Why MZ5?

[mykk]

Greetings,
I am in the market for a bigger car-4 kids + wife = not enough room in my Hyundai Accent. I was considering the MZ5-inexpensive, small, but seats 5. My questions is, why should I get it instead of the new Rav4? The Rav is only slightly more expensive, weighs less, is within an inch or 2 o the MZ5 in size, has a more powerful engine, stability control, better (or at least comparable) gas milage...
I want to like the MZ5 since it has the sliding rear doors, but everything else seems to break for the Rav. Am I missing something?

 

[Kansei]

The Rav4 needs premium fuel, the MZ5 seats 6, the MZ5 handles a lot better, looks a lot better (in my opinion).. oh and it's a hell of a lot less expensive, isn't it?

 

[was98strat]

Greetings,
I am in the market for a bigger car-4 kids + wife = not enough room in my Hyundai Accent. I was considering the MZ5-inexpensive, small, but seats 5. My questions is, why should I get it instead of the new Rav4? The Rav is only slightly more expensive, weighs less, is within an inch or 2 o the MZ5 in size, has a more powerful engine, stability control, better (or at least comparable) gas milage...
I want to like the MZ5 since it has the sliding rear doors, but everything else seems to break for the Rav. Am I missing something?

What are you missing? well you'll be missing over $12,000 if you buy a top of the line CR-v vs. a top of the Mazda5, you'll be short 1 seating space in the CR-V, you'll be trapped into using premium fuel in the CR-v. the sliding doors are very convenient if you have kids! That nifty tray in the middle row! The amazing handling! standard alu rims (even on the base model)

When you take that into account. The MAzda 5 is the obvious choice!!

 

[PolarBear]

I think he is trying to compare RAV-4 I4 that is indeed a little bit more powerful and provides slighly better gas mileage. I was condidering RAV 4 but here in Canada, 7 seats is available only on the most expensive V6 trim (very close to Highlander price territory) which is way more expensive then RAV 4 I4 and even more than Mazda 5. So for us choice was pretty easy.

 

[mountjonas]

the last two seats are a tad tight, but i fit back there pretty decently (6'0"). the only thing i'd like out of our 5 is more power so the rav4 definitely wins there.

 

[Wuster]

We cross shopped the RAV-4 as well.

You can get a base RAV-4 with 3rd row seat for about just under $23k, but my loaded M5 Touring with Nav, sunroof, auto, etc. only cost me under $21k. You can also got with a M5 Sport that is more comparable to the base RAV-4 for around $18k (you can probably find a 06 for even less).

The Mazda (for the 06) has a longer bumper to bumper/warranty and roadside assistance period (4yr/50K vs 3yr/36k).

But what really sets the Mazda5 apart from the RAV-4, in my opinion, is the handling. I like to drive, so the Mazda5 was the one for us.

 

[dommo_g]

plus the Rav-4 forums = teh gay!

 

[was98strat]

We cross shopped the RAV-4 as well.

You can get a base RAV-4 with 3rd row seat for about just under $23k, but my loaded M5 Touring with Nav, sunroof, auto, etc. only cost me under $21k. You can also got with a M5 Sport that is more comparable to the base RAV-4 for around $18k (you can probably find a 06 for even less).

The Mazda (for the 06) has a longer bumper to bumper/warranty and roadside assistance period (4yr/50K vs 3yr/36k).

But what really sets the Mazda5 apart from the RAV-4, in my opinion, is the handling. I like to drive, so the Mazda5 was the one for us.

umm, Base price on a RAV4 is $29,300 Price/feature comparison is no contest, the mazda wins hands down!

Base Rav4 for $30k or a fully loaded leather GT 5 for 25k only a moron would pic a RAv4 4

 

[mountjonas]

don't forget to convert Canadian dollars to US dollars.

 

[was98strat]

don't forget to convert Canadian dollars to US dollars.

Doesn't change things much. Now that the US dollar is no longer over inflated, it's only worth 10% more than the the CAD, so a Base Rav4 would still be around 27k US

 

[jandree22]

Am I missing something?

Yes, the test drive. It seems pretty obvious you didn't take one yet.

The new Rav-4's and CR-V's look really good an all and they're both reputable manufacturers, but they're still your everyday plain-Jane SUV's that everyone and their mom already owns. The 5 really has to be driven/used to understand. And 5 pictures are deceiving, if you haven't already, stop by a dealership and study one in person. If you look with an open mind, you'll see that it's more Toyota Matrix'ish than minivan'ish. It's got so much interior room for such a tiny compact, sporty car.

I should say that I don't think you can ever go wrong with any Toyota, but I think you'll be happier in a 5. JMO. Happy shopping!

