Mazda6 Wagon

grahamb · October 2004

You can just have the Electroluminescent gauges stay on their brightest settings...that way when you use the headlights during the day they won't get dimmer.

I rarely take them off their brightest setting...even at night.

rlg · October 2004

I was orginally shopping a Scion TC to replace my 2002 Protege 5. Looked at the Mazda 3 but thar seemed a little $teep. Turns out with the incentives & lease deals, the 6 Wagon is cheaper & by far the better deal. Alot more car than either of the others. Can't wait 'til I get some miles on it so I can wring it out a little. Thanks to those on the Edmunds forums whose opinions were an important part of my research.

mazdamarla · November 2004

What the heck???

I don't have a wagon, but I have an '03 Sedan. To date that I've seen, CR has pretty much raved about the Mazda6 so I was anxious to see how they compared the wagon to the other 4 wagons they rated.

They said something like, "due to reliability issues, we no longer recommend the Mazda6" or something like that, in the 2-page write-up on the vehicle. Then, on the column-by-column comparison wrap-up showing all 5 of the wagons side-by-side, they rated the Mazda6 headlights with a half-black circle, and "Predicted Reliability" as a full-black circle (or vice versa).

Where the HELL did these poor reliability ratings come from???? And I don't know, as the article did not clarify, if they don't recommend just the wagon version, or the entire Mazda6 line-up.

Any thoughts/comments from you 6 Wagon owners?

Kirstie_H · November 2004

An Edmunds.com reporter wants your opinion: What are the coolest cars for soccer moms? Please email jhelperin@edmunds.com with which vehicles you like and why. Please respond by this Monday, 11/8, with soccer moms in the subject line.

qbrozen · November 2004

what incentives are there? Edmunds doesn't show any, so I'm curious if there is something that isn't public knowledge. thanks.

escortowner · November 2004

I have managed to get a pretty decent relationship with a salesman at a local mazda dealership in town here, and I am pretty confident this is what is going on - at least in Texas.

Mazda's site shows $2750 off for 5-door and hatch, and $3750 for wagons. Down here, in addition to the $2750, if you finance through Mazda, you get an additional $1000 rebate. you can also get 0% for 60 months, or 2.9% +1000 rebate for 72 months.... Depending on Credit, the $2750 is slightly better than the 0%.

Before the start of November they were offering $2250 +$750 in dealer cash. Apparently the dealer cash is gone - at least that is what they are telling me at this point. who knows, maybe at Thanksgiving they will suddenly have dealer cash.

But from what I can see - what is showing on Mazda's web site is pretty accurate for the incentives - except the regional $1,000 for MAC.

qbrozen · November 2004

ah. sure enough. there it is on their website. guess edmunds is a bit behind the times on that one.

i'm rather surprised that there are '04 wagons sitting around. i had hoped Mazda would be doing well with this model.

thanks for the info.

hey, ya know, i just took a look and with that $3750 off near invoice price, that brings a loaded up version down to $20K. Not bad at all.

suydam · November 2004

The Mazda wagon has only been out for a few months, and the sedan is just on it's second year, so there can't be a very large data base. I was surprised because they rate the Passat wagon very highly and it has had a ton of problems. So until there are more vehicles in the data base, I wouldn't worry about it. I'm going with the long term reputation of Mazda and the satisfied early owners. I just put my 1,000th mile on my '04 and love it so far.

smpool · November 2004

Based on my experience reading CR over the years, this predicted reliability comes from last spring's survey of subscribers about the Mazda 6 sedan on which the wagon is based. You'll be able to see better what systems or parts of the car subscribers complained about in the end of the year CR 2005 Buyer's Guide which should come next month.

smpool · November 2004

The 4cyl. Passat (wagon or sedan) is highly rated by CR for performance, comfort, etc., but only gets an average reliability rating. And you are right about not putting too much stock in one year's data. CR will normally consider at least 3 years data in their reliability ratings when 3 years of data are available. I've seen the Camry's and Civic's reliability ratings go up and down when a new design is introduced based on the no. of years data on that new design.

murphyia · November 2004

The roof rack on the 6wagon is a factory option only. The dealership and Mazda customer service confirmed this. Does anyone know who makes this rack for Mazda? I'd like to put one on and would like to get the same rack the factory puts on.

sportymonk · November 2004

Sold my Chevy Astro van and realize I need something. Have looked and I don't like the styling of the Ody (chrome on the grill and black dash no matter what color interior, I want beige/tan).

