Would you do it again?

[flatfoot]

Just curious. If you were buying a car again, and from your experiences with the Mazda 5, would you purchase the same vehicle again?
Or would you purchase a different make or model, or would you possible wait for the 2008 mazda 5,s and hope for some improvements such as a more powerful engine, more gearing in the transmission(especially automatic), perhaps larger gas tank, all known mechanical issues taken care of, some sort of proper roof rack factory installed, arm rests, rear air conditioner vents, a better stereo unit, with standard mp3 inputs. ?
Do you think Mazda will actual address these additions for 2008 or still pinch pennies on certain of these items?
I have come close to buying several times, but always get cold feet, especially with the a/c issue and roof rack.
I really need to buy another vehicle soon, and going to take a second look at a highlander, or possible a jeep liberty. I really love much about the mazda 5, but have concerns.

Much regards

 

[paging_drburgos]

hmmm, in 2008 (assuming it gets shipped over here) i would just buy a Mazda8, but you didnt ask that ...so ...Yes
I would really like enjoy more HP, better gas mileage, nicer roof rack options, and 3 more damn arm rests

but sure i suppose i would.
Oh and what A/C issue are you speaking of? I live in so cal and thought my AC handled the heat quite well. Even the people in the back were kept cool.

 

[NYMZ5]

I'ld buy again. I can't think of a car I've owned that I couldn't come up with a list of some complaints, nothing's perfect. For the $ I just don't see a whole lot of competition, there certainly wasn't a year and a half ago when I bought the 5; I desperately needed that 6th seat (kids) so that eliminated a lot of nice alternatives. Highlander & Liberty would not be on my short list though...

By the way, the factory roof rack is much nicer than some people seem to make out. Of course I would've loved the euro roof rails flexibility, but the Mazda/Thule fixed racks are really pretty nice and surprisingly quiet with the little clip-on spoilers they provide.

 

[meackerman]

Yeah we'd buy it again. So far I haven't bought any car that there wasn't something I didn't like. Would I like more HP? not if it costs me MPG. My biggest complaint is the factory seat cover arm rest covers don't fit. Oh and bigger door cubbies would be nice.

 

[RODSCALIP5]

I would buy it again. My only complaint right now is that the passenger seat does not have the armrest. Other than that it's almost perfect.

 

[geezerz99]

considering the mods i've done so far with my 5, people would think i would say "yes" to this question. but surprisingly i probably won't get a 5. don't get me wrong, i love my five. but when i bought the 5 a year ago there weren't a whole lot of other vehicles that were appealing to me. if i had known a mazdaspeed 3 will be coming out or the 4 door civic si will be available i probably would have gone that route. but if u ask my kids and the wifey they probably would have said otherwise. this is just my opinion, i just feel that the 5 needs a little more power and other interior option other than black (gets real dirty quick, and scorching hot in summer days). also maybe a bit wider (can't even fit my golf clubs without having to angle it). but all in all i'm happy with it, it's just part of getting the car the first year it came out i'm sure mazda will be doin' their share of refinements to make this a better car.

 

[ptaylor2112]

Flatfoot - I would definitely buy one again. Here's why:

- seats six
- drives like a car
- last tank got 27.4 MPG
- cost thousands less than a Toyota Sienna (or Highlander in your case)

Also, we have an A/T, and the gearing is fine. The slapshift really helps avoid gear hunting, and gives added power when going up hills.

As for waiting til 2008, new model cars will always have one or two new features, and often one or two maintenance problems. I wouldn't let that delay your purchase.

Where are you located? There are a few 2006 models still out there. We got our 2006 Sport with almost every available option for $3,300 off MSRP, which was about $1,800 BELOW invoice. And that was before the $1000 rebate if you finance it with Mazda (which you can pay off after 4 payments).

 

[the_saint]

I love my 5 but I wouldn't buy another one.

There's nothing wrong with the 5 IMO, it's a fantastic car. But I like change so I'd get something different for that reason only.


BUT...if I could redo my initial purchase of the 5 I already have, I would do it completely differently.

1st, I would have bought a sport because I HATE the autoclimate control. In the winter I quite often have to switch it around to different temp or different vents and looking at that damn LCD display is too distracting while driving. I'll take old school knobs and manual temp control any day! At least with the manual knobs you can intuitively tell what the settings are. Plus I don't use the sunroof enough to warrant having one.

2nd, I would have opted NOT to get the factory NAV. If I had only known a year and a half ago that I could have purchased a NAV system that I can carry in my pocket for 1/4 the price in the integrated NAV....man!

3rd, I would have gotten a stick. I wanted an auto because I had been driving my stick 240sx for quite some time and I felt that I needed an auto so I could talk on the cell phone, take a drink of my Pepsi, turn a corner and shift all at the same time. But man, I sure do miss the feeling of a clutch. Turns out all I really needed was cupholders. lol

4th (maybe) I would have saved the $200 for the whitewater pearl paint.

