
AWD, nicely finished, good resale value, comfortable, DVD player, good rear space
MDX - Against:
not a V8 (loss of grunt), not a HSV.

I know they are totally different cars and I really should wait until I drive an Avalanche, but what would be the recommendation?
(And I aint even looking at a Toyota, Nissan, or Ford)



If you have the time to wait till the end of this week or maybe earily next week (the beast will be back) and can find your way to Botany Sydney, I'm sure I can assist you to make your mind up without hesitation.

[VX-355]

The Lexus RX330 is just a tad too dear, I like the look and sound of the 450kw Adventra but that is not a path I want to go down. I ultimately want a car that I am gonna have trouble free motoring for a few years and that Warranty will still cover.......with a mortgage and kids next year I can't afford to have an issue with a motor crop up that would not be budgeted for.

[chevypower]

Go for a Discovery 3 V8 - and then get that supercharged!

[Nemo]

I would look at the Adventura and Avalanche, at least have a drive of the Adventura the Avalanche is just spec'd up a bit. I have an Avalanche I've just put coupe4 rims on and coulson front seats. It is the most practical car i've ever owned and i can't talk myself into changing it over. I've had 14 cars in the past 9 years (i don't keep them long) they have included VTSS,VT berlina, VXSS, VU2SS, V2GTO, BAXR8 ute, VY2MALOO R8 and now the Alalanche and I'm about to change my rego sticker for the first time on any of those cars (the avalanche is having it's 1st birthday) It's not the coolest car nor is it the fastest car i've ever owned, but as far as wagons go it' pretty cool, and there's bugger al you'll need to option on it, and some of the standard things like memory seating, reverse sensors and the hidden tow pack are pretty easy to get used to !
Just my thoughts as an owner. And don't take any notice of the hype about it's fuel usage it is no different to any of the other gen111's i've owned. :D

[Avalanche]

I can vouch for nemo, the avalanche is an allround package. Brakes suspension & hanlding are all part of the overall drivability of the car. Fuel ecconomy is good & consistent. We just towed the quad & gear out to braidwood & back through creek crossings dirt roads. No hassles fuel averaged 16.2 lper 100 towing 9x5 dual axle trailer with quad & gear. Still craks 160kph effortlessly. May have had something to do with the 0degree morning temp. You also get heated rear view mirrors which help in colder temps as they tend to frost over. I some how dont think the honda is going to match all round drivability. May finish quality might be better :rolleyes:
In the end i would at least drive both & then make a decision. Good luck.

[NickS]

I can vouch for both Nemo & Avalanche. We have had an Avalanche for about 14 months, we have 2 boys ( aged 4 & 1 ) so regularly lug around prams, high chairs, port a cots and all the other crap that goes along with the kids. It has more room than we could ever use, the power is more than enough in standard trim and the brakes / suspension / tyres etc. are all superb. As with any Holden / HSV you have the usual issues of fuel consumption and sub-japanese quality build but over all I am more than happy with the car. One other thing to keep in mind is that if you are anything like me, and you are on this site so you probably are, you will very quickly desire a V8 again if you haven't got one. Also my wife drives the car most of the time and has no problems with the size of it (she drove an Astra before we got it). Anyway, good luck !!

[MTC]

What about a New VZ Berlina V8 wagon. whack a nice set of rims, suspension, tint, & maybe a sunroof. & it would be a quick & hot looking wagon. My wife's car is a VY V8 berlina wgn & it looks hot We actually get more comment's on that then the clubby now :confused:

[Swordie]

I had a test drive of a VY Adventra in stock form it seemed as quick as the Buick 3.8. The performance numbers stock on paper also pointed to near V6 performance. The Adventra requires after market work to realize it’s potential.

[VX2VESS]

Well looking to get a new car and prepare for family. Looked at the SS Crewman and honestly the rear seats are a f**king joke. Clubsport R8 would be great but no real gain over SS Sedan, space wise that is. So been trying to look at the HSV Avalanche but can't even get one in NSW to test drive until mid to late June. Drove the Honda MDX on saturday ans was pretty impressed.
I hate the idea of an automatic but I really have no choice as all the lazy SOB's out there have stuffed it for the rest of us. So I figure it is down to the MDX or Avalanche.
Avalance - For:
V8, AWD, Leather, decent brakes, probably goes alright, plenty of space (according to the pictures anyway), looks tuff
Avalnche - Against:
how good is the AWD, resale value unkown, 4sp automatic
MDX - For:
AWD, nicely finished, good resale value, comfortable, DVD player, good rear space
MDX - Against:
not a V8 (loss of grunt), not a HSV.

I know they are totally different cars and I really should wait until I drive an Avalanche, but what would be the recommendation?
(And I aint even looking at a Toyota, Nissan, or Ford)

Avalanche 3 new ones sitting up at mcgraths sutherland

[IIV8II]

I know you said no Fords, but I assume you are a grown-up... so take a look at a Ford Territory

[CSV Strada SiR]

I know you said no Fords, but I assume you are a grown-up... so take a look at a Ford Territory

Yes even some die-hards have relented and put a Terri next to their Holdens.
Its a big ask for the extra 25K differance between the MDX and the Terri and 1 i couldn't justify particularly after the test drive in each.

