Opinion: Used 2006 or new (2007 vs 2008)

[cancoi]

First, thanks for such a great resource -- all the posts are informative and have helped us settle on the Mazda5 as our new car of choice. I'm hoping to get some feedback on our upcoming decision.

We want a 5 and were holding out for a 2008 in hopes of the stability control (have it on a 2001 Focus ZX3 and love it, but kid #2 is pending so need 4 doors). Now that istability control is out of the picture, we were torn between buying a new 2007 (good incentives, limited availability) or upgrading to the 2008 (5AT, TMPS, rear A/C controls, 2nd power point, possibly poorer financing and increased cost due to new model and ordering). Then DH found a used 2006 Touring in our area w/25K miles for a bit less than KBB value in good-to-excellent shape. The idea might be to get the used car and possibly trade up when/if stability control is offered for 2009 or 2010 (one would hope). We could swing new or old financially, but I'm just wondering if we should have any concerns purchasing the older one or if any of you wonderful posters have an opinion. We've CarFaxed it and it had maintenance every 5K until being sold/traded after 1 yr 8 mos. I haven't seen it in person, but DH has and states is looks wonderful and appears in good shape.

The only time limit seems to be what is availabe on the lots (or off the truck as one dealer still has a shipment coming in early September) for the 2007 and then dealing with a new child when the 2008's arrive (baby due at Thanksgiving but we can deal with one car for him for a month or so).

Thanks again in advance!

 

[skyhawk]

If you read the M5 forum and compare it to other vehicle forums, you'll notice there is no serious issues on this vehicle so far.. (except for that recall at the beginning of the M5s). minor ones, like ac, door lock etc.. oh and also the 'nasty squeaking suspension sound' during winter. In search for major issues, we resort to comparing it to the Rondo and bash it for its 4AT..
In summary, most issues on the M5 is actually a wish list of what it should have had.

 

[porschegt3]

... We could swing new or old financially, but I'm just wondering if we should have any concerns purchasing the older one or if any of you wonderful posters have an opinion.

IMHO, go with the 2008. With the changes you listed (air vents being the most important with a baby in the back) and that fact that you're not too price sensitive makes the 2008 the better choice IMHO. Get exactly the options you want, a full 3-year warranty and Mazda seems very flexible on pricing, even with the 2008 models. There's not a whole lot of mark-up on these cars, therefore I found that price difference between heavy discounts on a 2007 and a new discounted 2008 was less than $500 in most cases.

 

[doctorz]

Having purchased a 2006 that was built later in the model year, I find some consensus that the later models don't tend to have as much of the niggling issues that affected early 2006s, such as the freezing door latch or the squeaky front end in cold weather. Something to think about.

I agree that there are no major problems with the 5. Seems that the 2008 will be a better vehicle in every way, but there shouldn't be any major problems with the '06 or '07 if you can get a great price. Mazdas tend to depreciate. I would buy the vehicle to keep, rather than look to trade up in a couple of years, as I think you'll lose big-time. Finally, keep in mind that the '06 models have a 4 yr/50K warranty, whereas '07s and later have a 3 yr/36K, which means you may have quite a deal with the '06.

 

[opus]

I would seriously look at the 06, and here is why:
1. Avoid the big first year depreciation hit, that way when you look to trade up you are not out as much.
2. If it was a lemon, it would have never made it to 25k, therefore it is already certified as not being a lemon, whereas a new car you are taking your chances.
3. You can get it now and be used to driving it by the time the new little one arrives. If you go for the 08 you are playing a will it or won't it arrive game that you probably don't want to be playing while you are already playing the who is going to get up in the middle of the night because the kid is screaming game.
4. IMHO the 06 is a better looking vehcile than the 08, but that is totally subjective .

 

[AIMWO4]

It was probably an early lease turn-in. Judging by the maint history and mileage. Probably a good bet with 25K left on the warranty. I have 3 kids, and the boy in the back NEVER says it's too hot. LOL

 

[opus]

I have 3 kids, and the boy in the back NEVER says it's too hot. LOL

My wife, 2 kids and Dad and his girlfriend from Michigan just got back from a week in Hilton Head Island and Savannah Georgia. The heat index hit at least 110 each day and we were driving around with six people in the 5 each day. Not once did I hear any complaints about it being to hot in the back row, and that row was being occupied by my 13 year old twin princesses with long thick hair and a penchant to whine about anything they possibly can whine about . Now, we have tinting, and I think that makes all of the difference, but I think overall the whole AC thing has been blown way out of proportion.

 

[Rocket]

This is really a financial question. Let us know the prices. Then we can assess the deal and try to determine the risks of warranty vs. 1/2 warranty.

