2013 cx-5?

[Anovice]

Fortunately, I found this forum and this is my first post.

I am in a predicament and need advice!

I live in Ft. Lauderdale and drove to Philadelphia PA, where I still am, to visit friends. Three weeks ago I was hit from behind and my car was totaled. Two days in the hospital and now I am in the process of settling the claim with the at fault drivers insurance company.

I would like to purchase a used Mazda CX-5. I have been looking online and this is becoming a bit overwhelming. Researching vehicles are not my forte, not to mention in these very difficult times. My current objective is to narrow down the model years to one, possible two.

So far I am honing in on the 2014. The reasons are because I understand that from 2013 to 2016 (redesign for 2017), there were few changes. Also, from what I can tell, 2014 was the first year for the 2.5-liter engine. Please correct me if I am wrong.

I am a bit confused regarding the different trim levels. I think that I am interested in the 2014 Grand Touring model because of the larger engine and leather seats. Some of the other features are nice, but not important to me.

I might want to consider a "certified pre-owned", but I have not yet found the criteria to be certified pre-owned. I have read that if I can, Maxda has a nice extended warranty.

Prior to getting your feedback, I do have one immediate concern. I have also read that the CX-5 is not as reliable as some of the other SUV's like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Is there any validity to this?

While it would be easier if I bought a vehicle in Philadelphia and drove back home to Florida, I am concerned about purchasing a vehicle that has been exposed to roads that were salted. I understand that cars tend to start rusting after 4 or 5 years in Philadelphia. I would think that in Florida, I may find an 2014 CX-5 that would have a few more miles than Philadelphia, but they would be highway miles, and not exposed to the salted roads.

I am looking forward to all your thoughts.

Anovice

 

[yrwei52]

Sorry to hear your experience. Hope you have a fast recovery!

Not sure your financial situation, but I always try to get a new vehicle instead of a used. Even a cheapest new car is better than a used at the same price level. Therere simply too many unknown variables buying a used, even if its a CPO.

You also need to have your priority straight. If the reliability is your number 1 concern, you should consider something from Toyota such as RAV4. You can also consider Honda CR-V pre-2015 models which has no CVT and turbo. Youll have much better selections on these 2 vehicles as therere plenty available. If you prefer Mazda CX-5 used, go for 2016 if possible as it has many significant upgrades. 2015 is fine and the third is 2014. Dont consider 2013 CX-5 as its the first-year model, and therere many areas have been revised since then.

Finally try to find a used car back in Florida as many used cars in Philadelphia may suffer rust issues due to winter road salt. Fly or rent a car go back to Florida where youre familiar with and get a used or new car is a better alternative IMO.

 

[Monterra]

I can recommend the 2014 GT with conviction- yes it was first year for 2.5l- so I'd start there- leather still looks new- still love the seats and other than going through brakes a bit faster its proving no less reliable than my old CR-V which is to say pretty damn good. I think my AC crapped out at around this point of CR-V tenure (knocks wood)- 5+ years, 86k, still happy w/it. I wouldn't think getting a car from Philly is that big of an issue in terms of salt exposure- some sure but I don't think it would dissuade me that much if you find something good for a good #.

 

[jmhumr]

Regarding reliability, its really easy to get sucked into the media narratives. But for the Japanese brands, theres really not a worthwhile difference in reliability. While Im sure most would instinctively rank Honda and Toyota above Mazda, thats largely due to the reputation they built in the 80s and 90s when other brands were struggling with quality. Today, there is much more parity across the auto industry when it comes to reliability, and all three of the Japanese brands make a very good cars that are unlikely to give you any trouble.

 

[7eregrine]

While I*m sure most would instinctively rank Honda and Toyota above Mazda, that*s largely due to the reputation they built in the 80s and 90s when other brands were struggling with quality.

1,000% AGREE.

Not sure your financial situation, but I always try to get a new vehicle instead of a used. Even a cheapest new car is better than a used at the same price level. There*re simply too many unknown variables buying a used, even if it*s a CPO.

Totally disagree. I have a forum you need to visit. 80% of the people there think buying new cars is about the stupidest thing you can do. While I don't agree it's stupid, I absolutely see the value in going used.
So you're suggesting he buy a 17 sport instead of a 14 GT?
Disagree, disagree, disagree.
Get a GT. Whatever GT you can afford.

 

[yrwei52]

I definitely would worry about road salt exposure on a used CX-5. Heres a thread:

Just joined the club and question on rust

This CX-5 is from Illinois:

Just spent 3 hours under my 3 year old CX-5. Did AT, Engine and 2x TC oil changes.

Rust level in various spots on 36 month car was tad too much. Mark this post, but in 4 season weather I don't see this version last 10 years.

If this is CA/FL type of no salt climate - all should be fine, but winter states beware.

This CX-5 is from Toronto area in Canada:

View attachment 216610
View attachment 216611
View attachment 216612
View attachment 216613

Here is the underside of my car after 4 winters.

Here is comparison pictures from Southern New Hampshire:

Rust like that after a few years even with heavy use of salt I believe is unacceptable with today's coatings and materials to look worse than a car that is 13 years old is not acceptable. How can Mazda get away with this? I love how this car drives and looks but also want one that will last. Also very happy with fuel economy so far getting around 30.5MPG on my 100 mile round trip commute.

2005 toyota matrix/pontiac vibe - 225K miles driving 100 miles a day

View attachment 216618

2014 CX-5 (seen 2 winters) -28K miles

View attachment 216616
View attachment 216617

 

[ColoradoDriver]

Yeesh...have been under my CX-5 a lot lately between oil changes and tranny fluid change and no rust on mine.

Anyway, to OP: Yes 2014 is first model year to have the 2.5L engine. Main difference between the GT and Touring is that the GT has leather seats whereas the Touring has cloth. GT also has more techy items I am assuming. I don't actually know what tech bits are part of the trim or the packages, actually. Ahh...I'll let someone else answer that part.

 

[ruthrj]

If you can afford it, get yourself a Florida 2014 Grand Touring or newer. I bought a 2013 CX5 Sport new and love this car to death even though it has cloth seats and the smaller 2.0 liter engine. I own it outright, 58k miles now with no issues. Only thing that needed replacing were the tires, and the Goodyear Comfortred made it handle better than new. Flushed the brake fluid, and I wont need any other maintenance for quite some time (other than oil changes).

As far as reliability goes, I have zero concerns with the longevity of Mazda. I had a new 2014 Toyota Corolla and honestly I wasnt impressed with the quality. Battery was shot after two years. Cant even blame it on Florida heat, the car was parked in a garage day and night. It may have been reliable in the long run, but the paint was cheap and flecked off easy, I didnt like the proprietary oil filter, and the plastic interior just felt lower quality. I traded it for a 2017 Honda Odyssey. I was proactive in getting a transmission cooler installed on it to prevent transmission issues down the road. It also has cylinder deactivation that is known to potentially cause (failed piston rings, fouled spark plugs, worn out motor mounts). I deactivated that feature to ensure longevity, and it handles so much better without flipping between 3 and 6 cylinder mode.

You see what Im getting at here. My Mazda is very low maintenance (even has a timing chain!!!), and from browsing This forum, Toyota, and Honda forums Mazda has excellent reliability

 

[7eregrine]

@Colorado: they don't use salt on your roads though, or so I thought.