Mazdaspeed6 - Opinions?

[exc911ence]

Still looking for a fun family car with AWD and a manual transmission. Did a search for AWD cars and came up with one that I wasn't aware of, the Mazda Mazdaspeed6. AWD, 6-speed transmission, 274hp 2.3L Turbo... sounds fun to me!

Anyone ever driven/owned one?

[TGTIW]

Drive train wise I haven't heard of any common problems. It has the same 2.3ltr turbo as the Mazdaspeed 3, so I would look carefully at the turbo and seals.

[azasadny]

When I bought my 1st MazdaSpeed3 back in 2007, I test drove the MazdaSpeed6, but it seemed too "sedate". The MazdaSpeed3 hatchback is perfect for us. It's my daily driver with 45k miles on it and you can comfortably seat 4 adults in it. I haul all kinds of stuff and I can get 32mpg if I drive nice. I put Bridgestone Blizzaks on steel 16" rims on it in the MI winters and I have no trouble getting around.

[TGTIW]

I agree, the 3 is great. Though there is something to be said for the all wheel drive of the 6, and I love they way they look.

[PorscheGAL]

I have no experience with a Mazdaspeed6, but I wonder why you are not interested in a Subaru WRX STI? They are AWD and handle well. The price is 30K for both. Just wanted to give you another option.

[exc911ence]

Originally Posted by PorscheGAL

I have no experience with a Mazdaspeed6, but I wonder why you are not interested in a Subaru WRX STI? They are AWD and handle well. The price is 30K for both. Just wanted to give you another option.

The main reason is I'm shopping used and most WRX STi's have been modified and beaten within an inch of their lives by young male owners. The Mazda6 appeals to a more mature crowd and would tend to be in better mechanical condition on the second-hand market. Plus, the Mazda6 is a larger car than the Impreza which is nice.

One car that caught my eye is the Dodge Magnum AWD wagon. I like the style, but unless I'm willing to consider the 425hp 6.1L Hemi SRT/8 versions, they're all automatics. *sigh*

[jhynesrockmtn]

Is the Mazdaspeed6 a one year only car? How often do they come up on the used market?

[PorscheGAL]

Originally Posted by exc911ence

The main reason is I'm shopping used and most WRX STi's have been modified and beaten within an inch of their lives by young male owners. The Mazda6 appeals to a more mature crowd and would tend to be in better mechanical condition on the second-hand market. Plus, the Mazda6 is a larger car than the Impreza which is nice.

One car that caught my eye is the Dodge Magnum AWD wagon. I like the style, but unless I'm willing to consider the 425hp 6.1L Hemi SRT/8 versions, they're all automatics. *sigh*

Too bad on the WRX; I have started to like them. The 275hp is nice on the Mazda6. If you get one, then please post pictures.

[azasadny]

My 2010 MazdaSpeed3 was under 24k new, loaded with every option. There are very few used cars in my area, but some get traded in by us "older guys" who take care of the cars and don't beat them to death...

[Ronbo]

I remember reading about the MS6 when they were new. The biggest complaint centered around the all wheel drive system, which was heavily biased to the front wheels. The rear wheels would only receive a small amount of power under certain conditions, otherwise it was effectively FWD.