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Comments
I'm really interested in this car, but I must ask (someone might know)
What's the maximum weight that the folded 2nd-3rd row seats can take???
Reason: I'm l00king for a car in which I can put a pinball machine in it. (yes, a FULL arcade-size 300lbs. pinball machine...with the head folded down and legs removed of course!)
How's the gas mileage (my 2nd highest criteria)???
Can't wait to try it!
Well, let's hope and pray no one does anything so foolish. Fortunately, SoCal has a number of dealers to choose from. I wasn't planning on doing business with this particular store in the first place and their pricing scheme has solidified my decision. But the part I find most difficult to comprehend is that this dealer is under new ownership. :confuse:
Thanks all for posting your pictures. My only concern was if the back was wide enough to hold a folded up stroller. But, the stroller I want is 41inches by 10 inches folded, so it should fit.
We want to place both kids in the back row, with the front seats folded down for around town. (We think). That way, we can still take adults around when we want too. (but I might not, as we are worried about rear-end collisions, which have happened to me 2x in my Accord).
We are looking to buy in January. (I am due around Christmas, and don't need a bigger car until this little one comes). I have a 21 month old as well. It does seem like a good car for a small family. We aren't going to be increasing the size of our family for a while after this, so a minivan is just too big. Living in LA, an SUV is out of the question. I can't stand the gas mileage, premium fuel, and difficulty getting in and out with car seats in the back.
Can you say which SoCal dealer was charging a premium? We are hoping to get special financing, or cash back or something, as we are waiting for 6 months. We don't want to spend over 14k, really, but are willing to go up with 0% interest, $2500 cash back and things such as these. It is either the Mazda 5, (We test drove the Mazda Protege 5 and liked it when it was brand new, but 16-18k, was too much without incentives, and we got a used Accord for 12k which has served us well). So, if there are any deals on it in the next year, we will get the Mazda 5, if I like it and test drive it.
It has been nice to read all of your posts...
Erika
I don't think you'll be seeing any incentives on the 5 in the next 6 months, I really don't... but good luck to you!
But I want everyone to know....they are not shipping alot of these vehicles so the availability will be limited all year.
Hi Erika and might I add that's a lot of reading LOL. The dealer I witnessed this atrocity was in Norco so that's not too close to you unless you're someone like me who truly considers ALL of SoCal his home. For example, yesterday after I went to a reception in Hermosa Beach at 2pm I then drove to Moreno Valley for a softball game at 6pm. I live in Brea.
As another poster said, I hope you realize that while asking a $2500 premium should be out of the question, don't expect to see any rebates either. Mazda's initial expectation is that this vehicle should do moderately well. If you want to get the car at or below invoice pricing, your best bet is to know someone who can get you the Ford X-plan discount. Also you might do well to read more about the car on Edmunds. I think invoice is around 16k.
I should also emphasise that since it is early, maybe the dealer will have stopped their tomfoolery by the time you are serious about purchasing.
I just can't see paying full MSRP for the 5 when my local Mazda dealer is practically giving away the MPV for what would work out to be less! I don't expect major incentives for the 5, but here you can get even "hot" Mazdas like the 3 for *some* discount.
of course if you wait until there are less buyers than vehicles and you can get your discount...
Maybe I will sound like a socialist left-coast liberal here, however, even if demand is great, I expect the dealer to sell the car for MSRP, not at a premium and of course not discounted either (if the car is moving slowly). Of course if I should be lucky enough to get a new car at generous discount I wouldn't be foolish enough to turn it down.
I was hoping for a nice sporty red colour, but this... eww. Guess I'll be opting for Platinum Silver.
Why didn't Mazda elect to pick some sporty colours?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mazda5/
Yes, you are a socialist left-coast liberal.
Great! Everyone is always welcome in Canada!
Speaking of Canada, prices and details about the Mazda5 can be found in the Vehicles section of the Globe and Mail (www.theglobeandmail.com). The article by Richard Russell is a useful description of the car and makes the following comment about Mazda: This is a company not afraid to step outside the box and Canadians appreciate that. Mazda enjoys almost twice the market share here as it has in the rest of the world and its products routinely win best-in-class recognition in the annual Canadian Car of the Year awards run by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
Enjoy!
Thanks fo the 'heads-up'!
-juice
I know that they look different in person than what we see on the web, but sure looks like a winner to me!
Thai
I'm starting (once again) to question Mazda's marketing strategies (or lack thereof). We've been told that they're aiming this vehicle at the young-adult market segment that would be looking at things like Subarus and Elements. Yet when I look at the bland, conservative, even adult choice of colors ("Whitewater Pearl?" Is this Zoom Zoom or Your Father's Oldsmobile???), I'm left wondering, HUH?
If this is going to be the sporty, do-everything runabout for those who are old enough to not want coffee-can exhaust pipes but young enough to have fun on the weekends, might Mazda have been a little more open on the color choices and offered something more vibrant?
