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Various questions regarding the Mazda CX-9

38 messages,  Last post on Nov 28, 2009 at 1:35 PM

You are in the Mazda CX-9 Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester

What is this discussion about? Mazda CX-9, SUV


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#9 of 38
by howardru
Sep 29, 2008 (7:06 pm)
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I am using a ScanGuage II, which provides the mileage performance metrics that the US version of the CX-9 removed. A trip from Boston to NYC demonstrated about 22.5MPG on highway driving.
#10 of 38
by belaircarguy
Oct 05, 2008 (2:12 am)
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I have owned a 2008 CX-9 Grand Touring AWD since December 2007. The mileage matches about what all the other owners are posting for AWD (16-18 city and 22-23 highway). I really do not think this is too bad. The past two minivans I have owned (Chrysler Town&Country Limited and Olds Silhouette) both got around the same mileage. Neither of those vehicles were AWD, which does take some additional fuel to operate vs front wheel drive only. This is a large vehicle with lots of weight, so thinking 20+ MPG around town is not really in the cards. I have a 2007 Toyota Camry (4 cylinder automatic) that barely gets 22-23 around town, and that vehicle is much lighter weight, front drive only, and much much smaller.
 
Compare the CX-9 to other AWD or 4 wheel drive vehicles and I think it is OK. I have a Isuzu Trooper (4 wheel drive - V6) which only manages 11-12 MPG in town driving. This is in the 2 wheel drive mode only, but shows that you are still turning all the gears of the 4 wheel drive, even though it is not actively engaged. Total weight also plays a big part in MPG.
 
To get your best mileage, look for the lightest weight vehicle, smallest engine, no 4WD. For me, I'll take the CX-9. I love the way it drives, looks, comfort, great satellite radio, etc.!
#11 of 38
CX-9 Towing by abpelch1
Oct 08, 2008 (2:29 pm)
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Does anybody know why the CX-9 sold in Australia has a towing capacity of 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs), whereas the U.S. model equipped with the towing package is only rated to tow 3,500 lbs? I've checked the CX-9 specs on both the Australian and U.S websites and the only difference seems to be that Australian CX-9's have standard All-Wheel drive. AWD does nothing to increase towing capacity in the U.S., so I don't think that has any bearing. They also specify that the 4,409 lb towing capacity is with a trailer that has its own brakes, otherwise towing capacity is 1,653 lbs. Engine, suspension, transmission ratios...even tire sizes are the same. Are the laws of physics different "down-undah"?
 
I have a pop-up tent trailer that is pushing the 3,500 lb limit when loaded, but the fact that the (apparently) exact same car is rated to tow an additional 900 lbs elsewhere in the world gives me a little comfort that I won't be over-working my car.
#12 of 38
Re: CX-9 Towing [abpelch1] by maltb
Oct 08, 2008 (2:49 pm)
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Replying to: abpelch1 (Oct 08, 2008 2:29 pm)

3,500 lbs is the stated limit of a Class II receiver. I wouldn't doubt that it's more of a marketing issue than a vehicle limitation.
 
I pull my boat (~5,000lbs) on 5 mile stints from storage to the water on a regular basis. The CX-9 has no trouble doing so but I do run the risk of the added liability I assume.
#13 of 38
Interior door handle quality/design defect by howardru
Oct 15, 2008 (7:01 pm)
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Hi Gang,
 
I am having a quality problem with the interior door piece on my CX-9 and wanted to find out if anyone else is having the same problem as I am. I have a 2008 CX-9 AWD GT with 8K miles and less than 5 months old.
 
A few weeks ago, I went out of town, and let my wife borrow the CX-9 yeah, I gave her plenty of warnings about where to park….far from everyone else). When I returned, I found no dings or damage on the outside of the car, but I did find the interior door handle all scratched up. I am referring to the metallic finish, plastic piece that runs the horizontal interior length of the door and is used for opening and closing the door while seated inside.
 
We have no dogs, cats or even kids so this could not be from them. What I determined was that the scratching was caused by her wedding rings or fingernails as she climbed in and out of the car those few days. I saw similar (but not as much) on the passenger side which she is the ONLY person to ever use that door.
 
While getting my thoughts together to bring the car in this Friday for a few TSB fixes, I lightly ran my bitten fingernail (i.e. no real nail) across the plastic piece and WHAM! Instant scratch! I was thinking WTF!
 
If this is truly a door handle, as designed by Mazda, I would expect that this piece would hold up to many years of opening and closing without much impact. If this was truly a quality piece, I would expect Mazda to design this piece to withstand REAL fingernails on many different types of people. But what I found was that this piece is defective.
 
