Could use a little advice on Mazda 6s Grand Touring vs. Mazdaspeed6 Sport
#1
11-13-2007 | 03:17 PM
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6
Could use a little advice on Mazda 6s Grand Touring vs. Mazdaspeed6 Sport
Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum and new to Mazdas (though I have been doing plenty of research). I currently drive a 2002 Porsche Boxster S and while it's a ton of fun, it's just getting to the point where I need something a little more practical, reliable, and cheaper to maintain/repair/insure. I've looked at the Lexus IS line (too expensive and a little small), the Infiniti G35 (crazy high repair costs and the sedan just looks odd), and the BMW 3-series (not much better than Porsche with repair/maintenance). But I've fallen in love with the Mazda 6. I think it's exactly what I am looking for. However I am torn between two cars I've found that I am really interested in.
The first is a 2006 Mazda 6s Grand Touring, AT, white w/ tan interior, 39,000 miles. Dealer is asking $17,995.
The second is a 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 Sport, graphite w/ black interior, 13,273 miles. Delaer is asking $21,995.
Both have all the options and accessories that I'm interested in and while I like the color and mileage on the speed6 better than the 6s, the lower price and reduced complexity of the 6s (i.e. no turbo or intercooler and no AWD system) is sorely tempting. I want this to be a daily driver that will get me to and from work every day, with the occasional longer trips to see family/vacations. I don't want to be constantly worried that something is going to break and end up costing me big $$$ (both are still under warranty, but it's after that expires that i'm refering to). I also live in the desert, so the AWD system is not a huge factor, though we do ski and the parents live where it snows so I wouldn't mind having it.
As a comparison, here are some repair/maintenance costs for my Boxster (from Porsche dealer). I have an extended warranty, but if I did not this is what I would pay:
oil change every 15k miles: $400 (I can do it myself for about $80 because it takes 10 quarts of full syn)
60k mile service: $1200
window regulator replacement: $600 each
CV joint boot replacement: $1200
tires: $120-200 each, last about 15k miles, and cannot be rotated
brake pad replacement: ~$700
So as long as either of these cars costs less than that (and I'm 100% sure the 6s qualifies) then I'm sold. However I am unfamiliar with the costs associated with the speed6. I don't want to swap an expensive German sports car for an expensive Japanese sports car (albeit a more practical one). Oh and my Boxster gets about the same gas mileage as these cars, so fuel economy is not a big factor. The 6s can run on 87 though, right? I wouldn't run the speed6 on anything but 91.
The first is a 2006 Mazda 6s Grand Touring, AT, white w/ tan interior, 39,000 miles. Dealer is asking $17,995.
The second is a 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 Sport, graphite w/ black interior, 13,273 miles. Delaer is asking $21,995.
Both have all the options and accessories that I'm interested in and while I like the color and mileage on the speed6 better than the 6s, the lower price and reduced complexity of the 6s (i.e. no turbo or intercooler and no AWD system) is sorely tempting. I want this to be a daily driver that will get me to and from work every day, with the occasional longer trips to see family/vacations. I don't want to be constantly worried that something is going to break and end up costing me big $$$ (both are still under warranty, but it's after that expires that i'm refering to). I also live in the desert, so the AWD system is not a huge factor, though we do ski and the parents live where it snows so I wouldn't mind having it.
As a comparison, here are some repair/maintenance costs for my Boxster (from Porsche dealer). I have an extended warranty, but if I did not this is what I would pay:
oil change every 15k miles: $400 (I can do it myself for about $80 because it takes 10 quarts of full syn)
60k mile service: $1200
window regulator replacement: $600 each
CV joint boot replacement: $1200
tires: $120-200 each, last about 15k miles, and cannot be rotated
brake pad replacement: ~$700
So as long as either of these cars costs less than that (and I'm 100% sure the 6s qualifies) then I'm sold. However I am unfamiliar with the costs associated with the speed6. I don't want to swap an expensive German sports car for an expensive Japanese sports car (albeit a more practical one). Oh and my Boxster gets about the same gas mileage as these cars, so fuel economy is not a big factor. The 6s can run on 87 though, right? I wouldn't run the speed6 on anything but 91.
