Have a CX-5 - what should we get as our 2nd car?

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socalcx-5

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Wife and I bought a 2014 CX-5 GT w/tech a couple years ago, right before we had our first kid. It's her daily driver, we both love it. Only complaint is that it's not quite as spacious as we would have liked. Car seat takes up a ton of room and we fill that cargo space up quick. Planning on having another kid in the next year or two.

I am currently driving my wife's old 2003 325i - great car, but getting expensive to maintain. Thinking of trading in the BMW for something more practical/cheaper to maintain/more space. Any ideas? Looking to spend about $30k, would consider a CPO.
 
You've come to the right place.

We bought a 13 CX-5 right before our first kid. Its her daily driver. The size is fine for us.

I was driving a 2001 BMW 325i. Was expensive to maintain. Then Leased a 2013 VW CC. Returned. Purchased a 2016 Mazda6.

I suggest you test drive one. You will find the power comparable to an automatic 325i (0-60 in 7 second range) but with much much more interior space. I got the 2016 Touring w/tech which comes with stunning interior/exterior, 19's, Bose, auto dim mirrors with homelink, LED halo daytime running lights, LED headlights, oh and much better quality breathable Leatherette seats than the 325i or CC. I'm easily averaging 31+ mpg with brisk mixed city/hwy driving on 87 octane gas. Theres plenty of former/current BMW owners who have purchased the gen3 Mazda 6. This things a head turner.

Other cars I considered were: 2015 Mazda3 Hatchback GT. Fast little car but with tight rear seats. Styling is good but wasn't as sharp as new mazda6. 2016 Acura ILX. Faster car with 8-speed dual clutch transmission. Deal breaker was ugly exterior/so so interior.

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I'm definitely going to go look at the Mazda6, though I realize I pretty much already know what the car is going to look/feel like. Will have to look at the Accord as well, though it seems so boring.
 
2nd car,

Bespoke 2009 328, got it with 7 miles on it, drove it for 4 years on the Autobahn, took it to CO, and have brought it back home to Germany. No issues since I owned it, except for the rodents that chewed on some cables.

Still deciding what to replace it with, I'm sticking with the brand.

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Lol my wife drives our 2014 CX5 and I have a 2011 328 AWD with 94,000 trouble free miles on it so far. Most likely in a few years I will get another 328 since its redesign in 2012 now does 5.7 0-60. The Mazda 6 is a great car, but I can't understand why they don't offer a six or at least a turbo 4. The current four cylinder in all the road test I have read just barely makes 0-60 in 8.0 seconds which is too slow for a modern day sports car in my opinion. My current car with the non turbo 6 does it in just under 7 seconds, but the smooth six is much more responsive and less noisy than the Mazda 4 banger. Granted the Mazda is 20 grand cheaper, but I would be perfect with a more powerful engine. On another note my son has a 2015 Mazda 3 hatchback and that car handles very well and has a lot of pep with the 2.5 engine. I have to give Mazda props as their steering feel and handling are exceptional. Add a more powerful engine and they would be perfect.
 
I've done it, got 2nd cx-5. I do my maintenance, so all is fine - same oil/filters/and all acutally.
 
socalcx-5 said:
I'm definitely going to go look at the Mazda6, though I realize I pretty much already know what the car is going to look/feel like. Will have to look at the Accord as well, though it seems so boring.
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If you're considering a boring but reliable sedan, Toyota Camry should be a better choice than Honda Accord. Accord's CVT is a deal killer to me unless you get a V6 but that is the only V6 in the US which is still using a problematic timing belt and defeats the purpose of gas savings. Accord sales has been lagging behind Camry, Corolla, Altima, even Ford Fusion among all 4-door sedans! If you like Honda products, check Acura ILX, TLX (4-cylinder) which offers new 8-Speed DCT and paddle shifters. But personally I hate Acura's thick metal band at front and rear (although those have been tuned down a lot) and the new but ugly LED array headlights.

I was surprised many people here are having good experience on BMW's. The water pump literally exploded at 28K miles on our BMW 528i speaks my thought of quality and reliability to BMW's. All the friends I know have or had the BMW's have nothing but the bad experience on BMW's. Besides, all models available here in the US now come with at least one turbo charger, which makes me have a second thought of buying another BMW.

If I were you, I may consider another CX-5 GT with Tech as the new interior and LED lighting look totally different from 2014's. Mazda6 may be another option. But your 2nd car selection is depending on your own priority. I'd avoid timing belt (Honda/Acura V6), turbo (BMW, VW, Audi, Mercedes, Lexus NX), CVT (Accord 4, CR-V, Rogue, Forester, Outback) at all costs!
 
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^^I'm thinking the BMW guys with problems had E9x/x35s (N54 engine) which were plagued with HPFP issues. Part of why I chose the 328
 
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boandlkramer said:
^^I'm thinking the BMW guys with problems had E9x/x35s (N54 engine) which were plagued with HPFP issues. Part of why I chose the 328
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You're smart to get a BMW non-turbo 3.0L in-line 6. But you can't find a non-turbo in-line 6 from BMW here in the US anymore. Turbo engine has inherent issues which are difficult to overcome. The very high failure rate on high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) and the design defect in turbochargers on once "award-winning" BMW N54 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 have caused class-action lawsuit.
 
Great responses, guys, much appreciated.

I would only consider the V6 Accord because I won't do a CVT, but I didn't realize that about the timing belt - great point. I've always been biased against Toyotas, and to me, the new Camrys are hideous (in addition to being boring).

Agreed on the Acura noses - ugly. Seems like the ILX is too small, though I haven't sat in one.

I'd actually be willing to stick with BMW and go with the 328i wagon, but by the time you put decent options on that car, it's close to $50k - seems crazy for a 4 cylinder car, and yeah, the BMW turbos make me nervous, not to mention everything I've read says the new 3 series don't have the same tactile feel as my E46.

The other car I've been looking at, which is in a totally different class, is a 2013 Highlander (right before the current body change). Looks like they can be had with relatively low mileage for around $30k. Would give us a 3rd row for when the kids are older and it's v6. Anyone have any experience with that car?
 
socalcx-5 said:
... The other car I've been looking at, which is in a totally different class, is a 2013 Highlander (right before the current body change). Looks like they can be had with relatively low mileage for around $30k. Would give us a 3rd row for when the kids are older and it's v6. Anyone have any experience with that car?
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Highlander is OK but you would pay for the poor gas mileage. The aging Mazda CX-9, which also has a 3rd row seat, has to be better than the Highlander. Rumors say the new CX-9 is coming but don't know if Mazda can come up with a SkyActiv V6 or turbo 4. If you want a spacious cabin with the 3rd row seat, minivan is the best! (yeah, I know the soccer mom image thing...) (boom06)
So everything considered, a 2016 CX-5 GT w/Tech may be the best choice for your second car...
 
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boandlkramer said:
^^I'm thinking the BMW guys with problems had E9x/x35s (N54 engine) which were plagued with HPFP issues. Part of why I chose the 328
Click to expand...

+1 that's why I bought the non-turbo 328 in 2011. Now all models are turbo charged.
 
chinq6t said:
How about a 4 door GTI?
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Used to be a loyal VW owner and bought 3 new VW's. But I finally had it enough on its poor quality and reliability and will never buy another one unless VW makes significant improvement. If you don't mind about the reliability, go get the 4-door GTI and join those unhappy VW owners later filing the class action lawsuit against VW of America for its problematic 2.0T turbo!
 
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