Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

graphicguy

Fezo...sorry to hear about the Mazda. Hope you're feeling better, too.

I think Ford has really done a nice job in being more careful in the design and the build of their vehicles these days. So, I probably wouldn't be afraid to park one in the driveway of the palatial GG estate.

I like those CX5s, too. They are almost the "anti-minivan"of minivans.

stickguy

Cx5.is the CUV. Mazda5,is the minivan. Confusing nomenclature by Mazda, since they also have the MX5!

stickguy

I actually like the cx5 a lot. Probably should have shopped them harder when I was buying.

robr2

Steve - I have a 2011 Explorer and I have nothing but good things to say about it. It's be perfect in 55K miles and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Ford.

In fact, a used C Max is one car I really am considering since I drive so much now.

fezo

My only problem at all with the CX5 is that the stick is only available on the base, It's at least a nicely set up automatic - easy to put it manual mode. The Solara was like that. The Camry not.

Sent an email on that blue Mazda 6. Offered their asking price as an OTD price, They first quoted me back what they asked and when I said I'm not driving 60 miles out of my way to do that they called back with a bottom line of $21,368 OTD.

What say ye? There's a part of me that says that's not bad for a year old 6 with under 10K on it.

I may yet go try that Fusion if nothing else for giggles. It really is a sweet looking car. I'd hope I could figure out SYNCH.

fezo

Oh, and if I go with the Mazda 5 this would likely be the one - http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=08050&endYear=2016&showcaseOwnerId=7338345&startYear=2010&makeCode1=MAZDA&listingType=certified&listingTypes=certified&maxMileage=30000&searchRadius=75&maxPrice=22000&showcaseListingId=399419415&mmt=[MAZDA[][]]&listingId=397014880&Log=0

May have to test drive one locally to see if I like the way it drives because going all the way out there to look is silly. To buy is no problem.

stickguy

Backing into jersey tax and dmv, that is about 19.5 for the car (the 6). What's sticker on the same thing new, and true car?

It is sharp looking. I love the interior on those. And that appears to have navigation? Damn. If it had a moonroof, I might buy it!

fezo

$23,332 truecar.

stickguy

The 5 is sharp looking too.

fezo

I'm leaning toward the 6 but could easily be persuaded by the 5. Truth be told for several years our largest car was the Camry and it covered all our needs except being interesting to drive. No space issues at all. The fact that the 6 gets significantly better gas mileage speaks in its favor.

qbrozen

the mazda5 definitely does NOT drive like a minivan. One of those with a stick was on my shopping list for quite a long time.

fezo

Can't find one with a stick but that won't be a deal breaker this time around.

Would that I weren't in coming off a disaster. I'd be looking at Volkswagens...

suydam

The 6 looks beautiful. As long as you don't mind black interior I say go for it. It's a pain to look at a lot of cars when you already know you'll like this one. Make it easy on yourself. Unless you like endless shopping and driving (and many here do).

stever

Here's a new twist on going back and forth the "tower" - when are guys going to get their 15 minute cigarette breaks?

"Negotiations were done quickly at the desk interfacing to "a manager" over a computer." (Dealer Ratings and Reviews)

fezo

The 6 still leads the pack. The 5 come is OTD at $19,250. Both the 5 and 6 came in $500 over my initial offer.

I'm going to try out that Fusion and look at Mazdas locally but I don't think the dealer nearby has a deal like ones I'm looking at.

Don't want to endless shop but this much is fun.

driver100

fezo said:

The 6 still leads the pack. The 5 come is OTD at $19,250. Both the 5 and 6 came in $500 over my initial offer.

I'm going to try out that Fusion and look at Mazdas locally but I don't think the dealer nearby has a deal like ones I'm looking at.

Don't want to endless shop but this much is fun.

Hope the shopping is helping you to feel better.

Just want to add my 2 cents worth and since we don't have pennies in Canada any more (for about 2 years now, and that is a good thing - they are useless) my thoughts are worth "nothing".

I don't think you would go wrong with the Mazdas 5 or 6, or the Fusion. They all look really good. Getting a great car for about $20k is like a dream coming true. I kind of favor the 6 because I think since it is more car like it will be more fun to drive. You can't go wrong with the Fusion, they get fabulous reviews, usually rated #1 in it's category.

