Test drove CX-5 on Saturday, have some questions

[inodes]

39530$ GT w/tech package, paint pen, carpet mats, winter trays, cargo tray, cargo cover, front/rear mud guards, rear bumper protector, trailer hitch w/wiring harness, registration/plates (Ontario).

You have it lucky being right next to the US.

Our dollar is stronger than the US or Canadian at moment. But ironically, while most European manufacturers are bring their prices down massively (I see McLaren's in my neighbourhood and think nothing of it) - Mazda isn't budging. The Mazda isn't too far from Audi prices.

The petrol GT is about $49,000 including all taxes etc here. Add $3000 for a diesel.

 

[bamirault]

You have it lucky being right next to the US.

I can assure you from experience that there is no relationship between Cdn Mazda pricing and proximity to the US border. Last year I attempted to save 10k$ thru buying a new MX-5 in the US and importing it to Canada. I could not get a US border dealer to respond to an email request. A dealer in Tennessee first responded that he would have to get back to me, and did so three days later with a statement that he would lose his franchise if he did so, as Mada Corporate does not allow its dealers to sell new cars to Canadian citizens who are not US residents. The reason is to protect Cdn dealers from lower US prices.

That story ended with my buying a lightly used, one year old MX-5 from a dealer in North Carolina. Even with having to pay airfare down, gas and hotels back, and duty at the border I still saved 17k$ on my US 2010 over the Cdn 2011. Corporate places no restrictions on the sale of used Mazdas. Oh, and I was able to get red with dune interior; a combination not available in that year in Canada.

Brian

 

[tgh262]

At the time I ordered (May 28) my Ottawa dealer claimed that due to shortages, he was allowed only 20% of his allocation in GT versions. IF this is true, then at any dealer where the demand for GTs is high, an extended wait would in fact be reasonable. At order time I was told to expect a 12-14 week delivery time. Actual time was 13 weeks. When it arrived, the same dealer told me that his GT allotment had been reduced to 15% of his total CX-5 allocation. FWIW

Brian

Thanks for the response, I've been advised it's in the Aug build, but have not checked back recently to see if there has been a VIN assigned. I was told ten to 12 weeks so am assuming at least 12 weeks. With luck I'll have it before end Oct, that gives them 15 weeks. Cheers.

UPDATE: Car arriving early, currently at the rail head in Vancouver..

 

[Barnstaple boy]

I'm still awaiting delivery of my 2.2d FWD manual CX-5 but I have driven a good few miles in demonstrators. What a pity that you can't get the diesel model in America. The 2.2 diesel motor makes the CX-5 feel a totally different car to the petrol variant. With the diesels immense torque acceleration is definitely not an issue. I found it accelerated as briskly if not better than the SAAB 93 Tdi Sportwagon that I've been runnining, and that is no slouch, believe me.

 

[Barnstaple boy]

I'm still awaiting delivery of my 2.2d FWD manual CX-5 but I have driven a good few miles in demonstrators. What a pity that you can't get the diesel model in America. The 2.2 diesel motor makes the CX-5 feel a totally different car to the petrol variant. With the diesels immense torque acceleration is definitely not an issue. I found it accelerated as briskly if not better than the SAAB 93 Tdi Sportwagon that I've been runnining, and that is no slouch, believe me.

 

[Mithan]

The only thing holding me back now is the old "is it worth me buying a new vehicle or waiting for a used one to turn up" argument.

 

[miki69]

The 2.2 diesel motor makes the CX-5 feel a totally different car to the petrol variant.

Couldn't agree more. Had mazda 3 2.0i Sport with manual before his baby, diesel is so much better in any respect. I drive a lot on highways, like quietness in the cabin. So smooth, plenty of torque, if fact I don't remember when was the last time I tried "M" mode (maybe when I got the car first ).

Cheers,
Miki

 

[katmar]

Couldn't agree more. Had mazda 3 2.0i Sport with manual before his baby, diesel is so much better in any respect. I drive a lot on highways, like quietness in the cabin. So smooth, plenty of torque, if fact I don't remember when was the last time I tried "M" mode (maybe when I got the car first ).

Do you find that the diesel downshifts less often than the petrol, such as when going up a hill?

 

[GiddyGoanna]

Do you find that the diesel downshifts less often than the petrol, such as when going up a hill?

You better believe it!
The difference is like chalk and cheese, night and day.

With a dearth of torque, the petrol is always searching for the correct gear.
Petrol is louder that the diesel at any given revs, amplified by the petrol always using more revs.

Having said that, if you only putter around, or mainly do short trips, go for the petrol.
Diesel not designed for that type of use.

 

[sdpadsfan]

With all the great new technology, it really frustrates me that we have not embraced diesel in the US.

 

[katmar]

With all the great new technology, it really frustrates me that we have not embraced diesel in the US.

Me too. The catch-22 is I like the diesel, but not the worries of finding diesel fuel. But there'd be more diesel availability if more people like me bought diesels, lol.

Still though, I dunno if I'd pay $2,000 - $3,000 more for the diesel engine. And here in the states, while the higher cost of diesel fuel doesn't quite wipe out the savings from better mileage, it makes the savings fairly minimal.

 

[CX-SV]

Me too. The catch-22 is I like the diesel, but not the worries of finding diesel fuel. But there'd be more diesel availability if more people like me bought diesels, lol.

Still though, I dunno if I'd pay $2,000 - $3,000 more for the diesel engine. And here in the states, while the higher cost of diesel fuel doesn't quite wipe out the savings from better mileage, it makes the savings fairly minimal.

It certainly slows the payback to recover the vehicle price premium that will probably be closer to $3K in US.

Around here the diesel often runs 5% over the cost of premium gasoline per gallon.

Other concerns will be (cost and frequency of) maintenance of twin turbos, DPF, not to mention the oil rising/dilution issue (open issue) that some Mazda diesel owners have experienced.