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Comments
CL
Yesterday I finally was able to drive the Mazda 6s-MT and 6I-MT back-to-back. The only option on the 6s was the Sport Package. The 6i had ABS as it’s only option. Note that this means the 6s had 17-inch wheels and the 6i had 16-inchers. I drove the 6s first.
One of the first things I noticed about the 6s was that I felt a little nose-heavy. Could this have been my prejudice at work, knowing that it was 200 pounds heavier than the 6i? Maybe, but I hadn’t driven the 6i yet. Overall the 3.0L V6 engine in the 6s was very smooth, and power delivery was very linear. It does not have the low-end power of the 3.5L engine in the Altima or Maxima, but felt good anyway. My first impression of the steering was that it felt a little stiff, but I got used to it quickly. The engine sounded good, right up to 5000RPM. I did a few low speed turns under heavy throttle, which is my favorite test of FWD car handling. It felt good. I also did a few S-turns in a parking lot (Wal-Mart), and I liked the handling there as well. Overall I liked it. I really liked the auto AC system. I didn’t play with the radio, but it had the stock system anyway. Oh, and the engine turned about 3200 RPMs at 75 MPH.
Then I drove the 6i. Before I left the parking lot, I could notice a significant difference in the overall feel of the car. The steering felt easier, more “right”, which I thought was interesting since the 6i had only the 16-inch wheels. I wondered what it would feel like with the 17s. When I got out on the road what I noticed immediately was that it felt lighter on it’s feet than the 6s. It had a generally quicker feel to it. The best description I could give is that it just feels more balanced than the 6s. The handling difference is most noticeable when powering out of a turn under heavy throttle (my favorite FWD test, remember?). The 2.3L engine sounds way different than the V6, but sounded good (real nice at 5000RPM). It has a real nice sound when you punch it too. It’s a very free-revving motor. I thought it had plenty of power for around town, though for passing power on the highway the V6 would be better. I never really floored it and it seemed to get to 75 MPH effortlessly. The engine turns about 3100 RPMs at 75 MPH. S-turns in the parking lot (Wal-Mart again) were effortless, and I did way more than with the 6s.
The bottom line? The two models really do feel different. The best I could say in a few words is that the 6i feels more balanced. In my opinion, the additional power of the V6 in the 6s does not outweigh the overall better handling and feel of the 6i. I'll probably go for the 6i.
vocus: What are we going to do about you? I haven't seen too many recent posts on 6 problems. How's the VW problem board doing lately? A co-worker down to hall from my office has 2000 Passat that's been in for repairs for various reasons. One time she got stranded (bad coil) on the highway during our latest snow storm. It's in the shop again with a steering shimmy problem. She doesn't feel safe driving it because it's been so unreliable and wants to get rid of it. She was going to get a Camry, but she's seen my 6 in the parking lot and she may go test drive one this weekend. She's single so I told her the 6 would be more fun to drive, since a Camry is more of a family oriented car.
I'm averaging about 24.4 mpg on my 6s MT after 3100 mi, but I drive like maniac, like a-bat-out of-hell (80 - 120 mph) on the almost clear highway at night after work. I have a radar detector (Cobra) just in case I get scoped. I turned my TCS due to the warmer weather (no icy roads) and I can feel the increase in acceleration. One wonders if the auto mags are getting the 6's acceleration results with the TCS on? I'll also see if my gas mileage increases with the TCS off.
The Altima SE and the new '04 Maxima may have one of the highest hp & torque and the best acceleration in their class, but trying to get control of the steering wheel ("White Knuckles) is a challenge according to recent test reports.
To 6 owners, soon-to-be 6 owners, wanna-be 6 owners and don't-care-to-be(envious)-6 owners check out the Mazda6Club (US and worldwide owners) site which has a lot of new info. 6 sales I heard are picking up, I think others are waiting to purchase or have ordered the RX-8 and others sre waiting for the anticipated (AWD?) 6 hatch and wagon and the 3. And let's not forget about the MazdaSpeed lines.
fowler3
Also forgot to mention that the 6 received the 21st annual Driver's Choice Award at the Chicago Autoshow and it also was voted Motorweeks 2003 Sports Sedan! This on top of other recognition awards from various auto mags, such as, Car & Driver 2003 10 Best for 2003, Automobile Mag All-Star Editor's Choice and others world-wide! Not bad for a first year car!
Incidently, the 6i had less than 100 miles on it, and the 6s had ~120.
6234 Elements sold this month.
As for the 6 vs the Passat: If I had to choose a family sedan today those would be my 1-2 Choices. The edge would go to the 6: its sportier, Mazda's have always been reliable, and the 6 is the cheaper car. The only thing the VW provides is the better interior in my opinion. I 'm not a big fan of German Cars but If you like it you like the car. I used to be a Honda Accord man: too bad the new Accord looks like an American Car. When I was 16 or 17 the 96 or 97 accord was a favorite car of my mine. I'm just showing an emblem is not a part of my decision when buying.
From that perspective, the Element ain't lookin' so good.
