2009 Mazda6

aviboy97

Am I the only one here that actually likes the cloth interior!?!? The fabric is very smooth, and clothing does not get hung up on it, something that many other mfgr's have an issue with. I also like the "zebra" looking fabric. Oh well, to each their own!

Also, I really like the leather/cloth combo. I think the Touring with the conv. and moon roof / Bose package is worth getting over a GT. You save money and get the almost all the features.

A side not about interior plastics used. EVERY car has plastic in the interior. BMW, M-B, Acura, Audi all use plastics. So, I don't take notice to that. What does matter is how they are put together and how much is used, and Mazda did an excellent job of putting what they used together, and they don't use too much.

4rman

You hit the nail on the head "austinman7". Long term engine wear is my concern also. I am not sure why Mazda would choose the shorter gearing for the I4. I would imagine they are trying to squeeze every bit of HP from the engine. On the other hand, with 09's excellent drag coefficient, the fuel economy could have been even better if the RPMs were lower. There is always something isn't there. When I test drove a Camry SE i4(2.4L), I observed the RPMs and they were 500 lower at the same speed compared to the Mazda on the same stretch of the road. Camry owners are getting 31+ on HWY while I am seeing from a few comments posted here that folks are getting 24-26/gal.

aviboy97

No 2 highway trips to NJ from CT, I observed 31.4 on my first, and over 33 on my second. They were different cars, and both brand new. Cruise was set at 70, and the a/c was on.

smallcar

"By the way, did you notice the overly high revving engine at highway speeds? During my test drive I observed 2600 rpm at normal cruising speed of about 64 mph."

The difference between your observation and snoopy316's (2100 rpm at 70 mph) is the difference between the I4 and the V6 engines. The 2100 rpm at 70 mph is exactly what I observed on my test drive of a V6 grand touring.

If you're buying the I4, looks like higher revs on the highway will be the norm. The Car & Driver review of an i grand touring in the current issue (November I think) says they observed 3300 rpm at 80 mph.

What's the RPM for the I4 manual in top gear?

austinman7

"What's the RPM for the I4 in top gear?"

Opps, sorry, I should have qualified my earlier comment about the Car & Driver article. They tested an I4 with manual transmission, so the 3300 at 80 mph is your answer.

I'm wondering if the I4 with automatic transmission would have lower RPMs? Surely there's an owner here who could tell us. That would be a more exact comparison with the V6 automatic that shows 2100 at 70 mph.

maxamillion1

I'll agree with you about everyone using plastic in their interiors...IMO interiors have become more and more cheaply made over the years, though interior design has improved tremendously over the years.

m6user

The reported 25-26 hwy has been from V6 owners. Only comments on hwy I've seen for the I4 have been EPA or better and with low miles so should get a little better down the road so to speak.

ohblue

I don't like the zebra print, but it didn't stop me from buying the car...tomorrow.

venture

Also, I really like the leather/cloth combo. I think the Touring with the conv. and moon roof / Bose package is worth getting over a GT. You save money and get the almost all the features.

I looked pretty carefully at the web site before buying. In my opinion, the extra $1,575 was well spent for extras like full leather with seat memory, Auto Dim mirrors w/ Homelink, Power passenger seat, LED tail lights. The ground illumination thingy is cool too.

Strictly for value though - I agree with you.

jeffyscott

The automatic I4 probably has lower rpm, this was the case in the prior version for which the auto was about 25% lower rpm in top gear.

vfontjr

I bought a 2009 Mazda6 i Grand Touring last Saturday. I love the car but am having an issue with the radio or bluetooth. Twice so far, I've started the car and the lower Source Options (Aux1, Aux2, iPod, and Bluetooth) are all grayed out. The Bluetooth phone option is also greyed out on the menu. I'm hoping this might be a loose connection. Has anyone else experienced this problem? What is the fix?

aviboy97

The Bluetooth phone option is also greyed out on the menu

Did you actually sync your Bluetooth phone to the car?

I take it you have nav on your Mazda6, since you are talking about the displayed options.

What you want to look for is a little phone icon on the LCD screen on the upper dash. I think that icon will also display on the nav system as well. If you do not see that icon, then you are not synced with the Mazda. If you are having trouble syncing, then your phone may be out of date.

