Is it better...

U

Unregistered1

Guest

• Dec 5, 2009

• #1

Ok so I have definitely decided that the Mazda 5 is what I want.

Now, is it better to buy a 2006 with lower milage (around 30,000) or a 2008 with higher milage (around 50,000) as far as longevity and maintenence?

 

M

Maedze

New member

• Dec 5, 2009

• #2

I don't know if this is important to you, but the big difference between those two models is that in 2006, there was no rear passenger vent. There were vents in the front dash and that was it. In 2008 they added a vent in the rear end of the console between the front seats, pointing at the second row.

I understand the third row of the 5 gets pretty miserable in the summer in the older models.

 

jujumum

Well-known member

• Dec 5, 2009

• #3

I wouldn't buy a car with more than 15-18,000 miles per year maximum.

 

U

Unregistered1

Guest

• Dec 5, 2009

• #4

Maedze said:

I don't know if this is important to you, but the big difference between those two models is that in 2006, there was no rear passenger vent. There were vents in the front dash and that was it. In 2008 they added a vent in the rear end of the console between the front seats, pointing at the second row.

I understand the third row of the 5 gets pretty miserable in the summer in the older models.

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We currently have NO a/c. So anything will be a step up.

 

beeman

Active member

• Dec 6, 2009

• #5

How many miles a year do you put on? What is the price difference? How much salt is used on your roads?

The higher mileage vehicle will likely be mostly highway miles. I put 25,000 miles a year on my truck, so I don't view 50,000 on an 08 as high. As for corrosion, the newer one will have longer warranty in that department, and if you're in the rust belt that is a concern. On any used vehicle, replacement of brakes, suspension & steering components and tires may be needed in the 60 to 70 thousand mile range, however that will vary between vehicles, and how hard they have been driven. Don't let this make you avoid the higher mile vehicle, but consider it when comparing price differences.

 

mcomommy

New member

• Dec 6, 2009

• #6

I have no idea which is better but just wanted to say that we have an 07 Mazda 5 and my oldest is in the back row. Even in TX summers she got plenty cool back there just from the front vents, it is a small small little van

 

LuvMyCharlie

New member

• Dec 6, 2009

• #7

Didn't they add an arm rest for the front passenger in the '08, also? I dunno...if I was the passenger, that's something that'd bother me(not having an armrest).

 

Pixels

New member

• Dec 6, 2009

• #8

LuvMyCharlie said:

Didn't they add an arm rest for the front passenger in the '08, also? I dunno...if I was the passenger, that's something that'd bother me(not having an armrest).

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Yes, they did.

 

U

Unregistered1

Guest

• Dec 6, 2009

• #9

Yeah, the newer ones have arm rests. But once again, I'm used to driving a 1990 Accord... anything is a step up. I almost never have a front passenger anyways.

So is the milage difference not a huge deal then? Do cars need more maintenence because they're older or because they have high milage?

 

Pixels

New member

• Dec 6, 2009

• #10

Maintenance is usually more mileage-dependant than age-dependant.

 

crunchierthanthou

New member

• Dec 6, 2009

• #11

Didn't the first MYs have an issue where the 3rd row shoulder belts were too far foward on the pillar. IIRC, they were only good for harnessed seats. When did they change that?

 

bobandjess99

Senior Community Member

• Dec 6, 2009

• #12

It's a toss up really. Lower miles is less use, but it also means HARDER use, like in town stop-and-start driving. That wears down the car faster. Th higher mileage HAD to be highway miles, you can't really put 25K miles a year on a vehicle otherwise, so while it's more miles, there might possibly have actually been less wear and tear on the tranny and stuff.
Do you have history? Can either of them show service records? Because a properly maintained vehicle with regular oil changes is going to be the clear winner over one that hasn't been cared for.

 

beeman

Active member

• Dec 8, 2009

• #13

MissKatie said:

So is the milage difference not a huge deal then? Do cars need more maintenence because they're older or because they have high milage?

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Really when it comes down to it, both have an affect. There are certain points in the maintenance manual that are base on mileage, and others that are based on time. Assuming other than mileage that both vehicles are basically in the same condition, I'd personally prefer to go with the newer, high mileage vehicle, because I know how to change brakes, shocks, u-joints etc., compared to electronics and body work. The warranty will last longer too. Don't go in with an attitude that "anything is a step up". If you can afford so, buy the vehicle that is best suited for you, and don't settle for second best.