Mazda6 Sedan

radocha

So, what exactly this list is supposed to represent?...shine some light...most sought after, best value, best segment performers?

Incentives...hmm...it is ok to have them...but not in the form of cash rebates, I would rather give free maintenance, ext warranty, or free accessories. Offer them once, and everyone expects them to continue to the point it becomes inherent in the value of a car and so it cascades down to resale value...tricky business in competitive and mass production markets.

combustible1

I only said the doors would break/get damaged because somebody here once posted a picture of their damaged door, which they claimed was due to the damage done to their mirror. Maybe I dreamt it.

Chikoo - what is it that you would have us download? It would take 5 minutes of my time, so it better be worth it!

Good news about sales? can't be.. where's that Gee35 fella when you need him??!!

Nobody answered my question about the power vs. manual seat! (I asked, "does the manual seat travel a little lower than the 8-way power seat?" I thought somebody said that once.. maybe I dreamt THAT too!

ok, I'll stop doing this "!!!!" now. :P

uncledavid

I must say that it is not particularly well done.

The premise was to take vehicles that could be ordered in a sub $30,000 variant and pit them against each other. The give zero information about their scoring criteria though and there is such a wide variety of driveline choices (i.e., the BMW seems to have been an automatic, the TSX and M6 manual) that you really don't know what the comparisons are based on. Very sloppy journalism in my opinion.

I own a TSX, and I can't say I'm at all impressed by the finish in this comparo. It seem to be a article to be ignored.

But, again, the M6 was the least expensive vehicle in the conmparison and held it's own with the best.

mazdafun

One of the editors bought one and has had nothing but great experiences with it, even opines that they should've named the Mazda6 their "car of the year" last year instead of the 350Z, and that it's been nothing short of great in their long-term fleet.

seaf

Probably shouldn't extrapolate car sales data from July and August data, since these months see year-end clearance and lots of incentives that usuall push volume up. Although it's nice to see it looking up as more people realize what a great car this is.

blueguydotcom

not clear why they named the TSX at the top of the heap. Statistically, the TSX was outperformed by many of the other cars (in terms of braking, 0-60, etc.). Note, however, that the M6 wound up ranked higher than cars that cost $10,000 more.

I was quite close to buying a TSX because with that M6 it's a fun, fun car. It's handling can't touch a G35 of BMW but neither of those companies build engines (I own an 03 BMW) that feel as smooth or refined as a TSX's sweet little 4. And the tranny on that car was sublime after the clunky Nissan-truck G35's M6 and the BMW's wretchedly vague German-like manuals. All things considered, you keep that TSX above 4000 rpm and you have a very fun little car. Nearly perfect little car. Just needs RWD.

Noticed Mazda's 6i with a manual and incentives can be snagged for about 16-17k. Wow! that's a crazy good deal.

seaf

have always been the bare bones versions (though good bones with power windows, door locks, AC, CD player...etc), and they are often advertised for 16-17k since earlier this year. If I didn't need SAB/SAC I probably would've gotten one, it's too good of a deal.

blueguydotcom

Need or want? If it's an option it's a want issue.

Actually, I did up the math on a 6i just moments ago. Sub 15k seems possible with the myriad of rebates (loyalty, standard rebate, $250 coupon, grad cash).

newcar31

Well, my brother finally got around to bringing in his 2002 Civic EX back to the Honda dealer to get the front end noises checked out....again. He brought it in once for the same problem and Honda said there was nothing wrong with it. Now, the clunks coming from the front end started to get worse and he decided to bring it back again and it turns out that it needs two new front struts @ 16,000 miles. I get a call from my brother this morning at 6:45 and he needs me to come pick him up at the dealership because they don’t have any loaners (and if they did they were going to charge him for one) and their shuttle driver is in St. Paul. Great, I’m going to be late for work because of my brother’s darn Honda…..

I can’t help but compare that to my dealership experience with my 2001 Protégé. I brought it in for a checkup and they replaced one of my rear struts because it was barely leaking. I didn’t hear any noises and had no clue that I had a bad strut. Mazda pro-actively replaced my strut (before it started to make noise and before I started to complain about it) AND gave me a free loaner without me asking for one.

Honda tells my brother that there is nothing wrong with his car and makes him bring his car in a second time for the same problem with no loaner and no shuttle service, inconveniencing me and my brother.

