Mazda6 Sedan

johnclineii

And here I was thinking of trading my loaded Impala for one! (I own a 2000 Impala LS with 106,000 miles on it...it in turn replaced a 98 Grand Prix GTP with 77k on the clock..and way back I used to have a 92 Nissan Maxima SE, most expensive car I ever owned, even in 92 dollars!)

ickes_mobile

along with traction control. Its one of those things that makes the V-6 out to be a better value...

ruski

memory seats, memory mirrors

kirill626

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&mfcisapicommand=ViewItem&item=1871775187

regfootball

mazda did miss the boat on the memory seats, but do altima, camry and accord have them?

csuftitans

Too bad I don't like Mig-21, I'd pay the $230K price if it were the Mig-25 Foxbat, aka F-15 wannabe.

rsparrow

Guess I'll just have to wait to see what comes down the line in a few months. Up here, they're stupidly calling the same car a 2004, even though we get it basically the same time you do. I figure that means it won't be until 2005 'til we see any minor changes made.

I fully expect that, through this model's current lifecycle, Mazda will put back on whatever features that were decontened and that are currently available on the European and JDM 6's. Look at the Protege! I have a '99 model. Each year they did a bunch of improvements--some subtle, some major--to the point that the current 2003 model is really sweet. All their other cars, even the Tribute, have those European side markers (I like them too) so I'm sure these will eventually appear on our 6 as well. You know we'll *eventually* get the Nav system and the MP3 stereo...You'll just have to wait if you're fussy!

In any event, it's the hatchback I'm waiting for!!!

vocus

I have been in a 6 at the NYIAS, and it looked pretty nice inside. I do think it's really funny that everyone is benchmarking VW for their interiors though. I don't know about the features, but think stability control should be available. Especially on an all new design debuting in 2003. It's coming though, if the articles I read are right. So is navigation.

ickes_mobile

interior materials and good overall design. However, I think that the ergonomics the actual switch gear of an Accord are better than that in a Passat...

vocus

The Accord has the best (but most boring) interior design, I think. I am just hypnotized (sp?) by those blue gauges though... :0

The red ones in the 6 (from the pics) remind me of the red ones in the 01 Protege I had, only clearer and crisper. Like Audi, kinda. That's too harsh for my eyes though, but it does look cool.

dudleyr

Here is a link to the upcoming turbocharged 6.

http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=00665231

ickes_mobile

is dull, but the new one is a cut above. Back on topic, I hope the plastainium in the Mazda6 wears well (both physically and style wise).

maxamillion1

Since I have been hearing that the 6 can really be optioned the way one would want it, I decide to use Carsdirect for a price quote, here's what I got.

Mazda6 s

1)
Sunroof, Wheel locks, SABs, rear mudguards, BOSE audio, Chrome pkg., Automatic day/night mirror, compass, alarm.

Price: $24,005/21,887

2)
Add leather, Comfort pkg.

Price: $25,085/22751

Those are some pretty darn good prices, much cheaper than the Accord, Altima or Camry! These are 5spd manual models BTW.

The 6 will be a great value! The V6 is not much more expensive than the I4!

vocus

There sure is a huge amount of money between MSRP and invoice prices. That should give a great bargaining margin.

jampedro

Just to clear up some misconceptions I've seen here. These are based on my Japanese model.

1. Mine does have the RPM-sensitive audio volume. The manual refers to it as speed-sensitive, not RPM and there are 3 levels to choose: Hi, Med, Low. It's called ALCS - Auto Level Control System.

2. The side mirrors do indeed fold back.

3. The driver window does have auto up or down with full press of the switch. After full up, a touch down on the switch opens the window 1 inch for "adequate ventilation" according to the manual. I prefer the sunroof tilt.

I would expect these features are in the NA model as well.

Also, please, someone tell me exactly where the aux. power port is located in the NA model.

wgr

According to the pricing on CarsDirect.com, you can pretty much pick separate options and not be forced to take leather, sport pkg, etc. Is this right ?

vocus

Not on all of them. It does let you choose ABS on the auto 4-cylinder model without choosing anything else though. Hopefully this is right.

