Adding to my Mazda family

[JackWhite75]

Hello all,

my wife and I bought a 3 a fe months ago and absolutely love it. Its very comparable with a Civic that we were originally looking at, but with the same options at $3500 less it was an easy decision. We have a 10yr old daughter and are looking to expand our family. We are not the minivan type and the 5 has definitely appealed to us with its features, gas mileage and options. With that being said how does the 5 handle? I know it is built on the same chassis as the 3, but does it handle like the 3? How does the manual fare? Our 3 is a manual and a blast to drive but my wife is leary of having another manual transmission but my only concern is the placement of the gears as it looks far away from the drivers cockpit. Are there any issues with the 2008 model? Also, what kind of material is on the back of the 3rd row of seats? We had an 06 Xterra ad loved that it was plastic in the back and behind the seats. It made haulig the dog around alot easier. Thanks in advance for your help and information.

 

[coolmazda5]

My 2 pesos:

• Handling is great, body roll is more pronounced than a Mazda3, but still rules
• Stick shifter is even on better position than the 3 or a Civic (the 1st comment comes from a long time Mazda3 owner and the Civic comes from me )
• Wife also drives manual, but don't buy it if you or wife are weary of it, get what is the most comfortable for you
• Seats: fabric is OK but scotchguard or covers for kids and dogs, no way around
• 08 issues: not so far, all the issues have shown up on my 06 (I think I got the experimental model, LOL), but nothing critical

Anyway, regardless of the feedback (this is a Mazda5 section after all) test drive it, you'll see

 

[JackWhite75]

The only hesitation my wife has on another manual transmission is sitting in traffic. According to her the 5 would be my main mode of transportation so I would definitely opt for th manual for the fun and fuel factor. is the Sport model the only trim available with the manual? If so can I get most of the other options on the Sport model, preferably the moonroof and 6-disc CD changer?

 

[coolmazda5]

Got it. As per fuel efficiency, I don't see a radical difference from the 5MT (especially now with the 5AT). You can check some MPG numbers here:
http://www.mazdav.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116152

Assuming you are in the US officially you can only get 2008 Sports with 5MT, but we've seen several 2008 Tourings with 5MT as well (I think there is a member or 2 here with one). While difficult to find (and depending of where you live), I think it will be easier than finding 2008 Sports with 5MT, the Popular Package (i.e. 6CD player, side sills, tailgate spoiler) AND the moonroof. In both my cases I guess it has been just luck. My priority was 5MT only, but got more for it (still wouldn't have mind the moonroof though).

Ordering can be an option too, but you'll miss the negotiation part

 

[mrbwa1]

Looks like most of your questions were answered well, but I'll add my 2 cents.

-The handling is unique vs the 3. You are dealing with a longer wheelbase, heavier, taller car. It also depends on which 3 you have. A 3i sedan with 16" rims is still sharper than the 5 but not too much different. The 3 with 17s is noticably sharper, but only if you are really leaning on the car. The 5 is quite good, as good or better than a Mazda 6. Handles and feels like a sports sedan.

- The 5spd manual would be a blast. I haven't drive one out of fear that I'll have to sell my soul and buy a second 5. Our 07 onlay has the 4AT, but it is by far and above the best AT I have ever dealt with. The M-gate on the 4AT/5AT is also pretty cool being that it replicates a true race car (up is downshift, down is upshift). My wife hates that though as it's logically backwards to her. As far as moonroof, I would get looking and see what's out there. You may have trouble finding a 5sp w/moonroof, so there may not be much choice.