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Mazda CX-9 Pet Peeves
So I think we all can agree the CX-9 is a great vehicle, but what are the things you'd change for the '09 model?
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- A/C stays on in Auto Climate Control mode even when heating (see my post in the Real World MPG thread).
- No Trip Computer.
- No RDS system for the Bose radio (you know, the system that lets stations broadcast text to RDS enabled radios to display artist, song, etc). For a supposedly high-end stereo, this is very disappointing.
- Awkward 'Seek' functionality. You have to hold down the Tune button in order to seek, but if stations are close together you will likely miss some.
- No exterior button to trigger the power lift gate. There's a button to close it but not one to open it (unless you use the smart key).
- Can't set the minutes on the clock - only hours. I actually like to set my car's clock ahead by about five minutes, but I can't do that in the CX-9.
- Center console is kind big, but the storage is disproportionally small.
Well, that's really all I've got so far. They're mostly small things, but I've noticed them and would like to hear others' comments.
Pet Peeves:
- A/C on with Auto Climate (same as vinsuz). is the AC really on? It should not light/display if not in use.
- TPMS false alarms. if the temp goes below about 10 degrees the TPMS lights up.
- too many beeps. if I start the car and get out to put the kids in, I get beeps; if I close the door, more beeps.
- gas mileage (of course). always could be better, but inline with expectations.
- second row seats are a bit stiff sliding back - maybe this will loosen with time.
- remote start FOB should be integrated into the keyless FOB.
I'll add some highlights:
- remote start - nothing is better than getting into a warm car on a snowy day!
- Keyless start. I now forget to take the key out of my other car
Yes you can.....well, at least I can on the Non-Bose system. It's the Track/Seek Down button which increases the minutes. The Track/Seek Up button increases the Hour. But the Bose setup may be completely different.
Gotcha!
Well, at least your time is correct. A lot of us have a clock that loses time and we have to adjust it periodically. But I see your point.
- I don't like that locking the power windows not only disables the buttons on the passenger doors but also the buttons on the driver's door. In every other car with power windows, locking the windows only prevents the passengers from using their buttons -- not the driver!
- I also don't like that the outside temperature doesn't display automatically when the dual climate isn't on -- I have to manually press the outside temp button. Why show redundant information?
1. Recalling a memory seat position should adjust the side mirrors and steering wheel. Bonus points if it could adjust the rear view mirror.
#1 by a long shot. This pet peeve almost lost a sale.
Memory seat positions are great! As a driver, what always needs to happen when you adjust your seat? You need to adjust the mirrors and maybe the steering wheel. The current implementation goes half way and does not adjust the side mirrors or steering wheel. My wife is 4' 11". I am 6'. Adjusting all the driver differences between us would be nice. The Hyundai Veracruz does it.
2. Cannot set destinations in nav while driving. You can poke around on the map and set destinations on the map, but entering an address or POI is forbidden. One would think poking around to be more unsafe than entering an address.
3. The audio system on the nav unit does not have a list view for folders or songs. It would be nice to have a list view where you could tap the folder or song you want to hear. Bonus if you could add Ford's Sync to the system, especially a USB port.
4. No place to store wireless headphones. Ok, you could put them in the back in the cargo storage area under the floor. How convenient is that? There needs to be a place on the second row where you can store them away.
5. Sunglass holder is for very thin glasses only. I am not sure what kind of sun glasses the designer of the center storage area in the ceiling was thinking of, but it is way too small.
The one feature I wish my GT had is Autolocks (the doors lock when you put the car in drive) Even the very basic Chevy rental I recently drove had this feature, so I'm surprised this vehicle doesn't. Is that a special option?
I also don't think it has enough storage considering the huge center console.
I'm still trying to figure out the heating system but I LOVE the hiney warmers and the rain sensing wipers - those make me giggle!
Personally, I find auto locks quite annoying.
What is there to figure out with the heating system? I leave my dial set at 73 and never change it. My kids think that cranking it up to 90 on a cold morning makes a difference, but it really doesn't. Set it and forget it.
