[mazda4life]

Originally Posted by kkstile

Thank you @rutyraj001 and @hema4saran for the advice. It's better to stay away from pre-owned.

I own the younger brother CX-5 , 2022 model and touch wood there has been no issues, check JD Power rating if you trust them, also, funny thing is that I love the old school, touchless infotainment and the ergonomics of the buttons are perfect IMO … different strokes for different folks

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by kkstile

Thank you @rutyraj001 and @hema4saran for the advice. It's better to stay away from pre-owned luxury options for now.

Any thoughts on the Mazda CX-9? 2023 will be the last production year for the CX-9 - it's being replaced with CX-90. So the dealerships are offering attractive rates with 2-3k discounts. The car looks pretty nice (except for the archaic infotainment system with Mazda's absurd "no-touch screen" policy). Feels solid inside out for a Japanese car. Not sure about the reliability though.

I'm a fan of Mazda and consider it as a poor man's BMW (In a complimenting way) as I owned 2 of them (Mazda 6 prior to the CX-9).

At that time when I was shortlisting cars, I loved the CX-9 only because of its 2.5 liter and 250 HP engine and beautiful interiors with BOSE sound system which came standard.

I was also impressed with Grand Cherokee but, they have a BMW type alacarte which shoots up the price of the car by a lot.

Ideal size is it's younger sibling but, during 2018, it used to come only with a lethargic 180 HP engine.

From 2020, Mazda CX-5 is offered with exact same engine as the CX-9 (2.5 liter version) and I happened to drive that which is owned by a friend in Michigan. It was truly impressive and was like a rocket with its nice handling.

I would recommend the CX-5 with 2.5 liter engine if you don't need the space (which isn't much in a large car like CX-9, only exteriors look big but, it's a bit short on space inside)

Not sure if you checked out my ownership review of Mazda CX-9 :

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...ml#post4668391 (My road companion in the USA - "White Katana" Mazda CX-9 SUV. EDIT : 30,000 miles up!)

[vj123]

Originally Posted by kkstile

Any thoughts on the Mazda CX-9? 2023 will be the last production year for the CX-9 - it's being replaced with CX-90. So the dealerships are offering attractive rates with 2-3k discounts. The car looks pretty nice (except for the archaic infotainment system with Mazda's absurd "no-touch screen" policy). Feels solid inside out for a Japanese car. Not sure about the reliability though.

OEMs would have resolved most of the known issues on an existing platform which has been in the market for a while and I would prefer that over the first MY of new platforms especially in this day & age. Maybe i am old school, but i prefer the hard buttons over touchscreen and haptic touch buttons. This might be a better call if you are planning to keep this vehicle for a while.

[kkstile]

Originally Posted by mobike008

I'm a fan of Mazda and consider it as a poor man's BMW (In a complimenting way) as I owned 2 of them (Mazda 6 prior to the CX-9)

Thank you for such a wholesome review! I had almost booked the CX-5 but saw a white CX-9 with sand leather interiors parked right next to it. Blacked-out 20' wheels, blacked-out front grille, and black tint all with minimal chrome just looked sleek, sporty, and extremely beautiful. Changed my mind and bought it instead!

100 miles in, the car drives like a dream. Lots of power and the steering is nice and weighty (reminded me of my old Palio GTX!). It's touring plus trim so has a few features missing like the 360 deg camera and Bose speakers but the interior quality is much ahead of similarly priced cars. Soft touch materials even in the 2nd row feel great. And the dealership offered a good finance deal considering I had no credit history.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by kkstile

Thank you for such a wholesome review! I had almost booked the CX-5 but saw a white CX-9 with sand leather interiors parked right next to it. Blacked-out 20' wheels, blacked-out front grille, and black tint all with minimal chrome just looked sleek, sporty, and extremely beautiful. Changed my mind and bought it instead!

Congratulations on your beautiful CX-9. With those cool additions of blacking out the grille, tint etc, it looks even prettier.

Glad to know my review helped. I had some amazing time with my car and in fact, my wife misses it almost every day and considers it better than the BMW.

Originally Posted by kkstile

100 miles in, the car drives like a dream. Lots of power and the steering is nice and weighty (reminded me of my old Palio GTX!). It's touring plus trim so has a few features missing like the 360 deg camera and Bose speakers but the interior quality is much ahead of similarly priced cars. Soft touch materials even in the 2nd row feel great. And the dealership offered a good finance deal considering I had no credit history.

The driving dynamics of the Mazdas is legendary and even their SUV's drive "almost" like a sedan. Anyone who loves driving the Mazda can never be a bad choice. Plus as you rightly said, their interiors look so plush that it feels one category above the competition.

Well, I would say the 360" camera is a miss but, the Bose system isn't.

I never liked the Bose in my CX-9 as it was a bit of a disappointment.

Enjoy and wish you loads of happiness miles. Hope to see your ownership review soon.

Cheers !!

[mazda4life]

Team, wanted to share the pleasant experience in dealing with the service center here in Northern Phoenix Mazda dealership called Cardinale Mazda, have had 2 services and both have been perfectly scheduled and serviced. My 2022 CX-5 was making a whirring sound from the headlights auto leveler and the service center replaced it under warranty at no cost.
I usually spend the time waiting till the service completes drooling over the Miata’s on display.

