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Comments
IMO, this issue needs to be addressed even before signing on the dotted line. On your freeway testdrive, have the vehicle flashed first before testdriving.
Is decent 91 octane gas (I usually go for Chevron when I can find it) going to be sufficient for this car, or is it going to cause noticeable power loss or other issues if the computer thinks the gas is inferior?
Per MazdaSpeed6 Features and Specifications:
* This vehicle is designed to use 93 octane (AKI) or higher gasoline for best performance. If 93 octane (AKI) is not available, 91 or 92 octane (AKI) gasoline can be used. In case 91 or 92 octane (AKI) is not available, gasoline as low as 87 octane (AKI) can be used temporarily for emergency purposes. Use of gasoline lower than 93 octane (AKI) can decrease performance during its use.
Given my tight timeline, I think the former suggestion is valid -- I'll make the flash a condition of sale. I'll probably test drive the floor model on the freeway and briefly test the actual vehicle I'm being before close the deal.
Per MazdaSpeed6 Features and Specifications
I've seen this official spec before, but I'm looking for some real-world experience here. I get the sense from most posts I've read from people have tried 91 and 93 in their MS6 that the difference isn't huge until you go below 91 (which is clearly a no-no). Any more input from experience here?
Thanks,
monkeymobile
This has been an awsome car so far. The clutch is a bit touchy, but I've gotten used to it.
Buy it and enjoy it!
Zoomtoy
The powerloss issue has escalated into an official "recall" so I would imagine that the dealer should take care of it. You might just want to verify with the dealer that this has already been done or will be done prior to delivery.
The car runs just fine on 91 octane. Using 91 octane (vs. 93) doesn't cause an "problems" with the car, you just won't realize what you're missing out on. However, I did experiment once by adding a 1/2-tank of 100-octane race gas (available only at select fuel stations) (at $6.99/gallon!) and the power difference was phenomenal. When I refilled with 91, the car definitely felt less peppy.
That being said, the MS6 is fast! It really pulls in all gears, even in 6th gear at 80mph, it accelerates effortlessly.
As far as materials, I think they're pretty good for a non-luxury brand. I have a GT-trim model with white/black leather seats, and it's very comfortable to drive, although the sporty suspension lets you feel more of the road than, say, a Camry. There are a lot of nice features that you don't usually find on non-luxury brands: all 4 auto-up/down windows, when you're outside the car, the windows roll down when you hold down the unlock button on the remote (useful on hot days!), advanced keyless entry and start (GT trim only), HID headlamps with manual leveling feature, to name a few.
The last time I had an emotional connection with a car was 10 years ago, when I owned a 92 Sentra SE-R. The MS6 has definitely started to steal my heart!
Probably the only downside to owning the car is that it doesn't get the greatest fuel economy. I average only about 22mpg mixed city/highway, which offers a range of only 320 miles. At today's pump prices, it digs deeply into the wallet. But that's the price you pay for performance.
I have found that it does have little rattles and that comes from the stiff suspension. The interior materials are up to par with the Japanese automakers.
Haven't experienced the loss of pwr issue, but since I have a dealer close to me, I will take it in anyway....hope this helps!
Maybe I'll get a GT after all - $24.1K . Sport would be $22.3K.
Thank God US drivers are so lame. I can hear the average BubbaJoe now: What do you mean it's a four cylinder? No automatic? Are you serious?? These seats are a little, ummm, tight....Ironically, the Speed6 was totally off my radar until I saw one in front of a SAM'S CLUB as part of their car buying service!
Looks like I'll have an '02 WRX wagon for sale soon. Are there any other Speed6 owners who are former WRX owners willing to share a comparison?
I can definitely say this MS6 drives better than the original model I test drove earlier this week. It feels less jumpy, much smoother -- the power doesn't come on as alarmingly, but it's plenty fast.
In any event, I couldn't be happier. I got a *great* price for my R32 (a great car, but the resale values forced my hand) and a similarly excellent deal on the GT. If you live in SoCal, go see Bob Nameche at Star Mazda -- he's a real class act.
I've only driven the car ~20 miles and I've already adjusted to the hair-trigger clutch (errr...mostly). As much as I liked my R32 and it's razor-sharp responses, the harsh ride and freeway noise grew tiresome. Coming from the R32, the Mazda gives up a little in handling and immediacy, but it is much more comfortable -- better ride, better isolation, firmer chassis with better damping. To me, it feels much more like a European car than any Japanese car I've ever driven (kind of A4-ish). I've owned two turbocharged cars before and I forgot how easy it is to be caught off guard when trying to accelerate from 1,500-2,000 RPM. It's like one Mississippi, two Mississippi, whoooosh! The R32's strongest suit was its completely balanced engine that pulls evenly all through the range. Still, no regrets.
One last note on octane: the quick tips guide that comes with the car states: "To get maximum performance from your turbocharged engine, take note of the following: Use 91-93 octane premium unleaded gasoline ONLY, extra fuel additives are NOT recommended."
Any other SoCal owners around?
