A guy that works for Mazda said the new SkyActive CX-5 is pretty great but they've been having lots of warranty claims on it. Figured it was because it was the first year with the new technology. Thought next year would be better.
I have a Mazda but will consider Mitsubishi for my next vehicle almost primarily because of the warranty. 10 year, 160,000km is pretty sweet powertrain warranty.
I have a 2005 Mazda 6 GT Sportwagon. I have the rust problem as well. Other than that, the car is incredible, one of the best I have owned. If Mazda has fixed the corrosion problems, I'd totally recommend one.
A guy that works for Mazda said the new SkyActive CX-5 is pretty great but they've been having lots of warranty claims on it. Figured it was because it was the first year with the new technology. Thought next year would be better.
I have a Mazda but will consider Mitsubishi for my next vehicle almost primarily because of the warranty. 10 year, 160,000km is pretty sweet powertrain warranty.
They're running a 14:1 compression ratio or something like that. It creeps me out.
Despite the rust issues, I would still take a Mazda over a Mitsubishi any day of the week. Mitsubishi seems so lost in the woods these days it's scary. They've dropped something like 80% in NA sales in the last decade....and there's a reason. The build quality is terrible, they always languish near the bottom of any reliability survey, they have no real identity, plus most of their cars look liked something you'd piece together at Pep Boys.
I honestly woudn't be surprised if they stopped selling cars in NA by the end of the decade. Such a shame too, remember how awesome the Eclipse used to be in the 90s?
Oh and btw, that 10 year warranty is only for the powertrain....the bumper to bumper is 5 years (still not too shabby). Although the Evo only gets 3!
I've taken a hard look at the compact inexpensive SUV market, with the CX-5 in particular. My issue with the CX-5 is the motor. It's thrifty, but pretty weak for the dollar you're paying. Everything else about the CX-5 awesome - great dynamics, etc etc.
Lately though I've looked a lot at the new 2013 Ford Escape. Same awesome dynamics as the CX-5 but the pricing and motor options are far better. The new 1.6 Ecoboost fires up 178 hp with the added advantage that the power loss due to Calgary's altitude will be less than the already challenged naturally aspirated CX-5 motor of 155hp. The 1.6 is quite fuel efficient, better than the old Escape hybrid on the highway. If you're feeling really speedy the 2.0 ecoboost motor will completely pulverize the CX-5 from a performance aspect.
Downside? Believing mileage claims on turbo motors is always a problem. It's a first run vehicle, but so is the Mazda.
I used to drive a Mazda Protege GT. It was missing 3rd gear and needed oil with every fill, but it is the suspensions on those cars that make them fun. It wasn't fast by any means, but I actually really enjoyed driving that beater.
Thanks for all the input. Really interesting stuff, especially for a non car guy like me.
I'll go test drive them, but before I do, how are they for interior room for the driver? I'm a big bugger and my jeep is comfortable, but our minivan isnt great and neither is my moms explorer, especially for leg room getting into and out of the vehicle
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i have an 06 Mazda 3 (bought new) and before that was a Presidia MX-3. Never once had rust issues and were/both mechanically sound. Lot's of pep as Ive always had the higher engine models.
I always recomend them and will most likely go on to another (although Audi is coming into play - i want AWD)
I bought a new Outlander the end of April. 0% for 6 years was too hard to pass up. As I have no need for towing I bought the v4 and as a result, gas is great (or better than the Outback I used to have). Also having the option to select the different drive options (front, all wheel when required, and all wheel lock) is a nice feature. The V4 is a CVT which isn't for everyone but I've found no issues. In fact on the highway the lack of the downshift is nice, it just starts reving higher going up the hills, no jerking. The engine on it might be a little loud for some but I like some engine noise and going from an Outback, I don't find much noise difference. You can hear it, it's not whisper quiet.
Thanks for all the input. Really interesting stuff, especially for a non car guy like me.
I'll go test drive them, but before I do, how are they for interior room for the driver? I'm a big bugger and my jeep is comfortable, but our minivan isnt great and neither is my moms explorer, especially for leg room getting into and out of the vehicle
Hard to say until you sit in them. But Im 6'2 210 and when I sat in the CX-5 it seemed great.
If you are into test drives and not opposed to used...you might like the Volvo XC70 as well.
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Although I don't think they have the best AWD system, still looks like a very fun car though.
