Mazda6 Sedan

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Comments

  • melikamelika Member Posts: 14
    I went to Canada twice last year - Toronto and Montreal in May and Vancouver for Boxing Week. Btw, what is Boxing Week? Anyways, you all are so lucky to get the options that we Americans don't have. Why do all of the car companies assume that Americans want slow, automatic vehicles???? They sell all kinds of cool cars in Europe that we can't get? Hello marketing guys - we have money and want sporty cars!!!!!!
    Melissa
  • melikamelika Member Posts: 14
    Did they ever figure out the problem with the check engine light???
    Melissa
  • marchharemarchhare Member Posts: 44
    Doying said there was a fix to their car. So, I'm going to print out that one and take it in to the dealer tomorrow to see if they can do anything about it. Thanks for asking, Melissa.
  • skyrayskyray Member Posts: 156
    Glad to see the 6s appeals to a Miata owner. :-)

    I gotta sell my 2000 Evo Orange and replace it with a 6 due to the addition of a little third-seat passenger back in September. Alas, it's not great Miata-selling weather in Vermont.

    Now I just have to decide between the 6i and 6s, and which transmission I want...
  • bigzheng17bigzheng17 Member Posts: 81
    and the rest of leather stuff, does that seems cost a bit too much for you?

    It seems the GS is not avaliable with side (curtain) and TCS as option, but GT is got leather inside. I wonder is there anyway I can get all those goodies without leather? (am I the only one here hate leather interior?)

    The 6 looks really nice compare to accord, especially on the exterior (though I haven't seen one in person yet), now I'm seriously consider it over accord, though I wish the l4 had a bit more power... I'll probably wait sometime for the price to come down, and for Mazda to work out any bugs they might have.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Melika, boxing day is the day that presents are exchanged, while Christmas is seen as a religious holiday. Hope that helps!
  • igotamiataigotamiata Member Posts: 14
    I bought the car from Sterling Mazda in Sterling Heights...no pressure, nice selection of AT cars, decent deal and trade-in and they let me take the car on a solo 45 minute drive wherever I wanted.

    As for Igotamiata, I'm still batting around ideas for my email address and license plates.
  • ruefusruefus Member Posts: 254
    The steering wheel, parking brake and shift knob all come standard with black leather wrapping.

    The optional parts have silver in them. In Europe you can get blue, yellow and red as well.

    They are expensive, but I'm not the least bit surprised at that.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    It's a whole week starting on 12/26-12/31 or so where all stores have supposed discounts. There are a few deals, but those products quickly dissapear. At least that's my notion of Boxing week.

    As for the leather: I'm not a fan, mainly b/c it costs $1000 or so more. You can get side airbags and curtains on the V6 GS with cloth. The GT models have leather.

    Dinu
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Congrats on the purchase!

    I see we got Miata and A4 people switching over to the 6. Nice to see that!

    Melissa: What year is your A4 and what issues did you have with it that are making you dump it?

    Dinu
  • stretchsjestretchsje Member Posts: 700
    ...and asked me what I thought of their car. It was largely short answer response, not multiple choice. The lady, who was calling directly from the assembly plant in Flat Rock, wrote down every last word I said, and I said a lot.

    Kinda neat. I like Mazda. Do all car companies do this? I don't remember Toyota doing anything like this. This is not related to the dealership survey (1-5 rating) survey.

    So, anyway, make sure you tell Mazda to keep up this "soul of a sports car" mentality! When asked what I liked, I almost forgot to state the obvious, as I was talking about fold-down seats, gas mileage, and vanity lights. Based on my survey to that point, it would have sounded like I was talking about a Camry. I'd hate for the survey to reveal that us enthusiasts are more interested in creature comforts (Camry and Accord style) than performance!
  • jhtlagjhtlag Member Posts: 39
    I read your review a couple pages back; nice work! Not to criticize others, but your review seemed a sober, objective one.

    Furthermore, your temperament (for car buying decisions) seems to be the same as mine so your review will be really useful when I buy my car. It was interesting reading the background of how you came to your decision, particularly the s vs i. I am fighting that philosophical battle of am I really going to need acceleration to 90? Well, probably for three weeks, then the next x years probably not. I always thought a purist is someone who takes exactly what is needed and no more, the i seems to fit the bill for me.