Looked at the CR-V and its a little too small. Honda Pilot only has AWD, don't need AWD. Two wheels is fine. All I need is something to haul stuff like the daybed I had to pay delivery on since it wouldn't fit in truck of car. Need to haul two beagles. Love the looks of the Mazda 6 Wagon.

Did anybody look at the Pilot, Highlander before getting the 6 Wagon?

suydam · November 2004

We didn't look at the Pilot because we don't need that much space. We did drive the Highlander but my husband didn't like it--too bulky, too plain an interior for the $$, and mushy handling. We had a Subaru Forester before, but the back seat is very cramped. Mazda6 wagon is perfect (except for mpg) in terms of size, comfort, space for stuff, and handling, for us. Great dog car too -- have you seen the net that pulls up to separate the back from the front?

qbrozen · November 2004

the CRV is too small but the M6 is ok? According to the specs here on Edmunds, the interior dimensions are very similar on both vehicles (CRV actually has 3 inches more rear leg room, though).

Only thing I can't see here is maximum cargo capacity of the 6. But given the luggage capacity behind the rear seats is very similar and the occupant area is very similar, I would think total capacity will also be similar.

thetrees · November 2004

HEY EVERYBODY, there are GREAT deals out there for 04's and 05's. A $3K rebate on 04 and $1500 on 05. I just got an 05 6s hatchback with lux pkg incl spoiler, moonroof, black leather, bose pkg w/ 6 disc in dash changer, yada yada EVERY option except homelink mirror (did get auto-dimming mirror) with the addition of the following accessories: satin finish metal fuel door, moonroof deflector, clear taillights, remote starter, all weather floor mats AND 7yr 100K mile no deductable bumper to bumper warranty for $27500 out the door incl all fees and Michigan 6% tax. I think I got a pretty fair shake. As far as I am concerned, what with the economy and all, I figure they would really wheel and deel if they want to keep keep selling cars and checking out these message boards gave me a starting point re: price. PLAY HARD EVERYONE. I'm a woman and started out being told that the dealer was a "one price dealer" and then (after pitting four dealers against each other, got a GREAT deal on the newer model year car. GOOD LUCK ALL!

slickdog · November 2004

Does anyone here have the Mazda roof cargo box which is sold as a Mazda6 wagon accessory? It's obviously a Thule, and looks like a Cascade 1500 which is 15 cu. ft. capacity, but according to mazdausa.com the one their dealers offer is 13 cu. ft. capacity. Thule doesn't seem to have one that size, so I'm wondering what it is exactly. Pricing for the Mazda box is ~$200-$260 depending on who you ask, but the larger Thule box is priced >$300 everywhere I've looked.

rlg · November 2004

Thats one maxxed out hatch you've got there.
Good luck with it. Sounds great.

jiffysquid · December 2004

Just picked up a wagon with the bose premium sound and I am wondering if anyone has digitally mated their ipod or other mp3 player with the system? the dealer quoted a price of $345 w/o labor, but was vague on details, as no one else had inquired (seems strange)? that seemed high too, unless it allows you to control the ipod through the system's controls. Anybody have any experiences or other input on this? Thanks (by the way, with incentives we purchased this car for less than the 18K a used volvo XC would have cost with no remaining warranty, plus I think the 5 speed manual makes it a true sports wagon - it really rocks) . . .

PF_Flyer · December 2004

every Tuesday we have have a chat based on a Mazda platform (although we do tend to wander to all kinds of subjects) where you can meet and greet your fellow forum members. Hope to see YOU there tonight!

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groovypippin · December 2004

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.

grahamb · December 2004

short of an FM transmitter or modulator it can't easily be done just yet. There is a way to do it that requires buying an attachment, modifying that, and also opening the head unit and soldering something on it.

zampa · December 2004

Just to let everyone know, I got the car, and all the options (including dealer options) at invoice PLUS $2125 cashback. I think I did pretty well. Can't wait for my custom 6 wagon to arrive from the factory!

