New 2015 cx9 (and Mazda) owner

[RL911]

Hi guys,

We just put a deposit down on a 2015 cx9 gt with tech package. IVE never owned a Mazda before. Coming from a 2004 sequoia with 90k miles, original owner. I hope the Mazda treats me as well as the sequoia did (it never had a single mechanical issue!). We were comparing the cx9 against a 2012 highlander with 33k miles, 2013 pilot and 2015 Santa FE. We couldn't find any Santa fe's so that was out. I liked the highlander, but my wife didn't despite a $7k difference (ugh!). Lesson learned, take wife to see cheapest car first. The issue with the highlander is that it had a lot of body roll, smooth ride, but cx9 was much tighter, sportier and fun to drive. Cx9 was also nicer and more refined inside. We didn't test the pilot because it has a known vibration issue in Eco mode at low rpms and I'm not dealing with that (Honda says its normal), the pilot is also a little underpowered and has fairly bland and boxy styling.

My other car is an 05 Acura RL, extremely reliable thus far, 102k miles.

I saw the Mazda6 on the lot, looks like a really nice car. When it's time to part with the RL, the 6 might be the one.

Lastly, I paid $37k for the GT out the door, including 7% sales tax and all other fees. I thought that was a very good deal. Yes? It included a $4k incentive.

Looking forward to contributing to the forum. I do most work myself, so will likely have lots of questions.

 

[JoeRJGR]

Hey 911, ( is that a Porsche reference?)

Im in NJ myself....I looked around a lot and we ended up with a 2014 leftover..we just purchased it 3 weeks ago...liked the Highlander, but thought it rode hard and was stupid expensive...was tempted by the Hyundai because of the warranty, but after 3 tests drives hoping I'd like it, I didn't......took bumps way too hard...looked at the CX9 which was $1,500 less then the Hyundai with similar equipment, $3,000 less then the Highlander with/out leather and I was sold....its a good looking vehicle with a beautiful interior....

 

[General Klinger]

I will most likely be getting a 2015 model when I get back to the US in July. We had a 2012 GT AWD with 36k miles before selling it to the dealer when I left. Never had any issues with it.

For the price, Mazda is tough to beat. I love the Xenons and LED DRL's. I still cant imagine why Toyota doesn't have the Xenons or LED's for headlights. I am fine saving $5-6k LOL

 

[JoeRJGR]

I'm a car guy, so I knew that the CX9's had some type of transmission issue and thus we never looked at them. Went on the they're website and saw they we're giving $4K off...looked into the transfer case issue and then decides to go with a FWD. I really had my mind set on an Explorer, but equipped the same way, we would have been at $38,000...no thanks

 

[RL911]

Gotta love car salesman. Second dealer calls me yesterday morning after I originally posted here and says he can give me a great deal. Well, he was right, $35k out the door on a 2014 with 177 miles on it, a little over $2200 cheaper than the 2015 gt w/tech we were going to buy, same exact car, just no roof rails. And they threw in the rear stainless bumper guard, rear cargo tray and sunroof visor. Very happy to save dso much. All in all, I think we paid like $6k below invoice

I gotta figure out this towing thing. Why can't they equip it with a hitch and the wiring if it comes with a tow package??

 

[RL911]

Hey 911, ( is that a Porsche reference?)

Yeah, it is. I have an 86 911 targa, owned it since 2009

 

[S197GT]

sounds like a great deal.

as far as towing is concerned, if you are going to do any real towing it's better that it didn't come with the factory hitch. i have the factory hitch and it is only class II; so, it has the smaller receiver.

better to get an aftermarket class III/IV receiver. there are some posts on here about towing and aftermarket hitch receivers.

I gotta figure out this towing thing. Why can't they equip it with a hitch and the wiring if it comes with a tow package??

 

[voldsom]

Welcome to the forum!! A 2014 is a good pick up at this point, as absolutely nothing has changed since the 2013.

As far as towing is concerend, I assume you got the AWD as that is what comes "tow prepped". The Mazda OEM harness can be had on eBay for around $70 and a DrawTite/Reese/HiddenHitch class III for around $170. If you hit up etrailers.com they have how to videos on our exact model... Super easy though, 6 bolts and it's up. Mazda OEM harness is plug and play and has a pre-created hole for the wiring in the back.

Also for your consideration on other people's stories:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123838328-Who-is-towing-with-their-CX-9

Apparently these are reliable haulers, as long as you keep everything within reason (and spec).

 

[Ericinohio]

Hi,

I'm considering purchasing an AWD 2015 touring model this weekend. Do I have to worry about transfer case issue? Any options I should get that can't be added later, I can't get the sunroof package, takes up too much headroom.

I have a 2009 escape that we bought new. I wish someone would have told me to buy the model that had a storage area under the back floor. Only way to get that was to buy that model, nothing could be done after the fact (reasonably). Trying to avoid a similar mistake. Thank you.

 

[RL911]

What do you mean sunroof takes up too much headroom? GT comes pretty much loaded. Try to get a 14, same exact car, thousands cheaper.

 

[xxxmonoxidechil]

Hi,

I'm considering purchasing an AWD 2015 touring model this weekend. Do I have to worry about transfer case issue? Any options I should get that can't be added later, I can't get the sunroof package, takes up too much headroom.

You will be fine. The redesigned Transfer case was installed on all CX9's built from late Dec 2013 and newer.

What do you mean sunroof takes up too much headroom? GT comes pretty much loaded. Try to get a 14, same exact car, thousands cheaper.

2013's were the same also.

 

[Ericinohio]

The sunroof lowers the ceiling by about 2 inches. I fit okay in the driver seat, but the passenger seat power adjustments don't allow for up and down. My head brushes the ceiling, especially closer the passenger window, so I can't get it. If it wasn't for this issue, there is a 2014 at the dealership that I would probably be pursuing.