Mazda MX-Flexa / Mazda5

stickguy

I suppose more is usually better, but at some point enough is enough, and anything else is overkill.

We used to have a '99 Quest. 170HP/200Lb/ft. But, it weighed about 4,000#. No, not a rocket, but for all normal driving, it had more than enough power. Occasionally on the highway if it was all loaded it and pulling a hill it took a little bit of time to accelerate, but it always managed to get the job done.

Still, an extra gear in each tranny would be nice in the 5, just to lower revs on the highway and up the mileage a bit. It would make them a bit more flexible.

I also would be all over one of those diesels. It would be perfect for the type of driving I would use it for, and should give great mileage.

twain

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.

...........I believe high revving, low torque vehicles like the Matrix and to some extent, the M5 are missing the mark for part of their intended market. A utility vehicle with ample cargo space and room for 6 passengers shouldn't be "zooming" at 5000 rpm to keep things in motion. "That" market needs a reasonable hp and high torque engine to comfortably move things along. A diesel would be perfect.

OTOH, for those who don't intend to haul five friends or lots of cargo on a regular basis, a sporty, high revving engine would be fine. Mazda needs to offer a choice for "both" markets.

nowakj66

I think these might reflect orders from dealers. My dealer said he got notice that Mazda 5s had left port for his dealership but they were still a week or two off. It won't be long now though . . .

rlawrence

I was discussing this issue of horsepower with a friend last night and he said to me that only time you really need more power is in a conversation as you brag about how much hp or speed your car is capable of.

And to answer the questions of the diesels. Besides overall American ambivalence toward diesels, remember, California is by far the most important car market and I don't think their current world diesels would pass the state's emission muster, essentially meaning I don't think you'll see any here anytime soon.

twain

:::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).:::

I did that search and found about a dozen. But the bottom price was 18,995. For base model, no options. It looks like dealers in my area are marking it up $1000.

And all the Touring models were over 22k. Probably at least $1000 markup on those too.

rlawrence

"I did that search and found about a dozen. But the bottom price was 18,995. For base model, no options. It looks like dealers in my area are marking it up $1000.

And all the Touring models were over 22k. Probably at least $1000 markup on those too."

The Mazda site does not account for any dealer markup. Look at "show detail" and you will see exactly what the vehicles have on them; you can even print the window sticker. Your example of $18,995 sounds like a sport model with automatic transmission as its only option.

nowakj66

Any confirmed vehicles at dealers in the US yet?

twain

:::::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*).:::::

That's a good comparison. The Highlander is a good vehicle but overpriced. The Mazda5 comes out looking mighty good in that comparison.

wheelz4

Maybe an MPV would be a better choice after all. It's certainly one of the best handling of the regular minivans out there. Smaller & more manouverable than most. And despite posting lower gas mileage figures than all but the Freestar and Kia, they're almost the same as the Mazda5 (18 vs 21 city, 25 vs 26 highway).
(Which means for it's size, the Mazda5's mileage really sucks)
If there are amazing deals on MPV's out there, I'd say go for them. You'll gain space, towing ability, while losing virtually nothing w.r.t. gas mileage.

twain

:::The Mazda site does not account for any dealer markup. Look at "show detail" and you will see exactly what the vehicles have on them; you can even print the window sticker. Your example of $18,995 sounds like a sport model with automatic transmission as its only option.:::

They were all listed as 5 speed Sport models with no options. One correction tho, the price is 18, 895. How is it 18,895 with no markup? I thought the Sport model was about 17,500 with about 500 delivery. Has Mazda changed the price?

It's interesting that every vehicle in my search is a 5 speed. Usually it's 10 autos to every stick.

twain

:::If there are amazing deals on MPV's out there, I'd say go for them. You'll gain space, towing ability, while losing virtually nothing w.r.t. gas mileage.:::

But there are no 5 speeds for the MVP. And the shifter is on the column. (yuck)

While the MVP may be sportier than the other land yachts out there, it doesn't come close to the M5.

