Options

Mazda6 Sedan

1969799101102342

Comments

  • metenuzerometenuzero Member Posts: 32
    I am curious what you mean by "they don't take care of it/respect it." Do you mean like the stupid punks who get 4 12' subs put in their 88 civics and ride around like they own the world...or do you mean like they forget to take care of the leather and oil changes? I can assure you that I will maintain my car excellently, as my parents would probably kill me if i didn't.
  • theparallaxtheparallax Member Posts: 361
    The former, mainly.
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    I'd try and get the factory leather if I could. Aftermarket leather is widely variable so you're taking a bit of a risk. Or if the budget is too tight for the "expensive packages", then why not just skip the leather in your first car? It is nice to leave a few rungs on the ladder to step up to.

    - Mark
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Yeah the i35 is perfect for people looking for luxury and no pizzazz or performance. I was at a dinner tonight and a woman I know got a G35 3 months ago was there. i asked her about how the g's been and she shrugged, "It's a car." Huh, guess somebody woulda been better off saving 10k and getting a Camry or Mazda6.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Perhaps she wanted the car for sake of appearances. Which brings to mind this question. What image will Mazda6 owners end up with? Think it isn't important? The image of Accord owners and Camry owners as people who do not want to bother with repairs is one factor that leads to higher resale, IMHO.

    So, anyone?
  • aromasaromas Member Posts: 314
    I know it's none of my business but where does a 15 year old get the cash to pay for a new car and insurance with their own money? I want your paper route.


    Anyway on topic (sorta) I had the same experience at the mall with a woman who had a G35 coupe park up beside me. The car was very dirty and I complemented her on her vehicle. All she could say was that it was lousy in the snow with RWD. Oh to have her problems. I was tempted to take a bucket of water to it just to see what colour it was. BTW anybody know what the 6s with the 50 series tires handle in the snow. I'm from Toronto so it's a concern. Don't want to put on snow tires, although I would for a G35. I would do anything for that car.

  • glideslopesglideslopes Member Posts: 431
    Well, I guess if you have a 6/auto on your 00-01 (still waiting on 02 data) Accord not bothering with transmission repairs might be a problem.

    Most people purchase their Accords and Camarys because so many other individuals own them. It is like ordering a vanilla ice cream cone versus a cone of Cherry Garcia. They read a report, look at data, and make a choice. Perfectly acceptable. The automotive experience is rarely a motivator.

    They are not in the least bit concerned over their image, because the automotive experience to them is nothing more than basic transportation to the the store and back. Now I'm not insinuation that there is anything wrong with that. Obviously there is not as the sales reflect.

    Let's just not confuse individuals images of their personal transportation needs. People looking at the Mazda 6 are not really the same as the Accord, Camary crowd. They are looking for an automobile that has good reliability, yet instills passion in the driving experience. An automobile that connects the humane spirit with the purist form of what an automobile in this price range should be. They are true enthusiasts.

    Owning reliable, uninspiring vehicles such as the Accord and Camary are great for some, and not for others. Images not withstanding.

    The above comments are this writers opinions only. All standard disclaimers apply.

    Mark. ; )
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Excellent reply, glideslopes, but what I am looking for is more this, not what Mazda6 owners will be like or who they are, but how OTHERS will view those who own Mazda6's. Believe it or not, I think this is a major factor in the resale value of cars.

    As you have pointed out, Hondas are not perfect (no car is). But, many of the buyers of used Hondas take into account the perceived reliablity of Hondas and the fact that the original owners prized reliability so highly and bought a Honda.

    So, what will Mazda6 owners be seen as by the typical used car buyer? Someone who was smart? Someone who was apt to abuse their SPORTS car? Someone a bit daffy?

    What say ye?
  • aromasaromas Member Posts: 314
    I think resale values depend alot more on perceived reliability of the car and not what type of driver owned it. Hondas and Toyotas are tops for reliability and hence their high resale. What type of driver only factors in when you buy a car privately. I would love to buy a used car that was owned by a little old lady who only drove on Sundays. When buying from the lot you can only rely on reputation because you don't know who kicked the crap out of the car.


