Used Mazda5 Pricing?

[jeromedawg]

Hey all,

After major headaches with a failed smog check ordeal I'm going through with my 93 Camry, and also given that our second is on the way and I was thinking about a Mazda 5 already, I'm getting a little more serious about looking for one.

Any tips on what I should expect to pay for current pricing for something with a reasonable amount of mileage (under 70k)? Any other 'gotchas'? This will be my first time buying a car (regardless of the fact that it'll be used - I've never bought new OR used). So looking for some good pointers for starters. I've checked Carmax and it looks like the going rate for anything with under 50k miles is around $13k. But I've also seen as low as $7-8k with probably twice as many miles. What would be a good 'compromise' to settle on with a used car and Mazda 5 in particular?

Also, any model years to avoid or look for?

[dycker1978]

I am assuming you mean the Mazda 5(mini van) as stated, and not the CX-5(SUV).  If so, my in laws have a 2010 Mazda 5.  They are completely happy with it mechanically.  It has run well and never had so much as a recall on it.

They are completely un happy with the fuel millage.  It was advertised with something like 8.3 l/100km but they say it get way worse then that. The last mileage test they did on it got something like 14l/100km(sorry I don't remember the exact millage).  Keep this in mind when looking.

[crispy]

My Mazda5 didn't get the advertised mileage either, but the mileage was still decent.  After mine was totaled last year, I considered getting another one, but decided against it because finding a good used one was difficult and I found out they discontinued the model in the US. I was worried that that would make finding parts more difficult.

We had a 2007 model, and there was a major issue/defect with oil injector (not sure the correct term). It was a $700 fix and there were no aftermarket parts. This was a widespread problem with the earlier models of the car, but I think it was fixed with newer versions.  Of course, the car was totalled three months after we made the repair. 😬

[jeromedawg]

I am assuming you mean the Mazda 5(mini van) as stated, and not the CX-5(SUV).  If so, my in laws have a 2010 Mazda 5.  They are completely happy with it mechanically.  It has run well and never had so much as a recall on it.

They are completely un happy with the fuel millage.  It was advertised with something like 8.3 l/100km but they say it get way worse then that. The last mileage test they did on it got something like 14l/100km(sorry I don't remember the exact millage).  Keep this in mind when looking.

Yes, this is for the sub-compact minivan :) My brother has this and I rode in it a few times. It handles pretty well. As far as fuel mileage, it seems OK for what it is (at least here in the states) - I think it's rated around 21-22 city/28 highway - I haven't asked my brother what he gets on it lately, but I don't think they're unhappy by any means. I guess when you compare that to MPG on a Sienna or Odyssey (19/27), that's not all that much better and you do lose out on trunk space, so if they're upset because they're making that comparison, I can totally see why.

Now I'm starting to wonder if we should "settle" on a Sienna or Odyssey. I was hoping to avoid having to drive around such a large vehicle though - we have a Rav4 and that's the perfect size car IMHO. But planning ahead for potentially more than 2 kids, it would be rough in a Rav4.

[jeromedawg]

If looking for a Sienna or Odyssey, are there particular years to avoid on those?

[startingsmall]

I live in a rural area, so at least half of my miles are in the 'highway' category, but I average about 26 mpg on a tank of gas in my 2014 Mazda5. I love it. I do have a little bit of noise from the passenger side sliding door that annoys me from time to time, but I blame that on a rear-end collision with some slight frame damage. Otherwise, no complaints.