Three years ago after our first child was born, I had a Chevy HHR SS 5MT with the LSD. It was fun but tiny. A month into parenthood I found the size very annoying so we went minivan shopping. We looked at the Sienna SE and Mazda 5. We really liked the 5 but there were no Grand Touring's in sight and we decided to purchase another vehicle before they were stocked anywhere. This was when the second gen 5 first came out so incentives weren't very good. We ended up trading in my HHR for a 2011 VW Routan SE with nav and rear seat entertainment. Picked that up for $29,500 with 0% for 72 months so we were happy with the size and price.
But, after our second child, we found out we didn't need or even use all the space in the cRoutan. We didn't bring the pack and play everywhere, or the bouncer or anything else, just the kids. So under the guise of buying a project car for my side gig (Automotive Freelancer for Tom's Hardware), my wife agreed to let me buy a 5, and will ultimately sell her cRoutan when she learns to drive stick.
So Tuesday night I picked up a 2014 Mazda 5 Sport 6MT from South Tacoma Mazda for $1000 under invoice with 0% for 60 months. So far I'm quite happy with it. Its a fun, peppy little car that handles and responds very well. I hate to say it but I've driven it more than the 2015 Subaru STI I have this week for my press car rotation. The STI is fun but I'm too old for the stiffness. (I'm 27 for those that are wondering).
I have a lot of plans for the car, mostly related to tech installs. They will be used as guides and reviews on Tom's Hardware. My first idea is to rig up a wireless charger for my Nexus 5 in the cubby below the shifter if there's room. Otherwise I'd like to find springs and brakes from a Mazdaspeed 3, the Miata Club Sport 17" wheels and Katzskin leather with heated and massaging seats. I will take it to the track one day
.
So far it has 20% tint all around. I'm going to plastidip all the badges, not sure if I want to do black or gunmetal, but I really hate chrome.
Here are the pics so far.
But, after our second child, we found out we didn't need or even use all the space in the cRoutan. We didn't bring the pack and play everywhere, or the bouncer or anything else, just the kids. So under the guise of buying a project car for my side gig (Automotive Freelancer for Tom's Hardware), my wife agreed to let me buy a 5, and will ultimately sell her cRoutan when she learns to drive stick.
So Tuesday night I picked up a 2014 Mazda 5 Sport 6MT from South Tacoma Mazda for $1000 under invoice with 0% for 60 months. So far I'm quite happy with it. Its a fun, peppy little car that handles and responds very well. I hate to say it but I've driven it more than the 2015 Subaru STI I have this week for my press car rotation. The STI is fun but I'm too old for the stiffness. (I'm 27 for those that are wondering).
I have a lot of plans for the car, mostly related to tech installs. They will be used as guides and reviews on Tom's Hardware. My first idea is to rig up a wireless charger for my Nexus 5 in the cubby below the shifter if there's room. Otherwise I'd like to find springs and brakes from a Mazdaspeed 3, the Miata Club Sport 17" wheels and Katzskin leather with heated and massaging seats. I will take it to the track one day
.So far it has 20% tint all around. I'm going to plastidip all the badges, not sure if I want to do black or gunmetal, but I really hate chrome.
Here are the pics so far.