Don't let $500 make a difference, 3 years from now that will mean nothing. The car will be worth $100 to 200 maybe even $300 more when you trade it in. Averaged it could mean less than $100 a year...that's how I use amortization tables and justification.

It's still early but I think you would like any of those cars. I like the colors on the 5 - interior and exterior.

ab348

Is it correct to assume you have driven all 3 options?

I wouldn't worry about price yet if you have not tried the vehicles. No sense getting a good price on a vehicle you don't like driving.

fezo

Just back from driving. Both the 6 and the 5 impressed. The 5 was pretty surprising. You hardly notice you're driving a minivan. The 3 is really nice but since this will be the family car (my fault - I got her the Prius) it's just too small. So far I'm actually leaning to the 5. Neither have great sound in them but with that mystery money driver was speaking of I can always have a local guy upgrade it. Wouldn't need a new system - an amplifier and subwoofer and it would be great. It's acceptable as is.

Funny thing on the Fusion. I call to line up test driving and they tell me they bought it at auction and it's not prepped yet. They've had it on their website for several days including pictures that are clearly this specific car.

Will see when my wife gets home where we go from here. The place where the 6 is also is a VW dealer so I may get tempted again...

fezo

driver - I'm not worried about $500. Maybe q can tell me how the deals sound.

Meanwhile, right on the lot where I was sat this and we didn't see - http://www.lesterglennmazda.com/certified/Mazda/2014-Mazda-Mazda+CX-5-2e861fa00a0a00e007edd21020a25c6c.htm

Checks a lot of boxes. If I could get what I want for around what I want and stay local that would be really fine.

stickguy

if the 3 is too small, the other one I found for you today is out. Was at the Hyundai dealer (1st oil change) and in showroom they had a leftover Elantra GT (hatch). chatted with my salesguy (now a finance manager), and even though it had a hangtag with a big discount, he said they would really deal on it. MSRP ~25k, tag ~21K. Where the bottom lies, I did not get into.

very sharp looking. Gray over black. 6 speed. Sport. Tech package, so Navi and Pano roof. Etc. comfy seats too. I could live with that I think. Like a Golf, just with many options to go with your stick shift, for less money.

http://www.faulknerhyundaiphilly.com/VehicleDetails/new-2014-Hyundai-Elantra_GT-5dr_HB_Man-Philadelphia-PA/2476113143

fezo

I wasn't thinking Hyundai but that one does check a load of the boxes. I've always liked the look of the GT but would have to drive one. If the dealer bites on the CX5 I may be done. We'll see.

Talked with the mechanic and one way or another we'l be disposing of the former 6 off his lot. So tonight or tomorrow I'll grab the plates and registration and empty the car. I'll leave the insurance on until I get the new car and just transfer.

suydam

The CX 5 is gorgeous. Love the grey interior-- much cooler in summer. I will be interested to see what you get.

fezo

I hope the local guy doesn't read in here because that CX5 really interests me. I sent an email that was a lowball but if he met me halfway we'd have a deal. It's been on his lot for two months according to Carfax and the maintenance has been done. Stay tuned.

driver100

fezo said:

I hope the local guy doesn't read in here because that CX5 really interests me. I sent an email that was a lowball but if he met me halfway we'd have a deal. It's been on his lot for two months according to Carfax and the maintenance has been done. Stay tuned.

You are going through the process and you are getting there.....testing, deciding what can work, what won't, which car will suit you the most etc.

People and reviewers all like the CX5, it is very car like as far as handling is concerned.

Don't be tempted by the VWs, unless you like living on the edge. Some people love them and don't seem to have a problem, others go through a lot of torture....you don't need that in your life right now.

stickguy

I was about to give another lecture about mazda5 vs. CX5, until I saw your last link. That is a nice looking car. Hope you can get it for your price.

I already told the wife that if something happened to her RDX and we had to replace it, it would probably be with one of those.