BTW, I live in SC and it is VERY hot right now. The 5 keeps up no problem. I sometimes have to set the fan to 4, and I have to push the recirc button, but it keeps up.

Now, if Mazda comes out with a five speed fan that has as many parts as a four speed, that would require some thought...

 

[bulwnkl]

Cute, Rocket.

Personally, I think I'd go with the '06. I agree with previous posts that it's made it long enough to not be a lemon, you'll still have lots of warranty left, and they're great cars. We've never had an issue with the A/C, even in the third row on trips to/in Phoenix.

Though I will note that the difference in cost per mile due to depreciation of a Mazda vs. a Honda or Toyota is negligible, there is that perception that it's a big deal (I know I think about it), and it will save you some to go with the '06. Personally, I don't think you're giving away anything by buying something this lightly used with a documented service history except the knowledge that you're the first owner.

 

[jlk_250]

I'd go with a 2006 and save up for when Mazda wises up on DSC in this market. Or is forced to offer it.

Jon

 

[cancoi]

Thanks to all that have posted thus far; very thought-provoking. We didn't know about the warranty differences... the gory details for those who asked:

The 2006 is listed at $14K from a local ad but on the lot at $16K; they have said they would honor the ad price.

It was one of the first 2006's -- build/ship date of 8/26/2005. CarFax states no recalls on it, however.

The car was driven by a single family for 1 yr and 8 mos, who traded up to a minivan when they had their third child; the car has been at the dealer for about 6 weeks.

I test drove it; it seemed fine. Maybe a slight smell, but probably nothing unusual for a 2-yr old family car.

 

[coolmazda5]

It was one of the first 2006's -- build/ship date of 8/26/2005. CarFax states no recalls on it, however.

For the 06 just request the VIN and check it just to play safe. With the VIN you can then call Mazda or go to www.mazdausa.com (under owners) to see if the recalls have been applied to the car (I'm not sure if you have to register to the site to get the corresponding recall list though). The recalls were not perceived as critical for many so you may not know first hand if they were skipped (i.e. freezing latches are not a big deal for Texans, and the exhaust will not burn the bumper unless you drive @ 25800RPM in an auto tranny MZ5 for 10hrs kind of thing)

 

[doctorz]

14K seems like a good price for a used Touring. I'll echo the comments on the A/C. We had an MPV with rear A/C and traded down to the 5, and we don't miss the rear A/C at all. I wouldn't say the 5 has the strongest air conditioning, but it's perfectly adequate.

 

[porschegt3]

I don't know where you're located, but you can get a new 2007 Sport model here for $15K :

http://www.rogerbeasley.com/pdfs/8-10-07.pdf

 

[coolmazda5]

I don't know where you're located, but you can get a new 2007 Sport model here for $15K :

http://www.rogerbeasley.com/pdfs/8-10-07.pdf

I love the ad, you even get the euro/asian model with fancy roof rails for 15K

But, back to the topic, just be careful on what is offered for $15K. I know dealers vary but I still remember once a friend saw a brand new car for really low price in an ad (yeah yeah, with a fancy picture as well). Once he got to th dealer the "one" car at that price was the lowest trim you could find plus it had some "minor issues" and a fugly color. You can argue once you are there but their goal is to catch your attention and once you are interested, whaaam!!

 

[cancoi]

Thanks to all...but...

someone bought it out from underneath us, so the used is a no-go. :mad:

Currently, we found a 2007 Touring (in Greensilver -- (cool)) that might fit the bill. If not, we'll order (and I'll be following another thread about how to negotiate a price without a price!). Sigh.

Again, thank you for all your advice!

 

[cancoi]

After having the used car bought out from underneath us, having a dealer trade fall through, having the another 07 Touring in a different color sell just prior to us calling with an offer, and having our offer of invoice rejected for the last 07 Sport, we just placed an order for a 2008 GT in Copper Red Mica w/Sand interior.

Again, thanks to all for your help and assistance!

 

[opus]

After having the used car bought out from underneath us, having a dealer trade fall through, having the another 07 Touring in a different color sell just prior to us calling with an offer, and having our offer of invoice rejected for the last 07 Sport, we just placed an order for a 2008 GT in Copper Red Mica w/Sand interior.

Again, thanks to all for your help and assistance!

Can't wait to see pics when you take possession .

 

[DeadGeneration]

warranty is only 3 yrs now?!

 

[Fabio]

After having the used car bought out from underneath us, having a dealer trade fall through, having the another 07 Touring in a different color sell just prior to us calling with an offer, and having our offer of invoice rejected for the last 07 Sport, we just placed an order for a 2008 GT in Copper Red Mica w/Sand interior.

Again, thanks to all for your help and assistance!

For what price (above invoice, I assume) did you agree? how long is going to be before you get it?
Thanks
Fabio