It is my belief now that this piece is defective from Mazda and clearly not designed well, or the production process on the date my handles were manufactured had a defect in the production line. Surely I should not be able to easily scratch this metal, with the slightest rubbing of my fingernail. Right?
 
It diesn't look like I can attach the photos here, but you should get the picture.
 
Thanks
H
#14 of 38
Re: Interior door handle quality/design defect [howardru] by steve_ HOST
Oct 15, 2008 (8:24 pm)
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Replying to: howardru (Oct 15, 2008 7:01 pm)

It diesn't look like I can attach the photos here, but you should get the picture.
 
Pic posting instructions are in the help link below. If you need a place to host the photos, your CarSpace Albums page is a good choice.
#15 of 38
Re: Interior door handle quality/design defect [howardru] by ceric
Oct 16, 2008 (12:42 am)
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Replying to: howardru (Oct 15, 2008 7:01 pm)

Same here. You are not alone.
I wish someone make real aluminum pieces to replace them.
I would be first in line to buy them.
#16 of 38
Re: Interior door handle quality/design defect [howardru] by howardru
Oct 17, 2008 (5:18 pm)
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Replying to: howardru (Oct 15, 2008 7:01 pm)

Just got back from my dealer.
 
They are replacing all the metal trim door handle pieces. Not a single question asked.
 
They said they had not heard of this before. however, I think if we all go back to our dealers and demand replacement, they'll get the idea that there is a quality problem. I just wrote a letter to the Director of Customer Satisfaction with photos and a short video of how EASY it is to scratch the piece with a finger that has no real fingernail.
 
Now, I need to find a clear film to put over the new pieces so the same problem does not happen again.
 
I'll keep you posted.
#17 of 38
Re: CX-9 Towing [abpelch1] by tbo01
Nov 02, 2008 (6:09 pm)
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Replying to: abpelch1 (Oct 08, 2008 2:29 pm)

Happy somebody brought this up. Had found same information regarding Australian built CX9s, having also travelled Europe extensively i have seen smaller vehicles legally towing more. I have 07 AWD with factory tow package as well. Replaced factory 1.25" hitch with 2" (Draw-Tite-Class III 4000lb/400lb capacity) from E-trailer to increase accessorie availability as well as presumed strength of trailer linkage. Just had Hayes Brake Controller installed. Now ready for next step which is purchase of popup camper or preferred Starcraft 18RB Hybrid camper , (2800lbs with all factory options-ac etc-3500lb max weight). The relatively low tow weight (3500lbs) and more so GCVW 8558lbs has been bothering me along with the so called 10% reserve capacity recommended on TVs. Fortunately two small kids and wife to offset my 230lbs so should be at around maximum 8558lbs with vehicle and loaded trailer. Will of course install sway bars and load distributors. Any further feedback on performance from your 3500lb popup setup would be appreciated. So many doubters down here in Texas, Need a Big Truuuuuck is all i here!!!
FYI, Etrailer aftermarket hitch is designed for non factory tow packages as it fits in under existing rear valence and not flush with factory valence cutout, approx 4 inches lower. I have addressed this with etrailer as non factory tow package vehicles will have limited use for a 4000lbs capacity hitch and this puts hitch a little to low for comfort!!!!
 
Thanks
#18 of 38
Re: CX-9 Towing [tbo01] by abpelch1
Nov 05, 2008 (1:37 pm)
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Replying to: tbo01 (Nov 02, 2008 6:09 pm)

I replaced my factory tow hitch with a class III Hidden Hitch from etrailer, and like yours it sits a little below the factory cutout in the bumper. It is a little lower than I would like, but I have not had any issues other than having to twist the chains to avoid dragging them on the ground. A ball mount with a 2" rise allows my 07 Starcraft Centennial 3606 popup to sit so level & with such little sag in the CX9 that the guys at the RV dealership asked if I had airbags installed. I replaced the stock 4-pin wiring harness with a 7-pin to allow for the installation of my Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller.
My popup has a GVW of 2780lbs with a GVWR of 3750, which should be no problem falling within with the 4000lb hitch rating & the Aussie tow specs. My primary concern is the 389lb trailer tongue weight, which is really pushing the 400lb rating of the hitch. to solve that I'm just going to make sure I pack more weight in the back of the trailer. I do not feel the need to install sway bars or load distributors through my towing experiences so far, which include highway driving at 75mph and curvy backroads in 90+ degree Nevada heat. The CX-9 appears to be up to the task.

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