Hmm, so do the dealers even know what they are selling?

[turtlegirl]

Hey again! Thanks for the welcome. In my quest to find the perfect 5, I've been noticing a lot of irregularities in advertisements for various Mazda5's for sale. A number of dealers, including some Mazda dealers, list loaded 5s with leather seats and moonroofs as Sports, and sometimes advertise as GT vehicles those that have only the basic Sport package. Others even have the audacity to say it seats seven people! I take note of those 7-seater dealers and make a point not to even think about buying from them. Many ads have limited information on the vehicle, so I'm not sure just what the car has, especially when discrepancies are obvious. Since a good selection is tough to find in my area (southern Nevada), I'm looking hundreds of miles away, which means I'm not up to a quick jaunt to the lot to check it out on a whim.

Is the Mazda5 as unknown an animal on a Mazda lot as it seems to be on the road? In my thousands of miles on the road from Nevada to Missouri this summer, I've seen just one Mazda5, and I've been looking hard! If it is so unusual on the lot, how's the customer service? Have you ever been pushed to look at other models, or not gotten the service you need for maintenance, or even answers to simple questions? Are there REALLY some seven-seaters out there? Are there Sport models with everything on them and GT's with naught but the basics?

Thanks!

Katherine

 

[chief_wiggum]

I guess in theory you could load up a Sport model with leather and sunroof, but I suspect your hunch about dealer knowledge and advertising are correct; there are more than a few clueless sales people out there. The Mazda website has a great break down of what is 'standard' for each trim level (i'm sure you've already checked that though http://mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsSpecs&vehicleCode=MZ5. There are no 7 seat Mazda5s currently on the market, though I believe in the works for 2011.

 

[DKaz]

Doesn't the Popular Package add moonroof? And leather could be a dealer added option. There is definitely no NHTSA approved 7 seater model though.

Use the search tool on mazdausa.com to search in your area. I don't know where exactly in Nevada you are so I assumed Vegas... there are over 200 Mazda 5s Sports to Grand Tourings within 250 miles of Vegas although only 6 within 100 miles, most of the Sport automatics. You have about 11 Mazda 5 Sport with manual within 300 miles of Vegas and over 100 automatics within 250 miles.

Why not order one? Might take a little longer but you'll get the one you want.

 

[DKaz]

They're in the business to make money... how they do it is up to them.

 

[turtlegirl]

Why not order one? Might take a little longer but you'll get the one you want.

Ah, because I'm cheap. The trait limits my possibilities, but hey, at least my family is fed, right? Seriously, though, that search engine only shows me 13 new 2010 Mazda5's within 200 miles of me (near Vegas), none with stick (thanks for telling me about it, btw. I've used it before, but never by such a direct route). Honestly, although I'm willing to drive the distance for the right model, I'm only willing to drive that distance if I *know* it's the right model before I spend a day driving to look at it. One of the "Sport" models advertised showed a moonroof on the picture, but said there were no options added. Again, I'm left wondering if what they are advertising is what they actually have. I'm assuming that by ordering a vehicle, I don't have much wiggle room to bring the price down - am I incorrect with that assumption? Those very few Mazda5's being sold by owners seem to know what they're selling (my, you guys *are* loyal to your 5, aren't you?), so because of that, and the savings on sales tax (see "cheap"), I would prefer to buy directly from a person instead of a lot. I have the luxury of being able to wait for the right car to show up, although I find the dream of having one becoming something of an obsession.

Yah, I know, there's this amazing invention called the telephone, why not use it? Still, car salespeople usually annoy me, especially the ones at the closest Mazda dealership (where I bought a new Kia Sportage once. Go ahead, laugh at me. I deserve it). I bought my Corolla entirely over the internet, and loved that experience, as much as a typical hermit can love the experience of purchasing a car.

 

[jojo4]

Many dealers do not post the "real" picture of the vehicle on the internet. I think they just take a few pictures and then use that for all vehicle that is the same color. Don't depend on the pictures, just look at the sticker/spec.

 

[Olestra]

Ah, because I'm cheap. The trait limits my possibilities, but hey, at least my family is fed, right? Seriously, though, that search engine only shows me 13 new 2010 Mazda5's within 200 miles of me (near Vegas), none with stick (thanks for telling me about it, btw. I've used it before, but never by such a direct route). Honestly, although I'm willing to drive the distance for the right model, I'm only willing to drive that distance if I *know* it's the right model before I spend a day driving to look at it. One of the "Sport" models advertised showed a moonroof on the picture, but said there were no options added. Again, I'm left wondering if what they are advertising is what they actually have. I'm assuming that by ordering a vehicle, I don't have much wiggle room to bring the price down - am I incorrect with that assumption? Those very few Mazda5's being sold by owners seem to know what they're selling (my, you guys *are* loyal to your 5, aren't you?), so because of that, and the savings on sales tax (see "cheap"), I would prefer to buy directly from a person instead of a lot. I have the luxury of being able to wait for the right car to show up, although I find the dream of having one becoming something of an obsession.

