Need Help: Considering 2016 CX-5 Purchase, Have Questions!!

[Dermochelys]

One thing with Forester is that the doors won't auto lock. There is no option for that. Can be a plus or minus depending on perspective. Some people find out after they make the purchase.

Thanks for pointing that out, it's not a feature that I care about one way or the other. I generally prefer my cars to be as simple as possible, and at least with the CX-5 I believe that's a feature that can be disabled.

 

[Unobtanium]

Just throwing this out here
CX-5 has no 12 volt outlet in the front. Only one and it is in the trunk. Hyundai Tucson Sport can be had for 22.5-23K USD I think. Test drove it. Seats felt hard and it has hard plastic everywhere (behind front seats as well) but otherwise it felt nice. Rear seats recline. 3 or 4 12v outlets, rear air vents, ratcheting/forward-tilting headrests ), heated mirrors and front seats, quieter cabin, bigger tire (more expensive) a little less mileage.. Sunroof only available in the Limited trim. 5 yr b2b Warranty is nice.

I am 6 ft tall. CX-5 front seats felt more roomy and it is more comfy. Tucson front seat felt smaller. Tucson sport power liftgate is stupid and need to be turned off in settings or it will get opened by mistake.

Overall visibility felt better in CX-5. Think Tucson trunk is more well laid out with hooks and stuff.

Yeah, it also doesnt have a 115V. I am upset by the lack of these items and miss having them.

 

[Dermochelys]

NAV has always sucked, Windshields in this car DO suck, but the white haze and transmission should have been handled by the dealer. As to "trans noises", well, we don't know if the poster is being whiny and the noises are normal, or if they are a legit not-cool thing. Can't really make a judgement based on that.

I don't plan on getting the NAV, so that's not really a factor for me. The windshield issue seems to be a known risk factor, just like with the Foresters and the chance for oil consumption. At least I could get additional insurance to cover the windshield when I buy the car if I'm really worried about it. On the other issues, there will always be some bad eggs, and if the dealership can't fix them under warranty, then I think doing a Lemon Law claim is the way to go, but that's just my opinion. I'm hoping to buy used, and looking for a car still under some sort of warranty just to cover myself.

 

[Unobtanium]

Wow, you really hit the nail on the head with this comment, that's exactly what I'm coming to realize.

I like manuals because they are more fun to drive, you have more control, and I feel they are more reliable. That being said, a manual doesn't magically make any vehicle fun to drive. I know driving a school bus probably wouldn't be more fun with a manual transmission. There aren't any MT Foresters in the Premium trim in my area, but once one shows up I'm going to give it one last shot in a head-to-head with the CX-5 on "fun" factor. I want to stay away from turbos if I can for reliability reasons, so the used XT Forester are out and I can't afford a new one.

Drive one, I bet it bores you to death. It's even slower than the CX5, and I hear they wallow pretty bad if given sudden input.

 

[Unobtanium]

I don't plan on getting the NAV, so that's not really a factor for me. The windshield issue seems to be a known risk factor, just like with the Foresters and the chance for oil consumption. At least I could get additional insurance to cover the windshield when I buy the car if I'm really worried about it. On the other issues, there will always be some bad eggs, and if the dealership can't fix them under warranty, then I think doing a Lemon Law claim is the way to go, but that's just my opinion. I'm hoping to buy used, and looking for a car still under some sort of warranty just to cover myself.

If NAV dousn't matter, go 2.5AWD touring. Just my .02.

 

[Unobtanium]

Dealer keeps telling me there is no superseeded part for the headlight issue and they know its a problem. I was a mechanic for 10 years, so i understand trans noises vs being whiny. When a trans clunks when downshifting going down a hill thats not normal. When you pull out and it vibrates thats not normal either. Problem is the dealer doesnt have any hills around it to replicate the problem. When i worked at VW we would take cars home for the weekend to try and replicate the issue, Mazda will not do that which is stupid.

Mine clunks going down hill too. If I punch it, it's very very very harsh. As in, redline clutch drop harsh. It's normal, sadly. This trans doesn't use a tq converter at higher speeds, and that leads to harshness when there is slop, such as decel/accel like on a downward grade.

Pulling out is no fun, so that's your fault.

 

[Tccox]

Yeah, it also doesnt have a 115V. I am upset by the lack of these items and miss having them.

Well, my CX-5 has two 12 volt outlets, one in back and one in center console

 

[Unobtanium]

Well, my CX-5 has two 12 volt outlets, one in back and one in center console

No 115V though, no? That's the ones I miss. Charges the phone fast, can run a laptop, etc.

 

[craigo]

Just throwing this out here
CX-5 has no 12 volt outlet in the front. Only one and it is in the trunk. Hyundai Tucson Sport can be had for 22.5-23K USD I think. Test drove it. Seats felt hard and it has hard plastic everywhere (behind front seats as well) but otherwise it felt nice. Rear seats recline. 3 or 4 12v outlets, rear air vents, ratcheting/forward-tilting headrests ), heated mirrors and front seats, quieter cabin, bigger tire (more expensive) a little less mileage.. Sunroof only available in the Limited trim. 5 yr b2b Warranty is nice.

