rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

OMG I'm right, no I'm right, no I'M RIGHT!

What's the going MSRP on ego these days.

We're comparing cars. It's apples to apples.

johnnyvn

BTW, Rod, you might like these numbers:

36 month lease, 15k/year mileage allowance

Acura RDX Advance $1500 down required. Monthly payment roughly $450 incl tax

Audi Premium Plus with Warm Weather package and B&O Sound System and Nav package. $6400 down required. Monthly payment $640 incl tax. Add $1000 insurance difference over three years (just checked my policy)

So over the three years, the Acura would cost $17,700. Audi would cost $30,440. Already over a $10k difference in just a three year period.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

what about during the Audi to remember sales event though?

johnnyvn

Yeah, even during the Audi event, I don't think they're giving any good deals on the new Q5. Whereas, you can get great deals on 2018 RDX now, since the redesign is coming soon...

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

butt butt none of the soccer moms/doctors wives want Acura any more.
it's all about that Audi

cant even think of one person who wants an Acura

chickdr

If you price out a 2018 Q5 PP with the options included on the RDX Advance you will be at $55k MSRP. The car is going for about 53k after discounts on Carsdirect.com. This includes AWD so a comparable RDX Advance AWD will have an MSRP of 45k and sell for quite a bit less. I would say we are at least at a 10k difference and this is with a 2.0T 252hp motor. Both cars have 18" wheels. The Audi has the excellent new instrument panel nav system, but lets see what the 19 RDX has in this regard since the Audi is all new for '18.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

any of you guys actually buying either of these cars?
asking for a friend. lmk.

thanks in advance!
J.

mauigray

My doctor's wife wanted an Acura😉

Kaputnik

Makes sense, the 2018 Acura is a 6 year old model. Still a great car but not targeted to driving enthusiasts like the Q5 or X3.

johnnyvn

Yes, I'm thinking about a 2018 RDX 2WD w ADVANCE. Thinking seriously about it.

johnnyvn

My son and I visited the Acura and Audi dealers today. Here are some takeaways:

1) The Acura is a known factor. Great car for the price. From all accounts, it needs a better infotainment system. And, it will be interesting to see what the 2019 version brings. Surely, it will bring a better infotainment system (based on the 2017 CR-V). Tough to tell what other features will be, although I'm not a big fan of the new grille on the MDX and TLX, which we would expect is coming on the RDX. The current RDX is a good car for the money; not terribly exciting and perhaps geared a little more towards comfort than fun (ok by me, because I'm looking for a car to take some long road trips in), but still, a lot of car for the money. Spacious interior; living in SoCal, LOVE the ventilated seats, and I've been driving a 2005 Acura TL for the last 12 years and have been very satisfied with it overall. I think the RDX shares the general feel of my trusty TL.

2) The Q5 did not impress us. It's probably just our taste, but we did not like the interior very much. Did not like the way it appears they just stuck an iPad up on the dash. Odd. Also didn't like that new large gear shifter. WTF is that? Just were not feeling very good about the interior overall. I'm not sure if you can get rid of that hideous wood trim inside. Hopefully you can.

3) We actually thought that the Q3 was quite nice. Loved the interior; loved the exterior. Yes, it lacks in storage space and is a little cramped generally. But a cool, youthful interior filled with nice aluminum touches. And loved the Black Exterior trim package. Very sharp. Too bad there was no ventilated seat option. But given that it prices about the same as the Acura, you can see the tremendous value you get in the Acura. It's just a lot of car at its price point.

Anyway, those were our thoughts today...

Anyway, that was our takeaway. Q3

HotRodW

No, you won't. Even if you check every box, you can't get the Premium Plus to $55k. A comparably-equipped PP model is $50,625 plus destination.

And again, you do get something for the extra coin. It's up to buyers to decide if it's worth it. I'll say it again ... I have no problem with the RDX. None. But this nonsense of "comparably-equipped" for $10k less simply isn't true. You cannot make them comparably equipped.

Plantman4

I just hope that Acura has the transmission shudder/judder problem fixed by the time the 2019 RDXs are out! This unfixable problem totally took away the joy of owning my 2014 RDX away.

HotRodW

We aren't debating leases. Why would Audi offer a special lease rate when they're selling everything they can make? If you intend to lease, and/or you just like the RDX better, then by all means go with the Acura. It's a fine car.

johnnyvn

Rod, I'm just curious...how do you reach $50,625?

