I like how it bends around a corner, dead hooks in the rain, etc. It has tons of application and I haven't owned a non-AWD vehicle since 2014, and never will again. That said, in the Vegas area, if you never leave town, sure, why? I can respect that. Frankly, I would just buy a Tesla for Vegas. Your traffic is nuts in that every time a light turns green, you hear tires howl. Instant torque and no regard for range of travel work perfect in Vegas. ID4, Tesla, etc.

 

I am facing a tough decision within the next 10-15 days. A '22 RED RDX Advance SH-AWD with my name on a refundable deposit will arrive at the local dealer. With all the talk about the SH-AWD benefits, I still prefer FWD, but Acura has chosen to eliminate that option from the Advance Trim for 2022. So have other manufacturers, Honda on the 22 CR-V Touring, Mazda on the CX5, to name just two. WHY? Dunno...???

Living in Tucson, we don't get snow (maybe a half inch every 3 or 4 years, when we just look outside and marvel at some of the desert covered in white stuff. I don't race around corners, or freeway on/off ramps. Come to think of it, the ramps here are mostly straight. The MPG hit seems to be only 1 MPG vs FWD, and AWD costs ~$2,000 more, so what is my tough decision? I will be trading in a '22 Highlander Hybrid Platinum FWD that is getting 35+ MPG. BUT, I don't like driving it.

35 MPG vs 25 MPG maybe? At 15,000 miles per year, at $3.50/gal for gas (currently $3.44 here), that amounts to about $600 more a year for gas. I can order a Lincoln Corsair GT PHEV (will arrive "by end of year") which gets 35 MPG even if never plugged in, for a net cost about the same as the RDX Advance after Fed tax credit.

I am not a 0-60 mph guy anymore...I'm just not in a hurry to get anywhere these days.

 

JB,

As an owner of a red 22 ASpec-Advance, I can tell you that I have noticed the mileage I am getting is less than I got with my 19 Aspec (20 now vs 24 then), but I am so happy with the car I don't care what the mileage is, even with gas reaching the $4 a gallon mark around here. I use midgrade and used midgrade in my 19 for 3 1/2 years and never had an issue.

It's a tough choice to make but in my case the attractiveness of the car (not the looks, the whole thing) make the mileage easier to deal with. But that's just me, and I don't drive as much as I used to, but I already have almost 3000 miles on the car, so maybe I do!

It's your decision to make. Whatever you decide I am sure will work out fine. Good luck

 

I know this is an RDX forum, but if I were you, I'd wait for the Lincoln. I thought from a previous discussion that your wife was against sitting in a Corsair ever again, though.

 

Yeah, she did have that feeling, but now, she says "more time has passed" I dunno.

 

Well, just came back from the dealer. They just offloaded the Mach E GT off the delivery truck 30 minutes ago. I got a really good deal on my trade, and they took off another $1k off msrp and 1.4 percent financing. I’m sold!

Finally done with the RDX. I’m picking up the car Saturday. I had some minutes sitting in the Mach E and holy crap it is generations ahead in terms of infotainment and technology and the sound quality is about almost on par with the els, but time will tell.

Seats are definitely sportier than the RDX. My first impressions are solid. It’s crazy how there’s no sound whatsoever with the EV…

 

You got a sweet deal with $1K off MSRP.

In addition to no sound, there’s no vibration either.

Does yours have the adjustable suspension? That’s supposed to be the one that’s most comfortable, although the regular suspension is decent.

 

Re:Vegas traffic. It's pretty incredible, either you drive like a 90 year old ...90 year old, or it's pedal to the metal.It's pretty damn scary sometimes. That coupled with the road maintenance folks who refuse to re-stripe roads...ever. Maybe it's like that pretty much everywhere, but it definitely was not in Reno.

 

Nah, the dealers that actually had the adjustable suspension ones in stock wanted $10k over MSRP. I wasn't going to pay $80k for this car haha.

I also placed an order for a regular Mach E Premium but needed to wait ten months, they would've given me $3k off MSRP, but I was concerned that I would miss out on the $7500 federal tax credit waiting that long, so I decided to bite.

