What Should My Wife Buy?

[nuclfusion]

For those that want the short version (TL;DR), wife, husband, 3 yr old, dog, and baby coming in 2014 need new car. Currently using 2 door car. Wife not sure if she wants CX-9, Minivan, Murano. Husband wants 2014 CX-9 due to SkyActiv rumors.

Hola! My wife and I for the last 3 years have been driving in a 2 door Honda and Celica with our 3 year old daughter and Sheltie. She is now pregnant again and (assuming all goes well), our next bundle of joy (using that term loosely) will arrive in 2014. That being said, my wife needs a car with 4 doors, and she needs one now.

We initially thought about going with a fully loaded CX-5. The car was just... awesome as my daughter would say. Problem is, that back row is fairly tight and I'm not sure we'd be able to fit a toddler, infant, and dog for long journeys. The CX-9 sitting right next to it looked and felt, once again, awesome, but I was aware that a possible 2014 refresh was on the way, at least from my readings on the internets.

We stopped by a Nissan dealership and took a look at their Rogue (same issues as the CX-5), Murano, and their Quest. For the record, I am not opposed to any type of car since it will be my wife's daily driver. After looking at the Quest, minivans appear to be back on the table.

So where are we... well. I'd like to nudge my wife to the 2013 CX-9, but the city/highway MPGs are just awful. From what I've read, it is POSSIBLE that the 2014 CX-9s may incorporate SkyActiv technology, which theoretically would improve MPGs. Are there any confirmed reports of the 2014 CX-9 running SkyActive? I'd like to purchase a car sooner rather than later, but if the 2013 and the 2014 are nearly identical from an MPG standpoint, there's probably no reason to wait until late Sept/Oct for the 2014s to roll off the line.

Yes, I'm aware that I'm on a Mazda CX-9 forum, but for those with similar family situations, has the CX-9 worked out well for the family or are there regrets for not going with a minivan (most likely an Odyssey or Sienna)?

We will be parting with our Celica regardless of the change. 110k in 14 years has served us well. If I could, I'd buy myself a fully loaded CX-5, but ladies first. Sigh.

 

[Davicho]

2013/2014 Mazda5 Grand Touring. Since you won't be carrying the dog along all the time. Three rows of 2 seats. First and second row are buckets, third row is a 50/50 split bench. Rear two rows fold completely flat. Second row buckets perfect for car seats with a slider door at each side makes it perfect for putting kiddos in and out in a jiffy plus no worries about hitting the car next to you in tight spaces. Dog coming along? No problem third row folded flat is enough space for kennel and some luggage. 2.5L 4-cylinder engine doesn't make it the fastest but it makes it easy in the pocket when filling up on gas and overall MPGs. Yes, I have one, and we have a CX-9 as well. We tend to gravitate to using the Mazda5 more often unless we have more then 4-5 passengers going on a long trip with luggage or need the towing. Hope this helps.

 

[ceric]

It is my opinion that there will be NO SKYACTIV for 2014 CX-9 until a FMC (full model change) in 2015 as a 2016 model.
2013 CX9 just had a mini-FMC. Only front/rear-ends were refreshed completely. Some interior changes, too.
No changes in powertrain and chassis. This will last another three model years to 2015.
New Mazda6, followed by Mazda3 recently. Diesel coming soon to US. Next in line is Miata and Mazda5 in 2014.
Then, CX9 and Mazda2 in 2015.
Speed versions unclear at this point. Again, my opinion.

 

[nuclfusion]

It is my opinion that there will be NO SKYACTIV for 2014 CX-9 until a FMC (full model change) in 2015 as a 2016 model.
2013 CX9 just had a mini-FMC. Only front/rear-ends were refreshed completely. Some interior changes, too.
No changes in powertrain and chassis. This will last another three model years to 2015.
New Mazda6, followed by Mazda3 recently. Diesel coming soon to US. Next in line is Miata and Mazda5 in 2014.
Then, CX9 and Mazda2 in 2015.
Speed versions unclear at this point. Again, my opinion.

I know I was hoping. I'm sure you're correct in that there won't be a major change to the CX-9 for some time, but I can still dream.

With the Mazda5, I don't know why, but if we're looking at the minivan type vehicle, I'd want some sort of power sliding doors. That really irks me for some reason, hah! In all honesty, we never looked at the Mazda5 but that may be something to explore. Thanks!

 

[nsbio]

How much do you or your wife drive? If you do not have a long commute, then the gas mileage is irrelevant and you should get whatever vehicle that feels and fits right.