Power lift gate - there is a button (to the right of the hand door opener) it does a couple different things too. It'll lock the car, open the car from being unlocked if you have the smart key near and obviously open the hatch auto-style.
I just learned about the smart key opening up the windows and popping up the sunroof. Two clicks on un-lock and then hold to make it happen.
Pet Peeves for me - Water in the side mirrors after washing. makes a big mess on the side of the newly clean car.
No Trip computer - What were they thinking?
I don't like the A/C thing either.
Radio/Nav is very good in many areas, but changing stations and not having artist info sux. Althought I've heard that most artists/record companies choose to not put that ID tag stuff embedded in their CD. The stereo reads it off the CD's that have it programmed.
Most of my pet-peeve list has shortened as I learn the advanced tricks and my love grows deeper for this car...Ok, I'm getting carried away.
Temp controls - there is only one volume for the entire car. So if you passenger sets their temp to 65 and you want it at 70 - great, but they amount of air is not distinct for each side...Weak.
No DVD with sunroof option
I'm going to hit Tahoe in about 3 hours and can't wait to use it in the snow, AGAIN.
Ceeee Yuh
Dwight
There will be one available in early March.
When you approach your vehicle, you can disarm it by pressing a button to the right of the lift gate latch. Then just use the latch as if it were not a power lift gate. It actually opens the lift gate a little faster as you do not have to wait for the beeps.
Has anyone had the control unit programmed for auto locking? My dealership has never heard of this but I'd like to give them the information on how to do it if someone has another dealership contact. Thanks much!
In vehicles of Lexus/Toyota, there are many complaints about this grey-out as well.
Two things to add:
- a couple years ago, Toyota users found a loophole to defeat the grey out thru a sequence of tapping on the touch screen, kick into the debug screen, and enter into a mode that shows no grey-out (once engine is switch off, it resets itself back).
- a company, coastaletech.com, sells a kit that essentially allows you to control the
speed sensors into the Denso unit. Don't know if it works for a similar Denso unit
on CX-9. A caution though. coastaletech.com has poor customer responses and service, though they made very innovative products.
On cloudy or rainy days when using the headlights in daytime, the nav and dash auto dim to almost nothing. There should be a sensor that it is in fact still light outside so these stay bright.
Fog lights only operational when headlights are on.
ENORMOUS center console that has surprisingly little storage. The door of the storage area is also VERY HIGH and uncomfortable on long drives. I can't really relax both of my arms. My right arm seems to always rest on the console door. My knee also bangs into the center console. The size and height of the console makes this large car feel somewhat claustrophobic.
The "premium" $2,000 stereo isn't so premium. "Is that subwoofer working"? LOL! The Bose stereo in my 5 year old Murano which I think was a $500 option blows this one away.
Beep...beep....beep....beep. Everything has a beep or multiple beeps. Give me a break with these beeps!
The side view mirrors are not tied in with the memory seat adjustments!
Only 1 temp on the heated seats. Should at least be a high and low setting.
Power rear lift gate only opens if car doors are unlocked? What's up with that? Plus the outside button on the rear door only unlocks the car doors, does not also engage the auto lift gate? Maybe there's a problem with mine only since this doesn't seem right.
When exiting the car, I cannot lock the doors by hitting the interior lock button on door. You must get out of car, close door and hit the button on door handle or use keyless remote. Kind of annoying.
Overall low quality interior materials. Hard-Plasticky dash, cheapo handles, flimsy gear shift, roughly stitched steering wheel, poor quality leather (is it really leather).
Fair amount of road noise above 50 mph.
Does not automatically display exterior temperature. You must hit a button on dash.
I really haven't played with the nav much so I have no opinions on that yet.
In the end, its probably no worse than any other $40,000 car and probably has more options than most. For me though, I'll be giving this to the wife (she likes it) . CX-9 is a good family car but for me, a 48 year old married guy that normally drives alone, this one isn't for me. I'll be going back to a Volvo XC-90 V8 or Mercedes 550 S in the Spring.
