2013 Mazda 5 GT vs Sport?

[Lily08]

Hi all, we're considering the two models right now. We like some of the light features and also having leather seats, but not sure if it's worth the extra $3600 to upgrade. Is it easy to just install leather seat covers at less than $500? Don't really need the sun roof and Sirius radio etc. Just that when we sat in the Sport vs GT version it just felt nicer (which I think was due to the leather seats)

We do intend to keep the car for at least the next 7 years + so what do you think? Should be toss another $3600 in for purchase? Is it worth it to go GT?

Thanks!

 

[benee]

I wouldnt do it, but I am frugal....

 

[Davicho]

If you can afford it and are not looking for a manual transmission definitely go with a GT. The few extras you get are very nicely welcomed plus when the time comes to say good bye to it. The resale value is higher on the GT then the Sport.

 

[Silentnoise713]

Buy used if at all possible. Unless Mazda is offering a steep (I mean mountainous) discount, skip on a new '13 model. There's just too much uncertainty on what the '14 might bring and may leave you with a terrible case of buyers remorse. If not for the "potential" of a much more fuel efficient sky engine and 6sp auto, I'd agree buying new now suite you just fine since you already plan on keeping it for a long time.

Aftearket leather seat covers are going to cost you ~$1,000-$1,500 (top quality) + few hundred labor as they are a challenge to put on. You'd also need custom work to do the door panels -not cheap. I like to rest my elbows on the door panel and it is much soft than the fabric.

If you must get a car now and you must have leather then there's only the GT really. And yes, the leather does feel like it provides extra cushioning (more padding underneathe the leather?) and feels much better on the behind than the cloth. The GT package is a good buy. Used would be best or '14 if you can wait. The '14 Mz3 was announced to with a 6sp auto so it' only a matter of time before it comes to the Mz5 but it might be a leap year since it is always trickled down.

Had an '08 Sport manual them upgraded to an '08 GT. I highly recommend the GT packaging.

 

[Car54]

If I wasn't set on a 6MT, I'd have gotten a GT...but I'd have gotten a used GT. Used 6MT's are hard to find.

The 0% interest for 60 months from Mazda is attractive and work a couple grand if you plan to keep it for 7 years like you suggest. This would offset depreciation.

Ok, I'm contradicting myself.

 

[aha]

Well, if you plan to keep the car for 7 yrs+, it will be hard to keep up with the leather. To consider Sport Vs. GT, I'd consider the appearance (body kit), bluetooth - I'm not even sure if the Sport comes with the back up sensor. In any case, I chose for the Touring with Sunroof And Sound (6 CD Changer), it's basically GT without Leather seat (since I don't like leather seat) for the 2012. Good luck with your decision.

 

[m5pa]

The GT was worth it for me because of the leather, heated seats and HID headlamps. We weren't getting a Sport because the wife doesn't drive stick. As long as you care for leather (Lexol or whatever you prefer for cleaning leather) it looks better and lasts longer than cloth, as long as you don't punch any holes in it. It makes the interior looking nicer in the 5 and I find it more comfortable, as leather "gives" more. Much easier to clean up kiddie messes, though I'd worry if I had dogs.

If you're getting 0%, financing it and planning on keeping it, to me it worth is to buy as much car as you can. That way you aren't wishing you hadn't bought the base model in a few years.

 

[torquelover]

If I could go back, I would have gotten the GT. As far as Sport vs GT the leather wrapped steering wheel is a must. The Sport plastic wheel feels cheap. I use the sunroof in my wife's MZ5 almost every time I drive it, even in light rain. I also think the Sport looks naked with the smaller wheels, no side skirts, and lack of rear spoiler. That being said I also think the lower rear of the Touring and GT look mismatched to the low front and sides.

 

[markuszoom5]

I have a 2010 sport with the popular package adding side skirts, rear spoiler, cd changer and what not. The exterior addons really look nice. A mazda sport without the exterior addons looks some much more boring. So go for the exterior Addons.

 

[j3nsmz5]

Got the '07 GT here. First time we were checking out the MZ5, we were already ok with the Touring and Sport model. But when we got in to a GT model, we just had to have it... I think I got a pretty rare package at that: Espresso brown leather (really easy to clean) with espresso brown microfiber cloth door trim, exterior body add-ons, Mazda Navi, Mazda DVD entertainment unit (the extra dome lighting from the unit makes it brighter inside), Mazda HID's with black housing headlight and taillight, and Sport rubber floor mats (which is a must when you have a toddler). We were really satisfied to say the least..until I seen other modded MZ5s on this forum...so that's when I started adding on a few things here and there.. This is an old post.. I hope you got the GT, OP..