Convince me to buy a Mazda5

[flcruising]

It is good to know that there are many happy M5 owners out there, but on the other hand i do see alot of complaints browsing these forums.

That's true for any car forum. No vehicle is maintenance or TSB free, and all have nuances. But then, the Mazda 5 isn't for everybody either. As pointed out, we are now partial to the sliding doors with kids, and my wife wouldn't want to drive anything else. Sounds like you need to do a Pro/Con list for each of these vehicles and see which one comes out ahead.

 

[coolmazda5]

Hi,

I've been a Honda man for my whole life, but sold the Honda Element to get a third row seat vehicle to be able to carry the kids more easily. I bought a used 2006 Mazda5 from a sh*tbag who lied and told me it was well taken care of, and its been terrible. Worst tire wear i have ever seen, weird vibrations while cruising (which i have read is a common issue), and sings like a siren going down the road (loud as hell). And he had neglected the maintenance (like 100k mi on the original ATF!)

Anyway, now I have a chance to buy a 2008 Mazda5 for $10k, with only 50k mi on it. It seems to be in much better shape, but i noticed a vibration at 55-60mph with this one too (seemed to be coming from the front right). Tires seemed ok, not super worn on the inside edge like the 06, and not scalloped. Also rode much quieter than the 2006. Now, with all the known issues and poor quality of this car, why would i buy it vs a few years older Toyota highlander? Looking at Consumer Reports, the highlander gets excellent marks for all the reliability categories, but the 5 still get below average on "fuel system" and "squeaks and rattles", and way below average for "suspension" and "brakes", which leads me to believe that the rear camber issues and crappy shocks were never fixed.

Aside from the 4 mpg over the highlander, why would i want the mazda5?

Jive

I've owned a 2006 and a 2008 (at the same time). All issues fixed with the 08 and the car is great. As per the Honda man, I now own an Odyssey (it replaced the 06 as the family grew), another great car for the family, but I still miss my 2006 Mazda5 (how it drives, fuel economy, better looks, you name it)

Highlander, isn't that an SUV?

 

[professorhank]

Thanks for the input, so is the 2008 more reliable than the 2006?

Cannot really answer this question as I've got an 07 and haven't ever driven an 06 nor 08. All I can say is that I've experienced most of the common complaints from this forum but to a low enough degree where I don't question my purchase at all. Never stranded, never a major problem. A little inside tire wear but I still got 33000+ miles on my Z-rated 50 series tires. Some tire noise and clanks and clunks when going over uneven/dirt terrain but it's better than falling asleep. Brakes wear a little fast and I wish I got better MPG but I attribute that to my "spirited" city driving. Before the Mazda5, I drove a hand-me-down 4cyl automatic Accord sedan. The zoom-zoom factor is like night and day...

 

[Robotazky]

I've had my '09 for a tad over two years and all I did was the power steering recall. No repairs at all. Just maintenance. This car has been better than my '08 Civic Si and my '09 Accord coupe V6. I feel sorry for people who believe they will find better because I have been all around the block and so many brands will let you down. My Mazda has been a great car. Is it perfect? Well, it is really hard to balance the tires for some reason, and I have extremely expensive Michelins. Other than that it's been fine.

 

[Robotazky]

That's true for any car forum. No vehicle is maintenance or TSB free, and all have nuances. But then, the Mazda 5 isn't for everybody either. As pointed out, we are now partial to the sliding doors with kids, and my wife wouldn't want to drive anything else. Sounds like you need to do a Pro/Con list for each of these vehicles and see which one comes out ahead.

Recalls, to me, mean that the car company takes responsibility. At least it does these days. I didn't used to think that, but then I dealt with lots of cars that were supposedly "high quality" and dealt with disaster after disaster and dealers saying "that's normal". Mazda recalled the power steering when the problem wasn't even life threatening. I admire them for that. Toyota wouldn't have dreamed of recalling real issues until their mess last year. Now they recall all the time. It's not a bad thing to have the car company say they want to make the car right.

