Mazda6 Hatchback

cut_shot

Well, I finally bought my first mazda, a Mazda6 5 Hatch V6 AT Silver. All looks to be pretty good so far with ~300 miles. Almost went with the wagon, but the 1500 incentive on top of S-plan swayed me to the hatchback and wagon with option I wanted was going to take ~2 months to get into the dealership. My two dogs fit pretty well in the back with the seat down (a 85lb greyhound and 60 lb mix-breed) with room to spare. more later

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villalobos

So I went out and looked at a 6 hatchback yesterday night. The hatch relly makes fora nice and big cargo area. That's nice.Then I wanted to try one, with manual shifter and 4 cylinders. They had no such model. So I ended up test driving the 4-door in thath configuration, sans salesman!!!!
I really enjoyed the handling : corners like a dream, and gives you a pretty good feedback from the road BUT what's up with the shifter!?!?! It was hard and sluggish. I hated the shifter. Hated it. And the engine did not impress me, neither with its power nor with his refinement.
I don't remember people complaining about the gearbox, so I am wondering if this was a bad model, or if I am really that picky and weird.

Nice car though.

villa

zc1

The only time I've found movement of the shifter to require more effort than usual is when I have driven the car after it has been sitting outside overnight on a cool/cold night. Had it been cool/cold out prior to your test drive? Other than that, maybe you're referring to the "notchiness" of the shifter's motion? I like the way it snicks/clicks/pops/whatevers out of and into each gear...nice, positive action, IMO. I don't have any complaints about the engine, either. What specifically disappoints you about its refinement?

villalobos

Regarding the shifter it was not a click/pop motion, it was more a grinding. I actually like to get some feedback from the shifter, but in this case it felt sluggish, like the lever did not want to move. Not a big fan.
As far as the engine, it was also very sluggish at lower RPW. Did not seem to want to rev freely. My guess, it has to do with the fact that it was not broken in yet (only 40 miles on that car).

Loved the handling though.

villa

zc1

The behaviour of the shifter in your test vehicle doesn't sound right at all but the low-RPM grunt of the engine sounds typical. If you get the engine speed up above 3500-4000 RPM or thereabouts the car scoots pretty well but, as you mentioned, that's not fun for everyone. I find it to be adequate for my purposes below 3500 RPM but enjoy revving it above that once in a while when better acceleration (or just the sound of the engine) is desired

jgl5007

I'm considering getting a Mazda6 hatchback 5 Dr with the V6 automatic. What kind of gas mileage are you guys getting with yours?

cut_shot

I bought my Mazda6s Hatch ~1 week ago. First tank of gas yieled 22 mpg. This was about 50 city and 50 highway. I would say about average driving for me (maybe a bit less aggressive than usual).I was expecting about 22 mpg overall, so I wasn't suprised either way. I will keep you updated on mpg as I continue to drive it around. So far so good. I love hatchback and my two big dogs fit well in the back w/ seat down and have plenty of room for a suitcase/bags.

ambivalence

(cross-post from Prices-paid forum)

I just bought a lapis blue 6s 5-door MTX loaded yesterday (san francisco bay area). Options are: Luxury pkg, SAB, Bose, Moonroof. Invoice = $24546, TMV=$25282. My sale price was invoice+$50. Add in $1500 customer cash and $500 college grad rebate, OTD was $250xx, I was extremely happy with my haggling results The car will be transported from another dealer. Now all this waiting is starting to get on my nerves...

(BTW, make sure to ask about what the "documents and fees" break down to... turns out there is one optional protection item they added in there for over $200 that's pretty useless, so I took that off)

bigsarge

Hello All,
I have been reading a lot on here about the 6 Hatchback and ended up test driving one a few days ago. I LOVED the car and will be buying one in the next month. I had two questions for all of you. 1.) Have any of you hatchback owners out there had ANY trouble with you vehicles so far(if so, what were they?) , and 2). Does anyone out there have one of the Rev it up coupons they could hook a new 6 enthusiast up with? Thanks.

cut_shot

I have had my Mazda 6s Hatch Automatic for a little less than a month now. Look like about 22 mpg with mixed highway/city. I just took it on a longer highway trip and it looks to be coming in at 30 mpg (running about average 65 mph). In strictly city driving (2 miles to work and 2 miles back),it get around 16.5 mpg.
So far I haven't had any issues with the car.It does have a fair amount of road noise (no worse than my Prelude:)) and the normal comment about low end torque and acceleration (the 5spd manual would help this out, but my wife can't drive a manual:()

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Liven up your evening and join your fellow enthusiasts every Tuesday from 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET for our Mazda Mania Chat!
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Sylvia

First Drive: 2004 Mazda 6 Hatchback and Wagon
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/mazda/6/100388994/roadtestarticle- .html?articleId=102017

6yearoldpassat

Howdy,
  Can any of you 4 cylinder owners out there comment on your mileage? I commute about 15 miles each day on a congested interstate and mostly local roads. I get about 23 MPG with my 2.8 liter 5 speed 1998 Passat and was wondering what I could look forward to with a 6 Hatch.

