I am retiring late in 2023 and will need to purchase a car. I have it narrowed down to the following: RAV4, CRV, RDX, NX (non-hybrids). I plan on waiting until late next summer (hopefully prices will "soften"). I am not a "fan" of CVT's (had a Rogue in the past). How would you rank my choices?
Also: I did get a great deal on a Xtool D8, can you do more videos on how to use this scanner, including how/where to understand all the live data?
If you do respond, how will I know?
Thanks! Henry in PA
Congrats on the near retirement.
Ill put you at ease with this, the Rogues have pretty junky CVT's, toyotas & hondas are much better.
So with the list you provided, a toyota, honda, acura, lexus, all crossovers and all good manufactures. So it depends on what you want. If you want luxury, lean acura/lexus. If you want to save the extra few bucks get the rav4/CRV.
I strongly recommend test driving them all see what you like.
Welcome new poster. All 4 are good options.
If you're buying new, get the one with the best/most reputable dealer, especially if they give you a good deal. If used, then the one with lowest miles.
If I was nearing retirement, I would be concerned about parts costs in the out years. (I am assuming I would have time to do most of my own work). The Toyota and Honda will likely beat the Lexus and Acura. And you are right to avoid hybrids.
As far as timing, the fact that you have time to wait is good. But I honestly don't know anymore if prices are going to come down much more or not. I would get as many opinions on that subject as possible.
Congratulations on your soon to be retirement! All are great choices. Based on the latest generations. Here are some nuances.
My personal preference: CRV >>> RAV4 >> NX > RDX
I much prefer a simple and intuitive user interface and especially tactile feedback for A/C controls. The CRV best fits this requirement by far. While the RAV4 interface is tacticle, the small row of buttons make it hard to use. The NX and RDX have horrible interfaces, NX is just one big screen, which frustrates me. And the RDX is like a mousepad. Not to mention, I HATE the NX shifter, and HATE the RDX button shifter. I much prefer the levers of the CRV and the RAV4.
My recommendation to others: RAV4 > CRV > NX > RDX
The RAV4 is based on the Camry platform, it used to be based on the Corolla. So you are basically getting a “Camry” SUV for the price of a “Corolla” SUV. On top of that, since the Camry platform is so widespread, it seems prices for parts are cheaper and plentiful. The CRV is still popular, so it’s not that far behind in that respect.
In terms of “best” engine: RDX > RAV4 > NX > CRV
The latest generation RDX has a K-Series engine with a turbo. Usually I shy away from turbo’s. Because they screw with engine. But that engine block base has seen 1000hp with after market modifications. If that isn’t telling of how strong that engine base is, I don’t know what is.
In terms of quality/luxury: NX > CRV > RDX > RAV4
RAV4 seems cheap. Even though the CRV is in the same sphere, the quality of the interior is much more premium, IMHO. RDX is nice too, way nicer than a RAV4, but I still prefer the CRV. NX is built to be premium, it just doesn’t happen to be premium.
Those are all good options, one more option to consider is the Corolla Cross in case you're fine with something a bit smaller. Another thing to consider is the gasoline only cr-v has a turbocharged engine while this isn't the case with the Rav4 so if you plan on keeping the car for a long time go with the Rav4.