 

[jivenene]

I've had my '09 for a tad over two years and all I did was the power steering recall. No repairs at all. Just maintenance. This car has been better than my '08 Civic Si and my '09 Accord coupe V6. I feel sorry for people who believe they will find better because I have been all around the block and so many brands will let you down. My Mazda has been a great car. Is it perfect? Well, it is really hard to balance the tires for some reason, and I have extremely expensive Michelins. Other than that it's been fine.

Really, what were the issues with your 08 civic and 09 accord?

Oh and now i just read about the EHPAS recall where the power steering just quits... that would fun to explain to the wife. Its a great car, but the PS might go out at any moment so stay on your toes.

Yes i am being critical because that is an accident causing situation. Yes it is good that they are fixing it. Do i like to take my car to the dealer and wait 2-10 weeks to get it back, no. The 2008 M5 i was looking to buy falls in the VIN range of this TSB, so i think i will pass it up.

Jive

 

[Robotazky]

Really, what were the issues with your 08 civic and 09 accord?

I doubt you really wanted to read all of this when you thought to ask, but here it goes...

Civic Si: Leaking differential, three really bad rattles behind interior panels that couldn't be fixed, seats that were worn in the butt area with only 5,000 miles in both front seats, front passenger suspension clunk. Traded at 6,000 miles, stupidly, for an '09 Accord V6 EX-L coupe with every single option.

Accord (brace yourself): all four wheels dried with paint drips that were broken off down to the metal, panels fit together so poorly that the tail lights pushing against the body chipped the paint in three places, crooked body panels including the trunk and hood that had to be loosened and straightened by the dealer body shop, interior roof trim hung down on one side where it didn't even stretch all the way across (right?), driver's seat had to be removed and the power motors and drive mechanism replaced as well as the tracks they were on, passenger seat came with two of four bolts missing that held it to the floor (right?), two really bad pops on every single bump from the console and dash trim around the stereo, *here's where it gets ugly* the VCM that turns cylinders off would bind the engine on the interstate and buzz loudly and vibrate the car until I pushed the gas down to force it into 6 cylinder mode, torque converter that kicks in and out when VCM changes mode would make the car surge constantly even on level ground at steady speed, and finally, the transmission would jerk the car badly on a very small grade at the end of my street going away from a stop sign every single morning until it warmed up.

There were actually other issues that I cannot remember with the Accord, but holy crap that car was a lemon. I traded it with about 5,500 miles for my '09 Mazda 5 GT with Navi, remote start, Sirius, etc. Loaded. I love the Mazda. Both Hondas I did probably lose $500-$1000 combined since I got extremely good deals and the resale is great. I also got my 5 with a $26,900 MSRP for $21,500, so I tend to get really good deals because I'm a hustler when it comes to cars. Dealers like when I finally leave. I play them like they wish they could play me.

Now, that said, I just bought another Civic Si. I bought one of the very last ones before the new body style. The '09-'11 had several changes that my '08 didn't have so most gripes where improved. I got $4K off the sticker and can bail out if I have any serious issues and actually profit. So far, at 3,000 miles I don't have a single problem with it. That's my Honda story. I would watch the Accords very, very closely before I ever bought another. I ordered mine though so I had to take what I got. Never again.

 

[Robotazky]

Really, what were the issues with your 08 civic and 09 accord?

Oh and now i just read about the EHPAS recall where the power steering just quits... that would fun to explain to the wife. Its a great car, but the PS might go out at any moment so stay on your toes.

Yes i am being critical because that is an accident causing situation. Yes it is good that they are fixing it. Do i like to take my car to the dealer and wait 2-10 weeks to get it back, no. The 2008 M5 i was looking to buy falls in the VIN range of this TSB, so i think i will pass it up.

Jive

Mine never did anything until I sat at Fort Meyers Beach last month in bumper-to-bumper traffic for hours on 90 degree day. I called to arrange a tranny flush at the dealer on Tuesday following that trip and he had the recall parts on Saturday when I got there. They drove me to the mall across the street and called about two hours before I was ready to be picked up. *shrugs* No big deal man. I think you are being insanely critical at this point. They just change out a pump and it's done. It's on the side under the wiper fluid and just comes right out.