  Thanks in advance,
Bill

bigsarge

I read an article the other night about the 6 possibly getting blue dash gauges instead of the red ones as an option for the '05 models. Have any of you guys heard anything to about this? Thanks.

bruce1

I am one phone call away from getting a loaded 5 door hatchback 6s. My main concern is the noise that may be generated at some point form the hatchback such as squeaks and clunks. Has anybody who has put any amount of miles on a 5 door experienced any such problems? Thank you.

dacurb

I have about 4,000 miles on my 2004 6s 5-door. No rattles, no squeaks. Totally solid, no complaints.

rcatiggay

Around 3000 miles 5-door hatchback 6i, no ratles or noises coming from the hatch or any part of the car. Like others have said very solid.

autopilot01

Has anyone been able to put one or two full size mountain bicycles inside the Mazda6 hatchback?

mazda6s

Has anyone been able to put one or two full size mountain bicycles inside the Mazda6 hatchback?

... without taking off the front wheel.

htownpimp786

Hi!

Just wanted to let everyone know i got my new Mazda 6 s 5 door hatchback today! Volcanic Red, with black interior! I bought it in Houston, Texas.

Heres the deal

Fully loaded
Luxury Package
Bose Audio Package
Side and Curtain Airbags Package
Automatic Transmission
MoonRoof
Sport Package with Spoiler

MSRP 27,940
Invoice 25,350

My price 23,450

(400 under invoice, minus the 1500 rebate)

Plus TTL came out to 25,100 driveout! (No BS fees)

Is that a good deal? Dealers in the houston area wouldnt even discuss invoice they were pretty much trying to say we will sell it a few hundred under sticker! Yea Right!

Let me know. I love the car so far! Thanks for ALLL of Edmunds help. I am trually greatful for all of the people that helped me through everything!

Thanks!

g2thextreme

i just purchased my Mazda6 5 door 4 cylinder today, which included the following options:
-manual
-cloth interior
-Bose Audio System
-Security Package (which comes with the moonroof)
-Power Moonroof

I managed to haggle the price down to 22 grand, out the door (including tax and liscencing).. is that a good deal? considering i bought it when im in norcal when the dealer is in socal, doing it over the phone haha.

vinspeed

Hello all,
I just purchased a 6s 5Dr, blazing copper metallic, 5spd man.

Great handling, somewhat flat below 3500RPM, cabin noise is evident as speed increases.

Are there any performance after market parts available other than Mazdaspeed products?

Regards,
VinSpeed.

grahamb

i never understood why people ask if it was a good deal after they purchase. you already bought the car...if it was a bad deal, could you do anything about it? Also...as someone else once pointed out...if you don't know if you got a good deal or not, then chances are, you didn't.

I'm not familiar with California tax and license fees...how much did you pay before those?

As for after market mazda6 stuff...yes, there is a growing market.
there is an online club of mazda 6 owners that discuss this kind of stuff. I don't think I'm allowed to link to it...but just go to the website you would want if you were going to start your own mazda6 club..... see you there...

bomber101

Not to worry; you got a good deal IMOI. I had to go to PA to get a 5 door with the same options and mine was $22,400 with TTL but I had them add the autodimming mirror. You may have gotten a better deal because I know Cali taxes ain't cheap. Good luck and have fun Zoomin'

rockinrobin

Purchased my Mazda6s 5 door about 5 months ago and
driving it is still so much fun! I am "in love" with this vehicle! The car turns heads and constantly receives compliments. So far no real problems to speak of, except that the back seat fold down levers located in the hatch were sluggish, and at times the seats did not auto fold as they should when the levers were pulled. Has anybody else experienced this same thing? A quick shot of WD-40 into the release mechanism instantly solved this minor problem.

grahamb

i have this same problem. where did you shoot the WD? at the handle you pull, or the spot where the seat hooks to the latch...if that makes sense....

rockinrobin

Your question makes perfect sense to me grahamb! I shot the WD at the handles that you pull. I pulled the handles until they were fully extended and saw where the handles are attached to the "plastic well" there (I don't know how else to describe it). Shot the WD where the handle attaches. Did this about a month ago, and they are still operating fine. Even if I end up having to give them another shot every few months or so, it seems like a simple enough remedy that takes less than a minute to do. It's better than sitting around the dealer's service dept. where they would probably take the whole day to do something similar to solve the problem. If you give the WD a try please post success or failure.

otis12

Can someone tell me if the front passenger seat folds forward so long items can fit inside? Thanks.

cards_200

I don't believe there is any way to get an '04 Hatch w/o spoiler, is that correct? Will this change for '05 options? I would really prefer to go w/o spoiler.