Mazda got the size right, the handling right, the looks right, the 5sp right. All it really needs is an optional engine, optional interior and a 5sp auto.

charlotte7

Yeah, and the MPV has interior colours other than black, and 43 more horsepower. How can it be that a 200 hp V6 in the MPV gets nearly the same mileage as the 157 hp 4 in the 5? My guess is because the 5 is underpowered for the weight it carries and will be labouring.

Also, Mazda already puts 6 speed auto trannys in the Mazda6 sport wagon--which is also looking like a better deal than the 5.

smaria

I don't think Mazda has changed the pricing.

All of my search results were listed as "5-speed manual Sport" models too, but the "manual" description was incorrect (probably a glitch in the system that they haven't figured out yet). If I click on one of the >$20,000 "5-speed manual Sport" models to see its specs, they all say "auto trans" in the options list (along with other options)...so they's obviously not manuals.

Your search result of MSRP=$18,895 is probably an automatic, or it at least should have some options on it.

mdaffron

Is it included in that online price?

Destination fee?

Meade

rlawrence

I apologize. You are absolutely correct. Some dealers have an additional $900 tacked on to the price with no explanation for the markup while others don't. Very interesting. :confuse:

smaria

The base Sport 5-speed MSRP of $17,995 already includes the destination charge, so destination shouldn't be added as a markup.

From the Mazda5 princing web page: "MSRP includes destination charges but excludes tax, title and license fees"

mdaffron

The Mazda5 discussion (can we drop the "Flexa" part of the title now please?) is currently the No. 2 discussion on the Town Hall! This reminds me of the heady days of Protege being No. 1 for days on end!

It's hard to get any work done when I revisit every half-hour to find 10 new posts to read -- all of which, naturally, require my heartfelt commentary!

:P

Meade

mdaffron

Have any of you actually printed out the window sticker to see what it's including?

Meade

smaria

I just printed out a window sticker for a Mazda5 from the inventory search results, and it lists gas mileage as 1.0 city / 1.0 highway! Looks like they've still got lots of kinks in their system...probably shouldn't have made it public yet...

As far as pricing goes, if I look at the options on the window stickers and calculate MSRPs using the previously-released pricing information, I don't see any mark-ups...they're exactly as they should be.

There may be markups in other areas, but I'm not seeing any in NJ, which is the only location that I've cheked.

Steve

perfectofc

I'm doing my part to keep the discussion up there. I'm glad to see that people in America are getting excited about this car, up here in Canada this is going to be a huge seller for Mazda.

I'll be buying (or reserving) one in the next week, just want to take one more test drive.

kaian

There are markups, but not listed on the inventory system. I checked the inventory system, and found Mazda5s in my area. One particular vehicle was one I had already test drove at the dealer, a Touring Automatic with Navigation that, on the car, has two stickers -- the standard one listing the MSRP at 22K, and another to the right showing "Actual price" with an additional dealer markup of about 2K making a very expensive 24K vehicle. When I told then I didn't want nav and I'd rather wait for a manual, they did their "let me see what I can do" dance and offered it to me for 23K and change. The inventory system shows that vehicle for the MSRP 22K.

I'm playing with the inventory system, putting in zipcodes and looking at vehicles within X miles of my area, then using the "filters" to narrow things down. I'm finding it impossible to find any Touring Manuals. Selecting that option from the drop down menu gives me no results, where selecting Sport Manual, Sport Auto, and Touring Auto all bring up multiple options.

Has anyone seen a Touring Manual listed for their area? For bonus points, anyone see one in person to verify they do exist?

kaian

Do you know what combination of options/features you'll be getting yet, or is that the purpose of the "one more test drive?"

perfectofc

I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy it, but I want to do one more test drive without the vehicle fully laden with passengers (ie just with my wife and kids, as it will be most of the time) to get a feel for it.

I'll be getting the Canadian GT model with Air and Automatic. Will be tinting the windows shortly afterward. Probably in either Stellar or Platinum Silver, since the other colours all do nothing for me.

bjerry

I put a deposit for just such a beast on Saturday. I'm due to pick it up late this afternoon or tomorrow, but I haven't actually seen it. I was told the only other one alloted to the dealer has also been sold.