I am 6 ft tall. CX-5 front seats felt more roomy and it is more comfy. Tucson front seat felt smaller. Tucson sport power liftgate is stupid and need to be turned off in settings or it will get opened by mistake.

Overall visibility felt better in CX-5. Think Tucson trunk is more well laid out with hooks and stuff.

The 12 volt is in the console. I believe the 17 moved it back out of there.

 

[Mazdauser100]

The 12 volt is in the console. I believe the 17 moved it back out of there.

I stand corrected... There is 12 volt outlet in the center console.(hand)

 

[Kaps]

Just throwing this out here
Hyundai Tucson Sport can be had for 22.5-23K USD I think. Test drove it. Seats felt hard and it has hard plastic everywhere (behind front seats as well) but otherwise it felt nice. Rear seats recline. 3 or 4 12v outlets, rear air vents, ratcheting/forward-tilting headrests ), heated mirrors and front seats, quieter cabin, bigger tire (more expensive) a little less mileage.. Sunroof only available in the Limited trim. 5 yr b2b Warranty is nice.

I am 6 ft tall. CX-5 front seats felt more roomy and it is more comfy. Tucson front seat felt smaller. Tucson sport power liftgate is stupid and need to be turned off in settings or it will get opened by mistake.

Overall visibility felt better in CX-5. Think Tucson trunk is more well laid out with hooks and stuff.

Test drove Tucson and the chassis is refined well. But...
Horribad resale
Base engine is underpowered
2 nd engine DCT is deadly.. Hyundai has bought back many vehicles
Its all plastic as you mentioned
Tons of rebates which can be gamed like uber discount etc.

I paid 23.9 for touring with bose. Base Tucson for 23 is criminal. I was quoted 23.9 for base + convenience pkg.
No way that Hyundai is worth that. I would pay 21 for it. Max. On a day i felt generous.

 

[Mazdauser100]

Good points.

2017 Tucson Sport is listing online for 23,900 around here (SF bay area). Will go for 22.5 range I think. Heard they are starting to fix the DCT issue.

CX-5 Touring w/ Bose moon roof is very much possible here for 23,500 or may be even lower. There is serious competition among dealerships here at the moment.

 

[Dermochelys]

Good points.

2017 Tucson Sport is listing online for 23,900 around here (SF bay area). Will go for 22.5 range I think. Heard they are starting to fix the DCT issue.

CX-5 Touring w/ Bose moon roof is very much possible here for 23,500 or may be even lower. There is serious competition among dealerships here at the moment.

Mmm, I wonder if Sacramento area dealerships are as desperate to unload CX-5s right now. I should check out "new" options I suppose, and I'm totally willing to travel down to the Bay for the right deal.

Thanks!

 

[Unobtanium]

Mmm, I wonder if Sacramento area dealerships are as desperate to unload CX-5s right now. I should check out "new" options I suppose, and I'm totally willing to travel down to the Bay for the right deal.

Thanks!

Kali is always a great gambit. Plane tickets are cheap. Use their megadealerships as leverage. That's what I did with my Z06, and got $10,000 off MSRP. ($75,400 turned into $67,XXX including an aftermarket warranty and a trip to BG to watch them build my car)

 

[CX-5um]

If OP is not considering a Subie and unfortunately the Mazda6 Wagen is not available in the US I really think OP should cross shop the VW sportwagen 1.8 turbo with manual.

 

[Dermochelys]

If OP is not considering a Subie and unfortunately the Mazda6 Wagen is not available in the US I really think OP should cross shop the VW sportwagen 1.8 turbo with manual.

Thank you for the suggestion on the Sportwagen, I have cross shopped that vehicle and I don't think it'll meet my needs. It's brand new, so no options for buying used and the price is a bit too much for me. Also, VW is not known for long term reliability here in the US.

I am looking Subaru, though I'm concerned about oil consumption in the FB25 engine.

It is good to note that the thread has gotten a little off track with the power source and Kia/Hyundai vehicle discussion.

I still haven't seen anyone try to replace their 2016 stereo unit and whether the commander's knob would still work or if it would just become a useless button in the car.

Right now I'm leaning away from the Tech. package. While I would like the LED headlights, I don't think I want to deal with the rain-sensing wipers or SCBS feature. Those are things I really don't need, especially the SCBS. I know it's never supposed to really engage, but the thought of the car slamming its brakes when "it" wants to isn't an idea I really like. Little things like this would drive me nuts....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00E4qyjGWXE

Plus, I almost never even drive in traffic anyway.

 

[MMcCraryNJ]

Thank you for the suggestion on the Sportwagen, I have cross shopped that vehicle and I don't think it'll meet my needs. It's brand new, so no options for buying used and the price is a bit too much for me. Also, VW is not known for long term reliability here in the US.

