Yay! Hope lots of the "pacakge" stuff are going to be offered as stand-alone. Like the SCA - why should you have to get a $3000 package just to get extra safety??
Personally, I am emailing Mazda about once a week with "whines" and suggestions.
Maybe by the time the Hatch is here they'll have more color options. I'd like to see a TRUE metallic candy-apple-red, and a metallic dark Midnight Blue. And GRAY leather option, please? I don't want black. :P
Oh - and I know how to drive a stick shift, I just prefer not to. And my husband, who had a stick shift 4WD Nissan truck for 13 years, has vowed never again.
"I'm convinced a MT driver is more attentive than an AT driver. No question"
We are all aware of generalizations, here's another one. MT drivers take more risks on the road than AT drivers.
A MT driver must pay attention to the car more. He/she is less likely (re: unable to become distracted from driving to the extent an AT driver can be.
I also don't buy the second comment. At all. You're generalizing with driver stupidity whereas the first comment generalized attentiveness. Neither transmission can make up for a stupid driver, but at least in a MT they have to pay attention.
Cross-shopped a Jetta? When I'll get my 6 HB, I will only cross-shop with the Altima and Accord. VWs (Jettas) are still in my mind inferior in quality (rattles, coils, electrical issues) than Mazdas... Plus VWs don't handle as well as Mazdas (IMO of course), although they have fine interiors.
I think it is funny that every ad, tv spot etc for the 6 that you see shows a 5spd....yet you can't find one anywhere. Mazda operations needs to get in touch w/ the marketing department.
Dinu....When you look at the 2 cars, they are pretty close in size from the interior (Jetta has about 3 inches less rear leg room). I can give you the coils, but that is really a supplier issue and not VW (now recalled anyway).
Accord is a plain jane, and the altima is too bloated for my taste. Both the 6 and the jetta are more drivers cars. The GLI has a sport suspension which makes handling much better than a regular jetta. Add a swaybar and they are equal.
FYI - I am not a jetta guy, just trying to make a comparison btween the 2.
I'm driving a stick right now (after three years in my FIRST auto transmission) and I hate it. Sure, you have much more power over how the car performs (and that can be fun). But it's KILLING my lower back! I was stuck in a 50 minute traffic jam the other weekend and could barely walk after finally arriving home. I suffer for it at night too. Dang, I'm just getting to old to drive a stick anymore. No thanks.
Has anyone figured out if you can get the 4 cyl M6 with a moonroof but without the GFX package? I dont have a problem with the boy racer looks but do have a concern that the lower clearance will be a problem on snow, over speed bumps, etc.
The V6 GT comes with moonroof standard and the GFX only adds the trim features. For the 4cyl model, you have to get the GFX package if you want a moonroof. I'm not interested in an aftermarket moonroof.
With gas at 86 cents/litre in Ottawa today for REGULAR UNLEADED (about 96 cts/l for premium) I'm starting to question whether or not a V6 is a good choice. Quick conversion- 96 cts/l is close to $4/ gallon. Sure it's Canadian money, but that's still $2.70 US/gallon.
It's really reliability concerns that prevented me from looking at VW Golfs when I bought the PRO (and the higher price for less content).
The 6 looks to be a fine driver's car, with a Mazda I4 5spd being fast enough, tons of features standard (at least in Canada the packages are normal) and probably with similar financing offers and a black check mark besides VWs' reliability, I would certainly lean towards a 6.
I said Altima and Accord b/c who knows what these brands will offer 18mths from now...
Packages: You can get the VW any way you want, the 6 has all the stupid boy racer add ons if you want leather and a moon-roof.
Reliability VW - yes, the coils but it is a 3 yr old design 6 - 1st year's tend to have quirks
Resale: VW - good resale / established CPO market 6 - who knows, God help it if it is like the 626
Again, just trying to make an educated decision. I would also compare the 6 to the 3series based on it's "drivers car" image. Accord / Altima aren't really drivers cars, and they both just changed styles, I doubt they will be any different in 18 months.
I chose to drive my Lexus the week they jack the prices up to $1.50 gal premium. Geez.
As far as the manual stick debate. If I drove in heavy traffic daily I'd be driving an auto. For an occasional slow-down a manual is OKAY. There is no way I would drive a manual tranny car in the D.C. beltway area. I-495, heck the whole area is no joke.
