Considering 2010 CX9 - Is price good?

[mtills]

Hello All.
I need to get new vehicle. I have been weighing and researching the CX9 vs a 2011 Honda Pilot. A Honda Pilot EXL is about 32,900 plus taxes, etc (~$36,000 OTD). I have researched this to death that I am at a stand still!! Maddening but I do it to myself.

Now, there is Mazda dealer here in new york who has some 2010 CX9's in stock. ALL AWD. They have agreed to sell me a Mica Blue SPORT for $ 25K plus taxes, etc ($28500 OTD) This model also has the heated seats, mirrors and power front drive seat package. They also have one left over Dolphin Grey TOURING model in stock and they agreed to give me that for $ 25,900 plus taxes, etc. There are no options on that unit...It is the base touring. So I am wondering if that is a good deal. It seems to be. I need to decide on this in a day or 2.

Interestingly enough too the sales guy even said I can get the 0% financing but I am not sure the manager will go with that.

Also, what is your opinion on the dolphin grey color? It was not my first choice but this one has black leather.

I like the Pilot as well and the MPG's are around the same...But I am worried about reliability on the Mazda based on what I am seeing in the forums about issues. I put a lot of miles on my car and am used to Toyotas and never have them in the shop.

Anyway, the CX9 looks absolutely awesome and drives great.

Should I pull the trigger?

Thanks again
Matt

 

[IslandTractor]

Don't worry about CX9 reliability. Check out the most recent Consumer Reports ratings. The CX9 rates as high as any Honda on reliability.

I personally like the Dolphin Grey color but ended up choosing the Silver. I have black leather and like it just fine. Not sure what anyone would consider objectionable unless they lived in the sunbelt.

I'd go for the touring deal.

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

Yeah Toyota and Honda reliability is WAY overrated. I've owned Mazdas for nearly 20 years and have never had reliability issues (just bought a 2010 CX-9 myself). Sure there are first year "bugs" but those bugs are in ALL cars that use software/parts from other manufacturers. None of my Mazdas have EVER left me stranded even when a bunch of squirrels ate thought my 1995 Protege's distributor cap wires (got home on 3 cylinders). Actually the CX-9 uses many of the same parts suppliers used by Toyota, including the Aisin tranny (Aisin is co-owned by Toyota). I think you'll be fine. Just treat it well and get the recommended service and it will serve you well for many years. FWIW, many Mazda issues especially with the 3's and 6's are usually related to modifications done by less than talented weekend mechanics.

 

[ceric]

Just to raise a point that Honda has way many more transmission issues than Mazda's Aisin, which, as Antonio said, is the supplier of transmission to Toyota/Lexus. Aisin is the 3rd largest transmission supplier in the world. It costs several thousands of dollars to repair either the torque converter or the transmission itself. Several of my friends who owned Odysseys had transimission problems BEFORE around 70K. I, myself, experienced slight transmission (early syntome) before I dumped my '01 Odyssey to the Mazda dealer, from whom I bought my CX9. Transmission problem has been Honda's Achilles' heel. People think the problem is gone, but Acura MDX of 2006 still have transmission issues. Check edmunds.com if you like to know more.

Yes, there are also issues with CX9s, but most of them (if not all) are very minor. Not enough to get you stranded or spend big $$$ on repair even if out of warranty. Especially for a 2011 CX9, most minor issues of early models should have been addressed by Mazda already.

CX9 is a combo of Toyota/Ford/Mazda parts. Mazda have had many issues with rotary engines, which are NOT used by CX9s. Ford, recently, is doing very well in term of reliability (according to the recent Consumers Report).
According to CR, CX9 ranks alightly above Pilot in reliability. That is not based on one man's opinion, but many owners.
Highlander ranked highest in reliability (according to CR), but it costs thousands more, and you get a cushy ride with smaller interior volume and tighter 3rd row space.

 

[mtills]

Thanks so much. I appreciate the feedback. I am tempted to pull the trigger tomorrow. How does the price look especially for a 2010 this late in the year.
Thanks again.

Matt

 

[ceric]

Price is great before end of 2010.
Best time to buy a vehicle.
Good luck. Dealers are in the mood to deal.
Avoid buying all the "extra"....

