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SUVs Mazda CX-9 2008 Mazda CX-9
69 messages, Last post on Jul 12, 2009 at 10:20 AM
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| Comments, questions and reviews on the 2008 CX-9. | |
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cross posted from 2007 CX9 forum: For anyone that is considering buying, please note that overall I love this vehicle, and have said as much in a couple of other forums here. This is more an addendum to those other mini reviews after I have owned the vehicle for several months now. So the fact that I am posting some negative issues should not really sway anyone since out of all the models I looked at and considered, the CX9 still won out - i.e. every vehicle has flaws and negatives to go with the good stuff of course (and I would buy it again today if that helps). I have the 08 CX9 GT, FWD with all the goodies. Interior space: Space has not yet been an issue, and my wife's aunt and brother are visiting our house for more than 2 weeks, so it has been tested multiple times, and vigorously in this dept. We have EASILY packed the following into the CX9 (at the same time): Mom Dad Uncle (3rd row) Aunt (center 2nd row) 3 yr old in booster (2nd row) 6 mos old in carseat (2nd row) 85lb dog in back stroller Now granted, there was not much room for anything else, but the entry and exit times for all those beings/things was pretty impressive imo. This is exactly why I bought the vehicle, and was pleased to find out that it delivered on that front. Now if I had those two extra adults to fit on a daily or even continual basis, I would have bought a minivan, no question, but this was a once a year, maybe once every 2 yrs thing, so no big deal. DRIVING: Continues to impress. Handling is superb for a vehicle this size. Acceleration is decent. Transmission is butter smooth. I have been wavering about the ride though. At first I posted a comment about how I thought people who decried the 20" wheels ride as too rough were being overly sensitive, but I can see the point now after some time. Let's just say, in hindsight, if I had had a choice to choose the GT model with 18" wheels instead of 20" I would have done so. Not only because I imagine the cost to replace those things will be insane, but also for ride comfort of passengers. It is very European, in that you definitely feel the road more, which has positives and negatives. You get better feedback when driving, but you also get "feedback" when you hit a pothole. I will say when you do encounter a pothole, it recovers VERY quickly, but there is a pretty big jolt probably due to the low profile of the tires. Road noise. Not as quiet as I had hoped on the interstate. More wind noise than anything else, as the cabin itself seems pretty well insulated. But like my Passat wagon, when you hit cruising speeds on the interstate, the wind hitting (side view mirror is what it sounds like) obstructions can really start to whistle. But again, this IS a Mazda, and not a Lexus, so there ya go (though they are pricing this model like it was a Lexus!) Not really a big issue or a dealbreaker at all, just a note. FIT/FINISH: The floor mats are the worst I have ever seen in any car I have bought. Just awful. I would probably go ahead and plan to buy some 3rd party (like Weathertech) or even Mazda's own all weather mats, even if you don't live in a climate that needs that, because the default ones are sooooo cheap looking - they are so lightweight and cheap that mine are already starting to pull off the floor at some of the corners. Real shoddy, Mazda, does not at all go with high quality material used in the rest of the cabin. OPTIONS: Sound: I have barked about this already, but I am even more down on the sound system than I was previously. The Bose system they have with the "premium" audio package (I got the RSE) is pure crap, no other way to put it. Not sure if it's the head unit or the speakers, (I think the unit), but normal CD's (even after I have spent MUCH time tweaking audio settings) sounds just terrible. Overly boomy bass, NO mid range, ack. I can't say enough about how disappointed I am considering the extra cost. OTOH, the sound of the DVD system is phenomenol. Surround is incredible and believable, so I tried some CD's in the DVD player and it seems to be somewhat better (because I have more options I think, to tweak). Still testing this. Video on DVD is mediocre at best. Have not tested headphones that come with it yet. Locking/opening: This still baffles me. Not sure why, but after many months, I still can't seem to get "the system" (and yes I have read the ENTIRE manual). The memory seats only work if you click the LOCK button on the remote entry key. If you use the button on the door, this does NOT work, so it kinda defeats the purpose of a keycard (not having to pull out the card when you want to open or start car). I just think the whole system could be better, or better integrated at least. Maybe I will try having the dealer reprogram to do the auto locking and unlocking thing. that would probably help out (it's off by default). Mileage: Wow, it's horrible! I mean, maybe not relatively, but