Mazda6 Wagon

brunna

I considered the A4 - but it's almost too pretty if you know what I mean. 3 young boys jumping around with muddy shoes, snacks, sports equip, etc. I don't want to even think about it - at least I'm not anal about how my car looks. I want some luxury and convenience, but don't want to pay premium category prices right now. Maybe when they are older. I just can't find something better for $24K. I need to drive it again this weekend. I think the Passat is boring and the Jetta too small. I wonder about the new Volvo - I think they are calling it a "sportwagon" too.

ydnar

I've been driving mine for a few weeks now and I'm loving it. Comfortable, I'm getting used to the feel of the seats, think I just had to get used to the leather as I've never had it before. All the options I wanted, (love the in dash 6 cd changer) and the auto climate control works much better than I thought it would. The only option I didn't want but came with the GT package is the rear spoiler I think it ruins the look of the line at the rear.
You do have to wait a bit for the power, but off the line it meets my admittedly modest requirement of being able to keep taxis behind me. You're right about the dash, the red gauges take some getting used to, but once you find the dimmers, it's not bad. Definately would have liked something like the gauges in the ACURA TSX. My cargo test is coming up next weekend when I'll be loading my drum kit, and a few guitars for a gig. But I'm not worried. The 2.8% financing was a no brainer, and better than anyone else was offering.
I also find the car very quiet and hope it stays that way. It may be because my Explorer was so loud. For the money, this is a great car, you'll love it. The only reason you might prefer the Subaru is the AWD, but I think the 6 looks better.

javapowered

Long time reader, first time poster.
I've got an order in for a MZ6 wagon as of May 12th. My salesperson has been hard to get info from, and I was wondering if anyone knew what kind of delivery date I might be looking at? Is there any way to track the order during the production? When is a VIN# assigned and will it show up in an inventory search at some point?

uffdaole

Work part-time for Mazda dealer. Ordered 6 wagon April 7th. Told approx 60 days. Found assembly date to be May 24th, and to expect delivery 2-3 weeks later.(In Midwest) As for tracking???? No way to hurry it.

salbaby1972

In other words, it ain't no Mini Cooper and all assocated benifits and casts.

brunna

I'm still shopping, but I look at the 6 brochure daily - I love the squall blue wagon w/out the sport pkg. I will be driving a new Saab 9-2X tomorrow. The specs show a little less room overall, but not much less and that turbo motor and AWD might have me convinced. I am also looking at an '02 BMW 325Xit (AWD) wagon. The dealer can do a 1.9% for 60m on that as it is an off-lease program car. However, I still need to find a buyer for my Civic first, or risk a divorce I think. I'll keep you posted.

salbaby1972

You may want to check out the 2005 Subaru Legacy GT Ltd Wagon as well or the Subaru Outback XT Ltd. Both with 250 hp and 250 ft/lbs torque. They have done a great job all around. Perfomace wise it will leave the BMW 325xi in the snow/dust and the 6. The Saab 9-2x is a refined Subaru WRX Wagon.

The M6 Wagon only comes witht he sport pkg, you can't remove or delete it. Go to the MazdaUSA.com site. Of course your are charged for the manditory upgrade.

Sylvia

First Drive: 2004 Mazda 6 Hatchback and Wagon
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/mazda/6/100388994/roadtestarticle- .html?articleId=102017

hboyd

Actually, the MZ6 Wagon (US version) can be built without the sport package. This package is not a "mandatory upgrade" in order to purchase a US-spec Wagon ... I'm very happy that Mazda NAO gave us that choice!! I'm not a fan of the extra equipment; with the way I park, the lowered, plastic fascia and side sills wouldn't last a week on the car.

I'm holding out for some really good summer incentives before my purchase. And... seeing if my '01 Protege develops any more end of warranty "bugs." [I'm confident it won't.]

MARTIN

hboyd

I just talked to my dealer and found out the $1,500 factory-to-dealer (or rebate?) cash incentive has been extended to include the MZ6 Wagon. That's real good news.

The wagon is slowly moving off the lot according to my dealer. I haven't seen a lot of press about it since the "release." Come on Mazda...

