I Want a CX9GT

[HPH]

Base? Touring? GT?

Are there any options that are a must have? I am 99% sure, I want a GT base model. I thought I wanted the Bose / backup / sunroof package but I am haveing second thoughts. I dont care about a sunroof. The backup is nice and I do like a "good" sound system. So if I just get a base model GT I can save about 5 grand. I know I can get a aftermarket sound system that is better for less. I give up the backup.
I feel like the GT is a lot more car for not much more $ so I am good with that. Is there something I am missing?
I have read the nav is a waste of $ and I have a iPhone.
Don't need towing I have a truck if needed
Is there something that is a must have on this car?
Thanks in advance!

 

[blackntan]

We ended up buying a Touring with the bose/backup/sunroof, and had the dealer throw in all weather mats and cargo net. As far as I can tell, the only thing our Touring doesn't have that a GT has is the hids, 20's, and foglights. Of the things we didn't get, the only thing I would have liked was the fog lights and hids. I'm in the process of installing a HID kit in our headlights now, and will research an OEM foglight upgrade, though it will probably be too pricey, and scare me away. All the other fancy stuff (side mirror warning, yada yada etc.) just wasn't necessary for us. I believe we ended up saving a few grand by going with the T instead of a similarly equipped GT. Our budget was around $30k, and that's what we got.

In other words, you can get a pretty well-equipped Touring for close to the same, or less than a base GT.

 

[DizkoDan]

From edmunds on the 2012 model:
Stepping up to the Touring version adds automatic headlights, heated mirrors, leather upholstery (for the front- and second-row seats) and heated power front seats. The Grand Touring adds 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, keyless ignition/entry, driver-seat memory presets, a second-row armrest, wood interior accents, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a blind-spot warning system.

I got a 08 GT because xenon's, fogs, keyless, memory and auto dimming mirrors are all things I want in a vehicle. The BSM system was a nice feature as well, and I actually like it a lot. The nav is pretty much your standard nav. It gets us where we are going, but it leaves a lot to be desired. The display on the nav system also controls the clock on the console, so if you replace it, you can't manage the clock anymore. Not to mention many people have reported issues with cooling after doing an aftermarket nav install.

Keep in mind that the base price difference between the T & GT is only a few grand. Not sure if you are planning on new or used, but the difference is even slimmer used.

Good luck!

 

[HPH]

New 2012. shooting for 30,000 ish
I do want leather. HIDs, BSMirrors, 20" wheels? - 18s are nice too, heated seats (wife is always cold, lol)
I don't mind the idea of a touring with options but the GT has leather standard + the 20s & HIDs make up the cost difference.??

 

[table5511]

Touring has halogen headlamps, no fog lights, no blue rings (correct me?), no chrome door handles.

After having the backup cam, I could care less if I had it or not, its not that useful to me. Sunroof however is a must have for me. I'm 6'1" and the cx-9 is not that tall, so opening the sunroof shade makes it feel more open in the interior. I personally like the Bose, think it sounds pretty good.

Alot of folks are getting a fully loaded GT for 32 to 34k before tax/tag/title. Its all about you having the ability to tell the salesperson "Look, I will pay 32" and then you walk away. Literally, walk away from him. Then stop back in a couple days and tell him your offer still stands. They always cave because they have a chance to make a sale.

 

[tex2670]

I've had my GT for about 2 weeks now. Do you "need" the blind spot system? Maybe not. But I immediately noticed how well it works. Should you move up to a GT just for that? Probably not. But I got my GT with Nav, Sunroof, Power Liftgage and Roof Rails for 34,300. If you skip any options, then you should be able to get a base GT for 30-31,000.

 

[ceric]

The BSM for $200 could save you from an accident at a dark raining right....
Sports car like NSX, Corvettes, Farrari and the sorts are very low.
They are very hart to spot from the driver seat of an SUV even if you turn your heads.

