I need doors on a pantry broom closet and hallway linen closet and I'm wimping out on the DIY and plan to buy unfinished ones and paint them. I've narrowed it down to 2 options:
1. paint grade maple frame with MDF panel, like this:

2. MDF, with what looks like a routered out recessed panel, like this:

#1 is about twice the cost of #2. I'd probably just go for the maple ones if we were sticking around, but we're actually going to be selling our house soon, so if I can save a couple hundred bucks I'd rather do so. IF they won't look completely tacky and obviously MDF once they're painted. Or if they'll fall apart or chip soon.

Any opinions? Can I get away with the solid MDF doors?

MDF is standard paint grade material. A good paint job should look like a factory finish. Maple is just stronger wood and will tolerate some water. Painted Maple shows more surface defects than painted MDF. Maple requires extra prep work; more putty and 2 primer coats.

Thanks.

Beyond that, I would not say MDF is preferrable. I rarely use the stuff because it's heavy, nasty to work with, and doesn't hold screws as well as ply or solid wood.