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They used AutoTrader, 25 mile search. They valued the car at 17,845. With tax, license total was 19,511.21, less $500 deductable on my collision coverage, for a paid claim amount of $19,011.21. I owed $14,085 to Mazda American Credit so I will receive a check for roughly $5000.
There is a strong possibility the claim will shift from collision coverage to uninsured motorist coverage since the police report listed "none available" when police officer asked the other party for insurance information. If that happens I will be refunded my $500 deductable (have deductable waiver coverage on my uninsured motorist coverage).
The other driver was at fault (ran red light)
Overall, I am very pleased with Wawanesa's response to my claim but I did receive injuries to my neck and shoulder and am not sure how I will be compensated for pain and suffering. I've read that if uninsured motorist coverage applies then I can receive compensation. Still trying to recover from my injuries (currently going through physical therapy).
I felt my Mazda6 did a good job protecting me. But the next car I purchase will definately include side air bags. I really like the news regarding improvements to the 2006 Mazda6 and am interested in the hatchback. Also considering the 05 IS300 or 05 G35, although those cars may require a monthly payment higher than what I want to pay. I know Lexus is replacing the IS300 with the IS250/350 so there may be a possibility of getting a good deal. The Infiniti G35 currently has 1.99% financing which I believe I would qualify.
Unfortunately I suspect Mazda will not have good prices/promotions on the 2006 Mazda6 hatchback until the end of next year. I do own a Lancer Sportback and may hold out. That shows you how much I enjoyed the mazda6 sedan I owned and how I miss it.
The actual drive was nice, and the car had a bit more pickup--especially on the low end--from a stop. The 5-speed automatic does seem to have made a difference in acceleration and shifting (although you can feel it downshift noticeably when coming to a stop). The car handles bumps and other road blemishes with fewer problems than the older editions. The handling is still the same--including that turning radius--but the steering is still light and sharp as ever, feeling composed through curves and on the straightaways.
I was impressed with the drive. It made it that much harder to decide between the rebates on the '05's and the '06 models.
On the changes for 06, here goes:
The new black center console looks excellent and is a big improvement! Unfortunately on the AT models there is a rectangular silver piece around the shift lever that will get scratched. One of the ones I saw today was already scratched! When will the auto makers figure this out?
The cover is gone from the front center console cup holders. Who cares?
I like the new cloth seat material. The seats look a little different, but they did not make them wider as I feared! The seat bottom looks like it may have better thigh support.
The new door panel design is nice.
The front and rear fascias, and the side sills on the sport models, are no longer flared out. While this does look less aggressive, I personally don't mind the change. I'm sure accessory body parts and/or after market stuff will be available for those that really need that look. The sport and non-sport models share the exact same front and reat fascias, which means a better look for the non-sport models (and a less sporty look for the sport models). There are now holes on the rear fascia for splash guards on the sport models.
I like the new sport grille. It’s a cleaner look.
The surrounding pieces on the new fog lights are black and look cheesy to me. I’d be tempted to paint these to match the body. :shades:
The lower opening on the front facia is larger vertically, giving the car a “meaner” look IMO.
I saw the new Bright Island Blue and Tungsten Gray on 5-door cars and they both look look great! The blue is a little lighter than the Lapis Blue and is similar to the Winning Blue on the Mazda3. The Tungsten Gray is considerably lighter than the outgoing Steel Gray. I like them both.
The outer parts of the tail lights are black on the sport and silver on the non-sport, changed from the red on the earlier. I like the black and the silver is just OK.
I saw the 18” wheels on a Grand Touring model. While I still don’t like them, they do look better in person. Fortunately these only come on the Grand Touring and Grand Sport models, neither of which interests me.
I’ll have photos later, I gotta get some sleep now ...
I'm concerned that my daughter may have got the royal flush on a recent repair to her 2000 626 ES. The initial problem was fixed, although it seems that the repair was far more complicated, and costly, than necessary. Two weeks later, I've found several major problems that did not exist before the repair. I don't want to believe they intentionally botched so many different things, but the evidence is mounting.
The car goes back to them, tomorrow. Just have to wait and see how willing they are to correct the problems.
Could you give some specifics of the initial problem, the complicated repair and what you found as new problems?
The other issues were:
1. Shift indicator trim plate mangled during console removal. Dealer replaced at no charge.
2. Weak AC cooling - Diagnosis and replacement of engine cooling fan relay = $150.
3. Blinking overdrive indicator light and non-functioning overdrive button. Diagnostic code = tranny overheating condition. Dealer suggested a $350 external tranny cooler. I settled for a $129 fluid flush in hopes that will resolve the problem.