I like Jettas. They drive great. But I'm afraid to buy one. There are just tooo many "I hate VW" and "my horrific VW" sites on the net. There is either a quality problem or a customer service issue that VW needs to address.
Good afternoon from snowy Virginia (I got my ski pants on--wistfully!)
As far as comparing the Jetta with the 6, I literally drove them back to back. Let me also qualify my remarks--I love VWs/Audis in general, own a TT now--which I need to trade in with a little one on the way, and I just put in an order for the 6s manual). A further qualification is that my own TT has had plenty of quirks and weird problems, and I agree that VW/Audi does suffer some in reliability. I have also driven recently, by the way, the Passat, the A4 (3.0 liter V6), the A6, and the Accord V6 ex (among other cars).
All that aside, the 6s manual just kicked the Jetta GLI VR6's butt as far as handling. The Jetta, while a solid performer, felt about 200-300 pounds heavier when I took curves at high speeds. The Jetta's acceleration felt chippy and solid (lacking the turbo lag of the 1.8 liter Jetta)--a tad slower than the 6s manual, but not by much (the numbers bear this out--the 6 accelerates 0-60 in 6.8; the Jetta, 7.2 or 7.3). As far as interiors, VWs make some of the better looking interiors on the market--very upscale, and the Jetta was no exception. It felt cozy to me--too cozy for an expectant mother--compared to the 6, which felt spacious but still intimate.
My backseat buddies loved the 6, but really complained about the Jetta as far as leg room. To get enough legroom in a VW, you really gotta get a Passat (good car, not nearly as good on the skid pad, and lots more expensive to get a well-optioned V6). But that's just me--I need legroom for my backseat passengers.
Another important issue for me is driving position, and this is where the 6 met my needs much better than the Jetta. I am petite, with fairly long legs but short arms for my height (okay--5' 2''). In the 6, I felt good--could reach the stick, the steering wheel, the radio, and found a comfy place to lodge an elbow here or there (I usually drive with my left hand on the wheel, right hand sort of on the wheel but wandering toward the shifter frequently--but if I am cruising, sometimes my left elbow ends up near the door--don't ask me why). Also, I am a big fan of soft leather steering wheels--the 6 has one. The Jetta, on the other hand, had a hard-leather wrapped steering wheel, which (like the A4 I recently drove) left me disappointed. More importantly, I just couldn't get comfy in the Jetta. The stick shift was a tad far away, the center console kept getting in the way on the shifter (yes--I moved it out of the way finally), and my left elbow couldn't find peace on the door. Whatever--these are my subjective views obviously!
As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, the 6 drove the doors off of anything under $40 grand I have driven (aside from, of course, a sports car like the Z or my TT). But a Jetta is a great compact car, and if you don't need a large backseat and can't manage without that certain something that VWs offer--you certainly could do worse (um, like an Altima!!). By the way, speaking of Altimas, Jettas and 6s, there was an excellent article comparing the three that got me on to the 6 in the first place in Feb 2003 Motortrend. This article ranked the Altima a distant third, behind the Jetta with a strong second, and the 6 came in first.
I got my 6MT from Bill Lang in Vallejo, CA who did a dealer swap fro me. There are only 2 or 3 "on the ground" right now in Northern California. I did not want the sportpackage because of the big tires which are no good in the snow , which occassionally falls here in the foothills. But I do like the abs/traction control, leather and moonroof a lot. The power is more than adequate even for mountain driving. What I don't like: That you have to push real hard way down to the floor on the clutch to start the car; the shifter is ok but not the smoothest, especially in finding 1st from 2nd; the turning circle is ridiculously large; it should have fog lamps; the stock stereo speakers are too much oriented towards the front, neglecting the rear; also the eyeglass holder cubby is small.( It won't hold those sporty type shades that don't fold completely flat); and of course, as I've said before, there are no headrests/restraints for adult rear passengers. These are minor points right now and right now this was the best car for me, and I really like the car. But I want to see improvement on these issues in the future. Otherwise, who knows who else might come along with a car just as good and all these improvements and more for equal or less money. (My guess it will be a Sonata or something like that, no kidding).
I dont think the 6 V6 requires premium. I am cross shopping the 6 and the Acura TSX and am going through the whole 160-200-220 hp / regular v. premium gas comparison. Since the Mazda V6 uses more gas than the Mazda 4, it's similar to having the TSX 4 with premium. That's what I meant (but obviouisly didnt say)
BTW, I have an appointment to test drive a V6 MT today at 5:30. Can't wait.
