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Vans & Minivans Mazda Mazda5 Mazda 5 vs Kia Rondo
803 messages, Last post on Nov 16, 2009 at 3:25 PM
You are in the Mazda Mazda5 Forum. Your Host is Karens
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KIA Rondo Feb 2009 1,339 Feb 2008 3,616 Diff: -63% Mazda5 Feb 2009 2257 Feb 2008 2021 Diff: +11% Sources: http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/- 03-03-2009/0004982335&EDATE= http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/03-03-2009- /0004982297&EDATE= |
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Hi, I presently have a Mazda3 on a 4 years lease and the return is schedule for this coming august. I looked at the different Mazda models and was disappointed that the brand new Mazda 3 models are almost the same as my four year old. I looked at the Mazda 5 and reading comments on the web I came across a road test mentioning the Kia Rondo. I went for a road test and was really impressed. One thing that I wanted to change was a more softer ride. The Mazda3 is an incredible car for its sporty suspension and it clings to the road, even more so at an higher speed. Its counterparts is the bumpy ride and the hardness...feels like driving a truck! Well maybe it's my age! I went for a test drive on the Mazda 5 and I felt I was still in my Mazda3. The drive isn't comfortable like the Rondo. And if you compare the prices (Canada/Quebec) then Mazda5 isn't even near the Rondo. Although I'm only 5'10", I wasn't confortable in the Mazda. I couldn't get the seat to an agreable position for me. I am used to have the seat way back when driving. The comfort on the seats in the Rondo is much better, not to mention the heated seats. So I am hooked on the Rondo. Presently it's the 2009 model and I wonder if the 2010 will be available in July. Or get the 2009. I would appreciate your opinions and suggestions on the Rondo. I read about the fogy windows problem here. Is it on the 2009 models? Things I should ask about before buying, equipements, any specific problems etc... Thanks for your input.
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Replying to: ged3 (Mar 11, 2009 5:08 am) I currently have nearly 26,000km on it and have owned it for just over 16 months. The only warranty claims I've had are 1. one of the heated rear window strands was not working (fixed) and 2. inside stress crack on the windshield (replaced). I've had no mechanical problems so far and the vehicle is solid and totally squeak and rattle free. My mileage has ranged from a low of 26mpg to a high of 39mpg (Imperial gallons). Can't fault the fit and finish. I get my service done at my local dealer and so far no problems, they have treated me well so far and as long as they do I will support them. If you pick up the April issue of Consumer Reports which is the annual auto issue it does state that they do recommend the Rondo and I believe Consumers Guide does as well. Based on the past the 2010 model will not be available in Canada to late August. One of the main pluses for me (didn't realize it till the first winter) was what you mentioned - the heated seats - fantastic (and you don't have to get leather to get it, like in many vehicles) and also the heated side mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer. I'm very impressed with the 2.4L engine and it has more than enough power for me (out performs the 2.8L V6 that I had in my previous vehicle). Based on what I've read on the 2009 models, I would certainly not get the LX model as it appears to be even less of a bargain than in '08. Due to the current economic conditions you can get some good deals, much better than when I bought mine and at the time I thought that was a fair price too. When I purchased mine, I got the rear bumper cover, window visors and hood deflector installed. If you get them at the time of purchase you triple your warranty coverage on them. You can also download the warranty and owners manual from the Canadian website if you haven't already done so. I've had no problems with fogging windows, but if there is anything you want to know specifically just ask and will try to answer you to the best of my knowledge. So far, I have no regrets purchasing this vehicle.
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Replying to: conwelpic (Mar 11, 2009 7:52 am) As for me, I will gladly keep my much nicer and sportier looking Mazda5. Sorry, but Rondos are just plain ugly and odd looking. Just my opinion!
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Replying to: vg33e power (Mar 11, 2009 9:23 am) The Rondo, however, has a much cleaner, more unified look, with less of that Pontiac-style busy-ness and hang-ons that the M5 has. It's Mazda who should get rid of their M5 design dept (the Mazda6, on the other hand, looks fantastic) - the M5 is a little too, shall we say, full of time worn design cliches. As for people considering Kias, good Lord man, have you looked around lately? It seems like every 10th car is a Kia, and that goes for other places in Canada that I have visited. Lots of them are Rondos. Just my opinion!
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Replying to: bgw (Mar 11, 2009 12:53 pm) Just my opinion!
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Replying to: vg33e power (Mar 11, 2009 1:15 pm) And you bit. Hard. Chuckle.
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Replying to: bgw (Mar 11, 2009 3:06 pm) 
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Replying to: vg33e power (Mar 11, 2009 3:26 pm) You may change your comments however, when you see some of the new stuff coming down the pipeline in the next year or two due to the new head KIA designer Peter Schreyer, who I believe came from Audi. Do you think the new Soul is "bland and boring"? There is a new redesigned Sorento and Forte (replacing the current Spectra) coming in the next few months, as well as a Forte Coupe that is currently under testing. I've heard the whole lineup will be revamp by 2011-12, so it will be interesting to see what you have to say then!
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Replying to: conwelpic (Mar 11, 2009 4:19 pm) a) We still have a last gen Mazda5 and you still have a last gen Rondo. Good for KIA bringing a designer from Audi but that will not change the way the Rondo looks today unfortunately. b) As we discussed some time ago on this same thread, if the owner-to-be is not into good car handling, fun-to-drive, ZOOM-ZOOM philosophy features and looks, then the Rondo is the way to go, just as the previous Mazda3 owner posted above, good stuff and good decision for him c) Interestingly enough, you can find (especially in Canada) that many people buy the Mazda5 based on their experience with their previous or existing Mazdas' ownership (i.e. Protege, Mazda3, MazdaSPEED3 and Mazda6), especially because of the items highlighted on point b) But now, Hyundai (and KIA) have money to spend today where other car manufacturers don't, so they have the opportunity to continue growing and punch hard. They have come with much better and competitive new models (i.e. the Genesis Sedan, the Genesis Coupe and even the Equus), but the brand perception overall does not change overnight. Once they apply a common philosophy to all their cars then I believe that the KDM concept will take off as the JDM has done for the last 15 years, yet it will take time to be adapted to all their models. Oh, and I believe Hyundai will come first as a better perceived brand overall, then KIA |
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