New 5 owner hoping for better days

[Biber]

Hi folks -

A couple of months ago we rented a Mazda 5 for a trip back east, and, long story short, we now own a brand spankin new 2013 Mazda 5. Got the sport version because the up grade didn't offer anything we could live with out, let alone even wanted. Have had it less than a month, in fact, just got it registered on Saturday. Unfortunately, after surviving a particularly unpleasant sales experience, I have to admit to a bit of growing buyers remorse. As I'm the type who worries incessantly and freak out over little things - hence, having been stranded several times, we've long rented cars to go farther than I could afford a tow for my '99 accord - I tend to be very sensitive about things. Right out of the gate there have been little things: the night I drove it home I noticed the steering wheel was out about 5 degrees. So it was back for an alignment generously got a tank of gas for my troubles, but had to fight for it). Still out the slightest bit, just enough to bother me every time I'm at the wheel. But my time is money too, so will have to live with it. Then it seems that more and more I notice just how cheaply made things are - squishy armrests on the door, seat arm rests are too small and too low, drivers dash console (odometer/tach) are in cheap plastic housings that wiggle at the slightest touch. The rear air vents only do cold air. Seriously??!! How hard would it have been to hook them up to the AC/heating system? Now really. I recently sat through a heavy down pour so I found out just how loud it could be - is there ANY insulation above the headliner? speaking of which, is it really unattached/unsupported at the windshield? Is there really no weather stripping to hold it in place?!!! Is this thing going to hold up until I get it paid for?

The Mazda 5 could be an awesome family car. Is it just residual worry from my previous car situation, am I just over reacting?

B

 

[Bodgerx]

I found it pretty quiet after a 2008 Civic. Same for the interior - for the most part better built. I know what you mean about the armrests though. And the seat bases could be better quality.

Don't confuse interior quality for mechanical quality and general reliability: VWs are the reverse way around - and I'd much rather have a Mazda.

 

[Rally Man]

FYI the heater vents are under the front seats, at least on my 2010 they are. Most people don't like getting hot air blown on their face.

 

[thaxman]

The "C" segment Mazda3 that begat the Mazda5 is not comparable to the "D" segment Accord. Its like comparing 2-bedroom 1-bath houses to 3-bedroom 2-bath houses. Yes, it will feature more hard plastics and less sound deadening. Yes, there will be more cosmetic corners cut to keep price in line. But have you looked inside a Corolla lately?? Problem is, no one has made a minivan based on a D-segment since the first 96-97 Honda Odyssey - the one without the cargo doors. Since then, minivans have gotten ungainly and have replaced the original SWB Chevy and Dodge vans of the 70s. Mazda brought this here and found a small market that wants space without buying a mobile living room that costs too much to fuel around town. Yes, its a shame its based on the Mazda3 not the Mazda6, but its a really great car overall and esp for what its purpose is. Longevity won't be a problem as long as you keep it serviced. And if you have ?? about what service it needs, after checking the manual, you can come here for xtra opinions.

BTW, Mazda5s have considerably better tuned steering than any Accord out there (look at my sig). If your wheel is a bit off-center, its probably b/c of the slight road pitch to allow drainage. Most cars aren't sensitive enough to pick this up, but try test driving a Porsche over the same road & I bet the wheel will line up the same way.

 

[JOE MAMA]

No offence, but it sounds like you should have purchased a new Odyssey or Sienna. My point is you get what you pay for. Maybe you should have done a little more research before dropping the cash on the M5.

I have owned several new vehicles in the past 9 years, including 2 Grand Caravans (2009 & 2011) which are comparable to the M5 in price. Both had several quality issues and they spent a great deal of time at the dealer covering things under warranty.

From a comfort standpoint, both Grand Caravans were nicer - they offered good sound deadening, a decent ride and loads of space. The 2011 was even nice to look at inside - the interior was attractive.

But after 21,000km and 27 times in for service I had enough and went with the M5. I am about to roll 60,000km and have nothing bad to say. It's been in for service once other than oil changes. This vehicle has been extremely reliable so far.

Are the interior materials in some ways skimpy - yes. But for the segment and price, it's definitely not terrible and tough to beat. It's something you have to either get used to or spend more money. You can't expect to spend 20k on a vehicle and be unwilling to compromise - it's give and take. Even if you were willing to buy a top of the line luxury vehicle, you would still end up compromising...maybe just less.

I have two kids and haven't had any issues. The M5 is the best handling and sportiest minivan currently offered. Its meant to be driven and will return the best real world fuel economy of any minivan out there.

It's a well made quality vehicle overall, and I expect mine to last for a very long time.

 

[DougNuts]

Yes, you are over reacting. Keep the oil changed and transmission fluid fresh and it should last a long time.

 

[Silentnoise713]

You are asking this in a Mazda5 forum, rest assumed the responses are not biased.
Nonetheless, all for the responses above are on point.