-MARTIN

jchan2

I've seen some ads, but not as much as GM's truckfest ads.

hammer760

I went and finally test drove the 6 wagon and loved it. Sport pkg, luxury pkg, Bose system...the works. I was ready to buy this weekend and told the dealer to find me one with the roof side rails option to accomodate roof racks. NONE TO BE FOUND! And it isn't just one dealership. I checked pretty much every dealer from San Diego to LA and the same story....wait until August. What and over site. I just hope the $1500 rebate is still available at that time or I may lose interest.

dudleyr

Roof rails should certainly be available on a wagon, if not standard like VW and Subaru.

salbaby1972

According to the brochure, the roof rails can be a dealer install OR a factory install. Confirm with your dealer and look at the brochure. I know roof rails are very important. The Saab 9-2x is missing them too.

jchan2

I have them on my minivan, and they're practically useless to me. If it doesn't fit in the van, I use a delivery service. If I'm going on vacation, I stick some in the back seat. In a wagon I might understand the need for a roof rack, but on a van I don't see the point unless I'm carrying 7 people and their cargo.

salbaby1972

Racks are useful when you can use them. Mini-vans and SUVs have them but they are a bit high. On a wagon theey are great for hauling bikes, skies and snowborads for your passengers.

We hauled 1 tandem and 2 road bikes on our sport wagon, along with cycling gear and passengers. Wagon provide great utility with roof racks.

jchan2

it works on a wagon, just not on a van or SUV.

dante

I have been considering a number of wagons, crossover SUVs, etc... as, although we live in downtown Chicago, we enjoy outdoor sports like cross country skiing and golfing, and my Mazda Miata just does not cut it as a hauler... On the high end I have been considering the Infiniti FX 35 but when I went for an oil change on my Miata I saw the gorgeous Mazda 6 Wagon and was surprised by the excellent price. The only draw back is the lack of AWD. My wife insists on it due to our weather. I see that in other countries the wagon is offered in AWD. Any idea if it ever will be in the US? Thanks!

jchan2

I'm not sure about it. Maybe, maybe not.

salbaby1972

AWD? I contacted Mazda USA asking the samething. Top brass wantes on in the US, but it will be until MY 08-09 or next gen 6 wagon. Go to www.mazdausa.com and contact them for specifics.

A great AWD system is offered by Subaru. Check out the new 2005 Legacy and Outback.

dante

Thanks, will do. I like the lines of the Mazda better than the Subaru... I wonder how well front wheel drive does in bad weather, I have always driven rear which as you know is lousy...

salbaby1972

That's funny you mentioned that. My brohad a 92 Honda Accord FWD of couse. He loves to snowboard and goes quite often. On very icey day on Cali mountains he was passing up rear wheel drive SUVs, jeeps etc. They tried to follow him and they all supun out. He had to drive about 5 mph.

Now he is driving an AWD Audi allroad and plans to stwich to an 2005 Subary Legacy GT Wagon. The redesign is qute nice. I have to admit the 6 looks cooler.

I was considering the 6 wagon for awhile but no AWD.
The only AWD value play is Subaru. I like the Outback XT (250hp/250 fl/lbs torque).

hammer760

I had posted a message a few days ago stating that I couldn't find a wagon with roof racks. Well I just found one that will be here in 2 weeks. I just put a deposit on a Glacier Silver, Black Leather, Bose pkg, Sport pkg, Luxury pkg, Sunroof, Side Air Curtains, Compass with Autodim/HomeLink Mirror, Wheel Locks, Rear Step Plate, Door Guards (which will be immediately thrown away), and most importantly...ROOF RACK SIDE RAILS for my bike and snowboard. Invoice - $28,535. Price before tax and license $24,767!!! Dealer is in Huntington Beach, CA. I think I got a smokin' deal. No haggle/internet sales is the way to go. I'll give an update as soon as I get the beauty.

salbaby1972

That is the exact one I wanted! Please post your impressions of the car when you get it and drive it a bit. In HB, CA. I'm in La, what dealer, if you don't mind me asking...

hammer760

Sorry Sal, but this is the only M6 wagon that will ever be made with all these options and colors so stay away!!! Just kidding. It's from Heritage Lincoln-Mercury-Mazda in HB off of Beach Blvd. I suggest you go to the Mazda USA website where you can look at dealers inventories...a very helpful tool. I know Santa Monica Mazda had one similar to mine at a $28,500 msrp, but the internet guy emailed me back saying that I could have it at $27K and change. He didn't even offer the $1500 cash back so I didn't even respond back since I got the $24,800 price from HB Mazda. Happy car hunting!

salbaby1972

Thanks, I live about 4 miles from the Santa Monica dealer. Santa Monica dealers tend to quote higher. I'm sure he would have gave you the 1500 because it was a MazdaUSA rebate.