    The kicker is that I live in Columbia, MD so the suggestions on particular auto dealers sounds like good advice; it looks like the MSRP freeze is starting to break up and better deals are to be had.

    jht
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    I'm impressed. Mazda is probably interested in making sure the 6 is successful, and is looking for things that might need to be corrected ASAP. I am surprized that the call was direct from the Mazda plant. Usually companies like to contract this sort of stuff out.

    Toyota and Honda already have the best car for "most people" so they don't need to ask their customers anything. ;)
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    I've received a total of three surveys. Two by mail and one by phone.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    I'm having exactly the same problem as you. The cost difference isn't that great. There is a 5MPG penalty in fuel mileage on the V6. I'd like the extra power of the V6, but not if it compromises the handling too much. The big question is, how much is too much? This car was designed primarily for the MZR (1.8L, 2.0L, and 2.3L) engine for world wide sales, and putting in the V6 HAS to involve some significant compromises. My current car has a V6 and I rarely (if at all) use all the power, and I live at an altitide of 5000 feet. So, I'm flip-flopping a little, but today (as most days) I'm leaning towards the 6i.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    1. 2-3 weeks after buying the Protege i got this box of cookies along with a survey dealing with the salesperson and the condition of the car when I took delivery of it and at the present time.

    2. On the car's first anniversary I got a card from Mazda Canada saying Happy B-day! I still have it displayed :) yeah I'm weird that way - how much I like the Protege.

    3. October 2002 a LONG survey on the car, my expectations, if I would buy other Mazda products, how much I spend in repairs/service, suggestions, etc. very nice survey which I filled out and I will drop-off in a mailbox this week. If they get it by Feb something I'm entered in a draw for a Miata.

    Sometimes the dealer used to call after oil changes or any type of dealer-performed service and ask how the car is. My mom is the owner of te car and she would always tell them "I don't know", so they stopped calling.

    All in all, Protege drivers are happy with their rides. I think Mazda6 ones are and will be too.

    Dinu
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Go with the I4. You save a few thousand $, and even if you get the AT, I can't imagine the car being sluggish. My 2.0 Protege AT is a blast to drive and once it reaches 3.000RPMs it's like a bat our of hell - it flies! Of course I let it shift at 2.500RPMs just to refrain from over stressing the engine. On the highway however it's always 80-90mph and it still had plenty of "oomph" left. Heck, even at 102mph it had more to give.

    If you can drive a 5spd, go that route with the i/GS I4.

    Dinu
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    dinu: My Protege was gutless after 3500-4000 RPM. Downshifting at speeds of 60 or more only resulted in more noise versus more power. It was fine for around town driving but highway driving was a chore.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    It's gutless after 4500, but b/w 3000-4500, it has a lot of power in it. Mind you mine is AT, so it could act differently than a 5spd. I wish I have a 5spd though... (and the $1000 that went along with it)

    Now the 6 and PRO might also have different power bands.

    Dinu
  • groovypippingroovypippin Member Posts: 264
    This is a strange thing to be writing about, but the name boxing day originates in England where all of the household servants would have to work on Christmas Day.

    As a thank you, their evil masters would "box up" all of the leftovers from the Christmas feast for the servants to take home the next day. Hence it came to be known as Boxing Day.

    As for the Mazda6: love it love it love it.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    what the model designations GS, GXS, GXE, GT, etc.
    mean? VW uses them and Honda uses DX, LX, and XE or EX. Now we have the 6i and the 6s.

    Do they really mean anything or are they too lazy to think up names?

    fowler3
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    GT: Grand Touring
    SE: Special Edition (yet the Canadian version of the PRO uses SE for its lowest trim level)
    SX: I'll stay out of this one :)
    LX: Luxury
    EX: Extra Luxury
    DX: Deluxe
    ES: Extra Special?

    As far as i or s go, I can only assume s is for Sport.

    As for the GS in Canada, Greatly Special?

