New 2011 Mazda 6 i Sport

[GMFan]

My Saturn is at the end of the road with bad clutch/hydraulics and a slight engine knock (or possibly a failing timing chain).

Last week I put a down-payment on a new 2011 Mazda 6 i Sport with 6 speed manual transmission in Comet Gray Mica. It has the 4 cylinder 2.5L MZR motor. I am awaiting delivery on the vehicle as the dealer had to due a vehicle trade with another dealer. They claim I'll get it sometime this week, but I really hope they aren't lying to me. I had heck of a time finding this vehicle in this exact color with a manual transmission!

Believe it or not, I don't even have the vehicle yet and am already debating what to run in it. I'd like to use the max 7,500 mile OCI schedule as I put 17k/yr and do lots of highway driving. Mazda specs 5w20 and I believe Motorcraft 5w20 is the fill as this vehicle is assembled in a Ford plant in Flat Rock, MI.

Anybody have any comments on the Mazda 6?

 

[Hermann]

Congrats. Sounds like a nice ride. Always liked the looks of the latest generation Mazda 6. Hope that 4 cyl gets the mileage your looking for as the gas prices make that look like a smart decision.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Congratulations on the new car. We had a 2010 Mazda 6 as a loaner once when our Chrysler T&C was at the dealer for a week. I rather liked the car, and it's what started the mid-size sedan wheels a-turning in my mind, and I replaced my compact car with a mid-size. It was roomy inside and had a very comfortable ride. Very plush.

A friend had an older gen Mazda 6, and the newer one is a head-over-heels improvement in my eyes. Less zoomy, much more comfortable. Less NVH. More room. Better in every way in my opinion, and for what I want a mid-size sedan for.

I'm sure you'll be happy with your fuel economy, if driven reasonably.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
...A friend had an older gen Mazda 6, and the newer one is a head-over-heels improvement in my eyes. Less zoomy, much more comfortable. Less NVH. More room. Better in every way in my opinion, and for what I want a mid-size sedan for.


I wouldn't say it was an "improvement" but it is different. It certainly is quieter and smoother....and bigger. It's quite nearly as big as the current Accord which is classed a fullsize by interior volume.

When they changed the 6, they lost some of the niche market and upset a lot of 6 owners....but maybe that's not entirely a bad thing. Not everyone wants a mid-size that rides and handles like it's trying to be an RX-8.
I've driven a 2005 Camry LE back to back with my Mazda6. The Camry felt soft and lazy. Like I was having to put a lot more into the controls to make anything happen. I feel like I have to crank the steering wheel a lot to get it to change directions and then it does so begrudgingly. Then I thought about it and I thought, maybe my car is the oddity in the class. Drove a Fusion later on and it was kinda' soft and lazy too (to a lesser degree than the Camry) and that confirmed it. Mazda wanted a bigger share of the market and made their midsize more like the competition.

I don't think their plan worked. Ford will still sell 200,000+ more Fusions than Mazda will sell 6-es. But Mazda still made a very nice, smooth and quiet car that should be identical to the Fusion in fuel economy, reliability, and performance. It's made in the USA in a UAW facility and has a higher US/Canadian component percentage than the Fusion.

Congrats on your purchase! Just watch out for those spiders.

 

[Hokiefyd]

A friend used to have a 2005 6, and I drove it a few times. You are right, the new 6 is definitely missing an "edge" that the last 6 had. It certainly depends on what you're looking for in a car, as to whether or not it's an "improvement".

 

[kkreit01]

Very nice ride. Congrats!

 

[Spazdog]

I know the OP has a 6i, but I wanted to share my new 6S story:

When they first came out, I was checking out a new red 6S at the light. It must have made the driver uncomfortable or feel challenged by me because she floored it when the light changed.

The 3.7 Mazda6S might be the quickest stock fwd midsize I've ever seen. She rocketed away from me like she was being launched off a carrier deck. I didn't even try to keep up. I'm sure I just sat there with my eyes wide open and my mouth agape.

 

[GMFan]

I chose the I4 motor for fuel economy...If I had the V6 my insurance would probably be even higher and I'd only go through gas and tires quicker...a V6 would make me drive it harder.