Good luck.

fezo

I've got my offer to the dealer for the CX5 in. If he doesn't take the bait I got a in PA with the nice 5. Doesn't check all the boxes but it's nice. It's really nice.

stickguy

resurrecting the Q40 discussion, this nice looking, low mile, loaded up G37 is near me. pretty good discount off sticker, for a car with premium and Nav, etc.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2013-infiniti-g37_sedan-4dr_x_awd-used-13521319.html

driver100

stickguy said:

resurrecting the Q40 discussion, this nice looking, low mile, loaded up G37 is near me. pretty good discount off sticker, for a car with premium and Nav, etc.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2013-infiniti-g37_sedan-4dr_x_awd-used-13521319.html

That Infinity looks really nice stick......and it is pretty amazing what you can buy for $24k

I guess I have used caraphobia. All these nice looking cars are sitting there on the lot, they all look so perfect, like new, but, the problem is, who knows what is really lurking under that bright and shiny hood?

Most of my used cars were fine, and I did have more winners than losers. But, when I got a loser....it was really aggravating. Hours spent getting it fixed, down time waiting for a diagnosis, and then having the occassional breakdown too!

But, that was in the days before CPOs. Dealers sold the better used cars, but they weren't guaranteed like they are today. I would buy a CPO if I had too, but, I hope those days are over.

stickguy

well, that Infiniti is at the local place I monitor. they have a good reputation, and a lot of nice stuff that sells quickly. mostly not too old like this one. They are actually also a leasing company, and a lot of what they retail is off lease I believe. From what I have seen in person, it tends to look like new.

my "crapaphobia" comes more from looking at the lower end price of the market. There you have the danger of getting something like Fezo's wagon, just before the cats all failed!

driver100

stickguy said:

well, that Infiniti is at the local place I monitor. they have a good reputation, and a lot of nice stuff that sells quickly. mostly not too old like this one. They are actually also a leasing company, and a lot of what they retail is off lease I believe. From what I have seen in person, it tends to look like new.

my "crapaphobia" comes more from looking at the lower end price of the market. There you have the danger of getting something like Fezo's wagon, just before the cats all failed!

I basically agree....at least on one level. I would tend to trust newer certified used cars bought from a reliable dealer.

But, even then, I think things can go wrong. Our 1995 Volvo was leased and it had major problems, all covered under warranty. The small local dealer was very good to us and let us out of the lease 4 months early, with a small penalty.

I felt a bit guilty that someone else will be buying that car.....but, nothing we could do about it. That is the kind of car I worry about ending up with. From outside appearances, it would seem to be a fine, low mileage, clean used car just off lease.....but, if we had major problems while under warranty, I don't want to think about what the next owner will be going through.

driver100

Updates:

My wife's GLK will be ready to pick up next week. We are going to pick it up on Wed., and she has to drive out of town on Thursday.

Daughter looked at the GLK and likes it, but, says she is ready to go back to a car if she can find one she likes. Has to be diesel to save on fuel cost......but, economizing doesn't seem to be an issue with the rest of their life. Other big factor is safety. She doesn't know how to cross reference 5 star ratings between cars and SUVs. For example, she has to have a car with a 5 star rating, but is a 5 star SUV safer than a 5 star sedan? IMHO, a 5 star rating is pretty good, but the more metal you have around you is good too. So a 5 star SUV will be safer than a 5 star sedan. However, a 5 star sedan may be safer than a 3 star SUV, because it is designed to perform right in an accident.

I was just reading if you want a safe car buy a Suburu. All their cars get 5 star ratings and they seem to sense what the next test will be, and are prepared for it.

Then, I saw an ad for Buick on TV, and they say all their cars have 5 stars.

Today she is looking at bmws, and she has Volvo on her list, though I think she thinks it is the same Volvo Company that made the 20+ year old one their son drives (how safe is that thing?).

fezo

I think the CX5 Grand Touring is out but they have a 13 Touring that could work, 40K an no upgraded stereo and FWD but $6K cheaper. There's a maybe. Color is good. I'd have to decide that 30K isn't sacred and that a FWD is ok. My wife has to be on the road a fair bit pretty much no matter what the weather but we've done just fine without AWD all these years.

Of course the funny thing is the thing that would be my biggest letdown is the stereo. I can live with that.