2018 Q5 PP Base $50,800
Add Paint $575
Add Driver Assistance Package $1,800
Add Warm Weather Package $1,450

SO FAR, I'm showing $54,625.00

Why are your prices different from ours?

Anyway, that's the closest I can come to the comparably equipped RDX.

Admittedly, the Q5 has 1 year free maintenance, traffic sign recognition, rear side window sunshades, a panorama sunroof (vs regular on RDX), 20" wheels (vs 18" on RDX), 7 speed (vs 6 speed RDX), Virtual Cockpit (vs lesser display on RDX ADVANCE), heated washer nozzles and perhaps 1 or 2 more pretty tiny differences.

Pricing out the RDX Advance with AWD and Cargo Cover comes to $44,152.00.

I'm still simply saying that a similarly equipped Q5 (one that has everything the RDX offers) is definitely $10k+ more.

HotRodW

The Q5 Premium Plus starts at $45,500. The Prestige starts at $50,800.

https://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-q5/configurator

chickdr

The strange thing is if you use carsdirect.com (which is a site I have been using for well over 10yrs to get an idea of what the real selling price will be) it has a lot of different options not shown on the audiusa.com website. This is a first for me to have it show the incorrect price. It is allowing combinations which jack the price up more than it should. So if we start with a $45,500 price for a PP and add metallic paint (standard on any RDX, but an extra $575 on the Q5), ventilated seats (which gives you nicer seats and rear window shades too) $1,450, navigation $2,600 and B&O sound for $950 you end up at $51,075. This is about as close to an RDX Advance AWD as you can get (and the RDX has a V6...). So the MSRP difference is $6,100 ($51,075 vs $44,975). This is before discounts which I suspect would make the gap a lot larger....

johnnyvn

Rod,

Sorry...I had a slight brain freeze there for a moment in trying to match the Q5 to the RDX.

HERE'S THE PROBLEM:

It's only on the Q5 Prestige that you can get the Driver Assistance Package, which offers the various safety features included in the RDX (and adds traffic sign recognition). So, unless I am missing something here, you really can't compare a Premium Plus Q5 to an RDX ADVANCE. You have to start with the Prestige Q5 and then add the Metallic Paint ($575), Driver Assistance ($1,800) and Warm Weather Package ($1,450) and now at $54,625 you are $10,500 over the price of the RDX ADVANCE. Add in the fact that there are fewer deals on a 2018 Q5 while good deals on a 2018 RDX ADVANCE and you have a pretty large gap in pricing if you're trying to build a Q5 that includes everything an RDX ADV has...

chickdr

To be fair - the Q5 with PP has the following as standard (which is most of the Acura Watch system):
Audi side assist and Audi pre sense® rear with Rear cross traffic assist & Vehicle exit assist
Parking system plus with rear view camera (front and rear acoustic sensors)

But yes, car to car the Audi is a lot more.

johnnyvn

Well, yes and no.

Adaptive cruise control and lane assist are arguably the most important of the Acura safety features and they are only available via Q5 Prestige Driver Assistance Package.

Another thing I forgot to mention is that the Top Down Camera system, included in the RDX Advance, is only available via Q5 Prestige if I'm not mistaken.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^you dont have to justify your future purchase to us.

the audi is better!

johnnyvn

Haha! Not trying to justify anything, especially to strangers in cyberspace that I'll never meet. Just pointing out the price differences! They are real. Very real.

chickdr

But, when you jump to the Prestige you get a lot of extra stuff you don't get on the RDX such as 20" wheels. It kind of highlights how hard it is to match the trim levels up.

johnnyvn

Agreed. It's not apples to apples. But if you want to buy Audi and you want everything that the RDX ADV has, be prepared to bring the Benjamins!