 

[opus]

I think it all boils down to what you want out of the vehicle. If you want a fun to drive, inexpensive (yes 4k is a big difference in price), unique vehicle, then the 5 is the way to go. If you are going to have to deal with lots of bad weather, or you like to tow things, then the RAV4 is the obvious choice. I went for the 5 because I like to do "point and shoot" driving manuevers while still being able to haul the kids and parents out to breakfast on Sunday. We don't get a ton of snow here and I have never really been "off roading". The Toyota will hold better resale, but if that is why you buy the vehicle then you are merely looking for an appliance, not an experience. If there is no clear cut winner in the needs department, then test drive both back to back, compare dealers and service departments, and then make your call. I don't think you can really go "wrong" with either vehicle, it is just that the 5 was a definite winner in our needs categories.
Opus

 

[dommo_g]

Yes, the test drive. It seems pretty obvious you didn't take one yet.

Zing!! I would guess the same thing.

I should say that I don't think you can ever go wrong with any Toyota,

Here I would have to disagree....too much nut swingin' on the Toyotas. They're good cars and all, but they're not without their fare share of problems. And even though it's mostly subjective, they're pretty lacking in the style department. We're talking Toyota here, not Lexus.

 

[Nozferatu]

Yes, the test drive. It seems pretty obvious you didn't take one yet.

The new Rav-4's and CR-V's look really good an all and they're both reputable manufacturers, but they're still your everyday plain-Jane SUV's that everyone and their mom already owns. The 5 really has to be driven/used to understand. And 5 pictures are deceiving, if you haven't already, stop by a dealership and study one in person. If you look with an open mind, you'll see that it's more Toyota Matrix'ish than minivan'ish. It's got so much interior room for such a tiny compact, sporty car.

I should say that I don't think you can ever go wrong with any Toyota, but I think you'll be happier in a 5. JMO. Happy shopping!

I'd have to disagree...my wife's RaV4 is actually a fun, nippy car to drive. Fuel mileage isn't that great however.

 

[jandree22]

I'd have to disagree...my wife's RaV4 is actually a fun, nippy car to drive. Fuel mileage isn't that great however.

With the exception of a wee-bit more body roll, the 5's handling dynamics are consistently put on the same caliber as the 3's... which has been rated best in class. Its point and shoot steering characteristics and firm suspension leave it feeling closer to a Miata than a Caravan.

If you don't believe that, since you didn't buy one yet, when you go to take a test drive, drive your Rav4 to the dealership. Test drive a 5 (hard) through the twistiest roads you can find, then as soon as you leave the dealership, try the same roads again with your Rav. That should sell you on exactly what we're referring to

 

[jlk_250]

Another downside to the Rav4 is Toyota has dropped the manual transmission option (in the US at least). Automatic only.

If I had four kids I would be considering bigger vehicles than the Mz5. Might still end up with one but it would be a tougher decision.

Jon

 

[Nozferatu]

With the exception of a wee-bit more body roll, the 5's handling dynamics are consistently put on the same caliber as the 3's... which has been rated best in class. Its point and shoot steering characteristics and firm suspension leave it feeling closer to a Miata than a Caravan.

If you don't believe that, since you didn't buy one yet, when you go to take a test drive, drive your Rav4 to the dealership. Test drive a 5 (hard) through the twistiest roads you can find, then as soon as you leave the dealership, try the same roads again with your Rav. That should sell you on exactly what we're referring to

I'm not saying the 5 doesn't handle better. What I"m saying is the Rav4 is also a fun car to drive.

 

[perfecto]

Having sat in the third row of a 5, vs a Rav-4... the 5 has WAY more room.

 

[a10thunder]

So to sum it up:

1. Handling
2. Sliding doors

These are the two major advantages the Mazda5 has over the RAV-4. I was impressed by the handling when I testdrove the 5. I fell in love with the sliding doors after I took the 5 home.

You should of course testdrive both cars. When you do, you should definitely bring the whole family and pile them in the car. The Mazda5 seats 6 fairly comfortably, but you won't have much room for anything else.

IMHO, with a wife and 4 kids, I would look at true minvans like a Honda Odyssey or Kia Sedona.

Greetings,
I am in the market for a bigger car-4 kids + wife = not enough room in my Hyundai Accent. I was considering the MZ5-inexpensive, small, but seats 5. My questions is, why should I get it instead of the new Rav4? The Rav is only slightly more expensive, weighs less, is within an inch or 2 o the MZ5 in size, has a more powerful engine, stability control, better (or at least comparable) gas milage...
I want to like the MZ5 since it has the sliding rear doors, but everything else seems to break for the Rav. Am I missing something?

 

[jandree22]

IMHO, with a wife and 4 kids, I would look at true minvans like a Honda Odyssey or Kia Sedona.

I agree with this. You'll need an Odyssey for your longer hauls, the 5 (or Rav4) will just get by for the short trips and commutes.