We'll see. If the rain lets up, which it's supposed to do, we may go look. Having the luxury of a little time is a very good thing. There's not one thing we're considering that I wouldn't be happy in.

stickguy

if she wants safety and economy, and a good load of features, and a sedan, she should buy a subaru legacy limited (I think that is the top line model). Got all the goodies, and gets excellent MPG on RUG. no screwing around with Diesel, and thousands (tens of?) cheaper than a BMW is likely to be, or the GLK.

though from what you have described, way too logical and practical for them. So she should get a used Masserati with 100K on it. A bargain!

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

resurrecting the Q40 discussion, this nice looking, low mile, loaded up G37 is near me. pretty good discount off sticker, for a car with premium and Nav, etc.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2013-infiniti-g37_sedan-4dr_x_awd-used-13521319.html

That's a sharp looking rig @stickguy. Not too much more than I paid for my Legacy & a whole lot more performance. Just have to check the in service date. I think 2013 was a long MY for the G37.

dino001

driver100 said:

Updates:

I was just reading if you want a safe car buy a Suburu. All their cars get 5 star ratings and they seem to sense what the next test will be, and are prepared for it.

Then, I saw an ad for Buick on TV, and they say all their cars have 5 stars.

Stars is a government testing system, updated every 20 years, or so (i.e. not very much, after a while everybody gets five stars, last time 2011 which is not bad). The update process is quite political, sensitive to pressure from constituance. The details are available at www.nhtsa.org. It includes test matrix and result, can help in interpretation.

Subaru is acing Insurance Institute of Highway Safety test matrix, which is updated every four years, or so. Those test are sponsored by people directly interested in knowing as much as possible about the safety, as the better picture they have, the better they can predict the rates. The moment everybody figures existing tests out, they move the goal post, by introducing ever tougher tests, which in this case is a good thing, as safety should be contantly improved. Those result give you real sense of relative safety between brands and models and manufufacturers' attitudes toward it. Companies that get good grades early, like Subaru, show they care, those who do it late show they only comply when pushed. Check out www.highwaysafety.org

Truth is all cars are safer than twenty years ago. However, some brands lead that charge, others are just dragged into it kicking and screaming. I truly believe Subaru is safest brand out there, period. Every model, every vintage. New, used, they are ALWAYS safer than comparable vintage cars, at least since early 2000s, when they started that safety "obsession". Subaru aimed to intercept most safety conscious customers, who may not care about latest gadgets, or superperformance, but will pay for safety, if properly presented with facts. They didn't quite yet get the message out at full, but their ads are well catered. What they miss is to explain clearly how and why their product is indeed safer.

28firefighter

fezo said:

I think the CX5 Grand Touring is out but they have a 13 Touring that could work, 40K an no upgraded stereo and FWD but $6K cheaper. There's a maybe. Color is good. I'd have to decide that 30K isn't sacred and that a FWD is ok. My wife has to be on the road a fair bit pretty much no matter what the weather but we've done just fine without AWD all these years. Of course the funny thing is the thing that would be my biggest letdown is the stereo. I can live with that. We'll see. If the rain lets up, which it's supposed to do, we may go look. Having the luxury of a little time is a very good thing. There's not one thing we're considering that I wouldn't be happy in.

I would avoid the '13. Has the much slower 2.0 SkyActiv engine instead of the much peppier 2.5 they started putting in for 2014. 

stickguy

Damn. I saw a deal on a CX5 touring yesterday. now need to find it again.

here is a decent price on a low mile 5;

http://ms-mazda.calls.net/vehicle-details/2013-mazda-mazda5-sport-turnersville-nj-id-7460364

Must have been this one. Not sure how the price will compare. only a 2014, miles just above your 30K threshold. Looks to have Nav too?

http://www.hamiltonmazda.net/auto/used-2014-mazda-cx5-touring-hamilton-08690-nj/3076602/

Here is a loaded GT. Not sure how this price compares. But it is CPO. actually thinking if this is close to market, i would go with a new one instead!

http://faulknermazda.com/vehicles/mazda/cx-5/2013_mazda_cx5_grand_touring_trevose_pa_jm3ke4de3d0131282_wdi.cfm?itype=Certified

stickguy

good point about the 2.5L engine. the 2.0 gets the job done, but is a bit taxed fully loaded. That GT I just posted is the 2.0. the 2014 touring is the 2.5.

driver100

dino001 said:

driver100 said:

Updates:

I was just reading if you want a safe car buy a Suburu. All their cars get 5 star ratings and they seem to sense what the next test will be, and are prepared for it.

