CX9 SportOwner
Member
Hmmm I guess you didn't like mine.
Purchasing a CX-9
- Thread starter PGN
- Start date
Have to disagree on the looks at least. I much prefer the larger rims, but it would be interesting to drive a sport to see how much different the ride quality really is.
Hi/Welcome Wontonjon --
I'm sort of an honorary member here, since I haven't bought my vehicle yet, but I really doubt you're not going to do better than CX9 SportOwner's suggestions.
He's done all the homework for us and came up with not just one, but two excellent choices.
I'd seriously look into them and not agonize about it much. Just my opinion.
But do tell us about your new CX-9 -- all the details:
What version/color
options?
What kind of deal did you get
What other vehicles did you seriously consider
What was the tipping point that convinced you to get the CX-9.
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oops...must've missed that one - going back to read it now - didn't mean to blaze right by your reply - started reading your other thread about the parada specs in the other forum and must've missed your initial reply in this thread...thanks for the suggestions thus far!
CX9 SportOwner
Member
Sure thing,
My wife and I actually wanted a 7 seater cross-over...had originally wanted a Subaru Tribeca. However, after realizing the 3rd row was essentially non-existent, we did a bit more searching and considered a toyota highlander and mazda cx-9. we read about the new honda pilot but didn't like how they looked (that plus the whole "can't seem to brake or accelerate quick enough to merge with highway traffic" cut the honda out). Didn't really consider the more expensive brands -mostly b/c we couldn't justify the extra 10-20k dollars for exclusivity.
Test drove the highlander - liked the acceleration (i believe it is a lighter vehicle), but overall - significantly more expensive for similar options on the mazda, and the highlander seems to be confused about what it wants to look like - truck vs. CUV.
Ended up with a 2009 Brilliant Black CX-9 GT. Only option on it being the Roof Rack. Considered a 08 Platinum CX-9 GT that another dealership was trying to unload, but hesitated due to it being nearly a 2 yr. old vehicle as 2010 models are likely soon to come out - that being said, I feel we passed up a decent deal (08 GT with Assist package, moonroof, bose for 30,900 - not including a $500 gas card and dealer to throw in clear bra).
The 09 we ended up purchasing had the roof rack and dealer threw in clear bra. Paid 29200 for it (before tax/delivery).
What convinced us was initially 2 near accidents in my 2000 bmw 328ci this past winter. Specifically, we chose the Mazda on looks (has nice lines making it look sporty for a CUV and less truck like). The driving experience was also pleasant - comfortable but also safe to drive in a spirited manner (coming from a 2dr. RWD coupe driver). A further bonus was 3 TRUE rows of seating and the plethora of amenities already included for much less than many other vehicles on the market.
Hope that helps you to further make your decision!!! If you have any other questions for me, please feel free to ask! Good luck on your search/purchase!
I do like the tread pattern on the parada specs.
I'm uncertain as to what I should do - taking off the original duellers could be one option - but I doubt anyone would want these tires - they do seem to work fine in dry driving which is the majority of what we have here in colorado springs during the spring/summer.
I could look for a set of 18" tires/wheels -but then, it would probably make sense just to get a dedicated set of winter tires no?
I know many folks recommended blizzaks on the bmw forum for winter driving - does anyone have experience with them on this forum?
CX9 SportOwner
Member
Nice to see someone make an intelligent purchase. Nice car.
The Paradas tread design is not only sportier looking, but has better water evacuation and grip on ice.
From my research, the Blizzaks are super sticky on ice. Very good rated snow tire. I'd go 18" on them just in case you need chains.
FYI, the luxury brands aren't worth it since none of them have the seating or room of the CX9, and barely better performance, of any. I said this before, but the Mercedes 450 GL has a premium guzzling V8 and is not even a second faster than the CX9. It also has less cargo volume than the Mazda. I guess the name alone is what you get to 70k.
The Paradas tread design is not only sportier looking, but has better water evacuation and grip on ice.
From my research, the Blizzaks are super sticky on ice. Very good rated snow tire. I'd go 18" on them just in case you need chains.
FYI, the luxury brands aren't worth it since none of them have the seating or room of the CX9, and barely better performance, of any. I said this before, but the Mercedes 450 GL has a premium guzzling V8 and is not even a second faster than the CX9. It also has less cargo volume than the Mazda. I guess the name alone is what you get to 70k.
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Can't beat 100+ cubic feet of space!!!
That being said, I do notice that on my wife's mazda6 and now, my cx-9 - you can hear the gas sloshing around in the gas tank if you listen intently. I remember hearing someone say that manufacturers often place fins in the interior of gas tanks that are supposed to diminish this kind of sloshing noise one might hear - any others have thoughts on that?
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- 2022 CX-5 Turbo
$10000 off is for 2008 model, which has >$5000 rebate from Mazda.
The $1000 rebate you mentioned is for 2009 model, which is about $6000 off on the newspaper I read today (fully loaded it said).
P.S. there are sales volume bonus, ads rebate, etc. Dealer got money back from Mazda from left to right in many different forms. Don't worry about them losing money...