I know I probably asked this before, but you're the audiophile, so I'm gonna ask again. Do you think the Bose system would be good for somebody that wants better than the stock system, or would it be better to just upgrade the speakers on the stock system? The Bose system adds the 6-CD changer, but I think you can get that as a dealer-installed accessory if I really want it. I know you are going the upgrade route, so I figure I could wait until you finish your experimenting and get the benefits of your final result without having to do all the work.
I never thought of that, but the TSX taking premium gas sucks!!! I keep forgetting how these high-revving engines take more expensive gas. My usual wish is for Mazda to make higher-revving engines (a la the RSX and TSX), but I always forget about the type of gas they take. It's just not worth it. The 6's 2.3l engine makes close to 180hp on premium gas, BTW, as they have in Japan. The current V6 makes does not use premium gas.
Do you think the Bose system would be good for somebody that wants better than the stock system, or would it be better to just upgrade the speakers on the stock system?
Well, I've had a chance to do some experimentation. The final stereo hopefully will go in tomorrow, but the snow today may have put a damper on that.
The stock stereo desperately needs an amplifier. The rear speakers might as well not even be there. My recommendation is to run a 4-channel amplifier with speaker-level inputs. This will work with the '6, and I've heard others have had good results with this.
Replace all four speakers. Make sure you put some foam insulation behind each speaker during the install to dampen the speaker enclosure. All four speakers are 6"x8", and there's a pair of tweeters up front. Total cost for this type of setup would run about $300, about half of what the Bose system costs. You could do it for less on eBay.
If you aren't interested in volume, I suspect replacing just the front speakers would be adaquate. That's where all the sound come froms, and the amplifier power to the front is sufficient to drive efficient aftermarket speakers. The rear speakers, as I said, just don't get enough power to matter.
Since you're running speaker-level inputs, I do not know if the audio quality would exceed the Bose system. I'll let you know what I think after I get mine installed.
I have a subwoofer on eBay. I bought two to fit under the two front seats, but one will only fit under the passenger's side. It's a very easy add-on to the factory stereo, if you're interested. You might want to look anyway just to see the pictures.
Thanks for the info. I'm currently waiting to hear back from Mazda on whether the Bose can be added to the config I want without getting a bunch more options. If it can't, then upgrading is the only option, and I'll be interested in your final results. Are you leaving the stock tweeters in? Maybe I could just upgrade one thing at a time until it sounds OK, first replacing the front speakers, then adding the 4-channel amp, and then the rear speakers. BTW, do you think the base system is OK for a non-audiophile type like me?
Stock tweeters? No way, that's one of the first things I wanted to replace. I have nice components to go up front now.
Yes, after a few hours of use, the base system opens up a little and is probably good enough for 90% of the people out there. Use it a little while before buying your upgrades!
The low rear channel volume keeps the soundstage in front of you where it belongs. It was done on purpose, for the same reason there is no tweeter in the back. I agree though, I wish it was a bit louder... if it didn't sound as good I could always adjust it with the fader.
When I first saw the 6S, I knew I had to get rid of my 99 Miata and buy one, and was absolutely convinced that I wanted the MT. As with seemingly everyone, it was impossible to find a 6S with a MT loaded with everything I wanted (though I wanted it all!: Sport, Comfort, Bose, Leather and Moonroof). As I've stated before, I test drove 2 MT (both 6I) and 2AT (both 6S), and just wasn't comfortable with the MT. It wasn't even close to what I was used to in the Miata, and after the 2nd drive in the MT (immediately after the 6S AT), I knew I could easily live with the AT, and bought it.
After 2 weeks, I'm so glad I made that decision. I'm still breaking the car in (200 miles to go), and still find I have plenty of passing power on the highway and in mild traffic with annoying slow drivers in the right lane to go by them with authority, yet not even coming close to flooring it, nor stressing the engine at all. This car just has amazingly smooth power...ok...not at low RPM, but easily enough when you need it.
I agree with most of the posters that a MT is great fun when driving on twisty roads, and trying to master the perfect exit to the local hairpin turn. However, most of my driving is on straight roads, with right or left turns at traffic lights where fast 0-60 times will only incite the local PD to pull me over, even more so because I have a "fast looking" car with ground effects and spoilers.
Again, just my 2 cents...enjoy whatever 6 you buy because it truly is a Zoom Zoom thing!
