Recent content by Bombadil

It is hard to believe that they felt the RAV4 looked nicer. I think it looks like a hacked up Ford Escape. I don't think it is attractive at all. To me the outgoing 2012 RAV4 looks better.

It is worth noting that when using the same engine and comparing the FWD models, that a CX-5 is rated to get 25/32 EPA vs the Mazda 6 getting 26/38. The CX-5 has a higher drag coefficient, more frontal area, and is heavier. All of this is going to work even more against the CX-5 at higher...

FYI The EPA derives its estimates from driving simulations done in a laboratory. The highway simulation covers 10.3 miles at an average speed of 48.3 mph, with about half the time spent at 55-60 mph. They do not test mileage at all at speeds above 60. People assume that the highway mileage...

This issue of the on-board mpg calculation being highly than actual mpg isn't confined to the Mazda. I've seen the same thing posted in many car forums. Far too often to appear to be a random event, in my opinion.

If the computer told you 29, then you may have actually gotten the 27 you expected.

Consumer Reports got only 19 mpg with the 2.0L in 100% city driving. It wouldn't surprise me at all if they get 17-18 with the 2.5L. They got only 12 from the CX-7 with the old 2.5L.

After writing my first post, I did later test out the Crosstrek. I was very unimpressed. I drove the CVT version, oh my, it was so sluggish. Also there is good reason to believe that it won't hit that gas mileage either. The Impreza with the same engine and tranny is EPA rated 27/36...

Mazda loads up the 6 GT more so than they do the CX-5 GT. The Touring models are priced almost identically. And the base model 6 is priced under the CX-5 Sport despite the base 6 *HAVING* the 2.5L engine. I feel the base 6 Sport is a very good value. So the pricing is really just a...

As much as I like the CX-5, if Mazda made this vehicle available in the USA, I would run to my local dealer to test it out. http://www.japanesesportcars.com/photos/d/592605-2/2014-mazda6-wagon-euro-021.jpg

I live in Wisconsin. Have never had heated seats or ever felt the need for them.

Can the rain-sensing wipers be manually over ridden? I may get a GT but I really don't like this feature. I'd rather just flip them on myself and hopefully they start working immediately.

Short commute with hills, don't know how anyone could hit EPA estimates on it. A friend of mine owns a CR-V and was complaining about averaging only 19 mpg. I asked about their commute: 3 miles each way, stop & go town driving. I think 19 is pretty good all things considered.

I loved my test drives of the JSW. Was ready to pull the trigger on one, then I found out about the high failure rate of the high pressure fuel pump, which costs thousands to replace. This on top of their already higher cost long term maintenance. Like the TDI engine needing the timing belt...

I agree with this. My point is that uninsured (and underinsured) coverage is not just medical coverage. I carry $500K on it because I don't want to be left with no means of income should an uninsured driver hit me. Or I get hit as a pedestrian or on my bicycle by a hit & run. I carry...

Here's another link, not from an insurance company, which describes uninsured motorist coverage: http://www.dmv.org/insurance/uninsured-motorist-bodily-injury-coverage.php