Hi, new to the forum

[mkek]

I am considering a CX 9 GT 11. We are expecting our third child. So, I need a 7 seater. I test drove the vehicle today and was very impresed. I need my wife to see the vehicle now ...

I want to know if the CX 9 has a timing chain or belt? I searched the forums but nothing displayed for the particular model...

Thanks

 

[IslandTractor]

The Duratec engines all have timing chains. I've seen an exploded parts diagram for the 3.5 (3.7 is just bored out) that has a timing chain. http://www.autopartslib.com/2010/04/04/car/2007-mazda-cx-9-3-5l-engine-assembly-parts-diagram

 

[ceric]

Chains are getting more and more popular than belt because of its lower maintenance.
Belts have the advantage of being quieter. That is why Honda/Toyota use belts.
Changing the timing belts at 60K or 90K will cost you $600-$800. That is money that
you don't have to pay with chains.

 

[mkek]

Thanks for the link and info. That is one less maintenance fee to worry about.

I know Nissan and Subaru use a timing chain.

 

[ceric]

Yes. Nissan's famous VQ engines use chains, so do high-end German MB/BMW engines.
They may not be as quiet as Lexus engines, but less cost to you as owners.
Chains do need inspect sometimes if noises show up.

BTW, CX9 is ranked higher than Pilot (but behind Highlander) in reliability based on the recent issue of ConsumersReport.
Check it out.
I only have two minor issues only within 3 yrs of ownership. Both are trivial. And mine is 2008 (2nd-year model).
The new 2011 mostly likely don't have problems that I had
(styrofoam assembly blocking side windows from rolling down and bad A/C relays)

 

[mkek]

I will check out Consumer Reports.

We looked at the HL and Pilot. The HL's middle seat looks\feels uncomfortable and cargo space is smaller than the CX9 when all three rows are in use. Pilot is too big. Kids had a hard time getting in.

 

[IslandTractor]

I will check out Consumer Reports.

We looked at the HL and Pilot. The HL's middle seat looks\feels uncomfortable and cargo space is smaller than the CX9 when all three rows are in use. Pilot is too big. Kids had a hard time getting in.

My 8yo kid loves the rear seat on the CX9. It looks to me like it will be quite comfortable until about high school age. The middle seat actually slides forward to facilitate entry to the third seat. The middle seat outboard positions are quite comfortable. The middle middle seat is best used for a kid or car seat though.

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

I've been gettign a ton of compliments on the 2010 CX-9 GT we just picked up. I have to say, even being the Mazda fanboy that I am, the CX-9 is an impressive car. Feels well-built, well designed and is a pleasure to drive anyway you like (soft when you want to relax and drive or hard when you want to put the zoom-zoom genetics through their paces). What's tough is deciding which I like better the CX-9 or my Mz6 sGT. Both have their strong points. If the Mz6 had a better quality interior I'd say it was a dead heat (the 2011 Mz6 interior updates do pushing the interior into the right direction although I prefer the old black zebrawood treatment better than the run of the mill and tacky fauz wood trim on the 2011; 2011 sterring wheel is also more sporty as are the updated doors with leatherette padded armrests). I also like the Mz6's exterior styling slightly better than the 9 (although the 2011 9's alloys give the exterior a more sporty appearance). The 9's interior is first class though, especially with the 2010 updates.

I think you'll be pleased with the 9. The Highlander and Pilot maybe good "cars" but they have -0- personality or sportiness. The 9 is just a very well- balanced package with a ton of personality and european feel.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think you'll be pleased with the 9. The Highlander and Pilot maybe good "cars" but they have -0- personality or sportiness. The 9 is just a very well- balanced package with a ton of personality and european feel.

I also love my CX9 but would take exception to your comparison to "european feel". I think the CX9 handles beautifully but it definitely rides like a Japanese vehicle rather than like a German one. It is smoother and less taut or rigid in feel. Rides very much like the Acura MDX. I know it may not be seen as a compliment (but remember I do love my CX9) but it rides kinda like a very competent minivan when you are not pushing it. It is simply too smooth and easy feeling on the road to be teutonic. It goes around corners better than my ML did so I'm in no way saying the German cars handle better but they do have a different feel.

 

[ceric]

If you enjoy driving, CX9 is the best choice among comparable CUVs, considering the cost to you.
There are others that handle even better, but they costs at least $7k (MDX) more and probably
with less room inside.

 

[mkek]

If you enjoy driving, CX9 is the best choice among comparable CUVs, considering the cost to you.
There are others that handle even better, but they costs at least $7k (MDX) more and probably
with less room inside.

I did a comparsion between a MDX and CX-9 interior specs. Minor measurements. I doubt I would notice a difference in space wise.

 

[beach15]

Dimensions aside, the MDX is considerably tighter inside, both because of how its shaped and how the interior/floor/etc. are laid out. The rear seats especially, are more cramped, even vs. the 1st gen MDX.

I've been selling Mazda's for a while, and am like Antonio DiMarco in regards to the drive. I actually compared a loaded Mazda 6 vs. a CX-9 because the 6 seemed like a better, smaller fit for my uses. I'm single, but like having space--my CX-9 replaced a new Chevy Avalanche, of all things. When it came down to it, I just so preferred the package, drive, handling, ride, interior and still performance of the CX-9, it was a no brainer. There is no "large'ish" crossover on the market that offers this configuration of style, quality, features, and drive performance for anywhere near the price. Not the Highlander, not the Pilot, etc., and if anything the closest match would be the pricier and now smaller MDX, for a performance utility.

Love my 2011 CX-9 GT, from the feel on the road, to cornering, to hard acceleration, and just the comfort of the high end interior...and even the fuel economy, especially now with the improved 2011 mpg ratings which I have absolutely noticed since day one in my ownership, vs. earlier CX-9's I've driven over the years.

 

[mkek]

I like Acura but the price is too high for me. I am torn between the odyssey and cx-9. We are expecting our third. I like the cx-9 due to awd for inclement weather. Space wise can't beat a minivan. Decisions decisions....

 

[T.Narley]

I have 3 kids too. Works well in the CX-9. Not as convenient as a minivan, but we arent minivan people and if I had one I'd hate driving it. We currently have 3 car seats across the second row, leaving a cavernous amount of cargo space in the back.

 

[mkek]

TNarley,

I have 1 booster and 1 car seat until the other one arrives. The booster gives me more flexible with the back rows unlike locking down the car seat.

 

[mkek]

Well, picked up my 2011 GT AWD today. I am having the mud guards and remote starter installed later by the dealer. I ordered the rear bumper guard and I will install that this week. The cargo cover is back ordered and won't be available until mid-Febuary( I should have ordered it earlier).

Overall, I am very happy with the vehicle

 

[ceric]

Welcome.
Cargo Tray is out of stock AGAIN! It is very popular. I installed it a couple days ago. Really good design.
Like others, I did not drill the holes either. It stays on w/o the screws. Just FYI.

The Cargo Mat is still available. I actually have both...
Mat on top of the tray in cargo area.
I bought the tray to protected the 3rd row back surface.

 

[mkek]

The cargo tray is back in stock. I placed my order with cargo mat. Any recommendations on all weather mats? I am looking at the Floorliner DigitalFit all weather floor mats.

 

[ceric]

I think OE all-weather mats are outstanding. They fit perfectly.
Not sure about aftermarket ones.

 

[petoria]

I just got my weathertech digital fits in. I have to say, they're a step up from the OEM all weathers. I went to my dealership in Calgary and they started selling Mazda branded digital fits. Pretty expensive IMO, the ones online are definitely cheaper. Overall, I love the digital fits, contours the interior and looks great!