Looking into CX-5 for replacement for my Mazda3

[Unobtanium]

Former E46 ZHP coupe owner here. I'd be interested in your thoughts once you pull the trigger. I currently have a CX-9 which does well for a 4,000lb behemoth, but the 15mpg I've been averaging is killing me. Looking at the CX-5 for the wifey.

That's crazy! I was getting 16mpg normally out of my HEMI powered Grand Jeep Cherokee with 50/50 city, street driving. I got 13.5 when I let it idle for a half hour every morning and drove the dog crap out of it because it was fun. 18-19mpg on road trips.

Why does the lighter, more aerodynamic, much more anemic CX-9 get such poor mileage?!

 

[Move Over]

Hey guys - so I wanted to ask you all your thoughts around this..

I found a 2014 with about 40k miles, the dealership certified it so it does come with a 12/12k, and a 7/100k drivetrain warranty. I think I can have it out the door for 15k, which, after my "down payment" and i clear my negative equity on my 3 is about what I want to afford (I can afford more, but don't really feel the need to). It has the 2.0L, which seemed alright for what it is. I drive my M3 if i need some thrills.

This particular one is a sport, with the in dash BT, Cruise control, etc. Needs a backup camera, but other than that it seems ready to go.

 

[Lbear]

How much money will you save a year increasing your mpg from 15 to 25?

Well, let's say they drive 12,000 miles per year. At 25mpg that equals 480 gallons of fuel. At 15mpg that equals 800 gallons of fuel.

12,000 miles per year -
480 gallons @2.25 per gallon = $1,080
800 gallons @2.25 per gallon = $1,800

A savings of $720 per year in fuel

If you were in Europe where fuel can run $4 a gallon, the savings would be around $1,280 per year

 

[Unobtanium]

Well, let's say they drive 12,000 miles per year. At 25mpg that equals 480 gallons of fuel. At 15mpg that equals 800 gallons of fuel.

12,000 miles per year -
480 gallons @2.25 per gallon = $1,080
800 gallons @2.25 per gallon = $1,800

A savings of $720 per year in fuel

If you were in Europe where fuel can run $4 a gallon, the savings would be around $1,280 per year

I bet gas goes to $4-8 a gallon here, likely during the ownership of OP's "new" CX5.

 

[CX-5um]

Hey guys - so I wanted to ask you all your thoughts around this..

I found a 2014 with about 40k miles, the dealership certified it so it does come with a 12/12k, and a 7/100k drivetrain warranty. I think I can have it out the door for 15k, which, after my "down payment" and i clear my negative equity on my 3 is about what I want to afford (I can afford more, but don't really feel the need to). It has the 2.0L, which seemed alright for what it is. I drive my M3 if i need some thrills.

This particular one is a sport, with the in dash BT, Cruise control, etc. Needs a backup camera, but other than that it seems ready to go.

The 2.0 engine offers mpg figures which are easier to attain than the 2.5. Even while driving fast you'll get good mpgs at 87 octane. You'll like its blend of tossability while at a good ground clearance= Excellent vehicle to haul stuff while city commuting. Considering you already have the M3 you already have a fast track car. I'd probably get the 2.0 if I were you BUT the blind spot monitoring system has really grown on me. Not sure if the Sport has that. Some people signal because its the proper thing to do. Some people signal to show off their LEDs. I signal for both. That said, BSM has saved me from eminent hits at least 4 times now. Its like having Spidey senses.

 

[Lbear]

The 2.0 engine offers mpg figures which are easier to attain than the 2.5. Even while driving fast you'll get good mpgs at 87 octane. You'll like its blend of tossability while at a good ground clearance=

There is NO REAL substantial FUEL SAVINGS with the 2.0L. The same with FWD vs AWD. It's only really about 2-3 MPG total.

Let's say you drive 12,000 miles per year

28mpg @ 12k miles = 428 gallons @ 2.25 = $964 in fuel costs per year
30mpg @ 12k miles = 400 gallons @ 2.25 = $900 in fuel costs per year

So that 2mpg saves a whopping $64 a year in fuel and in return you get a slower HP vehicle

 

[Unobtanium]

There is NO REAL substantial FUEL SAVINGS with the 2.0L. The same with FWD vs AWD. It's only really about 2-3 MPG total.

Let's say you drive 12,000 miles per year

28mpg @ 12k miles = 428 gallons @ 2.25 = $964 in fuel costs per year
30mpg @ 12k miles = 400 gallons @ 2.25 = $900 in fuel costs per year

So that 2mpg saves a whopping $64 a year in fuel and in return you get a slower HP vehicle

IF the 2.5 averaged 28. Mine averages 23mpg routinely on my daily driving, driving it easy.

 

[purplengold]

My average right now is 25.1 with 50/50 city hwy. I drove into the mountains yesterday and used Sport Mode with the manual portion of the automatic transmission and got 35 mpg average! I was even racing fools up the hills with no problems. SO FUN! It's all about just coasting the downhill.