 

[coolmazda5]

I've been a Honda man for my whole life,

Oh, and by the way, my Honda car model already has 3 recalls and 9 TSBs (it is not even a year since it launched). Not all affect my VIN, but regardless, I believe it is not the brand, it is the 1st year model on a new generation that comes with all those quirks/features. I called a beta model

 

[jivenene]

I doubt you really wanted to read all of this when you thought to ask, but here it goes...

Civic Si: Leaking differential, three really bad rattles behind interior panels that couldn't be fixed, seats that were worn in the butt area with only 5,000 miles in both front seats, front passenger suspension clunk. Traded at 6,000 miles, stupidly, for an '09 Accord V6 EX-L coupe with every single option.

Accord (brace yourself): all four wheels dried with paint drips that were broken off down to the metal, panels fit together so poorly that the tail lights pushing against the body chipped the paint in three places, crooked body panels including the trunk and hood that had to be loosened and straightened by the dealer body shop, interior roof trim hung down on one side where it didn't even stretch all the way across (right?), driver's seat had to be removed and the power motors and drive mechanism replaced as well as the tracks they were on, passenger seat came with two of four bolts missing that held it to the floor (right?), two really bad pops on every single bump from the console and dash trim around the stereo, *here's where it gets ugly* the VCM that turns cylinders off would bind the engine on the interstate and buzz loudly and vibrate the car until I pushed the gas down to force it into 6 cylinder mode, torque converter that kicks in and out when VCM changes mode would make the car surge constantly even on level ground at steady speed, and finally, the transmission would jerk the car badly on a very small grade at the end of my street going away from a stop sign every single morning until it warmed up.

There were actually other issues that I cannot remember with the Accord, but holy crap that car was a lemon. I traded it with about 5,500 miles for my '09 Mazda 5 GT with Navi, remote start, Sirius, etc. Loaded. I love the Mazda. Both Hondas I did probably lose $500-$1000 combined since I got extremely good deals and the resale is great. I also got my 5 with a $26,900 MSRP for $21,500, so I tend to get really good deals because I'm a hustler when it comes to cars. Dealers like when I finally leave. I play them like they wish they could play me.

Now, that said, I just bought another Civic Si. I bought one of the very last ones before the new body style. The '09-'11 had several changes that my '08 didn't have so most gripes where improved. I got $4K off the sticker and can bail out if I have any serious issues and actually profit. So far, at 3,000 miles I don't have a single problem with it. That's my Honda story. I would watch the Accords very, very closely before I ever bought another. I ordered mine though so I had to take what I got. Never again.

wow, looks like you got a counterfeit Accord made in China! I guess it's possible, but hard for me to believe there could be that many quality issues with a Honda. Maybe it was made in a USA factory, was there a J in the VIN? I know you don't care about what CR reports, but they gave that year Accord good marks, only the brakes were black circle, oh and "power equipment" is half black. Definitely not in my experience with my 2 past Hondas (87 accord, 03 element). I could see why a PS recall would be small potatos compared to that mess!

 

[Robotazky]

Made in Ohio.

 

[flcruising]

We've shared the information and first-hand experience (isn't that the most valuable?) with you, but it sounds like you are simply looking for any reason to not buy this vehicle.

Not trying to be rude, but I don't think you should buy a Mazda5, simply because I can see you coming on here over the smallest little quirk and rant about how much you dislike it and we all lied or something. That's just my opinion, do with it what you will.

BTW, the power steering isn't a TSB, it's a recall. Our vehicle took 2 hours or so to fix and we never had any problem with it anyways. And as you can see, we have an '08.

 

[DKaz]

It's the 5% of the people who have something to complain about who make 95% of the noise...

 

[jivenene]

Sorry to ruffle yalls feathers, your comments are taken seriously, i don't think anyone here is lying. Just as unbelievable as Hyundai earning great quality and reliability scores, i guess the same could go for poor Honda quality with newer vehicles. I remmeber the 80's and 90's Hyundais, they were complete s***, and to see that they are a high quality manufacturer now blow my mind.

