YACT: Thoughts on Mazdaspeed6

[lasergecko]

Thinking about getting a Mazdaspeed6. I know there are a few people here with this car. I also welcome any comments from people familar with the car.

What are your general thoughts?

Pros and Cons?

Specific opinions on the navigation system? It's not touch screen, so how is it to use the remote?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Fenixgoon]

ask doboji, he owns one

 

[clickynext]

Not an owner, but I like it. Mature look, good performance, fun to drive, good interior compared to WRX.

 

[Dacalo]

I wouldn't get the factory nav if I were you. My G35's nav is similar to MS6, and no touch screen is just cumbersome. Save your money and get after market (better nav sys, touch screen, better HU)

 

[Baked]

$30K car and moonroof's an option? Pass.

 

[OS]

you should find out if they ever fixed the power loss issue

 

[clickynext]

Originally posted by: OS
you should find out if they ever fixed the power loss issue

There was a recall for that.

The loss of power is believed to be caused in short by the ECU detecting that lower than 93 octane gas is being used, and automatically reducing the throttle to 33% of input. The flashed ECU should be more tolerant of this.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
ask doboji, he owns one

 

[lasergecko]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
ask doboji, he owns one

I PMed him. Thanks for the info.

Anyone else have any opinions or thoughts?

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: clickynext

Originally posted by: OS
you should find out if they ever fixed the power loss issue

There was a recall for that.

The loss of power is believed to be caused in short by the ECU detecting that lower than 93 octane gas is being used, and automatically reducing the throttle to 33% of input. The flashed ECU should be more tolerant of this.

I'm aware of that much, but their approach is nothing more than a crappy bandaid;

"
What is happening when the power loss occurs?
When the Mazdaspeed 6 detects 1 knock, it cuts the electronic throttle input to 33%. That means if you have the pedal floored completely down, the max the PCM/ECU allows the throttle plate to open is 1/3. Since the throttle is electric, the PCM can completely override any and all driver inputs for the safety of the engine. Those who ever owned a 6 with a bad maf sensor know exactly how this works.

...

What is Mazda doing about this?
Mazda is adjusting the # of cycles it takes the knock sensor to throw the car into 33% throttle mode through a PCM/ECU reflash. The sensitivity is also going to be addressed, but not significantly, as the knock sensor is still there to stop detonation from occuring. The cycles should greatly reduce the # of occurances from owners. This Flash is now available and will slowly populate to dealers across the USA. Please call your dealer and ensure its availability PRIOR to visiting. "


The supposed "fix" just lets the engine detonate/knock a couple more times before it cuts power. lol

I'm not sure what's worse, the power loss in the first place, or allowing more knocks before actually doing something about it.

Either way, the fix doesn't address any actual cause of detonation.

 

[lokiju]

How much are you getting it for?

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: clickynext

Originally posted by: OS
you should find out if they ever fixed the power loss issue

There was a recall for that.

The loss of power is believed to be caused in short by the ECU detecting that lower than 93 octane gas is being used, and automatically reducing the throttle to 33% of input. The flashed ECU should be more tolerant of this.

I'm aware of that much, but their approach is nothing more than a crappy bandaid;

"
What is happening when the power loss occurs?
When the Mazdaspeed 6 detects 1 knock, it cuts the electronic throttle input to 33%. That means if you have the pedal floored completely down, the max the PCM/ECU allows the throttle plate to open is 1/3. Since the throttle is electric, the PCM can completely override any and all driver inputs for the safety of the engine. Those who ever owned a 6 with a bad maf sensor know exactly how this works.

...

What is Mazda doing about this?
Mazda is adjusting the # of cycles it takes the knock sensor to throw the car into 33% throttle mode through a PCM/ECU reflash. The sensitivity is also going to be addressed, but not significantly, as the knock sensor is still there to stop detonation from occuring. The cycles should greatly reduce the # of occurances from owners. This Flash is now available and will slowly populate to dealers across the USA. Please call your dealer and ensure its availability PRIOR to visiting. "


The supposed "fix" just lets the engine detonate/knock a couple more times before it cuts power. lol

I'm not sure what's worse, the power loss in the first place, or allowing more knocks before actually doing something about it.