 

[Justfitme]

According to truecar.com this is the best price you can get in your area. If you like it - go for it. I just got 2010 Sport FWD for 25000 in Florida (I could not get better 'cause I had 2 trade-ins to push in).
In your case I would probably go for Touring for extra 900.

I traded 2 Honda's for CX-9 (2009 Fit and 2005 Odyssey) and 4 weeks ago I traded 2008 Mazda5 for 2010 Honda Crosstour. As you can see I'm between Mazda's and Honda's and like them all, but in this case CX-9 just look much better deal compare to Pilot. No doubt about it.

 

[mtills]

Thanks so much...I am really liking the way this CX9 looks...I have been vacillating between the CX9 and the Honda Pilot for almost a month and it has been very difficult to make a decision since I have a family of 5 (Kids 3, 7 and 9). But I have to say that this vehicle will be mine for use in my day to day work. We intend to get a more loaded minivan for the main family car but I need to be able to transport the family if need be. I was concerned that the CX9 would be too small for a family of 5 but based on what I am seeing in other reviews a family of 5 would fit nicely.

It seems too that Mazda gives you a lot more than the Pilot for the trim level I am looking at.

And it appears the dealer is going to give me 0% financing. Can not beat that.

Hopefully the touring is available when I go there tomorrow. I may just pull the trigger.

Thanks
Matt

 

[Justfitme]

reminds me of my situation - I drove Fit on day-to-day and we had Odyssey for family trips.

CX-9 is just perfect solution for both needs - it drives like a car around town and it hauls like a minivan.

Do not worry much if Touring is not there - unless you want your rear passengers to sit on the cold leather in the morning - there is not much difference between sport and touring.

 

[mtills]

Thanks again...If the touring is not there I will go with the sport since it has those heated seats...I never cared about heated seats until I drove one with them...Holy cow! Love it..

The sport is the Mica Blue I like over the Dolphin Grey so maybe the sport is a better choice anyway.

I am also concerned about the MPG since I put a lot of miles on my car but I honestly it is the trade off I have to live with.

Thanks again for all the input...

Matt

 

[IslandTractor]

Mazda have had many issues with rotary engines, which are used by CX9s.

???? Did you mean "not used" by CX9s?

 

[mtills]

Hello All.
Well, I did it...I pulled the trigger but things turned out a little different. I purchased a 2010 Grand Touring (Red) with the tech package but no moon roof, etc. The dealer played the tradein game with me but I knew what he was doing. Anyway, I was able to get the vehicle for $ 29K OTD with my 2003 Toyota Camry with 130K miles on it, engine light one, etc.

Will pick it up tomorrow. I will update my profile once I pick it up.

Just worried about the MPG...But that is the way it goes with the SUV.

Thanks

 

[ceric]

>> ???? Did you mean "not used" by CX9s?

Thanks. Corrected.

 

[Wedge]

Hello All.
Well, I did it...I pulled the trigger but things turned out a little different. I purchased a 2010 Grand Touring (Red) with the tech package but no moon roof, etc. The dealer played the tradein game with me but I knew what he was doing. Anyway, I was able to get the vehicle for $ 29K OTD with my 2003 Toyota Camry with 130K miles on it, engine light one, etc.

Will pick it up tomorrow. I will update my profile once I pick it up.

Just worried about the MPG...But that is the way it goes with the SUV.

Thanks

Sounds like you got a good deal! Congrats!

 

[Justfitme]

Hello All.
Well, I did it...I pulled the trigger but things turned out a little different. I purchased a 2010 Grand Touring (Red) with the tech package but no moon roof, etc. The dealer played the tradein game with me but I knew what he was doing. Anyway, I was able to get the vehicle for $ 29K OTD with my 2003 Toyota Camry with 130K miles on it, engine light one, etc.

Will pick it up tomorrow. I will update my profile once I pick it up.

Just worried about the MPG...But that is the way it goes with the SUV.

Thanks

Great deal. Although dealer will put $3500 price sticker on your Toyota.
Great color (had Mazda 5 with this color)
Congrats,
I have it for 3 weeks and enjoy every minute of driving.