[VX-355]

A family member has a Territory but my wife will not go for a ford what's so ever. :bash:

[Avalanche]

vx-355 The territory is not even in the same class. The cayenne & the x5 are however.

[RICHO]

Quick bit of info based on redbook ratings
Basis of the figures:
2004 models
have taken the mid point of the estimated private sale price (higher value than trade in)

Avalanche
New $69,990
Value Now $57050
Value Ratained 81.5%

MDX
New $69,990
Value Now $54800
Value Retained 78.3%

Territory Ghia AWD (for comparison)
New $53490
Value Now $43050
Value Retained 80.5%

Adventra LX8
New $56990
Value Now $45200
Value Retained 79.31%

On that basis....Avalanche stacks up pretty well and I was very surprised by the MDX. Needless to say the Adventra definitely isn't the resale black hole that some may have expected.

Having driven an MDX (mums toy) really barge like compared to any of the others. So if the Ford ain't the go, I'd be looking damn closely at the Holdens and personally I think the Avalanche is wickedly agressive looking bit of kit!!

[VX-355]

My wife worked for honda Tom and she said that its a nice car to drive but if anything gos wrong its will cost an arm and a leg, but its making her look at it. As well we have two huskys and the boy will jump up but the girl can't and my wife can't lift her. Beside she hates tom and i think thats why she won't buy and that she is a true blue holden girl. Plus she likes the power.

[Avalanche]

vx-355 give me a ring and bring your wife over as well for a drive. Honda Tom reminds me of a few local estate agents i know who shall remain nameless. Our 2 shepherds get in no worries compared to a chellenger which would be similar ride height to a MDX. Females hips stuffed.

[Swordie]

My wife has a 1994 Honda Civic and we took it to a Honda Dealer for years. I didn't think there was much of a difference between Holden and Honda in servicing costs. Honda's are generally quite reliable, I wouldn't expect much to go wrong too.

[VX-355]

I've worked for honda tom for 5 years and the MDX cost more then to my VX. I know that it sounds funny but iam right. A normally service(say 10,000km) cost around $1500 and my VX cost me about $500 (maybe less) and thats oil,oilfilter,fuelfilter, spark plug leads and thats at trade. The service for the MDX is trade as well

[Swordie]

I wonder what they are doing for $1,500?

[Marco]

Am I the only one reading this who can't work out who or what Honda Tom is?

[lxhatch]

If you want a Monaro but need a wagon - go the Avalanche.

If you want an AWD soccermum-famwag - go the Honda.

If you want an AWD that looks like a 4WD - go the Territory (which uses same or more fuel than the Ava, and is less capable off-road and on-road than Ava/Adventra according to 4x4 Mag and Overlander.)

am I biased - you bet :D

[RICHO]

Off Road I'd have to agree that the Adventra outperforms the Territory. Higher ride hight better underbody protection etc.

On Road though, I'm yet to see a review that rates the Adventra ahead of the Territory. Whch Overlander etc were they in, would love to read a different view of what has become virtually accepted fact.

[lxhatch]

Off Road I'd have to agree that the Adventra outperforms the Territory. Higher ride hight better underbody protection etc.

On Road though, I'm yet to see a review that rates the Adventra ahead of the Territory. Whch Overlander etc were they in, would love to read a different view of what has become virtually accepted fact.

Hi Richo - May 05 Overlander

[bigdongers]

Our MDX certainly didnt cost $1500 for the 10,000km service. It was more like $200 or $300

[bigdongers]

Am I the only one reading this who can't work out who or what Honda Tom is?

I'm with you. Don't know what the Tom part is

[Avalanche]

He is just a tosser honda salesman in our local area. The sort of person u wouldnt unrinate on if they were on fire :box:

[Marco]

If you want an AWD that looks like a 4WD - go the Territory (which uses same or more fuel than the Ava, and is less capable off-road and on-road than Ava/Adventra according to 4x4 Mag and Overlander.)

Territory uses more fuel than Avalanche? That's nuts. How did that happen?!

(How much power does the Avalanche have again?)

[Nemo]

270kw
about 200kw at the wheels (all of them) :p

[Ghia351]

Off Road I'd have to agree that the Adventra outperforms the Territory. Higher ride hight better underbody protection etc.

On Road though, I'm yet to see a review that rates the Adventra ahead of the Territory. Whch Overlander etc were they in, would love to read a different view of what has become virtually accepted fact.

If half Territory's are RWD does that make the mag reviews only half relevant? Seriously though, It's been the "serious" 4x4 mags that have mostly criticised the Territory but then again nearly 95% of buyers wouldn't even know these mags existed.