> Has anyone seen a Touring Manual listed for their area? For bonus points,
> anyone see one in person to verify they do exist?

ateixeira

No 5s in their inventory yet, at least not on-line.

-juice

robr2

I just got the "Mazda 5 is here - where are you e-mail?"

It shows a M5 in front of a birghtly colored surf shop. Boards on the roof of the M5. Young couple in surf shorts taking a picture of themselves with a digital camera. But the woman is holding a tiny little wetsuit.

Marketing wise - you're young, you're active but things change and you'll ready for them in your New M5.

kaian

Thanks for the info bjerry. Have you played with the new inventory search option to see if the one you put a deposit for is in the system? And, if you don't mind writing about it, have you finalized your deal and if so, could you tell us how that worked out for you?

Actually, does anyone know when a "Buying experiences" thread for the Mazda5 will get started? Or is there one already and I managed to miss it?

nowakj66

Anyone in Ohio actually see a Mazda 5 at a dealer?

yustas

Yes, Mazda has a "sweet little diesel", but it eats sweet low sulfur european diesel fuel. And with stiffer emission laws for diesel are coming, they just don't feel like investing in it here. At least for now.

yustas

Just checked one of the internet sites, that sell cars. And finally, they have listed Mazda5 for sale! The price for Sport with manual and everything, but Popular Equipment Package and cargo net-$19470. The price for Touring with manual, without navigation and cargo net-$19700. Supposedly, they have dealers, who have them. That is below MSRP for both of them! The fully loaded Mazda5 Touring with automatic, navigation and all options - $22474, which is $450 below MSRP listed. And yes, I bought the car from them before for the advertised price.

jeffmc

55 Mazda5s available in the Seattle area... only two of them are Touring Manuals (Platinum and Carbon), both at University Mazda.

bjerry

Make that had them. I know both were sold today, the carbon grey one to me.

I test drove one with the automatic. I've only had it about 5 hours now, but I really love the stick, and the color. I like the nav system too, but I haven't gotten very far in making it work. It's voice activated. Haven't figured it all out yet, but it looks like it's going to be a blast to get to know this car.

Two features I like so far. 1. The middle passenger seat on the right has a little tray with cup holders under it that folds out. There's even an open mess bag with a lid for storing small items in it. (This maybe be a Touring/GT option only, don't know) 2. The right sliding door will only open a crack if the gas cap door is open.

One feature I am a bit concerned about. The rear door/gate is made of a composite material. We discovered this when the sales person couldn't put the magnetic license plate holder onto the rear to do the test drive. There's instructions in the manual to be very gentle with this door.

stickguy

as noted, the price is MSRP. Nothing to do with dealer pricing.

In S. NJ, there are about 12 showing nearby. 1 5 speed sport, and the rest AT. Kinda goofy that the list page says 5 speed, and the AT is only shown when you click for details.

I didn't realize that the moonroof was an option on the sport. Looks like a sprt with the roof is about $800 cheaper than a touring, with the primary differences being you don't get side sills/rear spoiler, 6 disk changer, and auto climate.

IMO, that's perfect. I don't care for the plastic add ons, don't like auto CC, require a moonroof, and just finished loading up my new ipod which will make the CD changer a moot point.

SO about $18,700 MSRP for a sport/5 speed/roof, sounds like a deal to me. Not really any more than a 3SH!

lamjp

mazda6s

"Car dealership in usa are crooks. After they try to get you to make a deposit for a new car. The finance manager will rip you big time when you sign the contract.
Is this true?"

They can only rip you if you let them.

audia8q

since you have made the ignorant blanket statement that all of us in the car biz are crooks...perhaps you should ask somebody else your question.

smaria

I just got the message from my dealer (in NJ) that he has one in stock! I'm hoping to test drive it tomorrow

mazda6s

Rich - Well said.

twain

I apologize. You are absolutely correct. Some dealers have an additional $900 tacked on to the price with no explanation for the markup while others don't. Very interesting.
-----------------------------------------------------------
I apologize too. The search list shows all the vehicles as 5 speeds. But when I went to the window sticker, it showed $900 for the automatic.

