Mazda6 Sedan

alcjew

Skyray: Mazda just about used up every space in the engine compartment in the 6s. I have already successfully (twice) removed and reinstalled the rear housing caps/covers to access the bulbs & wire harness) on both sides already. It's a piece of cake once you've done it before. I may initially try the Silverstars on the low beams and switch them to the fog lights when I install the HID. I'm not concerned about voiding any warranty for replacing a different set of light source. It doesn't draw that much juice compared to conventional halogens.

kyjd75

In post#8830 Fowler3 mentioned that there are no French cars being sold in the USA at this time. Wrong! Nissan (of whose products I have owned many, including 2 Maximas) is owned and controlled by Renault, which in turn is primarily owned by the French Government. Another reason I am glad our most recent purchase was a 6s rather than one of those ugly 2004 Maximas!

gee35coupe

I was 5% off. Big whoop. My point is a majority of the cars build is still mostly non-sport automatics. And the car IS a family sedan. It may be sportier looking and driving than most other family sedans but that's still what it is. Once again, why be so defensive? Being a family sedan isn't a bad thing is it?

mazdamarla

I've got a question about the discount program. It says that if you purchase a car using the Supplier Discount (and employee discount, too, I would imagine), that you must keep the car for a certain period of time - 6 months or a year - something like that.

A) How would they know if you sold it? By the transfer of the warranty to the new owner?

What would they do? Tell you to pay them back the difference between the discounted price and MSRP or something???

Not that I'd do it, but I just wondered....
Any mfr. insiders know the answer?

mrblonde49

All I did was point out that numbers or 45% being v6 and 15% being manual suggest a different target audience than your typical family sedan. These numbers are higher than the other brands, correct? I never said it WASN'T a family sedan.

This is pretty ironic coming from someone who seems to need to defend every other car mentioned in these discussions

stretchsje

Thanks for the responses. I should clarify though.

My speedometer has changed in relation to my tachometer. In the same gear, it no long reads the same speed at a given RPM. It did this well before my new tires, but even so, this measurement has nothing to do with the tires since it is a measure of axle rotation (independent of tire size), not actual travel speed.

Differently sized tires (or tread wear) would throw my speedometer off though, you're right, and I did just get new 17" tires. However these tires have not made any change from my 16" tires. With both, I still read 73mph at 3000rpm, whereas when the car was new I would read 78mph. This change happened well before I got the new tires.

I used radar to confirm that 78mph at 3000rpm is a legit figure- it's accurate. Since my clutch is not slipping, either my tach or my speedo must no be reading correctly.

What I didn't expect was that my calculations show that the difference the speedometer is reading matched up EXACTLY with the difference in distance I calculated that I had driven.

78/73 * 280 = 299, whereas I estimated I actually travelled 300 miles on a tank, not 280.

So, again, my speedo is out of wack. I probably was driving over 90mph, not knowing it. My mileage sucked as a result. At least, I hope that's why. No wonder I made good time!

Anyway, I hope I get better than 29mpg in the future. And, if somehow I'm wrong about this and my speedo is correct (and my calculated distance wrong), then I got an even worse 27mpg.

This is with the 4cyl engine and manual tranny. It's rated for 32mpg highway.

I'm anal. When I first got the car, I was gentle on the engine during break-in. Consequently, I averaged over 30mpg in city traffic! I actually got 540 miles on one tank. After Mazda's recommended 600 mile break-in, I opened it up a few times and had some fun.

I've since not been able to break 30mpg.

Not that I should be getting over 30mpg in the kind of congested beltway traffic I drive in, but I had been, and I want to again.

Since I figure I'm getting about 24mpg city and 29mpg highway, there's nothing wrong with my car. It's in line with what the EPA says it is, but my first few fill-ups showed it capable of much more.

How does this relate to the speedometer being out of wack? I don't know how far I've driven! It's hard to be certain if my mileage is problematic!