I am looking Subaru, though I'm concerned about oil consumption in the FB25 engine.

It is good to note that the thread has gotten a little off track with the power source and Kia/Hyundai vehicle discussion.

I still haven't seen anyone try to replace their 2016 stereo unit and whether the commander's knob would still work or if it would just become a useless button in the car.

Right now I'm leaning away from the Tech. package. While I would like the LED headlights, I don't think I want to deal with the rain-sensing wipers or SCBS feature. Those are things I really don't need, especially the SCBS. I know it's never supposed to really engage, but the thought of the car slamming its brakes when "it" wants to isn't an idea I really like. Little things like this would drive me nuts....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00E4qyjGWXE

Plus, I almost never even drive in traffic anyway.

1. Replacing the stereo certainly is possible, but not recommended for many reasons. Many of the cars features are tied into the infotainment system, such as the way the door locks, interior and exterior lights, safety systems, etc operate. You would have to set all of that and then forget about ever touching it again, and even if you were okay with that, the repair of such features in case of failure may not be possible without the stock infotainment system in place. Aside from that, even if you were to do it, the stock commander knob would become totally useless as you suspect. This is unfortunate, but it's also not a Mazda-only problem. This is modern cars. Love it or hate it, it is what it is. You will find this same limitation anywhere you go, unless you're okay with buying a 5-7 year old used car.

2. The tech package at the very least is worth it. You can easily turn the rain-sensing wiper function off via the infotainment screen. SCBS is customizable as well from what I can remember, I'll have to check back on that next time I'm in my car. I'm not one for telling anyone else what they may need or want, but I think you'll find it a lot less intrusive than you're imagining, and it has the potential to save you from minor collisions and accidents that would end up costing you more money in the long run. I share the opinion that a lot of modern tech in cars is completely useless, frivolous, and even dangerous while adding unnecessary complications and repair costs, but automated braking and crash mitigation isn't one of them

 

[CX-5um]

I still haven't seen anyone try to replace their 2016 stereo unit and whether the commander's knob would still work or if it would just become a useless button in the car.

Right now I'm leaning away from the Tech. package. While I would like the LED headlights

Someone mentioned the touring model is the best value. Could care less with the sunroof myself. Whats really worth to have is the Blind Spot Monitoring. Saved me time and money 3-4 times over the span of owning these post 2013 Mazdas by helping me avoid accidents. Its not intrusive at all and its a really useful tool for defensive driving whether you're bobbing a weaving through traffic at a fast pace or slowly backing up unto incoming traffic. Also useful when stupid drivers around you don't use turn signals. The Bose sound system is decent and merely lacking bass. With it 90% of people would be satisfied. In your case having a dog in the back means limited aftermarket woofer options.

The skyactive engines don't really have problems burning oil. The only oil discussions you see here are which oils to use. The transmission issues reported around here usually involve some type of whistle sound and ends with Mazda USA stepping in to replace them under warranty. Can't recall too many reporting tranny issues after say 50k miles so most are likely to have been resolved during warranty period. I'd say the majority of folks in that bucket don't get push back from Mazda neither.

The awd systems may be have some limitations going across rivers? You may want to research that.

Sound deadening post 2017 CX-5 models are very minimal. Not sure that bothers you. I added some to all 4 doors and hatch/floor area.

 

[jhu8]

Right now I'm leaning away from the Tech. package.

Plus, I almost never even drive in traffic anyway.

Don't let the SCBS scare you away. It only activates if you simply do not press the brake right before an imminent collision. If your foot is in any way shape or form hitting the brake, it will not activate. I have had it activate only once on me and that was me driving, I'll admit, way too fast into a parking spot in a parking garage and it beeped at me. I don't think it activated because I must of hit the brake right when it as about to actually hit the brakes for me. The LEDs are worth it so much. Only reason I got the tech package really.

 

[Ram4Sam]

Thank you for the suggestion on the Sportwagen, I have cross shopped that vehicle and I don't think it'll meet my needs. It's brand new, so no options for buying used and the price is a bit too much for me. Also, VW is not known for long term reliability here in the US.

I am looking Subaru, though I'm concerned about oil consumption in the FB25 engine.

It is good to note that the thread has gotten a little off track with the power source and Kia/Hyundai vehicle discussion.

I still haven't seen anyone try to replace their 2016 stereo unit and whether the commander's knob would still work or if it would just become a useless button in the car.

Right now I'm leaning away from the Tech. package. While I would like the LED headlights, I don't think I want to deal with the rain-sensing wipers or SCBS feature. Those are things I really don't need, especially the SCBS. I know it's never supposed to really engage, but the thought of the car slamming its brakes when "it" wants to isn't an idea I really like. Little things like this would drive me nuts....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00E4qyjGWXE

Plus, I almost never even drive in traffic anyway.

My just off the transport Grand Touring without the tech package has the rain sensing wipers.........

Sam