Own CX-9, looking to add CX-7 to family

[SeCX-9]

Hi,
Have a CX-9 AWD GT for the last year. Just discovered I need to replace the wife's car now. I can wait 30 days until the Cash for Clunkers program kicks in. I'll rent a car for 3 weeks for $500 to save $3500. Looking at the CX-7.

Based on the invoice price, repeat buyers discount and the Cash for clunkers, I'm hoping I can get a new 2009 for around $20K.

So....how do you all like the CX-7? I have some concerns on this car and would appreciate everyone's feedback (I'm a regular on the CX-9 site).

Does the CX-7 really require 91 octane? The Mazda press kit says no, however the CX-7 2010 clearly says yes (and they have 2 engine offers next year). What's the real answer?

How's the oil cartridge change process? Sounds messy. Do you have to go to the dealer or can JiffyLube of similar perform the oil change (remove the barrier screws, clips etc)? What's the dealer hit you for? 6 quarts??wow.

Any issues with the Turbo performance? The reviews say there is a lag for it to kick in. I have the same issue with my CX-9 as the "smart" transmission downshifts into 3rd to Zoom-zoom, then it takes off. Is the CX-7 the same? Does using the auto-stick help? I can sure make my CX-9 rocket off by using this option (which she won't).

How's the turbo performance on the FWD compared to the AWD? Do the wheels spin or torque when punching it on the FWD?

Navigation. Yah. sucks in my CX-9. Non-intuitive interface, bad resolution etc...but good navigation, just the same crapy Denso I suspect. Did I get this right?

Do the tires suck in the snow? The CX-9 Duehler 400s are banana skins and most CX-9'ers bought Blizzaks or Scorpions. Do the stock tires do well?

MPG looks almost as bad as my CX-9. There is no MPG reporting in the CX-9. Is thee one in the CX-7? What are most people claiming?

First year 2007 models seemed to have issues. Is the 2008 and 2009 better? anyone know when the 2010 is expected to hit store shelves?

Thanks guys (and gals) and I appreciate your honesty here.

H

 

[wannabe]

the 2007 required 93, the 08 and 09 recommended premium, but could accept any, i'm not sure on the 2010.

oil changes are a bit of a pita, but not horrible. they can be messy until you get the hang of it. basically you'll want to release the allen bolt, unscrew the whole thing a couple turns, remove the bolt and most will drain out the bolt hole.

no real issues with the turbo performance. its actually got a fairly tuned k04 in it that is basically lag-free, but its still a turbo so you will always have some

can't comment on navi, don't have it.

the stock tires suck in general, they aren't great in the snow, but not as bad as my MS6 stock tires

we get around 18 mpg city, and have seen 23 highway on long road trips.

 

[offset_98]

Only the 07 requires 91, the rest will work on 87. I'm sure there would be a very slight performance sag however.

People complain about tires. We're at 25k and our tires still look great. My wife is practically the sole driver of the car so, that could be why the tires are still good That could also be why we are averaging about 22mpg. I can tell you when I drive, I average 19mpg.

I don't have the Nav. so I don't know.

There is slight turbo lag but its nothing compared to the turbo charged cars of years past. Think Probe GT or any of the DSM cars. If you jack rabbit start off of everything, turbo lag might be an issue but really, not even for me is it an issue. I have more of an issue w/ the drive by wire in my Impala than I do turbo lag.

The transmission in the car is a 6spd auto w/ select shift. I use it to slow down, that's about it. You can always make the CX-7 rocket off the line with a little brake-torque to bring the revs up and start the turbo.

We have a FWD. I saw no need for AWD. Its added weight and lower fuel economy. I've also read on here that the AWD system leaves much to be desired.

Hope that helps! Happy shopping!

 

[SeCX-9]

Only the 07 requires 91, the rest will work on 87. I'm sure there would be a very slight performance sag however.

People complain about tires. We're at 25k and our tires still look great. My wife is practically the sole driver of the car so, that could be why the tires are still good That could also be why we are averaging about 22mpg. I can tell you when I drive, I average 19mpg.

I don't have the Nav. so I don't know.

There is slight turbo lag but its nothing compared to the turbo charged cars of years past. Think Probe GT or any of the DSM cars. If you jack rabbit start off of everything, turbo lag might be an issue but really, not even for me is it an issue. I have more of an issue w/ the drive by wire in my Impala than I do turbo lag.



The transmission in the car is a 6spd auto w/ select shift. I use it to slow down, that's about it. You can always make the CX-7 rocket off the line with a little brake-torque to bring the revs up and start the turbo.

We have a FWD. I saw no need for AWD. Its added weight and lower fuel economy. I've also read on here that the AWD system leaves much to be desired.

Hope that helps! Happy shopping!

Thank you both for your honest feedback. I hate to tell her that we have to buy another set of snow tires/rims/tmps and store them in my garage. Maybe we'll just dump the stock treads.

I'll be spending this weekend and next weekend doing some test drives and see what she likes. I would definately like something with better mileage since he commute is about 3 miles every day and she does not have a lead foot like me.

 

[offset_98]

Let us know what you decide. I'll be curious.