Also, when you choose the Comfort Pkg., it still makes you choose leather seats. So it's not like you get everything individually. What I am saying is that, since this Comfort/Leather thing on there works, these packages might indeed be right. Maybe all the complaining did well.

newcar31

have a lunch break soon? Someone should go over to Morries and test the 6 out and come back here with a review. I took the bus today, so I can't go.

vocus

I am waiting for the 6 to come to Maryland, I am anxious to test drive one after all this waiting. I don't know availability around here yet though, I will have to check one day this week.

dinu01

About the AUX, we have no clue where exactly it is (in the glovebox, centre console, on its ide, ect) since we haven't seen a 6 in person yet, although it looks like in the US they'll have them this week.

Dinu

newcar31

Morries Mazda in Minneapolis has one today. It's a silver V6 sport 5sp.

newcar31

I should clarify one thing. 5sp MANUAL.

jampedro

You'll love the handling and interior design. Make sure to find a 'long and winding road'.

Also try parallel parking. Seems to me the wheels don't turn as far as my Camry, making it a bit more difficult. Any spec. on that?

stretchsje

Delaware (NuCars) has a bunch of 6's. Maryland/DC still does not as best as I can tell. I stopped by DarCars today and picked up a brochure though, beautiful!

ickes_mobile

one of the recent reviews noted that the Mazda6's turning radius is larger than Accord or Camry...

markjenn

They don't have some "inside" to the factory to build cars with option mixes that dealers can't. Like all these brokerage services, they simply shop around for you and negotiate a deal with a dealer. The cars come from the same place that they come from if you went into the dealer yourself. The fact you can build things that Mazda's web site doesn't allow probably just reflects the fact that the option constraints are not coded into their system the same way. (And its not clear to me yet whether these constraints on the Mazda web site are just temporary or really reflect what option mixes might be available in the field. It's just too early to tell yet.)

I can't comment on your specific deal, but in last April's CR, they did a survey of what deals they could get through individual buyer negotiation, and various buying services. Their general conclusion was that all the "best" deals were similar, but you could do the best by negotiating the deal yourself. It stands to reason since introducing any middle-man in the process adds another layer of overhead and a profit center. But if you aren't a good negotiator or don't want to play the game, the cost of using a buying service appeared to be fairly small. (During the .com boom, Carsdirect.com was subsidizing deals - essentially losing money on every car they sold - in a lame attempt to build business and hope they could open a direct pipeline to the mfgs and avoid dealers all-together. This attempt failed, but a few got great deals before the whole thing collapsed.)

Since the 6 has just appeared, I think it will be difficult to be very aggressive in negotiation until the market settles. I'd wait six-months to a year if you want the best deal.

- Mark

dinu01

So I guess you saw one in person? 2 mths to go till I see my 1st 6 (:

Dinu

newcar31

I saw it on Saturday and posted about it.

newcar31

I might go check it out tonight....

This time, the car can be driven

vocus

So DarCars didn't have any 6s yet? That's the closest dealership to my work (College Park, right?). I will check there or else in Pasadena at Rich Morton Lincoln/Mercury.

I would go to Russel Mazda in Baltimore, but I can't really go back there since I got a little hot under the collar with one of their service reps, because of his smart mouth (don't ask).

mazdafun

Jake Sweeney reports having several. I'll have to check Kings' inventory and check them out.

Yup, one thing I'm worried about is parking-lot maneuverability. That large turning circle (38 feet, curb-to-curb) doesn't sound too appealing (it's 4 feet larger than my current car's).

vocus

If the turning circle is larger than the Protege's, it might be a little hard to maneuver. My Jetta is alot easier to make a U-turn in than the 01 Protege I had was.

But also, I am sure the turning circle is comparable to cars of the same size. The Pro and Jetta are both smaller overall (though not by much) than the 6 is.

wayde

Hey All - I work a couple blocks away from Morries, drove thru the lot over lunch (couldn't stop, just back from the gym so already running long). There were alot of people looking at the car... I was staring. The car is GORGEOUS in person! Clean, athletic lines... something no other car in this segment can say it has. Can't wait to see/touch the interior. I hope the plastics and feel meet or exceed that of my P5 (which I love, btw). Will post more when I drive it... hopefully by Friday.

wgr

Any dealers in the Chicago area have any ?

brydymond

Any official word?

