Mazda CX-7

wjbushsr

Check your owner's manual, it clearly states not to add any "additives" to the fuel.

With this being so new of an engine, I say just use the best gasoline available, {upper tier brands that BMW recommends, as well as Mercedes} and change the oil regularly.
Do that and you should do just fine!

Welcome aboard, and Zoom Zooooom! :shades:

papercut

I am gonna get the keys to my Zoomer on the 30th Mar, the paper work here takes weeks cos of what we call a COE system that the dealers got to bid for (on my behalf), it happens every 2 weeks and so on (thus the reason why the car prices fluctuate every so often) ... enough of the fluff, I'll take a look at the "media" button when I clooect my ride and learn more.........

budh

Being about a 4,000 pound vehicle, do you think there might be more CX-7 sales if a 6-cylinder engine was available?

Bud H

ctx

Absolutely. I was torn between the CX-7 and Murano. CX-7 lost because of:

1. 4 banger
2. Back seat design
3. Size of cargo space
4. Towing capacity (victim of 4 banger).

I might actually have forgiven the fugly, uncomfortable back seats if Mazda had put in a 6 cyl. (note I drove Mazdas for 12 years previous before purchasing my Murano - was very sad about the choices the Mazda marketing folks made with the CX-7).

vbbuilt

The backseats are "fugly" ???

I never realized that design of the backseats, from an aesthetics point of view, was ever a consideration of some people....front seat, maybe... but the back seats? Hmmm, go figure.

I'm single, so I don't sit in the back seats...just toss my gym bag there.

But your points about the 4 cylinder are worth noting...I've outgunned Muranos on more than one occasion :shades:

Good luck with your choices!

Vince.

ctx

Sorry - didn't mean to offend about my opinion of the back seat . I think I posted this a long time ago in a galaxy far away - but I came from a tiny two seater so the addition of the back seat was VERY important to me (even though, like you, I am single. The back seats get used by my coworkers and that is primarily it. . The CX-7s were just not that luxurious imho (in an otherwise very nice looking car).

vbbuilt

No offense taken I was merely amused by your choice of terms. When you coined that term for the back seats, I immediately flashed to the Pontiac Aztec... Now, that's FUGLY! :P So, the CX-7's back seats, although will never get a design award, certainly aren't that hideous? As compared to something nauseous like the Aztec? LOL.

BTW, I never considered the CX-7 luxurious.... For luxurious, I'd go with a Bentley or a Rolls Royce or even a Lexus LS 460 L. For me, CX-7 has just enough amenities and sportiness to fit my budget.

Vince.

ateixeira

I don't think they need a 6 cylinder because the CX9 model already fills that niche.

Plus, the CX9 gets 16/22 mpg with AWD, would you really want a CX7 that got poor mileage like that?

qbrozen

well, first, I don't think the CX9 fills that niche because it is bigger and heavier. That's like saying a CRV with a V6 would canibalize Pilot sales.

As far as mileage, the CX9 is only 2 mpg worse than the CX7, and at 600 lbs less, I would bet the CX7 with the same V6 would get the same mileage it does now, if not better (and judging by the mileage complaints with the turbo, I really do think better mileage with the V6 would be a distinct possibility).

ateixeira

I wonder how much more the 3.5l V6 would weigh, though, and if that might upset the balance of the CX7.

Also, they look so much alike that some people can't tell them apart. I'm sure they're cross shopped more often than we might think at first.

audia8q

Alot of folks come in with the intention of looking at both but once they see the size differences they almost always eliminate one or the other. The psycho graphics and demographics for each vehicle is very different...so far the buyers have been fitting the molds almost perfectly.

qbrozen

Once you take the turbo components into account, the weight difference is probably less than 100 lbs. Heck, maybe far less.

maltb

As far as greater towing capacity in the CX-7goes, I wouldn't much more with the dynamics of that vehicle. When my boat goes out, it goes behind a larger vehicle.

