Thinking of trading in..Updated: 2016 Mazda 6 Touring

[sze5003]

I'm thinking about trading my 2011 lancer if I can get a decent amount on it. Its got 86k miles, manual 5 speed, the gts model with a sunroof.

I'm not sure what car I should go with..I like manual transmission but I am in traffic a lot. I'd like something reliable.

Was thinking altima S or maybe Mazda 6 iSport. I paid about 20k for my lancer when I got it in 2011 and I'd want to say in the similar price range. I have looked around for the true car estimated values and I figure I could haggle down.

Just need some suggestions at what to look for.

Updated: Traded the lancer in, got the Mazda 6 touring edition 6 speed MT Meteor Gray. Enjoying this car a lot more, I actually look forward to driving around now.

 

[NutBucket]

Well, some more info would be good. So far all we know is you want a mid size sedan with an MT. How about an Accord Sport?

 

[sze5003]

Hmm accord sport is pricey. I wrote off the Nissan altima. Went to the dealer today and test drove one..2015 s model and steering vibrates at low speed, lots of road noise, bad insulation and pretty bland.

They wanted 23,500 for the altima and I found that odd since true car found 3 dealers with a $19,800 price. Then they came in with the vpp price at 20,500 and again showed me monthly payments of +700 bucks with every single warranty available added on.

Worst is they wanted to give me 5k for my lancer which is a joke. They then lowered the price to 19,900 and told me 0% for 72 months. At that point I walked out because they took two hours to evaluate my car made me fill out a form validating that they went over my car with me, so on.

I don't need MT as a standard because I drive a lot in heavy traffic. I did like the Subaru legacy a lot it drove solid. But they also low balled my car and would not budge on price.

I guess full size sedan is fine too but if there is a mid size that's roomier and more reliable than my lancer I will consider it. Features like bluetooth, and comfy interior are important.

 

[tortillasoup]

All of this over a goddamn oxygen sensor.... You've already taken all of the depreciation, just ride out this issue over the oxygen sensor, you're nowhere near having a "problem" vehicle. sheesh!

 

[sze5003]

All of this over a goddamn oxygen sensor.... You've already taken all of the depreciation, just ride out this issue over the oxygen sensor, you're nowhere near having a "problem" vehicle. sheesh!

Yea but I worry having to go through the same thing next year. Lucked out on emissions last year. They replaced the sensor a second time today. I'm just tired of going from shop to dealer and back for two months now just so I can try and drive legally. If I don't find anything you are right I'll just keep it I don't mind its just frustrating because its something I would expect after a longer time.

 

[tortillasoup]

Yea but I worry having to go through the same thing next year. Lucked out on emissions last year. They replaced the sensor a second time today. I'm just tired of going from shop to dealer and back for two months now just so I can try and drive legally. If I don't find anything you are right I'll just keep it I don't mind its just frustrating because its something I would expect after a longer time.

So they replaced the sensor, did you have the TSB software update done? That needs to be done... especially before the emissions warranty runs out.

 

[sze5003]

So they replaced the sensor, did you have the TSB software update done? That needs to be done... especially before the emissions warranty runs out.

Emissions warranty ran out at 80k and when I first had the issue at 65k the sensors weren't covered unless major emissions components that are connected to the sensors like the cats, failed ..this of course is in my manual and I had tried to get them to repair it at that point at two different dealers. According to Mitsubishi sensors are covered under the 5 year 60k mile warranty.

The guy at the outside shop that replaced the sensor today gave me a print out of the tsb. He said if the light comes back on I'll need to take another day off work and he will go with me to the dealership. Have to say that's impressive of a third party shop to tell you that. They are probably sick of me by now.

 

[tamm]

Cheaper option is to see if u can update the software urself.
Manuals are a rare species in cars these days, and I mean good manuals. Most have gone cvt in that price band. If u need a reliable car get a Honda or a Toyota. If u want fun get the Mazda, class leader on driving dynamics. If u want a slush box with crappy design engineering wise go Nissan.

Lancer = mazda is the best option if ur moving up in size for an spirited drive. Steering is amazing

 

[sze5003]

Cheaper option is to see if u can update the software urself.
Manuals are a rare species in cars these days, and I mean good manuals. Most have gone cvt in that price band. If u need a reliable car get a Honda or a Toyota. If u want fun get the Mazda, class leader on driving dynamics. If u want a slush box with crappy design engineering wise go Nissan.

Lancer = mazda is the best option if ur moving up in size for an spirited drive. Steering is amazing

Next weekend I'll be going to test drive a Mazda 6 i sport. I'd prefer a 2015 since its less expensive but I only seem to have found 2016 models. Kind of odd that the manual trans models dont have a screen for your audio and interface. Didn't like how the 2015 altima drives...my younger sister has a 2010 altima coup and it drives better than the altima s that my mother has. I tried both of them when I visit over there so I figured the 2015 models would be even better...wrong.

The Subaru legacy drives really nicely. Solid and planted, doesn't feel like a box on wheels.

