General Question about the Mazda 6

[Zoom Zoom Zoom]

For those of you that is currently driving a Mazda 6. Do you find the turning diameter/radius kind of big for this car compared to its competitors (eg - Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, etc).

 

[Da 6]

just when the spur of the moment U-turns happen... but other than that not really...unless compared with the 3s!

 

[Zoom Zoom Zoom]

Another question regarding power output. I've been reading on the internet regarding the power numbers, and most people/journalist feel that torque (192) is not enough. Do most of you feel that way as well?

 

[crossbow]

Why don't you go test drive one instead of reading some pieces of paper trying to describe the test drive?

 

[Zoom Zoom Zoom]

I know most dealerships don't like giving customers a test drive unless you seriously considering buying the vehicle soon. I don't know when I'll be buying a car (either a Mazda3 or Mazda 6), probably later this year or even sometime next year spring.

 

[Da 6]

My friend test drove the RX-8 without a 100% intent in getting it...I didn't test the 3 cause I wanted it...but cause I could...and next thing you know...I didtched my old car for this even tho I was trying to get a SRT-4! took build quality and fun factor to get someon who was looking for a turboed vehicle to get a N/A Perfomance 4 (boom04). How many dealerships are near you....unless they do what dodge does and almost makes you sign the papers over to test drive...tell the dealership you went test driving cars...TL TS LS *sigh* Accord and this was te last vehicle before you made your decision on buying...after the test drive...man I didn't think it would be like this...gotta go test the TL out again to make a definate decision! and they should let you test drive. Chrysler wanted me to sign over my other car before driving...and after that I still didn't test it(pissed) on a 79 degree day the dealership pulled a "No testdrives today due to snow on the ground" another reason I have my 6. You sat here and read almost everything...now confirm what is fact and ficton by DRIVING IT (flash)

 

[euchya2001]

hmm, our local dealer let me take it out for a spin well before I was willing to buy. the turning radius isn't really a problem though for me, and wasn't a determining factor in the end.

 

[Garfinkle]

It's a wide turing radius, but that doesn't really have anything to do with performace, just a b**** to park sometimes. We have a Grand Caravan and it turns on a dime compared to our 6!

 

[crossbow]

I spent 2-3 days test driving a multitude of car's before I got the 6.

In each dealership I just walked in, said I was interested in blah car, and they just photocopied my id and insurance, and gave me the keys, or came with.

Here are the car's I test drove.

Volvo S60 5T
Acura 3.2 TL Type-S (03 not 04)
Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE (04...grill like a waffle iron)
Nissan Altima 3.5
Mazda 6s ATX
Mazda 6s MTX
Pontiac Grand PRix 04, GTP package
Accord V6 Coupe
Audi 3.0 Quattro
Bmw 330ci
2004 Subaru WRX

I went with the 6s ATX...I've now swapped to a 6s MTX.

 

[Da 6]

It's a wide turing radius, but that doesn't really have anything to do with performace, just a b**** to park sometimes. We have a Grand Caravan and it turns on a dime compared to our 6!

yep when it comes time to flip a b*tch... turn radius is greyhound like and plows foreward...other than that it is a really fun car to drive and if I had the loot to trade in I'd get a 6 speed V6(sorry 295 is tooooooo busy to drive stick).....damn crossbow you drove a tl...and got a 6

 

[crossbow]

The 03 TL felt like a large boat. It felt very heavy, and sluggish through the turns. The acceleration wasn't that good either. Out of all the cars i tested, the fastest were definitely the Volvo S60 5T and the Pontiac Grand Prix...mostly due to the high torque available at low rpm (forced induction).

The 03 TL also felt like the type of car you'd be driving if you were old, and had no life. Generic older adult interior with wood n stuff. By comparison, even with some of its fake paneling (trying to be alumnium), the 6 felt extremely youthful.

Now had I tested the 04 TL...i might have made a different decision. As its a much fresher design then its "blend in" father.

 

[Da 6]

that tl looks like a mps...that grill "looks" like it could fit a 6....also one car I will go strongly against is the newer impalas......don't waste the time and money...it is fast on takeoff and thats it....in persuit I lost a cavalier on a empty highway(hand)

 

[ashutoshsm]

The 03 TL felt like a large boat. It felt very heavy, and sluggish through the turns.
<snip>
Now had I tested the 04 TL...i might have made a different decision. As its a much fresher design then its "blend in" father.

FYI - every review of the TL blasts it for still being a boat and driving like a MUCH bigger car than it appears to be. Not to mention that while it finally has gobs upon gobs of power, they deadened the steering feel and feedback to limit the redonkulous amounts of torque steer that would wrest the wheel out of the hands of all but the Governator!