I test drove a Mazda today

3 years ago

I haven't test driven a vehicle in many years so I'm taking my time and checking out multiple different ones before I decide. I also haven't decided whether to buy new or used. Yes, I know new cars depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot, but this will probably be my very last car.

Anyway, it was a CX-5. I was going to test drive a sedan also, but after getting up out of my own car for the past few days, sore and tired from helping my daughter move, I decided I wanted a vehicle that was a little higher up off the ground. This one is perfect for me. I'm short, 5' 1". The seat is comfortable and I really liked the way the interior looked. I also liked the handling of it. I took it on the interstate for a few minutes. It was so much easier to park in a normal parking spot than my old Altima. I really hate how I really have to swing my car wide to get it in a space. If it even looks a little tight I don't even bother and will find another spot. Most cars are probably going to be easier than my car, though.

I don't like the rear window, though, very small and the headrests in the backseat stick up in the way. Because I'm short, I have to pull the seat up, which makes the cup holders too far back to be comfortable to reach. Also, the steering wheel is weirdly small and slick. My daughter told me I could just buy a cover, which I know I can and have in the past, but? I'll also no longer have a huge trunk, which kinda makes me sad. I did look at the smaller, CX-30 first but after sitting in it, decided against it. It has those curved seats that weren't as easy to get in and out of. Also the back storage area was tiny.

The last negative was the available color options. Not the most important thing but after driving an ugly gray car for so many years I want something pretty if I have to buy another car, which I do since my car is really getting up there in miles.

Featured Answer

kathy_t

3 years ago

A Mazda CX-5 is what I ended up buying a couple years ago when I decided that my advancing age demanded that I have a car with all the new safety features. I have been a Honda and Subaru fan in the past, but this one had everything I wanted, including hard-to-find light-colored leather seats that are not so hot in the summer. It has been a great, reliable car for me. I went for the over-popular white because it shows dirt less than a colored car and I am bad about keeping my car washed. But if you want color for a change, the CX-5 comes in the most beautiful red on the road, in my opinion.

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Comments (23)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
3 years ago
I’m sure that you will check out numerous review sites for reports for safety, repair statistics, handlng, recall history, etc. It’s a tough decision, buying a new or a used vehicle, that’s for sure.
Kathsgrdn thanked rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
Lars
3 years ago
The value of a new car goes down mainly if you plan to sell it back to a dealer or trade it in to a dealer. If a dealer receives a new car with only a few miles on it, they will charge the next buyer almost as much as a new car, and so the value depends on whether you are buying or selling.

If I were buying a new car (and I never have), I would be very specific in my wants, within whatever budget I would have.

In general, I do not like spending money on cars, mainly because I hate driving, but I realize that I need transportation. I am very concerned with ergonomics with regards to comfort in the seats and also with how easy it is to get in and out of the car.
Kathsgrdn thanked Lars
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sephia_wa
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
"the headrests in the backseat stick up in the way."

I drive a CX5. The headrests can be lowered. The only time mine are up is if someone is sitting back there and they raise it.
Kathsgrdn thanked sephia_wa
morz8 - Washington Coast
3 years ago
People will raise the headrests if sitting in the second seat of my Explorer too. I typically don't notice when putting it away, until I'm on the freeway alone and realize my rear view vision is obstructed by the head rests ;) You'd think I'd learn to look when I've had passengers - I driven nothing else in about 3+ decades. They've all operated that same way.
Kathsgrdn thanked morz8 - Washington Coast
raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
3 years ago
I had a Mazda Protege - very different car, I know, but one thing that bugged me the entire time I owned it, was that the air vents for the window defrost blew right into my eyes! Because of my height and seat position, I am sure. Also sun would glare off of the top of the dashboard, and the seats were not a good fit for me. Things you might not notice when shopping for a new car!

My Nissan Versa had really comfortable seats.