for us, coming from 2 VW's (4 cylinder Passat and even a V6 GTI) we have to fill up the tank ALL the time. Not so much concerned about that as I wish they would have used a larger tank...just a pain to have to constantly stop for gas. Climate control works great. Bluetooth works great Nav system itself is awful RELATIVE to personal units you can buy like Garmin, but will get you where you want to go (if you have a specific address). I would consider the NAV as just the MOST basic GPS you could find on the market - i.e it does the bare minimum (which is really all I need, so not really that much of a complaint from me) It is not friendly to use, the interface is plain bad, the graphics are worse (though if you are just listening this should not be a problem). They should completely overhaul the NAV for 09 imo. Love the adjustable headlights. Love the quality of the leather. Love the overall look, except for the chrome, which is completely cheesy imo (which is why I got a platinum one which contrasts with the chrome the least, so much less noticeable than say on the blue). That is completely subjective though, some probably like chrome everything. Rearview camera - I use it a LOT more than I thought I would. Glad to have it. Power liftgate: I thought I would use this a LOT more...but I find myself almost never using it. Maybe the wife does, not sure. I guess if you have a hand free to be able to click on the keycard to close it remotely, or even able to reach up and push the button on the gate itself, you are probably able to just close it with your hand! Not sure why I thought this would be such a great feature, but again, my 5ft tall wife may beg to differ on that point. Oh, I also had to take it in to dealer because it was pulling to left pretty severely on the interstate. Overall impression after several months (1-10 scale): 8.5
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I am in the process of ordering a CX-9, however I would like to have further information in 3 points: (1)- Is it the AWD in the CX-9 an option or I have to pay for it? (2)- Can I order a CX-9 Grand Touring with tyres 245/60R18 instead of 245/50R20? I do not think it will cause any problem with the electronic of the car (e.g. speedo, ABS, stability control, etc). The problem is that the only way to have the car with HID lights and mirrors with integrated LED turn signal is the Grand Touring model. This car however is sold with 20 inches wheels. (3)- Will the dealer reimburse me the difference in price of these two tyres and wheels. A 20 inches wheel cost more than a 18 inches tyres/wheels.
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Replying to: batman47 (Nov 07, 2007 5:22 am) You can either order an AWD or FWD CX-9. I believe the price difference is around $1,200. (2)- Can I order a CX-9 Grand Touring with tyres 245/60R18 instead of 245/50R20? I do not think it will cause any problem with the electronic of the car (e.g. speedo, ABS, stability control, etc). The problem is that the only way to have the car with HID lights and mirrors with integrated LED turn signal is the Grand Touring model. This car however is sold with 20 inches wheels. The GT only comes with 20" wheels You would have to buy the 18"'s seperately. (3)- Will the dealer reimburse me the difference in price of these two tyres and wheels. A 20 inches wheel cost more than a 18 inches tyres/wheels. Most likely no. It is not the dealer making you purchase the GT. You choose to, therefore you will also have to choose to pay for the 18"'s on your own. They are mega bucks, I do not suppose a dealer would loose such money just to make a customer. |
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| I'm buying a 2008 GT FWD, and my dealer has agreed to swap my 20" tires with the 18" tires from a Sport or Touring model at no charge. I realize I'm trading more expensive rims for less expensive ones, but from everything I've heard (and from my test drives), I'm happy that the dealer is doing it. | |
Thinking about purchasing the 2008 GT w/ rear seat ent pkg. I've never had a dvd player in my car before, when playing movies will we still be able to listen to the radio? Or does the dvd take over all the speakers? Thanks!
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Replying to: bellary (Nov 12, 2007 9:46 am)
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Replying to: 99zoomr (Nov 12, 2007 11:33 am) |
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BSMS just showing up in CX-9 models, only $200. Know tha Volvo also has this but need the opinion of someone driving now a CX-9 with it. Does it work properly? many false alarma whe a vehicle is close? Also questiona bout the NAV, screen has to flip for every music CD entry or removal now how long it will take for this to break or get stuck, anybody having problems with Navi and frequent Music CD use?
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The active split all-wheel drive is an option in the CX-9 brochure. Does the price MSRP $34,655 include this option or the dealer will ask me to pay another $1,000, for example to have this option on?
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