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- 10 MS3
O.k. so I went to the local Mazda dealer after work to test drive the 5. The dealer was stocking 2 Manual transmissions(Basic and loaded) and 1 Auto. The 5 was parked right next to an MPV and Mazda3, I wonder why 
. The 5 is clearly much smaller than the MPV but a little bit bigger than the 3, I would say it looks like a Matrix or Vibe. While waiting for the sales guy to get the keys I had a chance to play around.
Exterior: As I mentioned above the 5 is much like the Matrix and Vibe as far as body style. The the rear lights are ugly IMO. The wheels I thought were nice wrapped around some Toyo Proxes. The sliding doors were also nice, when fully open, they would not slide or close without you pulling the handle. I thought this was a nice safety feature.
Interior: The inside is very nice, the seats are comfortable, but might not be so nice for bigger people(Im 5'7" 165). The rear seats are not for adults or teens. I sat back there and I felt really cramped even when moving the 2 passenger seats forward. The headrest need to be popped up all the way in order to rest your head. The interior features are nice with many "secret" compartments. When occupying all 4 passenger seats the is little to 0 room in the rear for storage, although there in space at the bottom before the spare tire. I sat in both the base and loaded model, and IMO the loaded model is much better(No Sh*t). The leather wrapped steering wheel, moonroof are a must. If not then just the leather wrapped steering wheel.
Engine Compartment: Not a lot of space, is all I can say.
So finally, after messing around with the 5 for a while the sales guy comes back and hands me the keys. To my surprise, he hands a key that requires you push the button to let it out(Like the VW's).
The Drive: As we pulled out I couldnt help but gun it. The acceleration was very good, I was surprised by the way it hauled because of it's size. Third gear seemed to be where it pulled the most. The shifting was smooth but very long. The clutch IMO was terrible, too soft. Handling on this car is amazing, there was little body roll. I had previously test drove a Mazda6 5door and I can say that the 5 handles better than that one. I have not had the opportunity to test drive a 3, so I cannot compare it to that. Overall, I was real happy with the way the 5 drove and handled.
Conclusion: Overall, I think the 5 is a good car but overpriced. The base model I tested was $18K and the loaded model was $22K. If an extra seat is necessary then this is the car for you. Although, there were some loaded MPV's going for $22K. If 6 seats is not necessary then I must say the 3 is a better value. The MPG was also very unsat, 27 on Highway and 22 on the road, the WRX gets the same MPG. I really don't understand why Mazda priced this car so high.
Personal Opinion: I would buy the 5 if the price was somewhere in the $15K area. The 5 has potential and is unique, which I like. The Handling was outstanding and the acceleration was also very good. As a young father, this would be the perfect vehicle for me, but it is not worth trading in my WRX. However, I would however trade in the wifes Civic in a heartbeat.
. The 5 is clearly much smaller than the MPV but a little bit bigger than the 3, I would say it looks like a Matrix or Vibe. While waiting for the sales guy to get the keys I had a chance to play around.Exterior: As I mentioned above the 5 is much like the Matrix and Vibe as far as body style. The the rear lights are ugly IMO. The wheels I thought were nice wrapped around some Toyo Proxes. The sliding doors were also nice, when fully open, they would not slide or close without you pulling the handle. I thought this was a nice safety feature.
Interior: The inside is very nice, the seats are comfortable, but might not be so nice for bigger people(Im 5'7" 165). The rear seats are not for adults or teens. I sat back there and I felt really cramped even when moving the 2 passenger seats forward. The headrest need to be popped up all the way in order to rest your head. The interior features are nice with many "secret" compartments. When occupying all 4 passenger seats the is little to 0 room in the rear for storage, although there in space at the bottom before the spare tire. I sat in both the base and loaded model, and IMO the loaded model is much better(No Sh*t). The leather wrapped steering wheel, moonroof are a must
. If not then just the leather wrapped steering wheel.Engine Compartment: Not a lot of space, is all I can say.
So finally, after messing around with the 5 for a while the sales guy comes back and hands me the keys. To my surprise, he hands a key that requires you push the button to let it out(Like the VW's).
The Drive: As we pulled out I couldnt help but gun it
. The acceleration was very good, I was surprised by the way it hauled because of it's size. Third gear seemed to be where it pulled the most. The shifting was smooth but very long. The clutch IMO was terrible, too soft. Handling on this car is amazing, there was little body roll. I had previously test drove a Mazda6 5door and I can say that the 5 handles better than that one. I have not had the opportunity to test drive a 3, so I cannot compare it to that. Overall, I was real happy with the way the 5 drove and handled.Conclusion: Overall, I think the 5 is a good car but overpriced. The base model I tested was $18K and the loaded model was $22K. If an extra seat is necessary then this is the car for you. Although, there were some loaded MPV's going for $22K. If 6 seats is not necessary then I must say the 3 is a better value. The MPG was also very unsat, 27 on Highway and 22 on the road, the WRX gets the same MPG. I really don't understand why Mazda priced this car so high.
Personal Opinion: I would buy the 5 if the price was somewhere in the $15K area. The 5 has potential and is unique, which I like. The Handling was outstanding and the acceleration was also very good. As a young father, this would be the perfect vehicle for me, but it is not worth trading in my WRX. However, I would however trade in the wifes Civic in a heartbeat
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