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Any CX-7 Owner Wish They Had Purchased The CX-9?
gordongordo
Member Posts: 28
I've reading these forum discussions about both the CX-7 and CX-9, and I'm still undecided about the relative merits . . . leaving aside the lower price of the CX-7 (most likely the FWD Touring for both). The larger size of the CX-9, I add, isn't a plus per se: the 3rd row of seats would remain flat down if I purchased it. What does interest me is 1) the handling performance of both models, 2) the noise factor (road and engine), 3) overall comfort for the driver and, say, three or four passengers, 4) fuel cost (considering that the CX-7, 2008, still recommends premium fuel, 5) safety, and 6)visibility issues.
I stress the latter, 6th, concern because I drive right now a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (2005): and visibility through the ends of the windshield is awful. To the far right, I have to bend my head both backward and around the post, and then forward and under the center rearview view to see approaching cars from that direction. From the left, you have to bend your head forward and then backward around that support post to see if there are pedestrians in the crossing walk if you're making a left turn. (I'm 6 foot, one inch, and my wife, 5 foot, six inches, has similar problems).
If any of you have tested both vehicles --- the CX7 and CX9 --- I'd especially appreciate your advice. (I suppose, to get a rounded set of replies, I should post these queries in the CX-7 forum too, mainly to see if anyone has regrets not to have purchased the CX-9 itself.)
Finally, have there been any improvements --- reliability, handling etc --- between the 2007 and 2008 CX models?
Thank you, very informative discussions.
Michael
PS: I should add that I'm in no great hurry to buy. My 2005 Grand Cherokee, fully paid for, still has four months to go under the original warranty, at which point --- or perhaps slightly before --- I'll start my efforts to sell it.
Oh, I should add that I don't drive that much: the 2005 Laredo, not quite 3 years old, has about 15,000 miles on it.
I stress the latter, 6th, concern because I drive right now a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (2005): and visibility through the ends of the windshield is awful. To the far right, I have to bend my head both backward and around the post, and then forward and under the center rearview view to see approaching cars from that direction. From the left, you have to bend your head forward and then backward around that support post to see if there are pedestrians in the crossing walk if you're making a left turn. (I'm 6 foot, one inch, and my wife, 5 foot, six inches, has similar problems).
If any of you have tested both vehicles --- the CX7 and CX9 --- I'd especially appreciate your advice. (I suppose, to get a rounded set of replies, I should post these queries in the CX-7 forum too, mainly to see if anyone has regrets not to have purchased the CX-9 itself.)
Finally, have there been any improvements --- reliability, handling etc --- between the 2007 and 2008 CX models?
Thank you, very informative discussions.
Michael
PS: I should add that I'm in no great hurry to buy. My 2005 Grand Cherokee, fully paid for, still has four months to go under the original warranty, at which point --- or perhaps slightly before --- I'll start my efforts to sell it.
Oh, I should add that I don't drive that much: the 2005 Laredo, not quite 3 years old, has about 15,000 miles on it.
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Comments
BTW, since you don't drive so much, consider leasing.
Vince.
-- Michael
At the risk of getting boo'd by my fellow Mazda aficionado's, why not consider the upcoming Infiniti EX35? Not even on the market, yet, but early indications it's going to be a hit and it's price set-point is anticipated somewhere between the CX-7 W/Tech and the CX-9. If I hadn't recently invested over 2 grand in new tires/rims, I'd seriously consider that Infiniti - it's that nice.
Vince.
Handling, braking, cornering and acceleration are all good to excellent. Minimal turbo lag in regular driving. Of course gas mileage could always be better... receiving about 18~19 mpg urban and 22~24 mpg rural. Considering this is a 4,000 lb all wheel drive performance vehicle, it would seem the mileage is about average for this class.
Thinking about visibility, after the initial driving adjustment, even considering the shaply raked windshield, visibility all around has been good. Drove 600 miles with a 6 ft 2 in. rear passenger/luggage and visibility was still good. Some have complained about the low seat in back, but the Mazda engineers had to design this to give ample head room back there. Actual leg room in the back seat isn't what I would characterize as being "roomy", but more along the lines of being "adequate." The Cx-9, being about a foot longer, is much more generous in these areas.
I should add that the only other SUV I'm seriously considering --- after looking at the new 2008 Highlander --- is the Buick Enclave. Buick has an enviable reputation for dependability (reliability): J.D. Powers ranks it in a tie with Lexus for overall dependability among various auto-makes. By contrast, it notes that Mazda's dependability rating has been descending rapidly, and that makes me so hesitant about either the CX-7 or -9, despite my favorable impression of how they look and seem to handle.
Click here for Powers' latest overall dependability ratings: http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings/dependability-ratings
For Powers' summary article, click here: http://www.jdpower.com/articles/article.aspx?ID=301
Michael
Michael, as for your own situation, all I can say, is go with your gut, your instincts. As Obi Wan is fond of saying, "Let the Force be With you"
Vince
-- Michael