turtlegirl
Member
- :
- 2008 Mazda5 MT; 1988 Toyota 4x4 XCab SR5, 2007 Toyota Corolla S
Hey! We outgrew our almost-classic Toyota 4x4 ten years ago when we had our first of three kids. But, we bought it new off the lot, we honeymooned in it, we have a lot of history and fond memories with it, and it's a great truck. I just don't know how anyone can own (and thus maintain) a house and not have a pick-up. But, alas, it had a small accident recently, and it seemed like that was the nudge we needed to say good-bye to Spunky. We still have it, it still runs fine, but we're looking to replace it with something more practical.
Which leads me to the Mazda5. I had been looking at the 5 several years ago, but decided on a new 2007 Toyota Corolla instead. Hey, we're all about fitting lots of things into tiny spaces I guess. I can get five people and three car seats (one rear-facing, one forward facing, and one booster) into that little car. Now, I'm looking at the 5 again. Even though I *can* fit five people into our Corolla, the kids are getting bigger, and more testy with each other on long road trips. The first thing I liked about the 5 was that it can come with a manual transmission. Then, I found it has pretty good gas milage for a van. Then, six seats, hey, we could bring a friend along every once-in-awhile if we want to. I'd prefer a used Mazda5 to save some money, but maybe with the new 2011's coming out, I can get a good deal on a new 2010.
So, since the truck still runs, and the weather is getting cooler (the truck never had a/c, and I'm in the SW desert), I have some time to find the perfect used Mazda5. As much as the stick appealed to me, I've read a few things about the clutch wearing out quickly, and I'm positive the clutch isn't nearly as easy to replace in a front-wheel drive low-slung vehicle as it is with our 4x4. So, maybe I should go ahead with the automatic. Besides, autos are easier to find on the used market, and I have a better chance at getting a moonroof with one, too! Anyways, I have some questions for those who know, and feel like babbling:
What's the deal with the "manual mode automatic"? Is this like shifting a normal automatic from first to second to drive? What's the fun in that? hee hee. Does it provide the versatility and power I appreciate in a stick?
Does the stability control and Traction Control on the 2010 really make a lot of difference? Do you think it's worth it enough to only get a 2010 instead of an '09? We have essentially no snow or ice here, but I could find myself on snowy and/or icy roads on our road trips.
Has the problem with the rear tires wearing down really quickly (seems to be common in '06's from my research) been fixed? Do the newer models still have a lot of road noise?
Did they ever find out why the exhaust was catching on fire in earlier models, and has that been fixed (I know, sounds silly to have to ask, but hey, seems like a reasonable thing to be sure of, right?)?
How long does it take to fix the recall on the steering?
How much room is there in the back for groceries with all six seats up?
Gas mileage estimates - are you getting anything close to that?
Is it really as fun to drive as people say it is? My husband doesn't want "to drive a box." Some other people we know who at least are familiar with the vehicle assure him it's fun, but I still have to convince him, I think.
After-market DVD players - if I can't find one with one in it, and we decide it may be a good idea for those three-day trips we make often enough, do they work well for the
vehicle?
Mazda5's are not very common around here at all. Used ones are tough to find, and even new ones aren't that common. When do you think would be the best time to buy a new one, and/or is there a better place to find a used owner-sale Mazda5 than Craigslist? I'm willing to travel a few hours for the right deal.
And lastly, if you're looking for a slightly-dented, well-loved and cared for '88 Toyota SR5, drop me a line!
Lots of questions, pick and choose your favorites to answer!
Thanks!
Katherine
Which leads me to the Mazda5. I had been looking at the 5 several years ago, but decided on a new 2007 Toyota Corolla instead. Hey, we're all about fitting lots of things into tiny spaces I guess. I can get five people and three car seats (one rear-facing, one forward facing, and one booster) into that little car. Now, I'm looking at the 5 again. Even though I *can* fit five people into our Corolla, the kids are getting bigger, and more testy with each other on long road trips. The first thing I liked about the 5 was that it can come with a manual transmission. Then, I found it has pretty good gas milage for a van. Then, six seats, hey, we could bring a friend along every once-in-awhile if we want to. I'd prefer a used Mazda5 to save some money, but maybe with the new 2011's coming out, I can get a good deal on a new 2010.
So, since the truck still runs, and the weather is getting cooler (the truck never had a/c, and I'm in the SW desert), I have some time to find the perfect used Mazda5. As much as the stick appealed to me, I've read a few things about the clutch wearing out quickly, and I'm positive the clutch isn't nearly as easy to replace in a front-wheel drive low-slung vehicle as it is with our 4x4. So, maybe I should go ahead with the automatic. Besides, autos are easier to find on the used market, and I have a better chance at getting a moonroof with one, too! Anyways, I have some questions for those who know, and feel like babbling:
What's the deal with the "manual mode automatic"? Is this like shifting a normal automatic from first to second to drive? What's the fun in that? hee hee. Does it provide the versatility and power I appreciate in a stick?
Does the stability control and Traction Control on the 2010 really make a lot of difference? Do you think it's worth it enough to only get a 2010 instead of an '09? We have essentially no snow or ice here, but I could find myself on snowy and/or icy roads on our road trips.
Has the problem with the rear tires wearing down really quickly (seems to be common in '06's from my research) been fixed? Do the newer models still have a lot of road noise?
Did they ever find out why the exhaust was catching on fire in earlier models, and has that been fixed (I know, sounds silly to have to ask, but hey, seems like a reasonable thing to be sure of, right?)?
How long does it take to fix the recall on the steering?
How much room is there in the back for groceries with all six seats up?
Gas mileage estimates - are you getting anything close to that?
Is it really as fun to drive as people say it is? My husband doesn't want "to drive a box." Some other people we know who at least are familiar with the vehicle assure him it's fun, but I still have to convince him, I think.
After-market DVD players - if I can't find one with one in it, and we decide it may be a good idea for those three-day trips we make often enough, do they work well for the
vehicle?
Mazda5's are not very common around here at all. Used ones are tough to find, and even new ones aren't that common. When do you think would be the best time to buy a new one, and/or is there a better place to find a used owner-sale Mazda5 than Craigslist? I'm willing to travel a few hours for the right deal.
And lastly, if you're looking for a slightly-dented, well-loved and cared for '88 Toyota SR5, drop me a line!
Lots of questions, pick and choose your favorites to answer!
Thanks!
Katherine