Hi Shalil,
You'll be happy to hear that there are no significant problem areas or issues with the CX-9! Consumer Reports and TrueDelta.com both rate it as very reliable based on problem and repair data provided by actual owners.
Are you interested in the FWD or AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) version? I took a quick glance at new and used inventory and up in your part of the country, it looks like 70-80% are AWD models. For a vehicle of this size and performance, the fuel economy isn't unreasonable...but still it's probably the one thing all of us CX-9 owners can agree on- we wouldn't mind better fuel economy! The FWD is rated at 18/24 and AWD at 17/22, but real world averages seem to be around 19mpg for AWD and 18mpg for FWD from what I read on various forums.
I have a 2012 CX-9 GT FWD that I purchased new five months ago. The 2013 models had just hit the lot and they still had quite a few 2012 models, so the incentives were heavy AND I also have a 2006 Mazda3, so I got an extra Owner Loyalty Bonus. My 2012 had a sticker price of $37,385 and I paid $29,706 for it! (rockon)
I know you mentioned that you are specifically interested in 2011-2012 CPO models. I would strongly suggest double-checking the Carfax and/or AutoCheck report to make sure it wasn't part of a Rental fleet! It's rare that a GT is used as a rental, mostly just Sport and Touring models, but sometimes it happens and I personally wouldn't want a car that had been rented to countless drivers. You may feel differently, but just so you are aware of what you're buying.
I'm not sure what sort of budget you have in mind, but there are still a handful of NEW 2012 GT models out there! For example, I found a NEW 2012 CX-9 GT FWD, Black with Sand Leather, Moonroof/Bose Package, Power Liftgate, and Roof Rack. It stickers for $27,435 and they have it priced at $32,085 (and you probably could get it for $31k). It's at a Mazda dealer in O'Fallon, IL. I also found another NEW 2012 CX09 GT FWD, Copper Red w/ Sand, Moonroof/Bose, Power Liftgate, NAVIGATION, Towing Prep Package and a few other misc accessories. It has a sticker price of $39,205 and it's priced at $32,917 at a dealer in Indianapolis, IN.
I also found a NEW 2012 CX-9 GT AWD, Black w/ Sand, Moonroof/Bose, Power Liftgate, NAVIGATION and Remote Start. Sticker Price of $40,395, selling price of $31,900 and it's at a Mazda dealer in Joliet, IL.
I just wanted to let you know that there are still a few NEW 2012s out there, if that might be something you're interested in. My dealer here in Roswell, GA still has TWO identical 2012 GT AWDs, Black (not sure if Black or Sand interior), NAV, Moonroof/Bose, Roof Rack, sticker prices just over $40k and selling for $30k flat. The AWD models don't sell well here in South.
At the other end of the spectrum, when you're looking at CPO models, I would suggest also considering 2010 models in addition to 2011-2012. The CX-9 got a slight 'freshening' including the revised front end found on 2011 and 2012 models. The main visual difference is that the 2010 GT has the 20" wheel design from the earlier models years, which were replaced for 2011 with the 5-spoke designs still used on the 2013 CX-9. Personally, I think the 2010 face with the older wheel design is the best looking CX-9 ever made...but that's just my opinion! =)
Another great reason to include the 2010 in your CPO search is because most leases last for 36-months. So now is the time when many leased 2010 CX-9 GTs with under 40k miles and in great condition will be turned back in to the dealer. The vast majority of lease turn-ins are CPO certified because they have been so well maintained and are in clean, almost-new condition!
One other thing, in case you aren't familiar with the option packages on the CX-9 Grand Touring-
Moonroof/Bose- adds Power Moonroof and 10-spkr Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound Audio System, SIRIUS Sat Radio
Power Liftgate- shown as a separate $400 option, but it only comes with the Moonroof/Bose Pkg
RSES (Rear Seat Entertainment System)- 9" fold-down DVD screen, 11-spkr Bose Audio System, SIRIUS (requires NAV, Power Liftgate and Towing Prep Pkg, n/a w/ Moonroof; waste of money when you buy and iPad and strap it to the back of a headrest,save a bundle and keep the Moonroof!)
NAVIGATION- optional with Moonroof/Bose Package, mandatory with RSES Package; system dates back to the CX-9's 2007 introduction, low-res, outdated display, one of the very few features that reviews ever complained about!
Towing Prep- FWD models only- includes HD transmission oil cooler and HD fan, revised Engine Control Module; std on AWD models, requires NAVI on FWD models
If given the choice, the Moonroof/Bose Package and Power Liftgate are the only options I would choose. But on a CPO, if I found one I liked with the NAV system also, I'd take that as well.
You won't run across very many, but there are some "base" Grand Touring models also. They don't include any of the options listed above, but they're still so loaded with features that most people would never notice anything missing. I almost bought a new 2012 GT "base" instead of mine with the Moonroof/Bose. I never use the Moonroof and even the standard GT audio system sounded pretty dang good...but after having the Bose system for a while, I'd have a tough time giving it up!
Good luck, I'd love to hear back from you when you buy one! IF you have any questions in the meantime, just let me know and I'd try to answer them! =)
Peace out!
