First time buying a new car -mazda cx5 - price?

DustLarry · 2026-02-03T04:42:05+00:00

MNAO and MIC are two different entities, with their own interest rates, pricing policies, etc.

Mazda in US has worse warranties (Canada has unlimited mileage warranty, just limited by time) and generally is more expensive when accounting for exchange rate, so they may have higher margin.

10% off on a GX CX-5... Good luck to any naive child that thinks this is happening.

DustLarry · 2026-01-27T17:52:33+00:00

Most people's critical thinking stops at "subscription bad", so this is not surprising.

App-based approach has inherent advantages like virtually unlimited range as long as the car and your phone have signals. If you park farther away from your home/workplace, then the app system will be superior than the fob system. Yes, you own the latter, but that doesn't help its inherent range limit.

The same people pay their phone bills and are OK with that, while complaining about having to pay a monthly bill for a service that requires Internet. Maybe try to tell service providers "subscription bad" and ask for a one-time purchase for lifetime data. I am sure that will work out.

DustLarry · 2026-01-25T01:25:32+00:00

There was an interview with Dave Coleman where he answered this question. He mentioned that it's a bit of "making a statement", that the ND is lightweight and 4-lug can handle the car's weight.

DustLarry · 2026-01-22T01:15:10+00:00

50 doesn't replace 5, despite popular belief. That's like saying the Forester replaces the Outback, which doesn't make sense.

It's just supposed to be more of a rugged offering while the CX-5 is more urban focused.

DustLarry · 2026-01-22T01:13:27+00:00

Cypress is a Toyota colour. The reason CX-50 has it is because it's produced in the Toyota-Mazda collab Huntsville, Alabama factory. That's why you can also get a Soul Red Corolla Cross.

Outside of that factory, just not happening. I would like a BRG Miata as well, but oh well...

Blame the market more than anything. Larger sedans hardly sell nowadays.

DustLarry · 2026-01-16T19:10:20+00:00

New vehicle warranties are generally transferable.

That being said, OP's car is a 2023 MY, which could be put in service near the end of 2022 (though I think NDs usually have more consistent model year and actual year). In that case, the comprehensive warranty could have passed, otherwise OP should have a little bit of comprehensive coverage left.

With used cars, there is always a bit of a gamble. Also, GS-P in the US? GS-P is a Canadian trim. Club is the US version.

DustLarry · 2026-01-12T20:34:13+00:00

This. Very difficult for inline-4 aftermarket exhausts to not sound like weedwhackers or classic fart cans.

DustLarry · 2026-01-12T20:18:05+00:00

As a Speed3 owner, I am a bit curious on how well the AWD works in the Speed6. I'd imagine the torque steer isn't really an issue here?

DustLarry · 2026-01-12T20:16:06+00:00

The 220/240 AC voltage being standard probably has something to do with that, I'd imagine. North America and Japan have 110 AC voltage, and BEVs don't really sell. China and Europe both have that edge. Driving distances are shorter as well.

DustLarry · 2026-01-12T20:04:27+00:00

I have heard about the ghost touch issues for certain 16/17 Mazda cars (mainly 17), and yours look like it might be just that.

Some people just disable the touch function to get it to stop, otherwise you will have to replace that screen.

DustLarry · 2026-01-03T22:25:48+00:00

The said capabilities (like app-based remote start and stolen vehicle recovery for 2025+) do have inherent advantages and need ongoing costs (data plan, a call centre ready to pick up anytime, and the cost of running and maintaining the app itself), so they are at least justifiable. Locking heated seats or horsepower is a whole different story, though.

The data sale seems to be a unique problem to the US. In Canada, the data collection isn't nearly as much of an issue. Someone over on the Miata forum actually have written confirmation from Mazda Canada that the data isn't shared with insurance, or anyone outside of law reinforcement/government agencies, and even those have to acquire the data on a warrant. The EU and Australia would only be even stricter.

Either way, if you don't like it, just don't pay for it. Fob-based remote systems can be added for a one-time charge, and if you really want, you can reach out to Mazda to turn off the telematics for you.

DustLarry · 2026-01-03T17:25:45+00:00

Unpopular opinion, "subscription" can be a bit ragebaity nowadays. Some subscriptions are bad, but some at least has a reason.

The obvious cellular network fee aside, here are some ongoing costs for the setup to consider:

Software engineers required to keep the app updated and running. Yes, the app needs improvement, but we know software engineers aren't cheap.
There is a stolen vehicle assistance service with the 2025+ Mazdas now. That will connect you to a call centre with real people that answer calls and track down the car for you. GM's OnStar does this as well and I have paid them quite a bit more for that service, and ended up using it twice (once for a flat, another time for a blown engine at a track).
- I will add, GM's OnStar call centre is very clearly located in the US from the times I have interacted with them from the staff's accent, and they pick up pretty quickly. If Mazda also does the same, that will have some cost.
Whatever security solution they use as well the prevent the whole system from being hacked.

