Used 07 GT AWD

[mts3]

I am looking at a used 07 GT AWD with 18K at a dealer auction site. My wife and I were looking at either a new CX-7 or used CX-9 and this CX-9 showed up available on a dealer auction within hours of selling her 01 Millenia tonight.

I didn't really *want* AWD living in Mississippi, but I wouldn't pass on the car just because of that. Otherwise it's exactly what the wife wants - a white GT with GT assist and either Moonroof / Bose or rear DVD. This one has the moonroof and also has the towing package.

Again only 18K miles, lease return. Is there any downside to buying an 07 AWD with the 3.5L vs. an 08? Gas mileage slightly worse with the AWD I guess?

The price on this one will be around $23-24K which is cheaper than a new FWD CX-7 with Tech package. She would be happy with either, but the CX-9 is a lot more car!

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

Get the 9. MUCH nicer car, more room, and better performance. Sounds like a nice package, too.

AWD is one of those things that you don't need until you need it. You may not drive on ice and snow, but it can help with dry acceleration, reducing torque steer and increasing traction.

 

[mts3]

Yeah I had a Subaru Impreza AWD back before WRXs were sold here; I know all about the benefits. Subaru's system on manual transmissions is very different from Mazda's though. But still the benefits are there when you need them.

I was a little worried about an 07 but it still has lots of warranty left at only 18,600 on the clock. The price is definitely right too and it's the exact color and equipment the wife wants.

Tyson

 

[mts3]

Well we missed this one Very sad wife. My family's dealership couldn't get registered on the auction site in time (paperwork issue) and the car sold. $23,700!

There will be others I guess. Now she's wanting to look at the new CX-7s. There's a big difference but each has their advantage. Man the CX-9 GTs just have a ton of bells & whistles though; CX-7 is just more fun.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

I can't imagine the 7 being more fun. I have a blast driving our 9.

 

[Mazda3]

I can't imagine the 7 being more fun. I have a blast driving our 9.

The CX-7 is more nimble and responsive than the bigger heavier CX-9.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

I doubt that, especially with turbo lag. I've outrun sports cars on mountain curves, and blew by a Corvette on a curvy highway no problem. The CX9 handles quite well, but it's as much the driver.

The 7 only has lighter on it's side, but that can actually reduce stability and tracking.

I'll take a 9 over a 7 any day, both for performance, and function.

 

[Mazda3]

I doubt that, especially with turbo lag. I've outrun sports cars on mountain curves, and blew by a Corvette on a curvy highway no problem. The CX9 handles quite well, but it's as much the driver.

The 7 only has lighter on it's side, but that can actually reduce stability and tracking.

I'll take a 9 over a 7 any day, both for performance, and function.

Just so we're clear I'm not knocking the 9, I love the CX-9, If I could justify the extra $10k CDN for a family of 3 that really doesn't need the room I'd have bought the CX-9 instead of the CX-7.

However the CX-7 is lighter and the steering is alittle more responsive because of the size. The turbo lag is only present for 1/2 second from a dead stop, once the car is moving throttle responce is equal to the CX-9. Most mags have the 7 running 3-4 tenths quicker than the 9. I have 45k on my 7 and have driven the 9 numerous times. Overall the 9 is well worth the extra $10k.

Most people though would tell you the CX-7 is easier to manouver in and out of rush hour traffic on a dailly basis. It's all personal choice, but I understand what mts3 is meaning when he says the CX-7 is more fun.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

Fair. I wasn't really knocking the 7, either. I think it's a pretty nice little SUV. Maybe they tightened up the lag.

You have to admit, the 9 is considerably larger than the 7, but handles amazing for it's size and weight. I never cease to have fun driving it.

 

[Hellacool]

What is GT assist? I have seen it mentioned and I do not know what it is.

 

[ceric]

"assist" is the name of an option package, which mainly includes the NAVI system, etc.

 

[Mazda3]

Maybe they tightened up the lag.

