First post - questions about 2014 CX-5 Sport

[rubeninfl]

Hello everyone, I just stumbled upon this forum and I'm so glad that I can communicate with some folks that have actually purchased this vehicle. I currently have a 2003 Honda Element with almost 190k miles on it. It's still going strong but I think it's time to pass it on to someone that really needs it. I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a 2014 CX-5 but can't make up my mind on a few things. I really want a stick shift so I think I'm stuck with the Sport Trim. I don't care much for the leather but I really would like a White or Red car and it looks like I have to choose between Silver, Black, or Gray. Am I correct in thinking this? The other issue I had was on the engine. I know that the sport has the 2.0/155 HP engine. How much more noticeable is the 2.5 in the Touring? I'm looking at about a 3k price difference if I go with a touring. I would get the color I want plus all of the other goodies. I guess I just really have to figure out if I have to give up the true stick shift to get the more powerful engine and color I want.

I tried to search the forums for owners of Sport models to get their input but couldn't. If you purchased the sport model, why did you? Was it for the manual transmission? Was it based on the lower price? How happy are you with the Sport trim? Do you regret not going with a Touring?

Sorry to be all over the place but I have a million things going through my mind. One last thing....my price on a 2014 CX-5 Sport is $23,150 out the door. That's with 6.5% sales tax, and dealer fee of $650. Does this price seem reasonable?

Thanks for any replies. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

[MikeM.]

I know that the sport has the 2.0/155 HP engine. How much more noticeable is the 2.5 in the Touring? I'm looking at about a 3k price difference if I go with a touring. I would get the color I want plus all of the other goodies. I guess I just really have to figure out if I have to give up the true stick shift to get the more powerful engine and color I want.

I'm not familiar with current color options but I can tell you that I think the 2.0L has plenty of power even when burdened with AWD and automatic transmission. These not only weigh more than manual FWD but they also cause a small loss of power so I think you'll likely be pleased with the power of the 2.0L with a 6 speed manual. But the only way to know for sure is to test drive one and see what YOU think.

 

[TreyP]

If you really can't live without stick shift, then get the sport. Otherwise, take multiple test drives and see if the added power and options are worth it to you. Nothing worse than spending over $20,000 and realizing you should have gone with the other choice.

 

[Chas]

If you really can't live without stick shift, then get the sport. Otherwise, take multiple test drives and see if the added power and options are worth it to you. Nothing worse than spending over $20,000 and realizing you should have gone with the other choice.

Wise words. As good as the 2.0 with manual is, for a 6 speed auto, the 2.5L is very good, it might just convert you, but you will never know until you try it. My wife refuses to drive a manual anymore, but sounds like you have no such aversions....but the extra horses and torque really turned her.

 

[V8toilet]

The 2.0 with AWD will be slightly quicker to 60 mph than the 2003 Element with FWD (10.5 vs 10.0) according to Consumer Reports testing of the automatic versions. I think the 2.0 liter engine has decent power. It's only merging onto a freeway going up a hill that it may feel underpowered. The 2.5 can hit 60 mph in 8.0 seconds with the auto and AWD so there's no question that you'll like that. Ice_theatre averages 37.6 mpg with his 2.0 sport manual. Its not likely that a 2.5 with an automatic can match that.

The automatic transmission also has a clutch pack that locks up and by passes the torque converter after 5 mph. This gives it the same direct feel as a manual. It's a fantastic transmission. I think you will be happy with either one but you need to test drive each and decide for yourself which is best for you. $23,100 for a sport with an automatic is a good price and $22,000 for the manual is a good price. $25,400 is a good price for the FWD Touring. All the prices I gave are FWD with destination ($795) included from CR pricing.

 

[rubeninfl]

$23,100 for a sport with an automatic is a good price

It's a manual. The price is 21,900, but then the dealer fee, taxes, title, etc....makes it $23,500 total. Is that still a good price?

 

[rjdee]

I bought my MT Sport because of the stick shift. I did test drive an auto/AWD (2013 2.0l, I haven't driven the 2.5l) and felt it was uninspiring. I can easily keep up with traffic since I don't mind holding the revs when needed. I do wish Mazda had more options available (40/20/40 rear seat, colors, heated seats) on the Sport but I wanted the manual more.