If you do want to go with a large vehicle, then the CX-9 is not worse off than anything else in this segment and additional 1-2 mpg that other vehicles may have over the CX-9 will not make much of a difference regardless of the length of your commute. That said, while any 3-row capable vehicle would work for you, a minivan might be a slightly better fit.

You should certainly check Mazda5 because it is surprisingly spacious given its exterior dimensions. However, I would highly recommend test-driving it on a rough road and on a highway to make sure you are okay with the noise levels and ride.

 

[nuclfusion]

I have a long commute but will be keeping our Honda Civic until it dies. My wife drives our daughter to day care every day which is about a 6 miles one way city driving, or 24 miles total per day. To be fair, unless we went with the CX-5 or something similar, we know we'll lose on MPGs. Jumping from the Civic to the CX-9 will burn about 2.5 gallons more per week or about an extra $500 in gas a year. I think we're just spoiled with filling up our tanks with about $40 in gas every 2 weeks, hah!

Would you say that Mazdas in general are technologically more advanced than other vehicles on the market?

 

[nsbio]

Re: technologically advanced. I would say that this depends on the particular model. In terms of powertrains, CX-5 is fairly advanced. On the other hand, CX-9 is relatively old tech that includes a Ford-designed engine and conventional 6-speed automatic transmission. Both work well, but I would not call them "technologically advanced".

 

[tex2670]

There's a lot of good info here for you to parse through. Sept issues of car mags report no change at all to the 2014 CX-9, so personally, I'd try to find a 2013 for a closeout price.

You also need to consider your future needs--and how long you will keep the car. There is just no denying that, as roomy as the CX-9 is, it cannot compare with the roominess and practicality of a minivan. Plus--since you are in Tampa, you don't really need AWD, so you don't necessarily need an SUV. If you plan on expanding your family, or you will have the car a few years and need it for car pool, you may want to go with the minivan. It especially helps for carpool, with auto sliding rear doors and captain's chairs for easy access to the 3rd row. Personally, I find the Quest hideous--I think the Odyssey is probably the best minivan on the market.

I love my '12 CX-9 (wife refused a minivan). My gas mileage is about 16.7 mpg in mixed driving. I cross-shopped the Pilot and the Highlander. CX-9 was just hands down a better ride than the Pilot. I did like the Highlander, but we got a better deal on the Mazda. Highlander will be new in '14; plus, there is a new Pathfinder and Santa Fe which were not in the mix when I bought.

As to your specific choices, I'd say it should be between a minivan and the '13 CX-9.

 

[tex2670]

Would you say that Mazdas in general are technologically more advanced than other vehicles on the market?

No, probably the opposite for the CX-9. It's been out in its base form since 2007. I have the nav system, with the blue tooth system; my '07 Lexus has an easier to use system than the '12 Mazda.

For example, you can't individually add or delete entries into the phone book--you can only import your ENTIRE phone book from your phone; I have almost 3000 contacts in there from work, so that would not work at all. When you hit the phone button on the steering wheel, it doesn't pull up your phone book; it prompts for a voice command. You CAN voice dial, but not based on your imported contact phone book--you have to create a totally SEPARATE phone book through voice commands to use voice dial.

There's no dedicated AM / FM / SAT / BT buttons on the dash if you have the nav system. You have to hit SOURCE, then the screen switches to AM/FM/SAT etc, then you hit the button the screen to select; but there's plenty of room on the dash to have dedicated buttons.

To toggle through the trip computer settings, you have to hit the "INFO" button on the RIGHT side of the dash--even though there's a blank button on the steering wheel where this could have more intuitively been placed.

Now--I have a '12, so some of these types of things may have been changed in the '13, but in technology and ergonomics/user friendliness, THIS is where Mazda lags way behind Toyota and Honda.

However--none of it makes me regret my decision.

 

[nuclfusion]

No, probably the opposite for the CX-9. It's been out in its base form since 2007. I have the nav system, with the blue tooth system; my '07 Lexus has an easier to use system than the '12 Mazda.

Now--I have a '12, so some of these types of things may have been changed in the '13, but in technology and ergonomics/user friendliness, THIS is where Mazda lags way behind Toyota and Honda.

This is what I've heard of as well with Mazdas as well but wanted a first hand opinion on it.

Here's my predicament, regardless of what we end up with. While my wife's early in her pregnancy, at some point it'll get difficult, if not nearly impossible, for my wife to assist my daughter in buckling up in the back of the Honda. I'd like to get something in place prior to that happening. Now, she's starting to lean toward a minivan, but given how early her pregnancy is and how anything can happen, she's worried about purchasing a minivan right now. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

My ideal goal is to purchase a CX-5, let her use that for some time, then next year purchase a CX-9 or minivan, but that would require 2 car payments. I don't like 1 car payment, let alone 2, hah! This sucks!