Consequently, I love to hear about what kind of mileage others are getting. Three things seemed to happen after break-in: my mileage dropped, but my low-end torque clearly went up, and my speedometer went out of whack. All at the same time, and yet none really constitutes a real "problem" per say, as the car still sounds and feels great.

I'll move this to the Mazda6: problems & solutions thread.

buggywhip

Stretchjse, as I understand it, you were getting 34 mpg or so before the tire switch. Now, you lament that your hwy mileage on a trip was only 29 mpg......but get real! Your defroster was on and you were ripping down the hwy at 77-85 mph! That's darned good mileage under those conditions..........I suspect if you slow to 55-60mph, you'd get 36 mpg or so. (please do, it's safer) Also, the next Consumer Reports has a test of the 6. That mag tests true-world highway mileage. Their last Accord did 38 mpg highway. I'll bet the 6 will equal that............fact is, stretch, when you get bigger tires, you affect mileage (and other things too)--sometimes considerably. I do not think your speedo calibration can be rectified with those new tires. It may be something you just have to live with................and by the way, I'm new here but I've read many of the posts on the '6 v. Accord' forum. It was most surely NOT closed b/c of "nastiness". It was a good board, I can't figure out why the plug was pulled. But johnclineii, if you think I'm gonna sit here at the Mazda6 board and constantly read about headlights and how many 6's a person has seen on the road (over and over and over again), you are wrong. That's not a 'discussion', that's some bizarre Twilight Zone episode.

mazdamarla

Okay - I am now re-thinking my stance on the Sport Package/Ground Effects issue. I THINK I want the Redfire Metallic color (but have yet to see it outdoors in natural light yet - that will be the clincher) but I do NOT want the full Sport Package. I don't want the Black Leather, I don't want the 17" wheels. I want BEIGE Leather and 16" wheels.

If I get the car withOUT the Sport Package so I can get the Beige Leather, and then get the separate Appearance Package (Front air dam, Rear bumper skirt, and side sills), are those the EXACT SAME THING as the pieces that are in the Sport Package? Or do they look "add-on" and not as "one with the car" as they do if you just get the sport package version?

Do you know what I mean? I've read that if you add on the ground effects later that they don't look as good and look more "attached".

All I DON'T want from the Sport Package is the darn 17" wheels and the Black Leather.

gee35coupe

That's why I didn't bring them up. At least when I "defend" I don't go STS and start getting literal or resort to semantics. What other cars do I "defend" here? Checked my subscription list and the only cars represented there are the Accord, Civic, TSX, Element, G35 coupe, Lexus GS and LS, and Mazda6. Far from every other car.
You are right Stretch...The relation of MPH to RPM should be constant. You may be on to something.

dudleyr

Stretchjse - One cheap and easy way to check your speedometer is to time a measured mile. The steel poles on the side of a highway are a good way to do this.

Has anyone changed their own oil yet on a 6? I read in another board that it was not an easy thing to do - is this true?

skyray

As I understand it, the add-ons are identical on the sides and rear, but the front is different. There's apparently a gap around the bumper, compared to the factory sport front which is all one piece. This is just from reading the boards, though; I haven't actually seen the "dealer sport kit" myself.

vocus

Going to those bigger tires definitely will reduce your fuel economy. Hear me out...

I had 17" tires on my 02 Jetta when new. I changed to 15s because the 17s wear out quickly, and I don't have $550 a year (30K miles +/-) for a set of tires. Anyway, now that I have the 15s, I seem to get better mileage (+2mpg in some cases).

I average EVERY tank of fuel in my car, by writing down the mileage when filling up and dividing it by the # of gals put in. I have since I got the car. I fuel at the same station, with the same octane rating, and most of the time the same pump, every time.

So the tire size is the only thing that has changed. Less 'unsprung' weight = better mileage. I bet the 17" wheels weigh more than the 15s... I can feel the difference in mine through the steering wheel and when lifting them (when they were off the car).

boxfan

Gee--It seems to me that the current models of the Passat, Altima, and Mazda6 are very different from (and much better than) their predecessors, so calling any of them "just an update" isn't really doing them justice. When your tone is dismissive, people get defensive.