Could it be Panasonic adjusted the stereos wrong so the fader doesn't work? Such as too much bias towards the front?
The eye-level display would show you dialed in the rear speakers, but not actually give you the desired sound level.
In other words, Panasonic screwed up and Mazda doesn't have time to test head units during assembly.
Maybe there should be a recall on head units.
I would love to see how they get that titanium trim off without scratching or ripping it.
When my dealer installed a cassette deck in my '01 Pro the "technician" put a nice 3-inch gash in my glovebox door and left oily stains on the driver's seat, which they got out when I complained.
Expect gas prices to go up when the war starts. OPEC has cut production already and oil is at a four-year high of $32 a barrel.
Venezuala still isn't shipping much oil. Winter storms in the North Sea are hampering British Petrolium pumping. And Saddam may set his oil fields afire, like he did in Kuwait. All leading to higher prices. Good time to buy a SUV cheap -- very cheap.
In NC, gas costs $1.499 reg.(Amoco), $1.459 reg.(Shell). In Florida, $1.799 reg.(Citgo). I know dinu01, I may be buying it by the litre soon myself, maybe even tea cups full.
Remember the standoff last week in North Miami with the hijacker in the mail truck? That's where I saw the Florida gas prices at nearby stations. Never mind that he is holding a gun to the hostage's head, how much is gas there? I may want to go to Florida.j/k
Your opinions on the 6/Jetta/TT were very insightful. I personally found the 6 not as comfortable as my VW, but I have also driven the VW over 30K miles and only drive the 6 about 10 minutes...
I miss some nice features the Jetta has though, that the 6 doesn't. Auto up/down front windows, a center sunvisor over the rearview mirror, auto door locks, adjustable center armrest, etc.
Also, I should add I am a 6'3" male, a good 270lbs. as well. That would definitely have something to do with the difference in opinions!
It's too early to gauge just how the car's resale value will hold up. But I can tell you all, putting the 6 in rental fleets will definitely lower the resale somewhat. That's what happend to the 626 as well.
I know the prices are steadily going up here in the MD area. They range from $1.69 at Amoco to $1.63 at Mobil right now (this is for 89 octane, the only one I usually look at since that's what I have to use - damn turbo).
It's gonna really hit hard personally, since I commute a good 80 miles daily.
Didn't realize that there was a concentration issue with MT; I've been driving MT for 27 years now (My first car was a Triumph 250: I used to be cool; Trying to get back there with the '6!) and I guess it's 2nd or 3rd nature to me now. I drive in Washington DC traffic, Arlington, Alexandria and that area and I don't find the stick a nuisance (with the exception of one steep hill I park on from time to time) I drive a not very powerful Ford Escort (a Mazda Pro under the skin) and in fact need the stick to drop down to a lower gear to accelerate; also can't stand when AT shifts, I like to engine break a lot which AT's don't seem to accomodate. This is not bad for the engine as I have 252k on it and it is still running strong. (Again, Mazda engine and drive train a selling point for me because of this)
I do enjoy driving, even to work every day. Think I'm an "analog" person: enjoy curve fitting, take pleasure out out of smooth shifts (cringe when I miss a gear) still enjoy the sound of the car humming along (I pat the dashboard every once in a while in appreciation) so maybe what I'm saying is that a stick is still fun to me. I read Fowler3's notes above and appreciate the fact that one day it will literally become a pain, but, for now, can proudly claim I'm well past his 40th year benchmark for becoming an AT person. I'm sure if I started driving an AT it would take me a while to break me of the habit of reaching for the stick shift.
Thanks Stretchsje for Fitzmall url; still looking for the right car at the right price, but this helps A LOT.
jht
PS This is the car I wanted even before Mazda started making them. It has everything I wanted: stick, handling, good size trunk, four doors, (easier to open in parking spaces) sharp looks, Leather seats or no, the price range I wanted to pay. I feel like I hypothesized this car. Looked at a few cars and always had to give up one or two things (e.g., Interested in a Volvo 60 - great seats - but, no handling and for some strange reason no stick in the mid-level model which I wanted. Sticks in low and high though - what gives?)
What's your point? Do you even have one or just took up typing as a hobby? Sorry if I'm a little "off" this morning, but speaking of financing here's what we have in the T-Dot.