4 cyl vs. 6 cyl? The word generally seems to be to go with 6 cyl. But how good is 4 cyl performance. I'm perfectly happy with my 4 cyl Accord performance. Can I expect similar with Mazda 6 - 4cyl? Or do the 4 cyl buyers have regrets. Thanks for any insight.

bomber101

It's strickly a personal issue between the 4 or 6. The 6 will cost you about $2000 more and get 6 less MPG for the life of the car and the 4 will save you that much and cost you 60 HP. I just bought a 6i HB and would like a little more HP but I love the mileage and it still ZOOMS at higher RPMs and I got it loaded with everything but the LUX package for under $22k. The decision is still a personal one but I hope this helps.

wongpres

All Mazda6 hatchbacks in US-spec come with a spoiler. If you really don't want it, there's only 2 options:

1. Remove it and fill the holes and repaint the deck
2. If you live close to Canada, you can try to do a hatch swap with a Canadian-spec (the very base Canadian-spec Mazda6 hatch has no spoiler, but these are very rare)

As for 4 versus 6-cylinder, testdrive both yourself and see if the 4-cylinder is adequate for you.

mazda6s

For any of you that have checked this out, which is easier to put a rear bike rack on, the Mazda6 wagon or the Mazda6 5-door? I'm assuming that using a hitch-mounted rack would be the same for both, but the rear mounted type (with straps) would be a totally different story. It seems that with either model, part the rack would rest on the rear glass, which always makes me a little nervous.

What about the roof mount? I suspect the wagon would be better for this. ???

combustible1

I bet you'll be happy with the 4 cycl.

It really is a matter of individual preference and expectation. Coming from your Accord, I see no reason why you would be disappointed with the 4 cycl. 6 UNLESS there is a big difference in weight and the Accord had a few more ponies. Then, maybe you should consider the 6 cycl.

Of course the obvious advice applies here.. test drive it yourself to see how they compare. I bet you'll be happy with the 4 cycl.

pshaw

Did you find an answer on the bike rack for the Mazda6 hatchback? I just looked at a Yakima and a Saris Bones. The Yakima looked more promising.

mazda6s

No, nobody has answered this one yet. I also spotted then Saris Bones, which looks like it would work with the 5-door.

mazda6s

There are no 2005 models listed in inventory yet. Hey Mazda, let's get with the program.

riceman

Just purchased 2004 6s Hatchback, have to say this car is a great value for what it offers (mine is loaded w/V6 for under $23K). I am a Honda guy mostly (owned 3, traded a '03 Accord EX Coupe for the 6); test drove all the more expensive Asian competition (Acura TL & TSX, G35, Lexus ES330)plus the Volvo S40- all nice but have substantial quirks for $28-35K prices. Previously owned a 2000 Passat 1.8T and it went beserk at about 40K miles with various electrical issues and then the mysterious "VW-Audi Oil Sludge" problem at about 55K (and I am religious about maintenance). I've never owned a Mazda but boy am I encouraged by what I see- if this car is as reliable as a Honda it is a winner. The feature that drove the purchase: that awesome gaping hole in the back that will swallow huge boxes and still have the car look sleek- no one else offers this. Handling and performance very good, interior materials not up to par with Honda or Toyota but most people know this going in and buy on the other merits. Very pleased initially; will write back after 3-4000 miles!

samurai

I had a similar experience... I love the space in the 2004 6S MTX, Hatch. I am still getting used to the clutch and trying to figure out if I have the Shudder, Judder, Chatter issue - but it could also be my shifting. I kinda doubt it though, since I have driven many 5-speeds before. This one just seems tempermental. I read someone else describe it as hard to take off perfectly two times in a row and I feel like that ALOT with my 5-speed manual hatch. The clutch travel also seems too long for my tastes. ANyone know if the clutch issues effect 2004's for sure, or if any TSB's have come out yet? I just broke 1000 miles, so it's new and may breakin more hopefully.

mazda6z

I too have driven a 5 speed mazda for years. I think that the slow response from the time you step on the gas to when it actually moves the throttle might have something to do with it being a bit difficult to get used to. Also watch the rpm's when you start to get more aggressive in your driving. It is also slow when you let off the gas to upshift.

escortowner

What dealership did you buy the car at? I am about to head down to one tomorrow to purchase one. I have been to one, but I can't get enough for my trade to make it feasible. But one dealer sounds promising. I don't want to deal with the BS fees either.

