Gauge cluster: a few questions

[CDNicecube]

Hi there
A few quick questions from a newbie: And thanks for your patience!

1) can the central info screen on the 2008-2010 gauge *the one between the rpm and speed, which is red in the pictures I saw and in the car I tried, can that gauge change color?

2) same question about the other buttons on the center console. Are they always blue?

3) there was a post about the new 2011 EX cluster with new pics, but I can't find it anymore. Can someone point me in the right direction to find them?

4) Lastly, how good is the high end Bose system that comes with the Journey/premium EX? Are the subs good or useless? I listen mostly to classic rock not rap but I like it when there is some amount thump...

Thank!
Ice

[sashki2]

1) can the central info screen on the 2008-2010 gauge *the one between the rpm and speed, which is red in the pictures I saw and in the car I tried, can that gauge change color?
2) same question about the other buttons on the center console. Are they always blue?

No to both on my 2008. I'd be surprised if it does on later models.

4) Lastly, how good is the high end Bose system that comes with the Journey/premium EX? Are the subs good or useless?

Well, that's very subjective... I find the system very good. I used to be a into high end stereo (not anymore) & still own the Mirage OM-6 (rated A by stereophile at the time of purchase). So it's not like I have no clue about good sound. The sub produces pretty good smooth bass. I've listened to a rap collection once & was surprised how much bass the system produced. Big aftermarket subs would probably produce more but not nessesarily better bass. With good source of music (a discently recorded CD or Ipod with with lossles compression or at 320kbps) you'll be pleased. The built-in music-box incodes with crappy quality (128?). Xm is pure junk - I don't know anything worse then that.

[EXceptional]

Welcome to the Site.

It looks like you got your Questions answered !

[embe]

Don't know where the pics of the console came from above but here are the official shots. note the white needles and white inner display.
Also, it looks like it's getting the m's old 19 inch rims.

[CDNicecube]

Thanks all who replied; it is very much appreciated.
I am checking out the 2011 later this month, comparing it to the 2010 (where I can get a great deal at the moment on 2010s). I want it “black on black” and I understand this color combo is still fairly available (true???)

Given I want all the bells and whistles on either the 2010/2011, my decision rests on if the 2011 7-speed AT makes a significant difference in driving enjoyment, and in RPM at 70 MPH on the highway vs the 2010's 5-speed (thoughts?) (I do like the 2011 cluster, but that is so minor that it does not count in the balance)
Ice

[RedwinGV]

the question on the transmission is legit, but my 5 speed works great. I suspect if you do a lot of city driving, the 7 speed may give you a bit better mileage.

As for the gauge cluster, I think it's just a matter of tastes. The 2010's are red and the 2011's are white. Some think white is more upscale, me I think red is a bit more sporty and prefer it.
As for the needles, I bet if you swapped colors 90% of us wouldn't know which one they had to start with.

I'm a tad frugal. If I were you, go for the 2010 if you can get the one you want. If the 2011 had the bigger engine, I might go with that, but new transmission and larger wheels don't push me over.

Pull the trigger... Every day you wait, is one less day you get to enjoy the ride!

[CDNicecube]

Thanks. Yes indeed the gauge cluster is not a real issue for me. I am fine with red or white. Tell me if I may ask, on the highway, at 70 MPH, what is your RPM? The trigger might be pulled soon indeed.

[RedwinGV]

Thanks. Yes indeed the gauge cluster is not a real issue for me. I am fine with red or white. Tell me if I may ask, on the highway, at 70 MPH, what is your RPM? The trigger might be pulled soon indeed.

I'll need to check, but I'm thinking 2600 or so? I should see tonight. I'll let ya know.

[drosen]

2) same question about the other buttons on the center console. Are they always blue?

There is a setting to choose between 3 color backgrounds for the Nav center console screen (2010), but I think the buttons stay the same color. Not sure whether the non-Nav center console screen has the same setting.

[zarar]

2) same question about the other buttons on the center console. Are they always blue?

There is a setting to choose between 3 color backgrounds for the Nav center console screen (2010), but I think the buttons stay the same color. Not sure whether the non-Nav center console screen has the same setting.

Yeah I don't believe I have the option to change colors on the console screen.

[sashki2]

IMHO, the difference in fuel economy will not justify thousands of dollars saving if you buy 2010 - some say you can save 6k or more if you buy the previous year. Ex is fairly quiet on the highway, so again the difference between 7 & 5 speed may not be all that drastic.
A while ago I compared how much 1 year difference of age affects the price of a used car & found that the difference between cars with the same amount of miles would cost $300-400. So you save 6k now, and sell it for $400 less.

My daily commute to work is 16 miles one way & about 3 of them on local roads. Add to this "delivering" kids to their activities & etc. My average fuel economy is 20.2 mpg. I drive 80 on a highway though, not 70. This make about 1-2 mpg difference probably.

[CDNicecube]

I pulled the trigger and got a 2010 EX35 with navi. I tried the 2011 with 7-speed and to be honest, not much difference at all. It did not justify in my mind the $$ increase over a 2010! I am looking forward to driving it now!
Thanks for all your help!

Ice

[EliB]

My daily commute to work is 16 miles one way & about 3 of them on local roads. Add to this "delivering" kids to their activities & etc. My average fuel economy is 20.2 mpg. I drive 80 on a highway though, not 70. This make about 1-2 mpg difference probably.

Nice! I can't seem to break the 20 mpg barrier. I'm at 19.7 right now, and with all the Northern Virginia traffic I don't see it going any higher.

-Eli

[RedwinGV]

I pulled the trigger and got a 2010 EX35 with navi. I tried the 2011 with 7-speed and to be honest, not much difference at all. It did not justify in my mind the $$ increase over a 2010! I am looking forward to driving it now!
Thanks for all your help!

Ice

I'm sure you'll be enjoying yet. I haven't had mine on the freeway since last posting.* You can see the RPM @ 70 mph for yourself now.

FWIW, we avg over 22 mpg with the AWD. We do a lot of freeway and highway driving. We were in a hurry once and I was going about 80 and the mpg looks like it dropped to 19-20. @ 74 we get 23-24 and 60 over 25.

*just got back---- 2400 rpms @ 70

[drosen]

My wife got 26.2 MPG the other day (5-speed RWD), though it was one hour on the highway at night with no traffic and 5 minutes on the street. That's not the norm though, since there is usually traffic in Los Angeles, and I probably drive more aggressively than her. Our daily commute (I'm driving) averages 19.5 MPG, with 60% highway with mild traffic and 40% street with stoplights.

[Moemc]

Wondering if the cluster for a 2009 and 2008 are interchangeable? My 2009 is skit zing out and can only find a 2008 to replace... Thanks!