    Mazda unfortunately does not have high resale based on their past financial problems as well as the affiliation with Ford. Look at the Millenia, great car, but sold lousy because people don't affiliate Mazda with luxery cars. The 6 may do better in resale as Mazda has a sportier image (Miata, RX7) but will never be at Honda standards simply because they advertise their cars on being fun to drive while the other 2 base theirs on build quality. The Civic hatchbacks are identified with young teenage drivers who would abuse their cars, but their resale is still high because of perceived reliability.


    People will perceive 6 owners much the same they perceive Accord and Camry owners and thusly 6's will depreciate much the same way the Protege depreciates in relation to the Civics. All drivers looking for a midsize car are viewed pretty much the same IMO.

  • azstanazstan Member Posts: 74
    You do not owe anyone an explanation concerning your personal tastes and how you pay for them. What is being said to you here by others could well be a lesson to take with you through life.
    DON'T LET EVERYONE KNOW TOO MUCH ABOUT YOU.

    Buy the car and enjoy it! You might let us know here what you like and maybe do not like about it.

    I have nieces and nephews your age.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Amen to that. In this day and age you can even become a target of jealous people.

    We DO want to hear from you. Just be careful about what you do and don't say on the net (or in real life). Discretion is sometimes the better part of valor.
  • aromasaromas Member Posts: 314
    I did say it was none of my business, so please don't yell. I didn't expect him to tell me.
  • marchharemarchhare Member Posts: 44
    Metenu, I think this is a great first car. It just became mine a couple of weeks ago. It's sporty enough for us youngsters (I"m 23), but it's not as expensive as going for a 3 series or some turbo-charged economy box. I think you've made a good choice here.

    Get what you like on the car, but mine came with only the automatic as the only option. I've impressed almost everyone who's ridden in it with the rest of the base model. Now, my friends aren't the most car savvy people on the planet, but it's fun to impress. =)

    Congradulations on your choice of joining our 6 owners club. ;)
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    The I35 will perform. It won't handle very well, but I'm sure it moves. They only come in automatic, and the 0-60 time is about par with a Mazda6 S manual. It's got some snort. But does it have character? Is it fun to drive?
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    owners are dull, but most Camry owners I have seen look like their cars -- uninspired, boring, humorless. They live quiet simple lives, never venture far, and have little imagination.

    Mazda6 and Protegé owners have imagination, love adventure, love to drive, don't care what others think, and know how to enjoy life. They enjoy meeting others and having a get-together to talk about their cars. Reliability is a relative term to adventurous buyers. ;)

    I go by my dealer occasionally just to let them know I am still alive and my Protegé is doing fine. No problems. And to drool over the 6's.

    fowler3
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    If you drive less than 12,000 miles a year is it better to lease than to buy? I'm thinking about leasing next time. What are the advantages and disadvantages? My average monthly mileage is 600.

    fowler3
  • glideslopesglideslopes Member Posts: 431
    IMO the most influential factor in low Mazda residuals is the incentives, and rebates Mazda requires for people to purchase a vehicle.

    Once Mazda get's past that, which IMO they are well on their way to doing, residuals will rise proportionately.

    Mazda vehicles in 03 (forget the B2000) will be as reliable as any import. Period. It is simply a case of peoples experiences being shared, backed up by data reflecting reliability.

    Once demand picks up, incentives, and rebates will lessen.

    No further opinions on "Images."

    Mark. ; )
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    well on their way? They are already offering special lease deals on a BRAND new model that they only want to sell 100,000 of. There is no substantiated information that shows Mazda doing any better this year than in years past. No matter how many people acclaimed the Protege Mazda still had to give 0.0% and cash back, they are throwing Millenias away and have been for a few years, the MPV isn't doing as well as they hoped, the Tribute is doing okay but that's about it.
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    Good choice.