I've started the car and the lower Source Options (Aux1, Aux2, iPod, and Bluetooth)

The iPod icon will be gray unless you actually get the fully integrated iPod accessory. The aux1 and aux2 will also remain gray unless you actually have something plugged into the aux port. The Bluetooth icon on that screen I believe ONLY applys to the Bluetooth audio, not the Bluetooth phone.

Let me know how you make out!

vfontjr

Yes, I did pair the phone. It was working when I went out for lunch. On the way home from work, it wouldn't connect.

venture

v,

I assume your phone is one Mazda has tested and confirmed it works completely. Some have "exceptions".

They also have pairing help on the web site with a phone number to call if the instructions don't work.

www.mazdausa.com/bluetooth

chriso7

I took a 2009 6i Touring with convenience pkg for a drive. I reset the mileage computer and drove ~ 30 highway miles at 60-65 mph. The display showed I had averaged 29.8 mpg. I then filled the gas tank to full, reset the computer again and drove ~50 miles city with about 4 times shutting the car off for a few moments as I ran an errand (30-40mph max, mostly flat but some hills) without getting on the pedal too hard. The computer then displayed an average mpg of 24.1. I refilled at the same gas station and same pump. The manual calculation was 23.87mpg, only a 0.22mpg difference. The temperature was about 56 degrees, so I did not use the air conditioner.

The wind noise on the highway was very minimal. The BSM system although as reviewed occasionally picks up a guard rail, I found it to be pretty accurate and actually saved me on the way back to the dealer. Further observations: the lumbar support did not have as much "range" as I would have liked; the seat could go back a little further for my long leg, but it was not uncomfortable (6'2", 240lbs); the engine is not as peppy as the altima 4 cylinder however in almost all other respects it feels to be a more refined car. I actually like the altima very much and have been trying to decide between the two. The altima does have a better base radio than a 6i without the Bose system.

chriso7

2400 @ 60mph
2600 @ 70mph
2900 @ 80mph

ohblue

I think I read here that Mazda could come out w/ accessories to enhance performance of the new 6. If so, do you buying them and have them installed at a dealership? Does it void the warranty?

aviboy97

All Mazdaspeed accessories come with a warranty. If they are installed before you take delivery of the Mazda6, they come with the whole factory warranty on the car.

To my knowledge, there is absolutely no Mazdaspeed parts for the 09 Mazda6 yet.

4rman

Thanks chriso7. Exactly what I was looking for. Never got a chance to get it up to 80 mph. So I was correct in my assumptions that it will be about 500 RPMS higher at 70 and 80 MPH compared to other vehicles like Camry/Accord/Altima. Thanks for the info.

dman24

Has anyone used the website mazdagear.com? I am most likely getting a 6i this week and wanted to get the iPod integration module from there and installed at the dealership. How is the website? Also for those who have the iPod Integration Module, what do you think of it? Is it easy to use? I've heard that the tracks/artist are displayed on the screen where the temp/time is displayed if you don't have navi. Is this accurate?

weathergirl

I finally got my Black 09 Mazda6 i Touring with the Moonroof/Bose Package and the Convenience Package! I love the cloth and leather combo seats! I didn't think I'd actually use the BSM or the rain sensing wipers, but they're actually pretty cool. I've only had the car for a few days, but so far, my favorite feature is being able to lock and unlock the car using the button or sensor on the door handle. Haven't used the bluetooth yet, but the salesman did sync it.

Wouldn't you know it just had to spit rain and snow today on my drive to work!

I plan to order the splash guards from Mazdagear.com., so I'll let you know how it goes.

ohblue

Wow, WG! Great minds think alike. I got my Black 6i Touring, w/ roof & convenience package this past Friday. They threw in the mud guards and weather mats, but haven't arrived yet. I'll pick them up when I have the paint sealant treatment done (I decided to do that last minute and they needed to order the application, as well).