#2
11-13-2007 | 03:56 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6
RE: Could use a little advice on Mazda 6s Grand Touring vs. Mazdaspeed6 Sport
ORIGINAL: Wintermute
Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum and new to Mazdas (though I have been doing plenty of research). I currently drive a 2002 Porsche Boxster S and while it's a ton of fun, it's just getting to the point where I need something a little more practical, reliable, and cheaper to maintain/repair/insure. I've looked at the Lexus IS line (too expensive and a little small), the Infiniti G35 (crazy high repair costs and the sedan just looks odd), and the BMW 3-series (not much better than Porsche with repair/maintenance). But I've fallen in love with the Mazda 6. I think it's exactly what I am looking for. However I am torn between two cars I've found that I am really interested in.
The first is a 2006 Mazda 6s Grand Touring, AT, white w/ tan interior, 39,000 miles. Dealer is asking $17,995.
The second is a 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 Sport, graphite w/ black interior, 13,273 miles. Delaer is asking $21,995.
Both have all the options and accessories that I'm interested in and while I like the color and mileage on the speed6 better than the 6s, the lower price and reduced complexity of the 6s (i.e. no turbo or intercooler and no AWD system) is sorely tempting. I want this to be a daily driver that will get me to and from work every day, with the occasional longer trips to see family/vacations. I don't want to be constantly worried that something is going to break and end up costing me big $$$ (both are still under warranty, but it's after that expires that i'm refering to). I also live in the desert, so the AWD system is not a huge factor, though we do ski and the parents live where it snows so I wouldn't mind having it.
As a comparison, here are some repair/maintenance costs for my Boxster (from Porsche dealer). I have an extended warranty, but if I did not this is what I would pay:
oil change every 15k miles: $400 (I can do it myself for about $80 because it takes 10 quarts of full syn)
60k mile service: $1200
window regulator replacement: $600 each
CV joint boot replacement: $1200
tires: $120-200 each, last about 15k miles, and cannot be rotated
brake pad replacement: ~$700
So as long as either of these cars costs less than that (and I'm 100% sure the 6s qualifies) then I'm sold. However I am unfamiliar with the costs associated with the speed6. I don't want to swap an expensive German sports car for an expensive Japanese sports car (albeit a more practical one). Oh and my Boxster gets about the same gas mileage as these cars, so fuel economy is not a big factor. The 6s can run on 87 though, right? I wouldn't run the speed6 on anything but 91.
Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum and new to Mazdas (though I have been doing plenty of research). I currently drive a 2002 Porsche Boxster S and while it's a ton of fun, it's just getting to the point where I need something a little more practical, reliable, and cheaper to maintain/repair/insure. I've looked at the Lexus IS line (too expensive and a little small), the Infiniti G35 (crazy high repair costs and the sedan just looks odd), and the BMW 3-series (not much better than Porsche with repair/maintenance). But I've fallen in love with the Mazda 6. I think it's exactly what I am looking for. However I am torn between two cars I've found that I am really interested in.
The first is a 2006 Mazda 6s Grand Touring, AT, white w/ tan interior, 39,000 miles. Dealer is asking $17,995.
The second is a 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 Sport, graphite w/ black interior, 13,273 miles. Delaer is asking $21,995.
Both have all the options and accessories that I'm interested in and while I like the color and mileage on the speed6 better than the 6s, the lower price and reduced complexity of the 6s (i.e. no turbo or intercooler and no AWD system) is sorely tempting. I want this to be a daily driver that will get me to and from work every day, with the occasional longer trips to see family/vacations. I don't want to be constantly worried that something is going to break and end up costing me big $$$ (both are still under warranty, but it's after that expires that i'm refering to). I also live in the desert, so the AWD system is not a huge factor, though we do ski and the parents live where it snows so I wouldn't mind having it.
As a comparison, here are some repair/maintenance costs for my Boxster (from Porsche dealer). I have an extended warranty, but if I did not this is what I would pay:
oil change every 15k miles: $400 (I can do it myself for about $80 because it takes 10 quarts of full syn)
60k mile service: $1200
window regulator replacement: $600 each
CV joint boot replacement: $1200
tires: $120-200 each, last about 15k miles, and cannot be rotated
brake pad replacement: ~$700
So as long as either of these cars costs less than that (and I'm 100% sure the 6s qualifies) then I'm sold. However I am unfamiliar with the costs associated with the speed6. I don't want to swap an expensive German sports car for an expensive Japanese sports car (albeit a more practical one). Oh and my Boxster gets about the same gas mileage as these cars, so fuel economy is not a big factor. The 6s can run on 87 though, right? I wouldn't run the speed6 on anything but 91.
