Recent content by Benior

There are importers who specialize in this sort of thing, but it's generally not worth it unless you've got a rare vehicle. Bare minimum, the speedometer and lights are supposed to be changed, and frequently the mirrors as well for US DOT compliance. You'll take a hit selling it, but you'll...

Have a 2014 CX-5 GT, used to have a 1997 Miata M-Edition with Tokico Illumina shocks, Flyin' Miata sway bars, and a Flyin' Miata lightweight flywheel. I also had a 2008 Mazdaspeed3 that I replaced with a 2019 VW GTI, but nothing has been as fun as that Miata was. I'd like to get an ND one of...

I don't know if you're still considering the Tiguan, but the current gen Tiguan pretty much has the smallest cargo area in its class (24cu ft vs 34cu ft in the CX-5 with the seats up). In fact, it's got all of 1 cu ft over the Golf. That, along with high prices and a lack of a fuel efficient...

I don't think it's crazy. You need something that works for your lifestyle, and I've always felt that Mazda has been kind of like a budget-BMW in they're pretty good about infusing most of their vehicles with some measure of driving fun. Before picking up my 2014 Mazda CX-5, I test drove the...

The 335d was $2475 more than a turbocharged gasoline engine, not a naturally aspirated gasoline engine. BMW can also include free maintenance because their profit margins are far higher than a non-luxury brand like Mazda. Diesel fuel has gone up in price because of the demands for lower sulfur...

Changed the oil today. That Mazda 0W-20 synthetic sure is thin even compared to Mobil1 5W-30.

The optimist in me is saying, "Yes, new Mazdaspeed3 to give me an excuse to replace mine!" The pessimist in me is saying, "Meh, they're just testing a turbodiesel CX-9 that's only for non-US markets anyway." The realist in me is saying, "I just got a new-to-me 2014 CX-5, so I can't swing a new...

I agree with MikeM. If there was evidence that deer whistles worked, insurance companies would probably be recommending them and giving discounts for having them. FWIW, the various fancy safety features on my CX-5 AWD GT with Tech Package reduce my insurance by $94 per year. Having ABS on my...

I used a car cover for my Miata when I knew I wouldn't be driving it, especially before thunderstorms because old Miata weatherstripping tends to be less than 100% rain proof. I didn't have any ill effects, but as karimagnum said, you want the car to be clean before you put it on. With that in...

If we had vehicle standards harmonization with Europe, that would be a good point. But we don't, so automakers have to make vehicles to meet slightly different standards. EPA emissions and fuel economy testing protocols and standards vary from the EU standards. Some things I like better the EU...

I agree that most people buying manuals these days buy them because they like them, not because they're cheapskates. Until I picked up the CX-5 a month ago, the only vehicles I drove were my manual-only 2008 Mazdaspeed3 GT and my 1997 Miata M-Edition (also manual). The problem is, without those...

Actually, $2300 doesn't sound that far out of line. When my B15 Sentra needed a new driver's side door, just the door alone (no glass or interior bits) was something like $6-700.

I'd guess you start seeing fewer options on manual transmission cars because automakers are looking to cut costs where ever they can on vehicles where the manual transmission has a low take rate. With development, testing, and certification costs factored in, in vehicles with low manual...

I have to say, that is impressive for PDR given the shapes involved.

I'm not sure what you mean by that since both of the wheels I dented were aluminum alloy. One was gravity cast, one was pressure cast (how OEM aluminum wheels are typically made). That being said, they were both running 50 series sidewalls, so a CX-5 with less than 19" wheels would likely have...