The car is 100 miles away and it is officially my car now...the dealer just has to go and get it. I should hopefully have the car early next week. I will post pictures when I have a chance.

The motor holds 5.3 quarts...any reason why I couldn't go 7500 miles on a good conventional motor oil if I do mostly highway? I will use 5w20 which would be a synthetic blend anyway. I'd like to use Motocraft 5w20 (which is the FF), but it is difficult to find in my area in 5qt jugs. Would any 5w20 do for this OCI, or would you do 5000 miles?

 

[Autobahn88]

Nice choice. I have always liked the Mazda6. I had the chance to drive a previous generation Mazdaspeed 6 and let me tell you it is one of the most underrated sedans. Very quick and handled like on rails with the AWD. Good luck with the purchase. I am sure you will enjoy it.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: GMFan
The motor holds 5.3 quarts...any reason why I couldn't go 7500 miles on a good conventional motor oil if I do mostly highway?


I don't see any reason why that wouldn't be fine. What does the owner's manual say about OCIs?

Originally Posted By: GMFan
I will use 5w20 which would be a synthetic blend anyway. I'd like to use Motocraft 5w20 (which is the FF), but it is difficult to find in my area in 5qt jugs. Would any 5w20 do for this OCI, or would you do 5000 miles?


If you don't have a Walmart, the Motorcraft probably would be harder to find. I thought Advance/AutoZone kept it in 5-quart jugs also; maybe not. I think any decent 5W-20 would be able to support a 7,500 mile OCI. Again, though, I'd check Mazda's recommended OCI first.

 

[addyguy]

Eljefino is going to b-slap you for giving up on your Saturn!

Just kidding...seriously, nice car buy. The Mazda 6's sedans are very sporty for a standard mid-size sedan.

MC 5W-20 at 7500 mile intervals would work well for this engine - in fact, a VOA for the SN/GF-5 MC 5W-20 was just posted in the VOA section - solid oil!

 

[GMFan]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
Eljefino is going to b-slap you for giving up on your Saturn!

Just kidding...seriously, nice car buy. The Mazda 6's sedans are very sporty for a standard mid-size sedan.

MC 5W-20 at 7500 mile intervals would work well for this engine - in fact, a VOA for the SN/GF-5 MC 5W-20 was just posted in the VOA section - solid oil!


I have been waiting for eljefino to post

The Saturn needs the following work: New Clutch and/or clutch hydraulics, a rattling from the engine at idle (possible bad timing chain), new front passenger side wheel bearing (should replace the driver's side too), new hubs and rotors (constant rotor warping), a blown stereo speaker (and one that cuts in and out - electrical gremlin), a power steering pump that is starting to groan when I turn and the rear door sills are starting to rust.

...all this not including the idea of the somewhat common cracked cylinder head or blown up differential pin in the back of my head. The starter, radiator, water pump and alternator are original. It only made sense to bail out now before it becomes a money pit. This car is a mechanic's special IMHO.

Plus, the new safety features in the Mazda (like side curtain airbags) can't be discounted. The Saturn would be a death-trap in a t-bone with a pickup or SUV.

 

[addyguy]

Are you trading the Saturn in, or selling it?

BTW, you'll have to change your user-name now, too!

 

[GMFan]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
Are you trading the Saturn in, or selling it?

BTW, you'll have to change your user-name now, too!


I'm donating it. The dealership offered me $300 trade-in since it has issues (engine and clutch). The mechanic there said my engine was knocking when the clutch was released...something about the engine having less load on it causing knocking. It does make a loud rattling/clanking sound...almost like a timing chain.

The other car I was considering was the Chevy Cruze 1.4T Eco...but I fell in love with the Mazda6 the first time I drove it. I'm also not a fan of the "new" GM. Oddly enough, the Mazda6 had much more domestic content in it than the Ford Fusion (another vehicle I considered) and the Cruze.

I heard from the dealer...they had it driven to the dealership today. I am going in Monday to pick it up. The Mazda luxuries include power windows and locks and cruise control. I went for the base model...less things to go wrong later in the car's life IMHO. I also plan on getting my monies worth and driving this one into the ground to help offset the cost of depreciation buying new.