Then, I saw an ad for Buick on TV, and they say all their cars have 5 stars.

Stars is a government testing system, updated every 20 years, or so (i.e. not very much, after a while everybody gets five stars, last time 2011 which is not bad). The update process is quite political, sensitive to pressure from constituance. The details are available at www.nhtsa.org. It includes test matrix and result, can help in interpretation.

Subaru is acing Insurance Institute of Highway Safety test matrix, which is updated every four years, or so. Those test are sponsored by people directly interested in knowing as much as possible about the safety, as the better picture they have, the better they can predict the rates. The moment everybody figures existing tests out, they move the goal post, by introducing ever tougher tests, which in this case is a good thing, as safety should be contantly improved. Those result give you real sense of relative safety between brands and models and manufufacturers' attitudes toward it. Companies that get good grades early, like Subaru, show they care, those who do it late show they only comply when pushed. Check out www.highwaysafety.org

Truth is all cars are safer than twenty years ago. However, some brands lead that charge, others are just dragged into it kicking and screaming. I truly believe Subaru is safest brand out there, period. Every model, every vintage. New, used, they are ALWAYS safer than comparable vintage cars, at least since early 2000s, when they started that safety "obsession". Subaru aimed to intercept most safety conscious customers, who may not care about latest gadgets, or superperformance, but will pay for safety, if properly presented with facts. They didn't quite yet get the message out at full, but their ads are well catered. What they miss is to explain clearly how and why their product is indeed safer.

Good info Dino and I think you are right on.

A Suburu would be the ideal car for our daughter...but, I don't think it has the pizzaz. She works hard, makes a good amount, and probably wants something special, even though she will drive it for 20 years.

fezo

Local guy has com down to $27,000 OTD on the AWD CX5. $24,608 price. Now I'm down to need vs. want territory. That 5 out in PA comes in OTD at $19,250. Quite a difference. Better than $100 a month. I like the CX5 better but I don't know if I like it that much better.

Utility has probably bumped the 6 off the list. Lots of thing tangentially there but I suspect it's between the CX5 and the 5.

Michaell

fezo said:

Local guy has com down to $27,000 OTD on the AWD CX5. $24,608 price. Now I'm down to need vs. want territory. That 5 out in PA comes in OTD at $19,250. Quite a difference. Better than $100 a month. I like the CX5 better but I don't know if I like it that much better.

Utility has probably bumped the 6 off the list. Lots of thing tangentially there but I suspect it's between the CX5 and the 5.

Which one will you truly enjoy driving every day for the next 5/7/10 years? Which has the creature comforts and features that will make the time spent in the car more enjoyable?

suydam

Life is short.

abacomike

Fezo, I have not, at this point, provided you with any input or feedback regarding your search for a replacement vehicle for the Mazda (may he/she/it rest in peace) because making a decision on which car to buy is a truly "personal" decision. None of us (those who post here) have identical likes, desires, preferences, budgets/resources, wives/significant others who have a stake in whatever car the family adds to the fleet, etc. That is why it is a personal decision based upon so many variables such as size, color, power, audio systems, interior array and displays on the dashboard not to mention what the bottom line cost to your bank account.

Thus, you must make the final decision based upon your own personal situation and how you calculate how or when a vehicle is the right choice. What "I" think really shouldn't/doesn't matter regarding what is right for you. You either know what's best or will learn what's best based upon your own research and experiences.

All I can provide feedback/input on for you to consider weighs very heavily on "my" experiences and desires or needs. I can tell you that if a car doesn't have a "first class top-of-the-line" audio system that sounds like I am sitting in the middle of the recording studio as the orchestra or band or singer is performing, I won't ever like the car - Rolls Royce, BMW, Mercedes, Chevy, Ford, etc. So what's most important to me is not necessary what is most important to you.

Another thing the car that I drive must have are Lane Tracking and Blind Spot Monitors and Back-Up Cameras and front and rear sensors (so I know how close I am to another object in the front and the rear). The seat I sit on must be comfortable and durable with sufficient hip, shoulder, leg and head room. The car I drive must have a powerful enough engine so I can quickly accelerate to get onto the Turnpike or an Interstate. It must also be fairly stylish, get at least 30 mpg highway and 20 mpg city After all the above "needs/desires" are met, I don't care much about anything else. Oh, yes, I forgot - price of the car must be within my budget.