My BIL who blogs about cars had suggested that I look at a Hyundai - I never even test drove it, because of its small rear window.
Kathsgrdn thanked raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
Kathsgrdn
Original Author
3 years ago
Kathy t, I test drove a red one. If I got this car, it would be red or the dark blue. I still would prefer a different color.

Raee, my son bought a Hyundai Tuscon not too long ago. I plan on test driving one soon.

I forgot to mention the radio in the Mazda, a turn knob that just looked like too much work to use especially when driving. My daughter played around with it but I can't see using it on a long drive unless I pulled over before messing with it.
sephia_wa
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
A radio turn knob? I change the radio channels in my CX-5 by clicking a button on my steering wheel. I've preset all the channels so when I want to change channels while I'm driving, I just click the button with my thumb.

Have you gone to Youtube and looked up Mazda CX 5's? There's tons of videos on their features and how they operate.
Kathsgrdn thanked sephia_wa
wildchild2x2
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I actually prefer radios with knobs. Easier to use without taking eyes off the road than a touchscreen. And all radios have presets. Doesn't the Mazda have radio controls on the steering wheel like most newer vehicles?

I'm the same height as you and I don't like driving sedans either. I actually like driving trucks best but they are a PITA to park in crowded lots. Currently I am really happy with my Hyundai Santa Fe. I've been thinking of getting a new one. It fits me like a glove and yet tall DH is comfortable as a passenger. The 2024 models are supposed to get complete makeovers so I am waiting to see. I never had an issue with rear windows. perhaps since I am used to driving trucks and vans and habitually use side mirrors. Plus both my truck and the Hyundai have rear cameras for backing.

When driving some rentals I have been known to just remove the rear headrests if I am not planning to have rear passengers. Just toss them on the floor or in the back until needed.

Ugh. Cupholders and console storage placement. Totally agree, not user friendly for us short people.
Kathsgrdn thanked wildchild2x2
Kathsgrdn
Original Author
3 years ago
Sephia, yes, it's near the gear shift. Brings up a list you can save to your favorites if you want but I can't imagine using it and trying to drive at the same time. The list pops up on the screen on the dashboard but seems to be even more of a distraction from driving. I am driving a 2008 Nissan Altima that has cruise control that I never use. The only thing I use is my cd player and the heated seat controller. ( : My daughter's now ex boyfriend drove us in my car not too long ago and used the auto light switch that I didn't even know was there. Next time I drove it I turned it off. I'd rather control that stuff myself.
sephia_wa
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I guess I'm not following what you mean. My channels are all preset. I change them by clicking the button with my thumb. I don't look at the screen at all because I don't care which channel it is as it's one of the preset channels that I chose. Like when a commercial comes on, I click with my thumb and change it. I never look at the screen because I know what the preset channels are and it doesn't matter anyway. Don't like what I'm listening to? I just change it with my thumb. So I have no clue what you're talking about - no "lists" pop up on my screen so I'm not distracted by anything.
Kathsgrdn thanked sephia_wa
arcy_gw
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I drive a CX-5. I find it terribly distracting to run the radio as well as all the other features. I won't get another for this reason alone. Preset stations is fine in town, but not when you are traveling and even then you scroll through ALL the stations which is a distraction each time you push that button. Its just not an intuitive drive, from the wipers to the heater. It's very demanding of your attention and that should be on what's going on outside your car. I HATE the 'safety' features. They often JUMP THE GUN and alarm when nothing is THAT close to me!! Visibility in cars over all has decreased in the last 15 years consistently. The back up camera helps some with this. My daughter thought she wanted a CX-5 and was NOT HAPPY when 'mom' got one. After driving mine around the block she knew she was mistaken. She got a Subaru. Loves it! Mean while I continue to fight my car. DH likes Mazda. He drives a sportier Mazda 6,
Kathsgrdn thanked arcy_gw
eld6161
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I have a Ford Escape. We leased one before this, then leased this one. I looked to lease another, but they made a few changes. We wound up buying the one I had.

