Mazda 5 Fam Fiasco

C

catmri2

Member
Hello everyone,
I test drove the Mazda 5 sport style over the weekend. I liked the way it drove my husband did not like it from the get go. He'd rather I drive pretty much something along the same line as what I'm driving now...a toyota 4runner (no way) I have 2 little girls and we are tight. Since I am going to be the main driver I decided I would ignore my hubby's remarks...I'm interested in the touring model anyways. My in-laws got into the conversation and my father in-law sided with my hubby and added that the reliability ain't all that and that parts are hard to come by in the event that I would need them (old school) if you ask me... Please, please give me a good comback...I really like the car and have been researching it..as I do everythig...bofore I embark on a quest. (pissed)
 
There really isn't much to debate there. The 5 is a completely different vehicle from the 4Runner. You'll be giving up 4 wheel drive and poor fuel economy to get a vehicle which gives much more flexibility, economy, and safety. The 5 handles better, so you'll have virtually no chance of rollover, and will be able to manuever much better to keep you and your daughters out of accidents. The 5 also get better gas mileage, and we know fuel prices aren't getting any lower. And the argument about parts availability is pretty poor, especially considering that the 5 is based on the Mazda 3 platform and shares many parts with that car. The 3 is one of the better selling cars on the road, with plenty of parts availability and aftermarket support, so that should be of very little concern. As for reliability, the 5 certainly doesn't have the history of a 4Runner, but it's only had 1 recall that I know of, and that was more of a user error issue than anything.

We love our 5.
 
It sounds like it'll be your car, so just suck it up and get whatever YOU want to drive... your husband will get over it. It also sounds like he's making excuses because his ego cringes over owning a minivan. Sorry, but sliding doors > conventional doors. I bet he'd even warm up to it and like it after a while.

No, Mazda's reliability may not live up to the legendary Toyota nameplate, but by no means is it bad. Consumer Reports placed it in their top 10 list --> http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/carreviews/03/01/cr_reliability/index.html. And IMO, the comment about parts availability is hogwash... it's not like you're buying a Porsche or Beemer.

Good luck and keep us updated! :)
 
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I have two little ones as well. I think ease of use is a would be a good comeback. I looked at SUVs too and the vans are just so much easier to get kids in and out of (and car seats too.). Everyone I know who has kids says the vans are better with little ones and dump the SUVs for a van. The 5 is made in japan and should have good reliability and the parts comment is without merit. The 5 shout be much less expensive than a new 4 runner and get better MPG. Also I think you should call the Car Talk guys. I think they would love this question.
 
Zoom5Zoom said:
CX7 is made for your needs then by the sounds of it
Click to expand...

I agree the cx-7 is nicer looking then the 4 runner handles better than the 4 runner and has better fuel economy and it is still an SUV which you said he likes
 
Yeah good point about the price. Truth be told, if 4 Runners were buyable at $20k fully loaded, I'd get the 4 Runner in a heartbeat... but that's mostly because the 4 Runner is my favorite SUV on the road, not because it's the ideal people mover. Problem is, 4 Runners are more like $30k.

I doubt you'll have $10k worth of Mazda5 repair and parts over the life of the car to make up the difference (lol2)
 
Having two kids of our own, and switching from a Toyota Sienna to the M5, this is what really sold me on the M5. http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/04/24/004690.html
Consumer Reports also gave the M5 an excellent rating compared to other 'tall' wagons. http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/12/05/159781.html


IMO, this is a strong argument FOR going with the 5, aside from easier to maneuver around town compared to the 4 runner, easier on gas, cheaper to operate, and although more subjective, has better styling than a 'truck.'
 
have it, love it by both my wife and I, and can't be happier. I had a 4 runner before, and the gas milage, handling and style blows the 4runner away by miles. let them drive it and they'll agree
 
seems like you do one of two things:

1. Say very sweetly, that if he wants the 4 runner, then he should go get his 4 runner. You won't sign the loan papers, won't pay for it, and won't drive it.

or

2. bombard him with all the good things that are being said around the net about the 5.

Just depends on which one your husband responds to better.
 
i guess i can put my 2 cents in this discussion....first of all, i said that i would never drive a mini van or anything that looked like one...i'm 35 years old, have 3 kids....14, 8, and 4....the car i had before this was a scion xb...i waited for a year to get that car....it was one of the best looking scions in my area...and i loved it...but when i saw the mazda 5 something about it just drew me in....i told my husband that i wanted to go look at one and he said sure....we drove one and bought it the same day....not only did we buy the 5 we traded his mustang gt for a tribute....i have never regretted buying either one...we are very happy with both...but the 5 is great for us...it's so easy for the kids to get in and out of...the 3rd row seat is one reason i wanted it...no other suv's were in this price range for what we got...my 4 yo daughter loves the rear seat...she begs to ride back there...the past weekend i also hauled 2 other teenage boys around town...and they are big boys...no problems at all except you could tell there was added weight....but to me the car still pulled ok...never afraid to pull out in front of someone...the only problem i have so far is there are not enough aftermarket parts! but i guess that will come soon enough
 
Mustang GT to a Tribute for the hubby... that must've been rough (lol2) Surprised you had to wait a year for the xB, was it just that high in demand?! I thought 3 months was bad!


Back on topic, any updates catmri2?
 
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