RDX10

I take a more middle approach to what you two are saying here:

Johnny you are simply stating that the RDX with the same tech as the Q5 is 10K cheaper and in some regards the RDX can be looked at as an excellent value if it was an apples to apples comparison, but it is absolutely not. For 10K more you are getting a vehicle with more modern engines, much much better platform, a slightly superior AWD system that can send more power to the rear (the standard quattro-ultra system is trash and Audi should be ashamed of themselves), a MUCH MUCH MUCH nicer and higher quality interior with real wood or aluminum trim as opposed to painted plastic, an infotainment and nav setup that is from this century, the pano roof, the prestige (I've owned two Acuras now and not once has anyone even batted an eye), and lastly no god awful Acura wheels. Yes Acura wheels are so terrible that I'm not even going to be objective about that. I've driven numerous RDX's and have always left feeling the same exact way. "CRV dressed in Fancy clothes" without a bone of sport. The dash has entirely too much hard plastic and go look at the rear doors, you're greeted with almost all hard plastics in places where the front has soft touch materials...the Hyundai Santa Fe doesn't even skimp out on soft touch materials on the back doors. There are also mentions on here of how cheap the carpet materials are in the RDX as well. You can laugh at my points, but really to me the cost cutting in the RDX is extremely apparent (hence the removal of SH-AWD).

Rod, I agree and disagree with your list on a few points. Not having B&O sound is not a valid complaint IMHO because there is ELS sound. No having the 20" wheels available is somewhat valid because MANY mainstream crossovers now offer 19's optionally. The surround view camera I agree with, the Rogue has had one since 2010. Lol I like how you are complaining about no 3-zone climate control...it took Acura till 2016 to put vents back there, let's not completely shock them by mentioning a third zone control

Now I am sure my post to Johnny makes it seem like I think the RDX is crap I really don't. I think the RDX is actually too expensive for what it is and what it offers, however I do think it has a few things going for it. The availability of good old (emphasis on OLD here) V6 with a normal 6 speed auto. No turbos or 10 speed autos to make driving so confusing, Good active safety tech, decent looks, and overall a comfortable driving experience. I think there is something to be said for a car that makes you feel comfortable when you drive it. I have owned German cars many times in the past and although the past is absolutely not indicative of the future, I was always stressed out from the super high maintenance costs and worried of what was going to break next (I will never ever ever ever buy or own a BMW again. PERIOD.) and with my RDX and MDX (well the MDX was a POS too) I was not nearly as worried. I have heard though that newer Audis are quite reliable so maybe that's a moot point.

Because the RDX will be the first Acura to be built around the diamond pentagon grille (as opposed to grafting it on during the mid-cycle refresh) there is a chance they will be able to build around it in a way that makes it look good. If it looks anything like the MDX or TLX then I am going to take a hard pass. SH-AWD absolutely needs to make a comeback and also yes they need to have multiple engine options (EVERYONE else, even the CRV has at least 2). Even obscure vehicles like the RVR/outlander sport/juke offer 2 engine options so why not a 50k premium crossover? My issue with most Japanese designs is that they do not age well, they either look ugly on day one or good for a few years and then dated. IMHO the current RDX is going to stay attractive for many years while the pentagon grille Acuras will not age as gracefully. Mazda was doing really well but I am not a fan of the newest design language. The squinty headlights and tail lights don't do it for me but that interior on the top trims is AMAZING.

buzzdsm

IMO, Driving enthusiasts shouldn't be buying SUV's. It's like a wine enthusiast drinking Coors.

chickdr

I guess you haven't driven a Macan Turbo?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Durango SRT 707hp!

HotRodW

I disagree. If you're an enthusiast who needs to haul stuff, what's wrong with getting the best-handling stuff-hauler you can? Until the hatch/wagon resurgence, sporty crossovers are our best option. They're certainly better than old school body-on-frame SUV's like the 4-Runner or Tahoe. Of course if you haul a lot of stuff or people, you should be looking at a minivan.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

at least we know who the real enthusiast are

buzzdsm

You're correct that I haven't, but I have driven a Cayman S and many other sports cars in the same price range as a Macan.

I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with buying the sportiest version of an SUV just don't expect your $40k, $60k, or $100k SUV to drive/handle like a comparably priced sports car.

On a side note, I thought we were talking about an X3 and Q5.

Kaputnik

Well I certainly have not - but I love the way they look and it's sort of my dream SUV. But I hate the idea of spending big bucks on a depreciating asset. So as someone who still needs to schlepp stuff and likes to have fun driving, I'll stick with my Coors (aka 1G RDX) .

chickdr

We were, but you mentioned SUV's not being for enthusiasts so I thought I would mention the Macan. There is also the SQ5 and reportedly an X3M is on the way. AMG makes variants of the MB SUV's too. They handle themselves pretty well IMHO.