Mazda fixed my strut without me even asking about it and gets me in another car right away……..

uncledavid

That editor also argued that the M6 should have been named car of the year instead of the Nissan 350ZX.

justin

to say the word Honda and (good) service in the same sentence makes me giggle on this nice Friday. Honda dealers in general are rated very close to Nissan with regard to their reputations as being customer oriented. they should fire all the gold chain wearing, open shirted, chest hair baring employees that smoke outside (i LOVE smelling other people smoke as i walk into a dealer), and hire Land Rover sales and service staff.

the best dealer experience i have ever had, sales and service wise, was at a Hyundai shop. go figure.

carguy58

It depends what dealer you go to in terms of what quality service you get. Some dealers are good are some are terrible. The Japanese Makes(Mazda, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi along with Hyundai) in an issue of CR a couple years ago were ranked at the bottom of the list in Customer Service satisfaction scores. Luxury divsions like Lexus, Bmw, Saab, Cadillac, and Volvo and Infinti were ranked at the top of the customer satisfacion scores. Buick was ranked first among the base model brands. Acura was ranked at the middle of the pack at a 70% median score. Chrysler was ranked right below Acura. Isuzu was the top Japanese brand in the study but they don't have very many customers. Saturn was #1 overall in the study.

Overall the base model domestic brands(Pontiac, Chevy, and Ford) ranked better than the base model Japanese Big 3(Honda, Toyota, and Nissan.)

uncledavid

I owned Hondas for 15 years prior to purchasing my new Acura. I found the customer service to be stellar. Everything got repaired right the first time, and prices were generally quite reasonable. In fact, I hesitated to upgrade to Acura because I did not want to stop using my local Honda dealer's shop.

One of my friends owns a Mazda 625 has has had similar positive experiences with Mazda. His only complaint is that Mazda dealers are few and far between our here in California.

I've actually been somewhat less impressed by Acura. The two Acura dealers in the city here seem to be very arogant, and not at all customer-oriented. There is a dealer a little bit out of down whose repair team seems to be a bit more responsive.

Fortunately, with both Honda/Acura and Mazda, you're going to have very reliable cars than need little upkeep.

seaf

often already include all the manufactruer rebates and incentives, they use the low price to draw you in and then see if you qualify for all of them. So I doubt you can go much lower than 16k-17k for a base model 6.

Oh and as for want or need of the SAB/SAC option. Since it pertains to my life and health, I consider it a need

blueguydotcom

often already include all the manufactruer rebates and incentives, they use the low price to draw you in and then see if you qualify for all of them. So I doubt you can go much lower than 16k-17k for a base model 6.

Do the math:

17.8k Invoice
-1500 rebate
-1000 loyalty rebate
-500 grad cash
-250 funky zoom-zoom coupon online
= 14.55 + 350 dealer profit: 14.9k

mazda6s

"Oh and as for want or need of the SAB/SAC option. Since it pertains to my life and health, I consider it a need "

I'm with you on that one. I'll grudgingly pay for the other packages I don't really want, to get the SAB/SAC option.

seaf

I stand corrected, I was probably subconsciously thinking of the model packaged the way I wanted as I went through the buying process.

seaf

Ok, I know I'm posting way too much during the work hours on a weekday...but...:)

Interesting to read the new report on SAB/SAC effectiveness in real world accidents at www.hwysafety.org. It mentioned that 60% of potential car buyers expressed interest in SAB/SAC option, but actual sales data show only 15% actually bought the option. I guess in the end, when it comes time to choose, money wins.

chikoo

>>> Chikoo - what is it that you would have us download? It would take 5 minutes of my time, so it better be worth it! <<<

u will enjoy it. believe me.

mazda6s

Actually I think it's more than just the money issue. There is a lot of confusion and ignorance with respect to SAB (side airbags) and SAC (side curtain airbags). First of all, a lot of people don't even know what they are, and if they do, they don't understand the difference. Some side airbags only protect the chest/torso, but some actually have an extension the protects the head (Nissan had some like this on recent Maximas). Then there's the SAC type which is a totally different thing altogether, even though they are probably the most valuable of all. To add to the confusion, manufacturers often list "driver's side airbag" and "passenger's side airbag" as standard equipment, which of course refers to the FRONT airbags and doesn't have anything at all to do with SAB or SAC. Have you ever gotten that blank stare look from somebody when you started talking about SAB and/or SAC? Yeah, that's why. Then there's an education issue, as side-impact test results are just now starting to get some attention. Then there's the issue of the over-powered front airbags that the government first mandated to protect people without the help of seatbelts (STUPID IDEA!). Mix all that up and you can see why most people don't get it, don't care, or don't want them. My next car will have them.

audia8q

at this point Mazda still does their side impact gov. crash tests without side airbags...you prob know this but they use second generation airbags which deploy at a much slower speed than the first generation. The third generation smart airbags are coming soon.

blueguydotcom

I've been in a car that was t-boned and the SAC and SABs didn't fire. The cops estimated the guy was doing about 40 in his truck when he hit us. The guy said he probably was - he ran a red light accidentally and was really shook up. So much so he copped to the whole thing instantly. Anyway, no SAB/SACs at all came out. The Golf did a nice little spin and came to a stop. We shook off the safety glass and hopped out of the car totally unscathed.

