Bump!
We got pretty busy for a while, but my wife is getting a stronger urge to buy. Our 2001 Outback H-6 is doing well, but needs some work and we're feeing like it might be time.
Two days ago, we test drove again. This time we took out a new Ford Explorer XLT, CX-9 GT, and the Subie Outback 3..6R Limited again.
Ford: A very nice vehicle, with lots of gadgets. Sync seems very cool, and that cabin is very clever. Nice aesthetics, however it looks, and feels, very big and bulky. Also.....expensive! I think the dealer was marking up, as the salesman quoted $41K for an XLT and $48K for a Limited. Ummm.... (boom06). Stupid transmission shift toggle BUTTONS on the shifter handle.
Outback: Familiar and great, though we had to drive a used '10, since there were no '11 3.6Rs on the lot, and the '12s aren't out yet. Nice shifter paddles behind the wheel.
Mazda: I personally really liked it, when I got inside again. Nice layout, roomy but compact and not bulky outside like the Ford. Handling was still great, nice cornering, and no shifter paddles, but it does have the rock forward/rear handle for manual changes.
The MDX is out now, we don't want to spend that much. Plus, the CX-9 has the sliding/tilting second row. An Acura salesman told me that the MDX doesn't have that, because they did internal crash tests, and that made it worse. Poor excuse for packaging? Legitimate concern? Who knows...
Mazda dealer is offering invoice plus 0% financing on '11 models, in September (so, now). Stated invoice on a GT was about $35K before tax/title. Does that sound right? We may consider a Touring with more options, too....don't really need the pricey nav, plus the 20"s look good, but are expensive and do make the ride worse on bumps......even though my lead-footed wife says she didn't notice.
So, that's an option to save a few bucks....
Probably going with white - it's what we buy.
A BIG QUESTION: any changes for 2012? Dealer said no, but I'm suspicious.