for that time of year, the price you got seems pretty good to me. Right now they are being a bit more aggressive, and the incentives have increased....but other than that, the negotiation seemed to be effective.

rlg

I bought my 6 two weeks ago. Went to several dealers (not all Mazda dealers either), & no one made an offer even near tradein value on my 02 Protege5. I have to assume their trying to dump inventory. I'll sell the P5 myself.

fitguy

My 6S hatch hit 900 miles yesterday so it was time to take it for a semi-agressive drive through my favorite twisty's (the REAL agression will come after it's fully broken in!). I have to say, I'm even more impressed with the roadholding after this outing- this is far & away the best handling Japanese car under 25K. The auto-manual is typical of all I've used, though- lazy on the upshifts but certainly no worse than the Tiptronic I had in my Pasaat. At least it allows you to engine-brake around some corners and adds some entertainment. Gas mileage so far (mostly around-town suburban): 23 mpg, I hope it will get around 26 on highway- anyone hit that # w/theirs?

rlg

I don't know about the best handling Japanese car/ My 240Z, MR2, and sorely missed Protege5 all could run rings around my 6S wagon. That said, its a fun car to drive & certainly alot more fun than a Camry or some such. With 1500 miles on the odometer, I'm getting between 23 & 26 MPG with the 6 cyl & 5 speed manual. My P5 was not terribly fuel efficient for its size & horsepower & I expect the 6 to be mid-pack. The dealer delivered the car with 26# in the tires. I bumped that up to 32# all around. The car is much crisper now.

thelemur

Got a 6s five-door MTX back in July. Quite an improved driving experience from the old auto 4-cyl Accord. Still adjusting to the temperamental clutch. At 2500 miles or so, noticed some moaning while steering at low speeds. Also noticed low power steering fluid. Had PS pump/hose replaced under warranty. No issues since. Hate to know what would have happened if I had kept driving for much longer. Probably just a freak occurrence; most people don't routinely check his/her PS fluid though, do they? Guess I will now.

fitguy

Valid point- I should have been more clear; best handling new sedan. I'm sure a 240Z & MR2 will run circles around the M6, so would a previous RX7/RX8 or S2000 if they were bought used for under 25K. But none of those will hold my kids and all their/my assorted junk....

rlg

"Valid point- I should have been more clear; best handling new sedan. I'm sure a 240Z & MR2 will run circles around the M6, so would a previous RX7/RX8 or S2000 if they were bought used for under 25K. But none of those will hold my kids and all their/my assorted junk...."
Point well taken & I agree. I think Mazda has carved out a niche for itself (practical but fun to drive) that until recently was the territory of some fairly expensive European imports. Its good to have some zoom zoom in my life.

sstrz1

I just took delivery of my '04 Mazda 6s 5 door...and it's clearly a great car. I traded in my '01 Saab 9-3 for the Mazda...after experiencing 4 MAJOR problems after my warranty expired- I wasn't considering getting another Saab....do I like the Volvo S40, BMW 3 series, Acura?- yes to all three...the final decision came down to cost.

This is my first Mazda (I have owned a Nissan, Ford, Volvo, Saab)..and think that it offers a great "bang for the buck."

Likes- Leather seats (they look great and are very supportive), interior (looks "upscale" to me...and I like the silver inside), manual shift (this will compensate for the lack of "zoom-zoom" under 3000 RPM), Bose stereo (I hope you like bass), big back seats (at least compared to my old Saab 9-3), hatchback, "sportiness" of the car (both exterior and interior)
Dislikes- my first impression of the auto climate is that it will be no better than just ok, no auto open moonroof (I know- big deal!)

I would URGE anyone looking for a sports sedan under $30k to take a look at this car, esp since the '05 has a 6 speed auto transmission...

groovypippin

The Automobile Journalists of Canada have named the Mazda6 Sport as the best new family vehicle in Canada for 2005.

The Mazda6 wagon was named best in the station wagon category.

Last year mazda won every category they entered and the Mazda3 was ultimately named the best new car in Canada by the AJAC. They will name the best car for 2005 at the Canadian International Autoshow held in Toronto in February.

jmk3

I have been shopping for a car for about 2 months now and have pretty much decided on the Mazda6 5 door (V6). I like the way it looks and handles. The Hatchback is a big plus for me as well. I have two questions/concerns. First, the low ground clearance compared to other cars in the Mazda 6 class; do I need to worry about hitting bottom or having a tough time going through snow. Second, am I going overboard with a 6 cylinder when a 4 cylinder might work just fine? Does anyone have any advice or experience they can share with me on both these issues? Thanks in advance for any input!