The Used Acura Car That Could Be A Good Investment For Retirees

The Acura MDX has good reviews for safety, comfort, and reliability. It may also be a good investment for retirees who want roominess and comfort without going bankrupt. If the vehicle is used, that is.

The Acura 2022 and 2023 models are among a half-dozen luxury SUVs that were rated as good investments by GoBankingRates. Among other things, the report noted that the vehicles are easy to drive and have a three-row configuration that provide more room in the vehicle's interior. Sure, the third row can be tight for anyone over four feet tall, as Jalopnik noted in a review of the 2022 Acura MDX. But that can be fine for the retiree with a lot of very young, and/or small, grandchildren.

Finally, according to GoBankingRate, the preowned Acura MDX can be resold for nearly 54% of its value after five years, an assertion corroborated by CarEdge. This is less than the more than 60% value lose most luxury cars experience in a five-year period. But is a preowned Acura MDX really the best buy for a retiree with grandchildren? Or a senior who likes to shop in bulk at Costco?

When shopping for a car it is important to evaluate if your best needs are fulfilled by buying new, buying preowned, or leasing. An advantage of buying a used car is it tends to be cheaper than a brand-new vehicle. Yet a used vehicle sometimes come with higher maintenance costs and insurance premiums.

The good news is that the 2022 and 2023 Acura MDX generally received good review on their reliability. In fact, Jalopnik listed the 2023 Acura MDX among its safest cars to buy in 2023. Note that there is no 2021 Acura MDX. That year make was skipped over. Instead, Acura came out with its 2022 model in February 2021.

The Acura MDX from 2022 and 2023 are certainly cheaper than the newer models. The manufactured suggest retail price (MSRP) for a 2025 Acura MDX starts at just over $51,000. However, used Acura 2022 and 2023 models averaged at about $42,000 each.

Yet there are much lower prices for vehicles out there for seniors who want (or need) to live on a budget. And if you haven't saved a lot for your retirement, or if you are among the 47% of seniors who discovered their expenses are higher than anticipated, then cheaper is not only better — it is essential. With that in mind, you can buy a 2013 Honda Fit, a 2007 Toyota Corolla, or a 2015 Hyundai Elantra for less than $10,000. Though these cars will offer far less room for passengers, children or groceries than a used Acura MDX.

If you did save a sizable next egg, you may also want to explore other luxury vehicles that tend to retain their value over time. Sure, the 54% depreciation rate for the Acura MDX is not bad for a luxury-style vehicle, but they aren't among Kelley Blue Book's top five value-retainers.

Finally, while preowned Acura MDXs are roomy, safe, and reliable, they have their share of quirks. A Kelley Blue Book review said the tires of the 2022 model tend to "thump on rough freeways." KBB reviews also stated that the 2022 and 2023 models are not fuel efficient and that the touchpad interface controls are hard to use.