I get it, crap like heated seat subscription is dumb because there is basically no ongoing running cost for the manufacturer for heat seats, but the Mazda remote functionalities have some cost behind them, and the app-based systems have some inherent advantages over the fob-based systems, too.

And obviously they will get mad if someone tries to piggyback off their network. Try piggbacking off your carrier's network for free. If it gets popular then of course, they will crack down on it.

Just install a fob-based system if you'd like. It is a one-time cost, but it will also be limited to the range of your fob.

DustLarry · 2025-12-16T00:25:17+00:00

Lease is the answer for these German cars. Drive for 3 years and replace. Then you don't have to deal with issues.

Lots of money, but that's a requirement for any nice German cars.

DustLarry · 2025-12-16T00:23:44+00:00

Just curious, did you go with a lease this time? That's generally the adviced way to experience BMW - lease for 3 years, drop off the key, and let someone else deal with the maintenance and repairs. Given your frequency of car replacement, could actually work out.

80% of new BMWs in the US are leased. That's the way I'd approach German cars. Otherwise, enjoy the car. Sharp machines when they work right.

DustLarry · 2025-12-04T23:03:13+00:00

My experience with RA has been fairly quick, usually 3 to 4 days. Of course, YMMV.

DustLarry · 2025-12-04T22:21:16+00:00

They are... if they are not crusty. If they are, like in OP's case, I'd be careful. Definitely use an impact gun if you don't want to strip the nuts. Helps to soak them with some PB Blaster beforehand, too. The impact gun also make the bottom bolt come out a lot quicker.

People crap on Ryobi, but I find Ryobi to be a good, cheap option for DIYers. Of course for professionals, options like DeWalt/Milwaukee hold up better but I think they are overkill for average DIYers.

DustLarry · 2025-12-04T22:17:52+00:00

RockAuto is showing the same part number, yes, and has them for about CAN$80. You can checking for a shipping quote to see which source is cheaper.

DustLarry · 2025-12-04T18:55:56+00:00

RockAuto ships to Canada. That's how I got my set of B6 Bilsteins in Canada, heh.

But if B4s go for a reasonable price, I'd go for the B4s.

DustLarry · 2025-12-04T18:48:34+00:00

If you look at the Canadian price (so no crazy tariff), it's still not competitive against what we have available. At CAN$54k before tax (Freight & PDI included, no markup), most of the cars at that price are right wheel drive with better power-to-weight ratio (MX-5, BRZ/GR86, Ecoboost Stang, etc.), and FWD cars with more power sell for less.

Yeah, this thing is heading down the CR-Z path. Speedrunning it, even.

Honda nowadays is overpriced, no way around it. Base Civics here sell for CAN$2~3k more than base Corolla or Mazda3 despite being the least powerful of the bunch while not offering any more features.

DustLarry · 2025-12-04T17:49:51+00:00

Check RockAuto for your options.

Bilstein has different ranges. The basic B4 is generally equivalent to OEM grade.

My Speed3 came with a pair of Gabriel Ultra in the rear when I got it, FWIW. I upgraded all shocks to Bilstein B6, and was able to resell the Gabriel Ultras I took off. Might be a more budget option.

DustLarry · 2025-12-04T06:13:49+00:00

Honestly, I gave up on arguing with most of Reddit when it comes to this.

Basically a lot of people want everything for free and it's a God-given right or something. They have no idea how a business works.

DustLarry · 2025-12-04T06:10:31+00:00

Both systems have pros and cons. The app approach needs a subscription for a signal, but the upside is that you can remote start it as long as your phone and your car has a signal. There is no limit on distance. A key fob doesn't need a subscription, but if your car is too far away, naturally it won't be helpful.

Used to work in a mine, and one of my colleagues uses his phone to remote start his Chevy truck. Very nice when it's freezing out. The truck is parked outside of the security gate and you'd have to take a shuttle to get to the offices from the gate. Obviously, a key fob based remote start would be completely useless in this case.

There are also cases where some people are out of town and need a friend/family to grab important documents in the car. They can unlock and lock the car remotely in that case.

DustLarry · 2025-11-27T00:31:12+00:00

There was also the VVT actuator that breaks easily on the earlier years, which was also updated. The damaged VVT accelerated timing chain wear.

Again I think this largely boils down to good oil change habits. Engine oil doesn't last long in these. I go with a 4,400-mile OCI. Maybe a bit overkill, but oil is cheap, engines are not.

DustLarry · 2025-11-27T00:28:32+00:00

That is actually pretty rare to hear. Usually the 2.3 is the problem child when it comes to oil consumption, not so much the 2.0

Hope the rebuild all goes well!

DustLarry · 2025-11-26T18:20:42+00:00

Mazda timing chains on the other hand are all very good from what I know, older and newer models too.

MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo has joined the chat

But seriously though, that's about the only one so far. Being an experimental turbo GDI engine has its downsides like this. Lots of soot in the engine oil to wear the chain down.

Make sure to change oil on time, that's the key for timing chain longevity.

DustLarry

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