New CPO 2013 Touring

[jlanger]

Just picked up a 2013 Touring. Black tan leather with only 16k on it.
this is my 4th Mazda, sadly my protege 5 has either a blown cylinder or plugged cats and at 165k and already a few $1000 repairs to keep it running I done with it. Wife still gets her '02 LX which just passed 100k. So far in the hour I've driven it I'm liking it. I know the MPG sux but every larger SUV is about the same from what I found. After test driving a Traverse and an Explorer I liked this the best. The Traverse was just too expensive for the features compared to the Cx-9 and the Explorer, which I liked the feel of better, was way too techie. Heck I build computers and found myself confused by the damn thing. It's reliability ratings and all the darn screens had me way to worried about it. The Cx-9 had the best combo of power feel and handling that I liked.

It's a basic Touring which is what I was looking for, though I wish I had the towing package on it. I got it for 3k under kbb so I can't complain too much, especially since it has a 100k/7yr warranty on it.

One question, anyone get snow tires on theirs? I've found that mazdas tend to stink in the snow and living in MN snow tires are a must. Biggest regret I have for the p5 was never getting snows on it.

I'll try to tack on some picks when I get a chance.

 

[tex2670]

The GT, with the 20" stock tires, leaves a lot to be desired in snow traction. But your Touring may be better.

 

[jlanger]

Dirty already, was just bought the day before and was clean then, gotta love MN roads.

 

[jlanger]

So on the way to the in-laws and find that I have no windshield washer fluid. Hmm, thought darn cheap dealer, went to put new stuff in at the in laws and find my reservoir is frozen solid. Darn Cheap dealer uses really cheap washer fluid. It's MN Cmon, can I ask for windshield washer fluid that doesn't freeze at -10F?
So I filled what I could with the better washer fluid that stays good to -40, other then getting to a heated garage any suggestions on getting the reservoir thawed out?

 

[tex2670]

So on the way to the in-laws and find that I have no windshield washer fluid. Hmm, thought darn cheap dealer, went to put new stuff in at the in laws and find my reservoir is frozen solid. Darn Cheap dealer uses really cheap washer fluid. It's MN Cmon, can I ask for windshield washer fluid that doesn't freeze at -10F?
So I filled what I could with the better washer fluid that stays good to -40, other then getting to a heated garage any suggestions on getting the reservoir thawed out?

wouldn't the heat from the engine thaw it out while you are driving?

 

[nsbio]

Which dealer is it? Would be a useful info for me.

 

[jrgmanict]

Not sure if the opening is big enough but might think a Round Fish Tank heater might work.
Or if you can get to the body of the fluid container may try a batter warming blanket to heat the container.
As long as the temp of the warmer did not get hot enough to melt the plastic things should be fine.

So on the way to the in-laws and find that I have no windshield washer fluid. Hmm, thought darn cheap dealer, went to put new stuff in at the in laws and find my reservoir is frozen solid. Darn Cheap dealer uses really cheap washer fluid. It's MN Cmon, can I ask for windshield washer fluid that doesn't freeze at -10F?
So I filled what I could with the better washer fluid that stays good to -40, other then getting to a heated garage any suggestions on getting the reservoir thawed out?

 

[jlanger]

Surprisingly after 2 separate 1 hour drives it didn't thaw out (it's cold up here)

Even funnier story today. It was so cold this morning that my hydraulics on the rear hatch wouldn't hold it up. I put the hatch up to throw my stuff in the back and it promptly smashes down on my head, giving me a nice gash (the latch hit me) and a mild concussion! That hatch is heavy. I've had hatches fall and even ones hit me in the head before especially my P5 but I didn't even think about it being an issue today on the new car. One thing to be wary off.

Good news was that while I was in the ER getting checked out the car was parked in a heated garage and thawed the washer fluid tank enough for me to purge most of the bad fluid. (rear washer is still frozen though) Ugh not a good start...

 

[jlanger]

Which dealer is it? Would be a useful info for me.

Brookdale Mazda in MN.

They actually did OK, gave me a good deal on the CPO and a good rate, but no full tank of gas, cheap washer fluid. At least they washed it before hand and put the mats in for me they also cut a second key for me as part of the deal. So not terrible but some small annoyances.

