I liked NX since 2015 but I am a graduate student and buying a new one means too much monthly payment plus insurance.
now I want to decide between rav4 2020 vs NX 2016 which I see the certified one can be around 27k. Do you think NX 2016 which is obviously used by at least 30000 mileage is worth it compare to RAV4?
my issue with rav4 is cheap interior

 

in your case I think a Mazda cx5 or Mazda 6 would be the best bet

 

but I think Toyota or Lexus is better for value (maybe). If I graduate 3 years from now then I can sell them and change my car but Mazda has no value after 3 years

 

I dont think there would be much difference. Before making your decision compare the Camry and mazda 6 as well as rav 4 and cx5 directly to each other

 

You can get a crazy good deal on a Mazda 6 right now even a brand new one will be discounted

 

I guess you are here to advertise for Mazda 🤣 I done like Mazda.

 

The new ones are fantastic. If you compare directly CX5 vs. Rav4 with zero Toyota fanboy bias you might see why.

Buy a used car. You'll save some money if you plan to resell in 3 years.

 

I'm a bit confused by the direction some of the comments on this thread have taken. The original poster was looking for comparisons between compact CUVs and you are recommending sedans? I would assume he/she has already decided on the class of vehicle they wish to obtain. I would focus on helping with the questions posed rather than trying to steer them to an entirely different class of car.

As to the question at hand, I think both vehicles are good choices. However, if it were me I would look seriously at the Rav4. It is on the updated platform, and you gain four model years. Frankly, I believe they kept too much of the Rav4 DNA in the NX anyway as it isn't really any quieter or particularly more luxurious than the RAV. You are paying more for the Lexus badge on the grill than any particular "luxury" updates over the base Rav4. Particularly disappointing is the noise level. I admittedly came from an RX, but I wasn't expecting the level of tire noise or the bouncy ride. It just doesn't have that composed ride like the other Lexus products we have owned. I haven't driven the Rav, but I wouldn't be surprised if the new platform provides a smoother quieter ride than the 2016 NX. The only way to know is the drive both. And of course you will have full warranty coverage on the Toyota, whereas the warranty on the NX is now gone. Just my $.02 worth. Good luck and please let us know what you ultimately decide.

 

My advice is to drive everything multiple times. The Mazda and especially the Rav just felt too cheap to me. The Rav didn’t have enough power for my tastes. Not that the NX is a speed demon but the Rav is below my baseline.

I don’t feel like my 2019 is bouncy by any means but it could be a touch quieter. I attribute most of that to the junk Geolander tires though.

Lexus will have the highest resale % and solid reliability.

 

The RAV4 will have the updated safety equipment- blind spot, lane change, etc. Probably easier to resell with these features if you're looking to keep only 3-4 years, as by then probably all vehicles will be standard with these features, so the NX, unless equipped, would be considered 'old school', and less desirable.

 

If I were still a student and money is tight, I would get a RAV4 and wait until you graduate before buying the Lexus.

 

I've flown with a number of young college graduate flight attendants over the years who generally look to upgrade their ride after graduation, and I've almost always recommended the RAV4, simply because it's affordable, reliable, and can get you to work when the roads are marginal.

Most have taken me up on my recommendation, and all have loved their little utility vehicle from Toyota.

 

>Toyota or Lexus is better for value (maybe). If I graduate 3 years from now then I can sell them and change my car

If this is your intent then get a new rav 4 hybrid.
3 years down the line people will be clamoring for plug in hybrids, ev's ..anything but all gas guzzling suv's. Add to that the Nx takes premium fuel. However every day of those 3 years you will wish you had a nx for the luxury smooth ride and posh interior. Toyota intentionally makes cheap interiors so as to not cannibalize Lexus sales..

 

Did someone say NX has a smooth ride????????????????

 

+2..lol

It's noisy and not smooth for the most part.

OP: Get the Rav4.. it's new and you have a full warranty. However, if you are looking at used NX's why not look at used Rav4's? It is not a wise decision to buy a new car and eat the depreciation on it, ESPECIALLY if you are just graduating and assuming you have school loans... Why add more debt?? Also if you are looking at selling the vehicle before you even have it in 3 years, you probably don't want to drop a lot on it. You aren't going to get what you want think you would for it. Priorities should be established...

-Nigel