Hey everyone,
Just looking to bounce some ideas off enthusiasts!
So my wife and I have been hounding the car dealerships in Southern California and have done multiple test drives, lots of discussions, or countless hours reading over forums and websites. We've narrowed our new car search down to 3 models (NX, Q5, RDX) and have now to consider the fantastic deals on 2015 models and incoming changes on 2016 models.
Our gripe with the 2015 tech pack - nav system. Boy oh boy is that thing.. adequate. We just couldn't see the utility in it - bad I know but we use our phones for Waze and Google Maps for any journey assistance. Next, we checked out a 2015 Base model. Considering the price difference, makes a lot more sense for us. The two biggest things I'd miss: sound system and HID headlamps, biggest thing she'd miss: power lift gate. But for the price, tempting. However that 5 inch screen is a 1998 eye-sore.
We looked over the lot and saw a 2016 MDX - perfect, now we can check out the new dual screen interface that the new RDX tech package would receive - thinking it might be prudent (as compared to the trio) to invest the extra for that model. Yeesh, again, disappointed by the execution of the system. We felt it slow to respond, aesthetically unpleasing, un-intuitive, and the navigation function although better than the outgoing model still felt... adequate but didn't convince us to give up our phones. I can see it becoming less of an issue by augmenting the controls with steering wheel inputs - but ultimately it is too distracting. How I wish they would have used a wheel or peripheral in the cup-holder area for control. Maybe those that have had more time with it can chime in, does it get better? Are there tips and tricks to it that our salesman didn't enlighten us with? Any chatter about a firmware update to speed up the responses?(I know most manufactures typically have comparable response times on their units) We are not entirely against the dual screen setup and reserve judgement for our in-person impression/experience but for the almost $4,000 spread between base and tech, we don't see our utility in it as of now.
So so so. My logic is, a discounted 2015 tech pack or 2016 tech pack, which we originally set out to include in our comparison trio, now feels like a mismatch and the 2016 BASE model might be the ticket. According to projections and salesmen rhetoric, the '16 base and '15 tech will be within spitting distance of each other in terms of price (~$34,500-$35,000* + TTL).
As I understand, the only features we'd be giving up as compared to the 2015 tech are: navigation system and enhanced stereo system.
Things we'd gain: rear a/c vents, updated engine, updated body styling.
Then comes the price difference between the 2015 and 2016 Base models. Again, going off the "promised" sales prices I'm being told by multiple dealerships, a 2015 Base model will come in under $32,000. Let's assume $31,500 for sake of discussion. Is the 2016 Base model worth a ~$3,000+ premium over the 2015? I want to say :yes: In part - some of the difference is augmented by depreciation differential inherent in the "updated" model year, the superior standard features: heated seats, head lamps, power lift gate, etc. But if I'm honest with myself, I think I'm hoping the 2016 will be different in a way from the 2015 which ultimately left me wanting for.. more. At which point, I question the inclusion of the car in the comparison at all.
As far as the NX and Q5 go. I have a Volkswagen GTI - it has been mediocre in reliability, maintenance and overall value. Fun car but I fear VAG pricing and depreciation above 60,000 miles on a Q5. :whyme: The best navigation system and interface of the trio. Softest ride for better or worse. It and the Lexus have the more 'upscale' tangibles but the RDX is comparable in intangibles. The quattro system means nil to us, however. Biggest appeal, to me at least, is the European Delivery. But it is the most expensive with the greatest anxiety attached :ugh:
The NX is simply too small to be the goldilocks - I am 6'3 and my head touches the ceiling in the rear seat due to the sloping roof-line. Also, as anyone who's ever tried to get their perfect Lexus will know, finding one to your exact specs is like finding a needle in a haystack. The Nav interface (touchpad!?!) is horrendous, which I don't understand when they have a fantastic haptic-feedback system on other models. Nonetheless, the unit itself is very similar to the unit we experienced in the 2016 MDX. Ultimately, finding an F sport without nav has come up with only 1 car in the United States so far. Difficult to negotiate on a fair price when there's only one. Also difficult to rationalize when it isn't in the color combination you like. It is absolutely a form over function type vehicle which requires a heavy dose of Glenmorangie to rationalize.
Anyways, I saw some other folks were waiting on the sidelines on the 2016 and figured I'd make a thread about the search and wait. :2cents: are always appreciated.
*2016 Base model price projected by end of year according to the high volume dealers i.e. once initial spur has worn off.