I will skip all your subjective comments on CX9 and answer others as much as I can based on what I know of.
Q: On cloudy or rainy days when using the headlights in daytime, the nav and dash auto dim to almost nothing. There should be a sensor that it is in fact still light outside so these stay bright.
A: Both can be set if you don't like the auto-dimming. Yes, you should read the manual at least once.
Q: Fog lights only operational when headlights are on.
A: True. That's how it was designed.
Q: Beep...beep....beep....beep. Everything has a beep or multiple beeps. Give me a break with these beeps!
A: I assume that you have the Smart Entry and Start system (or SmartKey, for short). When it beeps at you, that means, "you did it wrong". Again. You should read the manual. The CX9 is trying to tell you something.
Q: The side view mirrors are not tied in with the memory seat adjustments!
A: Unfortunately, that's how it was designed, part of cost-saving.
Q: Only 1 temp on the heated seats. Should at least be a high and low setting.
A: Again, cost-saving. Maybe Mazda does not think that we need two settings.
Personally, living in CA, I have never used it yet.
Q: Power rear lift gate only opens if car doors are unlocked? What's up with that? Plus the outside button on the rear door only unlocks the car doors, does not also engage the auto lift gate? Maybe there's a problem with mine only since this doesn't seem right.
A: Unfortunately, that's how it was designed. Maybe Mazda overlooked it.
Q: When exiting the car, I cannot lock the doors by hitting the interior lock button on door. You must get out of car, close door and hit the button on door handle or use keyless remote. Kind of annoying.
A: I think you will get used to it after a while. SmartKey system tries to avoid locking your key inside the CX9. There are many sensors located inside the cabin and in the doors and hatch to locate where the key is at any time. If it works as you wish, there is a chance that you could lock your own keys inside. That is not good, is it? If you really find this annoying, try to have your dealer activate the "autolock" feature. With it, you just walk away from your CX9, and it will lock itself when you are far enough and all doors are closed. Cool?
Not even Lexus or any German vehicles have it (AFAIK).
Q: Does not automatically display exterior temperature. You must hit a button on dash.
A: Some find it annoying to have it always on display. You can't please everyone. I know most German vehicles have it always on the display somewhere, though.
Q: I really haven't played with the nav much so I have no opinions on that yet.
A: You better not try it. You will have more complaints..... It is not 1st rated, as bad as most NAVI systems from Lexus (from the same vendor, DENSO, Japan)
The whole locking and unlocking the doors manually is also ridiculous. I didn't even know there were cars out there that didn't have autolocks, much less $40K cars. Couple this with the "advanced key" it's even worse. When I arrive at my destination and turn the car off the interior lights do not turn on. To turn the interior lights on I have to unlock the doors, but mazda was too cheap to backlight the button. The ridiculous thing is if you have the standard key the interior lights turn on when you pull the key out of the ignition like every other car I have driven. Also if you get in the car and lock the doors the interior lights immediately turn off. Every other car I have driven leaves the interior light on till you start the car. Whoever designed the locking and lighting functions needs to drive something other than a mazda for a while to see how all the other cars work.
What irks me most is the fact that there's no retractable cargo cover available with the power rear lift gate because, according to the dealer, "the power mechanism is in the way"! Every SUV I've leased since 1999 with power rear lift gate has a retractable cargo cover available!
Again, Mazda only sells on average 2000 units of CX9s. They can't afford to have as many accessories as Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander have.
When I said "cost cutting", I also meant the total cost of planning, marketing, etc. not just the manufacturing. A smaller company that sells fewer vehicles does have a disadvantage.
Aside from that, it seems that everyday I find something about this car I dislike. Aside from the issues I've listed in detail previously, it just seems cheaply made, primarily the interior, dash, handles, seats, etc. I'm also getting more annoyed daily with the enormous AND high center console. I can't believe something this huge doesn't even have a place for change? Incredible.