Congrats on your 6.

--Sal

vincentwang

Mazda 6 wagon, Subaru legacy wagon or Chev Malibu Maxx?

Compare these for a long time, which one is better in longterm?
Personally I prefer a stick, so Maybe just M6 and legacy left here.
I just curious why the OHV on Maxx have better MPG? is that a funny stuff?
And why these wagon offering 1500-2500 cash rebate in states now but zero in Canada?

salbaby1972

My fav wagons are:

From highest price first:

1. 2005 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon Limted: 250hp/250 ft/lbs touque. Redesign, got raving reviews. Car of the year in Japan and in some European countries. Interior looks great. AWD, handles like a european sport sedan. Check out the Subaru Crew 2005+ Legacy and Outback forum here at Edmunds. MPG like the M6 but its AWD. The JDM GT 5MT out performs the Audi S6 on the track, with the 5EAT close behind the S6.

2. Mazda 6 Wagon: Looks the best, handles like a sports car. Great price.

3. Chevy Maxx: Can't say anything about it, not a big fan.

hammer760

I agree with Sal's assessment. I went and looked at the new Subaru's and was almost sold on it before deciding on the 6 wagon. Although the front of the Subaru's looks much better than the old models, why didn't they update the back and tail lights? And why do they not put metal/aluminum door molding around the side door windows. Looks cheap. On the Chevy Maxx...blah! It's a Chevy...enough said.

Well I'm off to make fun of some Pontiac Aztek owners in their forum.

salbaby1972

The 2005 Legacy is a new redesign. The rear taillights are al nwew. There are triangle-like shape instead of a rectangle panel in the 04. Also there are 2 rear led fog light. On the GT, there are integrated led turn signals. The side are more Audi like in the angles. The reason for no trim arond the widows is becasue Subaru goes with a frameless door to increase visibility and safty. It may look cheap to some, but it makes the door a lot lighter.

If you want great mileage, go for the Maxx.

ydnar

Dante, don't know for sure, but I've heard rumors that it won't be here in AWD until the next re-design, so probably a few years. As for FWD. I live in Toronto, which is probably on par with Chicago winters. I've driven FWD Hondas for the last 10 or so years and have never had a problem, and I have to do some pretty steep hills to get home. When I started looking for a wagon, I did check out the Subaru and thought the AWD wouldn't hurt, but when I saw the 6 there was no question which car I would buy. Been driving it for 3 weeks now and just love it. I'll replace the 17's with decent snows this winter and I'm sure it will be just fine.

mazda6s

OK, so the 5-door weighs about 100 lbs more than the sedan, and the wagon only adds about 50 lbs to that. So, the handling and performance should be about the same, right? Aside from getting past the styling and the fact that I would driving a wagon (even it's a "Sport Wagon"), I'd almost consider getting the wagon. Any comments?

All that extra room would be great, and my local dealer has one in Squall Blue (nice color!) equipped exactly the way I would want it.

stickguy

The wagon has significantly more rear head room than the 5 door, if that is important to you. It also looks pretty sharp, and you are right that the room is nice.

dudleyr

I think the wagon is the best looking of the bunch. It is also the roomiest. Rear headroom is important to me, and the sedan and hatch do not have enough. The only real downside is it is not very efficient - getting about the same gas mileage as a V-8 BMW 745i, or a V-8 S class Mercedes, and worse mileage than a Chevy Corvette.

Mazda 19/26 BMW/MB 18/26 Corvette 19/28

mazdafun

Not only does it offer more rear headroom, I found it had the best outward visibility of the bunch. Then again, I sit pretty tall, so the sloping rooflines of the sedan and hatch work against me.

I test-drove all 3 at the RevItUp in Chicago. I thought handling of the hatch to be a tad better than that of the sedan (more weight on the rear wheels), and the wagon felt a bit more tail-heavy and leans more when thrown hard into a turn (I could get used to that). Nothing stiffer springs and anti-sway bars can't help. However, it's the best-handling wagon I've driven (though I haven't driven the Impreza WRX wagon...I find the Impreza too small for me). I'd get the wagon if I were buying a 6, though I'd personally be happy with the 2.3L engine mated to a manual transmission (I don't speed much; I just go fast through curves) so I wouldn't be dropping too many mpg from my current vehicle.

ericzoom

I think your dreaming. I admit the wagon isn't bad looking for a "Wagon" but to me it certainly isn't the best looking of the bunch.

dudleyr

We are both entitled to our opinions are we not? I will refrain from saying that you are dreaming, and will instead welcome your opinion.

