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BMW X3 vs Acura RDX

327 messages,  Last post on Nov 24, 2009 at 12:53 PM

You are in the Acura RDX Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura RDX, BMW X3, Car Buying, SUV

Messages Page 28 of 33

#271 of 327 Re: Good points [bruceomega] by belias

Jan 25, 2007 (8:03 am)

Replying to: bruceomega (Jan 25, 2007 7:16 am)
Bruce,
Yeah, there are certainly a lot of troopers here in MD, so the ability to have fun every once in a while is tempered by the fact that I don't want to get a speeding ticket! Of course the occasion is so rare anyway that you have to wonder what the speed limit signs are for anymore... traffic is the limiting factor now!
I did want to ask you about what you thought of your 2006 X3? Is there anything in particular (other than the engine) that you want to get in the 2007 model that isn't available in the 2006? Are there particular features that you like/dislike (i.e. things that are definitely worth getting vs. things that you think aren't particularly useful to you)?
I saw a pretty good deal for lease prices... I think $379/month for 24 months with ~ $2500 down. Of course that is for a base model, so options will definitely add to that. One thing I didn't mention in my previous posts that I should have mentioned is that the residual values for BMW are generally very good. That is especially true for the 3 series. The 5 and 7 series tend to depreciate faster, but that is pretty much true of all higher-end vehicles in that price bracket.
Were you able to get any kind of significant deal on your X3? I priced out a 2007 model with a number of features online and it came out to about $46K + TTL. A lot higher then I wanted to be at, but if it were closer to $40K, I think that would be close to a deal closer. I'm in no rush right now though, I'm looking more closely near the end of the year or this time next year. I'm also hoping to find a dealer near my home that will treat both my wife and I well. That will take some scouting out and some time to invest in, but I believe in doing that before talking about any deals. That way, I don't get stuck with getting a great deal but having to drive a long way to get to a dealer that will service the car well and treat its customers properly.

#272 of 327 Re: Good points [belias] by bruceomega

Jan 25, 2007 (2:54 pm)

Replying to: belias (Jan 25, 2007 8:03 am)
belias,
 
What I would really like is an X3 with the 3.0 liter twin turbo engine and 6 speed auto!
 
In addition to the more powerful engine in the 2007 model, I would also like to have the 6 speed vice 5 speed auto.
 
On our 2006 X3, the only thing I wish it had but does not is the premium sound system. I don't remember if the 2006 premium sound option included Logic 7 or not, but the system in my 2006 330Xi (premium sound and Logic 7) is definitely better than the standard audio system in our X3.
 
I would have also preferred to have had the satellite radio already installed as that gives you a 1 year pre-paid subscription. We added Sirius about 5 months after purchase.
 
Of the things we do have, the heated seats are a must have, and I like the privacy glass, 18" wheels (non sport package), and retractable cargo net. I believe the 2007 model offers heated rear seats (as part of the cold weather package) and I would get that option.
 
We purchased from the dealer closest to our house. We liked the salesman and their location is a big convenience factor. IIRC, we paid a little less than halfway between the invoice price listed by Edmunds and MSRP.
 
Good luck,
Bruce

#273 of 327 auto show impression by bruceomega

Jan 29, 2007 (8:23 am)

I finally sat in an RDX at the DC Auto Show this past Saturday. I had to wait in line to sit in the one that was powered up as the show was very crowded, and couldn’t stay in the cabin long as others were waiting.
 
The RDX was very nice, but I could not spend any time in the cockpit trying out things. Since I’ve never had a navigation system equipped car, or driven an Acura, I could not appreciate the advanced technology in the cockpit from a quick test seating. Maybe if I drove one for awhile, I would become accustomed to what it has and appreciate it more vis a vis the X3 interior.
 
I liked the size of the RDX, but compared to our X3 it felt just a little:
- Smaller
- Less open
- Less storage area in the back
- Lower seating height
 
If I didn’t already own an X3, and was in the market for a new vehicle of this type, I would definitely give the RDX a test drive.
 
If I were to consider replacing our 2006 X3 however, then I would be more inclined to trade it for a 2007 X3 with the 6 speed auto.
 
Bruce

#274 of 327 RDX v. X3 by x3driver

Feb 22, 2007 (6:38 pm)

We drove both, more than once, and bought the X3, for a couple of reasons.
 
There was too much wheelslip in the rain in the RDX - I had to ask the salesperson if there was traction button turned off.
I've had a turbo, and prefer an in-line 6 over the long haul, although feeling that turbo spool up is always a thrill.
The RDX interior is too much like a spaceship - too distracting, we just want to focus on the road.
 