Ever try putting a "real pair" of sunglasses in that holder above? Maybe reading glasses...that's about it. How about those gigantic seams and bumps on that steering wheel along with that shiny black plastic? The dash is a joke...nothing but cheapo hard....and I mean HARD plastic. Is this a HUGO or a $40,000 car?
I could go on and on....check my other posts. This will be my last Mazda.
Recently came back from trip.
I found the 3rd row seat belt buckles disappearing into the back of 3rd seat after they were folded flat and raised up again. It was a struggle to dig them out again for the 3rd row passengers. Bad design. I hope Mazda can improve that.
Biggest peaves with the 2008 GT Nav CX-9 w/ "advanced" key
Doesn't turn interior lights on when you put car in park and turn off the vehicle. I have to unlock the doors or open the door to get the interior lights to turn on and the door lock button isn't backlit even and with a black interior is hard to see....And if you get in the habit of locking the doors when you get into the car, the interior lights immediately turn off so you can't see to put your belongs in place....My VW turned off the interior lights after about 30 seconds or when you started the ignition.
Door doesn't unlock when you pull the handle like my VW did...Ridiculous the car doesn't have autolocks. I have driven cheap econobox rentals 10 years ago that had autlocks.
Button to lock out windows also locks out windows for driver
Need to unlock all the doors to use the power tailgate
Had to spend $140 to install an aftermarket ipod system that works with the nav, although it doesn't work very well
No memory for the mirrors
No trip computer
Outside temp is wrong on my car....
Prop rod to hold up the hood
My $25K 8 year old passat auto locked the doors, had a trip computer, heated seats with multiple settings, lighted door lock buttons, gas strut for the hood
It seems like mazda could fix half these complaints with software.....
However, "autolock" (by definition here - locking all doors when put into drive or above 5mph, etc.) is found to annoy some customers. Some hate it, some love it. One can find some aftermarket kit to install to achieve that. It can be improved if you are willing to DIY.
Trip computer has been added into 2009.
German vehicles typically use struts to support hood, and unlock the doors when pulled (once or twice) from inside automatically. Most Japanese vehicles don't do that (not the ones I have owned). I owned a '98 BMW 540iA for 10 years. I know what you meant. CX9 hood is heavy. Mazda should use aluminum instead for it. Then, it probably is easiler/cheaper to use struts to support it, and reduces weight also.
985 miles so far and nothing but one annoyance after another with this car. I'm so upset with it I'm actually thinking about buying myself another car and keeping this as a third car in case of emergency or just leaving all the rear seats down permanently and using it for Costo and Lowes trips.
$40K.....WAY OUT OF LINE for this.
You will have the same issue on a Volvo XC-90 and Mercedes S550.
The "premium" $2,000 stereo isn't so premium. "Is that subwoofer working"?
It blows away my mother in laws Maxima by a long shot. No contest.
Beep...beep....beep....beep. Everything has a beep or multiple beeps. Give me a break with these beeps!
First, one system that beeps in the BSMS, of which you can turn off (read your owners manual). Second, the car will beep if you leave your car on and exit the car with the Smart Key in hand. Kinda nice, don't you think? Third, buckle your seat belt!!!!!
Power rear lift gate only opens if car doors are unlocked? What's up with that? Plus the outside button on the rear door only unlocks the car doors, does not also engage the auto lift gate? Maybe there's a problem with mine only since this doesn't seem right.
That's right. By design. Not all people want the lift gate to open automatically by touching the hidden button. Are you that lazy you cant hit the key on your remote?
Overall low quality interior materials. Hard-Plasticky dash, cheapo handles, flimsy gear shift, roughly stitched steering wheel, poor quality leather (is it really leather).
Compared to what? Your 5 yr old Murano? I think not.
I'll be going back to a Volvo XC-90 V8 or Mercedes 550 S
Leaving a "blue collar" brand for a luxury one. I hope extra $50,000 for the S550 is worth it.