To me it is not even close. The sedan is just another sedan - certainly better looking than most. The wagon just flows better from front to back.

Having said all of this, looks are way down on my list when purchasing a vehicle.

ericzoom

Well your right, we all are entitled to our opinions. In my case and like a lot of others,looks and emotions do play an important role in automobiles.

ydnar

You don't need any help, you're already rationalizing it. And don't worry, within a few years all your friends will be driving a wagon as well and then you can sit back at smile knowing you started the trend. Remember, wagons started getting a bad rap when US auto makers decided they should be the size of tractor trailors and not look much better. The 6 looks good, just set it next to a Saturn. *#@! it even looks good next to the Audi.

dudleyr

Don't forget the fake wood they used to put on the side of wagons.

ydnar

Ahhh the fake wood. I only looked authentic when it started to peel like the bark of a birch tree.

Of course, fake wood on the outside has been replaced by the carbon fibre look on the interior. Sorry to say the 6 wagon has a bit of it, luckily not as much as my wifes Civic.

ydnar

Might be too soon to ask this here, but has anyone pulled the stereo out of their 2004, 6 wagon. I'm looking for a clean way to install my ipod (which fits just about perfectly into the ashtray) and am wondering if the stereo has a rear input. I thought it might, since they offer optional tape decks and mini disk players. Getting conflicting answers from my dealership.

pj23

I've had some serious second thoughts, but I'll be trading in my '03 Accord EX-L manual tomorrow for a 6 wagon. I love my Accord, and haven't had a bit of trouble with it over the past 18 months and 35,000 miles. The Honda 2.4L is an amazing engine, especially when combined with the manual transmission, and the fuel economy I've gotten with it has been great. But, we need the room and I don't want a minivan or SUV.

That being said, I really fell in love with the 6 when I drove it. Fantastic handling and ride quality both. I find the interior to be very stylish, and apart from some concern about how the titanium-look center console will wear over time, I don't see where the materials quality is that far below the Accord, as Edmunds and others have stated. And I have to agree that the wagon is the best looking of the three 6 models.

Mine will be Redfire metallic, manual transmission, BOSE audio package, moonroof, side airbags/curtains, and roof rails. Everything I want and nothing I don't; I was glad to find this one on the lot. Considering having the dealer add the autodim mirror with Homelink.

ccwinslow

I've enjoyed reading the posts here re: the wagon. I drove one last month, fell in love, and ordered May 31: steel gray, manual trans, lux package w/gray leather, Bose, roof rails. Now ... can anyone give me an idea how long it will take to arrive? The dealer said 60-85 days (almost 3 months??). Another dealer said 6-8 weeks max. I'm in NC, far from Michigan.

salbaby1972

Cane any who has a 6 Wagon give their impressions of the car around 25K miles? Good and bad...

Thanks, Sal

ramped

The wagon has only been out a couple of months, so it's a tad early to be looking for 25K reports.

salbaby1972

Just was hoping....

jlasorsa

I've had mine since april 2nd just turned 4000 miles not one problem.

ashish

If you haven't already, check out the June '04 issue of Car & Driver. It has a long-term review of the 6s sedan. I think they put 40k on it. They love it except for the road noise and heated seats. I just got my wagon Friday. I did notice the road noise (perhaps because I read the article), but I absolutely LOVE this car. I have a '97 M3, but I make my wife drive that around.

BTW, anyone know a good place to get accessories other than the dealer? I need a cargo net and mat.

hammer760

I'm still waiting on mine too. The dealer originally said mid June, but now they're saying first week in July sometime. I just sold my Passat wagon today, which I'm a little sad about because it was so good to me. The M6 wagon has some big shoes to fill, but I'm sure it'll do fine. I'm glad to see that recent owners have had nothing go wrong so far...except now I'm going to be listening for that road noise. Thanks a lot ashish!!! Does anyone know if the Mazda dealers will install the fog lights on the very bottom front? I know that there are fog lights already integrated within the headlight housing, but how well can those fog lights work if they are not closer to the ground???