I apologize in advance for the long post, but I'd like everyone to be well informed of my situation and mode of thinking.
I am currently leasing a 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S and will be turning it back into the dealership at the end of June. My family has grown since I leased the Altima from me and my partner to the two of us and three dogs. Thus, a car is out of the question. I've been researching appropriate vehicles for months, trying to decide what will best fit our needs and wants. I've whittled down the choices to the Mazda5, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Ford Escape. Now, the Escape is not my first choice. In fact, it's not a choice at all until the 2009 models come out with updated drivetrains. The Outlander is a nice vehicle but the fuel economy is just a bit lower than I would like and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel makes it slightly uncomfortable for me, at 6'2", to drive. There are some good deals on low-mileage, used 2007 Outlanders around me that are quite tempting. However, the Mazda5 is cheaper to buy and to run. I've seen some good deals on used 2006 and 2007 Mazda5s around here but there are a few things that make me hesitant to buy one: the four-speed automatic transmission (automatic is a requirement, unfortunately) and its associated fuel economy and acceleration penalties, the lack of armrests on all the seats (especially the front passenger), and the lack of rear air vents. All of these were remedied with the 2008 revisions but a 2008 model is more expensive. I've been hesitant to buy a 2008, though, out of fear the 2009 would feature the new Duratec 2.5L I4. From what I've read here, though, it doesn't seem like that will happen. 19 | 24 miles per gallon (city | highway respectively) for the 06-07 models is not exactly impressive nor is 11 seconds to sixty miles an hour (speed isn't something I expect from this kind of vehicle, but if I'm going to get such low gas mileage I want something in return). I read elsewhere that the 2008 model also featured an engine remapping that helped improve fuel economy (besides the updated transmission). Is that true? Can the older engines also use the new mapping so that they, too, achieve better fuel economy? Would you recommend the Mazda5 over the Outlander and other vehicles? Are there any significant problems of which I should be aware? I suppose my final question is: taking into consideration the warranty and mid-life model refresh, is a 2006-2007 Mazda5 worth the savings over a 2008 Mazda5? I'm looking at between $12 and $14,000 for a used model and $17-19,000 for a new one. (The local Mazda dealer is offering an 08 sport automatic for 18,5 and I have a special coupon from Ford up my sleeve that'll give me another grand off of any new Ford Motor Company product, including Mazda.) Thanks for reading and thanks for the criticism and advice.
I am currently leasing a 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S and will be turning it back into the dealership at the end of June. My family has grown since I leased the Altima from me and my partner to the two of us and three dogs. Thus, a car is out of the question. I've been researching appropriate vehicles for months, trying to decide what will best fit our needs and wants. I've whittled down the choices to the Mazda5, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Ford Escape. Now, the Escape is not my first choice. In fact, it's not a choice at all until the 2009 models come out with updated drivetrains. The Outlander is a nice vehicle but the fuel economy is just a bit lower than I would like and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel makes it slightly uncomfortable for me, at 6'2", to drive. There are some good deals on low-mileage, used 2007 Outlanders around me that are quite tempting. However, the Mazda5 is cheaper to buy and to run. I've seen some good deals on used 2006 and 2007 Mazda5s around here but there are a few things that make me hesitant to buy one: the four-speed automatic transmission (automatic is a requirement, unfortunately) and its associated fuel economy and acceleration penalties, the lack of armrests on all the seats (especially the front passenger), and the lack of rear air vents. All of these were remedied with the 2008 revisions but a 2008 model is more expensive. I've been hesitant to buy a 2008, though, out of fear the 2009 would feature the new Duratec 2.5L I4. From what I've read here, though, it doesn't seem like that will happen. 19 | 24 miles per gallon (city | highway respectively) for the 06-07 models is not exactly impressive nor is 11 seconds to sixty miles an hour (speed isn't something I expect from this kind of vehicle, but if I'm going to get such low gas mileage I want something in return). I read elsewhere that the 2008 model also featured an engine remapping that helped improve fuel economy (besides the updated transmission). Is that true? Can the older engines also use the new mapping so that they, too, achieve better fuel economy? Would you recommend the Mazda5 over the Outlander and other vehicles? Are there any significant problems of which I should be aware? I suppose my final question is: taking into consideration the warranty and mid-life model refresh, is a 2006-2007 Mazda5 worth the savings over a 2008 Mazda5? I'm looking at between $12 and $14,000 for a used model and $17-19,000 for a new one. (The local Mazda dealer is offering an 08 sport automatic for 18,5 and I have a special coupon from Ford up my sleeve that'll give me another grand off of any new Ford Motor Company product, including Mazda.) Thanks for reading and thanks for the criticism and advice.
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