I guess Mazda cannot please everyone. Motor Trend (2008 SUV of the Year), Consumer Reports, C & D, R & T, Edmunds.com and the thousands of other owners for the most part all seem to think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.
I have a question for you. WHY DID YOU BUY IT?!?!?!?! Was it because you could not afford the $100,000 S550 or didn't feel like going back to the Volvo dealership who are all too familiar with because your XC-90 would have it's own private service / repair bay?
Another thing I noticed, I'm 6' 4" (not exactly a center for the Knicks) and with the seat at its lowest, I have haybe 1" of head clearance. If I hit a bump real hard....bang. And this isn't a small car. The Volvo had at least 3" to spare. Gotta take the baseball cap off when getting in this beauty.
In reality, its probably just not for me.
It seems you are really used to higher end cars in which you pay for these things that the CX-9 is lacking. For the price you pay for the CX-9, you get a lot of car. It has been documented to have high quality, especially for the class it is in.
In reality, its probably just not for me.
Not every car will appeal to everyone. To each their own.
You see, people have different opinions on this. There is no way to please everyone.
2. My Dad always bought cheap Pontiacs and Chevys when I was a kid. My first four cars were two Pontiacs, a Subaru, and a Nissan. All had hinges or gas struts for the hood. If you ask me, a dirty prop rod on a car that starts at $30K is unforgivably cheap. I even pointed it out to the salesman when I test drove the car.
3. Why don't the fog lights come on the mid-level Touring model? Since when are fog lights a high-end luxury feature?
4. During my test drives I also noticed the very washed out Nav screen. The saleman said it was just that particular car. I don't even want/need Nav, but you have to get it to get the power tailgate? What's up with that bundling strategy?
5. I actually like the Bose stereo. It's better than the Bose system in the Murano I test drove, and much better than the Harman Kardan in my BMW.
6. I agree: you really can't compare quality and standard features between a Mazda and a premium brand. A loaded CX-9 is $43K. A similarly equipped X5 will be better built, and a slightly better driver, but will cost you $60K. An MDX will run close to $50K. And,...there won't be any $8,500 discounts on those cars.
Overall, this is a great car for the money - especially the out-the-door money - and you can get a low end one that gives you the basic goodness of the chasis and steering for only $31K MSRP if that is what you want. I'm glad Mazda made it.
RMP
For the $22k price we paid I think it is a great car!
Invoice on this car with NO OPTIONS is about $28,000 and there's not many of those out there. Even if you found one, NO DEALER is taking $6,000 off that!
You couldn't even get $6,000 off a GM (anything) with a $28,000 invoice and they REALLY need the bucks.
Why do people lie on these message boards?
BTW....I started liking my CX-9 GT, AWD Loaded edition more. I was originally too picky, its actually not too bad aside from that gigantic console. LOL!
I think you should go see your own local dealer before casting aspersions on others. The deals are out there.
Right now, there is a $4,250 dealer support a customer can take advantage of if the opt to not take the special financing. Holdback is roughly $500-$700 on CX-9's. Some people out there are getting a total of $6,000-$8,000 off MSRP depending on trim (Sport, Touring, GT). I have heard some as high as $10,000 off MSRP.
As a Mazda dealer, I can tell you the savings you can take advantage of are remarkable right now.
"Mazda CX-9: Prices Paid & Buying Experiences"
Examples are abundant.
Back to pet peeves though. Does anybody elses center speaker grill on the dash buzz on rough roads? Also my driver's window starts buzzing too usually on the same roads. I'm getting annoyed with these two rattles.
I have no major complaints, but I do have issues with the headroom in the front with the moonroof and the NAV system is a little weird. This is my first experience with a NAV system, so I have no point of reference, but it seems clunky to me. I'm in the IT field and whoever designed/programmed this must not have had a regular user in mind when designing it. Where are the buttons to go to a previous screen, I find myself having to hit the NAVI button all the time to go back to the original screen to start all over again?
Overall, I love this car. It's soooo much better to drive than my Montero Sport, which clunky and had no features.