FYI, I love the Odyssey, but I can fully load a CX-9 for a substantial amount of money less for similar features. $45k for their model with blind assist is just insane. I could pick up 2 CX-5s for that price :-D

 

[S_]

Tough call. The CX-9 is super nice, but for convenience and room something like the Mazda 5 is fantastic. Granted it doesn't have the same feel, it's a "minivan" so you kind of automatically don't enjoy it as much. But for roadtrips, fitting junk etc. they rock.

Honestly I think the new CX-5 you would be very happy with. Those things drive great, look good, and get fantastic gas mileage. Obviously you don't have as much room though.

 

[tex2670]

This is what I've heard of as well with Mazdas as well but wanted a first hand opinion on it.

Here's my predicament, regardless of what we end up with. While my wife's early in her pregnancy, at some point it'll get difficult, if not nearly impossible, for my wife to assist my daughter in buckling up in the back of the Honda. I'd like to get something in place prior to that happening. Now, she's starting to lean toward a minivan, but given how early her pregnancy is and how anything can happen, she's worried about purchasing a minivan right now. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

My ideal goal is to purchase a CX-5, let her use that for some time, then next year purchase a CX-9 or minivan, but that would require 2 car payments. I don't like 1 car payment, let alone 2, hah! This sucks!

FYI, I love the Odyssey, but I can fully load a CX-9 for a substantial amount of money less for similar features. $45k for their model with blind assist is just insane. I could pick up 2 CX-5s for that price :-D

Maybe it's just me, but you DO NOT need to get the Touring Elite. An EX-L is pretty well equipped.

 

[Davicho]

I say 2013 Mazda5 Grand Touring for the win!! You keep the small sporty car feel but serves its purpose as a minivan with easy ingress and egress of the kiddos or dogs plus tons of cargo with 3rd row put away. No need for power sliders with such light and easy closing sliders. Plus for under $25k you get the fully loaded model with leather, moonroof, HID, etc.

 

[nuclfusion]

I say 2013 Mazda5 Grand Touring for the win!! You keep the small sporty car feel but serves its purpose as a minivan with easy ingress and egress of the kiddos or dogs plus tons of cargo with 3rd row put away. No need for power sliders with such light and easy closing sliders. Plus for under $25k you get the fully loaded model with leather, moonroof, HID, etc.

I will say we did not see the Mazda5 since it wasn't on the radar at that time. Definitely checking it out though.

With regards to the Odyssey, who wouldn't want a vacuum cleaner built into their car! I'm more upset though that the blind spot notification system is only available on their GT model. Bleh.

 

[Brains]

Oh yeaaa, the vaccume cleaner, lolz. Somewhere there's a joke about how the car sucks and vacuums sucking.. you get it. Not that i actually think the van sucks, i really don't know much about it. I'll say it looks a lot better than the other vans out there... not better than the mazda5 though

Can't help much, but the newly face-lifted cx9 being pretty much the same as the old one hiding under a kodo front end makes me sad (ford engine, bad gas mileage) and the mazda5 not getting a skyactiv engine makes me sad. We have a 2009 5 (2.3L engine) and we like it a lot- we get like 26 MPG highway with the car fully loaded (last time fully loaded meant 3 people, and all other room in the car filled with camping supplies for 5000 miles) and i like the somewhat sporty handling.
It's got two sliding doors... but no power sliding option that i'm aware of. More room than the cx-5 i think-
-the cx5 and the cx9 don't strike me as being more practical than the mazda5- the 9 is pretty big and roomy, but doesn't get nearly as good gas mileage. the cx5 is an SUV but it's not a very big car on the inside... i think. It is the coolest one that you're looking at though...

I wouldn't go with the cx9 even though i think the "new" one looks cool as hell (the engine makes me sad still...) and it's better in my mind than things like the chevy traverse and other big giant fake suv's. if you're o.k. with the less than ideal gas mileage go with a minivan of some sort eh? More practical than the cx9. The cx5 is cool and get's pretty good mileage, but it doesn't have the room of the cx9. The mazda5 is between both of them- almost as good gas mileage as the cx5 with more room.

 

[knowaczark]

2013 CX9 has been cheapened down quite a bit. Interior on a GT looks like a low end cx7. Tail lenses, fogs, all look cheap. Not at all impressed. I like the kodo styling and I was looking to trade in my 08GT. But not after what I have seen.

Not impressed Mazda. Will need to up the ante to get me in new 9.

 

[Davicho]

I will say we did not see the Mazda5 since it wasn't on the radar at that time. Definitely checking it out though.