I see not a trace of green or yellow -- nothing bright. Not even a white, for goodness' sake, without that oh-so-Buick pearlescence. Even the red color's been given the ho-hum name of "Cardinal Red," while on the Mazda3 and RX-8 the red is called "Velocity Red."
Take away the adjectives and you've got black, two blues, two silvers, and a gray. And that pearlescent white. So far, so Buick.
Oh, and for the "individual" who screams for something sporty, Cardinal Red. (Tweet tweet.)
I can see the kid now.
"Zoom Zoom ZZZZZZZZ ...."
-juice
The more and more I read the thread though, the less likely I feel we should purchase the first year model. One day I go yes we are going to get the Mazda5 and the next day I start to think about other options. It is my wife's final decision since it will primarily be her car.
Here's a not inclusive list of the reasons that are keeping me from deciding:
1. Probably no deals. MRSP at best
2. Order the one you want (Phantom Blue Sport with a stick shift) and wait-and-wait-and-wait-and-wait
3. Does it look like a Matrix on steroids? I still can't tell from the pictures. We don't like the looks of the Matrix. I like the looks of a Mazda3 on steroids.
4. Black cloth interior. This doesn't bother me as much but I'd like options.
5. Not so impressive mpg
Still, a manual transmission vanlet is what we need. It is small enough to back over our bridge and into our driveway but big enough to hold two adults and four tweens comfortably.
Decisions. Decisions...
I still like the idea, though.
Rock on Mazda,
Chris
http://www.channel4.com/4car/feature/motorshows/geneva2005/concepts/ford-sav.html
Why can't we get these here?
:shades:
What for? Honda is strong right now. It's got a big captive market. It's position is well-entrenched. I'm sure Honda's think tank has considered this type of vehicle and has something in the works. But I think it knows enough of it's strengths and reputation to react hastily and get drawn into some "small-time" ventures as what Mazda is doing here in North America. Honda and Toyota will bide their time. When the time is right they'll move in.
The Mazda5 dissappoints in that it continues with OLD technology. It needs more power, 170-180hp, torque 160-180 range, and better transmissions, 5-6 speed auto or 6 speed manual for better economy to better satisfy the majority. Think those who buy will be dissappointed when you have it loaded up on the road needing more power and not getting the mileage you expected. Time will tell and I'll be interested in the feedback from those who do take the plunge!
(http://www.honda.co.jp/STREAM/technology/seat-arrange/index.html)
I'm not the least bit disappointed with the engine or the transmission after driving the Mazda 5 with a full load of people in it. There's plenty of room, and it still goes like shot out of a cannon. I'll be buying one soon.
The 5 will be a great hit in Canada, but I'm not sure about the USA.
So I guess I'm a little biased?
My sentiments exactly.
I know conventional American wisdom often comes from the “Bigger is Better” school, however I find the lamenting of some in regards to the 5’s supposed lack of power amusing. If I did not know better, I would begin to think that maybe the “5” in Mazda5 was a reference to all the folks who plan on towing their fifth wheels with this car.
While I am pretty ambivalent about whether I would like to see the car be more powerful, of course I would love to get average fuel economy in the 30s. However, what other cars in roughly the same weight and engine displacement classes get demonstrably better fuel economy? In addition, what vehicles in the same weight and displacement class have appreciably higher horsepower ratings (at least 172hp, normally aspirated, four-cylinder)? Others have clamored for a five or six speed automatic. Forgive my ignorance, but I did not know there was a high number of vehicles priced below $20k that offered that type of transmission.
For example I compared the 5 to the four-cylinder 2WD Toyota Highlander with third row seating. The cars are roughly the same size with the Highlander being somewhat heavier (3570 lbs vs. 3333 lbs) and slightly longer (185 in vs. 182 in). On the other hand the 5 has a slightly longer wheelbase (108 vs. 107), greater versatility, a higher fun quotient, and a substantially lower price (a difference of around eight thousand dollars (US) in MSRP*). I do not frequent the Highlander forums, but is there much disappointment among the faithful that the four-cylinder is grossly underpowered (six-cylinder models notwithstanding)?
*Base Mazda5 Sport vs. base Highlander four cylinder with third row seating.
Actually, the Mazda5 has a 157hp motor. The same motor makes 160hp in the 3s and in the 6i. Not sure where your 172hp figure came from.
Personally, I think it's a bit odd that this SAME motor in the 3s and 6i makes a bit more hp (160 vs. 157) at a lower rpm (6000rpm vs 6500rpm). It also has about 5% more torque in the 3s and 6i (155 ft-lbs. at 4000rpm vs. 148 ft-lbs. at 4500rpm). The only thing I can figure is that the exhaust system in the 5 may be a bit more restrictive (quieter?) in the 5 than in either the 3s or 6i.
I note that the finicky Euro press (e.g., http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/carreviews/review.aspx?model_id=1401&page=1) (e.g., http://www.channel4.com/4car/road-tests/M/mazda/505-/505--intro_t.html) refers to lively handling and pep in lower horsed, smaller displacement versions of this car, so I think power won't be a big issue. And personally I like the absence of options -- if this is how Mazda got the price where they did, then keep on zooming because the materials are tasteful but sleek.