Loan Financing 2004 APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
24 mths 4.9 36 mths 4.9 48 mths 5.9 60 mths 6.5
Leasing 2004 ALR (Annual Lease Rate)
24 mths 6.85 36 mths 6.85 48 mths 7.1
Mazda leasing is VERY expensive (for some reason)!
At Mazda Canada Inc., we appreciate our customers and are fully committed to continuing our relationship with you. In appreciation of this relationship, we are pleased to provide our current customers with the following programs on future purchases.
Retail Financing
Mazda Owner Appreciation Program: The Mazda Owner Appreciation Program presents qualifying customers with a 0.25% rate reduction towards the purchase of any new or non-registered demonstrator vehicle. Please contact your local Mazda Dealership for details.
Leasing
Mazda Re-Lease Rate: The Mazda Re-Lease Rate Program presents qualifying customers with a 0.50% rate reduction towards the lease of any new or non-registered demonstrator vehicle. Please contact your local Mazda Dealership for details." ------------------------------------------------ Mazda Graduate Program
http://mazda.ca/english/157.htm ------------------------------------------------ Therefore, a Mazda6 by Sept. 2004 does look more and more feasible
Now I'll finally know how to remove body panels, hopefully w/out damaging them. I have a 10-CD changer in the PRO's trunk, but didn't know how to run the wiring, so I paid $80 CAD at an auto stereo shop to install it. When I get my next car in Nov/Dec, I want to remove the changer and put it in the new car (well used, but new to me) if it doesn't have a CD player. Otherwise, I'll leave it in the PRO, tough it out for a year and swap it in the 6 a year later after I graduate.
I just looked at the inventory at the 2 dealerships in my area on Mazda's site and one of the dealers had 5 or 6 MT 6s's and 8 or so 6i MT. Looks like we got all the MT 6's on the planet The other dealer had a handful of both as well. Between the 2, they actually have pretty much the car I'd want - loaded black 6s MT. I'd even have a choice too, because there is one at each dealer.
I'm holding out for the hatch though, of which there will probably be even less of a choice.
Unfortunately the dealer did not have the 6 cyl 5 speed M6 I was promised. He offered me the 4 cyl manual or the 6 cyl AT for a drive. Since I was planning to compare the 4 and 6 cyl MTs anyway, I took the 4.
My impressions: Car loves to rev. Was doing 130kph in 3rd. Engine sounds sweet. I couldn't help but smile. Handling was great and acceleration was acceptable (although not that much better than my wife's 01 Civic with a manual transmission).
While waiting for the drive, I poked around the indoor model. It was a GT with GFX package. I dont understand why people say it's overdone. I actually really like it and find that the car looks too understated without it. Very impressed with the layout, the sound of the door, the trunk hinges, the remote levers for folding the seats, etc. It's like this car was designed for me.
I was a bit disappointed with the leather, though (but I guess I shouldn't have expected it to be as nice as the leather in my current car (a Mercedes).
All in all, I liked it a lot. The dealer did not try to push me or even start negotiating price. He said he was expecting a 6 cyl early next week and that he'd call me when he got one.
Although I liked the 4, I'm sure I'll like the V6 more. Time will tell.
Comments
it's akin to saying you cannot shake you own stick....and would prefer if it shook all by itself
j/k....
help!!!!!!!!! please don't kill me!!!!!!!!
Personally, I am emailing Mazda about once a week with "whines" and suggestions.
Maybe by the time the Hatch is here they'll have more color options. I'd like to see a TRUE metallic candy-apple-red, and a metallic dark Midnight Blue. And GRAY leather option, please? I don't want black. :P
Oh - and I know how to drive a stick shift, I just prefer not to.
We are all aware of generalizations, here's another one. MT drivers take more risks on the road than AT drivers.
A MT driver must pay attention to the car more. He/she is less likely (re: unable to become distracted from driving to the extent an AT driver can be.
I also don't buy the second comment. At all. You're generalizing with driver stupidity whereas the first comment generalized attentiveness. Neither transmission can make up for a stupid driver, but at least in a MT they have to pay attention.
Dinu
Dinu....When you look at the 2 cars, they are pretty close in size from the interior (Jetta has about 3 inches less rear leg room). I can give you the coils, but that is really a supplier issue and not VW (now recalled anyway).
Accord is a plain jane, and the altima is too bloated for my taste. Both the 6 and the jetta are more drivers cars. The GLI has a sport suspension which makes handling much better than a regular jetta. Add a swaybar and they are equal.
