Mazda6 Sedan

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Comments

  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Right on the money! Yeah, V6s are pretty much useless for me too...

    Dinu
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    I would guess that inline engines would last longer than "V" type engines. On a "V" type engine, one side of the piston and block should wear faster than the other side because of gravity. With an inline engine, there is equal wear because the piston is firing straight up and down.
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    6 cylinders with good power are typically much better than 4 cylinders, especially in interstate travel in the 80mph range with a full load.

    The 4 cyl. is ok in town but for long distance driving the 6 cylinder is the way to go.
  • msstrikehr1msstrikehr1 Member Posts: 14
    Rich,

    What type of dealers qualify as "special?" And do you know of any in the Chicago/Milwaukee, even Indianapolis, area? Or New Orleans, where I will be visiting family a bunch in the coming weeks? And will those one or two cars be available to test drive?
  • csuftitanscsuftitans Member Posts: 215
    Ok Rich, so you'll get your first batch of 6s very soon, are they all taken? If not, how much are you going to charge over the MSRP? hehe
    Also, how bout posting some pics of your first few 6s when they come in to your dealership for us :-)

    cheers
  • edmund2460edmund2460 Member Posts: 293
    I'm bothered about the news filtering through that the 6 is going to be noisier and have a rougher ride than the competition, which to my mind is the Accord and Camry. If they wanted to build a car that was purely sporty, then that's fine but they gave us all of this PR about how noise abatement was a high priority. I don't want a 6 in which I have to notch up the radio volume when I'm on the road and turn it down again at idle, as I do on the PRO
  • boxfanboxfan Member Posts: 180
    I'd say for long distance driving, the only issue in 4 vs 6 cylinders is the rpm at highway speeds. Our 4-cyl Outback cruises along just fine at 80. Now, getting up to 80 uphill with a full load would be a little slow in our car, but I think just maintaining highway speeds is where you'll see the least difference in power.

    Also keep in mind, as dudleyr noted, that 4 cyl engines are much more powerful than they were a few years ago. The 160hp/155 ft-lb engine in the 6 replaces a 130/125 engine in the 626 (did I get those numbers right?). My personal bias is that if you can contribute 20 or 25% less to global warming and save a few thousand dollars, without a huge difference in engine performance (and maybe better handling), it's a no-brainer. Soon we'll be able to decide for ourselves how much difference there really is.

    Of course if the Mazda6 MPS were available here, I might be sorely tempted...
  • edmund2460edmund2460 Member Posts: 293
    Do you know someone who could retire early if they had not invested some 300K in cars over their lifetime, who are now driving expensive SUV's mainly to the grocery and work? I remember the Car Talk guys talking about their Dodge Dart and they made the point that they would not feel $50K better driving a Caddy. My experience is that after we've made our purchase and 6 out of the 10 reasons we had in mind for choosing that car over the competition really become irrelevant.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Some dealers are getting some of the initial built cars, (pre 10/21). They built a couple hundred units prior to the official build date.

    I am getting early cars because I am in charge of Mazda for the Connecticut International Auto show. Which is in mid November... OK, so I sandbagged Maltb. haha

    The pricing is MSRP for now, until we see how things go. We have 3 initial deposits subject to test drives. Also, we are seeing apx 3-5 people a day looking for the 6. This is a good sign

    Rich
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    with the Mazda6 is options that go beyond the engine. Because of the rigid package arrangements audia8q posted before, you can get a car with ABS cheaper with the V6 than you can with the I4. The "s" comes standard with ABS/TCS at a starting price of about $21620 (which includes all the "comfort" items from the "i" and auto climate control). To get ABS/TCS on the "i", at least initially, you have to get all the candy at $24305
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    $24.000 for a midsize is EXPENSIVE! That's $36.000 CDN. I can get a WRX or small BMW/MB for that price. The 4cyl MSRP is $24.000 CDN ($15.500 US) and the 6cyl should be $27.000 (17.500 US) at 1.55 exchange rate.

    You do pay a lot for cars in the US compared to Canada. But again, not much taxes to deal with.

    Dinu
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    TOYOTA PLANS ALL GAS-ELECTRIC HYBRIDS BY 2012


    Read all about it at:


    http://www.auto.com/industry/iwird25_20021025.htm

  • coakleysdcoakleysd Member Posts: 32
    Spoke to Mazda rep. that confirmed that the hatch and wagon will be out in the Spring or early Summer of 2003. Does anyone have any additional or differing info?
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    From what I heard it will be a bit later than that; perhaps the end of '03.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    my first one is on a flatbed on its way..by itsself. due any time
  • boxfanboxfan Member Posts: 180
    That's a good point. I would probably go with the 6 cyl if it was actually cheaper for the options I want. Let's hope the "build your own" option on the web site that someone mentioned earlier really means something.
  • fromage1fromage1 Member Posts: 9
    Hey Maltb,

    Regarding the timing of the hatch, how reliable is your info? I'd sure like to think the hatch would be around in the spring. I don't know if I can wait till next fall. I'm pondering an order of a Passat wagon vs. waiting for the 6 hatch.