I will miss my Saturn...the memories I had in it, but not the repair bills and never-ending to-do list.

I have a few hundred miles of driving to do in my Saturn this weekend...I checked the oil for the last time today and topped off with half a quart of 5w30 Havoline...its last supper. I have noticed the SOHC has been starting to drink oil at a more rapid pace lately. It has 131,560 miles on it.


Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: GMFan
The motor holds 5.3 quarts...any reason why I couldn't go 7500 miles on a good conventional motor oil if I do mostly highway?


I don't see any reason why that wouldn't be fine. What does the owner's manual say about OCIs?

Originally Posted By: GMFan
I will use 5w20 which would be a synthetic blend anyway. I'd like to use Motocraft 5w20 (which is the FF), but it is difficult to find in my area in 5qt jugs. Would any 5w20 do for this OCI, or would you do 5000 miles?


If you don't have a Walmart, the Motorcraft probably would be harder to find. I thought Advance/AutoZone kept it in 5-quart jugs also; maybe not. I think any decent 5W-20 would be able to support a 7,500 mile OCI. Again, though, I'd check Mazda's recommended OCI first.


From the brief research I have done, Mazda states 5000 mile OCI for "severe" and 7500 miles for normal driving on API approved 5w20.

My local walmart does not carry Motorcraft for some reason and the jugs always seem to be sold out at Advance Auto.

Sometimes I get lazy and use the quick lubes tire shops...they charge $20 for oil/filter change but they use 10w30. Since this car will require 5w20 it will be extra incentive for me to stop being lazy and DIY.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: GMFan
Oddly enough, the Mazda6 had much more domestic content in it than the Ford Fusion (another vehicle I considered) and the Cruze.


Isn't that weird? The Fusion's domestic parts content is only 20%, and it's not built in this country. The 6 is over 50%, isn't it, and it's built in Michigan?

 

[GMFan]

Does anybody have any idea as to how the reliability compares to other car manufacturers? I have found Mazda very difficult to find reliability information on.

 

[unDummy]

Any vehicle when maintained will be reliable.

 

[Autobahn88]

Originally Posted By: GMFan
Does anybody have any idea as to how the reliability compares to other car manufacturers? I have found Mazda very difficult to find reliability information on.


Don't worry about reliability. I have owned 4 Mazda products and still own one, and they have all been drop dead reliable. To be honest, the most reliable cars I have ever owned were a Miata and Protege5.

 

[k24a4]

I agree that a well maintained Mazda will last a long, long time. Although historically they tend to trail Toyota and Honda, I think that gap is small enough now to be considered insignificant. I would say pretty much the same for Ford, which seems to be making some compelling vehicles of late.

It just keeps getting better for the consumer. Keep us updated on the experience with your new ride and congratulations!

BTW, the Miata in my sig is trouble free and an absolute blast to drive. The Zoom-Zoom is not just marketing hype. Almost all the cars in their line have a fun-to-drive character.

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted By: GMFan
Does anybody have any idea as to how the reliability compares to other car manufacturers? I have found Mazda very difficult to find reliability information on.


I will only speak of my Mazda in my sig, as it's the only Mazda car I had so far.

It is 5 years old with a little over 70k on the clock. It's been pretty good so far. It had the upper strut bearing replaced under warranty as it was making a slight popping sound, it also had the lock recall performed on it. That's about it as far as repairs go under warranty.

Also a couple months ago the driver's side engine mount lost its oil, so I will have to replace that as well, but I think it was my fault as I hit a huge pot hole with the driver's side front wheel a week or two before the engine mount lost the oil.

And I guess I will have to change the accessory belt as it's starting to chirp quite laud during damp or cold weather.




So, those are the things that had to be done or will have to be done on top of regular maintenance and while not exactly 100% trouble free, I think my Mazda is reliable, still drives fantastic, and I just like driving it, therefore it will be kept for as long as possible.

EDIT:
I forgot about the accessory belt tensioner pulley, I replaced that as well, as it had a lot of play in the bearing and was starting to squeak, so I changed that before it seized.