Notices
Car Chat General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Innova

Hey's baaack... howdy all, Rdgdawg here...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 5, 2013 | 01:17 PM
  #1  
rdgdawg's Avatar
rdgdawg
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,794
Likes: 0
From: Lake Country, WI
Default Hey's baaack... howdy all, Rdgdawg here...

What's up crew? Been running around like crazy, lots of changes (including one life altering- live every day to the fullest guys!!!! ), and perhaps more changes on the way, stay tuned...

One new change- the Optima has gone home as I needed more room with new growing family... so new to the stable is a 2013 Mazda CX-9 AWD Touring. I plan a full write up later on, but quickly:

Hey's baaack... howdy all, Rdgdawg here...-mazda.jpg

Pluses
- Seats 7 comfortably
- Quick, handles like a sedan, I've taken many turns at nearly the Optima's speed... some body roll, but feels tight
- Well made, no rattles, plenty of standard features including back-up camera, stellar radio, etc.
- Parks well for SUV, feels like a sedan in all situations
- Seats are comfortable, leather, heated, very adjustable
- AWD in snow with all-seasons works fine, dedicated snow tires would be lights out
- 3rd row down, tons of space, even more with 2nd row down
- LOVE the car, period!!!!

Minus
- Sucks gas, about 20mpg combined, well under the Optima (knew that going in)
- Not much storage with 3rd row up
- No day time running lights

That's it for now.... good to be back, will be checking in, further review when time allows!!!
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2013 | 04:56 PM
  #2  
Hoovey689's Avatar
Hoovey689
2UR-GSE Owner
15 Year Member
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 42,475
Likes: 320
From: California
Default

Wow congrats!! I love the Mazda CX. Almost got one before the IS (I know two different vehicles - but I didn't know what I wanted, was replacing another SUV)
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2013 | 08:46 AM
  #3  
mmarshall's Avatar
mmarshall
Lexus Fanatic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,226
Likes: 222
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Default

Congratulations on the new ride, Russ....and welcome back.

You probably got a decent deal on it. CX-9s don't sell in quite the huge numbers that Highlanders and Pilots do, do the dealerships are more likely to be flexible on the price. The Mazda website shows a "liquid silver" color for the CX-9, but yours looks more light-blue.....or is that just the light and camera?

As with any new vehicle, take it easy on the engine, transmission, and brakes for the first 500 miles or so....and no towing. New-car break-ins today aren't as critical as they once were, but still are a good idea.

Since you last posted, I got a new ride myself....a Buick Verano.

Last edited by mmarshall; Apr 6, 2013 at 10:29 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2013 | 09:23 AM
  #4  
bruce van's Avatar
bruce van
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 1
From: California
Default

Congrats on the new car. I'm a big Mazda fan. Keep us updated on your experience with ownership.
Reply
Old Apr 7, 2013 | 03:15 AM
  #5  
tmf2004's Avatar
tmf2004
5% Club. Killing it!!!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 21,942
Likes: 64
From: FL
Default

Looks great.. Glad u enjoyed the Optima while u had it...
Reply
Old Apr 7, 2013 | 06:16 AM
  #6  
LexFather
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Congrats and welcome back.
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2013 | 11:49 AM
  #7  
rdgdawg's Avatar
rdgdawg
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,794
Likes: 0
From: Lake Country, WI
Default

Originally Posted by Hoovey2411
Wow congrats!! I love the Mazda CX. Almost got one before the IS (I know two different vehicles - but I didn't know what I wanted, was replacing another SUV)
Thx... the upgrades for 2013 sold me... always liked the CX-9 as well!!!

Originally Posted by mmarshall
Congratulations on the new ride, Russ....and welcome back.

You probably got a decent deal on it. CX-9s don't sell in quite the huge numbers that Highlanders and Pilots do, do the dealerships are more likely to be flexible on the price. The Mazda website shows a "liquid silver" color for the CX-9, but yours looks more light-blue.....or is that just the light and camera?

As with any new vehicle, take it easy on the engine, transmission, and brakes for the first 500 miles or so....and no towing. New-car break-ins today aren't as critical as they once were, but still are a good idea.

Since you last posted, I got a new ride myself....a Buick Verano.
Congrats on the Verano, drove one before the Optima.. nice ride.. and yes, lighting makes it look blue, changes color in different light, but it's silver
Originally Posted by bruce van
Congrats on the new car. I'm a big Mazda fan. Keep us updated on your experience with ownership.
Will do

Originally Posted by tmf2004
Looks great.. Glad u enjoyed the Optima while u had it...
I did... was a GREAT car... needed the space, will miss it

Originally Posted by Blueprint
Congrats and welcome back.
Thx much
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bigblack06
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020)
31
Dec 22, 2013 02:27 PM
rdgdawg
Car Chat
15
Sep 26, 2012 01:17 PM
LxsIS30092
IS - 1st Gen (2001-2005)
4
Sep 3, 2012 06:43 PM
GS300-2002
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
14
Dec 28, 2009 11:09 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:13 PM.

story-0
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-3
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-4
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-5
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)

Slideshow: reviewing the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ Luxury plug-in hybrid crossover SUV!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-05 19:04:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus and Toyota model of the 1990s ranked.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-04 12:35:11


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models

Slideshow: 10 Toyotas that could have been Lexus models.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 11:44:33


VIEW MORE