    Dinu
  • melikamelika Member Posts: 14
    It is a 2001 1.8T, manual transmission, no quattro.
    Problems:
    ignition coil, various gauge problems,
    recently it started misfiring on all 4 cylinders causing the CEL to come on - I was told by Audi mechanics that this was my fault for letting the fuel level get too low (sounds like BS to me) the radio drifts to other stations randomly, bass, treble and mid range also drift, (I have had the whole radio replaced and this still happens), the windshield wiper pump has broken twice (very annoying since a light constantly flashes in the display), headlight and license plate lights have gone out. Hmmm, I think that's it. Apparently, the ignition coil-pack problem is common on Audis and VW's. They only replaced one of my coil packs; which means that it is just a matter of time B4 the other 3 go. This part is on National backorder because so many are breaking.
    I have recieved the WORST customer service from Audi!!! A manager at Classic Audi told me that if I had bought a Honda, we wouldn't be talking about my car's reliability problems.
    Bottom line, for $27,000, I expect to have a car that only requires regular scheduled maintenance. Is that too much to ask???
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    My cousin wants to buy a 98 1.8T 5spd in May and after doing research I want him to stay away from it (get a Maxima instead I suggested), but he will buy it. I just don't want him to regret $20.000 CAD. He can't afford the 6 b/c that will cost $30.000 CAD after 15% taxes and 5.9% interest.

    I hope the 6 will not give you trouble - it should be reliable. My PRO has been great and if I was to buy a $24.100 CAD (taxes, interest, all fees included), I would not hesitate going in and signing for an ES w/out a test drive.

    Dinu
  • melikamelika Member Posts: 14
    Thanks for explaining that to me. I took advantage of the sales when I was there because I was freezing my A** off!! It was about 28 degrees F and there were people outside cycling and running!!!!
    Why I like the 6??? Well, the Audi is a police target. I guess they think - " Oh, she can afford an Audi, well then she can affor to pay a huge speeding ticket". I never got pulled over in my Taurus or Probe, and I have the same driving habits!! Also, I like the idea of a sports sedan with all the "creature comforts" combined with Japanese reliability. That is one thing that the Germans lack. As nice as the German cars feel, you can't have Farfergneugen if your car is in the shop all the time!!!
  • melikamelika Member Posts: 14
    Tell your Cuz to run away from Audi. I am in the Florida Quattro Club and EVERYONE has had problems. Usually, it's the coil pack, the sunroof, turbo, or the cruise control. It's rediculous!! They all like the A4 because you can chip it and get lots of HP and unbelievable torque! But, like I said B4, if it's in the shop all the time, who cares?
    Why don't you suggest the P-5????? It's only $18,000 and even comes with real leather (something the A4 only has if you buy the V-6)
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Today it was about +1C (35F or so) and people were outside in lightjackets or big sweaters, the heat in the car is off.. the good life :)

    Dinu
  • bigzheng17bigzheng17 Member Posts: 81
    i being international? since the 4 cylinder is sold internationaly?
  • 1wiseguy1wiseguy Member Posts: 120
    I bit the bullet and paid APA for dealer cost (and they threw in a price quote). Here are the details:

    6GT V6 5 Speed manual 29,529 MSRP 31,995

    metallic paint
    (all colours except black) 85 MSRP 105

    GFX package 695 MSRP 765

    Prep/Inspection/Destinantion 840 MSRP 925

    Total: 31,149 MSRP 33,790

    The APA said they would broker a deal with a 1400$ mark up, being 31,149 + 1400 ($32,549) plus taxes and financing.

    This is only 1200$ off MSRP (about 800 USD). This doesn't seem great.

    If I use these cost figures and add the 4% markup I'd get with the X-Plan, that translates to 31,149 x 1.04 = $32,394.

    Looks like either way the deals are not going to be that good. Of course, $32,394 CAd equals $US 21,380 for a fully loaded 6 cyl GT with GFX.

    I guess the prices are lower in Canada but the room to move off MSRP is also reduced.

    Has anyone else bought a 6 in Canada and if so, what did you pay?
  • jason777jason777 Member Posts: 56
    I am in Canada, chose us flag by mistake.

    I got a-plan.

    $32500 + tax, GT 5 speed auto, + gfx

    although I decided to Lease, I have to wait until the end of February before I get it..

    Lease price is $588.00 inc Tax

    Jason.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    jason777 - if you want to, you can fix your residence (flag) via the "My Profile" link towards the top on the left side of the page.
  • jason777jason777 Member Posts: 56
    Thanks.