FYI - I am not a jetta guy, just trying to make a comparison btween the 2.
No thanks.
The V6 GT comes with moonroof standard and the GFX only adds the trim features. For the 4cyl model, you have to get the GFX package if you want a moonroof. I'm not interested in an aftermarket moonroof.
With gas at 86 cents/litre in Ottawa today for REGULAR UNLEADED (about 96 cts/l for premium) I'm starting to question whether or not a V6 is a good choice. Quick conversion- 96 cts/l is close to $4/ gallon. Sure it's Canadian money, but that's still $2.70 US/gallon.
The 6 looks to be a fine driver's car, with a Mazda I4 5spd being fast enough, tons of features standard (at least in Canada the packages are normal) and probably with similar financing offers and a black check mark besides VWs' reliability, I would certainly lean towards a 6.
I said Altima and Accord b/c who knows what these brands will offer 18mths from now...
Dinu
VW - 1.9% / 60 months
6 - 5% / 60 months
Packages:
You can get the VW any way you want, the 6 has all the stupid boy racer add ons if you want leather and a moon-roof.
Reliability
VW - yes, the coils but it is a 3 yr old design
6 - 1st year's tend to have quirks
Resale:
VW - good resale / established CPO market
6 - who knows, God help it if it is like the 626
Again, just trying to make an educated decision. I would also compare the 6 to the 3series based on it's "drivers car" image. Accord / Altima aren't really drivers cars, and they both just changed styles, I doubt they will be any different in 18 months.
Any one other than Dinu compare these 2?
As far as the manual stick debate. If I drove in heavy traffic daily I'd be driving an auto. For an occasional slow-down a manual is OKAY. There is no way I would drive a manual tranny car in the D.C. beltway area. I-495, heck the whole area is no joke.
I like Jettas. They drive great. But I'm afraid to buy one. There are just tooo many "I hate VW" and "my horrific VW" sites on the net. There is either a quality problem or a customer service issue that VW needs to address.
On topic - does the 6 6 require premium?
Actually no they don't.
anyone out there see this color on a Mazda6 in person yet???
Rich
As far as comparing the Jetta with the 6, I literally drove them back to back. Let me also qualify my remarks--I love VWs/Audis in general, own a TT now--which I need to trade in with a little one on the way, and I just put in an order for the 6s manual). A further qualification is that my own TT has had plenty of quirks and weird problems, and I agree that VW/Audi does suffer some in reliability. I have also driven recently, by the way, the Passat, the A4 (3.0 liter V6), the A6, and the Accord V6 ex (among other cars).
All that aside, the 6s manual just kicked the Jetta GLI VR6's butt as far as handling. The Jetta, while a solid performer, felt about 200-300 pounds heavier when I took curves at high speeds. The Jetta's acceleration felt chippy and solid (lacking the turbo lag of the 1.8 liter Jetta)--a tad slower than the 6s manual, but not by much (the numbers bear this out--the 6 accelerates 0-60 in 6.8; the Jetta, 7.2 or 7.3). As far as interiors, VWs make some of the better looking interiors on the market--very upscale, and the Jetta was no exception. It felt cozy to me--too cozy for an expectant mother--compared to the 6, which felt spacious but still intimate.
My backseat buddies loved the 6, but really complained about the Jetta as far as leg room. To get enough legroom in a VW, you really gotta get a Passat (good car, not nearly as good on the skid pad, and lots more expensive to get a well-optioned V6). But that's just me--I need legroom for my backseat passengers.
Another important issue for me is driving position, and this is where the 6 met my needs much better than the Jetta. I am petite, with fairly long legs but short arms for my height (okay--5' 2''). In the 6, I felt good--could reach the stick, the steering wheel, the radio, and found a comfy place to lodge an elbow here or there (I usually drive with my left hand on the wheel, right hand sort of on the wheel but wandering toward the shifter frequently--but if I am cruising, sometimes my left elbow ends up near the door--don't ask me why). Also, I am a big fan of soft leather steering wheels--the 6 has one. The Jetta, on the other hand, had a hard-leather wrapped steering wheel, which (like the A4 I recently drove) left me disappointed. More importantly, I just couldn't get comfy in the Jetta. The stick shift was a tad far away, the center console kept getting in the way on the shifter (yes--I moved it out of the way finally), and my left elbow couldn't find peace on the door. Whatever--these are my subjective views obviously!