Quite a ride. But we were a tad puzzled why the SAB/SACs didn't fire for the driver. Not that he needed it.

seaf

As some have mentioned, first generation airbags may have given a lot of people a bad impression of airbags in general. I've talked to people who said they prefer cars without airbags since they think they'll get injured when it goes off.

It's like those people who don't wear seatbelts thinking that it'll trap them in case they need to get out after an accident (assuming they survive in the first place without seatbelts).

As for the NHTSA side crash tests, I believe their policy is they test the vehicles with side airbags if it came standard, not as an option.

dinu01

Is that then you're forced to buy a more expensive trim to get them or add BOSE or get some other idiotic option to get the combination that allows for SAB/SAC, the car becomes too expensive, so what do you do:

downgrade to a smaller car IF it has SAB/SAC

or

go without it.

Money is finite when it comes to buying a car.

Dinu

anonymousposts

Performance Mazda of Atlanta has a 2003 6i advertised for $13,998. This price does include the loyalty rebates but they also throw in a 100,000 mile warranty. Since the loyalty rebate is $1000 I guess non-Mazda owners could get the car for $14,998 with 0.0% for 60 months. That's cheap.

kstu

I notice your profile says you drive a 6. What did you get on it?

Regarding SAB/SAC on a 6i MT, Mazda made those with ABS/TCS and premium package starting in February. I special ordered mine but I located 5 in other colors at dealers around Florida using the vehicle locator on Mazda's web site earlier this summer. Just run a search for 6i MT and check the ones with MSRP around 20.8k with gray or beige interior. There may still be some out there and yes, they are a tremendous value!

mazda6s

I've been waiting to get the 04 Mazda6 s but have come across a 99 BMW 323 with low mileage that looks attractive. Anybody have any thoughts on this?

dinu01

I'd rather have the new car (M6) with a warranty (4yrs) and driving dynamics that are not bad at all. Ok I like how the M6 drives.

Dinu

carguy58

I think 99 was the first year of that current body style for the 3 Series. Also, a German Car is going to cost a pretty penny I think if you need parts. Not too high on BMW's but the 99 3 Series is a beautiful car especially in the color black.

As for buying an 04 Mazda 6 its the second year of the current bodystyle and its your car(nobody has owned it before you.)

Mazda's in the long term I would think hold up better in the long term than BMW's. Finally, take into account if you live in an area of the country where you those 2 big snowstorms the 6 has FWD to get through those storms. That particular 3 Series you are looking at may have rear wheel drive or the optiional AWD feauture. I don't know because with BMW's you can order alot of different option combo's especaially stand alone options which are easy to get. Mazda are you listening(stand alone options you can get easily?)

blueguydotcom

Performance Mazda of Atlanta has a 2003 6i advertised for $13,998. This price does include the loyalty rebates but they also throw in a 100,000 mile warranty. Since the loyalty rebate is $1000 I guess non-Mazda owners could get the car for $14,998 with 0.0% for 60 months. That's cheap.

Actually, it'd be 15500 because you either take the 1500 rebate OR the 0%. If you do the math on the cars it works out to $100 more over 6 years on the 14000 car loan with a 4.49% apr. Not much difference.

mazda6s

Yeah, what you said is pretty much what I was thinking.

chikoo

my local auto shop told that these cars come with synthetic gear oil from factory. Is that true?

newcar31

I wouldn't doubt it. Lots of new cars with manual transmissions have "lifetime" fluid. I don't think there is a specific interval to replace the manual transmission fluid in the Mazad6i manual. I'm going to change mine at 30,000 miles.

When I was underneath my car changing the oil, I checked to see how easy changing the transmission fluid would be. It's just like the Protege manual, easily accessible drain and fill plugs. Should be a piece of cake....

akumaz

1. Has anyone sat in or looked at the '04 exterior yet? How does it compare with the '03 in terms of the interior fabrics?