PF_Flyer · December 2004

After a bit of a software snafu last week, we'll try to get a harder count on how many of you are coming to the Philadelphia Auto Show on Feb 5th and 6th (that's the first weekend of the show) so we can figure out how many goodies we might need! So stop in at one of the chats this week and let us know!

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jiffysquid · December 2004

thanks grahamb - i've used the iTrip and other devices that allow you to play through the FM radio and the quality is so inferior to what one gets from being hardlined in. guess i'll have to dig my CD's out of storage for the 6 disc changer until I find out more.

slickdog · December 2004

How did you get $2125 cash back? Since you ordered the car, I'm assuming it must be an '05, and there don't appear to be any official Mazda rebates on '05 sport wagons right now.

At any rate, congratulations on the deal! Did they tell you how long you may have to wait for the car?

zoomzoom6 · December 2004

I've got $4000 rebate. I just picked up '04 Mazda 6 Sport Wagon, AT, Bose + 6 CD changer, 3.0L V6 Engine for $18K. Is this a steal or what?

qbrozen · December 2004

it really is. congrats!

jahnu04 · December 2004

I got mine (Automatic) two weeks back for $20.7K (before tax, lic. etc). Options included sport pkg, lxry pkg, side & side curtain airbags, bose audio, pwr moonroof. Got it for $4500 below invoice.

I love the wagon, it looks and drives great. Great vehicle for the price. I was looking at the base model, but the price of it was almost the same as the one with all the options.

I have been getting 24 MPG for both city and highway driving which is okay.

slickdog · December 2004

Congratulations to all of you. Nice to see everyone getting such good deals.

The Mazda6 wagons really are a steal. It's a lot of car for ~$18K after rebate. Practical but attractive and fun to drive too. I went on the dealer's lot expecting to choose a sedan or 5-door, but just drove the wagon once out of curiosity and immediately fell in love with it. It actually felt more balanced to me in turns than the other two, perhaps because of the extra weight in back, but certainly didn't seem to lose any acceleration because of it. I was able to get my wagon w/o the sport package too, which would have been difficult with the sedan, and impossible with the 5-door. The side-sill extensions and spoiler really turned me off. Without them the car looks a lot like an Audi A4 wagon, which I like.

So far I'm really impressed with my wagon. I'm only getting 21-22 MPG so far, but it's just getting broken in at ~1K miles and the cold weather always brings the mileage down a bit anyway.

jahnu04 · December 2004

I agree, the side-sill and rear spoiler makes it look very sleek.

I too live in a cold place (Minnesota) and winter time I too don't get a good mileage. I am not trying to be hard on the gas and am limiting the high speeds to 65 - 70 mph. Just trying to see what mileage it gives consistently.

I did not test drive the sedan/hatchback but I like the heavy feel behind wheel. Can't believe that a wagon can handle corners so well.

One thing that I am yet to get used to is the brakes, I feel they are too soft, feel like it needs more stopping distance. Do any of have experienced it?

suydam · December 2004

Just the opposite for me. They seem incredibly sensitive -- like you hardly have to touch them and you stop on a dime. One of the best features for sure.

jahnu04 · December 2004

I may have to get the brakes checked.

You had mentioned about the dog net in one of your postings, yes, I too like that feature. I have a german shepherd and it will really help me. I did look for that feature before buying the car.

PF_Flyer · December 2004

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jahnu04 · December 2004

Does anyone know how the heated mirrors work? Does the rear defrost turn them ON?

I could not find any info. in the manual.

rickinnj8 · December 2004

Yes, the heated mirrors automatically go on when you turn on the rear defroster. I thought that I saw it in the manual but I could be wrong.

jahnu04 · December 2004

Thanks! will check the manual again to see if I missed it.

rickinnj8 · December 2004

Now that I think about it, I think the salesman told me when I purchased the car. Let me know if you find it in the manual.

zampa · December 2004

well about 4-5 weeks to go... I got the deal through some special dealer cash back they offered me on top of the regular $1500. I just haggled like crazy and got them down as low as I could get them.

jahnu04 · December 2004

Yes, the rear defroster turns thr heated mirrors ON. Its on 3-34 page in the manual, I somehow overlooked it.

tzoomer · January 2005

At 6 months, my 6 cyl AT mpg has varied from 20.3 puttering around town, to 26.9 on highway+expressway.

