Well, about three weeks ago my wife's car ate its transmission (as all Chrysler Products do). The guy at the repair shop called it a "catastrophic failure" and judging by these pics, I have to agree!






So after that episode, we both felt that it was time to replace it with a shiny new car. We did a lot of research, and drove a lot of cars - but after all was said and done we decided to keep it in the family. Today we took delivery of our 2006 Mazda6 Wagon, and I love it.

Being that I wanted a wagon, it was by far and away the best deal out there, and is a damn nice car to drive. And no matter what anyone says, wagons are cool!





Now is the hard part, breaking in the V6! Does the fact that I can't wait to wash and wax it mean I have a problem? lol.

 

very nice, step up from the last audi

 

sweet car, i always like those

 

Can't go wrong with a japanese car

Though I might be biased just a tad.

Good choice. Once my parents' Pontiac rejects finally DIE I will be twisting their arms quite a bit to make sure they buy japanese quality.

Jon

 

It is already broken in! Just drive it! Seriously, the only thing you shouldn't do with your new M6 is drive at the same RPM for a long period of time (6 hours or more). You can take it to the rev limiter when the engine is warm you wont do any damage.

 

In fact too gentle during break-in sometimes means the rings never seat well, or they remain too tight and your mileage suffers - a lot of new cars seem to see a 10-20% mileage increase between 5-10,000 km once the motor does run in.
Great car, BTW, we've been seriously looking at the 6 wagon ourselves.

 

No kidding! I had a lot of fun in the car (especially in the snow) but I certainly didn't like the crap-shoot every day of "What will break on it today?"


Yeah, they say that it doesn't really need to be broken in, but that you should be easy on the throttle and not to maintain the same RPM for the first 1000KMS. While I am not absolutely driving it like Miss Daisy, I am going to treat it with a gentle foot for the first little while. If for no other reason than to make sure my wife doesn't get carried away! lol.

If you are looking for a wagon, it's a fantastic choice.

 

so that is what you went with, nice. good to see the V6 engine in there.

 

Yup, it had the best mix of size, power, features, handling, comfort and price.

Had we not wanted a wagon there would have been more to choose from, but the 6 is a strong contender in any of its 3 forms! In wagon form, the V6 is the only engine available - and it is so nice!

 

That V6 has alot of beef to it.

Did you folks consider a Mazdaspeed 6?

 

wow, i hate wagons but that is one sweet wagon!!

 

Well, yes but realistically No.

Yes because I really like it.

Realistically no because I wanted a wagon, and the MS6 is almost $8,000 more!

So, I guess that's more No than Yes lol.

 

Sweet Ride!

If the P5 craps out before Alfa Romeo is back in North America, this is what I'm buying. I just wish there was a 4-cyl, or better yet, turbo 4-cyl wagon available. Transverse V6 SUXORZ for maintenance.

 

Love the new Alfas - but if you are worried about maintenance, then can't say it'll be a wise choice lol.

Yeah, transverse V6's are squeezed in there, but the 4 cyl in no peach either, as it too is transverse. Pretty much all new cars have engine bays shrink wrapped around the engine. The old Neon was a SOB to do anything on but change the oil - we actually had to drop the engine to replace the timing belt, and adjusting the alternator belt required ramps, jack stands, a couple hours, and a lot of swearing!

 

Someone must make a turbo kit for that, right? Big front mount, painted flat black...

 

The P5 is a bit of a PITA for oil too: Filter is parallel to the ground about 3/4 of the way up the block... Over the exhaust, under the half shaft, dump oil on the ground...

That said: from the work I've done on the Skacel Talon, anything related to accessory drive is an engine out affair, so I suppose it could be worse.

Enjoy. And send me regular updates so I can convince Ms. Feds that we need one.

 

LOL - I like the way you think! But for now - and the forseeable future the thing will be stock. But the "Problem" is that Racing Beat make suspension and Exhaust for the car, so I'll have to hide my credit card!


Yeah, oil filter placement was about the only thing properly designed in the Neon's engine bay.

I'll give you guys some updates as to the car's usefullness, comfort, economy and reliability. So far I love it, and its only been a few hundred kms! Mrs. Feds will like the car - just test drive a ton of other vehicles and the 6 last. Make her think she chose it! lol.