Shopping for a CX9 - 3rd child on the way, time for more space!

splitslim · Aug 6, 2014

Hi everyone,

I'm in the market for a 2008 CX-9 GT and would love some advice on what to look for when inspecting and test driving these vehicles. I'm interested in the AWD GT with Luxury and Navigation packages. Can you please give me some advice on what to be on the look out for and any overall information pertaining to trouble spots about this vehicle?

Thanks!

IgoZoom · Aug 7, 2014

splitslim said:
Hi everyone,

I'm in the market for a 2008 CX-9 GT and would love some advice on what to look for when inspecting and test driving these vehicles. I'm interested in the AWD GT with Luxury and Navigation packages. Can you please give me some advice on what to be on the look out for and any overall information pertaining to trouble spots about this vehicle?

Thanks!

When I noticed that you are in Canada, I had to do some research before I responded.

Here in the States, the CX-9 is sold in three trim levels (Sport, Touring and Grand Touring) and all three come in FWD and AWD versions. For instance, If I’m not mistaken, you guys have a GS (FWD or AWD) or GT which only comes with AWD. The GS model falls somewhere between our Sport and Touring models in terms of features. But your GT AWD and our Grand Touring AWD are very similar.

Our 2008 CX-9 Grand Touring was available with two option packages-
Moonroof/Bose Package- (Power Moonroof, 10spkr Bose Audio, 6CD Changer)
Grand Touring Assistance Package- (NAV, Rearview Camera, Power Tailgate, Blind Spot Monitor)

I had never heard of the “Luxury Package” before but after some digging I think I figured it out. The Luxury Package adds the 10spkr Bose Audio, 6CD, Advanced Keyless Entry & Start, Power Tailgate and Blind Spot Monitor. Then the Navigation Package adds NAV, Bluetooth Phone and Rearview Camera. They’re packaged differently, but the end result is pretty much the same!

The NAV Package requires the Luxury Package, but I’m wondering if you have seen any GTs with just the Luxury Pkg and not the NAV? Personally, I wouldn’t let the lack of the NAV Pkg be a deal breaker if I found a CX-9 that had everything I else I wanted and was in great condition. The Navigation System was designed back in 2006 (so it’s almost nine years old at this point) and it looks and feels ancient between the low-res screen and slow response to input. I have a 2012 CX-9 Grand Touring FWD and I specifically chose one with the Moonroof/Bose/Sirius & Power Liftgate Packages, but skipped the Navigation because it was the same unit introduced with the 2007 CX-9. Just a thought, but the Backup Camera and Bluetooth are both very good features to have.

I’m not sure why you’ve specifically chosen a 2008, whether it’s within your budget or some other reason, but keep in mind when you are shopping that the 2009 is identical to the 2008 if you find one that you like!

The CX-9 has been and continues to be one of the most reliable SUV/Crossovers on the market. A small number of owners have had transfer case failures on high-mileage AWD models when they get older, but it isn’t a common problem by any means. The engine and transmission in particular are almost bulletproof as long as regular oil changes and transmission fluid changes have been done. Several folks on this site and another Mazda forum that I visit have well over 200,000 miles on their CX9s and they’re still in excellent mechanical condition!

With any used car, especially one that your children will be riding in often, you should pay to have it inspected by a Mazda dealer or an independent shop that is Mazda-certified. It my cost $150 or so, but it will either help you avoid making a huge mistake or give you peace of mind that you are buying a solid car. It’s even more important in regions where it snows because you want them to put it on a lift and check for any signs of rust damage or repair!

Good luck and hope you find the perfect one!
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splitslim · Aug 7, 2014

Excellent post! Exactly what I was looking for.

Thank you for your reply and taking the time to respond.

Take care.

Shopping for a CX9 - 3rd child on the way, time for more space!

splitslim

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IgoZoom

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splitslim

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