Thanks -- good feedback. I went to Carmax yesterday and sat in:
2007 BMW X3
2006 Lexus RX 330
2007 Acura RDX
Having recently test-driven the Lexus RX 400h, I decided to resample the X3 and RDX's drives. My impressions:
X3 -- roomy but right leg had to angle in some, sporty ride, pretty firm, had an early shift 1st to 2nd gear, don't care for the red LED electronics (reminds me of my first digital watches!), lots of options possibilities (this one had no Nav and leatherette), back seat was modest but worked, middle priced ($35k)
RX 330 -- felt cramped, earlier test ride of RX 400h was good, quiet, subdued, fine acceleration, smooth ride but transition from electric to gas engines felt clunky, body roll evident, electronics were acceptable, best storage, great back seats, priced highest ($37k for 06 400h)
RDX -- very roomy!, sporty ride, felt every bump, seats were very comfy but a little firm, loved electronics, good acceleration, same as X3 for back seat, almost all options pre-loaded (similar to Lexus), priced lowest ($29k)
I have two children (6 and 3) and am the occasional child carrier.
Overall, I felt the RX 400h (luxury, refinement, storage, green) and RDX (sport, electronics) were appropriately priced for what you get. I felt like the X3 was a good compromise for the features I like, but the price did not match value ($6k for roundel?) plus the one I looked at lacked Nav and leather seats! Yes, I know there are better deals to be made, but carmax prices are a good reference point for comparison.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