If you currently own or lease an Accord, Camry, Passat or Altima and purchase or lease a new Mazda6 between 4/1-4/30 you will get a 6 year/100,000 powertrain warranty from mazda at no additional cost!!!!
This applies to instock mz6 cars sold this month.
From a buyers standpoint this is the best kind of incentive. When a cash incentive or rabate is offered it causes the resale value to drop big time...this type of incentive improves the vehicles resale values.
That's a head turner for sure. The gloves appear to be coming off. Wish I could've scored that - I drive enough to need the 100k covereage.
I doubt Mazda would do a promotion like this unless they didn't have faith the the reliability of their car. 6 years and 100k is a LONG time.
mazda6club.com works again- it was down yesterday.
I have a 92 accord at home and was a big honda fan before. Mazda is winning me over with the M6, P5 and RX-8. That makes another Honda fan jumping ship.
hmmm.... Was going to buy a M6s next year but this incentive might be too good to pass up. If anyone one can provide a link for more info on it, it would be greatly appreciated. Plus might make me buy the car this month. Was a little worried about reliability but if Mazda is willing to back it up then I might take them up on that offer.
Bet it wouldn't have counted... Dang tho... I just bought this puppy a month ago... Probably won't go retroactive will they?
dang.
Good deal tho. Very clever.
Unfortunately, even with the VIN, we would not be able to track the progress of your vehicle. We may be able to provide an estimate time the vehicle will be at the dealership.
conquest age......I have a call into mazda about this question...but I have seen nothing that limits the age of the conquest car. The only requirement is to show current ownership of qualifiying makes/models.
According to Mazda....80% of all the current buyers of the Mazda6 currently or recently owned one of the conquest cars.
Seriously, it makes you wonder why Honda insists on treating customers the way they do. Yes, they DO sell a lot of cars, so maybe roadside assistance for that many customers would send them to the poor house. But it just seems like helping a owner out only wins bonus points, even if you never use the service.
fowler3
How do they look? Are they worth the extra money? I am seriously like the M6 s model.
I would do it as it balances out the front guards as well as being useful.
In the midst of a killer ice storm in Toronto(will this winter ever end) and drove back from a friends house and the 6 performed admirably. TCS came on a couple of times but still felt confident. Actually 1 bonehead cut me off(it was an Accord so I think it was intentional) and almost ran me into the ditch. The car recovered quite nicely and probably would have spun out with most other cars. One thing I have noticed is how good the braking is in the 6 in snow. ABS did not come on once.
As far as this powertrain extention goes, what is the normal warranty on it? a year or two less?
Regardless, I own a Camry. Lucky me. I rock. Mazda rocks. I'm on my way. Figure 8s in the desert soon to come. hehe.
Ok seriously, so I THOUGHT I had figured out what a rear finisher was, but, from your post it's now clear that I STILL don't know what the heck that thing is!
please explain.
I'm sure if you asked Dirk Diggler he would give you another answer.
All is not bad. I'm approaching 1000 miles and decided to push the car more today. I've exceeded 5000 RPMs and really felt the power as I accelerated. I topped out over 100 mph too! This was done on a straight deserted country road with great visibility, so don't worry about me running over other people. The engine sounds great when being pushed. This car is definately getting better with the added miles. I now use the manual mode in the city and regular automatic in the country. The stop and go acceleration seems better in the manual mode. On the open road the computer does a better job of shifting. Anyway, this is hands down the best car value I've ever owned or seen.
Good job Mazda:) Bad job dealership
A mention of the evaluation survey should be all you need to get justice. The dealers really consider those important.
I've been holding on to mine until I get my MP3 player and mirror installed and the transaction is "complete." I've been very, very pleased with my dealer, but I don't want to report perfection till everything I've paid for is installed satisfactorily.
(And when my MP3 player goes in, I want my CD player back!)
You'll be surprised how quickly you are catered to by any retailer if you act like a pissed off #@*hole especially when you have a legitimate beef.
One time with my MX-6 they quoted me $1000 for a repair on an exhaust stud about 500 miles after the warranty expired. They wouldn't budge and I was a poor student. After a few well placed calls to head office with threats of law suits(total B.S. I was a 21 year old shmuck) due to being a defect, a few days later they fixed it free of cost just to shut me up. Funny thing is it was misdiagnosed and it turned out to be a ripped hose or something, a very minor repair. So I ended up getting both done for free although 1 wasn't necessary but that's beside the point. Carmakers make enough money off you so don't get screwed + I find it fun to bust their chops a bit.
Thanks in advance.
Mazda sales were down this month but 6 sales were way up. Nobody buying the rest of the Mazda line-up or the reccesion and war is really hurting car sales?
My dealer spent a LOT of time telling me how important the survey was, and Mazda customer service has always been pretty prompt.
No way would I let them keep that grille. You paid for it. It's yours.
It's about the size of a normal tape deck hole and it's just got a silver cover over it.
I imagine when you order the Mp3, they just remove that cover and slip in the new player.
Now, that's on my BOSE system. I don't know what the standard stereo layout is like. Similar, I believe.