The funny thing is, the Acura dealer reached out to me and wanted to take a look at the infotainment system again since I kept having issues of audio popping and screen turning dark with error messages saying ICU critical unlock. I was like forget it, I'm getting rid of the car...lol finally feels good to say that and actually mean it.

 

Interesting about $10k markup only for the GT with adjustable suspension.

I placed an order for an ID.4. I figured I’d get in line since it may take a year to get it with the way things are going.

 

i also placed an order for an Bw ID 4 Pro S AWD. They will start build them in the USA this spring. However, their dealers are getting flooded with Kia Ev6 and Hyundai Ionic 5’s right now…that will fill a lot of the demand.

lots of Mustang Mach E GT on dealers lots, they may have to discount them sooner or later to move them.

 

It's more dealer specific. There are not many dealers who even carry the Mustang Mach E, and the one that specifically had the GT with the suspension around me wanted $10k above MSRP. If they had another GT without it, they still would've marked it up $10k. They told me if they had any premium models, it would be $7k markup.

My dealer only had one GT in the lot that they were letting go at MSRP, and no other Mustang Mach E's whatsoever coming for a long time.

 

They're already discounting them by offering a 1.4% interest financing instead of the usual 2.4% financing. People don't want a GT most of the time because it's pretty expensive when they could get a Premium for $6k less and have still a nice performance vehicle with 346hp instead of GT's 480hp while having more range. Personally, I already have the Premium on order, but decided I couldn't wait ten months for it as the $7500 tax credit will probably start phasing out for Ford in the next 6-7 months.

 

I think it's later, more like summer. Also when they start they will be 2023's and will have some interior updates to make the interior more "American" (VW's term, I think) according to an article from Car and Driver.

Ideally, I would like to see the captain's chairs replaced with a regular armrest and a heat pump.

But with the current state of geopolitical affairs who knows what will actually happen. They just stopped building cars in Zwickau and I think that was because of parts availability.

 

Nah, Vegas is its own thing. All of it. Neat place and the people are all friendly, the natives, anyway that I met.

 

I'm going to wait and see how things shake out before going EV. Many places in America can't even power HVAC systems in the summer/winter, so when everyone comes home and plugs in a quick charging PEV on an amped up super-hoover power sucker charger, it's going to wreck the grid, IMO. Yes, I already have gone nearly off grid, and am better positioned than most, but even I have reservations. I do know electricity is going to get more expensive though!

 

Well whatever the cost is, it will definitely be cheaper than gas. I’m paying only 7 cents per kWh not including delivery fees which make the total around 11-12 cents per kWh. That’s the benefit of living in a coal state.

Gas just jumped to $4 a gallon around here for regular, so I expect to save significantly by going EV.

I can also tell you that I don’t have any issues powering my HVAC at all, and have not experienced any power outages. I’m not in the west coast. I plan to only keep this car for four years then reassess the situation then.

By then, I can maybe get one of those Honda/Acura EVs and take advantage of the fed tax credit once more.

 

My local pump was showing $5.899 yesterday for 91 which is what I fill. The way things are going, I might be dropping a $100 on my next fill.

 

Its $4.05 in my neck of the woods. $5.899 is nuts.

 

Just picked up the Mach E GT. Holy crap it is WAY better than the RDX, in terms of driving dynamics, speed. The only thing I'll miss is the HUD and the sound system on the RDX, but everything else the Mach E outshines it.

The acceleration is unreal, and the bluecruise is leaps ahead of RDX's LKAS.

 

Congrats!

I am not ready for an EV.

LKAS is not intended to be bluecruise. BTW, how much is the subscription to bluecruise?

 

Well it’s an EV with a starting MSRP of $62k. It should be better.

 

An awful lot of youngins buying expensive cars these days. When I was in my mid 30s I bought my first house, was raising kids and saving for their college educations.