    Jason.
  • stretchsjestretchsje Member Posts: 700
  • mpiatekmpiatek Member Posts: 68
    Well, I finally got around to test driving the Mazda 6 today. I drove a 6i MT that was pretty close to the base model. The first thing I noticed when I hopped in was how good the shifter felt. The stick is perfectly shaped to fit your hand. It gives a much better sense of control than other MT's that I've driven, like you are part of the car.

    The next thing I noticed was the handling. Even though I've read about the handling being great in this car, I was still stunned by how well this car held the road. I was taking turns at 60mph comfortably that I wouldn't take at 40mph in my pickup truck. I felt like gravity would get the best of me (and I'd be in the salesperson's lap) before the car would understeer. :-)

    Acceleration was better than I was expecting. Like everyone else says, the low end torque isn't that great. It just means that when shifting, make sure you keep the engine revved pretty good and you'll be fine. Up at higher RPMs, this car really moves. Another thing that surprised me was how smooth the engine felt. When spinning at high RPMs, there was no extra vibrating and the engine didn't complain. It just kept asking for more. When going 40-50mph in city traffic, the engine is incredibly quiet in 4th gear (I never even put it into 5th). Most of the time I was in 3rd and still didn't really hear the engine enough to think about shifting to 4th.

    The interior of the car felt pretty solid. Everything has it's place, and space design is pretty good. I don't see how people can complain much about back seat room. I'm not too tall (only 5'5"), but still there was plenty of room for 2 adults in the back seat. Fitting 3 adults in the back would be a little cramped, but I've never been in a car with 3 adults across the back seat without being a little tight for space. The trunk is really nice. It's much bigger without having the L-arms moving down into the trunk. I mountain bike a lot and I don't think there would be any problem for me to push down the back seats and fit my bike in there with some other gear.

    Overall, this is a very nice car. It really is as good as everyone says it is, and if you like what you read online, you won't be disappointed when you see it for yourself. The dealer is going to call me when they get in some 6s MT models. He said they should get a couple in a month or two. I'm hoping to buy before this summer so that sounds about perfect.

    Mike
  • jtkz13jtkz13 Member Posts: 51
    I agree the shifter knob is very nice. Makes me envious of the plastic thing I have in my Mustang. ;)
  • aromasaromas Member Posts: 314
    Well I just bought a silver auto GS-V6 today, I was going to wait a few weeks to purchase a new car as my lease was up on March 9 but after test-driving it 2 days ago I couldn't wait. Went to Dufferin Mazda and paid $34500 CDN(about $1000 off MSRP) for the GS package with cloth. I will add the lip spoiler later.(mazda said there was 4 month wait, but I'll put on an aftermarket spoiler which will be half the price)

    Took it for another quick spin at the dealership(i'm buying the one I test drove, fortunately I'm the only one that test drove it from checking the odometer) This car felt better the 2nd time around. I told them to store it for me until my lease is up but the next month is gonna be very loooong! Yuppee!

    By the way I'm hearing different advice from friends that I should put premium gas in it to improve performance but I don't want to if I don't have to. I also heard that putting premium when it recommends regular could actually hurt the car in the long run. What's the real story on this?

    One more question, what is the advantage of the manual shifter? I don't see the difference between this and a normal shifter on other automatics where you can shift from 1st,2nd and 3rd. It seems easier but I don't see any other advantage.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Nice and meaty feeling.
  • doying5doying5 Member Posts: 83
    I think I have methioned this before but here it is again.

    The "i" and "s" designations after the number 6 simply designate the engine size. This is an internal lingo you will find on the invoice etc that tells us everything we need to know. It was not meant to be part of the name like a BMW 330i.

    The real name of the car is Mazda6 but it seams everyone is shortening it to 6. The reason the Manufacture name is part of the car name is for marketing and name recognition. It is amazing how many people know what a Miata is but didn't know it was made by Mazda.

    So my order sheet says MZ6s P AB6 LE1 MR1 which gives me a Mazda6 V6 Manual side air bags leather and a moonroof.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    I guess that explains why this brochure, meant for customers, in front of me, refers to the 6i and the 6s, as does Mazda's own website!
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Price: Personally I think getting 3%-5% off MSRP on a car is a good deal, considering the car we are discussing is in a somewhat short supply [there aren't many 6s (the # of Mazda6 cars, NOT the trim) around] and not being discounted like GM ($3000 off XYZ car, 0%/48mths, etc...).