As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, the 6 drove the doors off of anything under $40 grand I have driven (aside from, of course, a sports car like the Z or my TT). But a Jetta is a great compact car, and if you don't need a large backseat and can't manage without that certain something that VWs offer--you certainly could do worse (um, like an Altima!!). By the way, speaking of Altimas, Jettas and 6s, there was an excellent article comparing the three that got me on to the 6 in the first place in Feb 2003 Motortrend. This article ranked the Altima a distant third, behind the Jetta with a strong second, and the 6 came in first.
Ladybugnova
BTW, I have an appointment to test drive a V6 MT today at 5:30. Can't wait.
Well, I've had a chance to do some experimentation. The final stereo hopefully will go in tomorrow, but the snow today may have put a damper on that.
The stock stereo desperately needs an amplifier. The rear speakers might as well not even be there. My recommendation is to run a 4-channel amplifier with speaker-level inputs. This will work with the '6, and I've heard others have had good results with this.
Replace all four speakers. Make sure you put some foam insulation behind each speaker during the install to dampen the speaker enclosure. All four speakers are 6"x8", and there's a pair of tweeters up front. Total cost for this type of setup would run about $300, about half of what the Bose system costs. You could do it for less on eBay.
If you aren't interested in volume, I suspect replacing just the front speakers would be adaquate. That's where all the sound come froms, and the amplifier power to the front is sufficient to drive efficient aftermarket speakers. The rear speakers, as I said, just don't get enough power to matter.
Since you're running speaker-level inputs, I do not know if the audio quality would exceed the Bose system. I'll let you know what I think after I get mine installed.
I have a subwoofer on eBay. I bought two to fit under the two front seats, but one will only fit under the passenger's side. It's a very easy add-on to the factory stereo, if you're interested. You might want to look anyway just to see the pictures.
Maybe I could just upgrade one thing at a time until it sounds OK, first replacing the front speakers, then adding the 4-channel amp, and then the rear speakers.
BTW, do you think the base system is OK for a non-audiophile type like me?
Stock tweeters? No way, that's one of the first things I wanted to replace. I have nice components to go up front now.
Yes, after a few hours of use, the base system opens up a little and is probably good enough for 90% of the people out there. Use it a little while before buying your upgrades!
After 2 weeks, I'm so glad I made that decision. I'm still breaking the car in (200 miles to go), and still find I have plenty of passing power on the highway and in mild traffic with annoying slow drivers in the right lane to go by them with authority, yet not even coming close to flooring it, nor stressing the engine at all. This car just has amazingly smooth power...ok...not at low RPM, but easily enough when you need it.
I agree with most of the posters that a MT is great fun when driving on twisty roads, and trying to master the perfect exit to the local hairpin turn. However, most of my driving is on straight roads, with right or left turns at traffic lights where fast 0-60 times will only incite the local PD to pull me over, even more so because I have a "fast looking" car with ground effects and spoilers.
Again, just my 2 cents...enjoy whatever 6 you buy because it truly is a Zoom Zoom thing!
The eye-level display would show you dialed in the rear speakers, but not actually give you the desired sound level.
In other words, Panasonic screwed up and Mazda doesn't have time to test head units during assembly.
Maybe there should be a recall on head units.
I would love to see how they get that titanium trim off without scratching or ripping it.
When my dealer installed a cassette deck in my '01 Pro the "technician" put a nice 3-inch gash in my glovebox door and left oily stains on the driver's seat, which they got out when I complained.
fowler3
Venezuala still isn't shipping much oil. Winter storms in the North Sea are hampering British Petrolium pumping. And Saddam may set his oil fields afire, like he did in Kuwait. All leading to higher prices. Good time to buy a SUV cheap -- very cheap.
In NC, gas costs $1.499 reg.(Amoco), $1.459 reg.(Shell). In Florida, $1.799 reg.(Citgo). I know dinu01, I may be buying it by the litre soon myself, maybe even tea cups full.
Remember the standoff last week in North Miami with the hijacker in the mail truck? That's where I saw the Florida gas prices at nearby stations. Never mind that he is holding a gun to the hostage's head, how much is gas there? I may want to go to Florida.j/k
fowler3
Two.
The first link is with the Mazda6 Eurpean Wagon stereo, which is different. Nonetheless, it's still very helpful.
I miss some nice features the Jetta has though, that the 6 doesn't. Auto up/down front windows, a center sunvisor over the rearview mirror, auto door locks, adjustable center armrest, etc.
