Mazda CX-5 finally got one...

[bigi]

Have not seen many post in regards to CX-5 lately so let me comment on my impressions after 3K miles.

Got one in MT for 20.5K + taxes. Not a bad price, I must say, since one must drop 23K for a LE Camry or similar car.

The car looks great. Well, of course I'd have not gotten it otherwise.

Manual tranny works super smooth and it is a true pleasure to use. Due to having 6 forward gears, the reverse took a couple of rides getting used to.

I've been getting 33-34MPG constantly on every fill up I've done ~50/50 city/hwy driving. The engine is only 155HP or so, so MT was a must for me.

Unfortunately, to get MT you must go with the lowest "sport" trim level. It is perfectly fine with me as the interior is nice and soft black dashboard looks/feels pretty good. It has standard hill assist, mirror built turn signals which usually are hard to find in this price range.

I chose "Metropolitan Gray" which I like the most from three offered.

I had been considering Honda CR-V but did not like the looks especially after looking at CX-5.

Good day everyone. If anyone has questions, go for it....

 

[LTC8K6]

Does yours have a gap in the firewall around the steering column?

 

[bigi]

Does yours have a gap in the firewall around the steering column?

Lol. I just read another post. No, mine is fine.

 

[vi edit]

I'd love to hear some of your longer term opinions of the car as it is more broken in and you are more familiar with it. I'm going to be in the market in a year or so for a daily driver thats more efficent/flingable than my minivan. Plus with as many miles as we drive a year a third car keeps wear and tear down across our three vehicles.

I'm really looking at the MT CX-5, the new Focus ST and maybe the Veloster Turbo. I know the CX-5 is the slow duck of the group, but it's also the most functional of the bunch. Also the cheapest.

I'd like to see how your milage is on all highway driving, how you feel about that relatively low amount of power in a vehicle it's size, and how comfortable is on longer drives.

 

[CrackRabbit]

How is the "trunk" space?
I'm seriously considering getting one later this year or early next year to replace my Focus.

 

[zoiks]

Nice.I'm looking at the CX-5 myself. I also am interested in the manual sport version.
Care to put any pics of the car up? It would be nice to see it inside and out.

What options did you get? Did you bargain much for that price?

 

[unokitty]

When I bought my Element, it took me several months of searching to find one with a manual trans. So, was it easy to find a manual transmissioned CX-5?

Can you comment on the steering feel? How easy is the CX-5 to park?

What was your perception of the negotiation process that you went through with the dealer?

I'm about 6 to 24 months away from my next car. I'm interested in something that gets better mileage than my Element (20/25 city/highway) in a small SUV form factor with a manual trans.

On paper, the CX-5 is looking pretty good to me right now. (Along with the smaller Korean SUVs. Which also offer manual trans but only on the lowest trim level.)

Would appreciate anything further that you could share about your CX-5.

Thanks,
Uno

 

[bigi]

Nice.I'm looking at the CX-5 myself. I also am interested in the manual sport version. Care to put any pics of the car up? It would be nice to see it inside and out. What options did you get? Did you bargain much for that price?

Sorry, no pics. There are plenty on the net already. I do think it is best to see the CX-5 in person.
To get MT there are only standard options to choose - MP3/CD USB player is really nice. Standard are also: hill assist, mirror turn signals and daytime running lights. The 20.5K price is already a bargain so you are better off negotiating good interest rate or included accessories.

I'd like to see how your milage is on all highway driving, how you feel about that relatively low amount of power in a vehicle it's size, and how comfortable is on longer drives.

Have not measured highway MPG, but based on my mixed MPG it must be high 30s.

I find the power more than adequate especially when paired to MT. One has to realize what kind of car it is and set their expectations accordingly. It is kind of like with PC memory. 'There is never enough memory (power)'
Also, this is fairly large car and the MPG I've been getting is truly remarkable. Had the engine been bigger, I'd be totally different story in terms of MPG.

The longest I've driven it was 200 miles in one afternoon. It was a good drive overall. 6th gear, high sitting position and quiet ride did help.

How is the "trunk" space?
I'm seriously considering getting one later this year or early next year to replace my Focus.

That space is plenty for my needs. Rear seats fold too in case more room is needed.

 

[bigi]

When I bought my Element, it took me several months of searching to find one with a manual trans. So, was it easy to find a manual transmissioned CX-5?

Can you comment on the steering feel? How easy is the CX-5 to park?

What was your perception of the negotiation process that you went through with the dealer?

I'm about 6 to 24 months away from my next car. I'm interested in something that gets better mileage than my Element (20/25 city/highway) in a small SUV form factor with a manual trans.

On paper, the CX-5 is looking pretty good to me right now. (Along with the smaller Korean SUVs. Which also offer manual trans but only on the lowest trim level.)

Would appreciate anything further that you could share about your CX-5.

Thanks,
Uno

Along with manual stick, the steering wheel is very smooth and easy to operate. I do like it a lot. Parking is simply effortless - pure butter really.

I had to actually order MT CX-5 as they had no manual one available.

I do suggest test driving MT one and seeing on your own. It is like with most things it suits you or not. Once I drove MT version I knew it would be my next car.