All Mazda6's have the same suspension, so they're all still sporty sedans, if not sports sedans. Since so few manual versions of any car are sold in this country, I don't think that's an absolute criterion for being a sports sedan.

The sales figures may only come out monthly, but you remind us all at least weekly.

I totally agree with you about the model names (EX, LX, QZ, whatever)--the Mazda6 options packaging may not be any worse than any other car, but they present each option or package as if it's a standalone option, when it's not. If they just had three trim leves, it would at least be a lot less confusing, if not actually any better.

vocus

About the 3 trim level deal, not necessarily better. Less confusing, but not better. One thing I HATE about Hondas is you have to buy the top model if you want the most powerful engine. Suppose I don't want the power this and that, sunroof, etc., but only the powerful engine? It's not the best for everyone, I guess. It does make buying a car easier though.

Also, the '6 packages could be as screwed up as the Altima's packages, so it could be worse.

chikoo

When I "order" from the factory, am I still bound by the packaging of options?
Like say, can I get:

Mazda6s
+ 5-speed manual transmission
+ optitron gauges
- GFX,
+ 16" alloy wheels
+ black leather
+ Lip spoiler
+ Dark console (vs bright silver)
+ Sports Grille
+ Sun(moon)roof
+ all airbags

protege_fan

Ok, maybe I'm wayyyy outta the loop here, but you can get a dark console? When I was looking at the 6, the sales rep made it seem like the bright silver was it. My GF will be most happy to hear that you can get a dark console, if it's true!

6_is_good

Has anyone been able to track there order status other than checking with the dealer? My 6 shows up on the inventory (I have the VIN) but has not been delivered yet.

Advice:

If you have graduated from college within the last two years, you get a 500 dollar discount

Also, if there is a major car show that Mazda is stationed at, they are handing out 500 dollar discounts. I got one at the Columbus International Car show.

If you have the S-plan you can add these rebates to the already great discount.

vocus

There is no dark console. Silver only.

You have to get the Sport Pkg. to get the optitron, and it comes only with the big spoiler and 17" wheels. You might be able to change it out though, or trade 17" wheels for 16s with another '6 owner...

Sport grille is an accessory, you can get that with anything.

I don't know about any of the other stuff you want, but it should be possible.

chikoo

there is a dark console, if u get the sport package.

miata10ae

> When I "order" from the factory, am I still bound by the packaging of options?

The answer is yes. You can not change the package combinations that are offered through the Mazda website.

mazda6s

I was 5% off. Big whoop. My point is a majority of the cars build is still mostly non-sport automatics. And the car IS a family sedan. It may be sportier looking and driving than most other family sedans but that's still what it is. Once again, why be so defensive? Being a family sedan isn't a bad thing is it?

Actually 10/15 is a 33% error, not 5%.
Since most BMW 325 and 330 sedans sold are automatics, does that make it a "family sedan".

6_is_good

I wonder the 6 needs to be classified in a particular category. Mazda calls is a sports sedan, so that fine with me. Consumer Reports calls it a family sedan, fine with me too. I think the only thing arguing over the classification of the 6 does is give away your age. If your young, you don't want it called a family sedan!

mazda6s

On the Mazda6, the difference in diameter between the 16 and 17 inch wheels (and tires) would change speedo reading by less than 1mph at 75mph, assuming the factory tire size is used. Manufacturers almost always choose wheel and tire sizes so that speedo calibration is not required for the factory options.

qddave

Did you ever check your tire pressure to see if it remained the same. Remember, the pressure will change as the temperature changes. You have to also realize that there are so many variables that affect mileage. Going to 17" tires will also increase the width which will also increase the friction of the tire on the ground, not to mention that the compound will be softer,a lso increasing friction. Humidity, temperature changes, wind direction/speed, will all affect mileage. I know, I've looked into it, I'm anal about it too. Just enjoy your car, it's as simple as that.

chikoo

then help me understand what is the purpose of "ordering" if I am still bound by the options?

maltb

just to clarify: Xenon is a halogen gas just as Krypton, Argon, Neon and Helium. http://pearl1.lanl.gov/periodic/default.htm

vocus

The purpose of ordering is to get a car that might not be in the 'allocation' of the particular dealership you are buying from.

mazdamarla

Is there an expiration date on them? If I found someone who was going to one of the major shows and they got a coupon for me, could I still use it if I don't order my car 'til May or June, etc.?