 

I don’t think it’s as many. They have disproportionate representation in forums because if they’re buying a pricey car they are probably enthusiasts. When I look at who’s driving what on the road, it’s mostly older folks driving expensive cars.

 

My local pump is at 5.89 right now too, and that’s one of the cheaper tier 1 ones in town. The expensive ones downtown are 6.79 right now!

 

Congratulations and good to hear you are liking it. Just read something today that Ford has stopped offering the Premium and California Route 1 options.

 

They only stopped the premium and California because they already sold out for the 2022 model year of those models and would have to wait until end of 2022 to get the 2023 models. I placed an order last month for a premium and was quoted at least a 7 month wait.

 

 

I'm 36. I already have a house, land, etc. and drive 2 hours round trip when I go to work. I wanted something I enjoy being in. I have zero desire to have kids, so this is an expense I've not got to contend with. I work 3 days a week and enjoy my situation. I don't consider the RDX I have out of line. My household income fits its demographic.

 

Well, with my RDX, I was paying around $530 a month payments. With the Mach E GT, I'm paying $440 a month, and I also get a $7500 federal tax credit, which basically pays off my financing in the next 17 months or so. The timing was definitely right to get rid of that RDX. For the next 17 months, I save a significant amount of money with this method. Either in the next 17 months, I spend around $9k if I kept the RDX vs the Mach E GT, which is basically free for now. Not to mention I save significantly on gas costs (about another $80 a month with current prices). I expect my savings to be around an extra $10k I keep in my bank at least in the next 17 months for me.

 

I am a cash car-buyer these days. I wasn't when I was in my 30s.

I understand both of your situations. Thank you for explaining, and I apologize if I sounded critical, or judgmental. I was just surprised that folks in their 30s could afford $50,000+ vehicles. When I was in my 30s, what today is $50,000 was about $18,000. (according to an online calculator). I bought a loaded 1986 Pontiac 6000 SE Wagon for about $12,000. (equivalent to about $32,000 today) I was making good money, but as I said, had three kids that I was raising.


IF I was buying an EV now, the Mach-E would likely be at the top of my list. I haven't driven one, but have sat in a couple. I hear the ride can be a bit firm, but not harsh. I don't like the outside door handles. haha

 

If you are not open to having your choices critiqued, maybe you are ashamed of them, is my take, so no, I don't mind your statements.
People need to realize money is cheap to borrow right now. We are getting auto loans in the 1.X-low 2.X percent range right now. Houses in the 2.7-4% range. The times are vastly different, and with inflation on the horizon, fixed rate debt is so much smarter than cash purchases right now unless you have the cash in hand, and then I'd argue investing it and still financing = a huge win. We also probably make a ton more than you made back in the day, too, because of inflation. The car is the last piece in my puzzle. I already have a place to live, and no debt other than said place to live and the car.

 

Was $6.199 this morning. My next fill will be the first time ever that I experience a $6+ gas price.

 

Where? Price hasn’t changed today. Premium is still $4.05 and regular $3.79. Minneapolis.

 

Roseville, CA (east side)

 

Gulp - that is painful. Especially with a ICE vehicle that is not super efficient (similar to all other pure ICE SUV's and Trucks) these days.

 

Sounds like your head is screwed on straight. Especially the zero kids thing. Many/most people think something is wrong with you if you don't want kids. Work a couple more days a week and payoff your house as soon as you can if you haven't already done so. I agree, the RDX is not out of line. At your age and your situation, I'd be driving something more (out of line) than just an RDX.
Fun is more fun when you're young.

 

I regret a lot of decisions that I made around financial security when I was younger--I was too conservative. I am more secure now, but it's because I have had a better paying job in the recent past, not because of the paltry savings I had back when I was younger. So I totally second this advice about having fun while young. Additionally, with the way the economy and inflation are going, savings may not have the value they have had for the last few decades.

 

Exactly. You don't often look over and see a youngster driving a new vette, a BMW M car or one of them nice cars with the 3 point star on the hood.

 

Gas prices went up by 70 cents per gallon in the past 7 days around where I live...crazy.