The $1000 rebate you mentioned is for 2009 model, which is about $6000 off on the newspaper I read today (fully loaded it said).
P.S. there are sales volume bonus, ads rebate, etc. Dealer got money back from Mazda from left to right in many different forms. Don't worry about them losing money...
Prepare to fork out abut $1,200 for the Michelins, about $800 for the Yokohamas. Bang for the buck goes to the Parada.
i believe mazdausa is offering dealers cash back to sell the cx-9s and many other models -most dealers are giving that to the buyer as an incentive to buy...2008 had something on the order of 5k and 2009 had 3500 incentive. there was also another option of a $1000rebate plus 0% financing for 36months or 2.9% for 60mo (from what i remember over the past 2 weeks). From the printout I got, these offers end at the end of April, but my salesperson said that mazdausa had been renewing these incentives each month for the past several months.
good luck for anyone out to purchase - there are great deals to be had IMHO.
good luck for anyone out to purchase - there are great deals to be had IMHO.
Wow, you're right. People who pay $850 a month to lease those things have more money than sense. (Or are using someone else's money.)
But the sticker is "only" about $60K for the entry-level model.
And don't forget, you get "Brown Birdseye Maple Genuine Wood Trim" standard with that! Whoo-hoo (ughdance)
clandestine
Member
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- 2009 CX-9 GT AWD w/GT Assist and Moonroof/Bose in black cherry
if you're investigating buying a car, I'd suggest running the report on Consumer Reports. for $14 I was able to find out exact figures, and it gave me some bargaining power. they may be able to go lower still, mine didn't, but when I told them I was aware of the unadvertised discounts and dealer holdback, they gave it to me without a fight.
I'm with you, I think the 20s look great - very well proportioned. impressive even, while maintaining its class. a couple of my colleagues, also auto enthusiasts, commented on how great the wheels look right away. but if you read the reviews they consistently call out the difference in ride quality, which I find very believable. there is definitely a stiffness and responsiveness to potholes that is still well within tolerance (for me), but I can see where a couple of inches of more rubber and less metal would soften the ride a bit. but I wouldn't trade them for anything.
I'm with you, I think the 20s look great - very well proportioned. impressive even, while maintaining its class. a couple of my colleagues, also auto enthusiasts, commented on how great the wheels look right away. but if you read the reviews they consistently call out the difference in ride quality, which I find very believable. there is definitely a stiffness and responsiveness to potholes that is still well within tolerance (for me), but I can see where a couple of inches of more rubber and less metal would soften the ride a bit. but I wouldn't trade them for anything.
I bought my CX-9 GT last Sept. I live in the suburbs of metro Detroit. It wasn't the worse winter, but there were a few days when the trucks didn't plow or salt the road yet. The CX-9 on stock tires were fine IMO. I didn't drive like most typical SUV drivers you see out there on the first drop of snow flakes. I know SUV can move, but it can't stop like a car. Being a long time car driver, FWD, AWD with all-season, summer tires, snow tires, I know driving a massive vehicle like the CX-9, I have to give it more time and plan ahead even more.
I didn't have any issues with the CX-9 slipping and sliding around like some folks here are reporting. It is afterall an all season tire, not summer performance tires.
Great points all around. The more you know, the better deal you can get. These days with all the info on the web - both paid and free - there's no excuse for getting shafted by a dealer.
On the wheels/tires, It's finally dawning on me why many of the automotive reviews list the "harsh ride" as one of the CX-9's only drawbacks: Most of the test trucks provided to journalists have been the fancy/schmancy top 'o the line GT, with, of course those lovely 20" wheels!
That's why my short test drive of the Sport didn't seem so "bad."
Whew, now I can relax about that whole issue now and think of more important things. (thinkbeer
Thanks, Ham. It's great to hear a well-reasoned counter opinion like yours, based on your experience.
Your reminders about SUV driving/stopping are worth noting, as well.
Sounds like it might be worth giving the stock tires a chance here in New York, too.
Sadly no. I'm pretty critical when it comes to these things. I had an AWD car with summer tires before. On the first day of snow, I immediately went to a tire store and bought the best snow tires at that time, V rated Michelin Pilot Alpin. It was down right scary when you hit the brakes and your car doesn't stop.
I could have gone for Blizzaks (WS50??) at that time, but I didn't coz' I wanted a V rated not H rated snow tires. I'm not the clueless guy who just follow what the sales guy tell or. I do my own maintenance on all my vehicles.
So, if the Duellers were SO bad, I would have swapped them out immediately. I'm not taking chances esp with a new baby in the CX-9. Facts are facts. I drove with them (granted with only a few thousand miles on the odo) in the winter conditions Detroit has to offer last year, and they worked just fine. CX-9 is the first vehicle I have that is more than 3000lbs. All my previous cars, like I said, are FWD or AWD and I've bought my fair share of tires, usually Yohokamas or Michelins, V rated.
If after a year and I feel the tires are no longer adequate, I would of course change them .. probably go with Yokos Avid V4S. I had great experience with them on my 2 daily drivers (my car and my wife's car).
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