Thinking of purchasing a Mazda6 SportWagon

[Orangutan]

I've been doing my research on the wagon version of the 6 for a while now and I'd like to hear what owners of the wagon (and sedan and hatch) think of the car. I've found quite a few 2004 and 2005 wagons with 30k miles or lower going for between 10 and $14,000. I know that the five-speed automatic was replaced with a six-speed automatic in 2005 and the interior received a mild update in 2006. Is any particular year better than any other? What should I beware of and what should I try to get on the vehicle? Oh, I'm also 6'2" tall and drive over 100 miles a day for my commute. Thanks for your input.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

love these cars, i was trying really hard to snag one when i bought my 5. they are, here anyways, pretty hard to get. you have the benefit that none of them come with the four cylinder and the options are pretty well included as the wagon was considered a more top end model of the 6 spectrum. reliability is on par with every other v6 powered mazda6 from 03 on up, i personally would go with the manual transmission if you can find one. it was not offered after 2005, but the fuel economy, acceleration and fun factor is better with a manual than with the automatic.

 

[Orangutan]

Yeah, I would prefer a manual but they're much more difficult to find. There are dozens of automatics on the market but just a handful of manuals, let alone manuals within my price and mileage range. I love the 5, too, and I'm still considering one but I'm just a little bit too tall for its telescoping/seat travel distances. I fit and it works, but it's just a little too uncomfortable, at least I think so. I'm going to try one out again soon. Two of the 6wagons I've found are actually in the Chicago area, by the way, which is only a few hours away from where I live. If I have to get an automatic, is either version (five-speed or six-speed) better than the other? I know the six-speed automatic was rated 20/27 compared to 19/26 under the old system. Thanks for the input!

 

[Captain KRM P5]

neither is markedly better than the other except in the mileage you mentioned. the extra gear is nicer while cruising.

 

[Perro del Sol]

do it I have one w/ manual and 2006 is when the Manual was not offered.

I have a 2004 wagon

 

[Captain KRM P5]

that car looks SICK. love it sir.

 

[Zelda1234]

Just bought 1 myself' I personaly like auto better' as i use it just to cruise' They are hard to find' and i think autotrader is the best spot to find them' goodluck'

 

[nate0123]

keep looking until you find a manual... it's definitely worth it

the drive is even more rewarding now w/catback, springs, & shocks

 

[Raynman]

do it I have one w/ manual and 2006 is when the Manual was not offered.

I have a 2004 wagon

I love this photo.

 

[xxxmonoxidechil]

the 6speed auto trans is supposed to take ALOT more abuse then the earlier 5 speed ones.

ive always loved the look of the 6 wagon sports. so sexy.

 

[Killer]

sweet wagon...me likey!