That accounts for the $18,895 price.

The dealers better not be marking them up or they'll be shooting themselves in the foot. In this day of $3000 rebates and "employee discounts," I don't think many would pay above sticker for a new model.

charlotte7

One would think that, but in Texas at least, people are paying way above sticker for Prii.

audia8q

I got a Phantom blue MZ5 sport, auto with a moonroof today.

stickguy

a sport and a touring, both AT. I decided that the only feature of the touring I would really want is the funky little tray for the 2nd row. The kiddies would like that.

Didn't bother to drive one, since they didn't have a stick, but probably will when one of those arrives.

A couple of quick thoughts:

-looks sharp. It does resemble an oversized matrix with sliding doors.

- the doors greatly facilitate access to the rear seats. As long as people can get over the minivan connotations (and this, to me, is NOT a minivan), they will actually be a nice feature to have.

-Comfy. I'm 6'0, and had penty of room in the 1st and 2nd row. I even fit in the 3rd row OK (head and legs), not that I would want to be back there for a long trip. More than fine for kids. All the captains chairs felt fine, and the second row adjusted nicely.

-hardly any cargo room with the back seats up, but plenty with the 3rd row down, and tons with the middle row folded too.

-quibbles: Really needs a passenger (front) seat arm rest. Not having one would drive my wife nuts.

-Seats have the same problem as in the 3, for me at least, in that the front cushion doesn't tilt up enough (you have a choice of sitting flat, or tilted forward). If I was to drive one of these, I would probably put spacers in the front to jack it up.

Overall, a nice useful package. Could be a big hit with people that live in the city and need a tidy size, and small doors! Can certainly see why this class of car is so popular in Europe.

No, not likely to replace the "odyssey for families with more than 2 kids, but would do fine for DINKS (they still have those), younger families with 1 or 2 small kids, and especially with empty nesters (if the styling isn't too "young"), that need flexibility (going from another couple as passengers, cargo hauling from the antique shop, and occassionally tossing the grandkids in the 3rd row).

It would also serve just fine as a second car for many folks, myself included (hey, I drive a 2 door Scion tC now, so this would have to be more practical!)

stickguy

I also sat in a 3 hatch. This is the car i should have gotten last year, and right now, I would (for my uses) get one of them over the 5, since I normally never carry more than 4 people, and it can do 5 in a pinch. And, since it is lighter, gets better mileage and is faster.

Pricewise, the 5 really doesn't cost more (and actually might be less) than a comparably equipped 3.

smaria

"I decided that the only feature of the touring I would really want is the funky little tray for the 2nd row."

Ok, so I guess it's confirmed that only the Touring model has that.

By the way, which dealership did you go to? I'm in NJ too, and I'm planning on seeing a Mazda5 this weekend...I just need to figure out which dealer to go to.

Steve

smaria

I've clearly got too much free time...waiting to test drive a Mazda5

I think that the front of the Mazda5, at least from a side view, looks kinda like a Toyota Prius. But the back looks more like a Toyota Matrix. So, put the Prius and the Matrix together, and what do you get? Something that looks not so different from a Mazda 5. Of course, the Mazda5 has more style than the Toyotas, IMO.

stickguy

Maple Shade Mazda. Outside Phila.

kaian

I didn't realize anyone had a question about the foldout table for the second row. Yes, it's Touring only. Here's my list of major differences between Sport and Touring:

Sport / Touring

Black outside mirrors / Body-color outside mirrors
Spoiler requires package / included
Side sill extensions requires package / included
--- / Fog lights
Moonroof optional / Moonroof included
4 speaker stereo / 6 speaker stereo
6 disc changer requires package / included
--- / Automatic climate control
--- / Outside Temperature in center display
--- / Leather wrapped steering wheel
--- / Second row foldout table / cargo bin

thaicat

Any chance of a pic so I can see the colour?

audia8q

send me your email and I will send u a pic....

It's not quite as "tealish" as I was expecting....a little darker.

I know this is a terrible example...but blend a little strato blue and winning blue and you have phantom blue.

thaicat

Check your email.....addy sent.
Thanks
Thai