Yoshimura:
Interesting comparison sheet! Did you compare new factory to new factory, rebuilts, aftermarket, or what, as my experience has been different. (I am physically restrictred from doing most of my own repairs) I just replaced the power window motors on both the MB and the Acura before I sold it. The Acura was almost twice the cost as the MB part (both factory OE). The water pumps were the same story - about 20% more on the Toyota than the MB for Factory OE, over 50% more for the Acura OE. I don't have exact numbers any more as the over 2 1/2" thick stack of records went with the Acura, but I can't do my own repairs, and all prices were for OE new or factory reconditioned parts and were checked through dealers and my independant Techs (no on line prices
, but my MB tech and the Toyota/Acura tech are next door to each other in the same building and have the same labor rates.).
The Acura was always more expensive to repair on anything than was the Toyota. And the Acura had CV joints and boots that really ran up the ownership costs compared to the other cars. Outer boots every year, outer joints and inner boots every 2 years, inner joints every 3 years! Plus the FWD really ate tires, pads, and rotors! The Toy was pretty close to the MB. Also, my impression is that the parts (water pumps, power window motors, etc.) seemed to last longer on the MB than the Toy, and on the Toy over the Acura.
Just my experience, better shoppers and DIY people may have had better luck or different pricing experiences. I am not at all unhappy with my Toy, but this was my second negative and pricey experience with Honda products, and there won't be a third try, even though lots of people have good luck with them (Haven't run into many happy early Acura Legend owners, however!).