 

[doctorz]

Yes, we'd buy ours again. It fits our needs perfectly: two kids and a dog equals small station wagon with occasional third seat use. 25-27 mpg average with 30+on the highway, useful as heck, and fun to drive. My wife, who's never cared for cars in her life, fights to drive the 5.

We bought our 5 for $17K. And with that price, the 5's design issues can be largely forgiven, because the essentials are right. If you want a bigger interior with heftier materials, a bigger engine, etc., you are going to pay more, plain and simple. What's the average new car cost--$28K? I couldn't believe when I saw the CX-9 will cost over $35K. What are they thinking?

BTW, our suspension makes no noise, our doors haven't frozen, and there are no squeaks and only an occasional creak in the car. It hasn't been all that cold here in Maryland, but I also wonder if the early bugs just got ironed out. Regarding the A/C: it's fine. Maryland is hotter than where you live--keep in mind I grew up where you live--and we have no problems. If you want a weak A/C, buy a Honda.

 

[was98strat]

I would buy it again in a heartbeat, The only thing I would love to see would be the 2.0 litre diesel that they get in europe!

What mechanical issues are you thinking of??

 

[jandree22]

Just curious. If you were buying a car again, and from your experiences with the Mazda 5, would you purchase the same vehicle again?

Probably, yes. The Subaru Impreza was definately funner to drive, but the 5 is the clear winner in the overall package. It's still fun to drive, looks sporty, and of course the versatility. I'm completely satisfied with my purchase and I've received countless complements

...more powerful engine

If it's your own opinion, that's fine. But don't buy into posts here or particularly professional reviews that say it needs more balls. No, it's not a Corvette, 350Z, or even a Civic Si... but it's by no means sluggish. It's got a lot of pep to it and I have yet to be let down by the engine power. All that being said, the 5MT makes the most use of the power.

more gearing in the transmission(especially automatic)

6MT? Forget it! lol 5AT? Sure, wouldn't hurt.

all known mechanical issues taken care of

My 2007 has none of the common problems, and those that do have the problems are now covered by TSB's

some sort of proper roof rack factory installed, arm rests, rear air conditioner vents, a better stereo unit, with standard mp3 inputs. ?

At least a roof rack is an option... but I do like mine naked! Arm rests, yeah, that's a dumb move on Mazda... simple as that. Rear A/C vents, good idea but doubt they'll be added. Stereo has great sound, but just not quite powerful on the bottom end, nothing a good subwoofer can't fix. mp3 inputs are something that manufacturers are just finally catching up with the trend.

Do you think Mazda will actual address these additions for 2008 or still pinch pennies on certain of these items?

If I had to guess, I'd say the only possibility is the 5AT. By no means is Mazda penny pinching... if they add anything, expect to pay for it. Mazda's already offering more than you realize for a hair over $20k

I really need to buy another vehicle soon, and going to take a second look at a highlander, or possible a jeep liberty. I really love much about the mazda 5, but have concerns.

Don't buy the Highlander... such a vanilla vehicle that's way overpriced. The Jeep would be a fun car to own, but don't forget the weaker gas mileage(I consistently get >26mpg with spirited driving). Honestly, if I could afford it equipped the way I wanted, the Liberty might be up there on my list. However, after owning it for a few months now, I have yet to have one real gripe with my 5. It's a head turner, fun-to-drive, and just so damn versatile.

In the end, get what YOU want... you and your fam will be occupying it for the next 5-10 years, not us internet folk. All that being said, I highly recommend the 5 (naughty)

 

[bulwnkl]

...and hope for some improvements...

Careful with that wording.

such as a more powerful engine

Well, I don't have to downshift for power going up over 7900-foot mountain passes, so I have no idea what you're talking about, and I hope you'll forgive me if I think you don't, either. I would very much like to try the 2-liter diesel option available overseas.

more gearing in the transmission(especially automatic)

More gearing in the MT would cause me to NOT buy it next time. The only way I'd even consider a 6-speed in this thing is if it was this exact 5-speed with an extra, tall overdrive 6th. Anything else would be a gimmick designed to separate a fool from his money and make too much of a chore of driving the car on a daily basis. Won't comment on the AT, as I only test-drove one, except to say that with an AT more gears frequently don't result in better performance, they only result in higher maintenance and repair costs.

perhaps larger gas tank

I wouldn't trade off interior space for a larger fuel tank. The 5's range is about on par with the kind of vehicles most buyers are expected to trade out of. I wouldn't complain about longer range, but it isn't a problem as it is.

all known mechanical issues taken care of

Not following you here. Are there any actual mechanical problems? Or even any niggly little details not addressed already?

some sort of proper roof rack factory installed

I'm not a roof rack type of person. I don't carry kayaks or other really long stuff, and I find roof racks to be the least desirable and most expensive way to carry other cargo (for me).

arm rests

The only way I can see to put arm rests outboard on the 2nd row or even on the passenger seat is to make the vehicle wider. That might be fine, but would be a very major re-tool of the entire vehicle. Personally, I don't use or like the arm rest on the driver's seat. Like so very many vehicles, that arm rest is not at the same height and position as the left-side one, which for me makes it worse than not having one.

rear air conditioner vents

Why would I need these? The 5's HVAC system is excellent, and the A/C keeps even rear passengers cool on very hot days. Yes, I've been to Phoenix with it.

a better stereo unit, with standard mp3 inputs

I must admit the stereo's sound is very nearly a disaster, even on the Touring model. I don't think I've experienced this little bass since my first car, a 1976 Alfa Romeo. Adding a subwoofer is not in the cards for me, as I'm not willing to give up any interior space whatsoever, and putting one under a front seat seems to be precluded by the heating ducts.

