Buying Mazda5 soon... what problems should i look for when shopping?

anything in specific i should look for? what trim level should i opt for? i really like this vehicle so i would like to know as much about it as possible. thanks in advance.
 
anything in specific i should look for? what trim level should i opt for? i really like this vehicle so i would like to know as much about it as possible. thanks in advance.

Are you buying new or used; if used, what year(s) did you have in mind?
 
LED tails are only available on Touring or Grand Touring - Canada is different.
Fogs are optional on the Sport, but standard above that.
06/07 had cupping issues on rear tires, and a less efficient 4 speed auto transmission.
 
It it was me, I would go for a 2010 GT. 2010 because it will be most refined batch. I heard they are changing things in 2011. Why GT, and not GS?. Its a good feeling to own one thats more or less at the 'top trims'. And not that expensive as compared to reaching for the top trim in other brands.

We presently have a 2006 GT.
 
LED tails are only available on Touring or Grand Touring - Canada is different.
Fogs are optional on the Sport, but standard above that.
06/07 had cupping issues on rear tires, and a less efficient 4 speed auto transmission.

so anything above 2007 has 5 speed automatic? is there a manual tranny offered at all?

i live in chicago, illinois and i would like 5 or more gears on an automatic tranny (wife will also be driving this), as well as the previously listed LED tail lights, fog lamps, and if possible, navigation. other that that i dont mind non-leather interior.

the navigation isnt a big deal cause i have my tom tom that i love and its mobile so i can take it with me.

also i would like some attractive looking wheels so that i dont have to shop for anything aftermarket.

one question, does anyone know what bolt pattern the rims are?
im under the impression that its 114.3 X 5.

also what would be the largest rims diameter that would fit the 5?

thanks a mil for the help and info guys. this is priceless.
 
The auto transmission was a 4 speed from 2006 to 2007 then a 5 speed since. All of the autos have the semi-manual shifter.
5 speed manual has always been offered in the Sport trim. If you want a Touring or above good luck. Unless you want to come to Canada :)

The bolt pattern is indeed 114.3mm according to the work manual I have. Stock offset is 52.5mm. In the States I don't think they have any options on what OEM wheels you get since all trim levels have 205/50R17's as standard. I don't like the look of any of the 17" OEM wheels that Mazda has put on this vehicle. One of the few things that makes me glad I have the OEM 16's which don't look all that bad (and are cheaper to put rubber on)

There's a huge thread in the tire section with pictures of various setups. 18's have definitely been done but I can't remember if anyone has done 19's or if they have whether they had to roll the fenders.
 
The auto transmission was a 4 speed from 2006 to 2007 then a 5 speed since. All of the autos have the semi-manual shifter.
5 speed manual has always been offered in the Sport trim. If you want a Touring or above good luck. Unless you want to come to Canada :)

The bolt pattern is indeed 114.3mm according to the work manual I have. Stock offset is 52.5mm. In the States I don't think they have any options on what OEM wheels you get since all trim levels have 205/50R17's as standard. I don't like the look of any of the 17" OEM wheels that Mazda has put on this vehicle. One of the few things that makes me glad I have the OEM 16's which don't look all that bad (and are cheaper to put rubber on)

There's a huge thread in the tire section with pictures of various setups. 18's have definitely been done but I can't remember if anyone has done 19's or if they have whether they had to roll the fenders.

awesome! thanks for the info, i will report back on my findings!
 
In order to get LED taillights, you will need to look at either '08-10 Touring or Grand Touring (US) or GT in Canada. Otherwise, you will need to buy the taillights after the fact & install them at a good $300/each. But the good news is that after the 06-07 run, the 5AT is standard in upper trim levels, along with fogs, rear window visor, side skirts and the moonroof. The newer models also get A/C ducts under the console to the 2nd row, and alot of odd bugs worked out. Unless you are in Canada, you CANNOT get a higher trim level and a 5MT in the mentioned years.

I realize alot of this was already stated, I just wanted to sum it up in 1 quick piece.
 
As others have said, after '08 the M5 has the 5-spd auto. I drove a lot of used M5's before we bought our '10 GT. I think the 5spd auto makes a noticeable difference.

Something to think about, if you're looking at used, try to find one that is "deal certified". Mazda has a fairly nice certified deal where used Mazda's are given a 100,000 warranty (power train).
 

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