    BTW, I'd delete your post where you mention your source of funding. Nobody needs to know that. If you can't delete it, I'd kindly ask the host to do so.

    And count me in as one of the envious ones. :)

    At your age, I had the choice of a death-trap Olds Firenza (same as the Chevy Cavalier) or a broken-down Chevy cargo van with a faulty transmission and no seat belts. If I was lucky, I got to drive my father's Ford Taurus, usually when the family went for an outing.

    At least I got to drive (although I suspect it was mostly to ferry my brothers around so my parents wouldn't have to). My wife's family wouldn't let her drive, even with them in the car! She didn't drive a car until after college.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    speaking up for Accord owners. I was kinda offended by post about reading the surveys and buying a car. In addition to surveys the auomotive press also gives Accord kudos for it's competent handing and spunky performance. I for one LOVE to drive and LOVE the 6 but just found it didn't have that certain all around something???(for lack of a better word) that would make me sign on the line for one.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    The I35 will perform. It won't handle very well, but I'm sure it moves. They only come in automatic, and the 0-60 time is about par with a Mazda6 S manual. It's got some snort. But does it have character? Is it fun to drive?

    I'd take the 6 over the I35 anyday and twice on sunday - better looking, better handling and more exciting. Even if the prices were the same the 6 would still win my favor. Nissan's rear beam axle (something I have in my car too :( ) isn't to my liking. Also the 4 speed automatic, IMHO, is downright useless. Why didn't they slip the 5 speed auto in it for 2003? Guess the retrofit would be too expensive with a new model so close to coming.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Obviously I would too, but it wasn't my money being spent, and I doubt my Mom will notice the beam axle. She WILL notice the heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, and power sunshade and my Dad should be happy with the 255 hp. I would have saved a couple grand, got a 6 and a snowmobile.
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    arfe for people who hate cars
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    and dealer service departments.
  • altersysaltersys Member Posts: 56
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    And Mazda people love dealer service departments? Ha. Ask all those TL/Accord/Oddy folks how they like the service departments. Wonder why the need for the extended warranty on transmissions? At least Mazda had an excuse for their bad auto trannys (Ford). What's Honda's excuse?
  • mkcomkco Member Posts: 65
    It's a HUGE improvement over the 626 and a HUGE improvement over Camrry and especially new Accord (man, that new Accord sedan is one ungainly-looking beast!).

    The 6 has a great shape, but I find it a little bland without ground effects and a bit "over the top" with them. Your thoughts?
  • stretchsjestretchsje Member Posts: 700
    The 6 has a great shape, but I find it a little bland without ground effects and a bit "over the top" with them. Your thoughts?

    Take the base model, and throw on some classy 5-spoke 17" alloys. It's a good compromise.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    I tried to photyograph the Steel Grey 6 yesterday. My dealer parks all the new 6's in deep shade on the north side of the building. Hard to see even Redfire much less photograph it.

    Steel Grey has a lot more metal flake, aka mica, in it than the Silver, which has very little. That's surprising. Redfire has more mica too. I would like to see the Lapis Blue, will take time I guess.

    If anyone would like to see a photo of the Grey email me. See profile.

    fowler3
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    So when are you getting your 6? You seem to be pretty smitten with them.. :)
  • ruefusruefus Member Posts: 254
    I've gone back and forth on this and ultimately ordered my car with the full sport package. None of the photos I've seen come close to doing the car justice. Once you've seen it in the flesh, to me at least, the Sport Package isn't as over-the-top as some people think. It fits the car, unlike body kits on Accords.

    It does appear slammed to the ground, but I dig that personally.

    Maybe lose the spoiler, maybe. Other than that, I think it'll grow on people. Kinda like the new Duati 999, for those that follow bikes.

    I find it interesting that the two biggest beefs with the 6 so far seem to be its (perceived) lack of V6 power and the fact that the Sport Package might be over the top. Rather small issues IMHO.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    While they were buiding some of the most successful lines of cars as an independent auto maker, a part in a small number of transmissions wasn't up to spec. But obviously it's not too prevalent since the only place you hear about it is in forums of other cars that couldn't even dream to be as well built and reliable as an Accord.