 

[tortillasoup]

I would not take this incident as an indication that you'll need a new vehicle. It's better to stick with something you know than go for something you don't know. Just the depreciation loss alone could pay for a LOT of repairs to this lancer.

 

[sze5003]

If I can't get a decent price on a new car or a good value for my lancer I'll keep it. So far I've looked up trade in values for my car on black book, Nada, true car, and kbb and the average is around 8-9k. Dealers obviously only wanted to give me 5k.

The same car with similar miles is selling for used for around 11-13k locally used from other dealers.

 

[Subyman]

May not be logical, but I'd consider trading it in as well. I don't want to spend my time trouble shooting stupid problems on my daily driver. Having read through your past problems, moving on to another car would be in the back of my mind. If a good deal came a long I'd consider it.

Selling a car private party can be annoying. I've had it go smoothly and I've had people back out at the last minute or tons of tire kickers come by. It is worth a shot though if the dealers aren't going to give you much. Throw it up on craigslist and see what happens.

As for the car, the Ford Focus is a nice little car for a decent price.

 

[tortillasoup]

May not be logical, but I'd consider trading it in as well. I don't want to spend my time trouble shooting stupid problems on my daily driver. Having read through your past problems, moving on to another car would be in the back of my mind. If a good deal came a long I'd consider it.

Selling a car private party can be annoying. I've had it go smoothly and I've had people back out at the last minute or tons of tire kickers come by. It is worth a shot though if the dealers aren't going to give you much. Throw it up on craigslist and see what happens.

As for the car, the Ford Focus is a nice little car for a decent price.

The guy had one issue... an issue that he choose not to take care of properly by going straight to the dealership as soon as it presented itself. Also, this guy bought his car new and look what happened... what makes him think he'll be able to avoid the same minor issue when he buys ANOTHER new vehicle? I had a 2007 ES350 that was purchased new, had to replace the transmission at 60K miles with a warranty that expired at 70K miles. There are no guarantees with any new vehicle and I think this small issue is being blown out of proportion. stupid

 

[sze5003]

The guy had one issue... an issue that he choose not to take care of properly by going straight to the dealership as soon as it presented itself. Also, this guy bought his car new and look what happened... what makes him think he'll be able to avoid the same minor issue when he buys ANOTHER new vehicle? I had a 2007 ES350 that was purchased new, had to replace the transmission at 60K miles with a warranty that expired at 70K miles. There are no guarantees with any new vehicle and I think this small issue is being blown out of proportion. stupid

I mentioned several times I took it when it first happened at 65k miles to Mitsubishi. Their warranty is what it is, o2 sensors are only covered if components they are connected to them fail by 80k miles. Even another member that owns a mitsu mentioned the warranty I'm talking about.

I don't have another vehicle to use while trying to sell this privately. Oh well, if I can get a decent deal I'll go for it. Otherwise forget it I'll drive it as much as I can.

The good thing about selling it privately is that I owe less than it is worth. But I would have no transportation and I've bought my sister a car from someone that had it financed. Luckily they were nice people and didn't live too far away, went smooth. It was just a lot of back and forth and got a bit tiresome.

 

[Wingznut]

We're on our second 2014 Mazda 6 (the first one got totaled), and I'm incredibly impressed by this car. There's a good reason it's at the top of all the publications' best sedan lists.

 

[sze5003]

We're on our second 2014 Mazda 6 (the first one got totaled), and I'm incredibly impressed by this car. There's a good reason it's at the top of all the publications' best sedan lists.

I can't seem to find a difference between the 2015 and 2016 Mazda 6. The manual version to me seems the same.

 

[tortillasoup]

I mentioned several times I took it when it first happened at 65k miles to Mitsubishi. Their warranty is what it is, o2 sensors are only covered if components they are connected to them fail by 80k miles. Even another member that owns a mitsu mentioned the warranty I'm talking about.

You actually took it to the dealership at 65K miles? Perfect! Now you can go back and have warranty work done on the ECU since you complained PRIOR to the warranty ending. If you can't get help, contact mitsubishi America if there really is documentation you going to the dealership with this issue.

 

[sze5003]

You actually took it to the dealership at 65K miles? Perfect! Now you can go back and have warranty work done on the ECU since you complained PRIOR to the warranty ending. If you can't get help, contact mitsubishi America if there really is documentation you going to the dealership with this issue.

They didn't document anything because they showed me the warranty paperwork that I also have in the owners manual. It states o2 sensors are only covered if the cats go bad up to the 80k federal warranty. Generally they would be covered under 5yrs/60k on their own. So if I would have had a bad cat at 65k then the o2's connected to it would also be replaced under warranty.

I had the shop check my cats this Saturday and they are both fine.

 

[tortillasoup]

They didn't document anything because they showed me the warranty paperwork that I also have in the owners manual. It states o2 sensors are only covered if the cats go bad up to the 80k federal warranty. Generally they would be covered under 5yrs/60k on their own. So if I would have had a bad cat at 65k then the o2's connected to it would also be replaced under warranty.

I had the shop check my cats this Saturday and they are both fine.

