Mazda6 Sedan

ramped

I got the cloth interior in my Pebble/Ash 6 as black leather in Florida is not a good idea, IMHO.

I do like the leather interior more than the cloth in the MZ6. The driver's armrest isn't very comfortable with the hard cloth surface.

By the way, I was in Toronto 12 years ago and enjoyed the city. I visited the Blue Jays clubhouse and chatted with catcher Pat Borders, who played high school ball in Lake Wales, FL, where I used to work. Later that year he was the World Series MVP, if I'm not mistaken. My wife wants to take the new car on a trip next summer to Cooperstown, N.Y. Her great grandfather is in the Hall of Fame. Since we'll be relatively close, maybe we'll stop by :^)

I do love Canadian beer!

redc0ugar

Baggs, If you're still thinking about getting a new Mustang...let me know. I can give my A-Plan to 1 person...I believe the deal must be completed, sometime in December. RedC0ugar@hotmail.com

baggs32

Thanks for the offer redc0ugar! Oh I'm definitely thinking about it! But however tempting that might be I still have a little over 2 years left on our Mazda6 lease and sadly have to decline. We also just bought a 2005 Escape Limited back in June, so I'm not allowed to even utter the words "new car" in our house for a little while.

March of 2007 is when I should be driving around in a new Mustang GT convertible and I can't wait! However, the Mazda6 is pretty incredible too. It's going to be really hard to let go of.

Keep up the good work up there. I've read nothing but gushing positive reviews on the new Mustang and it's high level of quality. You guys are going to make a lot of owners very happy.

ramped

Red, it's not a good idea to include your e-mail on the boards. Put it in your profile and let others access it there.

By the way, I understand that you work at Auto Alliance. Can I ask in what capacity?

I am impressed with the build quality of my 6s. My compliments to you and your co-workers.

accord7

I have to say that despite the excellent qualities of the Mazda6, I'm already sick of the rattles in this car. I had only one initially, now new ones pop up every day. There are several in the dash, a couple in the back. In past cars I could trace a rattle to it's roots and solve it on my own. With my 6, one rattle in particular could be in the door, a-pillar or dash, it's just too difficult to pinpoint. I guess my point is a well designed fun to drive car is not enough. It has to sound well built also, like it's worth the money invested.

anonymousposts

Any car can have rattles. It doesn't matter which forum you are in (Altima, Camry, etc) someone will complain of rattles. I guess my point is that you can get upset and trade your 6 for something else but that doesn't guarantee you won't have rattles. Or you could just turn your stereo up louder and enjoy the car you already have.

ramped

Well, the good thing about owning a 6 is that you get a four-year, bumper-to-bumper warranty. If you are dissatisfied, give the dealer an opportunity to take care of the problems. It's possible that something has worked loose behind the dash or in the door. Like anony says, rattles plague all models and makes.

cutemorganite

I lost my keys last night, outside of my house. I searched my house from top to bottom and I have traced my steps outside, and can not find them. I fear someone would steal my car and my mother's (both keys on the same ring). I always separate my house keys from my car keys, that's how I was able to get in the house, in case anyone wondered. I was not drunk, I was coming home from the mall. What should I do??? I have another set, but someone I don't know has a key to my car. I know it cost a lot, but how much do you guys think it will cost to replace all of my locks. My fiance suggested just getting a new alarm, but I don't want one, aftermarkets are soooo loud!!!! Please help!!!!!!

ramped

Relax.

Keys get lost all the time. Yours will probably turn up in a day or so. It's unlikely anyone else is going to find the keys if they are on your property. If they aren't on your property, unless you have ID on them the finder will never know which cars they belong to.

If you don't find them in a few days, just have the keys replaced (you'll need your key code for the Mazda) and don't worry so much.

dodgedude

In ref to post 17057.........I have the 6i 4cyl w/auto. With 6600 miles on the odometer after 3 1/2 months, I find the acceleration is perfect. Even with the auto, I've had no problems leaving others at stoplights. And the acceleration really kicks in over 2500 rpm's. It's hard not to speed in this car, I can only imagine how fast the 6 cyl. is if the 4 is this fast.

anonymousposts

I agree with ramped. Replacing the locks on the car is not a good way to go. Just replace the lost set (I'm assuming you have a spare) and be a little more careful next time.

cutemorganite

Okay guys, thanks for the input and great news, I found my keys!!! I swear I had not had a drink or anything, but they were in my jacket pocket. I thought I wore another jacket, lol!!!! Anyway, thanks for the opinions!!!!

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ramped

I christened my new 6s today by clipping a curb at my daughter's elementary school. Anyone know of a good way to touch up the wheel? It has a couple of pretty good scrapes near the edge, next to the tire.

Usually I at least get to the first payment before I do something stupid. Oh well :^(

ctiguy

Did the same thing to mine on day 2. You have my sympathies. I don't have any suggestions but would appreciate any. I find the low profile tires with these rims have no forgiveness because they sit entirely within the rim. On my other car I can scrape the tire before I get to the rim - you really have to be careful with these ones!

ramped

I browsed through a discontinued alloy wheel thread here and came across a recommendation that some of the wheels can be sanded and repainted with aftermarket supplies, while others require a clear coat repair.