[GutsyGibbon]

Originally Posted by mazda4life

I usually spend the time waiting till the service completes drooling over the Miata’s on display.

Drool stuff indeed. I test drove the Miata RF hardtop, its a hoot to drive. Was there to get a car for my daughter. We got her a Mazda 6, and traded in the CX-9 she used to drive. It gave us 11 years of great service. Mazdas are the best!

[sam003]

Hi All,
I recently moved to Canada and staying in Brampton. Looking for recommendations for SUV for self. Should I look for pre owned Q5 or X3 under 40k. Or any other recommendations from premium segment.
And if any recommendations for dealer?

Thanks

[infotech58]

Originally Posted by sam003

I recently moved to Canada and staying in Brampton. Looking for recommendations for SUV for self. Should I look for pre owned Q5 or X3 under 40k. Or any other recommendations from premium segment.
And if any recommendations for dealer?

Current generations of both vehicles (2018+ Q5 and 2018+ X3 (base engine)) should be within your budget (40k + 13% tax) but in terms of driving experience they are poles apart from each other.

I suggest you to test drive both (Autoplanet in Brampton should have both in stock for an easy test drive) and then focus on finding one that you enjoy better.

Other consideration would be insurance cost (given Brampton) and whether or not you will need to finance the purchase (used car rates for good credit are 8.99% and up these days).

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by sam003

I recently moved to Canada and staying in Brampton. Looking for recommendations for SUV for self. Should I look for pre owned Q5 or X3 under 40k. Or any other recommendations from premium segment.
And if any recommendations for dealer?

I recommend the X3 with my eyes closed. I have driven the Audi Q5 several times (Funnily, once I got a almost brand new Q5 as a loaner by BMW showroom while mine was getting serviced ).

Q5 to put it simply is a plain Jane. Smooth, Nice to drive with zero excitement and almost bordering to being a "boring" car.

If you enjoy driving then it's a no contest with an X3.

[Turbanator]

Someone tried to steal our old car in GTA recently and my wife is now renting a Toyota Corolla. Looking for input from someone experienced here. She needs a smaller car to park at Go-Station twice a week and do errands.


Subaru is pretty competitively priced here in Canada- about 50K out of the door with 13% HST and other charges.

https://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?W...odelYear=2023#

We will get 2024 MY in 4-6 weeks as no 2023 cars are available and I am inclined towards the wilderness edition -50K. It's VFM considering its cost is higher in the US (after exchange rate conversion)

Toyota and Honda don't have anything, the Kia dealership can give a Sportage- non-hybrid out of the door at 50K but didn't connect. This particular trim

https://www.kia.ca/en/vehicles/2023/...rimCode=SP756P

Bronco is another option 55-60 K or NX 250/ 350 at around 55-60K

Any experiences with Outback?

[vj123]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

Subaru is pretty competitively priced here in Canada- about 50K out of the door with 13% HST and other charges.

https://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?W...odelYear=2023#

We will get 2024 MY in 4-6 weeks as no 2023 cars are available and I am inclined towards the wilderness edition -50K. It's VFM considering its cost is higher in the US (after exchange rate conversion)

Are you looking at a specific model in Subaru? Link in your post takes me to the generic Subaru Canada webpage.

We got a MY23 Crosstrek Limited last year for my wife. It has the 2.5 Boxer engine with higher HP which is adequate for day to day duties. The vehicle has clocked 7k miles so far and we are extremely happy with it. MY24 Crosstrek will be a new generation and the major upgrade is the infotainment but i prefer the MY23 which has more physical buttons.

Originally Posted by Turbanator

Any experiences with Outback?

A good friend of mine owns an Outback for the past 5 years. Other than the regular maintenance, the vehicle didnt require anything and it drives like a charm. He ended up adding another Subaru (Forester) to the garage as he was happy with the brand and overall experience.

[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by vj123

Are you looking at a specific model in Subaru? Link in your post takes me to the generic Subaru.

Sorry, we are looking at Outback -wilderness-2024. It will be just about 50K CAD

[vj123]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

Sorry, we are looking at Outback -wilderness-2024. It will be just about 50K CAD

We went with Crosstrek as my wife wanted something smaller but Outback is more spacious for day to day usage. You might not go wrong with any of the Subarus especially the Outback.

Among the options you have listed, i would definitely skip Sportage as it no match to the other Japanese options (Subaru, Toyota and Honda).

Good luck with your search and purchase.

[carthick1000]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

Toyota and Honda don't have anything.

FYI, not about Outback.

I would highly recommend the Civic hatchback, if 2WD is not a problem.

Has a roomy feeling glasshouse with superb visibility all around due to low shoulder line. A multi-link suspension at the rear and with a practical hatch. Qua format/size it is easy to get around and park. And in terms of interior, this is much better to live with than Subarus and Toyotas. If 4WD is not a must, then this would be my pick.

There seems to be some in stock : https://www.torontohonda.com/new/2023-Hatchback.html

Do have a test drive!