Yet another new user/owner

[kenken]

Hi all,

Just bought a used 2007 AWD Touring in Copper Red Mica. I don't even have it yet, since I live in Hawaii and the car is on Oahu awaiting shipment. I should hopefully have it in the next week or so.

I needed a family hauler, as we have a second child due in August, but I wanted one that didn't feel like a barge. I'll be giving up my Miata for the CX-9. Of course the 9 doesn't compare to the Miata in terms of driving dynamics, but for what it is I've been very pleased so far.

 

[fatti03msp]

nice to see you sticking with mazda.

the SUVs on the market.... the CX9 is def. the best for its size.

Grats on the purchase.

 

[kenken]

Thanks. I looked at all the obvious competitors, from the Pilot, Highlander, Lambda group (Enclave, et. al.), to some less obvious ones like the RAV-4 and the new Kia Sorento. I decided the last two were too small. I crossed the Kia off the list primarily due to reliability concerns, and lack of a local dealership. Too bad. I like the looks and the new engine. Essentially the same power as a CX-9 with a lot less weight to carry. The Lambdas were at the opposite end: too big. Dimensionally they're not much bigger than the CX-9, but they FEEL bigger, and heavier, and don't handle nearly as well. They just felt clunky and ponderous.

In the end, the Pilot, Highlander and the CX-9 were my final choices. The Highlander had some nice things going for it. Lighter weight and similar power gives it nice acceleration, but the lack of a folding third row really killed it for me. The Pilot had the advantage in terms of interior passenger space, but the engine is sort of underwhelming. The looks of both the Highlander and Pilot were so boring they practically put me in a coma. The CX-9 looks worlds better, and has all the features I consider important.

I still might have ended up in a Pilot, since there are more available on the island, but a dealer on Oahu made me a great offer on this CX-9, so I jumped on a plane, checked it out, and made the deal.

Is that a MazdaSpeed Protege in your sig? I really loved that color when it came out.

 

[fatti03msp]

ya its a MSP.... my baby/money pit haha

when i went car shopping with my mom she test drove the brand new tuscan and it looked badass but was pretty small. Had a peppy lil 4 banger, i think it made 170 hp NA.

but when she went to go look at the 2010 mazda6 they had the serento there and i must say KIA is def. stepping up there game. It was a real nice looking vehicle. Even that 2 door coupe KIA has out now is pretty good looking.

If you have any questions let me know, ill do my best to answer them for you and/or direct you to a thread with some answers.

 

[ceric]

Kenken,
Welcome.

 

[Zoom3r]

The Lambdas were at the opposite end: too big. Dimensionally they're not much bigger than the CX-9, but they FEEL bigger, and heavier, and don't handle nearly as well. They just felt clunky and ponderous.

Of the three Lambdas, the Enclave felt the 'best' for driving, largely due to the Buick suspension system they put in there. But all three felt very mini-vannish to drive and I think much of this has to do with the seating configuration as well as how the seats sit. You are slung a bit lower in a CX9 versus an Enclave. In the Enclave, my wife (who was last driving a Buick minivan) said "wow, this drives just like my minivan." That's all I needed to hear to beat a hasty retreat back over to the CX9!

 

[vikefan7]

Welcome.

 

[kenken]

Of the three Lambdas, the Enclave felt the 'best' for driving, largely due to the Buick suspension system they put in there. But all three felt very mini-vannish to drive and I think much of this has to do with the seating configuration as well as how the seats sit. You are slung a bit lower in a CX9 versus an Enclave. In the Enclave, my wife (who was last driving a Buick minivan) said "wow, this drives just like my minivan." That's all I needed to hear to beat a hasty retreat back over to the CX9!

I've avoided domestics like the plague, so for me to even consider them they've come a loooong way. I like the looks of the Lambdas, and the interior appointments, and the fuel economy. Driving dynamics? Not so much. But I have to commend them for making some serious inroads.

 

[kenken]

The Lambdas are a big jump in quality and design for GM, but after a close look, it was obvious they are still behind most other car makers. The lack of build and performance precision compared to the CX9 was very evident.

That's actually true of Toyota, too. The new Highlander just didn't have that attention to quality and detail they keep advertising. Sloppy

All I've heard for years is how great Toyota's build quality is, and that every car is "Lexus-like". After seeing a Highlander first-hand: color me unimpressed. We all know the recent debacle Toyota has been through, and it's a clear indication that their commitment to quality has been slipping for some time.

 

[kenken]

Well, our car arrived yesterday, and I went and picked it up from the port. Poor thing was covered in salt, but was otherwise in good shape. I had a very pleasant drive home, got very comfortable as I adjusted the seat to my liking and grooved to Pandora radio from my phone via the aux jack.

I rinsed the salt off yesterday (all I had time for), and I'm just about to go out and give it a good wash. I won't have time to wax for a week or so, but the guys at the dealership did a good job on it, so I'm not worried.