 

[table5511]

I have to say, I'm a big fan of bsm, not to replace lane checks, but in the event you don't turn your head far enough and like Ceric said, there is a small car exactly in your blind spot, the system will let you know HEY DUMMY STOP MOVING OVER.

 

[HOLOHOLO]

I drove the GT but ended up with a loaded Touring, minus the nav (complete waste on an island!). Love my heated leather seats and mooroof! Stereo is just ok but Bluetooth is great.

I miss the blind spot mirrors, but the large backup cam is more of a help to me. I don't miss the 20's, wood trim, smart wipers or fog lamps at all.

In my opinion, the most important decision is "4WD or no"?

My advice? Get a Touring with at least one splurge option to spoil you and the spouse who helps you pay for the thing (AWD, roof/Bose, or power lift gate). The OTD price of the GT w/ AWD is just too far from reality. Zoom-Zoom goes the $$$!!

Don't pay more than factory invoice and buy the factory addons AT THE TIME OF SALE!

 

[qck]

Loving your heated seats in Hawaii, never thought I'd ever read that

 

[table5511]

congrats holoholo!

 

[HOLOHOLO]

Mahalos! And thanks for your work on the Forum. It's great.

The hot seats are for my sore lumbar - helps me "Hang Loose" on longer drives.

I guess that did sound a little funny,.. ;-)

 

[HPH]

I bought the base GT today. payed 31,100 out the door. looking forward to to a good future with this car. I traded my (original owner) 2000 Isuzu Trooper. I was real happy with that suv, i hope this will last just as long.

 

[table5511]

I love those troopers. Congrats!! Keep those chrome exhaust finishers shiny!

 

[jrgmanict]

Picked up a 2012 GT early in February and love it, Did not get AWD but did get Towing, Nav, Sunroof, and Bose Sound system. The Nav works just not as good as I would like. Like the sunroof cause I can open it up and let the heat out for a quicker cool down. Towing, I too have a truck for large towing but I have a few bikes that I'm planning on throwing on the Kendon Trailer and taking a trip sometime with the CX9 and Bike(s). The BSM is wonderful, works on bikes too and that I like. It is very noticeable to the driver and the wife wished she had it on her pilot. Personally I would would go ahead with the Tow package just because it is not all that expensive and if you decide later to add a hitch you have what you need already.
GT or Touring is really a personal Choice but I chose the GT over the Touring and I'm really happy that I did. I like the Auto wipers, really nice not to have to adjust the wiper speed at all. In fact I usually leave it on all the time and when a surprise shower hits then the wipers do their job, just wish the rear's did the same thing.
Bose Sound system with bluetooth is just great, use it all the time, have a usb cord for my phone and the sync is flawless as it sync each time I get in without issue.
Only use the Nav when I have too, not a big fan. Think this is the weak point Mazda could improve upon and it would make the car so much better.
Back up camera is ok, I use it but normally it is just to see what is behind me as I still turn around and look behind me as I backup.
I used USAA to play with what I should look at paying when I went to the dealer and stuck with what I thought was a fair price.
Was almost ready to walk out but we came to a agreement we both could live with, my tow hitch was added without cost to me, one of my stipulations as to what I had to have.
Go at the End of month, quarter, etc. Stick with what you feel is your high price for what you are wanting to get and look beyond your location. Sometimes you can find some deals out of state. You would not pay out of state sales tax but would pay the sales tax for Texas at the time you register the vehicle, just a option.
Any please post a thread when you make your decision. It is a great car love driving it when ever I can.....

 

[tex2670]

Loving your heated seats in Hawaii, never thought I'd ever read that

I was thinking the same thing... Same with AWD--really?

 

[HOLOHOLO]

Sure,.. long rainy season and lots of beaches. Hell, we even had hail and a tornado last month!

With all the boating and kayaking I do, AWD would have been a help. But it is "optional" here. In the end, I thought the cost in cash and gas was just too high.