Now if I were shopping for a CX-9, I'd want more than it is rated for (3,500).

ateixeira

You sure? So far all the vehicles that 3.5l goes in have been seemingly overweight. If it's the engine block that might upset the CX7's handling.

extech2

I think a CX-7 (or the Acura RDX) with a 6 cylinder engine would be just as quick or quicker, offering stronger low end response, with the same or only slightly worse gas mileage. For me the biggest benefit would be less complexity under the hood and a somewhat more reliable engine, plus the use of regular gas instead of the premium. I sure wish they'd make one.

qbrozen

Oh, I'm definitely not sure. I'm guessing. I have no idea how we would find out. I just know that, based on experience, engines don't make as big of a difference as you'd think when it comes to the weight of the car. For instance, a V6 accord is only 185 lbs more than a 4-cyl, and that's without any of that extra stuff that goes into having a turbo.

Even if its, lets say, 150 lbs more. That's less than the difference you'd find having an adult passenger.

nmk

I thought I had posted this previously, perhaps in another forum.

Somewhere I had read that the V-6 would present a number of problems.
1- It just wouldn't fit in the space available.
2- In order to accommodate this engine it would change the styling dimensions of a vehicle that we all admit is on the cutting edge of vehicles of this type.
3- Whether the dynamics of the handling would change much is irrelevant.

qbrozen

i think the "it won't fit" excuse is just that ... an excuse. If they stick by that story, it keeps them from ever having to actually try. If audi can fit a V8 under the hood of an A4, a V6 can fit in the CX7.

audia8q

so I ask the question...why and how will adding a V6 benefit mazda?

do the number work?? you have a totally different dynamic for crash testing, dot/epa certification, CAFE rating issues, marketing costs. Plus the engine must be outsourced at a higher cost than the current mazda sourced engine. It will cost millions to do all this... will a V6 increase sales without canabalizing another mazda or ford vehicle line enough to justity the costs?

slippert

which one?I'm leaning to the CX-7 vs. Marano. Any strong opinions from buyers who shopped both?

defreitasm

A V6 generally adds a significant amount to the price of the vehicle when compared to a 4. I'm not sure what the difference would be in the case of the CX-7 since we are talking about a turbo 4.

qbrozen

so I ask the question...why and how will adding a V6 benefit mazda?

Beats me.

That's not my job.
my job, as a consumer, is simply to demand it. Its their job to figure out if they want to meet that demand. Plenty of other manufacturers have no problem offering 2 engines in their vehicles.

audia8q

I don't know either...but I guess if it made financial sense they would offer it.

extech2

When we bought our 2004 V6 Accord I was shopping for FX35, Cadillac SRX and Murano and Pilot. One drive in the Accord convinced me that it was quicker and more nimble than any of the others. We already had an Accord and we didn't need another one but I fell in love with the V6. My point is that if wouldn't be for the V6 we would have bought something entirely different. Turbo engines make their power by getting stressed to a much higher degree than a non-turbo motor and when the miles get close to the 100 K mark, they might need major work while the non-turbo motor could last another 3-4 years without the need for repairs.

wjbushsr

Any engine without the proper maint. will fail.
To say that turbos fail after 100k miles is extremely erroneous, every diesel rig on the road has a turbo, these engines work on the same principal and don't fail at 100k, 200k or even 300k; most of them will get over a million miles before they're overhauled.
The reason Mazda went with the turbo 4 as opposed to the six was because of weight distribution; plain and simple... They could have opted to use a Rotary engine as well, but ultimately decided to go with a proven turbo four that has been used in the Mazda Speed 6.
Besides, the CX-9 has the six, as well as the Edge MKX and a host of other rides out there... the turbo four sets the CX-7 out from the pack... in more ways than one!
Zoom Zoooom :P

ateixeira

3- Whether the dynamics of the handling would change much is irrelevant.

I disagree with that 3rd one.

People chose a CX7 because of the Zoom Zoom factor. If the 3.5l V6 is a lot heavier it would make it nose heavy and spoil the fun factor.

My guess is the 3.5l V6 isn't even made in the same plant where the CX7 is assembled, so logistics would be costly and complex.

I give Mazda credit for not following the same path everyone else does.

aviboy97

Turbo engines make their power by getting stressed to a much higher degree than a non-turbo motor and when the miles get close to the 100 K mark, they might need major work while the non-turbo motor could last another 3-4 years without the need for repairs.

That is pure speculation. Keep in mind, Mazda has built the 2.3L engine to withstand turbo charging. It has forged internal parts. Mazda has been turbo charging vehicles for years. The 88-92 Mazda MX-6 with the F2T engine was a great engine. Many still driving them with 200,000+ miles on them.

