Almost there - About to buy Black GT

[Blackbird]

Greetings everyone :)

I've been in the market for a new vehicle for sometime to replace my beloved MINI Cooper S convertible...I just am in need of something more flexible. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for my MINI, but it's time to move on.

I've done a ton of shopping for different mid-sized SUVs, as I want the ability to be able to carry decent-sized cargo without having to scurry and borrow someone's truck. I've looked at the Acura RDX (too pricy, too skimpy on features), Toyota FJ Cruiser (very capable, just very rough around the edges), Nissan Murano and several others, but I've fallen in love with the CX7.

I test drove one this evening, and it really is a fantastic drive. My specs will be:

GT model
AWD
Brilliant Black exterior
Sand leather interior
Moonroof/Bose system (though I really wish I could just get the sunroof...I've always preferred aftermarket sound systems to factory)

I really was up in the air on the tech package, but in the end I just can't see it being worth $2500. While bluetooth would be a nice factory feature, Alpine makes a fantastic bluetooth module for their headunits. My only concern is finding an installation kit that will look factory. I searched the forums here and didn't find anyone who's been able to.

So there's my intro...thanks for having me!

[papaalex]

Moonroof/Bose system (though I really wish I could just get the sunroof...I've always preferred aftermarket sound systems to factory)


You wont be disapointed in the Bose system ;)

[vbbuilt]

If you've got the time to wait and you're unsure about the sound system, check with cxrabbit, a frequent contributor. She's done extensive research and would be immensely helpful to you, helping you to reach a decision. You can find her in the member directory and send her a PM.

Vince.

[Alpha Wolf]

The Bose system if great for me.

If you need more bells and whistles check with CXrabbit. She has looked into replacing it so it would be better not to pay for a Bose system you will not be using.

Check the door seas to see if they are new style.

Check to see if it has had the ECM reflashed to eliminate turbo lag

Check to see if has the new gas cap to prevent CEL from coming on.

Personnally I love my Bose system and my Cx7..

[Blackbird]

I wouldn't get the Bose system if the sunroof was available without it. The dealer has said they have an aftermarket solution, but I would want the factory one.

I have started work on selling my car...then be a matter of finding the dealer that's willing to get me the vehicle at the price I want.

It looks like the factory speakers will have to do, what with a 9" speaker in the door and an array of speakers in the dash. I'd like to upgrade the head unit so I am not locked into Sirius (prefer XM) for my satellite radio. Also want a head unit that can playback via bluetooth (I have a Samsung BlackJack with bluetooth and 2 gb storage).

[rexercx7]

The factory Bose upgrade is adequate, unless you're an audiophile, and then you're going to upgrade anyway so what the hey! Just get it with the MoonRoof and be happy. I didn't get the Tech Package either...checked out the Navigation system thoroughly before I bought my GT, and I was disappointed. It didn't compare with my Honda Pilot's Navigation System, so Pasadena on it. I bought a Garmin Nuvi 660 portable Navigation system and it works great...they make high quality systems that do everything. Cost about $700 online, delivered.

I'm going to install 22"x9" custom wheels with 2.75x35 Pirelli Assymetrico tires next week, and I'll put some pictures up when the install's done. The CX-7 is so much fun to drive! Needs a little 'Bling' though...the wheels will transform it I'm sure.

Good luck on selling the Mini. If you don't have too many miles on it, you'l sell it fast--they're good on resale I hear.

Do your shopping online, and save time & heachache! I did, and bought my GT right...take your time and make a great deal. They aren't exactly flying off the dealer's lots, so it's a buyer's market on the CX-7.