Mazda 6 anyone?

[chazyouwin]

Can't find the thread where everyone was asking, what should I get post-Kizashi, but how considering about the new 2014 Mazda 6?

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/21/autom ... d=all&_r=0

[KuroNekko]

The Mazda6 is the car I would get to replace the Kizashi.

It's probably the only affordable midsize that has been built with driving dynamics and handling as key elements since the Kizashi.

I would personally be interested in the 6 speed diesel.

The new Honda Accord is very nice, but I don't think it's at the level of Mazda in driving dynamics.

[CLLee]

I had a first gen Mazda6 before the Kizashi. It made me fall in love with driving.
Love every kilometre I did on that car (all the way to almost 200,000km).
Even after a long day at work, I looked forward to the 45min drive home. Since then, I've been a Mazda6 fan. (previous car was a Camry.... lol)
It was very reliable... only thing I've replaced were engine mount (120,000km) and front lower control arm bushings (150,000km).
When the time came for a new car, I went with the Kizashi because it was the only car I found worthy as a replacement (drive and handling), that's within my budget in Australia; and keeping with the 'mid' size.

I'm every bit confident the 2014 Mazda6 is an excellent car in every way.
In Australia, it costs almost $10,000 more for about the same trim level I wanted (HID, sunrroof, leather etc). And it's a bit too big. You do get a lot more car in terms of tech and I read the build quality is very impressive. I know one day, I will go back to a Mazda...

[Pyramid1]

As someone who recently sold an 05 Mazda 6 I think I can chime in. At the time (I bought it in 06 with just over 11k on the clock) it was probably the best handling car in it's class and the biggest reason I bought it. It wasn't exactly trouble free (alternator, a/c compressor, 2 wheel bearings, 2 cv joints, minor electrical gremlins) and all of these repairs were nearer the 5-6 year old mark than the 8 years old when I sold it, and only the alternator was covered under warranty. However, I've had much worse reliability, and for most of it's life just regular maintenance was needed. I can only give you my impressions of the 05 model since I don't know what improvements were made later, or much about the 2014 model, but I can say that Mazda QC isn't bad, but nowhere near the top for Japanese makes. Mazda interiors look pretty good, but they have quite a few cheap feeling bits, and the seats are just so-so for comfort/support imo. The paint/panel fit (at least on my car) wasn't too bad, but not great either. Road noise was pretty bad on certain surfaces however, and tire type/brand didn't make a huge difference. I think Mazda sacrificed noise insulation for cost or weight reasons.

Overall I would say it was a good car and certainly had decent handling, but in many areas not quite up to the standards of Honda/Acura/Toyota models I've owned in the past. Unless the 2014 6 is a totally different animal, I don't think it will surpass the Kizashi when all things are considered..

[Moto]

I have a feeling a 2014 Mazda 6 will out handle the kizashi, but unless you go for the top trim the kizashi is probably a nicer car.

I've be driving my old mazda protege 5 rather than the saabaru lately and other than being a little on the slow side the car is still great fun to drive. On dry twisty pavement I think my mazda is more fun to drive than my turbo saabaru.

[Shaneous]

Hmm if I was in the hunt again at the moment I'd be seriously looking at a Toyota 86 or a Subaru BRZ i think. But I agree the new Mazda 6 looks good!

[KuroNekko]

Hmm if I was in the hunt again at the moment I'd be seriously looking at a Toyota 86 or a Subaru BRZ i think. But I agree the new Mazda 6 looks good!

Indeed. The Toyobaru is a very attractive car for many reasons.
The Japanese have made a rather sentimental commercial for it too.

[youtube][/youtube]

[murcod]

Totally different class of car though!

The 6 is really in a bigger class now too. I don't think the increased size will possibly do it any favours with handling?

[Woodie]

The Toyobaru is a very attractive car for many reasons.
The Japanese have made a rather sentimental commercial for it too.

Awwwwwww, that was sweet.

[twoqttsdad]

"De-te-ke!"