just joined today !

[KakaMazda5]

Hi there, I just joined today and looking forwad to learning all about the mazda5 here.

Background: I currently have a 05 toyota matrix as my daily driver, got it new, 141k miles. Wife drives a 94 civic. Basically looking for a used 5 to replace the civic and will be our weekend ride with our 9-month old.

All I know so far is that the 2010 comes standard with traction control and the newer model 2011+ ? sports a 2.5L engine.

I'm not a good negotiator so I'm actively looking at used car sales offered by my credit union.

 

[Foolish]

Welcome!

The First Generation of Mazda5 ended in 2010, there was no 2011 model, and the 2012 introduced the new body styling, 2.5L engine and 6-speed manual (and I think 6-speed auto) trans.

I have a 2010 Sport 5-Speed Manual, and mostly love it. They're great versatile vehicles. Have fun here on the forum, and good luck finding your 5!

 

[KakaMazda5]

thanks, I didn't know there's no 2011 model

 

[Silentnoise713]

Welcome.

Glad you introduced yourself before you went into buying mode. Look here for what others had paid to give you a guide: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123732328-Mazda5-Prices-paid-and-related-questions. If you are not good with negotiation, I would recommend checking out carsense. No haggle used car sales but their cars have clean history and are generally in pretty good shape but you pay a slight premium for not playing ball. If you want to get the best deal, it will take some leg work into the car's history and having a 2nd opinion on the condition/mechanics. Avoid mom and pop dealers like the plague! IMO, only original owners (private sellers) are the best but you do need to negotiate some. You can also check dealerships for trade-ins (crap shot on history) but you can haggle via email so that takes the pressure off. I bought two cars from dealers this way and was happy.

-2010 gain standard traction control but lost fender lights. Avoid 06-07 if possibly (4spd auto, 5spd auto starting '08) as they have some early model year hick ups.
-2012 have 5 spd auto, 6 spd manual.

 

[phunky.buddha]

Hi!

 

[thaxman]

I've been a little slow with my hospitality as of late. Sorry all, esp to the OP.

To make up for it, a big

W E L C O M E
to ya.

Going from a pair of spongy-shock 4-speed automatics to a Mz5 will seem like you have a rally car. Good luck w/the search

 

[cburrell]

You definitely will prefer the 5's driving dynamics compared to the matrix, really there is no comparison. My sister in-law has a 04 Vibe and it doesn't come close in driving dynamics and the sliding doors and extra space are a major improvement over the Matrix. If you can get a good deal on 2012 that is always an option too. Nothing really changed on them except the redesigned exterior and interior. The chassis and frame are the same. They offer the 2.5 MZR motor in the 2012 compared to the 2.3 in the 2010. It offers 5 hp more and I think 15 ft-lbs more of torque. Very nominal if you ask me. They also softened the suspension a little in the 2012 from what i read. To me I like the setup in the 2010 better, but there again whatever they did to the suspension is very nominal. Everything else is carried over from the 2010 to the 2012.

 

[thaxman]

You definitely will prefer the 5's driving dynamics compared to the matrix, really there is no comparison. My sister in-law has a 04 Vibe and it doesn't come close in driving dynamics and the sliding doors and extra space are a major improvement over the Matrix. If you can get a good deal on 2012 that is always an option too. Nothing really changed on them except the redesigned exterior and interior. The chassis and frame are the same. They offer the 2.5 MZR motor in the 2012 compared to the 2.3 in the 2010. It offers 5 hp more and I think 15 ft-lbs more of torque. Very nominal if you ask me. They also softened the suspension a little in the 2012 from what i read. To me I like the setup in the 2010 better, but there again whatever they did to the suspension is very nominal. Everything else is carried over from the 2010 to the 2012.

Don't want to start a "nitpik war" but IIRC, the power remained the same, but torque went up by 20 lbs. Of course, specific power ratings mean nothing, since in 06, the car was rated w/157 hp & was adjusted down to 153 by 2009, though no reportable modifications were made, except possibly to the ECU. Basically, when the variable valves switch over around 3500 rpm, it feels a teeny bit ricier, but FWIW, I think the extra torque is the big story, esp w/the inevitable $5 gas around the corner, no one will want to spend much time over 3000 rpms. Also, I believe that the added torque is what makes the 6MT actually succeed. Otherwise, there would be too little power to keep the pace in 6th on an incline or headwind. Pretty sure the AT remains 5AT, and w/engine management, the 2.5L 5AT of 2012 retains the same mpgs as the 2.3L 5AT of 2010.

 

[Wishmaster]

A little more than 2 years ago, after I found out we were having twins, I sold our 6 month old (bought used) '06 Matrix and bought an '07 Mazda 5 GT... and we have a 92 civic hatch! I do miss the handling and better gas mileage of the Matrix, but the Mazda 5 does handle pretty well, it's close actually, which is saying a lot considering how much heavier, bigger and longer it is than the Matrix. I've found many owners here will talk endlessly about how amazing it handles.... Honestly, don't expect much... especially coming from a Matrix and an older Civic. Don't get me wrong, it does handle great... for it's size and compared with other mini-vans, SUV's and crossovers.

The other advice has been good so far, I have an '07. At the time I couldn't afford an '08... would have liked to get that 5 speed auto. Getting a stick would have been even better... but after driving it for awhile and realizing it's really just our "cruising with the kids mobile" and... it is a big heavy van... I don't miss either. And since it sounds like your ride will serve a similar purpose, you don't really have to worry about trying to find a stick because you think it'll be more "sporty". That ship has sailed my friend .

Make sure you have it inspected before you buy... as everyone will attest on this site, the main weakness of the 5 is it's original suspension, or suspension replaced with original parts... The shocks suck and will blow frequently if not replaced with something aftermarket. Fortunately, if you don't care about lowering or upgrading/tuning, you can buy replacement Munroe or KYB branded shocks and struts relatively cheaply. So when looking at vehicles, make sure you ask questions about the suspension and tell whoever is doing the inspection to look carefully at the shocks and struts, to tell you what brand they are, and that they are a know weak point on the vehicle.

Also the front and rear sway-bar bushings wear very quickly and can lead to a "clunking" in the suspension. The bushings are very cheap and easy to replace on the rear, but a bit of a PIA to replace up front... something else to ask about and for the inspector to have a good look at.