Once you get used to a higher car, it's hard to drive a lower one. I feel for me the visibility is better.

The comfort of the seat is the first I notice. If it's not comfortable right away, I move on.

Rear window visibility is also important.

My favorite car color is usually silver, but I love my light gold color.

My favorite feature though is the key pad entry. Never have to worry about accidentally being locked out of the car, it also comes in handy when I would leave it train station for DD’s to drive home.
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barbara_tpa
3 years ago
Check out the Nissan Rogues too. I love mine!
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User
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
FYI....my red BMW oxidized. Butch's red truck oxidized. Red = oxidize. Keeping the paint color up should be the last thing on your mind. Avoid red if you plan on keeping it a long time. I purchased a dark metallic blue....it's so pretty! A pleasure to see it every day. Because of your smaller size...please test drive a Mercedes GLA 250. It's made for YOU. The manufacturers warranty includes FREE oil changes for 36k miles. The blind spot monitor is an awesome feature to have! Link
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Fran
3 years ago
I had a Mazda sedan at one time and drove it for 220,000 trouble free miles.

that was a while ago but they are dependable.
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rob333 (zone 7b)
3 years ago
At one point we owned eight cars, and six of them were Mazdas. I still have my 1990 Mazda Miata. If that tells you how well they're made. And as for a Miata, fun to drive.
Kathsgrdn thanked rob333 (zone 7b)
sjerin
3 years ago
Kath, thanks for reminding me of the other reason the Subaru I test-drove was uncomfortable and painful. That darned steering wheel was so small it created an ache in my neck during a 15-min test drive. What were those designers thinking??!
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theresafic
3 years ago
I have a 2020 Mazda CX-5. It is dark blue, I reaaly like the color. I’m not sure I would recommend it. Some things I don’t like:

I feel it is underpowered. my Kia Soul had more get up and go.

When you press on the gas, it surges, instead of a smooth acceleration.

A small thing but annoying are the door pockets. They are very shallow and don’t hold much.

The dual control heater a/c are not really dual control.

I do like the cargo space, we keep the seats down for our dog and feel like it has plenty of room.
Kathsgrdn thanked theresafic
Kathsgrdn
Original Author
3 years ago
Barbara, have a friend who has a Rogue but it's like a 2013, so will probably give it a try even though I'm kinda not thrilled about some of the Nissan issues. Both my Altima and my daughter's Murano spin on even slightly wet or icy roads when you start moving from a stopped position. It's really annoying. I never asked my friend if her Rogue does the same thing. Then there are all the recalls for the transmission issues. I don't know if they include the newer models though.
rob333 (zone 7b)
3 years ago
We've been in a rental since someone hit my adult child while they were driving properly. The other driver's insurance company issued us a Rogue. We like it a lot! Give it a try. Fantastic safety features. Love the cameras. It's pretty nice.
raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
RE Kia Soul: I had one (rental) after my car was totaled. All I can say is its seats and layout just didn't fit my body. ( I'm 5'6"). The model probably has changed since then, though. I don't remember anything about power, I think maybe the visibility was okay.

My Protege was also underpowered, it struggled to get up to speed on an uphill on-ramp. A common problem with smaller "economy" cars, of course.

Since I've had 2 cars with excellent cargo space for a smaller car (with the rear seats folded down, the Nissan Versa hatchback and now Honda Fit) I would very much hate to give that up.
Kathsgrdn thanked raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
chisue
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I was looking up something else and came across a listing of car warranties. Mazda was only average, 3-year, 36,000 miles.

When we bought our current 2005 Jaguar X-Type (48K miles now), it was a Jaguar certified used car, with a 6-year warranty. We bought a secondary warrany after that, but this little sedan has been zero trouble. It's only worth a couple thousand dollars, but saves us a minimum $40K for a replacement. I hope it's our last car, but if not, new will be electric.
Kathsgrdn thanked chisue

I test drove a Mazda today

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