    How's that for an excuse?
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    "But obviously it's not too prevalent since the only place you hear about it is in forums of other cars that couldn't even dream to be as well built and reliable as an Accord."

    Actually, I heard about it in the TL forum when I was looking at cars that my parents might buy. How do you know that the Mazda6 won't be as reliable as the Accord? The MPV is rated as being MORE reliable than the Ody, even with the wretched Ford duratec 3.0L. How do you know how many Honda/Acura transmissions were affected or are YET to be affected? The answer is: You don't know.

    "a part in a small number of transmissions wasn't up to spec."

    IIRC, it wasn't a small number that might be affected, it was range of model years that might be affected. SO FAR, a relatively small portion of the vehicles have had transmission failures....and the vehicles that are affected are all still relatively new. The question is: How many of those possibly affected Honda/Acura vehicles have transmissions that have yet to fail, but will---prematurely? I had an Acura Integra that had an ignitor problem that Honda knew about a long time ago. My ignitor didn't fail until 80,000 miles, leaving me stranded (Besides that, it was an excellent car). Many Integra's ignitors failed way before 80,000 miles. The Honda/Acura tranny problem isn't over yet....and not even Honda knows how many vehicles will ultimately be affected.
  • 1wiseguy1wiseguy Member Posts: 120
    All this talk about the 6 and I'm patiently waiting for one here in Canada. Still haven't seen on in real life and internet pictures aren't much of a substitute.

    I went to a movie Saturday and decided to head off for popcorn. When I came back my wife told me that I missed a long ad for the 6 ON THE BIG SCREEN showing curves, acceleration, etc.

    So ironic- my wife (who could care less) gets to see the ad and I am stuck waiting in line for popcorn.

    GROAN!!!!
  • wgrwgr Member Posts: 127
    According to CarsDirect.com a 6s in the Chicago area can be had for $400 over dealer invoice. Just a little while ago, it was $600. Can anyone shopping in the Chicago area comment ?
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Our Acura store is seeing around a 2-4% failure rate on the affected honda/acura trannies.
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    And enjoyed it. Stopped by the dealership on a lark (Rosenthals at Tysons Corner), and they finally had the 6! They got 6, all 4 autos were sold, and the two sticks were unsold on day two! One was a white 6s with leather and one the black 6i with cloth. I drove only the 6i on a nice curvy back road in the area.

    I enjoyed the clutch feel, but agree that shorter shifter throws would have been nicer. An easily rectifiable issue, though - Kartboy or B&M would be happy to help, I imagine.

    I too noticed the delayed accelerator activation - felt a little odd, but not much.

    Say a dark grey (whatchamacallit) 6 that was prepped for owner pick-up, it was a 6s with leather and looked gorgeous. Way better in real life than in the photos!

    They're expecting their first interesting (to me) colors in a couple of days (blue, yellow, red), but no more 5-speed for a few weeks. I'll go ogle them in daylight someday.

    Jim (fowler) - about the lights, I thought the low-beam was plenty bright (better than my satisfactory Protege lights), and I like the fact that high beam leaves both beams on!

    The (non-Bose) music system was nice, I brought in 3 of my CDs (different genres), and cranked it up a bit. A little lacking in oomph, but very clear, and not at all overly bright like most Bose systems I've ever heard. If I get this car (when the hatch comes out, I guess!) I know I don't want the Bose. Although adding the 6-CD changer as an option costs nearly as much as Bose (500 vs. 635). Gotta mull that a bit.

