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2009 Mazda5

44 messages,  Last post on Nov 25, 2008 at 2:37 PM

You are in the Mazda Mazda5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA5, Future Vehicle, Van

Messages Page 5 of 5

#35 of 44 Re: the three kid dilemma by 5_more

Sep 04, 2008 (5:02 pm)

Replying to: autoholic75 (Sep 04, 2008 1:59 pm)
I own both an 8-seat Sienna and a Mazda 5.
 
The Sienna's 8-seat arrangement works well 3 with kids. The back seat in mine is rarely used.
 
The Mazda 5 works well for 3 kids too.
 
The gas mileage difference between the Sienna and 5 is about 5 mpg.
 
The Sienna is MUCH faster.
The Mazda 5 handles MUCH better.
 
I ruled the Odyssey out because of local Honda dealers' arrogance, the dysfunctional 8th seat, and its less than stellar transmission history (possibly resolved with the 5-speed).

#36 of 44 Re: the three kid dilemma [5_more] by phatlipboardz

Sep 04, 2008 (6:22 pm)

Replying to: 5_more (Sep 04, 2008 5:02 pm)
Glad to actually hear that you own both. At some point in the foreseeable future I see us owning a traditional van/suv and the Mazda 5. I am just trying to figure out which one to get first. There is also a difference in that I am going to lease the van vs. buying the Mazda, but still a car payment of course.
 
Thanks for the input. It is much appreciated.

#37 of 44 Re: the three kid dilemma [phatlipboardz] by 5_more

Sep 05, 2008 (3:37 pm)

Replying to: phatlipboardz (Sep 04, 2008 6:22 pm)
Why lease either one?
 
Have you run the numbers beyond just the monthly payment?
 
It depends on your circumstances, but if you can afford both vehicles, regardless of the financial method you choose to employ, I'd be surprised if it makes financial sense to lease either one. Perhaps there is some tax advantage related to a business arrangement?
 
For around town, I'd pick the 5, unless you buy large things like plywood, furniture and so on.
 
There is a safety difference between the two vehicles -- especially for 3rd row occupants during a rear-end collision.

#38 of 44 Re: leasing by jonat1x

Sep 05, 2008 (4:08 pm)

Replying to: 5_more (Sep 05, 2008 3:37 pm)
In some markets, Mazda is offering 0% financing with nothing down on new vehilces, including 2009s - worth checking out.

#39 of 44 Re: the three kid dilemma [phatlipboardz] by dr_who

Sep 09, 2008 (8:02 pm)

Replying to: phatlipboardz (Sep 04, 2008 10:53 am)
I have an '07 sport, manual. My wife and I have four children (1, 5, 8, & 11). We use our Mazda 5 for almost all local driving (100 miles, or less) and the six of us are comfortable in the car. If the trip is longer than that (we take periodic trips of 1,500 miles) or we require lots of baggage, then we drive our Ford E-150 XLT van, which can't be beat for long highway trips (don't think "too expensive on gas", think "way cheaper than flying!).

#40 of 44 Re: the three kid dilemma [5_more] by spacewagonz

Oct 29, 2008 (8:16 pm)

Replying to: 5_more (Sep 05, 2008 3:37 pm)
What, specifically, is the safety difference that you mentioned?
 
I have only 2 kids, but have been in the same dilemma. I LOVE everything about the 5. However, it does not seem to be larger enough for long trips with luggage, double stroller, and 6" 1 spouse. Plan to use it for daily driving with just myself and 2 kids (7 month old and 2 yrs old), since this is 90% of our driving and probably end up getting a full size fan at some point down the road. Right now, though, the incentives on the Chrysler vans are outstanding and there is nothing to be had on the 5, so there is still some indecision on my part.

#41 of 44 Re: the three kid dilemma [spacewagonz] by castg1

Oct 30, 2008 (10:35 pm)

Replying to: spacewagonz (Oct 29, 2008 8:16 pm)
I suggest comparing the 'ease of loading' the little ones into their car seats.
 
In our mazda5, there is no bending down, or climbing up to load and strap the little ones unto their seats.

#42 of 44 Re: the three kid dilemma [castg1] by andydico

Oct 30, 2008 (11:06 pm)

Replying to: castg1 (Oct 30, 2008 10:35 pm)
I'm driving a Nissan Sentra courtesy car with my 5 on the shop right now. Now I realize how convenient it is to strap/ unstrap a kid on a car seat with the 5. When it's cold, my wife would go inside the 5, strap the kid and go into the front seats from the 2nd row without going outside. Now that's convenient.

#43 of 44 Re: the three kid dilemma [spacewagonz] by redberry

Nov 25, 2008 (2:37 pm)

Replying to: spacewagonz (Oct 29, 2008 8:16 pm)
I also have two children, mine are under age 8. But I don't seem to have your space needs. The 5 seems perfect for my family (haven't bought it yet, plan to in the next month). For long trips with luggage, we've used our 4 door sedan, with tent, sleeping bags, luggage, large cooler, umbrella strollers in the trunk (back when the kids used strollers). I've verified the 5 has more cargo capacity than our sedan when the second row seats have passengers (and the 5's third-row seats are folded): the 5 has 15 cubic feet, our sedan, 13 cubic feet. Not a lot, but enough for us without paying the penalties for a larger vehicle.
 
In fact, one of the reasons I'm so looking forward to getting a 5 is because it seems to be an ideal long distance family travel-mobile. If you need to haul more things only occasionally, like bikes, etc, I think it's much more economical to get roof racks and roof cargo units than have the expense of a large van. Looking forward to my 5!

Messages Page 5 of 5

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