2. Has Mazda updated their website to show the inventory for the 2004's?

justin

going with the Accord EXV6. a little more money, but the car is a little bigger, has all the airbags standard, and the interior is a little more elegant in my opinion. not to mention the 240 hp

i will be paying attention to how well the 6's hold up. Mom is in the market soon, and she thinks the Accord is a little pricey for what she wants. her only requirement is a V6 (she refused to buy a 4 cylinder even though can be as fast or faster than a 6 cylinder). if the 6 holds up well, a 2004 might be in her future. better price for sure.

but my Accord is nice too

carguy58

is the Accord you got a 4 door or the 2 door model? Just curious.

buggywhip

I now see a Mazda6 every day here in MA. The car has really taken off!! Seems slightly more common than the Altima, a bit less common than the Accord (on these local roads). Also, the 6 seems quite popular with college students. And why not? Drives almost like an entry-level Bimmer for many $$thousands less. I suspect the new Accord is rather too plush for college kids. Every college kid used to have one, but it's just not zippy or athletic anymore for their tastes. The 6 fills that role nicely.

carguy58

Yes its everywhere now in New Jersey too. Its driven by late 20's-early 40 year old audience. I still see more Altima's and Accord's than 6's though.

mazdamarla

Did anyone else watch "Dateline" last night (Sunday)? They had 5mph bumper crash tests, and a Speed Yellow Mazda6 was shown! It got an "Acceptable" rating - front bumper sustained $300 in damage, and the rear bumper sustained $500 in damage. But that was less than most, if not all, of the other vehicles specifically features! Another thumbs-up for the Mazda6!

Here's the transcript from the Mazda6 test:

2003 MAZDA6
The least expensive in this round of cars and minivans is the $20,725 midsize Mazda6. The institute is pleased to see only $300 in damage in the tough pole test. In the rear test, there was $500 in damage, much of it underneath and out of camera range, so the Mazda gets marked down to acceptable, the second best rating.

Here's the complete story:
http://www.msnbc.com/news/961420.asp

justin

4 door.

hokiedog

Does anyone know what the default window tint percentage is on the Mz6? Where can I go about finding this out?

Also, I went to both local dealers around here, and both have said that they will be making their FIRST 2004 order this month. They said they knew little else about the 2004s. Is Mazda playing favorites and letting some dealers/regions order 2004s earlier than others, or should I be suspicious?

Of course, both dealerships have an ADM fee of $1,000-$2,500 on the RX-8. Ugh... not a good sign. What does one do when both the local dealerships are suspect?

mazdafun

That's a very tough test and usually trashes most vehicles. I'm impressed that the estimated damages are 300/500 F/R. That's pretty low.

seaf

I got a silver 2003 Mazda6i, AT, Prem pkg, ABS/TCS, SAB/SAC, for about $17,700 before taxes and title, I used the $1500 cash rebate and $250 mazda revitup coupon. I could've done without the prem pkg, but it was the only way it came unless I wanted to order with an unknown wait-time.

microrepair

Motorweek will be doing a review of their long term trial of the MZ6 next Sunday. Should be interesting..

thegreatvudini

Marla,

Thanks for the article. It's a nice surprise to find out how good the 6 really is. Everything you new you learn about it just makes you feel better. I guess that's why it has won all those 50 awards worldwide: people everywhere know a good thing when they see one!

Now for the REAL news: I finally took the plunge. I have a Speed Yellow 6s with Roof, Bose, Leather/Comfort, and Appearance. The only regret I have is it did not come with rear spoiler, which would have completed the package, IMO. This morning in traffic, an older guy (50's) in a Lexus SC430 in front of me was ogling my bumble bee in his rearview mirror the whole time he was waiting for the traffic light to turn. I find myself grinning for no reason at times, and have to hide it with my hand or people may think funny about me! If I were to have a vanity plate, it would say "Zm Zm Ful", 'coz I do feel like a fool behind the wheel.
(For pricing info, see my post in the Buying Experience area, soon.)
Vudini

ashutoshsm

You effected a successful escape from some other boring car to one you will enjoy owning and driving.

The silly grin, BTW, is standard. And permanent. Sorry.

vocus

I saw a pretty new base model 6i parked on the street today with its whole left front fender bashed in. The car was still driveable, but I bet the owner was sad that his almost brand new car was already damaged. I know I would be.

glideslopes

It just keeps getting better, and better, and better.........

chikoo

and I thought the MZ6 does come with a standard "ROOF" ha...ha....

>>> I have a Speed Yellow 6s with Roof<<<

rcf8000

I'm really sorry to see that the option package disease is spreading. Bring back the 70s, when you could order any option you wanted individually. This morning I tried to configure a 6i on the mazdausa website, and the way I wanted it I couldn't get anti-lock brakes or the air bag option. This makes no sense at all. (Both of these options should be standard equipment, imo.) I've lost interest in pursuing it further.