  A ball to drive, responsive. My brakes have been excellent. Took me a while to achieve a really smooth halt, against the strong AT engine push. Oddly, when going leisurely up the gears it sounds to me like the engine is "over-revving," but tach doesn't agree.

  No problem with road noise, but ride can be harsh due to those low-profile tires that give it such fast handling. I have to pay constant attention to sensitive steering or the car wanders (not a car for talkers or dozers!). Windshield fogs up easily, and right-hand wiper pattern leaves a smudge right in front of the driver.

  A very courteous" car, its automatic interior lights coming on at just the right moments. No problems to repair.

  If there are '04s still on the dealer lot, it may be that other dealers, like mine, hardly ever advertise. They must be focusing on "retaining customers" instead, because I get a letter, coupon, or incentive from my dealer about every 3 weeks. Or do they think my car really is "unreliable," as CR projects?

slickdog · January 2005

I'm not getting any higher than 22MPG thus far, but it's winter and my car only has 1500mi so I'm not expecting much more than that yet.

My dealer keeps pushing an '04 wagon deal in our local paper, but I've been by there a few times since I bought my car in November, and they still have several '04's left. Furthermore, I still have not seen ONE other Mazda6 wagon on the road in my area. Hard to believe.

I have had several people comment on how much they really like my car, but for some reason most of them say they probably would never buy one. Mazda just doesn't rate well with many people I guess.

jahnu04 · January 2005

So far I have seen only one wagon in my area, but seen several sedans.

Couple of days back I got the rear bumper step plate installed, looks good on my silver wagon. When I was there at the dealership, they also did a inspection and filled all the fluids for free, that's something I have not experienced in the past with toyota's and nissan.

My initial impression about the dealership & servicing is right, they are very nice. Never felt like that before.

slickdog · January 2005

Yeah, the sedans seem to be the most plentiful, and I do see the occasional 5-door, but no wagons yet.

The step plate is nice to have. My car came with one installed, and I've already whacked it with the wheels of a suitcase once.

Nice to know you have a good service department behind you as well. The place I go has always been good to me.

scratchmarc · January 2005

I took a road trip over New Year's from Atlanta to Norfolk and back. Saw tons of SUV's of course, a couple of Focus wagons but only one Mazda6 wagon.

I have a '93 Mercury Tracer wagon (160k and still going strong) but am getting ready for something else. The new 6 wagon would be a very nice upgrade although I know I wouldn't get quite as good mileage.

I'll be interested to see the messages here along the way with issues or kudos for the car.

eben · January 2005

"Couple of days back I got the rear bumper step plate installed."

What's involved in attaching the step plate? Is it just adhesive, or are holes drilled in the bumber?

jahnu04 · January 2005

Eben -

I believe it is just adhesive, did not see any screws from the top of the step plate. I had the Mazda service technician install it. Paid $60

btrost · January 2005

I have installed this myself recently on my 04 wagon. It is a pretty easy DIY install, you just need to clean the bumper thoroughly first and use the included spacers to mount it in the right spot. The plate attaches with double sided tape - after 2 months, no problems with mine.

jahnu04 · January 2005

Initially, I thought of installing it myself, I would have saved $20. But did not want to regret later if something went wrong. From my past experiences, I have not been very good dealing especially with the adhesive stuff. I am glad you got it right.

jahnu04 · January 2005

Few days back I noticed that the retainer bar in the cargo area comes out just like that without having to push the button on the right end of the bar. The manual says, I need to push it to remove the bar. Looks like there is a problem with it. Moreover it makes sound on rough roads, may be because it is not secured properly. I removed it and put it in place a couple of times, but still the bar comes out easily.

Can anyone tell me if this is normal or should I get it checked.

Thanks,

GK

eben · January 2005

Get it checked; mine snaps securely into place and the button must be pressed to remove.

Mazda6 Wagon

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