Looking at 2006 used Model...advice!

[jmokuley]

Hello! I posted a week ago or so about 3 children in the Mazda 5/safety of the 3rd row...after looking at European/Japanese crash tests I feel confident that it is relatively safe... (any more advice here?). We found a 2006 model with 29,000 miles on it that was a rental car by a major rental car agency at a good price. Is there any major differences b/t the 2006 model and 2008? All safety features are the same, right? What do you think about buying a car that was used as a rental? It looks like they put about 15K miles on it a year...whadya think????

Maura

 

[eilros25]

I would never buy a rental car. I used to work at Avis and know how those are treated.

 

[jmokuley]

Even if it is 7K less than a new one and is still under warranty???

 

[olddaddy]

If you like the car, have a good service department and are willing bring the car for anything you think is not right, Buy it. If you do buy it, look up all the TSB's on this site so you can start bugging the service department. Also if you buy it, look at all the service records 1st. If the ATF was not changed, tell the dealership you you want it changed and the filter changed at no charge before you sign the papers. I don't like the OEM tires so expect to change them soon and also the brakes. Good luck.

 

[pkreds]

I was in your shoes a few weeks ago and was looking at a 2006 with 36k that was priced 7thousand below a comparable new 08. I went with the 08 for these reasons:
1. 06 had an unknown maint. history ( was Mazda certified though )
2. 06 modles had some issues with suspension and other recalls
3. 08 had a much improved ride and was quite.
4. 08 would be pampered by new owner
5. 08 was my color and equipment choice
just my 3 cents ..hope it helps

 

[dreamym5]

I would never buy a rental car. I used to work at Avis and know how those are treated.

ultimately.. it is your choice but i too am against previous rental vehicles..

it could be a car that every renter babed but in reality that is less likely..

all the abuses may not show up immmediately..but in long run. (yupnope)

 

[coolmazda5]

I own both models and I don't see a major/critical difference, but if you are able to go for an 08 is better, especially if you are going to haul the family. As a single person, I couldn't care less but for the family I think is safer.

The Mazda5 is a great car but as the guys mention above, as a rental God knows how it was driven, how it was serviced and if the recalls were applied properly. I rent cars often and caring for them is not my priority (drive2)

Note: 2006 warranty is 4 years or 48k miles, so there still some left, yet the point is not using it 20 times before it expires if the car has some hidden issues (eek2)

 

[mrbwa1]

I would never buy a rental car. I used to work at Avis and know how those are treated.

I worked for Enterprise and can concur. But my family has had several cars from Thrifty will full maintenance records and no problems at all! So it probablt depends on the source.

 

[jeebusm3]

Wife had a '97 Escort from '99 to '04 that came from Enterprise. It had no problems at all other than the car just being a total turd.

As for the '06 to '08 debate....I went with '08 because of the armrests, rear AC, and a few other goodies.

 

[jandree22]

As others stated, I would never buy a rental. Chances are you would never notice the difference, but with the kind of money you spend on a car, I think it’d be a much wiser choice to try and spend some more, if nothing else for the peace of mind. Plus, the 2008 has a good bit of updated features… kind of everything that people griped about with the 06-07 have been address with the 08.

 

[daddyzoom]

If you can swing it, buy new (go with leather - helps with the clean up). If you're concerned about safety best to buy new. Improved airbag/curtains in the 08 and improved frame - not to mention the interior creature comforts.

 

[dreamym5]

If you can swing it, buy new (go with leather - helps with the clean up). If you're concerned about safety best to buy new. Improved airbag/curtains in the 08 and improved frame - not to mention the interior creature comforts.

improved curtain airbags? frame????(screwy)

 

[jeebusm3]

If you can swing it, buy new (go with leather - helps with the clean up). If you're concerned about safety best to buy new. Improved airbag/curtains in the 08 and improved frame - not to mention the interior creature comforts.

I didn't know the '08 has airbag differences and frame differences. what is your source for that info?

 

[coolmazda5]

If you're concerned about safety best to buy new. Improved airbag/curtains in the 08 and improved frame

Huh? it may be from the 1st generation to the 2nd generation PREMACY, but 06 to 08 models (same 2nd generation), nahh

These are the ones I'm talking about:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_Premacy

For 2008, the Mazda Premacy/Mazda5 received a mid-cycle refresh. For the exterior, the Premacy received an updated front bumper, wheels, and rear led lights for touring and grand touring trim levels. The automatic gearbox is updated to 5-speed. The interior received a few changes to the dash including luminescent gauges, an updated radio control layout with auxiliary input, a rear A/C vent, and center console, and a full set of armrests for the first and second seating rows on North American models. Mazda first released the 2008 Mazda Premacy in Japan, with other markets to follow.

 

[jeebusm3]

For 2008, the Mazda Premacy/Mazda5 received a mid-cycle refresh. For the exterior, the Premacy received an updated front bumper, wheels, and rear led lights for touring and grand touring trim levels. The automatic gearbox is updated to 5-speed. The interior received a few changes to the dash including luminescent gauges, an updated radio control layout with auxiliary input, a rear A/C vent, and center console, and a full set of armrests for the first and second seating rows on North American models. Mazda first released the 2008 Mazda Premacy in Japan, with other markets to follow.

I have heard from a few sources that there were also suspension revisions and added sound-deadening...but I don't know if that's actually true or not.

 

[coolmazda5]

I have heard from a few sources that there were also suspension revisions and added sound-deadening...but I don't know if that's actually true or not.

True, that came from this UK review video posted the other day. Car feels pretty much the same (i.e. handling, suspension) but is quieter and "more" refined (i.e. shutting doors, sliding door sound, noise at cruise speed), yet I'll wait until it has some more miles to really say: it is quieter due to an improved design or just because is new and wife has not driven it through potholes at 63MPH (hear ya)

 

[jandree22]

I'll wait until it has some more miles to really say: it is quieter due to an improved design or just because is new and wife has not driven it through potholes at 63MPH (hear ya)

Just have your wife blind-fold you, spin you around 5x, then take one for a spin and see if you can tell which one you're driving...

....yeah, that should work!

 

[coolmazda5]

Just have your wife blind-fold you, spin you around 5x, then take one for a spin and see if you can tell which one you're driving...

....yeah, that should work!

It also has to be completely dark... but wait a minute, the gauges and the cracking noise coming from one of the door hinges will give the 06 away
(yeah, don't ask, not even grease does the trick anymore, it was just a "minor" accident in an underground garage if I got it right (rant))

 

[daan]

I bought an 06, with 19K on it. It ended up costing $16K. I searched and searched for a used one that wasn't an ex-rental. I ended up having all the recall things done myself since they hadn't been done. (Door latch, seat fabric, suspension bushing recalls). The only problem I've had so far (besides never getting to drive it, the wife HATES cars but really likes driving the 5) was the trans fluid looked burnt. I had it changed, and it's been completely fine since. I had bought an ex-rental car years ago (80's Escort) and had nothing but trouble with it. Of course you may have no trouble with yours. The only difference I found during my search was the ex-rentals were usually more scuffed/dinged than the one I got. Good luck!

 

[daan]

double post, sorry!