 

[pt00323i]

same here bought the Sport since I wanted a stick. I"m happy with Silver but wish they had 40/20/40 rear seat, other options I can do without. for 3K you get an Auto and a bigger engine and the color you want, it sounds like a winner to me. but what will you do with your left foot? jk, just test drive few times, different days. I had to wait for a month to test drive an manual one.

 

[MikeM.]

I do wish Mazda had more options available (40/20/40 rear seat, colors, heated seats) on the Sport but I wanted the manual more.

I totally agree. The 40/20/40 seats are awesome and Mazda should offer them with the sport model. That would be a killer combo.

But what do I know about good business? Mazda was able to get me to pay thousands more, primarily to get the 40/20/40 seats that fold basically flat.

 

[Jcanracer]

I bought my MT Sport because of the stick shift. I did test drive an auto/AWD (2013 2.0l, I haven't driven the 2.5l) and felt it was uninspiring. I can easily keep up with traffic since I don't mind holding the revs when needed.

This was my reasoning too. I am happy with my Sport. If they came out with a 2.5 manual though... it would be instant envy

 

[rubeninfl]

Well......I did it. I test drove the stick and fell in love. Probably should have shopped around a little but I decided that I wanted the stick....silver or grey and I didn't want the HD Radio or bluetooth. I'll put my own head unit in. I ended up paying $23,100 out the door. I LOVE THIS CAR so far!

 

[MikeM.]

Well......I did it. I test drove the stick and fell in love. Probably should have shopped around a little but I decided that I wanted the stick....silver or grey and I didn't want the HD Radio or bluetooth. I'll put my own head unit in. I ended up paying $23,100 out the door. I LOVE THIS CAR so far!

Congratulations and welcome!

Looks good but be aware of people who can't see cars that blend in - they are everywhere and will pull out right in front of you.

 

[CX-SV]

rubenninfl - Congrats on the new Sport CX-5, glad to hear you are enjoying it. Be glad that standard DRL's (daytime running lights) will provide additional safety given the subdued silver color.

 

[NinjaNoises]

Congratulations, man! I had the same struggle as you did and I went for a silver Sport MT as well. It's a great car. A little underpowered, but don't be shy to downshift and hold the lower gears a little longer and it works out fine.

Since the sport model doesn't come with a reverse camera and rear visibility is crap, I found it absolutely necessary to install a backup sensor system.

Have fun.

 

[rubeninfl]

Congratulations, man! I had the same struggle as you did and I went for a silver Sport MT as well. It's a great car. A little underpowered, but don't be shy to downshift and hold the lower gears a little longer and it works out fine.

Since the sport model doesn't come with a reverse camera and rear visibility is crap, I found it absolutely necessary to install a backup sensor system.

Have fun.

Yeah, I've noticed that the rear visibility isn't very good. I drove a cargo van with no rear windows so I'm a little used to this dilemma. I don't yet know if I'm going to swap out the stereo. It actually sounds better than I thought....and it does allow me to plug in my ipod. I'm thinking that bluetooth and handsfree is going to be essential for using the phone while I drive...especially with a stick. Maybe I can get something with a rear view camera too.

 

[TreyP]

Congrats on the purchase. Silver is the best color too, looks sexy as hell.

 

[Jcanracer]

congrats!
I used to drive a pickup so I don't find the rear visibility a big deal, but when I was new to the car I found the blind spots a bit bigger than I was used to. Meh, you get used to it.

 

[NEWireless]

The CX-5 sport was purchased as a 3rd car for children getting licenses. I wanted the Manual so the kids would learn to drive a stick [doesn't matter in the US, but if you drive anywhere else in the world it's a necessity].

I don't care about the engine power and like the higher mileage. I think it's absurd that you can't get any options on the 'Sport'. I would have really liked factory bluetooth and a backup camera.

 

[Jonesey]

I'm a manual man - if I have to pass someone or want to squirt ahead - I just drop down to 2nd or 3rd and rev the 2.0L - it's pretty damn satisfying for a daily driver car

I too wish I could get the 40:20:40 seats but life's full of trade-offs and I'm not one to complain.

 

[pt00323i]

congrats another manual man!! without us buying it they probably will not keep it in the line up long.