Mazda6

"Marcus" (mahdigga) 11/28/2016 at 01:28 • Filed to: None

0

6

Test drove this one today. Just concerned about the power from the 4 cyl

Definitely a beautiful car. They’re asking $30k. Thoughts?

And would I want something with the better tech? Decision decisions. Trying to avoid the every mans accord for something sportier.

Gripevo1 > Marcus 11/28/2016 at 01:34

1

Great color combo. As a car designer, Ive always appreciated how well Mazda integrates organic design aesthetic into a relatively simple 3 box sedan package.

Get it.

Marcus > Gripevo1 11/28/2016 at 01:39

0

Strongly considering...only wishing for more power, cooled seats and wondering if I’ll regret something without CarPlay

Gripevo1 > Marcus 11/28/2016 at 01:49

0

For sure. If a hatchback works for you, the GTI is a great daily that has lots of goodies(minus the cooled seats) plus plenty of performance.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Marcus 11/28/2016 at 02:35

0

Idk, but how’s the Accord to drive? I drove the newest Civic and actually really liked the handling and steering. If that transferred into the Accord I’d give it a hard look even with the 4 cyl.

Audistein > Marcus 11/28/2016 at 05:59

0

I had a cousin shopping for a vehicle in that class/price range and they settled on a certified pre owned Acura TLX AWD.

If you can find a 2015 CPO TLX V6 SH-AWD for $30k that will absolutely blow the doors of the Mazda. Many AWD TLX’s have heated/cooled seats and radar cruise control among other things. Handles amazing well with the AWD and the transmission is superb in Sport+ mode. Really surprised me in terms of dynamics. The torque-vectoring AWD really transforms the vehicle because you can peg the throttle mid-corner to eliminate understeer; a little counterintuitive but surprisingly satisfying. With the proper wheels/tires on it a TLX SH-AWD can probably out-corner anything of that size short of a $60k sport sedan (19" wheels and wide performance tires is ideal but the 18" wheels are fine with some high-performance all-seasons or summer tires.).

Interior and exterior design is definitely not as nice as the Mazda though. I was a little disappointed by the interior of the TLX overall but it’ll probably hold up over time better than most cars in terms of durability. The Mazda looks better while the TLX just looks like a normal car with fancy headlights. I’d say the AWD TLX almost qualifies as a “sleeper” though in terms of its performance.

If you don’t want the V6 AWD, then even the 2WD TLX’s have all wheel steering standard (Acura has some funny name for it) and the 4-cylinders even get a dual-clutch transmission. With some big wheels I heard those handle really well too. I never personally drove the lesser models but I heard that while they don’t come close to the SH-AWD that they’re really not bad at all. You could definitely find a non-AWD TLX V6 or any I4 in like-new condition (2015 or even 2016)for well under $30k. Both have more power than the Mazda 6. You could probably get a TLX 4 cylinder with the tech package for around $30k new if you searched around enough. TLX SH-AWD is worth a look really if you’re not dead-set on getting a brand new car.

If you’re willing to go a little smaller then a Subaru WRX is an option too. The WRX is bigger inside than you would think looking at it. The CVT in the WRX is actually pretty good if you don’t want a manual; it way exceeded my expectations. The WRX overall is very fast and very sporty. Totally different league than any normal commuter car. You can also get it with radar cruise and some other tech but I think it gets very expensive at that point though. It’ll also get way worse MPG and have higher insurance as well. Also doesn’t look as good as the Mazda. Just a thought though.

The Mazda 6 really needs the engine from the CX-9 and AWD. That would be awesome. Probably too expensive to justify, but awesome.

I feel a little weird only suggesting cars with torque-vectoring AWD systems, but considering my username I guess it makes sense. (I’m not really a dedicated Audi fan though!) Only things with RWD which are close have 2 doors. I guess the Accord Sport and Accord V6 didn’t cut it for you in terms of being interesting. Ford has that 2.0 turbo engine in the Fusion (and AWD apparently) but I don’t know much about it. Mazda 6 is a good choice, so if you do buy it I’m sure you’ll be satisfied.

64Mali > Marcus 11/28/2016 at 10:03

0

I (well the wife) has a 2016 Touring, it cost us 22k roughly but it isn’t fully loaded. The car has power, I would say slightly less than the old V6 Mazda 6 I had but pretty darn close. If you floor it there is a WOT Switch that can be depressed which gives the car a nice hefty boost of power. We got ours in May of this year and have already logged 11600 miles on it and not a single issue. Its pretty comphy for long trips and the Infotainment system is phenomenal. Hooks right up to our phones for Pandora. I also have a 2016 Mazda 3, so If you have Mazda questions let me know.