Yah, I know, there's this amazing invention called the telephone, why not use it? Still, car salespeople usually annoy me, especially the ones at the closest Mazda dealership (where I bought a new Kia Sportage once. Go ahead, laugh at me. I deserve it). I bought my Corolla entirely over the internet, and loved that experience, as much as a typical hermit can love the experience of purchasing a car.

If you want to know the exact model (GT vs sport) ask for the VIN. Then you can use CarFax to check the history of the vehicle and the model information.

Keep in mind to use carfax only as something to give you additional information to what you can find out by talking to the seller and getting an inspection done. Do not take a clean carfax to mean the vehicle is trouble free, there's a possibility that the record is not up to date.

 

[Heat]

You can add leather easily aftermarket, about $1,500 installed. Or about $800 or $900 if you do it youself ( http://www.katzkin.com/main.html ) Ditto for the aftermarket sunroof, manual as cheap as $200 or $250 and electric for maybe $1,000? Just a guess on the electric price.

And I know you aren't close to St. Louis, but for the sake of tossing out a price Bommarito Mazda in St. Louis is advertising the Mazda5 Sport with manual for $16,500 - this is where I bought my Mazda5 in February '09 (there are three different dealers there). This would include any rebates. Anyway, assuming that's too far of a drive, change your "home town" to other major cities that are 200 or 300 miles from you, then do a search from there.

 

[thaxman]

turtlegirl, it it new or used you are looking for? You mention the manual trans. Are you aware that the 5MT is only available in the entry trim Sport beginning in '08? So if you are looking for an optioned out newer 5 AND want the manual, you may have to import from Canada, which is a whole adventure on its own, I understand, including voided warranties. I got mine from someone I know well who is an auto broker. Saved a ton of cash, and its not because he cut me a deal. He's an AZ-business-licensed broker who finds vehicles for people usually based on requests. I may be able to point you in his direction if needed...

Anyway post your wish list here and we can help you out by telling you what combinations can be had with what years, and maybe you will be aremed w/enough knowledge you can strike a good deal w/whoever you buy from.

 

[DKaz]

The 5 is expensive in Canada, minimum $23k OTD.

 

[professorhank]

Many dealers do not post the "real" picture of the vehicle on the internet. I think they just take a few pictures and then use that for all vehicle that is the same color. Don't depend on the pictures, just look at the sticker/spec.

How much are digital cameras nowadays? How long does it take to take pics and upload them considering how much time salesmen are just sitting around? Any dealer who can't do this shouldn't be taken seriously.

 

[turtlegirl]

Prefer used

So if you are looking for an optioned out newer 5 AND want the manual, you may have to import from Canada, which is a whole adventure on its own, .

LOL, if I were to import, I'd go all the way and get the 6-speed diesel from Europe! What's the deal with that? Why don't we have that here?

I would prefer stick, but I've been reading the stick whines out at 70 mph, and freeways routinely are 75 mph max here (read: 80 mph cruising speed for most traffic on the road), whereas the 5 speed auto cruises better at higher speeds. So, I'm thinking long road trips may actually be more fuel-efficient with the auto instead of manual? I like stick because it's been my experience it lasts a lot longer than automatic, but I'm really more concerned with gas milage. Stick is also better on sand, gravel, and hills, imho, but with the automatic with manual option, I suppose I could get the versatility I like in the stick when needed. Other options I would love, but could live without are extended warantee, fog lights, luggage rack, moon roof (if I have to go with automatic, I might as well get a moonroof, too. Love, love, love seeing the sky while a passenger or camping in the car, and it's great for cooling off a car quick), DVD player (pipe dream, not really that important. Seeing one on the lot with a DVD player in it, the kids were quickly sold on the idea of a van. Before that, they would hear nothing of it). Rear a/c vents are a must, so anything before 2008 is bust. Nav systems drive me nuts, I can read a map just fine (I make maps for a living), so that's kind of a detriment for me if it's in the vehicle. Not big on leather, either. Do the American models come with the backseat trays? I don't know why heated seats are a desired option, but cooled seats would be great (now I'm just dreaming again, eh?). i-Pod docking station - is that an option? If so, that would be nice, but not necessary.