the only thing that i could tell you is to stick with your gut. if you want the mazda 6s, then get it
#3
11-13-2007 | 05:18 PM
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6
RE: Could use a little advice on Mazda 6s Grand Touring vs. Mazdaspeed6 Sport
Ah but therein lies the rub. My gut is telling me "You'll have more fun with the speed6. The 6s will just be disappointing and you'll end up wanting another car in 6 months." Which would mean, "Ok, Speed6 it is." But then I also hear "Look the whole reason you're swaping cars is to get something that is cheaper and more reliable. The 6s costs less to drive and insure, and probably less to fix. And it will most likely be more reliable since there are fewer parts to break."
Hence my confilictedness. Yes I just made that word up. Anyway, it's a tough call. Another thing this Speed6 has going for it is it has fewer miles so the warranty will last me more than a year. I can always do the extended warranty thing before the factory warranty expires. Can you take your car to a Mazda dealer and get it CPO'd? I know Infiniti will let you do that.
Hence my confilictedness. Yes I just made that word up. Anyway, it's a tough call. Another thing this Speed6 has going for it is it has fewer miles so the warranty will last me more than a year. I can always do the extended warranty thing before the factory warranty expires. Can you take your car to a Mazda dealer and get it CPO'd? I know Infiniti will let you do that.
#4
11-13-2007 | 07:14 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6
RE: Could use a little advice on Mazda 6s Grand Touring vs. Mazdaspeed6 Sport
i would just hate for you to do what i did. i'm sorry that got the audi a6 instead of the speed6. i brought the audi used with 50k miles on it. the warrenty is for 100k miles. like i said before, after driving the box, you are going to be sorry if you dont get the speed6
#5
11-13-2007 | 07:35 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,612
RE: Could use a little advice on Mazda 6s Grand Touring vs. Mazdaspeed6 Sport
I'd get the Speed6. Do you need to be able to fold the rear seats down for long items? (to load skis, etc.) I don't know if you can or not on the Speed6 as there is a large suspension brace that runs behind the rear seatbacks. Although you could always add a roofrack if you needed more space for long stuff.
#6
11-13-2007 | 07:57 PM
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6
RE: Could use a little advice on Mazda 6s Grand Touring vs. Mazdaspeed6 Sport
Well I read you can fold down the rear seats in the speed6, but even if you can't I have a roof rack that just needs a part swap to be compatible with just about any car (as long as they're similar sized). So that's not a big deal.
Meh, maybe I'll get the speed6. It is under warranty for another 3 years/36k miles. Which is about right for my driving. I can always get an extended warranty.
Meh, maybe I'll get the speed6. It is under warranty for another 3 years/36k miles. Which is about right for my driving. I can always get an extended warranty.
#7
11-14-2007 | 09:11 AM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6
RE: Could use a little advice on Mazda 6s Grand Touring vs. Mazdaspeed6 Sport
Since the topic has already been made, i'll add the problem thatI am having.Back in July if this year,I traded in my 1999 Mazda MilleniaS for a 2004 Audi A6 S-Line.I needed to trade the car in because it was falling apart.I really wanted a Mazdaspeed 6, but was talked out of getting it. So my question is, shouldI trade the Audi in for the Mazdaspeed or should i just keep it. i know that this is a Mazda site, but i just need some honest opinions.I ama memberon an Audi forum, but i dont want to ask them because they will say, "Why would you want a Mazda when you have an Audi?"ILOVED my milly andI just LIKE the A6.
#9
11-14-2007 | 09:37 AM
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6
RE: Could use a little advice on Mazda 6s Grand Touring vs. Mazdaspeed6 Sport
ORIGINAL: sstlaure
Ditch the Audi....it will cost you TONS to repair and keep up.
Ditch the Audi....it will cost you TONS to repair and keep up.
#10
11-14-2007 | 01:28 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6
RE: Could use a little advice on Mazda 6s Grand Touring vs. Mazdaspeed6 Sport
ORIGINAL: sstlaure
Ditch the Audi....it will cost you TONS to repair and keep up.
Ditch the Audi....it will cost you TONS to repair and keep up.