You cheaped out on the wrong car and wrong package. It’s all about the segment that thaxman mentioned. IF Mazda built the Mz5 on the Mz6 platform, it would be a much nicer car but it will also be in another price bracket. I had a Mz6 rental last year and right away cried a little (not really) thinking how much nicer the Mz5’s “could” be . Also, you will be happier with the Grand Touring package. Yes, it cost more and has excess features but thanks to the leather interior (some don’t like it), it feels much nicer and greatly takes the edge off the cheapness.

When I first got in to this car (’08 Sport), I too also complained about the cheapness and noticed everything you mentioned but I realize it has to be so if this is the price range I’m willing to play. If you want more sound deadening, thicker body/interior panels, higher quality metal/chrome interior bits, you need to pay up and buy a luxury car that meet you needs. For example, the glass thickness on the Mz5 is C segment thin whereas the SRX is TWICE as thick for sound insulation.



You are overreacting or need to reset your expectations.

 

[Biber]

Thanks, I'm starting to feel a bit of reassurance. My family is very happy with the purchase so I'll go with that and try not to nit pick where really unnecessary. I just have to keep reminding myself that I have a good new car under my feet and no longer have to worry - can you tell I was a bit uptight about previous car issues?*

What attracted us to the M5 was that it wasn't a full size van and didn't drive anywhere like one. Love the spaciousness and ease of access.

*The '99 accord (bought used) served us well for 10 years but was facing steering as well as sub frame issues, and who knows what else in the front end. My previous Civic took me to 300k but was finally done in by electrical issues, having left me stranded several times.

 

[Biber]

You cheaped out on the wrong car and wrong package.

Seriously?!! Do you realize how this makes you sound?

 

[kw_da]

Previous M5s have had issues with transmissions and suspensions wearing the tires out. I'd check the transmission fluid @15k miles and check/change the transmission fluid at 30k miles and rotate and inspect the tires every 6000 miles for ease of mind.

Besides, I believe you have warranty and roadside service included?

If you got your previous cars to 300k, its should be a while until you have problems with your new car. However, I don't think the Mazdas are as reliable as old Hondas. I got my old 86 Accord to 287,000 miles, front suspension started to have problems ... too expensive to fix.

 

[DougNuts]

Seriously?!! Do you realize how this makes you sound?

He sounds right to me. I knew I was buying an economy car when I bought my 5. I also have an affinity for 90s Hondas - even Honda doesn't build them that good anymore.

As mentioned, heat comes out under the front seats, weatherstripping around windows are a thing of the past, lots of roof will make lots of noise, I like the cushy door panel in my 2010 (GT) and I don't touch the dash except to reset the trip. The road noise is manageable, but much louder than our Caddy. I do think the carpet is very, very cheap though.

 

[Mopho]

I had a Mz6 rental last year and right away cried a little (not really) thinking how much nicer the Mz5s could be .

Don't drive the new Mazda 3 then, you will really cry. (sad1)

Also, you will be happier with the Grand Touring package. Yes, it cost more and has excess features but thanks to the leather interior (some dont like it), it feels much nicer and greatly takes the edge off the cheapness.

Agreed, I got a GT and the "leather" makes a big difference IMO, the added features are nice too.


To note, I can move the instrument binnacle on my $30k Subaru Outback too, the fix is simple.... Don't touch it

 

[Silentnoise713]

Seriously?!! Do you realize how this makes you sound?

Applies to me too. I cheaped out on the car but have the right package (after trial and error). It may not sound nice but it is the truth.

Btw, I could ask the same thing quoting your original post but can understand you need to vent/rant. I did in one of my first posts too.

Don't drive the new Mazda 3 then, you will really cry. (sad1)

Please tell me you are joking! That would be a huge disappointment I have not seen the new car in person but I have such high hopes thanks to the publications. Then again, the argument is why buy the new Mz3 when the new Mz6 is so much better and not costing much more. The only saving grace to the Mz3 is the hatch, for those who want one.

Agreed, I got a GT and the "leather" makes a big difference IMO, the added features are nice too.

The factory leather (not just the seats but the door panels too which is hard and rough fiber on the Sport from what I recall), leather wrapped steering wheel, and HID (manual leveling) are actually pretty good.

 

[thaxman]

Previous M5s have had issues with transmissions and suspensions wearing the tires out. I'd check the transmission fluid @15k miles and check/change the transmission fluid at 30k miles and rotate and inspect the tires every 6000 miles for ease of mind.

Besides, I believe you have warranty and roadside service included?

If you got your previous cars to 300k, its should be a while until you have problems with your new car. However, I don't think the Mazdas are as reliable as old Hondas. I got my old 86 Accord to 287,000 miles, front suspension started to have problems ... too expensive to fix.

I would get the tires rotated every 3K-5K instead of waiting. The more you rotate, the more even the wear. I think the geometry was fixed by the 3rd refresh ('12+) so you shouldn't have to worry about inside edge wear from the rears, but having them off often helps one to see if it is occurring and you can flip the tires so the less worn side is no the inside giving you some extension in tire life.