I had the PCM and TCM reflashed about 6 times. It seems to run better everytime they come out with an update.

And yes, the CX-9 has fanatastic handling for a 4600lbs SUV with 8.5 inches of ground clearance that doesn't cost BMW money.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

definitely. I recently had an Edge try to keep up with me on a curvy downhill. Big mistake.

The 9 leans a little and locks in, taking the curves like it's on rails. The Edge behind me looked like it was about to flip over it was leaning so much, even as it fell back, before the driver gave up.

 

[nuhuskyfan]

definitely. I recently had an Edge try to keep up with me on a curvy downhill. Big mistake.

The 9 leans a little and locks in, taking the curves like it's on rails. The Edge behind me looked like it was about to flip over it was leaning so much, even as it fell back, before the driver gave up.

How do you know he was racing?

 

[Olestra]

You have to admit, the 9 is considerably larger than the 7, but handles amazing for it's size and weight. I never cease to have fun driving it.

As is the case with all Mazda vehicles, I'm sure you are quite right.
I wouldn't go as far as saying it blows by sports cars like a corvette.

I wonder how the CX-7 and CX-9 stack up against the RDX/MDX.
I took my parents' RDX to the mountains this past weekend and had to remind myself I wasn't driving a Mazda3. I overshot corners a couple times that I know my 3 would handle no problem.
Braking wasn't as good as I had hoped and but SH-AWD was nice to have. I really thought it would perform better.
I've never driving a CX-7/9 so I can't compare.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

Thanks for calling me a liar.

The Corvette certainly can out run a CX9, but this particular Corvette, whose driver THOUGHT he was taking the curves fast, got a nice surprise.

My point was that no one expects to see a vehicle like this perform, and I've bruised a few egos by demonstrating it against 'Vettes, Chargers, Mustangs, etc., I'm sure.

 

[Olestra]

Thanks for calling me a liar.

Sure if that's how you want to see it.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

How do you know he was racing?

Because after I passed him, he sped up and tried to pass me again, and stayed on my tail until he couldn't handle the curves. People don't like thinking their car sucks, so it's real easy to get someone to take a little bait. I know the limits of my '9, but they are a lot higher than most vehicles on the road, and more so in my hands.

Same trip I passed a BMW roadster near the bottom of those curves because he had more money than b**ls. He could have easily smoked me through them. Later, he finally caught up on a straight section and once close, punched the gas and blew me away. Personally, I find it funny that he was mentally congratulating himself for 'beating' me, even though he couldn't keep up on the curves. Once the road straightened out, he HAD to show me up. I can always count on the male ego.

I don't care if I get passed. I'm amused when they finally find a straight spot and stomp on the gas.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

Sure if that's how you want to see it.

That's how you presented it. You didn't ask for specifics first, but went right to discounting my statement. I've blown by many sports cars. Not because the car's can't perform, but because the drivers don't know how to drive them. Some cars, though, are more hype and less real performance, like every new 'muscle' car. Their V6 versions are lethargic, and the V8's don't compensate for lousy handling.

I'll put my CX9 against any other SUV on a mountain road, even a 'super handling' Acura. Oh, and when I first tried it out, I also overshot a sharp curve. BUT, unlike the Acura, I didn't actually overshoot it, because the car took over and corrected my mistake before we even crossed the yellow line.

Why are you here, anyway?

 

[Olestra]

Why are you here, anyway?

Funny I was just thinking before coming back to this thread, I bet he's going to flame me for "being in the wrong section". It's a Mazda forum. Maybe you shouldn't street race in your boat. Seems the owner with the big ego is not the "bad drivers". Big american muscle can handle now FYI. Go look up a 2010 camaro's numbers. And when you come back here saying you just smoked one we'll believe you.
I'll stay out of the thread now thanks.

GL to the OP on your search. Don't get too worried about missing out on buying that CX-7. I'm sure you can find another good deal, SUVs are being sold at good prices in general.