I'll probably just ignore it. Fortunately, the scrapes aren't real noticeable unless you are looking for them. Just the first of many nicks and scrapes to come, unfortunately.

grahamb

check out this article on repairing a wheel scuff.

http://www.audiworld.com/tech/ext43.shtml

ramped

Thank you.

That's an outstanding article with photos and detailed instructions.

mz6greyghost

Been a little quiet here lately...

The 2005 Mazda 6 models are FINALLY on mazdausa.com. Check them out. I just discovered that despite some 2004 options that are now standard for 2005, the sticker price on my particular model with the same options is still $950 more than my 2004 model, not including rebates and incentives.

Glad I didn't wait for the '05's! I love my 6!
ZOOM-ZOOM!!

combustible1

I asked this a few weeks back, but no response:

Is there a way, either since '04 models or on the new '05's, to silence the beeping of the steering wheel controls, whether it be station switching, volume control, cd skipping, etc.?

a little annoyance that I could see growing into a "nails on chalkboard" major annoyance for me.

combustible1

I know other countries have had this since the models inception, instead of the "bulbous" type. Is there now an aftermarket version available for the USA, something that would meet our legal requirements?

In other words, where the surrounding plastic for the tail lights would be smooth around the sheet metal, instead of sticking out.

thanks.

jollybeans

I have a 2003 Mazda 6. I remember seeing another Mazda 6 with a similar issue with the A/C, but can't find it anymore. I wonder if other owners have the same problems as me.

In the summer when it's hot, my A/C just doesn't cool the car. I can be driving for a long time, but the A/C is just not cold enough.

Even worse, now that the weather is cooling down a bit, I turn off the compressor. The two vents on the right and left of the driver seat actually blow out warm air. The other vents would bring in cold air.

The Mazda mechanics said that there was no problem with the A/C, but it's really not cold enough...

cutemorganite

I too experienced that same problem with my 6. Someone told me to put on the recirculation, and that helped. I don't think Mazda has very cold air conditioners. I came from a very cheap Kia Sephia and the air in that car was very cold!!!!

combustible1

the heating and cooling system of the 3 has been a big topic of complaint over on that forum too. Seems to be even worse with that model.

jollybeans

Yeah...I just need some confirmation. I was always wondering if I had a faulty A/C compared to other Mazda owners who have been praising the A/C... The recirculation doesn't help that much though... I wonder if there's anything they can do to fix it???

cutemorganite

I don't know what else you can do. For the most part, I have my air on high the entire trip, because it never really gets cold. The heat isn't a strong as my previous car neither, but it works okay, not as bad a the air conditioner.

newcar31

My A/C works fine. I live in Minnesota, but we still get 90+ degrees and humid days. Even on hot days, after a while, I have to turn it down because it gets too cold.

carguy58

I had a last generation 626 and the A/C was cool enough for me. I wonder if Mazda is using a different A/C systems in the 3 and 6 that they previously used in the last generation 626. I think the 626's A/C was good: maybe too good as a matter of fact.

escortowner

did any of you happen to test the A/C when test-driving? I was just curious because the one I recently test drove was super cold - but it makes me nervous if it won't stay cold over the long haul.

suydam

I just got a Mazda6 wagon and the A/C is fine. In fact on the Auto mode, a little too cold for my taste. I keep turning the thermostat up.

sandyl

my lease on my camry is up soon and I am looking for a replacement. the 6 is much improved over
the old 626's. I love the new automatic trans.

there is one thing that struck me as odd. Why
is there only one "bookholder" (I forgot the real name, but where you put stuff) on the driver
seat. I have 2 kids and each keep a few items.
also, on my camry, the rear doors also have storage in them.

Overall a much improved car. if the price was
right I would consider it.

sandy

civiceater4u

ive recently purchased a 04 mazda6 and i love it. i loved it so much i took it cross country with me and she performed better then my previous car, an 03 stratus. although 2 completly different cars to compare, the handling, acceleration on both highways and cities stops is outstanding. both heat and a/c worked just as good as any other car ived been in so i dont know if i lucked out in that area. but if you ever go for a long haul like i did, the 6 is the car to do it in

groovypippin

Wondering if anyone has driven a 2005 Mazda6 with the new 6 speed auto. I'm curious to hear how it compares to the old transmission. 2005 Mazda6's have not been released to dealers in Canada yet.

escortowner

Good question. I know they are getting them in down here in Houston. I am on the vurge of getting a new car (Mazda6 of course)- but I am pretty set on the Manual...but a 6 speed auto with tiptronic may be very nice.