Has anyone heard anything about lease rates? availability?

jampedro

The 6 is shorter than the Camcords but a wider turning circle, as noted by Ickes. It's taking me extra turns to get into some parking spots, especially since many are less wide here than U.S. standard. and less aisle width between rows. Shouldn't be a major problem in NA.

ickes_mobile

are generally 9 feet wide by 18 feet deep with 24 foot drive aisles behind. Edmunds lists the Accord's turning circle as 36.9 feet and Mazda specs the Mazda6 as 38.8 feet.

vocus

Two feet can make alot of difference when you are parallel parking between 2 cars with about a foot of room front and a foot in back. Don't laugh, I have that situation nearly every time I go home, because of parking on the street in Baltimore.

ickes_mobile

not drawing conclusions. The turning circle on the Mazda6 is almost minivan like. In fact, its larger than the Ody, which is 37.7 according to Edmunds.

ickes_mobile

scaned here:

http://home.socal.rr.com/atenza/_catalog.html#2

If newcar, regfootball or anybody else here in Minneapolis goes over to Morries, find out if they have print copies...

brucec35

I was initially attracted to the Mazda 6 as a way to get a sporty handling, moderately quick car with modern safety features for not a lot of money. However, after pricing them, real world, it looks like I'd have to put nearly $28,000 into one. That's just a little too close to entry-lux territory. (The Camry is similarly close to this price range when loaded up)

I haven't driven either, but based on what I'm hearing and seeing, I will take a hard look at a Saab 9-3 Linear w/ the automatic and no other options. I suspect it would be difficult to find one with just the auto and sport wheel package. Even springing for some aftermarket 17" wheels/tires, I could drive one out for $31,000 AND get their 0% 36 month financing, which I figure will save me $1500 to $2000 in interest. I realize most people aren't able to afford a 3 year loan though.

The Saab wouldn't have power seats, an upgraded stereo, or a sunroof, but I'm not that interested in any of those. Just looking at the cars, the REAL luxury is in the quality of materials, paint, and solidity, not doo-dads. The 6 looks good "for its class". But it does have a lighter, less solid look.

ashutoshsm

How? Where? I thought the most maxed-out 6s rang up at 26.xxxK. And dealers will start negotiating soon - given the prices (market corrected) of its competitors, and the difference between invoice and MSRP!

Ka-Chhingggg!

dudleyr

Remember the Saab is pretty small 90 cubic ft. inside. That is less than Corolla or Civic, and nowhere near Mazda 6 (96) or Accord and Camry ~102.

vocus

At 96 cubic feet, the 6 doesn't sound like it's that much bigger inside than the current Protege is. Isn't that car 93 cu. ft. inside?

seaf

Anyone know what other Mazda or other Ford cars are manufacturered at the Flat Rock, MI plant? Also are they union workers there? Just would like some info to gauge the quality and reliability when the 6's start coming to dealerships in numbers.

csuftitans

'93 -up Ford Probe and the latest Mercury Cougar

radocha

I posted it on Accords board but I feel there are more driving enthusiasts here...doesn't take long to figure why

For those interested...you may satiate some of your curiosity by checking out this link

http://www.honda.co.uk/accord

I still think they should bring it in with a spirited I4 so I don't have to compromise my choices between the current Accord ('family' sedan) and Mazda 6 ('sport' sedan)...and believe me I know full definitions of those words. TSX should give me what I want: Honda's engine/quality/comfort with Mazda's suspension/looks/road manners...for some more money. Anyone else wants one?

newcar31

They wouldn't let any customer drive it because it was the district manager's car. It was a silver V6 with the sport package, bose, side airbags, and 5sp manual. It had Illinois manufacturer's plates. The district manager drove it, I was riding shotgun, and there was a salesman in the back. The engine sounds sweet and pulls hard to redline and beyond. I was watching the tach and I saw it sweep past 7000 rpms a couple times. It revs so quick that passing the redline on accident will not be hard to do. This engine is nothing like the duratec found in Tauri that I used to drive all the time at the Ford dealer. It sounds friggin' sweet. IMO, the ride is plenty smooth and quiet. Dashboard matierials are top notch. The guages look awesome at night. Handling seems Protege-like, but with a way more refined ride. The district manager was really *driving* this thing and I was having a blast just sitting in shotgun. The "holy-crap" handles work nicely.

Earlier in the day, the DM was doing ride and drives with salespeople. For a laugh, he drove into a Honda dealer and did a lap around the lot. He said he got quite a few stares. I'll bet he did. I didn't even drive the damn thing but I can tell you that I don't think anyone is going to be disapointed.

newcar31

The 626 was also built at Flat Rock and with the exception of the auto tranny, has been very reliable.

stretchsje

3000 posts from when this board started to the 6's release (at least for some areas).

Hot dog!

Really, I don't think the TSX will be too much of a match for the 6 unless they price it very competitively. Nice car, but as an Acura, too much $$$.