    Peter: What is the total price, including taxes and interest fees? Going by MSRP alone, you saved over 3% on a brand new model, so I think you did well.

    Jason: If you didn't sign anything yet, it might be a better alternative to finance it than lease it - unless you can use enough of the car to w/o and lower your taxes. I'm not too fond of leasing b/c even on an Accent you would spend about $12.000 CAD over 48 mths leasing it and after 4 years you would be w/out $12K and a ride. I would either get a used car if I had some $ saved, or finance it new. All in all, the 6 should be a blast to drive and if it makes sense for you financially to lease it, then "Welcome to the Mazda Club"!

    Adam: You came very close to that 3% mark (around 2.8% if I calculated correctly). Try to get Dufferin to throw in the spoiler for free (or negotiate for a lower price) or some oil changes before you pick it up. I saw your car and it looks great!

    Dinu
  • bigzheng17bigzheng17 Member Posts: 81
    on the download brochure, TCS is standard on GSl4, but on the feature pdf, TCS is not avaliable on GS l4.

    It seem there is no way to get GS l4 with side airbag, oh well, at least it shove a few pounds off the car.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    http://www.mazda6.ca/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7

    Please let it not become one of those supped-up cars! The Toronto Protege Club has a little too many of those supped-up (not to use the street word) P5s. Why do people feel a need to ruin cars?

    Dinu
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    I think Mazda should be more consistent, especially when choosing a name like the Mazda6. Something like this isn't necessarily a bad idea, but you have to be consistent through your manufacturing and marketing if your going to do it. If you look at various auto web sites, you notice that they can't quite figure it out either. Sometimes the model is listed as the "Mazda6", and then other times just "6". Moving on to the model trim (AKA sub-model), we have another problem. Are the trim levels "6i" and "6s" or just "i" and "s"? The brochure clearly shows the model is "Mazda6", so the marketing folks clearly think the model is "Mazda6". But then for the trim levels it shows "Mazda6i" and "Mazda6s", not "6i" and "6s", or "i" and "s".
  • bigzheng17bigzheng17 Member Posts: 81
    Oh about the canadian models, does anyone know if the DRL just using the headlight, or has a seperate light?
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    I'm sure they meant: MazdaSuccess

    Dinu
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    It has 4 bulbs (I think):

    1. Turn signal
    2. Headlight
    3. High beams
    4. Foglight

    If no foglights on the car, then the 4th is still there, but it's fake.

    Dinu
  • aromasaromas Member Posts: 314
    Dinu, good idea about the oil changes. Regarding the lip spoiler they quoted me $850 for for a factory one but the salesman then gave me $450 installed for an aftermarket one so I'll probably go that route.(my buddy has a body shop so I may get him to do it and save the labout cost). One thing Dufferin Mazda did do was guarantee price protection for the financing rates. I'm picking up the car March 9 so if financing rates lower before than I'll get the lower rate, right now I'm getting 4.9% over 3 years. The manager expected financing rates to change March 3rd(hopefully lower).Funny thing is the salesman was really pushing me to lease but doesn't make sense for me.

    One thing that did annoy me was the misleading advertizing regarding add-ons. On the websites thay offered an upgraded Bose and moonroof for $1500 as on option for the GS but I was told that the website is outdated and the only way to get that was to get the GFX package(which I don't want). It kinda pissed me off because I've heard how difficult it is to upgrade the stereo on the car yourself, and I never would put in a moonroof after the fact. So I just grabbed the car in the dealership which suited my needs and warned them not to let anyone test drive it. 46 clicks on the odometer so they know I'll be checking. Dinu, if you test drive a silver GS-V6 at Dufferin Mazda let me know.

    Hate to admit it but I got roped in to getting the rustproofing with the lifetime warrenty for $499. Don't know what I was thinking but I think I got scammed. They tell me I'll never need rustproofing on the car again once I get the treatment but my buddy says it's a rip-off.
  • aromasaromas Member Posts: 314
    I was looking at the euro pics of the 6. Is it just my depth perception or do the Euro Mazda's not have the bulging taillights?
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Hmmm, if the Mazda6s is MazdaSuccess then the Mazda6i would be MazdaSexy? (ok, you gotta throw in a little spanish accent to get the effect, but it's the best I could come up with)
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