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Comments
The Appearance Package is considerably different than the SP: the front GFX in some ways looks better, the rear GFX definately looks better than the SP bumper facia. It stands out more and there are small arches (like fender arches) over the twin exhaust pipes, which have the standard round chrome tips. The cars with the AP did not have the big spoiler, a couple had the lip spoiler. There is definately a separation "line" where the add-on GFX pieces are attached, more like a small lip.
If I was buying a 6 with GFX I would take the Appearance Package over the Sport Package. That's basing it on being better looking. But at $900 sticker I would not buy it. Instead, I would opt for factory leather or some combination of options that give more value, read daily usefulness. Those four pieces of plastic just do not look like $900.
There were plenty of V6's on the lot with Sport Packages, list price $25,955 -- sales price after discounts $22,489. Most had AT. Only 3 had Bose.
fowler3
just fyi.
I'm taking mine in tomorrow for other work, and would like to know whether (either of) these recalls affect mine so they can take care of it while they have the car for the day.
BTW - no problem getting a loaner, I called, asked, and was given and affirmative answer! Something 'equivalent' (tough job!) from the Enterprise lot across the street/block.
I was very impressed with this vehicles handling ability, inofficious traction control, and firm brake feel, despite a day's worth of abuse. Not a pro driver by any means, I managed to finish mid pack among the 1100 Novice category racers this past weekend, and I learned a significant amount about performance driving. A
As a cut-rate sport sedan, I'd say the 6s has got it goin on. As a family car, I dont really care for the interior fabric, somewhat tight backseat, and red instrumentation (obviously a personal preference), and lack of torque off the line, more noticeably apparent in the 6i.
Overall, I have a much more favorable opinion of the Mazda line (I drove a Pro5 as well as an MPV too), which is likely exactly what Mazda was going for.
www.mazdarevitup.com for more info.
~alpha
As far as I know, all remaining events (of which there are precious few - only DC and NY remain, I think) are sold out. If you know anyone at a Mazda dealership, you *may* be able to wrangle an additional invite for the press day, or so I understand!
As for the growling exhaust, I do believe that's standard.
The awesome tires are Falkens (
~alpha
Agree with Fowler's comments earlier that the appearance package looks good, but for $900 for four pieces of add-on plastic?
lag
Thanks for all of the info. Been reading for a couple months now and your comments helped me make the decision.
Good News: Got a Silver 6i last Thursday with AT, moonroof, leather seats, compass mirror, mud flaps, trunk liner and lip spoiler. LOVE the car!!
Bad News: Two days later backed into a construction truck (not my fault, and first accident in 25 years).
Good News: Damage ONLY to trunk (deck lid) and they had them in stock. Also the lip spoiler had not been added yet.
Took the car in today (600 miles already) and will get it back on Wednesday with repairs and spoiler.
Used the S-Plan and $1500 rebate and paid $19,000 plus tax. Was very pleased with the deal.
Pictures of car and damage (OUCH) can be seen here: http://homepage.mac.com/karden/Mazda/PhotoAlbum34.html
Will add more pix when I get it back.
Thanks again!
For those who think the Appearance and Sport packages are overkill, wait 'til you see the interior trim on Mercedes' new Maybach 57! It's in the next issue of C&D. Wood everywhere, even on the headliner. The center stack and console are solid wood. They should have called it the Maybarf! Hope Mazda doesn't get any ideas from it.
fowler3
I'll probably fill it up today and start officially figuring out my mpg. But just wondered, how big is the gas tank on the 6?
What's everyone been getting for mileage in the 6i's? I've been getting about 24-25mpg city.
steering is very nice, the V6 really has a nice roar when you let it rip.
But my lack of autox skill revealed its inherent extra weight compared to, say, a Protege.
when I over drove the car and tried to correct myself out of a turn, the car definitely has a strong understeer that could have been avoided if I attacked the turn with a smoother race line.
but meh, good car overall
The wife & I took a nice little 1,200 mile vacation last week. Drove from NJ to Wilmington, NC, across to Blowing Rock, and back to NJ. First, this car handles better at 85 - 90 mph then most cars handle at 60! It was SOO DIFFICULT to stay at a reasonable speed, keeping an eye on the speedo is essential. The climate control worked great under all conditions, even in the 90's with equivalent humidity. Anyone else notice how much runoff comes out of the AC. The first time I saw it, I thought I had a fluid leak! The real fun started once we got on the back roads in the Blue Ridge Mts. Man, I love to drive, but I can't believe that some of those roads have a 50 MPH speed limit. Blind curves galore, elevation changes, and steep dropoffs. Mostly stayed in 2nd & 3rd, but still managed 50 to 60+. The famous Brake Dust issue must be getting better; I could still tell that the front alloys were suppose to be the same color as the backs ;-> As to handling, what can I say that hadn't already been said. This car NEVER surprised me (badly, that is!). The Blue Ridge Parkway is fantastic, spent a couple of hours on it. Beautiful vistas, at least for the passenger. The driver better keep his eyes on the road! Averaged 25 MPG for the trip, even with the 3 1/2 hour traffic jam on the outer beltway at DC! For you DC residents, does it make more sense to go West on the beltway instead of East to go north on 95? As a side note, I passed a car carrier on the NJT with a couple of RX-8s on board (but NO 6's). Great looking car, puts the new Z to shame! All in all, had a great time!