Just looking to bounce some ideas off enthusiasts!
So my wife and I have been hounding the car dealerships in Southern California and have done multiple test drives, lots of discussions, or countless hours reading over forums and websites. We've narrowed our new car search down to 3 models (NX, Q5, RDX) and have now to consider the fantastic deals on 2015 models and incoming changes on 2016 models.
Our gripe with the 2015 tech pack - nav system. Boy oh boy is that thing.. adequate. We just couldn't see the utility in it - bad I know but we use our phones for Waze and Google Maps for any journey assistance. Next, we checked out a 2015 Base model. Considering the price difference, makes a lot more sense for us. The two biggest things I'd miss: sound system and HID headlamps, biggest thing she'd miss: power lift gate. But for the price, tempting. However that 5 inch screen is a 1998 eye-sore.
We looked over the lot and saw a 2016 MDX - perfect, now we can check out the new dual screen interface that the new RDX tech package would receive - thinking it might be prudent (as compared to the trio) to invest the extra for that model. Yeesh, again, disappointed by the execution of the system. We felt it slow to respond, aesthetically unpleasing, un-intuitive, and the navigation function although better than the outgoing model still felt... adequate but didn't convince us to give up our phones. I can see it becoming less of an issue by augmenting the controls with steering wheel inputs - but ultimately it is too distracting. How I wish they would have used a wheel or peripheral in the cup-holder area for control. Maybe those that have had more time with it can chime in, does it get better? Are there tips and tricks to it that our salesman didn't enlighten us with? Any chatter about a firmware update to speed up the responses?(I know most manufactures typically have comparable response times on their units) We are not entirely against the dual screen setup and reserve judgement for our in-person impression/experience but for the almost $4,000 spread between base and tech, we don't see our utility in it as of now.
So so so. My logic is, a discounted 2015 tech pack or 2016 tech pack, which we originally set out to include in our comparison trio, now feels like a mismatch and the 2016 BASE model might be the ticket. According to projections and salesmen rhetoric, the '16 base and '15 tech will be within spitting distance of each other in terms of price (~$34,500-$35,000* + TTL).
As I understand, the only features we'd be giving up as compared to the 2015 tech are: navigation system and enhanced stereo system.
Things we'd gain: rear a/c vents, updated engine, updated body styling.
Then comes the price difference between the 2015 and 2016 Base models. Again, going off the "promised" sales prices I'm being told by multiple dealerships, a 2015 Base model will come in under $32,000. Let's assume $31,500 for sake of discussion. Is the 2016 Base model worth a ~$3,000+ premium over the 2015? I want to say :yes: In part - some of the difference is augmented by depreciation differential inherent in the "updated" model year, the superior standard features: heated seats, head lamps, power lift gate, etc. But if I'm honest with myself, I think I'm hoping the 2016 will be different in a way from the 2015 which ultimately left me wanting for.. more. At which point, I question the inclusion of the car in the comparison at all.
As far as the NX and Q5 go. I have a Volkswagen GTI - it has been mediocre in reliability, maintenance and overall value. Fun car but I fear VAG pricing and depreciation above 60,000 miles on a Q5. :whyme: The best navigation system and interface of the trio. Softest ride for better or worse. It and the Lexus have the more 'upscale' tangibles but the RDX is comparable in intangibles. The quattro system means nil to us, however. Biggest appeal, to me at least, is the European Delivery. But it is the most expensive with the greatest anxiety attached :ugh:
The NX is simply too small to be the goldilocks - I am 6'3 and my head touches the ceiling in the rear seat due to the sloping roof-line. Also, as anyone who's ever tried to get their perfect Lexus will know, finding one to your exact specs is like finding a needle in a haystack. The Nav interface (touchpad!?!) is horrendous, which I don't understand when they have a fantastic haptic-feedback system on other models. Nonetheless, the unit itself is very similar to the unit we experienced in the 2016 MDX. Ultimately, finding an F sport without nav has come up with only 1 car in the United States so far. Difficult to negotiate on a fair price when there's only one. Also difficult to rationalize when it isn't in the color combination you like. It is absolutely a form over function type vehicle which requires a heavy dose of Glenmorangie to rationalize.
Anyways, I saw some other folks were waiting on the sidelines on the 2016 and figured I'd make a thread about the search and wait. :2cents: are always appreciated.
*2016 Base model price projected by end of year according to the high volume dealers i.e. once initial spur has worn off.