Do I think you can get 10+ years out of this car? Yes. Do I think it will require maintenance and repairs? Yes. No car that exceeds 130K has been 100% repair-free. All cars have wear items. It comes from having moving parts. The difference is in how long the parts are engineered to last. Italian exotics are made to last 10K, German prestige cars are made to begin replacing parts around 50K (when European annual thorough car inspections begin), American cars from the 80s & 90s were made to go about 70K before parts failed and Japanese cars of the same era were designed to go about 100K trouble free. After that, parts begin to wear. Its a fact of life.

 

[Mopho]

A
Please tell me you are joking! That would be a huge disappointment I have not seen the new car in person but I have such high hopes thanks to the publications. Then again, the argument is why buy the new Mz3 when the new Mz6 is so much better and not costing much more. The only saving grace to the Mz3 is the hatch, for those who want one.

Not joking at all, driven a bunch of them already. And the Mz6 has nothing but size over the Mz3, as a matter of fact, I would count on the interior of the 6 to be brought up to the same level/design of the 3 pretty soon.


I am liking the rear parking sensors on the GT as well

.

 

[DougNuts]

Ah, so you're saying the new Mazda 3 is good. Sheeew, I wasn't sure if you meant good or bad. It's really not that surprising though, the 3 costs almost as much as the 6 now, if you compare equal engine size trims.

 

[markuszoom5]

OK, here is my 2 cents, or more. I owned a 1998 Kia Sephia (new), the car had brake problems non-stop, but I was able to bring the car to 50,000 miles before getting rid of it, after 6 years. The cheapest interior ever. Then I also had an 2001 Oldsmobile Alero (new), very solidly built car, however, shifter was always hard to get out of park, brake line broke once, RPM went out of whack, apparently needed reset, console cracked, driver window stopped working, tranny pan gasket started leaking. Brought the car up to 62,000 miles and traded it. Got a 2006 VW Jetta 2.5l (5 speed - manual), thinking that non-automatic might be better to deal with. Boy was I wrong. This car was the seed of satan and worst car I ever owned in my life. From electrical, to check engine light, to tire troubles awful. Finally said that is enough, and went Japanese - got brand new 2010 mazda 5 towards end of 2010.
BEST CAR I EVER OWNED IN MY LIFE. I have done oil changes, and just did tranny flush @ 36,000 miles, also did get both rear shocks replaced under warranty. This car has now 37,000 miles and I have not touched anything. I love it. Yes, it's kinda noisy but that is what satellite radio is for, lol.

 

[thaxman]

He sounds right to me. I knew I was buying an economy car when I bought my 5. I also have an affinity for 90s Hondas - even Honda doesn't build them that good anymore.

As mentioned, heat comes out under the front seats, weatherstripping around windows are a thing of the past, lots of roof will make lots of noise, I like the cushy door panel in my 2010 (GT) and I don't touch the dash except to reset the trip. The road noise is manageable, but much louder than our Caddy. I do think the carpet is very, very cheap though.

You just HAD to mention the carpets!

 

[TheRed]

As everyone has mentioned, the 5 sport is a fairly well equipped minivan that handles well. It's also the nearly same price as a Civic. That's hard to beat.
I have a 2012 sport, put sound insulation and recently got michelin mxv4 tires. Now the car is as quiet as a Lexus and handles better than any lexus. I just don't have the same horsepower but I have a better handling car.
Try putting sound insulation in and quieter tires. It'll make the 5 suddenly feel like a $30k car.

 

[Robotazky]

Not joking at all, driven a bunch of them already. And the Mz6 has nothing but size over the Mz3, as a matter of fact, I would count on the interior of the 6 to be brought up to the same level/design of the 3 pretty soon.


I am liking the rear parking sensors on the GT as well

.

As everyone has mentioned, the 5 sport is a fairly well equipped minivan that handles well. It's also the nearly same price as a Civic. That's hard to beat.
I have a 2012 sport, put sound insulation and recently got michelin mxv4 tires. Now the car is as quiet as a Lexus and handles better than any lexus. I just don't have the same horsepower but I have a better handling car.
Try putting sound insulation in and quieter tires. It'll make the 5 suddenly feel like a $30k car.

Awesome. I've been telling people about the MXV4s for years now. It's a big jump up. Try putting on Koni FSD shocks if you want the full effect.

Just this weekend I looked at my resale, which went up $2500 in 6 months BTW, and I still think I got the best car for the money. My '09 GT navi has been paid off for a year and today has a KBB trade value of $12.5K. I have HIDs, navi, remote start, leather, auto wipers, Sirius, auto climate, etc. I can't replace this car with a practical replacement. So in the end, I'm proven correct that it's a good value and a wise purchase. Just make sure you understand that the tires and shocks make a huge, huge difference on this car. I'm about to put a new set of MXV4s on mine this weekend at 52,000 miles. The tires still have plenty of tread, but they're down to the plasticky part where they get hard and slick in the rain, so time to go.

The 5 is a very hard vehicle to beat. For the money, it's a steal as long as you maintain your car.