Either way, the fix doesn't address any actual cause of detonation.

It's always going to be an ECU flash if it's a software issue. Why it isn't changing the timing instead of cutting throttle is beyond me though...it does sound like a daft way to deal with knock.

 

[Blazin Trav]

Considering you could get a WRX STI for about that price... I'd just get the STI.

 

[Strk]

It's a good car, although I must admit, I'd also have to take a look at the Subaru Legacy GT Limited. It's the same general idea as the Mazdaspeed6, I suppose. It's understated for what the car is, but it truly offers a lot of fun.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: Strk
It's a good car, although I must admit, I'd also have to take a look at the Subaru Legacy GT Limited. It's the same general idea as the Mazdaspeed6, I suppose. It's understated for what the car is, but it truly offers a lot of fun.

The Legacy GT Limited is nice, but stock the MS6 has it outhandled. The Legacy GT Spec. B improves on the handling, but prices it as much as the MS6. The 07 Spec B tho adds a 6-speed manual, something not had in the LGT's so far.

Also consider the STI Limited. Essentially the 300HP rocket STI with less rice-boy body kit and nice interior+options. That will run you at least as much as an MS6, if not more, but also be faster.

 

[KentState]

Originally posted by: Dacalo
I wouldn't get the factory nav if I were you. My G35's nav is similar to MS6, and no touch screen is just cumbersome. Save your money and get after market (better nav sys, touch screen, better HU)

I'm not sure how far they've come, but have you seen the radio and dash on a Mazda6? It's not like the older cars where you can easily swap in a new HU. It's all one piece with bottons and cd slot blended into the center piece.

 

[KentState]

Originally posted by: Baked
$30K car and moonroof's an option? Pass.

I'd rather have it as an option than forced on me. Moonroof's are a really bad idea if you plan on auto crossing the car and add race tires. I've seen them break before from hard cornering.

 

[thirdeye]

I wouldn't even consider one. I've had enough horrid luck from Mazda with first run cars that I won't EVER buy another. My 04 RX-8 was a piece of sh!t, my wifes 03 Mazda6 was so bad Mazda actually replaced it with an 04 that was still a POS.

I now have no Mazda vehicles and no problems My STi has been through hell and back, more miles, more abuse and a HELL of a lot more power and is still 40x more reliable and solid than my RX-8 ever was.

Oh and the navigation isn't the best. If they haven't updated it to touchscreen it's probably the same sh1t that was in the rx-8.

 

[Dacalo]

Originally posted by: KentState

Originally posted by: Dacalo
I wouldn't get the factory nav if I were you. My G35's nav is similar to MS6, and no touch screen is just cumbersome. Save your money and get after market (better nav sys, touch screen, better HU)

I'm not sure how far they've come, but have you seen the radio and dash on a Mazda6? It's not like the older cars where you can easily swap in a new HU. It's all one piece with bottons and cd slot blended into the center piece.

Sure you can, double din.

 

[theNEOone]

Originally posted by: thirdeye
I wouldn't even consider one. I've had enough horrid luck from Mazda with first run cars that I won't EVER buy another. My 04 RX-8 was a piece of sh!t, my wifes 03 Mazda6 was so bad Mazda actually replaced it with an 04 that was still a POS.

I now have no Mazda vehicles and no problems My STi has been through hell and back, more miles, more abuse and a HELL of a lot more power and is still 40x more reliable and solid than my RX-8 ever was.

Oh and the navigation isn't the best. If they haven't updated it to touchscreen it's probably the same sh1t that was in the rx-8.

the mazda gods must hate you.

my 04 mazda6 has been marvelous. for the deal i got, i'd buy the same car all over again - even with today's market to consider.


=|

 

[Doboji]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: clickynext

Originally posted by: OS
you should find out if they ever fixed the power loss issue

There was a recall for that.

The loss of power is believed to be caused in short by the ECU detecting that lower than 93 octane gas is being used, and automatically reducing the throttle to 33% of input. The flashed ECU should be more tolerant of this.