    Please keep us informed if you hear anything more about the release of the hatch.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    well, any info can be inaccurate(recall the Automotive News interview with a Mazda exec), but I'd say it's from a pretty credible source. It definitely will not be out this Spring.
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    ;-)
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    maybe Rich can put one on a flatbed, just for you :)

    j/k
  • jskhojskho Member Posts: 107
    I emailed Mazda USA making some comments about having to get a loaded manual car to get side airbags/curtains. This is their reply:

    "The dual front side-impact air bags with side air curtains are offered as an option for Mazda6. I am not aware of any other option that is
    required in order to get the front side-impact air bags."

    I am still very skeptical. But if what they say is true, I hope we don't need to wait a long time before production ramps up to build these less mainstream combinations...
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    I'm in the dark like everyone else. Initially I was told the h/b and wagon would appear towards the end of 2003...but I can't get a straight answer out of Mazda and don't have a gut feeling about that happening at that time.

    The one thing I do get is this..."It all depends on how the Mazda6 sedan goes."

    Also the launch of the second wave of MazdaSpeed proteges and the RX8 happens in 2003 for sure so they won't launch too many cars at the sametime.
  • maple49maple49 Member Posts: 66
    At the risk of being attacked and called all sorts of names (H lover, etc). I don't think the 6 can survive at the prices listed above ($24K for a loaded 4cy). These may be MSRP but I think there will be a lot of discounting and incentives to move these vehicles.

    I am not bashing the 6 (I am considering buying one) or Mazda. However, Mazda has not been able to command a premium on their vehicles. Look at the Protege. Great car, probably best in class but it is usually deeply discounted.

    My guess is you will be able to get a pretty good deal (invoice or below) by mid/late 2003.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    The new Mazda3 4 & 5 door models too. I'm sure this stuff will be appropriately staggered.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    That is one theory.
    The other theory propounds that "Flood the market".

    So if they take this less travelled road, maybe they will flood 2003 market with all new and different Mazdas.
    Look Ahead .. A Mazda
    Look Back .. A Mazda
    on the left .. A Mazda
    on the right .. A Mazda
    Everywhere a Mazda

    :)
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    Gee....lots of Mazdas, maybe I should drive one too?

    Amazing how many people think like that.

    Not that I mind seeing other Mazdas on the road(esp. Proteges). :)
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    ...then what does a mfr do for the next 5 years as it waits for new products to introduce??
  • boxfanboxfan Member Posts: 180
    are already being sold on 2 or 3 continents. Why wait to introduce them here? Then again, they probably want to get the RX8 out ASAP because they're trailing behind the Z.


    Speaking of future products, Autoweek talks of a possible 2005 introduction of the Mazda MX SportTourer. This was a hybrid-electric AWD wagon at auto shows recently that looked pretty cool but unlikely to come to market. Anyone know about it? http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carnews&loc_code=&content_code=03149230#mazda


    BTW, they have the "3" as a 2005 model.

  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    Besides, they'll be busy making Mazdaspeed versions of everything to keep them fresh as well.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    That's why one of my mom's acquaintances (sp?) bought a 02 Civic. I was disgusted to find out she just went in and didn't do research or shop other brands. I don't know this lady too well (just saw her once or twice), but how can you spend $25.000 (mind you CDN, but still) w/out looking around?

    So the strategy to flood the streets with Mazdas might work. I heard the same from thsi girl I went to school with 2 yrs ago - she thought Civics are great cars b/c everyone drives one and she'll get one too. She could not name 3 other brands if her life depended on it... Sheesh!

    Dinu
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Honda introduces maybe 2 all new models each year - that generates the main excitement:

    ie Ody 1999, S2000 2000, Civic 2001, CRV 2002, Pilot/Accord 2003, Element 2003/2004.

    Variants also keep the product line fresh (ie Civic SI, Leather/DVD in Ody). To bring out a complete new line of all models at once would cost an astronomical amount. IIRC, new models can cost in excess of $1 billion to develop. Variants just a small fraction of that. But new variants alone won't keep the excitement up - new models do, but they have to budget the spending on new models.