You'll love the bluetooth. The whole car is so cool. Don't have to take the keys out of your pocket to to unlock and start the car. Don't have to take your phone out of your pocket to use it. Don't have to turn the (Xenon) lights on. Don't have to turn the wipers on. Don't have to worry about blind spots. Set the cruise control and no worries there either. I can't wait 'til it's broke in, so I can have a little more fun w/ it. Enjoy!

weathergirl

ohblue! We must be on the same wavelength! I ordered my splash guards and touch-up paint (just in case) today from mazdagear.com. Can't wait to add them to the car. I didn't go for the paint treatment, but I will probably do the key replacement warranty thing. That might come in handy.

Have fun!

chriso7

Congrats to you both! I just put a down payment on a 2009 6i myself tonight.
What comes standard as accessories? Maybe summer mats or a cargo net?

Also, what is the key replacement warranty thing? I did not see that on the website.

Thanks.

weathergirl

Hi chriso7! Congrats on your purchase, too! The key replacement program thing was something that the F&I guy told me about. I'll have to read the brochure (it's at home) and try to summarize it for you tomorrow, unless someone else does it. What I remember is that it's a one time fee, and you can get a certain number of smartkeys replaced per year (if it's lost, broken, etc.).

As for the standard features, I don't remember without looking at the brochure. Basically, I test drove the I Touring with the conv. and moonroof/bose packages first. My second test drive was in an I sport and it just wasn't the same. The gauges didn't even have the same lighting, IMO. Nothing against the sport, but it just didn't wow me as much. I did get the summer floormats with mine, but they could've been part of the convenience package...I don't remember now. Maybe someone else can help you out!

Good luck!

chriso7

Hi Weathergirl! Thanks for the response.

How many keys does it come with?

During my test drives I could not get the drivers door to unlock without using the remote. I pressed the black button on the door handle and it beeped but it did not open. Also, I wondered if it could unlock all doors by pressing the black button twice like the Altima. :confuse:

Thanks again.

dman24

Congratulations you guys. I have been doing my homework for the past two months before deciding to pull the trigger. This week it hopefully will be a done deal. I too am going for the black i GT. I drove the s as well and you can feel a difference but I will be smiling when the miles go by and I am filling up my tank less. The car is definitely a fun car to drive. Good first impressions for you guys? Any regrets?

venture

Has anyone used the website mazdagear.com?

I ordered from mazdagear.com last week. They ship quickly.

I had a question about the item I received and they were quick to reply to my email.

venture

During my test drives I could not get the drivers door to unlock without using the remote. I pressed the black button on the door handle and it beeped but it did not open.

The black button is to lock the doors. To unlock them just touch the inside of the door handle. It should beep twice and the parking lights will flash twice.

chriso7

Thanks Venture. Does it unlock just the drivers door or all doors? If so, how?

Someone had mentioned there are misc items that can be programmed. Is one of those that the doors will auto-lock upon putting the car in gear?

aviboy97

Does it unlock just the drivers door or all doors? If so, how?

Just the door where you are attempting to open. Your key fob is a sensor, and there are sensors in the driver's door, trunk, and passenger door. You need to be within 2.5 ft with the key fob for the touch-handle feature to work.

Is one of those that the doors will auto-lock upon putting the car in gear?

I'm going to say no...however, I will check into it in the morning for you.

venture

Someone had mentioned there are misc items that can be programmed. Is one of those that the doors will auto-lock upon putting the car in gear?

There are many things that can be programmed into the fob. Unfortunately locking the doors is not one of them, and is one thing I miss.

venture

What comes standard as accessories? Maybe summer mats or a cargo net?

I just noticed you asked this question.
The carpeted floor mats and carpeted trunk mat is included with the 6i Touring. The cargo net is optional on all versions. I got mine at mazdagear.com

Installation of the cargo net is a real hoot. You have to remove the plastic plugs that hold the rear trunk panel, remove the panel, and drill out the metal to 5/16" (I think - it's in the instructions). Then you replace the original plugs with the supplied T-shaped plugs to hold the net. It only takes about 20 minutes, but in Gods name why don't they just include the T-shaped plugs as standard equipment? Add the extra 10 cents to the price. :P

All of the inclusions are on the Mazda web site.

mazda6dude

Not much of a improvement from the previous Mazda6. I used to own a 2005i AT and at 70MPH the rpm was 3000. If Mazda plans to increase MPG, they need to decrease RPM.

aviboy97

There is a 500rpm difference between your 05 and the 09 when cruising at 70mph. You don't call that much improvement?

chikoo

>If Mazda plans to increase MPG, they need to decrease RPM.