So, I would assume you have your own list (as does your wife) of things the car must possess. Use that list against every car you test drive and see. If you buy that way, you really can't make many mistakes, can you?

abacomike

On Thursday, I went to the movies to see the new "Avengers" movie in 3-D.  There are times I just need to "get away" for a few hours from my Dad.  The cleaning girls were at the house on Thursday, so at least there was someone there.

I came out of the movies at about 3:30 PM and as I approached my car, I noticed one of the rear tires was flat.  I inspected the other tires and the other rear tire was also flat.  So I knew the car had to be towed.  I have towing on both my insurance as well as with Mercedes, so I called Mercedes.  The tow truck came about 30 minutes later and towed me to the closest Mercedes Dealer.

When the wheels were pulled off, they found puncture holes in the sidewalls.  Only the rear tires were damaged.  Obviously some kids or "who knows" did a job on my tires.

The dealer did not have my tires in stock, but a Goodyear Tire Center had two Continental Tires that matched the Continentals on the front (front and rear tires are different sizes) so I got a price from them and they delivered the tires to the Mercedes Dealer.

It was an experience that I could have lived without including the $800+ it cost me for the tires, installation, balancing and labor.  At least it was a great action movie.

driver100

abacomike said:

On Thursday, I went to the movies to see the new "Avengers" movie in 3-D. It was an experience that I could have lived without including the $800+ it cost me for the tires, installation, balancing and labor.  At least it was a great action movie.

That was a very expensive movie to see!

You may report it to the management.....these days they do have a lot of surveilance cameras and good businesses want to try to stop that kind of thing from happening.

I will never understand the fun someone gets out of doing that.

henryn

First Sandman with the identity theft, and then Mike with the punctured tires. A hell of a note. What's that old saying,

"A liberal is a conservative that hasn't been mugged yet, and a conservative is a liberal who hasn't been arrested yet."

Mike, won't your car insurance cover those tires? Mine will, and my deductible on such claims is fairly low.

abacomike

henryn said:

First Sandman with the identity theft, and then Mike with the punctured tires. A hell of a note. What's that old saying, "A liberal is a conservative that hasn't been mugged yet, and a conservative is a liberal who hasn't been arrested yet." Mike, won't your car insurance cover those tires? Mine will, and my deductible on such claims is fairly low.

I have a $500 deductible on my comprehensive insurance.  It does not pay for me to make a claim which could raise my rates that much if not more.  That is why I did not pursue that.

thebean

I just don't understand why someone would puncture two tires.  Probably some ne'er do well that hates people that can afford nice things when they can't.  I am more and more convinced that we are going down the toilet and will never recover.  We have seen the high water mark for American society.  Way too many takers and not enough makers.  I'm glad I'm way closer to the end of my life than the beginning.

abacomike

thebean said:

I just don't understand why someone would puncture two tires.  Probably some ne'er do well that hates people that can afford nice things when they can't.  I am more and more convinced that we are going down the toilet and will never recover.  We have seen the high water mark for American society.  Way too many takers and not enough makers.  I'm glad I'm way closer to the end of my life than the beginning.

With the state of the entire world at this point in human history, not to mention our own country, I agree wholeheartedly with that conclusion, Bean.  I have but one regret - that my children and grandsons will have to witness the decline of the world as we knew it.

fezo

Well, the sales manager blew up the deal on what would have been a 2013 CX5 FWD Grand Touring by trying to come in and close the deal without giving a price. I did his numbers backwards once I got home and found he was quoting the price they are advertising on the Internet. The sticker on the lot was better that $2K higher.

Nobody even gave me a card but I managed one off his disk and sent him an email telling him exactly how the sale was lost. Told him if they were honest upfront that there was likely a deal between my number and theirs that would have sealed the deal but that's no longer an option.

Mike, like you sound is a big thing for me. I'd like the backup camera and lane monitoring and such but it's not the end of the world.

That Mazda 6 is still a contender. So is the 5. All I know right now is who I won't deal with.