With regards to the Odyssey, who wouldn't want a vacuum cleaner built into their car! I'm more upset though that the blind spot notification system is only available on their GT model. Bleh.

Don't forget that owning a Mazda5 also provides you with a lot of aftermarket goodies from the Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 parts bin....if you are into the modding scene.

 

[nuclfusion]

Unfortunately, the car is for my wife. She's decided on the Odyssey. I tried my hardest though! I do hope to visit you guys on the CX-5 forum though once my Civic has had enough. If I could afford (or wanted) 2 car payments, I'd pick up a CX5 without even thinking about it. Sigh...

Thanks for the help all!

 

[IgoZoom]

Im afraid that the CX-9 wont get a full redesign including Skyactiv until at least the 2015 model year. Mazda currently doesnt have an engine capable of powering the next CX-9. The current CX-9 has a Ford-designed 3.7L DOHC V6 (273hp) that is essentially the same engine found under the hood of the Ford Mustang, Ford F150 and most Lincoln vehicles. Thankfully, Mazda uses an Aisin 6-speed Automatic instead of a Ford-supplied unit.

I have a 2012 CX-9 Grand Touring FWD and I average just over 19mpg overall with a mix of about 60% highway (75+mph) and 40% city driving. On long highway trips with the cruise set at 80mph, I routinely get a bit over 21mpg.

The 3rd row seat is easily accessible when needed. I have made numerous 350-mile daily round-trips from the Atlanta area to Anderson, SC and back in the last six months. I had my grandmother, my mom and my three 70-something-year-old aunts each time and they were all very comfortable. One of my aunts has a 2006 Odyssey EX and she says my 3rd row is as comfortable and easy to get in/out of as the one in her van. (BTW, Im not a saint or a glutton for punishment. Aunt #4 was dying from pancreatic cancer which is why we made the trips up there almost every Saturday for six months)

The 2nd row slides forward/aft almost 12 for 3rd row entry and can be adjusted to allow more leg room in the 3rd row. With a 3-year old and newborn, youll find that the 2nd row has plenty of room (and a handy fold down armrest with built-in cupholders and covered storage bin) for both car seats! Aside from the road trips I mentioned, I keep my 3rd row folded down all the time and I love the huge cargo area.

It sounds clich, but the CX-9 drives like a much smaller vehicle than it is. It has plenty of power, handles great and always feels glued to the road. The CX-9 performed very well in the side-impact crash testing, so your little ones will be protected in the back also.

I travel a lot for work and Ive rented almost every SUV/CUV you can name, including the Murano, new Pathfinder, Santa Fe and Highlander. The only CUV that I seriously considered when I bought my CX-9 last November was the Acura MDX. The sticker price of the MDX was almost $6k more than the CX-9, but the actual price I paid was almost $11k less than the MDX. For the same price, I might have had more difficulty making a decision, but the CX-9 was substantially less expensive and had more features than the MDX.

But if you are looking at other alternatives, the MDX is all-new for 2014 and the remaining 2013 MDX models are selling for around $6k off sticker.

If you get the CX-9, definitely spring for the Grand Touring with Technology Package. The Bose Audio system is fantastic and the standard Blind Spot Monitor and Keyless Ignition/Keyless Access is also great.

 

[danz75]

We had a CX9 which we loved driving but finally gave it up to get a minivan. With a 2 yr, 4 yr and infant, the CX9 became quite difficult for practical purposes. Loading the kids require the rear doors to be fully opened and the long doors on the CX9 means you need a lot of room around the car which don't come by easily. The 2 older kids are also very independent and want to get in and out themselves. The high floor of the CX9 makes this challenging esp when the rear doors cannot be opened fully. 2 car seats in the middle row means the 3rd row is not accessible because the seat back does not fold down. I tried pushing it all the forward but it's still not large enough for an adult to get in. With the 3rd row up, cargo room was in adequate. A stroller pretty much takes up most of the room.

Even though we never liked minivans, we finally rented one and found the power sliding doors/hatch and interior space to be very practical. Interior capacity of the minivan is also quite a lot more than the cx9 and the low floor makes loading kids and stuff easier. There are also a lot more compartments for storage in the minivan compared to the cx9.

The trade off is we had to give up the AWD on the CX9 which i think turns out to be a good thing because my transfer case was replaced at less than 20k and under 3 yrs old because it was leaking. Other than that, had no other problems. This probably doesn't affect you since you don't need AWD anyway. Gas mileage on the minivan is slightly better than what i got on the cx9 for highway/town driving. Minivan obviously does not drive as nice as the CX9 since it's geared for more comfort with the softer suspension.

So as much as i loved driving the CX9, getting the minivan really was more practical for now.