Cx 5 shopping

Cell phones have a constantly updated map system but I'm trying to justify if all the LED lights and systems and the city brake support are worth the extra premium.

Whether a feature is "worth the extra premium" is primarily a function of the buyers financial standing. If the buyer is debt free and has more than adequate investments and savings towards retirement then it's a much easier equation - if you want it, go for it. If, on the other hand, the buyer is working to build an adequate nest egg, the extra cost feature needs to be transformative to be "worth it". Will it make you more productive? Will it substantially change the safety dynamics? Or, is it just a 'want' that can't really be justified with meaningful benefits? If the latter, it's much better to forgo it due to the time value of assets. Asset values compound and grow at an amazing rate when reasonably invested and lost savings in the earlier part of ones career are hard to re-capture later (due to fewer decades with which to compound).


That said, if you live in a northerly climate with long nights and do a lot of night driving on fast, unlit roads, the better headlights may be of substantial benefit. If more driving is urban, low speed driving or on well lit highways, the upgraded headlights will be of little real benefit. If you are an easily distracted driver and have had a couple of at fault collisions, the city brake support is probably a no-brainer. But, if you are normally very attentive with good reflexes and good driving habits, city brake support becomes much less valuable and the decision will likely be a financial one. This is the nature of financial decisions, they are very dependent upon the individuals finances.
 
Whether a feature is "worth the extra premium" is primarily a function of the buyers financial standing. If the buyer is debt free and has more than adequate investments and savings towards retirement then it's a much easier equation - if you want it, go for it. If, on the other hand, the buyer is working to build an adequate nest egg, the extra cost feature needs to be transformative to be "worth it". Will it make you more productive? Will it substantially change the safety dynamics? Or, is it just a 'want' that can't really be justified with meaningful benefits? If the latter, it's much better to forgo it due to the time value of assets. Asset values compound and grow at an amazing rate when reasonably invested and lost savings in the earlier part of ones career are hard to re-capture later (due to fewer decades with which to compound).


That said, if you live in a northerly climate with long nights and do a lot of night driving on fast, unlit roads, the better headlights may be of substantial benefit. If more driving is urban, low speed driving or on well lit highways, the upgraded headlights will be of little real benefit. If you are an easily distracted driver and have had a couple of at fault collisions, the city brake support is probably a no-brainer. But, if you are normally very attentive with good reflexes and good driving habits, city brake support becomes much less valuable and the decision will likely be a financial one. This is the nature of financial decisions, they are very dependent upon the individuals finances.

Thanks for the great reply, Mike. My question was more of a practical than financial issue - I can afford the package without any problems. I was more curious on the side if people have noticed any big differences with the upgraded lights as far as ease of driving at night vs. any maintenance issues that come with more moving parts = more things that can go wrong.

I've been checking out the forums for the last couple of weeks since I've started test driving and I really enjoyed the CX-5. I'm just trying to keep my ear open for any outstanding issues before I pull the trigger in December where hopefully I can get a good deal.
 
Hi everyone.

I am replacing a 01 Blazer with 250,000 miles on it. I have narrowed down my vehicles to the Equinox,Forester, and CX 5. I enjoyed driving the CX 5 my only complaint was the visibility compared to the Forester. A local dealer has a CX 5 AWD Touring that I may take a look at today. I have never owned a Mazda and know nothing about them. I have always been a chevy guy but the Equinox isnt AWD and the engine seemed a little under powered, but had a very smooth ride. Can you guys give me any insight on the CX 5? Reliability? What you like and dont like about it?

Thanks!!

I've owned Fords (Mustang GT and crown vic), GM (C6 Z06, 2001 WS.6, 1995 Trans Am), Nissan/Infiniti (370Z, G20), Dodge (Grand Jeep Cherokee 5.7 Limited), and now this Mazda.

The Mazda feels the most like my 370Z for build-quality. It's solid, neat, and well- thought out. However, unlike my 370Z, it has been very reliable, and well-designed, as well! I have 36K miles on my 2015 Touring 2.5L AWD, and it has never needed anything other than regular maintenance based on dealer records.

As a cheap, compact SUV, I can think of no better. If you want more class/speed/style and less "cheap to own", get a 2-3 year old MB GLK350. If you want something in the middle, get the Forester 2.0XT. But for what I wanted, my CX-5 has done VERY well. Every indication from every datasource I can find is that it is VERY reliable.
 
100% think the tech package is worth it for the LED lighting. Pick up overtime or something to put extra money down to make up for the extra cost. I found a way to make sure I was able to get it with the tech package because I know I wouldn't of been happy without it. Not to mention it truly makes a big difference in driving visibility at night.
 

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