Now, can we give up the Saab????
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I did an inventory search and found about a dozen M5s in my area. Maybe they're just on order and not on the lot. But the lowest price was 18,995. With no options. The MSRP is about 17,500 and 500 for delivery is 18k. So are the dealers marking it up $1000?
That's not good. And the Touring models were all over 22k.
4. Black cloth interior. This doesn't bother me as much but I'd like options.
5. Not so impressive mpg
There needs to be a light color interior option. And you're right, the mpg isn't impressive.
There's a lot right about the M5. But it isn't perfect. Maybe it'll be perfect in a year or two.
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I'd like to see a diesel option. About 150hp and 270lb of torque. And 35mpg. There'd be no question about hauling 6 people with that kind of torque. Go ahead and cram 6 more in.
I'd like a 5sp auto too. The trick is getting the diesel and the 5sp and keeping the price reasonable.
Tell me, do we really NEED these things, or are we just succumbing to marketing pressure?
Now, let's talk about power. Back in 1992 my 118-hp Mazda Protege LX (which was the top-of-the-line trim in '92) was right up there with the highest-powered engines in its segment. The fact that it had DOHC's and 16 valves made it a technological wonder for a compact car. Even farther back, again, my sporty 1980 Saab 900 had only a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, SOHC engine. My 1988 Hyundai Excel zipped along economically and did, in fact, get out of its own way with a 1.5-liter CARBURETED 4-banger that only put out something like 88 horsepower.
In trading my 2000 Protege ES, I took a jump in horsepower from 125 to 160, and I find the car to have more power than I'll ever need -- loaded or not. I just got back from a 4-day camping trip in the mountains of Virginia in my 3. I took backroads up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and I was zooming through 2-lane switchbacks replete with runaway truck ramps, and, even though my trunk was loaded to the ceiling (I have the hatch) and my rear seat and rear seat footwells were crammed with several hundred pounds of supplies, coolers, batteries (deep-cycle marine batteries -- HEAVY), etc., even on the uphill stretches I found all the power I could handle and then some. Oh, and I had the a/c on too.
But I still read posts on the 3 discussion about the car needing more power.
What IS the deal with this need for power? What the hell for, I ask?
I'm posting this here because the 5 will receive the same engine that's in my 3 hatch. I routinely pack my car to the ceiling with people and supplies for camping trips and for catering my company's skybox at the ballpark. (Talk about weight -- try 20 large bags of ice and about 25 cases of sodas, plus my 280-pound bod and a half-dozen large trays of food, boxes of peanuts, cookies, etc.)
Friends, you have no horsepower woes to worry about. Pay no attention to that horsepower-whining man in the corner. The great and powerful 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve cam-chain-driven VVT engine has spoken.
:shades:
Meade
If there is no 6speed manual on the 6 or the 3, what is the justice of putting one in a minivan. Lets remember, this is a budget minded, but still sporty MINIVAN, Most people who are going to buy one are probably more concerned about the price than they are about having an extra gear. A 6 geared auto is just plain silly. Remember, MINIVAN. Car manufacturers tend to use 6-speed autos for one purpose, that being to accompany large engines on luxury cars. If you can find any car with a 6-speed auto under 30k, I would be flabbergasted.
Fact of the matter is thus. Mazda can easily obtain the sporty character they wish to achieve with a 4-speed auto/5-speed manual with 157hp. Mazda doesnt make much of anything that will out accelerate the competition. What it does do is give great handling and sporty character on budget minded vehicles. If you dont think this is the case, go drive any other minivan/small suv and tell me otherwise.
One last thing. What on the 5 is "old technology." The 2.3L is new. It shares the 5-speed manual and suspension with the the 3, which are new and wonderful. Perhaps old technology floor mats? side mirrors? gas caps?
I agree with you 100%.
I've driven it. It has plenty of jump, and doesn't struggle under the weight of a full load. I don't get it either. Drive the car before you ask for more.
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In Europe, the M5 is offered with two "petrol" engines and two diesels. 1.8 and 2.0 litres. Mazda is very capable of offerring a diesel...just not here. The larger diesel option is 143hp and 266lb of torque. That sounds about perfect to me. Plus, better mileage. A 2.3 diesel would be even more hp and torque.
Fact of the matter is thus. Mazda can easily obtain the sporty character they wish to achieve with a 4-speed auto/5-speed manual with 157hp.
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I'm fine with the 2.3 gas engine. But I'd like more choice. A diesel would provide more grunt for heavy loads and return better mileage. A 5sp auto would improve performance, mileage and hwy cruising.
(1) go to "www.mazdausa.com"
(2) go to "Vehicles --> Upcoming and Concept"
(3) click on "2006 Mazda5"
(4) click on "search inventory"
I'm in NJ, and I'm finding 8 Mazda5's within 150 miles of me. One is a base model (MSRP=$17,995), but all of the others are fairly loaded up with options (MSRPs range from $20,125 to $22,615).