4. Broken spot welds on muffler hanger bracket. Dealer wanted to replace muffler for $350. I will have the spot welds repaired for ~$20.
Overall, I can't complain about this service experience. But I AM surprised that all these things happened within a two-week period, and with such low mileage on the car.
thanks
I like the look of the M6 better than the Accord, but not 2k better
I've been on the hunt for a new car, and the Mazda 6 has a lot going for it -- handling, looks, utility (I'm partial to the 5-door), etc. One thing I'm unsettled on is the powertrain.
I've test--driven three different 6s models now and a pair of 6i, and while everything I've read and my gut tells me that the V6 engine is the one to have, I've found it wanting in use. The 2.3 V4 seems to have a lot more zing -- it just seems eager to please where I feel like I'm always too low in the power band for the V6 and it just doesn't respond the way I'd expect.
Has anyone else experienced this? The V6 obviously has more cruising / overtaking power, but I'm finding myself leaning towards the V4 for it's response time and what seems like better mating to the transmission. That's good because it's cheaper, but I kind of wanted the climate control. :[
Anyway, interested in hearing opinions. Does either engine want premium, btw?
(Other cars I'm considering are the 3s, the Acura TSX, Acura RSX, Subaru WRX and Subaru Legacy GT. Trying to test-drive them all to knock a few off the list. The 2006 WRX is almost scary-fast -- it's like a tin-wrapped rocket. Feels pretty cheap, but boy does it move. The Legacy GT is a dream in my opinion, but likely out of my price range now that leather is standard.)
For the V6, 0-60 is 7.5 (Edmunds) and wasn't able to find automatic numbers.
I'd say go for the 4 if you're wanting a manual. You'll save money on the purchase price, get better fuel economy and have plenty of power. If you want an automatic, the V6 with the new 6-speed automatic is probably the best bet.
Good luck with your search!
The reason I'm hand-wringing a little is that I *want* to like the V6 -- I know I'll appreciate the extra power on the highway and in the mountains (Colorado). I also like the climate controls that come with the s... but I just find the laggy engine feel off-putting. I'm also jsut wondering if I'm not used to it, having driven high and quick-revving 4 bangers the last ten or more years. Might be a matter of getting used to the V6 powerband.
When I bought my first V6 (also happened to be automatic), it was a huge change. My next (and current) is a V6/manual and I love the power and flexibility. My lease is up shorty, though, and I'm seriously thinking about going back to a 4. The Mazda3 s is my top contender, but the 6 i is also in the running.
Any other manual V6 drivers out there care to comment? Was there an adjustment period, or is the 6s just not terribly responsive, particularly at the low end?
Incidentally, I've driven the 3s as well, and that engine and tranny feels like it was bloody *made* for me -- very slick, exactly what I was hoping I'd get in the 6s. Where I feel like the car is fighting me in the 6s, the 3s feels utterly natural. I might look at threes again, even though I really like the size and styling of the 6 better.
If you are REALLY worried about the low end for a V6, check out the Altima 3.5SE. The low end is VERY impressive, but the handling (or lack of it) and torque steer (PLENTY of that) turned me off, as well as the cheap-looking interior.
As far as the 6 is concerned, I've got the S with manual, and yes, the low end isn't very strong compared to the competition, but the car more than makes up for it in the mid-range and higher RPMs where it just hauls!! As a result, my driving style has changed slightly, holding the gears a little longer before upshifting, keeping the RPMs slightly higher during spirited driving, etc etc. During stop-n-go driving, it's not too bad, but highway driving is simply a blast!!
The Duratec V6 is known to develop slightly more power as the miles tack on. I guess you can say it matures with age and mileage. I've got close to 19K miles on my '04, and I've noticed an increase in both power and gas mileage since I bought it new. It's still making me smile...
Hope this helps your decision-making process.
Any reccomendations will be greatly appreciated.
Since you have the deal with your dealer, make sure that you can replace the Michelins with a different tire other than the OEM, and that buying a different brand will NOT void your "free tires for life" deal.
If you can, The Bridgestone Turanza LS-V is a great choice for touring tires, with great grip in all conditions and a longer treadlife. I've heard nothing but great things about these tires.
If you want a more aggressive performance tire, I'd consider the Yokohama Avid V4S. Phenominal grip in wet and dry conditions, with a trade-off in slightly poorer snow traction and treadlife (since it is a performance tire). I had a set of Yoko's on my old car, and plan on using them on my 6 as soon as the Michelins give out on me.
If you want any more suggestions or ratings on tires, definitelty check out Tirerack.com. Good luck...