Anyways, Even with the Mazda5 quirks, still considering getting a repo 2008 Mazda5 for $9k with 53k mi on it. The KBB is around $12.5k, but i would be buying a repo auction at a credit union. Drove the car already, much quieter than the 06 i own, but still vibrates at 60mph. The main selling point of course is the 28 mpg, which i can use since gas just hit $4.80 here. I called the Mazda dealer, and he said they could do the PS pump in 1 day (a few hours), so with any luck, that would be painless. Now the only problem is that it only has 1 ignition key!!!! Is there a definitive Mazda5 key thread i can refer to about getting duplicates?

Jive

 

[flcruising]

I was responding to the fact that you were given so much good information, but were simply holding onto the recall as if it were a bad word. It's been explained how simple of a fix it is, just schedule an appointment and go. Our dealer wouldn't even schedule until they had sufficient supply of parts to get on a roll repairing them. Sorry for your bad experience with the '06 model, but take the money you save and replace the shocks and tires if you want some peace of mind. We drive primarily highway, and only experience some vibration when the tires are cold.

Here's all the info about the key, but to sum it up, you will have to get the dealer to program # 2 - http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123695620-Spare-Key-amp-Fob-programming-for-Mazda-5

 

[thaxman]

It's the 5% of the people who have something to complain about who make 95% of the noise...

+1,000,000,000

 

[thaxman]

And all of my service work was drop off overnight, get a call by 4 pm. We have an extra vehicle, or else I would do same-day instead. Even when I went in for steering pump noise, and they ordered me a new one, called me when it came in and I waited too long to set up an appointment, and they used it in another car, I still didn't leave the car more than overnight once the 2nd one arrived (boy, I didn't procrastinate after that!)

As for the "lots of complaints" comment, please be aware, this forum is pretty boring. Not much happens around here, so I feel that no, there is not alot of "now this broke" going on. Try lurking in a European car forum for a few months. You will see.

Plain and simple, I have owned alot more cars than in my sig. Best cars have been the Subie (owned 10 yrs, 99-190K miles, spent something like $12,000 INCLUDING the purchase price in its lifetime) and the Barracuda (used for courrier service, saw 130 mi/day, got like annual oil changes and it still lasted something like 3 years, trashed but mechanically amazing) and the Mazda5. The 5 gives me something you can't get in other multi-passenger vehicles - gas mileage. True the Volvo also has a 2.3L and 5 speed and seats 7, but I can't drive it gently enough to get over 20 mpg city and it takes premium, while the Mazda does 22 mpg without me needing to watch myself.

 

[Silentnoise713]

It's the 5% of the people who have something to complain about who make 95% of the noise...

True, but 5% of 5,217 (Mz5 sold YTD) is not the same as, for example, 5% of 26,936 (Mz3 sold YTD). I also read other sites and come accross the same issues on earlier Mz5. I highly doubt it is the same person posting on every possible site.

Personally I find the issues to be minor annoyances and given the car's low price of entry, what do you expect? The really issue are things that concern powertrain, electrical, and chassis, which are not problems on the Mz5.

 

[Heat]

The file name for the 2008 Mazda5 brochure is: 2008_mz5_brochure.pdf

I can't upload it from where I am but you can find it on google, if you want to see what the original brochure for the car looks like.

As for the Mazda5 - I've owned my '09 for more than two years now and am still torn about it. The car isn't a bad car, but there are some things like the sheet metal being thinner than on other vehicles thus more prone to dents / dings and the interior plastic being really cheap, thus prone to scratches. But... it was a great value, had the best "bang for the buck".

Is the Toyota Highlander also a repo? And what trim line is this Mazda5? (Sport, Touring, Grand Touring)

And why does a three year old Mazda5 have 53,000 miles? In Hawaii? That's a lot more than I drive and I live in Illinois, where I actually have places to drive to. Was this a shuttle car, a rental, or a delivery vehicle? Any chance that there were maintenance records in the glove box?

 

[Robotazky]

I've never noticed the sheet metal being thin. I still don't have a single ding on mine after years in a city. I also haven't scratched anything other than my fiancee scratching the plastic right by her knee with rings, which would happen to any car. You should see how easily the plastic in the Honda Civic scratches. It's amazing. I cringe when people get in my car because I know they will scratch something. No kidding. It's that bad.