My wife liked the Bimmer ride! She likes to feel the road!
 
The RDX for sure offers more "technology" for the price, and probably better reliability, but it seemed a bit "immature" - it was like driving a video game piece, maybe it was the interior styling.
 
A bit of vanity - the RDX just looked, to us, a bit too much like a toy.

#275 of 327 Re: RDX v. X3 [x3driver] by varmint

Feb 23, 2007 (11:20 am)

Replying to: x3driver (Feb 22, 2007 6:38 pm)
Agreed. Rather than going for luxurious, I think Acura opted to go high-tech with the interior. On paper that works for the target demographic (youngish urban males). However, I think it turns off the other buyers who just want a nicely put together, semi-sporty vehicle with some utility.

#276 of 327 RE: RDX v. X3 by micckie

Feb 24, 2007 (10:40 am)

I can't say I fit the demographic stereotype living in a more rural area, a woman turning forty. But, while dealing with BMW (working out a lease.. not a purchase), I couldn't help but think what a ridiculous move I was making when I could afford to purchase the RDX. Clearly, In my mind, driving one right after the other, It was more vehicle for the money. I also felt it was MORE lux (but that's me) then the BMW inside, and the seats were more comfy. I liked the styling outside of the X3 better. I think in all, I almost leased it because of the stigma attached... and it has a pan sunroof! But it wasn't worth the price. I didn't get that "Wow" when I got in it.
    I've had the car now 2 months, and I'm still learning something new every day. I'm not "young" per say, but I still have that wild side, where I enjoy a sporty fun ride, with state of the art techno-candy. Maybe turning 60, I'll think about settling down into a refined quiet comfort, but until then, I'm spoolin

#277 of 327 RE: RDX v. X3 [micckie] by bodble2

Feb 24, 2007 (10:48 am)

Replying to: micckie (Feb 24, 2007 10:40 am)
"I'm not "young" per say"
 
Forty is young. You're only as old as you drive! (ie. don't buy a Buick, or a Caddie)

#278 of 327 RE: RDX v. X3 [micckie] by x3driver

Feb 24, 2007 (2:34 pm)

Replying to: micckie (Feb 24, 2007 10:40 am)
You can't go wrong with either one, it's art, not science, deciding between the two. The price might not be as far apart as you think, what with the BMW 4 year / 50K maintenance, etc, but then again, I bet you don't get to know your Service Manager as well as I will

#279 of 327 RE: RDX v. X3 [x3driver] by wwest

Feb 24, 2007 (11:45 pm)

Replying to: x3driver (Feb 24, 2007 2:34 pm)
"..it's art, not science, deciding between the two..."
 
NOT...!!
 
The X3 has a very definite RWD engine torque bias and also is available with a stick shift.
 
If you have any expectation at all of often encountering wintertime adverse roadbed conditions the X3 will be the obvious choice of those with experience and knowledge of driving in those conditions.

#280 of 327 RE: RDX v. X3 [wwest] by patentcad1

Feb 25, 2007 (5:28 am)

Replying to: wwest (Feb 24, 2007 11:45 pm)
>>If you have any expectation at all of often encountering wintertime adverse roadbed conditions the X3 will be the obvious choice of those with experience and knowledge of driving in those conditions<< It's hard to overstate how utterly silly this statement is. I've had a base RDX (no tech package) since October. I drove the car 25 miles over largely unplowed roads after a 12"+ snowstorm last week. No problems. Overall the best handling car I've owned. The car is phenomenal wet roads, snowy roads, dry roads. A bit stiff riding over some surfaces, but the handling is remarkable. Loving the car after 6500 miles. By the way, I got a tech package RDX as a loaner car and I greatly prefer my base car. The tech package was annoying. GPS screen is too small, too hard to read in bright daylight and is not a touch screen. The Nav in my 2004 TL is MUCH bigger, MUCH brighter, and MUCH easier to use. I'll stick with my little Garmin dashtop unit on those rare occasions when I need it. Works great. Fits in the center console of the RDX with my entire livingroom set. It is remarkable to me (and a real comment on how dopey many car buyers are) that the focus on the RDX is the tech package. IT's THE CAR STUPID. And the bluetooth, Nav, etc. are static compared to the core issues here. I have all those features on my TL. I don't use the bluetooth, voice commands, etc. Only the Nav. And I don't miss that at all with the Garmin at my disposal whenever I need it. Which is about 6x annually.

Messages Page 28 of 33

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