The ECU and especially its reprogramming is definitely covered under the emissions warranty while the oxygen sensor as you pointed out is not covered. The correct thing they should have done was seen your original O2 sensor, seen the code, then did a software update to correct for this known issue.

 

[Zivic]

They didn't document anything because they showed me the warranty paperwork that I also have in the owners manual. It states o2 sensors are only covered if the cats go bad up to the 80k federal warranty. Generally they would be covered under 5yrs/60k on their own. So if I would have had a bad cat at 65k then the o2's connected to it would also be replaced under warranty.

I had the shop check my cats this Saturday and they are both fine.

oxygen sensors fail. I had one go out on my honda odyssey at under 50k...

you do understand that a vehicle has a lot of parts, some moving, some electrical. all will fail, some prematurely. if a failed oxygen sensor has you looking to buy a new car, I almost relate that to, well, I had to trade it in, it did need an oil change

 

[sze5003]

oxygen sensors fail. I had one go out on my honda odyssey at under 50k...

you do understand that a vehicle has a lot of parts, some moving, some electrical. all will fail, some prematurely. if a failed oxygen sensor has you looking to buy a new car, I almost relate that to, well, I had to trade it in, it did need an oil change

The fact that I couldn't use an aftermarket sensor and had to pay close to 400 for the sensor from Mitsubishi, had to have it replaced twice, and engine check light still wouldn't go away. Had to drive around with expired inspections, paid dealer to diagnose it, paid a shop to diagnose it and all they came up with was replace the sensor again. Then the shop found out there is a tsb for this issue and dealer refused to acknowledge. I do have it printed out and I'll be forcing them to flash the ecu if I don't trade it in.

 

[Zivic]

The fact that I couldn't use an aftermarket sensor and had to pay close to 400 for the sensor from Mitsubishi, had to have it replaced twice, and engine check light still wouldn't go away. Had to drive around with expired inspections, paid dealer to diagnose it, paid a shop to diagnose it and all they came up with was replace the sensor again. Then the shop found out there is a tsb for this issue and dealer refused to acknowledge. I do have it printed out and I'll be forcing them to flash the ecu if I don't trade it in.

not sure why it was so difficult. 2 minutes found a denso direct fit for about 225. install can likely be done in your driveway, usually a 7/8 wrench. Not sure at 60k-something miles I would say it falls under a TSB... actually I just looked up the TSB's for a 2011 lancer:
https://www.automd.com/tsb/mitsubishi_m/lancer_mm/2011_y/

oddly I don't find anything related to an oxygen sensor.... maybe you can provide a link/description of the tsb you think it falls under.

ALL THAT SAID,
I think you should get a new car... a non evolution lancer isn't much fun, nor much to look at. but not because you had a problem with a sensor

 

[sze5003]

not sure why it was so difficult. 2 minutes found a denso direct fit for about 225. install can likely be done in your driveway, usually a 7/8 wrench. Not sure at 60k-something miles I would say it falls under a TSB... actually I just looked up the TSB's for a 2011 lancer:
https://www.automd.com/tsb/mitsubishi_m/lancer_mm/2011_y/

oddly I don't find anything related to an oxygen sensor.... maybe you can provide a link/description of the tsb you think it falls under.

ALL THAT SAID,
I think you should get a new car... a non evolution lancer isn't much fun, nor much to look at. but not because you had a problem with a sensor

I've got the tsb stapled to the shop papers. Its something like tsb 11-13-009rev2.

I'm not sure what sensor was in there before but this second one from mitsu has not brought the light back on yet. Some japenese cars are finicky when it comes to these sensors if they aren't oem. I also had to get new outer tie rods on the front a couple months back. But I figured that's normal living in pothole city Philly.

Hopefully I enjoy how the Mazda 6 rides. But I really enjoyed riding in the legacy.

 

[tamm]

Look if you have the wallet to back up the itch to get a new car and the troubles the OP has with his existing problems is too great for OP, why are we making it our personal life goal to say no LOL.

Yea if you want performance in FWD sedans you should knock out, Honda, Toyota, Nissan. they are not fun to drive. Don`t get lost in the "Sport" Badges or such. You cant make something handle with a bunch of stickers and trim addons.

Anyways try the mazda on for size. Legacy is good, since you the awd addition. So you`ll get better torque to the wheels and of course if your in a wintery state better all around traction.

 

[sze5003]

I've been emailing some dealers for Subaru and the prices I got were $21,778 excluding tax and tag for a blue 2.5i standard through true car.

And $24,259.96 out the door price for a black legacy with some extra options I don't care for like the auto dim mirror with light, mirror compass, rear bumper applique, cargo tray, wheel locks, side cargo net, tail pipe cover, and all weather floor mats.

Mazda came back with a quote for a 2016 Mazda 6 i sport manual for $19,920 plus tax and tags if I use their standard finance program or $20,420 + tax and tag if I use their special finance rate program.

What would I prefer? Not sure I like the Subaru but all dealers I contacted won't budge from msrp. Most also have options that can't be removed...or the ugliest colors I've ever seen on a car.

Haven't driven the Mazda 6 yet so I still have to go try it.