I wouldn't mind another cubbyhole here or there in the doors, and a little higher mpg would be appreciated, though we do get 27 - 31 most of the time.

The "penny-pinching" you refer to is not that at all. Mazda is building to a price point, and they're doing an outstanding job delivering on the dollar spent. If this thing had been the price of a Highlander, we wouldn't have even looked at it for a moment. If you're looking at Highlanders, you're comparing a completely different price point. That's fine, of course, but it's quite silly to try to compare things so disparately priced down to the last detail.

 

[JimboNC]

Just curious. If you were buying a car again, and from your experiences with the Mazda 5, would you purchase the same vehicle again?
Or would you purchase a different make or model, or would you possible wait for the 2008 mazda 5,s and hope for some improvements such as a more powerful engine, more gearing in the transmission(especially automatic), perhaps larger gas tank, all known mechanical issues taken care of, some sort of proper roof rack factory installed, arm rests, rear air conditioner vents, a better stereo unit, with standard mp3 inputs. ?
Do you think Mazda will actual address these additions for 2008 or still pinch pennies on certain of these items?
I have come close to buying several times, but always get cold feet, especially with the a/c issue and roof rack.
I really need to buy another vehicle soon, and going to take a second look at a highlander, or possible a jeep liberty. I really love much about the mazda 5, but have concerns.

Much regards

Mazda isn't apt to make those changes by 2008. Usually, Mazda gets the bugs out by the third model year and that's a good time to buy. They have been running models for 5 years, such as the Protegs with few if any changes. When they do make changes it usually includes changing things you DO like along with the new items making it a tougher call.

Most likely, Mazda will offer a new Mazda5 with changes in all catagories prior buyers have suggested. There is reserve power in the 2.3ltr engine for example.

 

[paging_drburgos]

The only way I can see to put arm rests outboard on the 2nd row or even on the passenger seat is to make the vehicle wider. That might be fine, but would be a very major re-tool of the entire vehicle. Personally, I don't use or like the arm rest on the driver's seat. Like so very many vehicles, that arm rest is not at the same height and position as the left-side one, which for me makes it worse than not having one.

Nope. the solution is simply really. Use the same type of arm rests that are already being used in the 2nd row. If you sit back there are close the doors you will notice how much room they still have to play with. Another simple solution for the passenger arm rrest would be to make the center storage compartment taller like in most cars. Sorry for getting off topic

But yeah once i again i would totally buy this car again with the exact same config i have now. It's truly a great peppy car that handles like a Mazda3

 

[epharmacist]

Oh yeah!

The Mazda 5 has been so convenient. Getting the baby in and out of the car with the sliding doors is easy. We can also fit up to 6 passengers, which adds to the convenience.

I think it has style and makes me feel good when people are checking it out(Especially the people driving the huge SUV or the Dodge Caravan.).

I do not like Mini-vans and would not buy a larger vehicle (Have you seen "An Inconvenient Truth" by Al Gore?).

I have had no probs with engine power and this was my initial concern. Sure it's no comparison to my Porsche, but it's a small family car, not a sports car. It handles the streets of San Francisco (that includes the big hills) with ease. It just downshifts and takes off up the hills.

I would buy another Mazda 5. (yes) It works for my family now. But as for the future, we'll have to see what the family needs (Perhaps bikes?(bike) ).

 

[Philster]

Would definately buy it again.. Like others have said, nothing else comes remotely close to it. I just wish that some of the european options would be available here (deisel, 6+1, rail roof rack etc.)

All and all, this is the most fun/practical car I've ever owned. A 5-speed auto transmission is however a most for 2008. I don't feel the car is underpowered but I would appreciate better full economy. 400km on a tank is not exactly great..

Regarding the passenger armrest complaint, i would prefer to see no armrest at all but a larger and higher center storage area that would act as armrest for both driver and passenger, like the the Dodge Caravan.

 

[Mazda5wannabe]

Why would I buy another? I already have one! By the time I need to replace my 5, the criteria I used to decide on it will have cars of their own. My next purchase will be a completely different vehicle.

 

[gemino]

If I can afford, I will get M.Benz GL class.

If not, most likely next gen Mz5 or other hachie like Subie WRX or Volvo 40 or 60series.

 

[Zoom5Zoom]

yes I would do it again....

 

[markii]

Yes, honestly, do not see another vehicle with versatilty/price/fun to drive factor that would fit for me.