Mazda may have stumbled on something great here. Look at Acura, they have followed suit. Acura/Honda are not known for turbo charging...that says a lot.

ateixeira

Also, isn't the 2.3l made in a Japan in a Mazda plant, while the 3.5l V6 is pure Ford. I might choose the turbo for that reason alone.

I've owned both Fords and Mazdas - plural in both cases.

aviboy97

Yes, the MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo is built in Japan. The 3.5L V6 is totally Ford.

There is confusion where the 3.5L V6 is actually assembled for the Mazda application on the CX-9. Some say it is assembled here in the States and shipped to Japan, or it might be assembled in Japan, using Japanese parts. Personally, I think it is built here and shipped over there to be placed in the CX-9. It is really a nice engine. I'm very impressed. Kudos to Ford.

ateixeira

Agreed, nice engine, but it is a Ford and I think I'd be more comfortable waiting to here initial reports on reliability before buying one of the first ones.

aviboy97

As a consumer, one is not wrong to use that approach given Fords inconsistent reliability history, however, they are making significant strides to right their ship.

On a positive note, the Duratec35 is based off of the Duratec30, which was a good engine.

vbbuilt

The acronym F.O.R.D is still very appropriate..."Found On Road, Dead" or "Fix Or Repair, Daily" Nothing has changed over the years. :P

Vince.

aviboy97

or "First On Race Day"...lol

vbbuilt

Oh? Which model Ford are you referring to?

Vince.

qbrozen

How about the famed GT40 that won the 24 hours of Le Mans 4 times in a row?

I'm not a ford fan, but let's not throw feces for the sake of it.

nmk

My phrasing was a bit ambiguous.
My meaning was as the V-6 would'nt fit, to comment on the handling was irrelevant as it couldn't be done. :shades:

qbrozen

hmmm... I thought I read the sister V6s have their own internals from each company.(???) Or did that only apply to the previous 3 liter? Or am I making this up completely?

aviboy97

I was not referring to any model, just adding to the list of acronyms. I believe it's meant to be in reference to NASCAR

vbbuilt

Thanks!

ateixeira

OK. That makes sense. :shades:

laptev

Has anyone tried putting a bike in the back of a cx-7? I can fit one in my tribute without taking off the front wheel but I'm curious if this would work with the cx-7? I'd hate to buy a bike-rack etc. And I like to go riding right from work and I can't leave a bike on a rack all day... let me know what you guys think. Thanks!

defreitasm

You mentioned Zoom Zoom stickers and I asked what stickers? I didn't get any stickers.

vbbuilt

Interesting. Mine came in the mail a short time after I bought my car. Sometime after that, I also got a little vial of touch-up paint.

Perhaps you can go back to your dealer and inquire. They may have one of those stickers in a drawer somewhere.

Vince.

PF_Flyer

It's Tuesday, so that means Mazda chat night. If you haven't joined us before, stop in tonight for a little fun with the group!

The Mazda Club Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule

johnny__rf

I've had a kids bike in the back by lowering the rear seats and removing the cargo cover. Not sure about a full size bike, but I would bet against it. Bring your bike to a Mazda dealership and see if it works......I had a CRV prior to the CX-7 and the cx has much less cargo space and the rear opening is a lot smaller......

kmr5

I could not find any previous comments on this, but I have noticed a rattle coming from my rear hatch when driving at speeds greater than 60 mph. Some days are worse than others. I can not find any obvious answers, but since it only happens at high speeds, I am thinking the wind has something to do with it. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem?

rifrbest

I'm thrilled with the looks of the Mazda CX-7. I've always read that most cars can run on regular gas, even if the car manufacturer states premium. With the price of gas,does anyone know if the CX-7 can run normally on regular gas. Mazda said it requires premium gas. willing to sacrifice a little performance. Richard rifrbest@aol.com

maltb

It's never a good idea to rely solely on the knock sensor to retard the timing (and spare your engine from pre-detonation)of a vehicle that's designed to run differently.

lateralg

There is no such thing as pre-detonation.

There is Detonation.
There is Pre-ignition.

VERY different things.

Other than that, I agree with the post, particularly true on a turbo engine.

I don't go along with "never" on naturally aspirated engines.

verdugo

If you're worried about gas prices, buy a cheaper vehicle that takes regular. Why spend so much money on this car just to save a couple hundred (if that) a year on gas?