6_is_good

Yes there is a expiration on them. To use my coupon you must take delivery by april 15th.

gee35coupe

Most people in the world that don't even know what thier tire pressure is and probably wouldn't know the light signature of their own car in the dark it's not that big a deal. It's just an update. Most people don't know the Civic doesn't have a double wishbone any more. Most people wouldn't know the Corolla has gone to a beam axle. To the masses the Mazda6 is an update of the 6. That's what I mean. The enthusiast on Edmunds can argue the benefits of variable valve timing and all that but most people gas and go.

There's plenty of sales talk without my input. It's on some member's minds other than mine. Just check it out. There have been discussions here about the figures I didn't even join.

I just love Bjork. MP3 is da bomb.

"Actually 10/15 is a 33% error, not 5%."
See what I mean about STS. Give me a break.

fowler3

*The 99 Odyssey was an updated 98*

You are completely wrong on this one, too. I had a 98 Odyssey and it was a much smaller vehicle than the 99. An update, also called a facelift, would be the same platform with new sheetmetal. The 99 Ody, like the 03 6, is a completely new platform: different frame, different wheelbase, different sheetmetal, everything.

fowler3

gee35coupe

It's not that involved. We know the Odyssey was redesigned. But to most folks, you know, the masses that watch wrestling and probably can't recognize a picture of the vice-president... it ain't even worth it. Whatever.

You know...I've seen several posts that say Camry/Accord owners are lemmings and wouldn't look at another car as if they had no mind of their own. But now these same average consumers(which they are) are supposed to pay close enough attention to track the development of other car models. You can't have it both ways.

A Siennaphile would say "wow they sure improved the Odyssey" on the redesign. And a Odyphile will say the same of the new Sienna. Who cares about the specifics.

redkey1

debating on the 6 as a family car......Answer me this one question. If Mazda planned the 6 as a "family car" why has it spent so much advertising money on TV and in Men's magazines extolling its virtues as a sports sedan? I've yet to see one ad showing ma, pa and the 1.5 kids heading off to grandmas. But, to come full circle, Mazda is building them as family cars and is not making the car that made us drool in the ads available. Good vision, good advertising, terrible planning.

powerman

Yeah, got signed up for Mazda's Rev It Up today! I guess I'll get a chance to see what a Mazda6 will do, and learn a little bit about driving. It sounds like a lot of fun.

I'll be going to the LA one on Saturday, April 5th.

Anyone else going?

edberg_dc

Actually, xenon, argon, etc. are called the noble gases. Chlorine, bromine, etc. are known as the halogens.

As I posted before, I love the 6 but the option packages are atrocious. It's a great car that deserves more respect than most, but the management/product team that developed the production allocation and option packages must not have graduated college.

chikoo

from my little experience, the dealers usually trade amongst themselves to keep the customer happy. So If I wanted a refire with 5-speed and my dealer does not have any, he will call up the next dealer in town and bring it up for me.

Why should I order?

There has to be some benefit.

mazdamarla

Why so you can get it EXACTLY the way you want it, from the outside color to the inside color to every option you do or do not want. Not having to take whatever the dealer has on the lot.

