Hello all! I've had my 5 for about a month (PHX Area).
2012 Mazda5 Sport 6M
Metropolitan Gray
1300 miles
So far I really love it. It drives great, although I'm a former "truck driver" ('85 S-10, '95 S-10 SS, '04 Colorado SS), so used to punishing ride. Although I also have an E500 my wife drives, so I know all about the wonders of independent suspensions! And with all the space in this thing, I rarely miss my truck.
Haven't done much to it yet, except remove all the tailgate badges, except the center logo. I am putting together a list of a few improvements though:
Got the Sport for the manual and love it, but stock wheels/tires suck. Already slid it sideways on a 3rd gear LH turn. Looking to go 17or 18, although I drive crappy roads a lot, so probably 17. I like the Enkei RPF1s, they are light, but man they are pricey. Might consider some MX-5 17s though. They come up on CL periodically. After all, I'm just a family man with a family vehicle....
I get a small creak or groan from the driver's side sliding door, right behind while I'm driving. I tightened up the screws on the latch and seems to have gone away 99% of the time. Might bring it up at first service, although may just be all the "new parts" settling in.
The radio and front speakers sound pretty good but the rear speakers aren't great. Surprised there no speakers in the sliding doors. Sound in the second row is pretty low. Already spec'd out some Infinity 5-1/4" components, but may try to fit 6" or 6.5s to compensate. I'm also working on a small amp/sub to fit in the spare tire. Eventually I will probably add monitors as well. I installed a 9.5" flipdown in my Colorado and it was great, although I will also consider headrest ones. Also saw a neat factory upgrade head unit from China with Navi, DVD player, bluetooth, etc. Looked pretty nice, but pricey.
Looking into fog lights as well...or actually, driving lights. Driving around on said "crappy roads" I've always used driving lights to help spot potholes. Darn things from Mazda are pretty expensive. Looking at making my own bracket and using some univesal bullet projectors. Wirings no big deal for me...I've made relay harnesses for lights before. I'll probably use the dash mounted switch though instead of on the stalk.
Where the heck do you put your sunglasses? Nice cubby holes everywhere for change, gum, cell phone, but nothing good for sunglasses so they don't get scratched up. Might look for a headliner-mounted cubby later on. If I do, might be a good time for a Homelink Module install as well.
Just sharing some of my thoughts on the 5.
Thanks!