So, in short, my needs are flexible for the most part. But if it has to be automatic, only a moonroof will lessen the sting. Must be 5-speed either way.

 

[mazda45]

I completely agree.. I'd rather have a Maunal, but picking are slim here where I'm at. I test drove a 2010 Auto for a day it wasn't too bad, but I just miss the control. Good luck on your search...

LOL, if I were to import, I'd go all the way and get the 6-speed diesel from Europe! What's the deal with that? Why don't we have that here?

I would prefer stick, but I've been reading the stick whines out at 70 mph, and freeways routinely are 75 mph max here (read: 80 mph cruising speed for most traffic on the road), whereas the 5 speed auto cruises better at higher speeds. So, I'm thinking long road trips may actually be more fuel-efficient with the auto instead of manual? I like stick because it's been my experience it lasts a lot longer than automatic, but I'm really more concerned with gas milage. Stick is also better on sand, gravel, and hills, imho, but with the automatic with manual option, I suppose I could get the versatility I like in the stick when needed. Other options I would love, but could live without are extended warantee, fog lights, luggage rack, moon roof (if I have to go with automatic, I might as well get a moonroof, too. Love, love, love seeing the sky while a passenger or camping in the car, and it's great for cooling off a car quick), DVD player (pipe dream, not really that important. Seeing one on the lot with a DVD player in it, the kids were quickly sold on the idea of a van. Before that, they would hear nothing of it). Rear a/c vents are a must, so anything before 2008 is bust. Nav systems drive me nuts, I can read a map just fine (I make maps for a living), so that's kind of a detriment for me if it's in the vehicle. Not big on leather, either. Do the American models come with the backseat trays? I don't know why heated seats are a desired option, but cooled seats would be great (now I'm just dreaming again, eh?). i-Pod docking station - is that an option? If so, that would be nice, but not necessary.

So, in short, my needs are flexible for the most part. But if it has to be automatic, only a moonroof will lessen the sting. Must be 5-speed either way.

 

[doctorz]

I would prefer stick, but I've been reading the stick whines out at 70 mph, and freeways routinely are 75 mph max here (read: 80 mph cruising speed for most traffic on the road), whereas the 5 speed auto cruises better at higher speeds. So, I'm thinking long road trips may actually be more fuel-efficient with the auto instead of manual?

75-80 mph with the stick never bothered us, and we still get 28-29 mpg at those speeds. Finding a stick, though, is something I can't help you with. Our neighbors just bought a Subaru Outback and had to get one shipped from South Carolina to get a stick!

 

[DKaz]

I can sustain 140km/h (87.5mph) no problem in the 5, I think the bigger issue is that the Mazda 5 is still an economy car and not a plush luxury car with hundreds of pounds of noise insulation so road and wind noise will be the main culprit, not engine noise. I'm sorry but no one will convince me that a manual transmission uses a drop more of gas than an automatic transmission at highway speeds. If you're going to get an automatic, blame it on a bad left knee or you just don't feel like driving stick anymore or you're not willing to wait a couple of weeks to have one shipped to you, not engine noise or fuel consumption. It's false comments like that that'll put the manual transmission into deeper hot water than it already is.

 

[mpvue]

turtlegirl, with all due respect, you sound like the customer from hell.
mazdausa website will tell you exactly what dealer has what. find one, call that dealer to verify it is there presently, make an offer and buy it.
btw, I haven't driven a 2 pedal mazda5, but our sport manual is just fine on the hwy, done a number of road trips w/ it and it doesn't 'wind out'; actually, it does quite well in the mid RPM range, like all twin cam fours do. but it certainly doesn't run out of revs. mine does really well at hwy speeds, not buzzy at all.

 

[turtlegirl]

turtlegirl, with all due respect, you sound like the customer from hell.
.

Yes, yes I suppose I am. That's why I'm asking the annoying questions here so when I work with a dealer I will have ascended from Malebolge to maybe somewhere near Limbo. Still in Hell, but at least not in danger of being continually eaten by Satan.

The MazdaUSA site is pretty good at telling me what new vehicle a Mazda dealer has, but the dealers themselves when advertising used vehicles are, to a large extent, dismal. Yah, I'm cynical, but mixed among the good dealers I've worked with have been enough charlatans to make me spook at obviously false advertising (even if it is unintentional).

And Doctorz, DKaz and MPVue, thanks for the clarification on the stick rpms. I just wish I could find a stick to try it out myself. Meanwhile, I have time, so I can wait... and obsess.