What don't you like about your 5, and what fixes have you used?

[josh1581]

I don't mean to be a huge smart ass, but for all the people complaining about wind noise with the rear windows down: Why don't you just crack one of the front windows. My Jetta does the same thing and just a slight crack alleviates the wind noise.

I would think adding a turbo wouldn't add too much to the price tag. A six speed would be icing on the cake. It could definitely use some pep going up hills. I haven't even used it with the AC yet since we got it in January and haven't cracked 3k yet.

I know this is my own forgetfulness, but the gauge illumination always makes me forget to turn on my headlights.

I wish I had money to burn as I would love to change the OEM tires for someting better and less noisey, but I can't justify the expense of getting new tires when the ones on it are still practically brand new.

 

[AIMWO4]

All the room...

It's too big. I thought I'd have to tow this home... but it fit.

 

[VenomDesign]

That was tight

 

[Phratt]

There is a 8.2 Cu. Ft. vertical freezer in it's box that came along for the ride...

8.3 in the box would have been too long !!

 

[Robotazky]

I don't mean to be a huge smart ass, but for all the people complaining about wind noise with the rear windows down: Why don't you just crack one of the front windows. My Jetta does the same thing and just a slight crack alleviates the wind noise.

I would think adding a turbo wouldn't add too much to the price tag. A six speed would be icing on the cake. It could definitely use some pep going up hills. I haven't even used it with the AC yet since we got it in January and haven't cracked 3k yet.

I know this is my own forgetfulness, but the gauge illumination always makes me forget to turn on my headlights.

I wish I had money to burn as I would love to change the OEM tires for someting better and less noisey, but I can't justify the expense of getting new tires when the ones on it are still practically brand new.

When you get new tires try the 215/50/17 Michelin Primacy MXV4. Stock Toyos size is 205/50/17. Much, much softer and a far better ride. The "turning on rails" is slightly reduced, but the difference in overall quality of ride is incredible.

 

[Robotazky]

No, rweatherford, I don't race for a living. Do you?

At one time I owned a Ford Explorer which had the shift pattern opposite to
the Mazda5 I now own. Also, this last weekend I drove a Hundai (sp?) which
also had the shift pattern reversed to the Mazda5.

So I was used to the opposite of the Mazda. Since nothing can be done about
it, I will get used to it. In the meantime, it is irritating!

BTW, if I did race for a living, it would probably be a manual transmission!

There's no question, the shifter is backwards and counterintuitive. I, too, have problems with having to look down and think or I automatically downshift/upshift, opposite of what I want, EVERY SINGLE TIME. What's really dumb about that is that it's only a switch. Hey, you could switch the wires I bet to fix that.

 

[twintrbo]

I dunno guys, I think its just an adjustment to get used to it. Forward to downshift and go faster, back to upshift and slow the engine, fairly intuitive. I also liken it to my manual shift car, if I'm in the highway, 3rd is the power gear and then 4th is more of a cruise gear. Then again that car is geared really high, but still......

 

[Robotazky]

I dunno guys, I think its just an adjustment to get used to it. Forward to downshift and go faster, back to upshift and slow the engine, fairly intuitive. I also liken it to my manual shift car, if I'm in the highway, 3rd is the power gear and then 4th is more of a cruise gear. Then again that car is geared really high, but still......

Have you driven any real sports cars with Tiptronic-style shifters? I'm thinking not. I'm glad it's intuitive for you, but it's not consistent with any of the auto boxes since Porsche's Tiptronic came out back in the '80s. I seriously am glad to hear that someone likes it though, it's not a complete and total loss.