-monkeymobile
-monkeymobile
No rims, I like the stock wheels and the sleeper look. But I'm thinking of the Magnaflow Catback and they make a MAZDASPEED CAI(I here it's made by AEM. Maybe a tubotimer and a blowoff valve. That would be it for perfomance mods.
Appearance, I just want to change the yellow/orange side markers to clear ones. Those are somewhat hard to come by...
I am thinking about purchasing a 06 MS6 Sport (titanium gray) for $22,800. Is this a good price? Also, how often do the tireswear out? This will be first car that I would own with 18" rims and I was wondering if anyone thinks that these rims are prone to damage and bridgestone r-rated tires might wear out under 20,000 miles or so (I've heard this is true on Subaru WRX STi BBS rims/tires). Also,how often do you guys change your oil? And is synthetic oil recommended?
Or will it be okay with synthetic/dyno blend?
I know these are a lot of questions, but I just wanted make sure all questions are anwered before I jumped onto the deal. I was originally going to get a Mazda 6 V6 hatchback, but when I realised that I can pick uo this supercar for practically nothing, I changed mind!
Thank you so much for all your input.
Since you're asking, I'd have to say that this is *not* the car for you.
-juice
If you're only getting 25mpg in your 3, you'll likely see fuel economy around 20mpg over Hwy17. I drive 75 miles a day between Los Gatos and San Mateo via 85/101 or 85/280, averaging about 22mpg with spirited driving. Hwy 17 begs the car to stretch its legs. If you drive agressively for most of the trip, expect 18-20mpg.
And as soon as you buy the car, start budgeting for tires (especially since you're driving over the hill). I've put a little under 11K miles on it since the end of January, and I'd say that the tires will have to be replaced prior to the rainy season.
Finally, the orange dash lighting cannot be cheaply changed to another color.
I've mostly driven mellow (mostly to and from work the first week), but I also took several opportunities to wind things out and learn the car in some local twisties. It also took some time to adjust to the clutch, so I'm sure that didn't help either.
My wife is taking the car to work tomorrow, so that might help! I predict 20MPG for my second tank. 4 cyclinder or not, we're talking 274 HP in a 3,600-3,700 pound car.
-monkeymobile
I am fixing to bite the bullet and buy the Mazdaspeed 6 today. I got the dealer down to $21,885 on a titanium gray MS6 Sport with no other options but wheel locks and cargo net. He is also throwing in a 12 year-125,000 mile powertrain warranty to sweeten the deal. However, he is offering 72mos. financing through Mazda America Credit at 8% annual interest! Can I do better than 8%? Will 7.2% possible through MAC?
Thank you for the feedback.
Mac's rates are higher than most banks...but if you go with an outside bank/finance source you will give up the $1000 mac rebate. Depending on how much you finance even 1-2% less might be a higher payment without the mac cash reabte.
run the numbers and see if going to an outside bank with a lower rate works.
Are you sure they are throwing in 125k/12year warranty for free and at sub $22k price? That sounds too good to be true!
FYI you can get 5.74% APR at penfed! That also includes refis!
A post was removed, sorry.
I can't tell you the salesman's name, but he is awaiting your call.
Here's a quick question for you on the Rules of the Road. While reading the rule about Posts about dealers, I came across the rule about No "Email Me" or Email Addresses in Posts. I understand what it's getting at, but what if you want someone to contact you about a topic that is forbidden in the forums?
If you (or anyone) has any more questions, just drop me an email. I don't want to disrupt this discussion.
Yeah, well this car begs to be driven hard, corner hard, and I almost always oblige. I'm sure if you put a more conservative driver behind the wheel, you could extend the life of tires. The OEM Bridgestone RE050A's are a pretty soft-rubber grippy summer performance tire, so yeah, they aren't expected to last too long, certainly not 30-40K miles. If you want to get a longer-lasting tire, expect lower performance (i.e. poorer cornerning and traction).
Hahaha, yeah, but that would also require that you drive your new 274HP sport sedan like a Kia Sportage. Why buy an MS6 if you're not going to drive it?
The delaership in town also threw in a 12 year, 125,000 mile limited powertrain warranty!
They have four other MS6 sprts sitting on the lot. Two silvers and a black, as well as Titanium gray and cherry red Grand Touring MS6 as well.
If you live anywhere near Texas, these guys are worth a try!
Thanks in advance.
Is that what is happening to you? Thanks for the help.
In this day and age, one rarely hears a backfire.
John
1 to 2 19mph
2 to 3 29mph
3 to 4 37mph
4 to 5 42mph
5 to 6 50mph
I think the shift points for 5th and 6th look kinda low. The reason why is because in 6th on the highway everything is fine if I'm running 65mph or over in 6th. If it drops below 65mph I start getting a osculating vibration. This starts to happen the speed drops below 2500RPM or 65mph. I don't notice a movement in the RPM needle or anything vibration from the steering wheel or gear shift knob.
Has anyone experienced this??
Got my official recall notice for the power-loss issue. I don't know if I want to do it. Has anyone noticed any downside to the update?