 

[tex2670]

Surprisingly after 2 separate 1 hour drives it didn't thaw out (it's cold up here)

Even funnier story today. It was so cold this morning that my hydraulics on the rear hatch wouldn't hold it up. I put the hatch up to throw my stuff in the back and it promptly smashes down on my head, giving me a nice gash (the latch hit me) and a mild concussion! That hatch is heavy. I've had hatches fall and even ones hit me in the head before especially my P5 but I didn't even think about it being an issue today on the new car. One thing to be wary off.

Good news was that while I was in the ER getting checked out the car was parked in a heated garage and thawed the washer fluid tank enough for me to purge most of the bad fluid. (rear washer is still frozen though) Ugh not a good start...

I'm glad you think that's funny.

What if you warm up a jug of washer fluid (not boil, just warm), and pour it in the washer reservoir? That should thaw out what's already in there.

 

[jlanger]

I'm glad you think that's funny.

What if you warm up a jug of washer fluid (not boil, just warm), and pour it in the washer reservoir? That should thaw out what's already in there.

That's actually a good idea. In this weather even boiling water will freeze almost instantly oustide. washer fluid shouldn't freeze as quickly. Luckily my problem has been solved inadvertently by my ER visit.

As for the head injury, I have to look at the lighter side. stuff happens in teh cold weather, it could have been much much worse. In -22 weather I could have been knocked unconscious by the darn thing and been laying in the driveway. That would have been bad. So now I just really know to be careful of the lift gate.

 

[Tenpennies]

From a fellow Minnesotan - Welcome! Crazy things happen when the
temps fall below -20...

I purchased mine from Brookdale Mazda as well... they were good to work with. Actually my 4th Mazda from them.

 

[Tenpennies]

Which dealer is it? Would be a useful info for me.

Chad Walczak at Brookdale has been a good sales person to work with

 

[jlanger]

From a fellow Minnesotan - Welcome! Crazy things happen when the
temps fall below -20...

I purchased mine from Brookdale Mazda as well... they were good to work with. Actually my 4th Mazda from them.

So far I've worked with them 2x (helped my mom by a P5 there back in 04) Before they moved to the new location. They worked really hard to find the last new P5 in the state for us so I liked them. I've worked with Morries a few times as well as Polar, Morries seems to have the best service but the highest prices (for vehicles anyway). Polar generally the lowest prices, but the service is ho hum. I haven't' worked with Walser Mazda much other than to by some parts for my wife's protege a number of years ago.
The actual car buying at Brookdale was fine, apart from the no haggling which I'm finding more and more common. It was OK, albeit slow, which also is par for the course. I can't complain about hte price too much though I think I got a reasonably good deal for a "slightly" used car.

 

[chance72]

Dirty already, was just bought the day before and was clean then, gotta love MN roads.

Congrats on getting the 9. Sorry about the snow :-(.

 

[chance72]

Dirty already, was just bought the day before and was clean then, gotta love MN roads.

Congrats on getting the 9. Sorry about the snow :-(.

 

[Tenpennies]

So far I've worked with them 2x (helped my mom by a P5 there back in 04) Before they moved to the new location. They worked really hard to find the last new P5 in the state for us so I liked them. I've worked with Morries a few times as well as Polar, Morries seems to have the best service but the highest prices (for vehicles anyway). Polar generally the lowest prices, but the service is ho hum. I haven't' worked with Walser Mazda much other than to by some parts for my wife's protege a number of years ago.
The actual car buying at Brookdale was fine, apart from the no haggling which I'm finding more and more common. It was OK, albeit slow, which also is par for the course. I can't complain about hte price too much though I think I got a reasonably good deal for a "slightly" used car.

Interesting - had about the same experience. Price was good compared to the others but yeah slow and easy seems to be their MO. Service department seems to be lacking sometimes. Not good communication. I have been waiting on a recalled receiver relay that controls door locks and TPMS. Apparently the part has been on back order since November. I call about once a month and each time it is like they have no record of the issue or if the part is on order. Could just be the line but makes me wonder how long i will have to wait. Oh well..just glad to see temps going back up to the 30s....

 

[jlanger]

Interesting - had about the same experience. Price was good compared to the others but yeah slow and easy seems to be their MO. Service department seems to be lacking sometimes. Not good communication. I have been waiting on a recalled receiver relay that controls door locks and TPMS. Apparently the part has been on back order since November. I call about once a month and each time it is like they have no record of the issue or if the part is on order. Could just be the line but makes me wonder how long i will have to wait. Oh well..just glad to see temps going back up to the 30s....

Me too though not looking forward to the 2 hour wait to wash it (nana)

Get to clean out the garage this weekend too to make it fit!