One question I've been meaning to ask; for how many of you is this your first 6 cyl. It was for me, and with the exception of the reduced gas mileage, I haven't missed those 4 bangers at all!
The 4 banger in the Mazda6 isn't the typical 4 banger that most people are used to. It's actually pretty quick and quicker than many V6-automatic sedans. If you have a Mazda6s automatic, watch out for the manual 4 bangers, they'll give you a run for your money. It's quicker than my parent's old V6 Camry auto. According to C&D, it does 0-60 in 7.9 seconds, which is very respectable and by no means a slow-poke. No matter what car I would have ended up with, I will always miss my old V8 Mustang. After that car though, I have become very mileage conscience and will not get a car that's capable of sub 20 mpg tanks. I check my mileage every tank.
Has this happened to anyone else? Why did this happen? Pissed me right off, and here I was going to fill it 'til it clicked off automatically and start keeping track of my mpg. Instead I just put $10 in and left it at that (about 1/2 tank). Guess I'll start keeping track of mpg NEXT time I fill up - if it works that time.
I've gone to this gas station, and that pump, dozens of times before in my old car, and that's never happened.
Of course - also have it looked at by the dealer! But for your own satisfaction, you may want to go to a gas station (just for your next fillup) that has longer nozzles. Gas on one's feet - that's a stinker!
Yes - even tho I went into the bathroom at the Admiral station and washed my hands and wiped my feet and shoes off as best I could with a wet paper towel, I swear I can still smell the fragrance of "Petrol 87 Octane" on myself.
:0(
Since I'm not a pro, I left it on both times- there is a button to the left of the wheel, and there is a dash light that indicates ONLY when it is switched off.
~alpha
I'm not allowed to dump gas all over my shoes!!! heheheh
I'm glad I have a Mazda...lol...
As for getting the tires to break loose, it seems I can do it pretty easily by slowly letting the clutch out with a gradual application of the gas. So rather than a dumping of the clutch, it's more like a "sliding". I don't do it often, but I've done it. Probably would mean more clutch wear if I did it a lot.
Marla - very sorry about the gas tank problems. Never had that happen, but learned to not top off the tank with my other cars!
I dumped my '01 CL, after my tranny problem #1 at 3-years 36k miles. There are many who are having the same problems re-occur.
Once was enough for me, I'm out there. I'm a converted Mazda guy (at least for now).
----Likes----
1. I really find the Navi compartment a nice handy extra storage bin.
2. Sport Package looks, & 17" tires and wheels, definitely sets the looks apart from the all too many look-a-like vehicles. However I would have preferred (at the time of purchase) a dealer-installed option for a deck lid vs. a wing-spoiler.
3. At first I thought I did not like the looks of the round vents, but now I find them incredibly infinite in finding the right air flow (up/down/left/right/closed etc. etc.)
4. Like the nice twin exhaust look, even though it is mostly for looks on the 6i.
5. Struts vs. hinges on the trunk, MHO the hood should have had struts vs. prop rod.
6. The ALC (sound control) on the stereo system.
7. Better gas mileage (23-24/city 30-32/highway), regular 87 gas vs. higher octane.
8. Lower/Better; price, car payments, insurance rates.
9. Have been fairly pleased with the 4-cyl., it is pretty darn good, but could be just a hair quieter.
10. Lotsa smiles per miles.
----Dislikes----
1. When the sun is shining just right, I find the glare from the Mazda emblem (on the steering wheel) a little annoying. Wished it was satin/aluminum-silver –or- black rather than bright shiny chrome.
2. I’ve got leather wrap steering wheel, gear-shift, but plastic gear-shift boot. How much more would a little leather have cost?
3. The too BIG chrome grill smile (especially on black). I purchased the sport grill instead, which I felt should be included with the Sport Package.
4. Sun-visors; missing the extenders and lacking that quality thickness and feel.
5. Hate the front brake dust problem, you have to clean them regularly.
6. Would be nice to be able fold down the back seats from the back as well as the trunk. Not a biggie since I don’t fold them down very often.
7. I can't always seem to get out of 1st gear smoothly enough. I’m guessing it has to do with lacking low-end torque setup ??
Can't wait to see what the upcoming hatch and wagons look like –or- maybe the RX8.
The mp3 player will be arriving sometime next week.. Can't wait to put it in.
My Acura CL had a hanger but it was not attached. Now the 6 is attached but NO place to hang it, and I don't want to cause any undue damage.
Kinda like if you look at the number of posts in this topic, you'd think there were Mazda6's all over the roads. It just ain't true.
"Or is it that the problem isn't as widespread as you would believe."
You don't know the answer to that. I guarantee there are affected vehicles out there that are going to have a transmission failure, but haven't yet. It is only going to get more widespread in the future than it is now. I never claimed it to be widespread, but it's widespread enough for people to know about it. It IS a recognized issue.
I'd say a transmission failure is a big safety risk.