I'm aware of that much, but their approach is nothing more than a crappy bandaid;

"
What is happening when the power loss occurs?
When the Mazdaspeed 6 detects 1 knock, it cuts the electronic throttle input to 33%. That means if you have the pedal floored completely down, the max the PCM/ECU allows the throttle plate to open is 1/3. Since the throttle is electric, the PCM can completely override any and all driver inputs for the safety of the engine. Those who ever owned a 6 with a bad maf sensor know exactly how this works.

...

What is Mazda doing about this?
Mazda is adjusting the # of cycles it takes the knock sensor to throw the car into 33% throttle mode through a PCM/ECU reflash. The sensitivity is also going to be addressed, but not significantly, as the knock sensor is still there to stop detonation from occuring. The cycles should greatly reduce the # of occurances from owners. This Flash is now available and will slowly populate to dealers across the USA. Please call your dealer and ensure its availability PRIOR to visiting. "


The supposed "fix" just lets the engine detonate/knock a couple more times before it cuts power. lol

I'm not sure what's worse, the power loss in the first place, or allowing more knocks before actually doing something about it.

Either way, the fix doesn't address any actual cause of detonation.

It's always going to be an ECU flash if it's a software issue. Why it isn't changing the timing instead of cutting throttle is beyond me though...it does sound like a daft way to deal with knock.

I got the flash done today... I didnt feel any power reduction, if anything acceleration felt better... smoother, and the engine tone sounded clearer. From what I understand they did change the timings...

 

[Doboji]

Originally posted by: Blazin Trav
Considering you could get a WRX STI for about that price... I'd just get the STI.

Well if you want pure track speed, and a car built ONLY for performance... yes buy the STI. But if you want a car with fantastic performance, that has everything you want in a Sedan as well... the MS6 wins hands down.

 

[Doboji]

Originally posted by: lasergecko
Thinking about getting a Mazdaspeed6. I know there are a few people here with this car. I also welcome any comments from people familar with the car.

What are your general thoughts?

Pros and Cons?

Specific opinions on the navigation system? It's not touch screen, so how is it to use the remote?

Thanks in advance.

I absolutely love my car... it's fast as hell, handles extraordinarily well, all without the downsides of a boyracer car.

I got the "Sport" package... non-leather, no sunroof, and no nav system. I just didnt really want those things bad enough to warrant the extra 3K. The only thing I do miss is the auto-adjust seats.

Gas Mileage I've got:
avg 19mpg city/25mpg hwy

Overall Pros:

Acceleration is great.
Shifter action is excellent
Handling is phenominal
Interior is beautiful
Breaking is great

Overall Cons:
Don't like the exhaust
Requires 93 octane
Speed limit is 55mph almost everywhere

Feel free to ask any questions you'd like.

-Max

 

[pray4mojo]

Originally posted by: Baked
$30K car and moonroof's an option? Pass.

some dealers are offering huge rebates on them. ive seen up at $5500.

 

[lasergecko]

Originally posted by: Doboji

Originally posted by: lasergecko
Thinking about getting a Mazdaspeed6. I know there are a few people here with this car. I also welcome any comments from people familar with the car.

What are your general thoughts?

Pros and Cons?

Specific opinions on the navigation system? It's not touch screen, so how is it to use the remote?

Thanks in advance.

I absolutely love my car... it's fast as hell, handles extraordinarily well, all without the downsides of a boyracer car.

I got the "Sport" package... non-leather, no sunroof, and no nav system. I just didnt really want those things bad enough to warrant the extra 3K. The only thing I do miss is the auto-adjust seats.

Gas Mileage I've got:
avg 19mpg city/25mpg hwy

Overall Pros:

Acceleration is great.
Shifter action is excellent
Handling is phenominal
Interior is beautiful
Breaking is great

Overall Cons:
Don't like the exhaust
Requires 93 octane
Speed limit is 55mph almost everywhere

Feel free to ask any questions you'd like.

-Max

Max, could you explain why you don't like the exhaust? Just the look or something more?

Everyone else, any more comments?