Mazda 6 as a daily driver?
 

Looking for a new daily for less than $25K. Not interested in a used BMW as I like having a warranty. Have been looking at the new Mazda 6 with the sport package. With the rebates offered right now I can get one optioned out for around $22K which is one hell of a deal. Anyone own or driven the 2005 Mazda 6? If so, what do/did you think?

KTL bought one... I think he likes it.

bump for the late night crew

While you're checking out the 6 try the 3 on for size. A 3S with a 5 speed is an amazing car for the money.

Actually my wife wants me to look at the 3 as she thinks it is more sporty looking. So I guess I will check them both out!

We have the older "5" and have had for about a year now. It's a great little car with the only knocks being lack of power (addressed on newer 3 model) and not as good fuel economy as expected. Zoom-zoom smile factor is right there though. :)

I am also looking at the 2005 Altima. A bit pricier, but also 50 more ponies.

MSRP on our Mazda 3 "S" was $16,925. That's with no options at all. I can't think of a thing I'd add to it except ABS (Unfortunately ABS is an option on these cars). The steering wheel tilts/telescopes and has radio controls built in which is amazing on a $17K car.

We've had a BMW 325i and an Audi A4. The Mazda 3 does a great job a emulating these cars at a fraction of the price.

Lee did you also drive the 6? If so, what did you think?

psst... look at the WRX too......

I didn't. Probably should have. The Mazda6 was on the Car and Driver 10 Best list and Automobile magazine "All Star." It must be OK. The 3S has the same engine, but in a smaller, less expensive package.

My wife had me looking at used BMWs. When I drove the 3S I knew if I could get her behind the wheel she'd be hooked. I had looked at a used 325 w/70K miles for the same money that morning. It was obvious that Mazda had used the 3 series as their target. To me, they hit it dead on.

BTW, I know the GM of a very large Mazda dealership here in Phoenix. If you get to the purchase point let me know if you want me to get you a price.

I drove the 3 hatch back 2 weeks ago. Had a 5 speed and I thought it was the gutless wonder.

Was going to drive the 6 but the dealer didn't like the way I ran the 3 up on the test drive.

When my wife was looking I did like the 5.

Compared to what?

My daily driver is a VW Jetta TDI

I had to rev the hell out of it to make it perform close to my Diesel.

OK Kurt... let us know when you get around to a test drive. Is it a pocket rocket or the gutless wonder?

Kurt,

I rented a "3" for business. Used it for a week in the NY hills, and I thought it would make a good car for Heather..not for me. It was fairly well built when compared to the US cars in the same catagory. The one I rented had a manu-stick. It was only useful in the mountains. The auto was programmed pretty well, and when I wanted to play I felt it had enough power for the catagory and cash.

The hatch makes it useful for large packages, but I felt it was too small for me. And the ergonomics didn't fit my 5'-11" frame very well. Someone smaller might find it comfortable.

Overall the "3" is a nice car and a good bang for the prices you will be able to haggle them down to.

The "6" is big and roomy, but not big on the road! KTL and I took his "6" Sport Wagon to Jerry's Shop, and it was a very nice comfortable ride. Fit and finish is also very nice, inside and outside of the car. The ride was very nice. For a wagon, I thought it was pretty cool. It had enough room to carry a family or 4X8 sheets of plywood! Not that you fancy city lawyers need plywood or anything, but the space is there if you need it.

I think Kevin (KTL) got a killer deal on his "6." And I here the service has been great at the Mazda dealership he visits. I think he got a 2004 model at close out pricing.....check with him for owner feedback on the "6."

We test drove a "6" twice. Get the V6 and manual transmission. That combo rocks, especially for the money. Also in that price range (if you shop it) is an Acura TSX. Both of these are great cars.

Thought I would let you guys know what I ended up buying.

I test drove the Mazda 3s, 6s, Passat, BMW325 and the Nissan Altima.

First to answer Lee's question, the 3s with the manual is definitely a pocket rocket. No WRX, but in my opinion a lot of fun for not much money. The sedan version looks almost like a 3 series BMW. Unfortunately, this car is a bit too small for two adults and a child to use for road trips.

I next drove the Mazda 6s with a 6 speed automatic. Good size, lots of trunk room, very nice leather. Unfortunately the V6 engine seemed a bit lacking in power and the automatic could never decide what gear it wanted to be in. It had a tiptronic shifter (or whatever Mazda calls it) but if I am getting a cruising car I tend to want to just let the auto do the work. Fit and finish was above average. Body style was a bit to blah for me.

I loved the Passat and almost pulled the trigger without test driving any other cars. Only thing that stopped me was the price, ouch! That and the problems they have had with quality control.

Drove the 325, also with an automatic and it too seemed overpriced. Cool looking car, seats felt the best out of the bunch, could use more power.

Last car turned out to be the best. Altima 3.5 SE. 250 hp, 5 speed auto, with a sport suspension and leather interior. I wasn't in it for 5 minutes before I concluded it was just what I was looking for. Excellent build quality, ran great through the twistys and was rock steady at 120mph. Big enough to handle 4 adults and their luggage for a week long trip if need. 20 mpg around town and 30 mpg on the highway. And $10K cheaper than the VW and the BMW! I bought it!

Thanks for the update Kurt. I was just thinking about this thread yesterday.

Good choice, the WRX would be small especially if you are 6-4 like myself. There is no way anyone is sitting behind me while I am driving, but that is why I have the Tahoe and S60.