    What drove those 2 to Civics is volume - not new models. They saw lots of the same model around - not lots of different models from 1 company.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Thanks, I'm selling my Protege now. I didn't realize that what I "really need" is a Ford, Toyota, Honda, or Hyundai. If only you were around before I bought this Protege, I wouldn't have made such a huge mistake.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    You know what, you people fighting about Accords and 6's (and you know exactly who you are) abused my patience beyond reason on the Comparisons board in two different discussions.

    If you think you are going to continue those arguments in any other discussion, you are going to find your membership privileges in the Town Hall revoked.

    There is no way that any host can spend so much time on so few members and still be able to meet all the obligations of the job. If kicking some folks out of here is what it takes, rest assured, that is what is going to happen.

    My apologies to anyone here who hasn't been following the now closed arguments on the Comparisons board, but there are a small number of people who seem determined to shut down every discussion that has to do with the Mazda 6.

    And that group of folks contains just as many Mazda proponents as Honda afficionados.

    HERE IS WHAT YOU DO IF YOU SEE A MESSAGE THAT YOU FEEL VIOLATES THE MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT - you have two choices - email me or do NOTHING.

    Posting in an uncivil manner is NOT acceptable per your Membership Agreement no matter WHAT message you are responding to.

    Again, my apologies to folks who have no idea why I am coming down so hard, but I assure you, the folks who have been asking for this understand completely.

    Email me with any further comments or any further off-topic issues. Responses here will not be tolerated.

    Thank you.
  • wgrwgr Member Posts: 127
    I have been looking forward to the 6 for some time, but I must agree with you about its apparent high pricing. Unless there is some quick and substantial discounting, I will look at other cars that offer more at more reasonable prices. Actually, I am more than a little peeved that this appears to be the case, after all the angst and expectations I have generated over this car.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Based upon what's out there I think the Mazda6 is priced well. We get some products that the price does not represent value but the Mazda6 sure does.
    What car offers a better value??? since you have not driven the car, how would you know if its a good value or not?? Unless, of course your ONLY interested in price, then the Maz6 might not be for you.

    OTOH....lets get a huge rebate, right out of the box...0% finacing for 360 months, deferred payments until 2006 and watch your resale value go to zero.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    I'd settle for a 0% for 180 month deal.

    Others:
    I would reserve judgment on pricing until it's official. I'm sure Mazda is going to try and place the MSRP for this vehicle just below the accord for the equipment it provides.
  • fromage1fromage1 Member Posts: 9
    Oh geez, I sure don't want to pay too little for my car to preserve its resale value.

    And how do you know its priced well if you haven't driven it?
  • jeffrey15jeffrey15 Member Posts: 61
    I have no problem with paying MSRP if I thought that MAZDA would be able to maintain that. I find it more likely that in 6-8 monthes the car will begin to be discounted no matter how good it is. Thats what bothers me since I paid a premium that I can't get back.

    Jeff
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    If you keep you car for more than 3-4 yrs like I do, resale value should not be your #1 factor in choosing a car, as mostcars will be about the same price (as long as you buy Japanese).

    Dinu
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    he has driven it.
  • csuftitanscsuftitans Member Posts: 215
    I agree, but it's more like 4-5 years for Mazdas.

    BTW, I thought the hatch will be introduced first then the wagaon six months or so later? or will they be introduce at the same time?
  • jskhojskho Member Posts: 107
    I would say 15 years.
    Had a 93 626ES and the Edmunds retail value is like $4500. A 93 Accord EX is like $6600.
    Sigh...
    MSRP when new was $22k.
  • csuftitanscsuftitans Member Posts: 215
    Yeah, but how much is a 93 Accord EX when it was new, probably around $24K
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    2003 EX Accords I4 leather barely MSRP for $24K.

    IIRC, my 91 EX was about $16K.
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    The Mazda6 can be quite a value if you get the right things. A Honda Accord EX-I4 with manual and cloth seats is $22,060 with destination and is $23,360 with leather and destination. A Mazda6s with the comfort/leather/moonroof packages is $23,380 (with destination) based upon audia8q's preliminary info. $20 for additional 60 horsepower anyone?
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Accord EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M) - $22060
    Mazda 6s 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M) - $21620
  • edmund2460edmund2460 Member Posts: 293
    I like the idea of Mazda giving away some cars so there will be more of them seen on the highway. I know when I bought my PRO, I highly recommended it to an acquaintance who was looking for a car for her son. They bought another model instead simply because her husband had not heard of the PRO.. .
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    I have the actual pricing, only slight changes from tentative pricing.. The public's official pricing is 10/28.
  • csuftitanscsuftitans Member Posts: 215
    c'mon sandbagger, at least tell us whether it more expensive or cheaper that the unofficial price.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Are there any changes to the ordering combos?
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