    Oh, price - all of them were marked at sticker, with a 895 'Appearance' package tacked on (pinstripes, 'protectant', 'other pointless blah junk' etc). Salesman tried to get me to talk numbers, but I refused - unfair to waste his time, and mine, until I'm ready to buy :)
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    audia8q--

    ....And that failure rate changes every day, and not for the better. I'd sure hate to have a $30K car (TL) have the transmission fail with barely any miles on it, only to be replaced with a REMANUFACTURED autotranny.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    don't go there when you want to buy, bunch of a-holes
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    I've heard many people bring up the "failure rate" issue with regards to the Honda/Acura tranny problems. Nobody knows the failure rate yet and won't for years to come....so the numbers that people are throwing out now are meaningless.
  • choe13choe13 Member Posts: 348
    There are a couple of mazda dealers that have 1 mazda 6i to test drive. But you have to wait in long line, which i mean its pretty ridiculous. I think they ahve done a great job advertising this car, but as in website and dealer update(demo for test drives), its totally garbage. Well no matter my bickering about it, i still can't wait to get it with 4 cylinder engine, sports package(ground effects, spoiler, 17 inch wheels, sunroof, bose audio system), with the only problems lying which one to choose, sedan or hatchback? and which color?(mp3 blue, yellow, black or steel grey). In here in canada i heard the base one will go for sale at 23 thousand with sports package addition totalling 26 thousand. Very decent price for a car like this calibre.
  • wgrwgr Member Posts: 127
    Sounds like that is about $1,000 US less than prices in the States. I wonder what the diff is ?
  • gwlaw99gwlaw99 Member Posts: 2
    Given the deep Discounts on Millenias, would you take a 170 hp v6 Millenia over a 4cyl mazda 6 biven that they were the same price?
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    very good question gwlaw.

    it probably depends on what you want to buy. You want more sporting element, get the 6, you want more luxury and comfort, get the Millenia.

    speaking of which, Millenias is probably one of the biggest bargains among high-end mid-range cars right now (Camry XLE, Accord EX, etc)
  • sarahmazdasarahmazda Member Posts: 27
    Hello, everyone. I'm a net mgr at a Mazda dealer. I have a question: which would you prefer to test drive, a Mazda6S, or Mazda6i? Also, why? I would like my customers to really experience this vehicle the way it was meant to be driven--however, many of you know how surprisingly poweful the i is.

    Also, what is a favorite color thus far?
  • choe13choe13 Member Posts: 348
    sarahmazda........ you should definitely have the 6i for test drive.......because most buyers will get that version. And also for colors, steel grey, mica blue, mica yellow and black is always safe. Also have them with the sport package on it.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    order a few more of those, and you'll probably see a few more sales just on that ;-)
  • zaimonzaimon Member Posts: 124
    If possible, please design a test drive course that will attempt to push the 6's limits with more than the usual highway acceleration. Any scrutinizing buyer (and I'm sure most Mazda6 buyers will be fairly gifted in this respect) will want to know exactly how the car actually handles. I want to test:

    rough roads (test for road noise/suspension over potholes)

    s-turns, 90-degree turns on-to and off-of straight-aways, etc (roadholding)

    highway acceleration

    braking

    any other suggestions?

    My local dealer simply takes us on a 1.5 mile loop that shouldn't even qualify for a decent test drive. When I decide to buy I'll be sure and insist on some local roads (Sears Point raceway is only 15 miles away from one of the local dealers... snickers)

    Oh.. and btw, I'll be shopping for steel grey and/or onyx black.
  • sarahmazdasarahmazda Member Posts: 27
    Thank you for the feedback. Actually, our store does offer the Ultimate Test Drive Experience--the route that Mazda's engineers designed. A few selected dealers are pilot stores. Since we have the amazing test drive route, I'd like to select the perfect vehicle for that drive.

    We don't have any issues with inventory--so I usually choose a Mazda6s 5 speed, loaded. I think the Sport Package looks marvelous.

    Thank you again.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    newcar...the failure are not meaningless to the people who are on the short end of the stick..lol
    but those are the actual failure rates of the Acura's we have sold...also I would rather have a reman tranny than a new one, they are almost always better.

    GWLAW..The millenia question is good one. I actually took alot of extra millenia's for people to have an alternative to the Maz6. So far it's been a great moove for us. The last three months have been record Millenia sales for us.
Sign In or Register to comment.