Looking to uesed buy CX-9, what to look?

[phlfly]

So I'm looking to buy used 08-09 CX-9 Touring trim. So my question, during inspection, what should I look at? Most common problem like front wheel bearings (some specific noise?), any tranny problems and ect

Thank you

 

[ceric]

I own an '08 so here is my list for you AFAIK:

1) check A/C relay issue. They will blow sooner or later. Might as well replace them now. very high-rate of failure. Mine were replaced.
2) check struts and bearing. Mine have no such issues.
3) check A/C system overall (Mazda CX9 has weak spot in A/C system) - mine has no problem, though
4) replace transmission fluid - it is about time. I am assuming the previous owner(s) likely did not do it 'cause it is not required.
5) throttle body is one weak area of the engine (thanks to Ford). Inspect it carefully. However, mine has no issue (YET).

Good luck.
P.S. CX9 transmission is from Aisin (3rd largest in the world, owned by Toyota) who makes transmissions for Toyota/Lexus vehicles
and other brands (such as Volvo, Mazda, Luxgen, etc.)
Very reliable transmission in general.

 

[phlfly]

Funny thing you are telling me about reliable Toyota tranny. We are coming off Lexus RX330 (120K), so the reason I sold is the due tranny is getting slip (2nd and 3rd gear) while is cold, then getting better but by much. You will not notice, if you don't know this.
But Big Thnaks for advice. I hope this generation of tranny is better then 01-05 model.

 

[table5511]

I cannot stress the importance of ruling out collision damage/poor prior collision repairs/unrepaired damage.

1) Run an Autocheck report (Carfax is getting too lazy these days with their qualifications and dilligence)
2) Ask your insurance company on your current vehicle to run an "ISO" claims search on the vin# (Insurance Services Office) and see if it produces any hits. They may or may not agree to do that. ISO is the GOD of accidents and catches things that autocheck/carfax misses.
3) Crawl under the car. Is there way too much rust for an 08'? this is a sign of possible poor prior repairs
Inspect the engine cradle, make sure it has not struck anything along its voyage. Look for bubbles in paint, color mismatch even if ever so slight, look for sanding marks in the paint, dirt/debris in the paint, look for parts that don't quite fit right, etc.
4) If an accident report database such as Autocheck reveals the vehicle was either a Fleet or a Lease vehicle, DO NOT BUY IT. Fleet means company owned vehicles, which when their drivers hit something, they have it repaired and it never gets reported. Leasing companies charge customers a penalty for turning in cars with damage at the end of a lease, and then the leasing company repairs it in house or sends it to a sub par body shop who then goes on and performs the minimum job possible to get the car looking "ok" and then they sell it at auction.
They will replace the outside panels and leave the inside "guts" damaged.

DO NOT BUY A FLEET/LEASE VEHICLE.