My only point in calling it a "utility" vehicle is that it's not designed, sold and/or marketed as a performance sports car or a luxury car but as an efficient, utilitarian people/cargo mover that's fun to drive.
The Best "CUV" I've seen
- Thread starter metalfab
- Start date
My only point in calling it a "utility" vehicle is that it's not designed, sold and/or marketed as a performance sports car or a luxury car but as an efficient, utilitarian people/cargo mover that's fun to drive.
Like most light weight vehicles designed for economy I think the towing capacity is limited not by the engines power but by the strength of the frame and other drive train components. I had a 2013 CX5 with the 2.0 and now have the 2014 2.5 both in FWD. They are both capable of getting 33 mpg. The 2.0 I had was perfectly adequate and like Mike said can make the CX5 move pretty good. The 2.5 though is a relative rocket in comparison to the 2.0 and now that I have 33,000 miles on the 2.5 it seems to just about match the summer fuel economy that I got with the 2.0 I had.
Mazda does rate the diesel with a higher towing capacity and I wonder what's the difference other than the engine to make that so. Maybe the transmission and drive axles are more robust.
Mazda does rate the diesel with a higher towing capacity and I wonder what's the difference other than the engine to make that so. Maybe the transmission and drive axles are more robust.
The CX-5 has been a perfect fit for the wife & I. We don't have any kids.
My subjective Pros
- Great hauler to the weekend cottage
- AWD
- Ground clearance
- Enough towing capacity for limited utility use
- Great MPG
- Comfortable & Great Handling
- Modest Pricing
- Reliable
- Awesome night illumination with the Bi-Xenons
I could go on but am very happy with CX-5.
My subjective Pros
- Great hauler to the weekend cottage
- AWD
- Ground clearance
- Enough towing capacity for limited utility use
- Great MPG
- Comfortable & Great Handling
- Modest Pricing
- Reliable
- Awesome night illumination with the Bi-Xenons
I could go on but am very happy with CX-5.
Not sure where to start. I've been pretty negative about the CX-5 and also expecting too much. Its been happening outside the forum as well. I'm not having any heavy mood swings or anything like that but, have been under a fair amount of pressure lately and haven't talked about it, not even family (until a couple of days ago). Little things turn into big issues fast. Unfortunately, I vented here, its pretty easy doing that on a forum and gives one some form of release however, its still not right. I've reread most of my posts and replies and, I apologize and admit I was incorrect about the CX-5. (well, the infotainment system is still flakey) but as for the rest of the car, its good. Going to focus on helping instead of hindering.
No worries... life stress hits us all at times. Hang in there.
I value your honest opinion of your experience, even if it was tilted slightly. I honestly thought the CX-5 was just not the right vehicle for you. After all, we ALL can't have a positive experience. We also all have subjective expectations in all things in life. And, in many ways, I agreed with you. You buy a new car, it should work 100% perfectly. But unfortunately, even a $200,000 car will have flaws. Car manufacturers aren't that perfect for 100% of the public yet. You hear me MAZDA?!
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I shouldn't let a material object get to me in the first place.
Really complicated story but the very short version is we traded the 03 MPV for the 2012 5, had it for a year. Traded that on a 12 RAM 1500 to use for, everything: camping, day trips, yard trimmings, etc. A job layoff came and the new one didn't pay as well and was further away, 70KM round trip. Gas was close to $400 a month. Plus the Dodge dealership was really painful to deal with. They actually made me hate the vehicle. Went back to my Mazda dealership and got fantastic service (as usual) and amazing trade in value on the 1500.
OK, that's the medium sized story
. I recently ended up at a great fabrication/welding job that is much closer now and could easily afford the 1500. Hindsight is always 20/20!Oldengineer
Member
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- CX-5 Touring AWD
While you're wavering - take into consideration the service cost difference between the BMW and the Mazda. My CX-5's stablemate is a M-B GLK 350 4Matic, and, I expect the X3 would cost about the same to service. The 40K service on the Benz cost me $900 at the dealer. There's no indie shops here that I trust, and, Its under extended warranty.
Regards:
Oldengineer
Regards:
Oldengineer
CPO BMW's are alluring because the reduced price tag makes them look affordable. That's only half the story though, as maintenance on those cars is very costly. I have an older 325i myself that I've been pretty fortunate with, but I've heard the X3 has a lot of issues. BMW owners joke that everything that goes wrong with the vehicle costs $1000, and I can tell you that's pretty accurate. That's exponentially more than what the Mazda will be.
Also factor in how long you plan on keeping the car. If it's only 3-4 years, just go lease a new one and you'll never have to worry about paying for maintenance. If you plan on keeping it a long time, chances are you will hate that car by year 5 or 6.
Not talking about older European cars ...but I've always been curious about checking out forums for higher end European cars maybe 15 years and newer and seeing if I could find someone would could honestly say no problems at 200K miles.
EDIT: Too many co-workers with high end European brands with problems all the time. I am not a lease type of guy but would absolutely never buy one. A lease would be my only acquisition method for one of these vehicles. I am not talking features, functionality or driving dynamics... I am talking long term reliability.
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