New 2010 CX-9 Owner

[amshah97]

Hi All,

I previously owned a 2004 Mazda3s 5-door which I sold back in 2006 due to various reasons. But now I'm back to the Mazda family with a 2010 CX-9 GT AWD in Copper Red. My wife is expecting twins and we needed something big enough for two infant carseats and a double stroller. My final list of cars came down to the Mazda, the Highlander, MDX, and RX350 but the Mazda was the best overall option in terms of size, handling, and price.

 

[ceric]

Welcome to CX9 forum.

 

[sjg]

Welcome and great choice. You're probably going to make use of one or both seats in the 3rd row so the MDX is really the only other option on your list. (No 3rd row in the RX and the Highlander's 3rd row is an afterthought and doesn't split for folding.) I never drove the MDX but the Mazda beats in on price and exterior appearance. I'm sure you'll be happy.

In my experience with two kids, I find myself moving a carseat to the 3rd row more often than I expected...essentially whenever we carry other passengers. There really isn't room for someone to sit comfortably between two carseats in the second row for any length of time. And with two carseats in the second row, it's challenging (but doable) to climb into the 3rd row. When it comes to carseats I wish the CX-9 were just a little bit wider to accomodate 2 carseats on the "60" side of the 2nd row. This would allow the "40" side to fold and slide out of the way for 3rd row access without removing a carseat and would allow an adult to sit comfortably in the 2nd row next to the carseats.

 

[vikefan7]

You might have some issues getting people into the 3rd row for the first year or two. It's not exactly easy to fold the seat for 3rd row access when you have a car seat tethered to the LATCH system. I find it's not terribly difficult with my 4 year olds car seat though. I use the 3rd row extensively now for that car seat and ever since we got this thing we are the ones driving everyone around because we have the room and everyone always wants to take one car. So, long story short, get ready to spend more money on gas and drive more often.

 

[amshah97]

Of course things may change once we have the kids, but our plan was to have both infant car seats in the 2nd row and leave the 3rd row down for the most part. The trunk is huge in that configuration. We did try folding the 2nd row with just the carseat base still attached and it wasn't too bad to get into the 3rd row.

I noticed that the 3rd row doesn't have the latch anchors. I think the normal seat belts can be used instead if we needed to put one of the carseats in back, but are there any safety concerns with the 3rd row?

We considered the idea that on road trips that we put one carseat in each row and my wife can sit in the back with them.

It's been so cold here this week that I haven't had a chance to really read the manual and play with the car much. Can't wait for it to warm up a little.

 

[aimee20]

If you do not mind sharing where did you buy your vehicle from? and how much did you pay (without TTL). Also list any additional options you got.

Thanks,
Aimee

 

[vikefan7]

Of course things may change once we have the kids, but our plan was to have both infant car seats in the 2nd row and leave the 3rd row down for the most part. The trunk is huge in that configuration. We did try folding the 2nd row with just the carseat base still attached and it wasn't too bad to get into the 3rd row.

I noticed that the 3rd row doesn't have the latch anchors. I think the normal seat belts can be used instead if we needed to put one of the carseats in back, but are there any safety concerns with the 3rd row?

We considered the idea that on road trips that we put one carseat in each row and my wife can sit in the back with them.

It's been so cold here this week that I haven't had a chance to really read the manual and play with the car much. Can't wait for it to warm up a little.

There shouldn't be any safety concerns with 3rd row, just the fact they don't have the LATCH system, which is more convenient than using the seat belts. The LATCH system is probably safer to use, since it's a requirement in all new cars now, but don't know the exact reasons why. We have both kids in the 2nd row and my wife can fit rather comfortably between them, but she's only 5'4" and just north of 100 pounds.

 

[OlivierQC]

welcome amshah97,

like you i bought a cx-9 because we have twins and a little boy and the cx-9 is the best in my opinion.

see you later
olivier

 

[sjg]

There shouldn't be any safety concerns with 3rd row, just the fact they don't have the LATCH system, which is more convenient than using the seat belts. The LATCH system is probably safer to use, since it's a requirement in all new cars now, but don't know the exact reasons why. We have both kids in the 2nd row and my wife can fit rather comfortably between them, but she's only 5'4" and just north of 100 pounds.

I've read that a good carseat installation with a seat belt is actually better than LATCH. The problem is that so many people do a poor job installing their carseats with the seatbelts. LATCH ends up being more idiot proof and works better for most people. I've had no trouble getting strong solid installations with Evenflo Triumph and a Sunshine Kids Radian carseats in the 3rd row. The only thing you miss is the top tether which the CX9 only has in the 2nd row.

 

[Pootie Tang]

Welcome! I bought mine because the wife said to! (nailbyt). Maybe someday I'll get to drive it!