Of course, that's all theoretical right now, since you can't GET the darn car EXACTLY the way you want it due to their stupid option restrictions and packages. <rolling eyes>

chikoo

that is what my question is:

Do the options restriction apply even if I order and wait for over 90 days?

mazda6s

I have spoken to Mazda customer support more than once on this question. What they tell me is that the options restrictions on the web web site are correct, despite what dealers may tell us.

boxfan

gee35--Correct me if I'm wrong, but haven't Odyssey sales gone WAY up since the redesign? Somehow it got through to the masses that it was different than the old Odyssey because they started buying it en masse (uh, oh, will I be arrested for using French?). To me that's more than an "update". It's just semantics, of course, but the Mazda6 has changed a lot from the previous model, just as the Odyssey changed a lot from previous models, so it's not unreasonable to think sales of the 6 will eventually be much better than they were for the 626.

gee35coupe

Do you really want to go there? Cause the sales of the Mazda6 aren't way up whereas the new Odyssey has been on a waiting list since before it was introduced. Not quite a parallel.

And you are right it is semantics. Especially since the Odyssey redesign was much more drastic than the Mazda6 one. Even the current Camry/Altima and the Accord update this year were more dramatic from a visual standpoint. You can still see 626 and Millenia all over the 6.

As an afterthought that may be why sales for the 6 haven't really taken off yet. It really isn't different enough from the products it replaced. The Altima was a complete stylistic change.

chikoo

I can see the millenia(visual clues) all over the 6, but not the 626. Can I borrow ur glasses?

gee35coupe

Before the larger chrome grill. The front of the base 6 looks like a 626 facia that has been stretched tight.

audia8q

All restrictions apply to factory orders also.

Also, concerning factory orders.

1. Dealer must earn a car to get a car. Which means if 10 people order a mz6 at joe blow mazda and joe blow mazda only has earned 5 cars, they are only going to get 5. The number of orders the dealer has plays little role.

2. Dealer swaps on some versions of the 6 are not happening. If a guy comes in and wants a dealer to locate a sport package car, chances are the other dealer will want the same car back....if they don't have one to give back...no swap.

3. Factory orders may never get built. It all depends on the dealers allocation, the national allocation mix, the dealer order priority code and the dealer inventory mgt of non scheduled cars..After allocation, orders that are not scheduled in the current month's allocation are dumped into 999 status, which means they will not get built. The dealer is now required to re-prioritize and re-submit the order to mazda. Then the cycle starts again and they might pick up the order..

4. Sport package 5 speed's....mazda told us yesterday in a regional conf call that there is less than one per dealership in this allocation. If it's not ordered as a priority one they will NOT get the car no matter what. Remember, there is only one priority one.

Hope this helps clear up some of the confusion about ordering mz6's.

skyray

Thanks for that insight.

Wow, what an insane way to run an industry. I wonder how long it'll take the automotive industry to start offering customer service at the same levels of, oh, almost every other modern industry?

Probably a while, given the strength of their lobbies...

mazda6s

So, if I want to factory order, it's better to order from a dealer that moves a lot of cars? Otherwise, if I order from Joe Blow Mazda and they don't have any cars "earned", I may not get the car at all? I thought the rules were different for "sold" cars than for cars ordered for the lot. No?

jhtlag

...why wouldn't the manufacturer back him up (providing, of course, that they had the spare capacity to build them.) I guess the answer is to keep the price up, to keep it from becoming a commodity, by preventing one dealer poaching sales from other dealers.

Interesting.

jht

maltb

It's already been done: Maybach

Custom built cars are not cheap.

audia8q

maz6....That may not work either. The larger dealer may have many orders and they are all ahead of you...the smaller dealer might have less cars available in allocation but they don't sell as many, so they might have availability. ok, really confused yet?? Also, allocation is product specific. So there are small dealers who might get more cars in a specific car line than the big dealers...There is no magic

jhtlag....Most of the model year is planned in advance and they project to build a certain number of cars in ery specific configurations. Almost all car manufacturers use just in time mfg..which means they don't have extra parts aroung to build extra cars...so its very difficult to increase production when its not planned long in advance... By franchise law they can not short a dealer who earns a car. so they can't steal cars from one dealers allocation to fill another..The mfg must meets its dealer obligations which is not always customer demand...remember the dealer is the customer of the mfg and the consumer is the customer of the dealer...

chikoo

And I thought only the Industry I am working is Insane...apparently not