 

[SeCX-9]

CX-7 Wheeling and Dealing pricing help

Thank you both for your honest feedback. I hate to tell her that we have to buy another set of snow tires/rims/tmps and store them in my garage. Maybe we'll just dump the stock treads.

I'll be spending this weekend and next weekend doing some test drives and see what she likes. I would definately like something with better mileage since he commute is about 3 miles every day and she does not have a lead foot like me.

Ok...so she wants the CX-7 GT AWD. Mazda up here in MA is offering incredible deals (so it appears). $4000 cash back on all CX-7s from the factory. Right off the bottom line.

Wife really wants the bluetooth hands free but I think that only comes with the NAV which I know is a POS because it's the same in my CX-9.

Dealer has offered me a new fully loaded Pearl White GT AWD with NAV (salesman demo model) with 2K miles for about $25K. MSRP is $33.8K. It's considered new since it is not registered. We have not seen the car yet but they say it's mint and I haven't discussed final pricing yet since I haven't seen the car. Reportedly also a customer loyalty $1K and 2.99 or even 0% financing for 36 months.

Without me going back into all the forums and researching, what do you guys and gals think about a fully loaded for $25K? Anyone have success getting $20K or $23K for a slightly used new car?

Also, consumer reports rates this car the lowest for customer satisfaction (big solid black circle). Is it really that bad?

Tires will be the first to go by winter time. Any recommendations?

 

[wannabe]

25k is not a bad price, but i would push the issue that its a used car (even if not registered) and try to get them down closer to 20. either way, good luck with the purchase

 

[dtownkcufo]

U can get the bluetooth without NAV. I have it in my 09 sport. But it came as a package with the moonroof, bose stero, and heated seats. And yes, they are heated seats without leather. Bought it brand new sticker was 27k paid just under 20k. In Missouri KC area.

 

[SeCX-9]

U can get the bluetooth without NAV. I have it in my 09 sport. But it came as a package with the moonroof, bose stero, and heated seats. And yes, they are heated seats without leather. Bought it brand new sticker was 27k paid just under 20k. In Missouri KC area.

Good news about the bluetooth w/o nav. When did you buy this? recently?

Thanks

 

[dtownkcufo]

Good news about the bluetooth w/o nav. When did you buy this? recently?

Thanks

I bought it in March.

 

[SeCX-9]

I bought it in March.

Where did you get the cool "Turbo" sticker?

 

[dtownkcufo]

It actually from Acura, but looks pretty good on the CX-7. The website is curryacuraparts.com I paid 10.02 with shipping for it. If you pick it up from a dealer, around my area in Missouri they want 20.00 or 30.00 depending on which one u call.

 

[SeCX-9]

It actually from Acura, but looks pretty good on the CX-7. The website is curryacuraparts.com I paid 10.02 with shipping for it. If you pick it up from a dealer, around my area in Missouri they want 20.00 or 30.00 depending on which one u call.

Cool. just may do that...does it self stick?

Just pulled bought the wife an 09 CX-7 GT AWD with lots of extras. Perhaps I'll race her in my CX-9.

Cheers!
Howard

 

[SeCX-9]

Thank you both for your honest feedback. I hate to tell her that we have to buy another set of snow tires/rims/tmps and store them in my garage. Maybe we'll just dump the stock treads.

I'll be spending this weekend and next weekend doing some test drives and see what she likes. I would definately like something with better mileage since he commute is about 3 miles every day and she does not have a lead foot like me.

Just bought her a Pearl Mica White 09 CX-7 AWD GT. Her car came with Goodyear Eagle tires and not the POS Bridgestone Duehlers! Thanks god. I saw mix if them on another dealers lot and was going to ask the dealer to swap them before I bought the car. The wife picks her up on Friday.

 

[dtownkcufo]

Cool. just may do that...does it self stick?

Just pulled bought the wife an 09 CX-7 GT AWD with lots of extras. Perhaps I'll race her in my CX-9.

Cheers!
Howard

Yeah it has a clear piece on the back u just pull off and then stick it where u want it. Just like the dealer stickers. Sweet ride! Congrats! (2thumbs)

 

[SeCX-9]

Just bought her a Pearl Mica White 09 CX-7 AWD GT. Her car came with Goodyear Eagle tires and not the POS Bridgestone Duehlers! Thanks god. I saw mix if them on another dealers lot and was going to ask the dealer to swap them before I bought the car. The wife picks her up on Friday.

Well the Goodyear Eagle RSAs are apparently crap. Anyone try the Yokahama Parada X's? Everyone on the CX-9 message board swear by them for summer, winter and wet pavement. Tire Rack rates them really good all around compared to most major brand tire.

Also, some "problems" reported on this board and others about the car are just not on my car. I DO have an outside temperature guage (Ambient), this AWD car does NOT shake between 50 and 80Mph, and a few other things I've seen reported don't seem to be the case in our CX-7. Wife love's it so far.

I do kinda miss the extra's I have in my CX-9
Power hatch raise/lower
Rear collision avoidance in mirrors
More functional power seats - Driver/passenger
Auto-sensing wipers
etc

 

[wannabe]

cool

glad you are enjoying it