Not necessarily.

mz6greyghost

If Mazda plans to increase MPG, they need to decrease RPM.

I'm sorry, but if you're hesitant on purchasing a 6 because of it's highway RPM, then this definitely isn't the car for you, and not for just that reason.

My '04 V6 spins about 3250 RPM at highway speeds. Yes, it's higher than other cars. No, it's not any louder than any other midsize V6. I haven't heard any problems with engines seizing or wearing out too quickly due to the high RPM (I4 or V6). And the kicker? How about the fact that the V6 stays in it's powerband, making downshifting to pass purely optional, and the fact that I still get 29-30 MPG on the open road. IMO pretty good for a V6 with two people and a extended weekend full of luggage inside.

weathergirl

Hey chriso7,

The car comes with 2 smartkeys.

The brochure about the key replacement is called "Nation Safe Drivers Motor Club with Key/Remote Replacement." The F&I guy said it's a one time fee of $139, you can get up to 2 keys per year. I think it was for 5 years, but I'm not 100% sure on that. Maybe one of the salesmen on here can fill us in on it.

The brochure also says that in addition to the key replacement, it also has 24 hour emergency road service (us and canada), 24 hour emergency delivery of fuel, oil, water (you pay for those things), 24 hour emergency battery service, lost key or lockout service, rent a car discounts, map routing service, and theft and hit-and-run protection (they offer a reward for info "leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for hit&run damages or stealing your vehicle." Perhaps there's a website out there for it with more info.

Has anyone else been offered this plan or bought it?

weathergirl

Okay, so I just found their website (http://www.nationsafedrivers.com). It looks like a huge marketing ploy (like the other stuff the F& I guys are supposed to sell to you). Maybe it's not such a good deal after all. Hmmm...this will take more research.

sedmund

Just the door where you are attempting to open.
That's right. But this can be re-programmed to open all four doors.

chriso7

Thanks Venture -- I couldn't agree more, how hard would it be to have those hooks pre-installed.

Did you say the instructions for accessory installation is on the Mazda website? I looked but only found the parts, not instructions.

chriso7

Hey weathergirl,

I agree, the key replacement program sounds like a money maker after looking a the website that sponsors it. I think the 6 already comes with roadside assistance anyway.

chriso7

I haven't got my car yet, but I will be sure to let you know my impressions and regrets (if any).

chriso7

Are these program options able to be set by us or do they have to be done by the dealer?

barry626

Mazdagear.com is FANTASTIC!
I orderd the following last month & all came perfect + fast!

Front + Rear Splash Guards. I installed them real easy!
Rear Spoiler (Dealer installed $100.00)
Illuminated Doorstills (Dealer installed $150.00)
Winter Mats
Touch-Up Paint
Front Lic. Plate Bracket.
Cargo Net (I installed)
Wheel Locks

chriso7

Hi Barry626 -- How did the splash guards get mounted? Was it with screws or bolts and did you have to drill a hole? If so, was the hole into metal or plastic?

Thanks -- and enjoy your new car!

barry626

Front Guards have to remove 2 plastic scews & replace with new plugs.
+ very bottom have to drill 5/16 hole for 3rd plug. Into plastic not metal.
Rear Guards remove plastic pieces & install the plugs. Real easy!
Wheel well has to be shifted "moved little" but not a big deal.

weathergirl

chris07,
Yeah, I'm trying to find out through Mazda and my salesman what the specifics are on that plan. I jotted down a few notes when the F&I guy was talking about it, but that's all I have. The brochure barely mentions it and gives no details. I'll let you know if I hear something! I was told at the dealership that this plan would be cheaper than buying an extra smartkey. We'll see!

chriso7

I had planned on getting the wheel locks, but my dealer warned me that one slip while taking the lock off will damage the lug nut making it very difficult to remove. He said they were not made of that strong of steel.

I figure I will just let insurance pay if the wheels are stolen.

chriso7

Does anyone know of a good source to buy the service manual?

Thanks.