Maybe I will check it out and get back to you.

ericzoom

I have an 2004 6 and on the back of each front seat there is a pocket for holding maps or other items.On the 05 they seemed to have deleted the pass. seat back pocket.I guess they have to cut somewhere.

carguy58

On the topic of the seat pack pocket Mazda did add ABS on I models but they eliminated something. I guess you have to delete something in order to add something. Everybody was complaining on 03 and 04 I's that there was no standard ABs well now there is.

troyben

Just got my new issue of CR last night. They reviewed the 6 wagon. Although they liked it, couldn't recommend it as the reliability on the 6 overall has fallen below average. I'm guessing that their survey sampling can't include a lot of 6 owners yet as there's not a lot of them on the road. Maybe the recalls for the door staining & fuel sender recall cycled through? I've got 15K on my 03 6i MT & so far no problems.

mazdamarla

I just posted about that CR article over on the 6 Wagon forum, to get their thoughts. I was like "why are they rating it so low????" when I read that! And the article does not clarify if it's just the 6 Wagon that they don't recommend, or the entire 6 platform? In the side-by-side-columns comparing the 5 wagons reviewed, the 6 got all clear or red circles for everything EXCEPT the headlights and overall Predicted Reliability, which each got black circles (one half black, the other all black, can't remember which got which). Are these people HIGH or what?? I've had my '03 for over a year now and have had NO problems at all. Not one!

troyben

I really think they were referring to the entire 6 platform. However, my guess is that their sample size right now of 6 owners is so low that it wouldn't take much to statistically impact the rankings. OTOH, Honda sells 400,000 Accords every year, so even with its recent transmission issues, it's not statistically relevant enough to lower the Accord's rankings.

osadnick

I have a 2003 6i. The thermometer has always been off by 6 degrees too high. The dealer says there is nothing they can do. Any advice?

newcar31

"I have a 2003 6i. The thermometer has always been off by 6 degrees too high. The dealer says there is nothing they can do. Any advice?"

Subtract 6 degrees from the thermometer reading.

likaglov

Is the A/C ALWAYS on when using ACC? I've had my 04-6sAT since March so I've been waiting for the cold weather to settle in. Still, even when it's 50 degrees ambient and the ACC is set to 80, the air conditioning is on (along with the heat). I don't believe the car has a humidity sensor to factor into the equation; although it is usually sunny out when I'm driving. Anyone actually notice the A/C OFF with the ACC on?

audia8q

just a little info for future MZ6 buyers. I jsut got a message from Mazda stating that some of the Dec MZ6 US production will be pushed back to Jan due to steel shortages. Mazda Japan is investigating domestic sourced steel to address future problems.

also the MZ6i base model now offers an ABS delete option to reduce the price for folks that don't like or want ABS. (Jan proiduction)

The biggest incentives will be focused on the AVP program (balloon purchase) thru the end first quarter of 2005.

samurai

If you hit the ac button it will go off and you will be in "semi-auto" mode (automatic mode minus the ability for ACC to use the air)... same goes for other controls - you can turn off the fan, etc... and go into semi-auto mode. I always use the ACC minus Air unless it's really really hot outside.

escortowner

Are these incentives you are talking about on the 2004 or 2005 models? Also, what are the AVP incentives right now? all I am seeing is the standard $2750 for a normal purchase.

fitguy

Useful article, thanks- also saved it for future use as my wife's kickname is "Scuff Queen". My new 6s is two weeks old and so far,no nicks. If it's any consolation to ramped, I had a '03 Accord coupe before this car and while backing up a hilly driveway during a rainstorm, backed into my friends mailbox. Scratched the painted bumper up, missed the trunk lid luckily. The car was a week old. I feel your pain! This rear visibilty on the Accord coupe is HORRIBLE- but at least it prepared me for the marginal visibilty out the back of the 6s w/the spoiler. Overall, though, I'm love'n this car.

cutemorganite

This morning, I left the house to go to school, and opened my trunk with the remote. After putting my backpack in the trunk, I used the keyless entry to unlock the door, but it wouldn't work. I then tried to open the trunk again, but that also didn't work. I had no clue of how to unlock the door with the key (which way to turn), but I soon figured it out. Anyway, I get to school, and I scraped my wheel making a u-turn. Now, I am really upset. I went to the dealer to let them figure out what was wrong, and they replace the battery. The battery didn't work, but my sales rep took it in the back and they did something to fix it. All I know is that I have a new keyless entry. My sales rep told me the alarm disengaged, or something like that. I was just wondering if anyone else has had that problem. I have 18k miles on my car and I've only had it for 13 months. I'm not upset, but I just think it's weird!!!!!!

audia8q

There currently is no customer cash rebate on the 2005 mazda6 cash sale....If you buy the MZ6 using the AVP program the customer rebate is $1750. Also the college grad rebate of $500 is available if the buyer is qualified. This is for the Northeast region.

I have no idea what incentives your quoting.

bjangula

I just bought an 04 M6 hatch and would like to add satellite radio. Has anyone got a suggestion on where to mount the receiver? I am thinking of mounting the antennae on the inside hatch shelf near the rear window so I don't have to run the antennae cable from the outside. Anyone think this will work or any suggestion?

tweet651983

Can anyone direct me to where I can find more info about the AVP program? I understand this to be a balloon payment type financing. What is the timeframe for the balloon payment?