RDX10

Sorry but this statement is 100% incorrect. No SUV will ever drive like a mid engine sports car (though some are VERY close), but some SUV's are actually really really fun to drive (like the 1G RDX was) and can hold their own against some pretty crazy sport cars. A vast majority of common SUV's handle like crap but there are a handful that really can put a smile on even the strictest car enthusiasts face. Jag F-pace, cayenne, macan, q5, X3, X5, qx50 and qx70, q7, Touareg, stelvio. Most common ones suck ass though.

johnnyvn

Guys, most of you seem to have failed LOGIC in school. You know that course where they say, "If A = B, and some of B = C, then does all of C = A?"

And y'all just keep putting words in my mouth.

Across my many posts upthread, the only point I've ever tried to make was that to get the features included in RDX ADVANCE in an Audi or BMW or Mercedes, you'd have to spend $10k+ more.

Did I say that the extra $10k+ wasn't worth it? NO

Did I say that the extra $10k+ wouldn't get you anything aside from the RDX features? NO

Did I say that the RDX had ALL the same features of a Q5 for $10k less? NO

Did I say that the drivability or interior trim or technologies employed on an RDX was EXACTLY THE SAME as an Audi/BMW/Mercedes? NO

And, my original statement remains true. If you want to build a Q5 that has every feature of an RDX, you HAVE to start with the PRESTIGE trim level and start adding packages, and it's going to cost you an additional $10k+. PERIOD. END OF STORY. GET OVER IT.

RDX, you just stated the following: "Johnny you are simply stating that the RDX with the same tech as the Q5 is 10K cheaper". I NEVER SAID THAT. This is a pretty clear example of how you failed LOGIC in school. I never said that the RDX had the same tech for $10k. WRONG. I said - one more time for you LOGIC failures - TO GET ALL OF THE SAME TECH FEATURES YOU FIND ON AN RDX INCLUDED IN AN AUDI OR BMW, BE PREPARED TO PAY $10K+, and that is just plain true.

If you can't understand the simple statement I continue to make, please start here and see me again at the end of the semester:
And do you want to know why I've brought up the $10k+ over and over? Well, aside from it being TRUE, I was also pointing out that the RDX sits somewhere between a CR-V and a Q5 in terms of features, build quality, cost, interior appointments, driving experience, etc. Speaking personally, the RDX is attractive to me because I do want many of the features it offers (safety features, good sound system, ventilated seats) and in my current financial reality, I can't afford getting those same features in an Audi or BMW. So, FOR ME, the RDX represents good value, regardless of whether or not it's every bit the car that a Q5 might be (I think we all agree that it's not).

Now, having said that YET AGAIN, we can move past WHAT JOHNNY DIDN'T SAY, and actually talk about the cars themselves.

:-)

RDX10

Logic failures? Excuse me? That last post there just made you look like a giant deuce bag so great job. Your statement is illogical in origin anyways. Simply stating that a Q5 is 10k more expensive than an RDX with the same features doesn't account for anything. We understood what you were saying, but you CANNOT divorce the extra stuff that comes with the Q5 from the 10K price difference.

Like I told you above, this is not an apples to apples comparison for the reasons I listed above. I'm not exactly sure what you're whole point is to simply state a 10k difference. What does that even mean if the cars are not on an equal ground? Obviously the car with a higher quality interior and much much more advanced with an ACTUAL luxury badge and Luxury car roots is going to cost more. A Hyundai Tucson Ultimate AWD comes with almost (if not everything) the Q5 comes with, so I can also state that the Q5 is 20K more. Big whoop. They aren't on the same playing field so that statement holds no value.

Get outta here with your "logic" bullshit. Also we were talking about the cars not you Johnny so don't get so full of yourself. Oh and I already know you're going to come back with "the tucson is not from a luxury brand like the RDX is so it can't be compared with the Q5 like the RDX can" to which I am going to respond in advance with. Who said that Acura was a luxury brand? :wink:

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Deuce bag = Colostomy bag?

RDX10

Is deuce bag not a common term in the states?

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

LMAO, yes but it's usually douchebag.
I've even taken the time to demonstrate being one by posting!

RDX10

We had a good demonstration already. But good point. I think I still meant it both ways.