Not possible with that budget. Looking at $50k and up for a 'Cruiser or LX for sure. Budget according to the thread is $35k-$40k.

I just had an RX for 10 days as a loaner - actually liked it more than I anticipated. I'd agree on looking at the CX-5 and even the CX-9. You can get a CX-9 Touring for under $40k brand new, so I think you're looking at $32kish for Touring or Grand Touring CX-5. My mom is between a Limited Highlander and Touring CX-9 at the moment - she was blown away by quality of the Mazda for the money. I'd give the Mazda a very hard look, especially since you're throwing around the idea of the NX and Rav4. I think the Mazda is a ton more car for the money IMO.

 

you might miss the lexus details, but the NX is Luxury on a budget so a limited RAV4 and a base NX are gonna be trading punches

 

My friend's wife got the NX and they don't like it at all. But they came out of a Q5 so it's a step down. Still my buddy finds Lexus to be a rip off. His wife brought it in and was charged over $900 for some bogus maintenance, the car is < 2 yrs. old.

 

I think the service experience depends from person to person and dealership to dealership. although Aftersales support is part of the Lexus experience,I have no qualms yet for the services.

 

Its a sharp vehicle indeed, however i`d wait on any longterm purchases...the new honda turbo 4s are suffering from some nasty issues lately at least on the 1.5s. I would wait on a purchase until at least the First MY or late into it.