Hello everyone,
I am a big fan of the Mazda's and am currently looking at a 2005 Mazda 6, but I am not sure which one it is to look up the value and see if its a good deal or not. Can anyone help me decide what it is? It has the automatic/manual 4 speed transmission, 17 in. wheels, spoiler, 4 cylinder 2.3 liter engine, power seat (driver only), power locks , windows and mirrors, and just the standard cd player, not the Bose option. Can someone help me?

Also, are the any quirks or anything to watch out for? Any reason to not buy the car?

 

That would be a 6i, not sure if it's a sport or not, as there are no pics for me to look at. As for quirks or reasons you should not buy this car, I can't think of any off hand. The 2.3 L I4 is a stout little engine that should last you quite a while.

-Cameron Keffer

 

I don't know if they offered the VE (Value Edition) in 2005 or not but w/a power driver's seat it just might be... or some other options package.
I drove several 2008 6i's similar to what you are describing and my only complaints were the automatic, but I am biased against them anyway. However it seemed to upshift way too soon for my liking and the manual option is a joke.
The other was the body roll in turns. The ride was wonderful but the lean was too much for my liking. I would highly recommend some aftermarket anti-sway bars, if I were buying the car.
The 2.3 four is a stout engine and will afford you slightly better mileage on regular 87 oct fuel.
For me the car was big enough, though Mazda decided not big enough and so the 2009's plus are the larger bodied cars, which I also like. The trunk cavarnous.
Overall, I liked my experience in the 6i VE's I drove. Put in a 5-sp manual and some HD sway bars and I could easily get used to it.

 

In my looking around it seems that there are only 3 it could be. I knew it was the 6i because of the four banger, but i am not sure if it is the 6i, the 6i sport edition or the 6i GT. in the 09's, only the GT comes with 17" wheels, but I am not sure if that could be upgraded on the other models, or if one of them came with it in 05

 

You don't mention LED tails or HID headlamps, but do mention the std audio system, so you can eliminate the GT.
Since it has the power drivers seat, you can eliminate the std 6i.
Therefore it must have the Sport trim package. Process of elimination= 6i S.

 

I will not buy 03, 04 or 05 model. I feel head lamps on those years are not bright than 06 model unless you install HID. Abs and traction control are standard on 06 model. Side airbags on o6 base is not standard. 07 comes with side airbags and also sports value edition available. 05 has 5 speed AT which is better than 04 4 speed AT.