Also, I should add I am a 6'3" male, a good 270lbs. as well. That would definitely have something to do with the difference in opinions!
It's gonna really hit hard personally, since I commute a good 80 miles daily.
OK then - 6s-MT with SAB/SAC package, that's it.
I do enjoy driving, even to work every day. Think I'm an "analog" person: enjoy curve fitting, take pleasure out out of smooth shifts (cringe when I miss a gear) still enjoy the sound of the car humming along (I pat the dashboard every once in a while in appreciation) so maybe what I'm saying is that a stick is still fun to me. I read Fowler3's notes above and appreciate the fact that one day it will literally become a pain, but, for now, can proudly claim I'm well past his 40th year benchmark for becoming an AT person. I'm sure if I started driving an AT it would take me a while to break me of the habit of reaching for the stick shift.
Thanks Stretchsje for Fitzmall url; still looking for the right car at the right price, but this helps A LOT.
jht
PS This is the car I wanted even before Mazda started making them. It has everything I wanted: stick, handling, good size trunk, four doors, (easier to open in parking spaces) sharp looks, Leather seats or no, the price range I wanted to pay. I feel like I hypothesized this car. Looked at a few cars and always had to give up one or two things (e.g., Interested in a Volvo 60 - great seats - but, no handling and for some strange reason no stick in the mid-level model which I wanted. Sticks in low and high though - what gives?)
My dealer just informed me that Mazda is now offering 4.99% long-term financing on the 6.
While Peoplefirst.com and Eloans have had similar rates for some time, this is the first time I've seen a decent non-internet rate.
Loan Financing 2004
APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
24 mths 4.9
36 mths 4.9
48 mths 5.9
60 mths 6.5
Leasing 2004 ALR
(Annual Lease Rate)
24 mths 6.85
36 mths 6.85
48 mths 7.1
Mazda leasing is VERY expensive (for some reason)!
Dinu
"Owner Loyalty Programs
At Mazda Canada Inc., we appreciate our customers and are fully committed to continuing our relationship with you. In appreciation of this relationship, we are pleased to provide our current customers with the following programs on future purchases.
Retail Financing
Mazda Owner Appreciation Program: The Mazda Owner Appreciation Program presents qualifying customers with a 0.25% rate reduction towards the purchase of any new or non-registered demonstrator vehicle. Please contact your local Mazda Dealership for details.
Leasing
Mazda Re-Lease Rate: The Mazda Re-Lease Rate Program presents qualifying customers with a 0.50% rate reduction towards the lease of any new or non-registered demonstrator vehicle. Please contact your local Mazda Dealership for details."
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Mazda Graduate Program
http://mazda.ca/english/157.htm
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Therefore, a Mazda6 by Sept. 2004 does look more and more feasible
Dinu
Now I'll finally know how to remove body panels, hopefully w/out damaging them. I have a 10-CD changer in the PRO's trunk, but didn't know how to run the wiring, so I paid $80 CAD at an auto stereo shop to install it. When I get my next car in Nov/Dec, I want to remove the changer and put it in the new car (well used, but new to me) if it doesn't have a CD player. Otherwise, I'll leave it in the PRO, tough it out for a year and swap it in the 6 a year later after I graduate.
Dinu
So once again, I must ask two questions:
1. What's your point?
2. How does this relate to the 6?
Dinu
I'm holding out for the hatch though, of which there will probably be even less of a choice.
My impressions:
Car loves to rev. Was doing 130kph in 3rd. Engine sounds sweet. I couldn't help but smile. Handling was great and acceleration was acceptable (although not that much better than my wife's 01 Civic with a manual transmission).
While waiting for the drive, I poked around the indoor model. It was a GT with GFX package. I dont understand why people say it's overdone. I actually really like it and find that the car looks too understated without it. Very impressed with the layout, the sound of the door, the trunk hinges, the remote levers for folding the seats, etc. It's like this car was designed for me.
I was a bit disappointed with the leather, though (but I guess I shouldn't have expected it to be as nice as the leather in my current car (a Mercedes).
All in all, I liked it a lot. The dealer did not try to push me or even start negotiating price. He said he was expecting a 6 cyl early next week and that he'd call me when he got one.
Although I liked the 4, I'm sure I'll like the V6 more. Time will tell.
Dinu
Do your dome lights stay on if a door is ajar? That's another Mazda double-check.
fowler3