I checked out my old Car & Driver (June 2004) and their long-term review of the Mazda6 makes a point of the road noise in an otherwise good review. So that makes me wonder.
Could any of you owners tell me if this has been an issue with you? Does it vary from road to road? Are there different tires that can be installed to lessen the noise? Or any other modifications?
I should add that I drove a 2005 model (which this dealer was offering at a $5,000 discount!!!), so maybe for 2006 Mazda has added some sound-deadening materials?
I want to keep this car on my list because the driving position was almost ideal for me, the car felt like a great fit, and gave a very connected feel while driving. I really couldn't find anything else to complain about -- it was a very enjoyable test drive.
Also, I apologize if this is an old subject -- I'm new to Mazda. My brother just bought a Miata, so he sparked my interest in the brand. Maybe someone could direct me to older posts, or just give a brief summary of this issue.
Thanks for any of your thoughts.
I noticed some road noise, but not enough to be a significant concern. The easiest solution is just to turn up the stereo a bit (make sure you opt for the BOSE system).
His car stickered for about $27.5k and he got it for $22,700. That included leather, Bose/moonroof and the 6-speed automatic. I don't think you'll regret getting an '05 right now with that huge discount. You might even be able to get them down a bit lower than the $5000 discount you mentioned.
Good luck!
Even if you don't want to finance thru them, you can initially go thru them to get the rebate and then finance thru another lender immediately.
Went back this afternoon to browse the lot and discovered they have about 12 2005 Mazda6 models at this "family price." All of the V6 models have extra sport appearence stuff as standard, which adds sill extenders, a spoiler, etc., which I didn't care for. Maybe not too many others care for it, either, since they're all at a deep discount. They only have two 2006 models, and they didn't have a 2006 catalog yet. They're obviously really focusing on moving their 2005 models.
I noticed the console of the 2006 has been redesigned, with climate/audio controls that look like they would be easier to see and operate.
Thanks for the feedback on the road noise. Sounds like it wasn't an issue with you and your friend. That's reassuring, but I'll have to drive it some to see for sure. Hoping it doesn't amount to much.
Don't know if the '06's have more sound insulation or not, but I'd recommend test-driving one, to see if you like it better or not.
I agree it's a relative matter. My brother got his Miata a few months ago and is having a blast with it, even though it has all kinds of noise his other cars never had. It's what he likes, the feedback from the car after working all day in a quiet office, plus the driving dynamics of the car and having the top down on a nice day.
Thanks for your thoughts.
The 06 I drove was a 4-door 2.3L MT and the 05 was a 5-door 3.0L MT. I can't put my finger on it, but there WAS something that felt better on the 06. Maybe it's the new suspension bushings on the 06 model. That, and the new console design, made me think I'd like the 06 better (even though there are some serious rebates on the 05s). The redesigned door panels on the 06 are a lot nicer too. I think for zipping around town, a car like the Mazda3 would be fine, but the extra road noise of the Mazda3 could get irritating with a lot of freeway driving or on a long trip (I tend to favor the freeways when I have a choice). One thing I noticed was that in the Mazda6 on the freeway it was easy to have a conversation with the sales guy, while in the the Mazda3 I had to speak a little louder. No biggy if you drive alone with the stereo up loud, but something to consider if you drive with a spouse a lot, or date frequently. Seeing how I'm back in the dating game I gotta think about the latter.
The big sister, the zephyer, is growing on me....
Now, how about this - a Fusion SVT with 3.0L engine, AWD, and 6-speed MT? Now that would get my attention.
I've also heard that the 3.5L will be in the redesigned Mazda 6, coming in '07 or '08.
The one I've been hearing on the Fusion thread is that there will be an ST tuned Fusion with the Duratec35 making upwards of 245HP and the SVT version will be AWD with the MAZDASPEED Mazda6 DI turbo 4 with about 280 HP and lots of handling goodies.
On the flip side, I do find the 6i lighter on its feet than the 6s. Better mileage is also a plus for the 6i. We are satisfied with the tradeoff.
Good luck,
Phil
The discounting on the 6 is because the 6 doesn;t have as much as interior room as the its competitors such as the Accord, Camry, or Altima. I have to say Mazda nailed the 6 on the styling but they didn't put enough interior room in the car for the mid-size category. BTW, The Mazda 3 has been discounted alot less the MZ 6.
"I noticed the console of the 2006 has been redesigned, with climate/audio controls that look like they would be easier to see and operate."
Thats a good thing that the climate/audio controls have been revised for the 06 model year. I sat in an 04 MZ 6 ar an autoshows and the controls look kind of confusing to use.
fowler3